Aurora University Online DNP-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Aurora University is a private, nonprofit university in Aurora, Illinois, founded in 1893. It describes itself as a student-centered and teaching-focused institution that offers an affordable, adaptable, high-quality education, and it emphasizes personal support from enrollment through graduation.
This article covers Aurora University’s doctor of nursing practice, family nurse practitioner program, also called the DNP-FNP program. The program prepares nurses to become primary care providers and to lead evidence-based initiatives in leadership, quality improvement, policy, informatics, population health, and advocacy. It is designed to help students develop, deliver, and evaluate primary care across the lifespan at the highest level of nursing practice.
The program is built for working professionals who need flexibility while continuing their education. Aurora University says the program is hybrid, with online coursework, required synchronous Zoom meetings, and a weekend intensive, so students can balance academic work with personal and professional responsibilities. It also includes clinical practicums in a variety of settings, such as the emergency department, family practice, women’s health, and internal medicine.
Aurora University’s DNP-FNP program comprises 77 credits and prepares BSN and MSN graduates not only for the DNP, which is the practice-focused terminal degree in nursing, but also for eligibility to sit for the FNP certification exam. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
What to Expect from the Aurora University Online DNP-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Admission Requirements: To apply to Aurora University’s DNP-FNP program, candidates must have a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited nursing program and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants must also hold a current, unencumbered RN license from the state of Illinois and complete a personal interview with program faculty.
Candidates must submit a completed graduate application for admission, a curriculum vitae or resume showing past education, a substantive two- to three-page personal essay describing career and educational goals, and official transcripts from all previous graduate and undergraduate institutions attended. Before beginning clinical practicums, students must also complete a criminal background check and drug screen, although these are not required for admission.
State Restrictions: Aurora University’s DNP-FNP candidates must hold a current, unencumbered RN license from the state of Illinois. Described as a hybrid option with online coursework, the program requires synchronous Zoom meetings, a weekend intensive, and clinical practicums in several settings.
Study Plan: Aurora University’s DNP-FNP program is a 77-credit program completed in a hybrid format. The program includes direct patient care hours and clinical practicums in a variety of settings. These clinical experiences take place in places such as the emergency department, internal medicine, women’s health, and family practice. The program also includes a weekend intensive and clinical work that help students prepare for primary care practice across the lifespan. The program is designed to help BSN and MSN graduates earn the DNP and become eligible to sit for the FNP certification exam.
Curriculum: Aurora University’s 77-credit DNP-FNP program includes courses such as information systems for patient safety and quality; applied epidemiology and biostatistics for evidence-based practice; translational research and evidence-based practice; evidence-based practice methods; transition to the APN role; advanced health assessment for advanced practice nursing across the lifespan; pharmacotherapeutics in primary care; primary care of the pediatric population; primary care of women across the lifespan; two primary care family practice residencies; DNP project planning and implementation; and DNP project evaluation and dissemination.
The program also includes a two-day intensive the weekend before classes start and prepares nurses to become primary care providers and lead evidence-based initiatives.
Online Experience: This online DNP-FNP program includes online coursework and required synchronous Zoom meetings, giving students a flexible way to complete part of the program. The program is designed for working professionals and offers a convenient learning environment with personal attention and support.
On-Site Requirements: Students must complete a two-day intensive the weekend before classes start, along with clinical practicums in settings such as the emergency department, internal medicine, women’s health, and family practice. The program also includes direct patient care hours and hands-on clinical experiences that support advanced practice training.
Paying for the Aurora University Online DNP-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Aurora University’s online DNP-FNP program tuition costs are listed in the tables below. Interested students should contact the admissions department for clarification on costs and updates.
Financial aid is available to students who qualify. Options may include federal student aid, private loans, scholarships, or employer tuition assistance. The first step in applying for financial aid is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to contact the university’s Office of Financial Aid for personalized support and guidance.
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
347 S. Gladstone Ave.
Aurora, Illinois 60506
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Summer, Fall
No
4
77
1,000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
CA
Program Tuition
77
$800.00
$61,600.00
$800.00
$61,600.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani is a freelance writer, marketer, and researcher. She writes about technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).