Doctor of Nursing Practice
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QUICK FACTS Heading link
These facts apply to all DNP programs except nurse anesthesia.
Quick Facts Heading link
ENROLLMENT | ADMISSION | LENGTH |
Full or Part Time | Fall Only | 2 to 6 Years |
DELIVERY | TUITION | DEGREE |
Hybrid | $1,044* | Doctor of |
SCHOLARSHIPS | CAMPUS | PATHWAYS |
$289,000** | All 6 Campuses | RN-to-DNP, |
**Reflects dollars distributed by the College of Nursing to students in all degree programs, 2022-23.
The Expert Clinician Heading link
The below content applies to all but one of our DNP focus areas. Visit the nurse anesthesia program page for complete information on that program.
Admits: Fall
Twelve DNP focus area programs are 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.
These 12 focus areas of the DNP program are offered at all six campuses: Chicago, Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield and Urbana. Students admitted to regional campuses may have to travel to Chicago or another region for at least one course or lab.
Because the program is hybrid with some on-campus requirements, and because faculty arrange all clinical site placements for students, students must live within commuting distance of the UIC Nursing campus to which they are admitted. That could be in Illinois or a bordering state (IA, WI, IN, MO, KY). Students must also have a registered nursing license in the state in which their clinicals will be completed.
Applications accepted August through March.
Apply Now
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
Explore all 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 health care settings, we ensure that every student is provided with the best mentorship experiences while learning the necessary clinical practice skills. These rotations combine with high-quality simulation scenarios (also included in our curriculum) to give students a broad range of advanced, hands-on patient-management experiences.
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 BSN typically 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 focus areas offered by the UIC College of Nursing other than nurse anesthesia 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 the 1,000 clinical hours required to earn a DNP.
For DNP-prepared APRNs who want another focus area
The post-DNP certificate programs are 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 the application deadline is January 15.
Are you an RN with a non-nursing bachelor's degree? Heading link
The DNP Transition Program is 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 take up to four additional courses, determined upon admission. Courses are NURS 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.
Enrich your degree with a certificate Heading link
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.”
| 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.
| Expected graduation 2025
Meet DNP students
All campuses offer this program Heading link
Take the next step Heading link
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.