Bradley University Online NP Programs
- BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Post-MSN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-MSN Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
- RN to MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (ADN Bridge)
Bradley University offers three 100% online nurse practitioner degrees that do not require any campus visits and for which students complete practicums at approved facilities locally where they live and work. The degrees offered include a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with two entry options (ADN to MSN, and BSN to MSN), BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a Post-Master’s Certificate.
With a projected shortage of 120,000 primary care physicians by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), more and more bachelor’s prepared nurses are moving into family nurse practitioner master’s programs. The Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program can be completed from an RN level or a BSN level. The degree takes 2.7 to 3.3 years to complete depending on the path chosen. FNPs practice with patients and their families throughout the lifespan and hold positions in hospitals, medical clinics, private practice, schools, health departments, government organizations, and urgent care clinics.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), “The changing demands of this nation’s complex healthcare environment require the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure quality patient outcomes.” As such, the preparation required for advanced practice nurses was moved from the master’s level to the doctoral level in 2015. The BSN to DNP-FNP program through Bradley University is an excellent option for nurses wishing to advance directly to the DNP level. The degree takes 3.7 years to complete and requires the completion of 1,000 clinical hours. Learning outcomes include improving the quality of care for patients and communities, leading the way in the areas of healthcare information systems and informatics, and effecting change through evidence-based practice and decision making.
For nurses who are already prepared at the master’s level and who want to expand their expertise into the family nurse practitioner focus, the Post-Master’s FNP Certificate may be just the right choice. Taking 1.7 years to complete, this 100% online program offers the opportunity for master’s prepared nurses to prepare to serve patients and families of any age through advanced expertise in nursing theory, medical research, and patient-focused quality care. FNPs are also educated in disease prevention, health education, disease management, and patient counseling. The certificate takes five semesters to complete and involves the completion of four practicums equaling 700 hours.
The online nursing programs through Bradley University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of the online nursing programs will be eligible to take the ANCC or AANP certification exams. Bradley University is located in Peoria, Illinois.
What to Expect from the Bradley University Online NP Programs
Admission Requirements: All applicants to the Graduate School at Bradley University must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for undergraduate and graduate coursework where applicable. Online applications are submitted through The Graduate School and must include an application fee, official transcripts, an admissions essay, two letters of recommendation, and proof of language proficiency if applicable. All nursing applicants must show proof of a current RN license. International students must also provide proof of financial ability. No graduate entrance exams (GRE/GMAT) are required.
- Program Specific Admission Requirements
- RN to MSN-FNP (ADN Bridge Option): Hold an RN license with a diploma or ADN degree from an ACEN or CNEA accredited program, or an RN license accompanied by a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- BSN to MSN-FNP and BSN to DNP-FNP: Hold a BSN degree from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited nursing program
- Post-Master’s FNP Certificate: Hold an MSN degree from an ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA accredited nursing program
State Restrictions: While Bradley University accepts students from most states into their FNP programs, applicants outside of Illinois should check with the admissions department to ensure eligibility for the FNP programs. The FNP programs may not meet licensure requirements in New York and Tennessee at this time. Prospective students should contact the licensing board of their state of residence to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.
Study Plan: The Bradley University online nursing programs deliver courses completely online and practicums are completed locally. No campus visits are required. Students may begin the programs in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.
- Time to Completion
- RN to MSN-FNP (ADN Bridge Option): 3.3 years and 750 clinical hours
- BSN to MSN-FNP: 2.7 years and 700 clinical hours
- BSN to DNP-FNP: 3.7 years and 1,000 clinical hours
- Post-Master’s FNP Certificate: 1.7 years and 700 clinical hours
MSN-FNP Curriculum: The RN to MSN-FNP program comprises 59 credits. The BSN to MSN-FNP program comprises 47 credits.
Bridge courses for the ADN Bridge option include Conceptual Basis for Professional Nursing Practices; Community Health Nursing Theory; Research in Nursing; and RN-MSN Practicum.
MSN-FNP courses may include Statistical Procedures; Leadership in the Healthcare Delivery System; Evidence-Based Practice; Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Professional Aspects of Advanced Nursing Practice; Health Informatics; Healthcare Policy; and Advanced Health Assessment. Practicum courses include Primary Care of Acute Conditions Across the Lifespan I; Primary Care Chronic Conditions Across the Lifespan II; Primary Care Across the Lifespan III; and Primary Care Immersion IV.
BSN to DNP-FNP Curriculum: The DNP-FNP program comprises 74 credits and includes all of the practicum courses listed for the MSN program, as well as several other courses that cross over between programs such as Advanced Pathophysiology and Statistical Procedures.
In addition, DNP courses include Data Management; Health Care Economics and Finance; Management in Health Care Organizations; Health Promotion in Populations; DNP Practice Seminar I-III; Healthcare Policy; Theoretical Foundations of Nursing; Ethics in Advanced Practice Nursing; Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing; and Advanced Health Informatics.
Post-Master’s FNP Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Master’s FNP Certificate program comprises 35 credits and follows the MSN curriculum with the practicum courses. This program also includes Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pharmacology; and Professional Aspects of Advanced Nursing Practice.
Online Experience: Bradley University utilizes Sakai as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Sakai includes a variety of tools for online learning as well as class development. To ensure a quality online learning experience, Bradley University ascribes to Quality Matters (QM) which provides standards of quality online education. Courses are asynchronous with a flexible 24-hour online learning environment. Students can collaborate with faculty, peers, and academic advisors in real-time through the Sakai LMS. Nursing students have access to online library services, academic advising, admissions counseling, career services, online tutoring, and 24/7 technical support.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the Bradley online nursing programs as the courses are 100% online with practicums completed locally.
Paying for the Bradley University Online NP Programs
The online graduate nursing programs through Bradley University cost $990 per credit plus fees. Interested students should contact The Graduate School through Bradley University for updated tuition information as tuition costs may change from year to year.
Bradley University may offer graduate tuition scholarships, Federal Stafford loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and stipends to graduate nursing students. Nursing students may check with their employer to see if they qualify for a tuition reimbursement program or tuition discounts. Bradley University students may also seek outside opportunities to fund their nursing degree including community, religious, and organizational scholarships.
No campus visits, no GRE requirement, and a student-centered approach to learning make Bradley University nursing programs an attractive choice.
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Post-MSN Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Post-MSN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner Post-MSN Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP RN to MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (ADN Bridge)
1501 West Bradley Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61625
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
74
1,000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
NY, TN
Program Tuition
74
$990.00
$73,260.00
$990.00
$73,260.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
47
700
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
NY, TN
Program Tuition
47
$990.00
$46,530.00
$990.00
$46,530.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
32
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
NY, TN
Program Tuition
32
$990.00
$31,680.00
$990.00
$31,680.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
32
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
NY, TN
Program Tuition
32
$990.00
$31,680.00
$990.00
$31,680.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
35
700
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
NY, TN
Program Tuition
35
$990.00
$34,650.00
$990.00
$34,650.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
36
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
NY, TN
Program Tuition
36
$990.00
$35,640.00
$990.00
$35,640.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
59
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
NY, TN
Program Tuition
59
$990.00
$58,410.00
$990.00
$58,410.00
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.