Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois
List of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Illinois
2025 Top Ranked Illinois Online NP Programs
Many registered nurses decide to advance their education and training through a nurse practitioner program at some point in their careers. If you live in Illinois and have been thinking about becoming an NP, there are many convenient and high-quality online program options. We have ranked the best online nurse practitioner programs in Illinois for precisely this reason. Peruse our top picks below, and be sure to check out our methodology page to see who we narrowed down our list.
Chicago, IL
Overview:Rush University's College of Nursing offers highly reputable nurse practitioner programs, including the Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs. These programs are nationally recognized for their comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and clinical experiences at top healthcare facilities in Chicago. The nursing department at Rush University prides itself on producing competent and compassionate leaders in healthcare.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Hybrid
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online
- Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) Online
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) Online
Peoria, IL
Overview:Nurse Practitioners play a primary role in patient care delivery today. RNs who wish to step up have an online MSN and several DNP options at Bradley University in Illinois. Students shape the future of the nursing profession as a whole as well as the quality of patient care in any of the NP programs.
- MSN – FNP TRACK Online
- DNP-AGACNP TRACK Online
- DNP-AGPCNP TRACK Online
Peoria, IL
Overview:Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing offers several online Nurse Practitioner programs for nurses looking to have a greater impact on patient care and the larger nursing profession. Graduates can practice autonomously with the skills and confidence they gain in any of the NP programs.
Why Pursue an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in Illinois?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have completed a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctoral degree (DNP) as registered nurses. With growing trends and increased need for health care, NPs are quickly becoming a valuable and essential part of medical practice. Physicians often utilize NPs to perform well-checks and to oversee established therapies without requiring supervision, freeing the physician to focus on surgeries and other cases that fall outside the scope of a nurse practitioner.
NPs can perform needed medical tasks such as requesting and interpreting medical and lab tests, prescribing medication, and other necessary primary care tasks. In rural and remote areas where there might be a critical shortage of physicians, nurse practitioners can step in and provide an essential level of health care for residents within the state of Illinois. NPs will always be in demand, especially in caring for an aging population and patients who lack access to medical care.
RNs in Illinois who think they don’t have the time to complete an NP program may be surprised at how online NP programs make it possible. Distance learning options give students the flexibility and convenience needed to juggle work, school, and even a personal life. Many online programs have part-time and full-time options, and sometimes RNs can even complete clinical requirements at their place of employment.
List of Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Illinois
Nurse Practitioners are nurses with further training, education, and certification. NPs who want to extend their skillset and knowledge may specialize in nursing fields like Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), Family Nurse Practitioner, or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
Upon completion of an online nurse practitioner program, NPs can start practicing patient care as soon as they wish, a valuable option for rural areas that are critically lacking in healthcare.
NPs should know that online programs offer the same level of education and salary rates as brick and mortar accredited programs. Nurse practitioners typically earn a higher wage than registered nurses as a reflection of their advanced training and education. Specializing in a nursing field can also raise the salary level in the state of Illinois.
- Online FNP Programs
- Online AGNP Programs
- Online NNP Programs
- Online PNP Programs
- Online PMHNP Programs
- Online WHNP Programs
Family Nurse Practitioner
A popular nurse practitioner specialty, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) cares for patients of all ages, often acting in a primary care role. Prospective FNPs can enroll in any of the 15 online programs in Illinois below:
MSN-FNP Programs
Graduate Certificate-FNP Programs
DNP-FNP Programs
Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Nurses who wish to focus on the care of adult patients from the teen years through the geriatric years, whether in a primary or acute care setting, can opt for one of the 16 online programs in Illinois below.
MSN-AGNP Programs
DNP-AGNP Programs
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners care for infants experiencing varying levels of illness and/or injury, often in hospital NICUs. Those looking to become Neonatal Nurse Practitioners can choose from one of 4 online programs in Illinois below.
MSN-NNP Programs
Graduate Certificate-NNP Programs
DNP-NNP Programs
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners focus their care on children from birth through adolescence. To become a Pediatric NP, students in Illinois can choose to enroll in any of the 6 online programs below.
MSN-PNP Programs
Graduate Certificate-PNP Programs
DNP-PNP Programs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are tasked with caring for patients with a range of mental health illnesses and disorders. As the demand for mental health practitioners continues to grow, prospective PMHNPs in Illinois can earn their specialized degree by enrolling in one of the 9 online programs below.
MSN-PMHNP Programs
Graduate Certificate-PMHNP Programs
DNP-PMHNP Programs
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Women’s health issues range from reproductive and gynecologic health to childbearing to menopause and everything in between. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) help women through these unique health challenges. To become a WHNP, students in Illinois have the option to enroll in any of the 5 online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner programs below.
MSN-WHNP Programs
DNP-WHNP Programs
Are we missing your school's nurse practitioner program or need to update any of the information listed? Please contact us.