QUICK FACTS Heading link
ENROLLMENT | ADMISSION | LENGTH |
Full Time | Summer Only | 3 Years |
DELIVERY | TUITION | DEGREE |
Face-to-face; | $1,304* " | Doctor of |
SCHOLARSHIPS | CAMPUS | |
$289,000** | Chicago only |
" The nurse anesthesia DNP program is a full cost recovery program and is not eligible for tuition waivers by University of Illinois employees.
** Reflects dollars distributed by the College of Nursing to students in all degree programs, 2022-23.
The Expert Clinician Heading link
The DNP program is offered in a hybrid format consisting of online, on-site and blended courses, and culminating with a DNP project. All didactic coursework is online, and faculty arrange high-value clinicals for students in the vicinity of the student’s campus. Students graduate with an exceptional blend of clinical, organizational, financial and leadership skills—prepared not only to improve outcomes for their own patients, but also to contribute to the transformation of health care.
All 12 focus areas of the DNP program are offered at all six campuses: Chicago, Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, SpringfieldandUrbana. Students admitted to regional campuses may have to travel to Chicago or another region for NURS 532 Comprehensive Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice lab.
Application deadline is January 15 each year.
Learn about applying →
*Please note some deadline exceptions may apply for our active military applicants. Please reach out to congradapply@uic.edu if you have any questions.
International Applicants
The DNP program does not meet F-1/J-1 student visa requirements. Applicants in other visa categories should check regulations for their specific visa type before applying.
DNP pride points Heading link
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# 14 UIC Nursing's DNP program is ranked No. 14 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report
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12 The number of focus areas in which we offer the DNP ... and there's also a post-master's option
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92 % The percentage of UIC DNP grads who pass their certification exams
Learn about all 12 of our focus areas
As a UIC DNP student, clinical rotations are arranged for you. Heading link
All DNP students at UIC are assigned highly qualified preceptors at desirable clinical sites, selected by knowledgeable program directors. By partnering with skilled preceptors in a variety of healthcare settings, we ensure that each of our students is provided with the best mentorship experiences while learning the necessary clinical practice skills. These rotations, paired with high-quality simulation scenarios also included in our curriculum, combine to give students a broad range of advanced, hands-on patient-management experiences.
Learn more at an info session near you
DNP vs. PhD: Which program is right for you
Program length Heading link
Most students complete the DNP program in 2 to 6 years. Once enrolled, a faculty advisor works with each student to create an individualized program plan. Program length depends on several factors, including the chosen focus area, full- or part-time enrollment, and route of entry:
- Students entering with an MS typically complete the program in 2 to 4 years, depending on focus area.
- Students entering with a BSNtypically complete the program in 3 to 5 years.
- Students entering as licensed RNs with a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field typically complete the program in 4 to 6 years.
For APRNs who want to expand or deepen their expertise Heading link
For APRNs with MS degrees who want a DNP
APRNs who have a master’s degree in any of the 12 focus areas offered by the UIC College of Nursing may apply for a post-master’s DNP. The program will include didactic coursework as well as a DNP project and practicum experience. In the end, each student has the1,000 clinical hours required to earn a DNP.
- Learn about the post-master's DNP
For DNP-prepared APRNs who want another focus area
The post-DNP certificate programsare designed for DNP-prepared advanced practice nurses to qualify for national credentialing in a focus area in which they are not currently credentialed. Post-DNP certificates are offered in all 10 UIC Nursing programs that lead to advanced practice roles as nurse practitioners or nurse midwives. As with the full DNP program, the post-DNP programs admit students in the fall, and theapplication deadline is January 15.
- Learn about post-DNP certificates
Are you an RN with a non-nursing bachelor's degree? Heading link
TheDNP Transition Programis the route of entry to the DNP for students with an RN license and a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing.
- Transition students are required to takeup tofour additional courses, determined upon admission. Courses areNURS 212, 232, 312 and 352.
- All transition courses are delivered online in eight-week modules taught by UIC Nursing faculty.
- Students are assessed professional student tuition/fees, and course credits are applied the same as graduate degree courses.
- All required transition courses are to be completed during the first fall/spring semesters following admission to the College of Nursing and before beginning any coursework in the DNP degree.
- Apply now
Certificate Programs: Be a Lifelong Learner
What people are saying Heading link
“At UIC Nursing, it doesn’t matter which campus you attend; you are a part of a large community. Knowledgeable faculty, mentors and friends have helped me through the rigorous program. And being a UIC grad carries a lot of weight in the nursing community because of how well the college prepares you to take on the advanced practice nurse role as both a clinician and a leader.”
Ebonie Zielinski | DNP '22
UIC truly has had excellent opportunities for scholarships and graduate assistantships. I feel so supported and unburdened by finances as I focus on my degree.
Jayme Henderson | Expected graduation 2025
“Greater Elgin Family Care Center has employed a number of nurse practitioners educated at UIC. They are universally well-prepared via their classroom instruction and clinical rotations. They all possess a command of both the hard and soft skills necessary to effectively provide primary healthcare to our patients, significantly contributing to our award-winning clinical outcomes. To be honest, [an application from] an NP from UIC goes to the top of the pile.”
Robert M. Tanner | President/CEO, Greater Elgin (IL) Family Care Center
Meet DNP students
All campuses offer this program Heading link
- Chicago
- Peoria
- Quad Cities
- Rockford
- Springfield
- Urbana
Take the next step Heading link
- Check icon Apply now
- Calendar icon Attend an info session
- Envelope icon Ask a question
- Matrix icon Request info
Reach the program director Heading link
Need to reach the DNP program director? Contact Melissa Carlucci, DNP, ACNP-BC.
Need More Information? Heading link
Submit this form and an Enrollment Advisor will contact you to answer your questions.
applygrad.uic.edu Heading link
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applygrad.uic.edu Heading link
Quick Facts Heading link
Application Deadline June 15, 2025
Completion Time 2 to 6 Years
Credit Hours test
Tuition $1,044*
Degree Type Doctorate
Course Delivery Hybrid
Quick Facts Heading link
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Enrollment Full- or Part-time
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Admission Fall semester only
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Length 2 to 6 years
Quick Facts Heading link
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Delivery Hybrid
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Tuition $1,044*
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Scholarships $289,000†`
QUICK FACTS Heading link
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Enrollment
Full- or Part-time
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Admission
Fall semester only
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Length
2 to 6 years
QUICK FACTS Heading link
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ENROLLMENT Full- or Part-time
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ADMISSION Fall Only
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LENGTH 2 to 6 years
QUICK FACTS Heading link
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DELIVERY Hybrid
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TUITION $1,400*
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SCHOLARSHIPS $289,000†
DNP Focus Areas
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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The AG-ACNP program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide advanced nursing care in complex patient situations. The AG-ACNP manages acute, critical and complex chronic illness across the adult lifespan from young adults to older adults. and across a continuum of care settings.
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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The AG-ACNP program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide advanced nursing care in complex patient situations. The AG-ACNP manages acute, critical and complex chronic illness across the adult lifespan from young adults to older adults. and across a continuum of care settings.
