Illinois has exactly one in-state PNP program on this site — and it only admits at the doctoral level. The University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing offers a Post-BSN DNP in PNP-PC, plus Post-DNP certificates in both primary and acute care, across four campuses statewide.
There is no in-state MSN PNP option. That makes Illinois unusual: nurses who want an MSN rather than a DNP aren’t choosing between in-state and national programs — national is the only path.
Maryville, Walden, and Rasmussen all accept Illinois-licensed RNs, allow local clinical placement, and offer MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate pathways fully online.
Illinois nurses also benefit from access to major pediatric systems in Chicago, including specialty children’s hospitals and urban pediatric clinics.
Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Illinois
- Best In-State Program: University of Illinois Chicago — Only in-state PNP program in Illinois; DNP-level training; faculty arrange all clinical placements; no out-of-state tuition surcharge; four campuses statewide
- Best MSN Value: Maryville University — MSN PNP at ~$42,300; 92% PNCB certification pass rate; six annual start dates; 100% online with local Illinois clinical placement
- Best for Self-Paced Learning: Rasmussen University — Competency-based MSN and certificate; no weekly deadlines; dedicated practicum coordinator; Title IV aid eligible as of February 2026
- Best Fully Online DNP: Walden University — MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate all online; Practicum Pledge® preceptor support; no campus visits required
- Best Acute Care Certification: University of Illinois Chicago — Post-DNP Certificate PNP-AC with 750 clinical hours; 100% certification pass rate; faculty arrange all placements
These selections are based on entry-level fit, format, tuition, clinical placement support, and certification outcomes for Illinois nurses.
Compare Illinois Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
| School | Tracks & Tuition | Format | Placement Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago | Post-BSN DNP-PC: ~$82,417 tuition (~$99K–$100K with fees) Post-DNP Cert-PC: $1,129/cr. (gap analysis) Post-DNP Cert-AC: $1,129/cr. (gap analysis) | Hybrid (online + on-site); 4 IL campuses | Faculty arrange all clinical sites and preceptors | In-state doctoral training; faculty-arranged clinicals; AC certification |
| Maryville University | MSN: ~$42,300 BSN-DNP: ~$73,630–$76,615 DNP-NP: ~$67,660–$70,645 Cert: ~$31,500 | 100% online; no campus visits | Students arrange locally; 6 start dates/year | Lowest MSN tuition; highest scheduling flexibility; 92% cert pass rate |
| Rasmussen University | MSN-NP: ~$51,130 Certificate: ~$29,087 | 100% online; CBE; 1 required weekend residency | Dedicated practicum coordinator assists with site placement | Self-paced CBE format; practicum coordinator support; Title IV eligible |
| Walden University | MSN: ~$45,295 DNP: ~$71,180–$76,415 Cert: ~$35,690 | 100% online; no campus visits | Practicum Pledge® support; field placement team backup | Fully online MSN, DNP, or certificate; structured preceptor support |
TL;DR Decision Guide
- Choose UIC if you want doctoral-level in-state training, faculty-arranged clinical placements, and access to the only acute care PNP certificate program in Illinois on this site — or if you already hold a DNP and want to add a PNP specialty via gap analysis.
- Choose Maryville University if you want an MSN at the lowest tuition on this page, maximum scheduling flexibility, and a 92% PNCB pass rate — all without leaving Illinois for clinicals.
- Choose Rasmussen University if you’re a working nurse who needs to move through coursework at your own pace without weekly deadlines — and wants a dedicated coordinator helping secure your clinical sites.
- Choose Walden University if you want a fully online MSN, DNP, or post-master’s certificate with structured Practicum Pledge® placement support and multiple entry points.
Primary Care PNP Programs in Illinois
UIC’s primary care pathway is doctoral-entry only, and its Post-DNP certificates are limited to nurses who already hold a DNP.
That leaves a significant gap for BSN- or MSN-prepared Illinois nurses who aren’t ready for a 4-year doctoral commitment. Maryville, Rasmussen, and Walden fill it directly — all three are CCNE-accredited, accept Illinois-licensed RNs, and complete clinicals locally.
Best In-State Primary Care Program: University of Illinois Chicago (DNP)
Best Primary Care MSN for Illinois Nurses: Maryville University
- University of Illinois Chicago — Post-BSN DNP PNP-PC; 73 credits, 1,035 clinical hours across 5 practicum courses; hybrid delivery across Chicago, Peoria, Rockford, and Urbana campuses; faculty arrange all placements; same $1,129/credit rate for all students regardless of state; ~$99K–$100K estimated total with fees; 4-year program; interview required
- Maryville University — MSN PNP; 47 credits, 750 clinical hours; ~$42,300; 100% online; local Illinois clinical placement; 92% PNCB pass rate; six annual start dates; no GRE or waitlist
- Rasmussen University — MSN-NP PPCNP; 69 credits, four sequential practicum rotations; ~$51,130; competency-based online delivery with no weekly deadlines; dedicated practicum coordinator; one required weekend on-campus residency; Title IV federal aid eligible as of February 2026
- Walden University — MSN PNP Primary Care; 63 quarter credits; ~$45,295; 100% online; four practicum courses with Practicum Pledge® support; virtual skills lab and Grand Rounds case reviews; BSN-DNP entry also available
Acute Care PNP Programs in Illinois
UIC is the only program on this site offering an acute care PNP pathway in Illinois — and it’s exclusively available to DNP-prepared nurses through the Post-DNP Certificate PNP-AC.
There is no in-state MSN PNP-AC and no dual PC/AC degree program. Illinois nurses without a DNP who want CPNP-AC certification will need to look at out-of-state options such as Drexel University’s MSN PNP-AC or Rutgers’ Dual DNP PNP-PC/AC.
Only In-State Acute Care Option: University of Illinois Chicago (Post-DNP Certificate only)
- University of Illinois Chicago – Post-DNP Certificate PNP-AC — Minimum 750 clinical hours in pediatric acute care; curriculum includes three acute care management courses covering complex, acute, and critical illness; gap analysis determines final credit count; faculty arrange all placements; 100% certification pass rate for certificate graduates; fall start only; DNP degree required for admission; contact program director before applying
Post-Graduate Certificate PNP Programs in Illinois
UIC offers the only in-state post-graduate certificate options — but both require a DNP, not just an MSN. That’s a higher bar than most certificate programs nationally.
Nurses who hold an MSN and want a post-master’s certificate path have two strong national options in Maryville and Rasmussen, both of which accept MSN-prepared applicants and complete clinicals in Illinois.
Best In-State Certificate (DNP Required): University of Illinois Chicago
Best Certificate for MSN-Prepared Illinois Nurses: Maryville University or Rasmussen University
- UIC – Post-DNP Certificate PNP-PC — Minimum 500 clinical hours; individualized gap analysis; 100% cert pass rate; faculty arrange placements; fall start only; applications accepted August–March; must contact program director before applying; federal financial aid not available for certificate students
- UIC – Post-DNP Certificate PNP-AC — Minimum 750 clinical hours in acute care settings; same gap analysis model; 100% cert pass rate; fall start only; DNP required
- Maryville University – Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC — MSN required; 35 credits, 750 clinical hours; ~$31,500; 100% online with local Illinois placement; six start dates per year; no waitlist
- Rasmussen University – Post-Graduate Certificate PPCNP — MSN/DNP required; 53 credits, four practicum rotations; ~$29,087; CBE format; dedicated practicum coordinator; one required weekend residency; Title IV eligible; NP background may allow core course waivers via transfer credit review
Clinical Placement & Preceptor Support
Illinois nurses face the same self-sourcing challenge as most states — but UIC stands out as the exception. For a doctoral program at a public university, fully arranged clinical placements are uncommon and worth highlighting.
National online programs require students to find their own sites in Illinois, with varying levels of support.
Faculty-Arranged Placements
- University of Illinois Chicago — Faculty arrange all clinical sites and qualified preceptors for both the Post-BSN DNP and Post-DNP certificate programs. Students are not responsible for sourcing placements. Clinical sites span all four UIC campuses — Chicago, Peoria, Rockford, and Urbana — giving downstate Illinois nurses geographic access that most in-state doctoral programs don’t offer. Post-DNP certificate graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on national certification exams.
Coordinator-Assisted Placement
- Rasmussen University — A dedicated clinical practicum coordinator helps Illinois students identify and secure local clinical sites. Virtual immersion activities and pre-clinical readiness preparation are built into the curriculum before on-site rotations begin. Individual sites may require drug screening, CPR certification, and current immunizations.
- Walden University — The Practicum Pledge® process provides structured support for matching students with preceptors. If a student cannot secure a site after completing the required steps, the field placement team escalates to find a match. Virtual skills lab and Grand Rounds case reviews supplement in-person clinical training.
Student Self-Arranged
- Maryville University — Students complete 750 clinical hours in their local preferred setting in Illinois. No travel required. Six start dates per year allow flexibility in timing clinical sequences around existing work and licensing schedules.
Illinois Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Licensing Requirements
To practice as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Illinois, PNP graduates must hold an active Illinois RN license, complete a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited graduate APRN program, pass the applicable national certification exam (CPNP-PC or CPNP-AC through PNCB), and apply for APRN licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
Illinois requires a Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA) with a licensed Illinois physician for prescriptive authority, including controlled substances. The CPA must be on file with IDFPR.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation – Nursing
Can Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Practice Independently in Illinois?
Illinois is a restricted practice state for prescribing — a Collaborative Practice Agreement with a physician is required for prescriptive authority. However, Illinois law does provide a pathway toward independent prescriptive authority: APRNs who complete 4,000 hours of collaborative practice may apply to prescribe independently without a physician CPA under the Illinois Nurse Practice Act.
Non-prescriptive APRN practice in Illinois does not require a CPA. As a practical matter, most PNP roles involve prescribing, so the collaborative requirement is relevant for the majority of graduates.
Confirm current requirements with IDFPR and an Illinois healthcare attorney before making practice decisions based on this information.
Admissions Comparison
| School | Entry Level | Min. GPA | RN Experience | GRE | Notable Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago (Post-BSN DNP) | BSN | 3.0 | Not required for PNP-PC applicants | No | Interview required for all applicants — failure to schedule = non-consideration; fall start; same tuition rate for all students |
| UIC Post-DNP Certificate (PC or AC) | DNP | Not specified — contact program | Active APRN licensure required; 1+ year specialty experience required for AC | No | Must contact program director before applying; gap analysis required; federal financial aid not available; fall start only |
| Maryville University (MSN PNP) | BSN | 3.0 | 1 year professional RN experience | No | No campus visits; six start dates/year; 3.25 GPA for BSN-DNP or DNP-NP tracks; no waitlist once accepted |
| Rasmussen University (MSN-NP) | BSN | 3.0 (2.8–2.99 exception possible) | Not specified beyond current RN licensure | No | 1 required weekend on-campus residency; statistics prerequisite or corequisite; cleared background check before practicum; program not available in AL, ID, KS, MD, PA |
| Walden University (MSN PNP) | BSN | Not specified | Current active RN license required | No | No campus visits; Technical Standards Policy Form required; credit transfer options available |
Online PNP Programs for Illinois Nurses
In Illinois, online national programs aren’t a fallback — they’re the only MSN option available. UIC’s hybrid model still requires attendance at one of four Illinois campuses, and its certificates are closed to anyone below the doctoral level. The three national programs below are fully or nearly fully online, accept Illinois-licensed RNs, and complete clinicals locally. Each fills a different niche.
Maryville University
- 100% online — zero campus visit requirements across all four tracks
- Lowest MSN price on this page: ~$42,300 (47 credits × $900/cr.) plus technology fees
- BSN-DNP (~$73,630–$76,615) and DNP-NP (~$67,660–$70,645) for nurses targeting doctoral completion
- Post-master’s certificate at ~$31,500 for MSN-prepared Illinois nurses adding PNP-PC specialty
- 750 clinical hours completed locally in Illinois; six annual start dates; no waitlist once accepted
- 92% PNCB certification pass rate — 11 percentage points above the 2023 national average
Rasmussen University
- Rasmussen University uses a competency-based format that allows experienced nurses to move through familiar content faster without fixed weekly deadlines.
- MSN-NP PPCNP: ~$51,130 across 69 credits and 27 months full-time
- Post-Graduate Certificate PPCNP: ~$29,087 across 53 credits and 21 months — eligible for NP background course waivers via transfer credit review
- Dedicated clinical practicum coordinator actively assists with site identification and placement in Illinois
- One required weekend on-campus residency (location varies — confirm with program)
- Title IV federal financial aid eligible as of February 9, 2026; 10% tuition grant for military and veterans
- Available in Illinois — does not meet licensure requirements in AL, ID, KS, MD, or PA
Walden University
- 100% online MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate — no in-person components
- MSN: ~$45,295; DNP (BSN or MSN entry): ~$71,180–$76,415; Post-Master’s Certificate: ~$35,690
- Four practicum courses completed locally in Illinois with Practicum Pledge® support; field placement team available as escalation if placement is not secured
- Virtual skills lab and Grand Rounds case reviews provide structured clinical preparation between rotations
- Quarter-credit system; credit transfer options available by track
Final Thoughts
Illinois nurses have a genuinely uncommon situation: a single high-quality in-state program that trains exclusively at the doctoral level, with no in-state MSN option whatsoever.
UIC is a strong program — four campuses, faculty-arranged clinical placements, and a 100% certification pass rate for certificate graduates are features that most programs, in-state or otherwise, can’t match. But the 4-year DNP commitment and ~$99K–$100K total cost with fees aren’t the right fit for every nurse.
For Illinois nurses who want a faster or more affordable entry into PNP practice, the national programs on this page aren’t a compromise — Maryville’s 92% certification rate and $42K MSN price point, Rasmussen’s competency-based flexibility with coordinator-assisted placement, and Walden’s DNP and certificate breadth are all legitimate clinical training pathways for Illinois licensure.
The state’s collaborative practice requirement means graduates from any program will practice under a CPA for at least the first 4,000 hours — making program prestige somewhat less determinative of early career outcomes than the quality of the clinical experience and certification preparation a program delivers.