Rush University Online DNP and Certificate Programs
- DNP – Acute Care Pediatric NP – BSN route
- DNP – Acute Care Pediatric NP – MSN route for APRN
- DNP – Acute Care Pediatric NP – MSN route for non-APRN
- DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – BSN route
- DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – MSN route for APRN
- DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – MSN route for non-APRN
- DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – BSN route
- DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – MSN route
- DNP – Primary Care Pediatric NP – MSN route for APRN
- DNP – Primary Care Pediatric NP – MSN route for non-APRN
- DNP – Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – BSN route
- DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – BSN Route
- DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – MSN route for APRN
- DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – MSN route for non-APRN
- Post-Graduate Certificate – Acute Care Pediatric NP
- Post-Graduate Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Rush University offers a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree with BSN and MSN entry points and several nurse practitioner (NP) specializations. There are entry options for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) looking for a second specialty as well as non-APRNs. The specializations offered in an online format include:
- Adult-gerontology primary care NP (AGPCNP)
- Acute care pediatric NP (ACPNP)
- Primary care pediatric NP (PCPNP)
- Psychiatric-mental health NP (PMHNP)
- Neonatal NP (NNP)
In addition, Rush University offers a post-graduate certificate with acute care pediatric and neonatal NP specializations. Campus visit requirements vary according to the specialization chosen, and students complete clinical practicum hours at approved sites local to the student, except where restricted.
To a greater degree than most other universities, Rush University provides an avenue for registered nurses to pursue a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), the terminal nursing degree, online and in their desired specialty area.
The AGPNP track focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and diagnosis or management of common acute and chronic problems in adolescents, adults, and older adults in primary care settings. Graduates are prepared to take the AGPCNP exam through ANCC or AANP.
The ACPNP track prepares NPs to care for children with critical, complex, or chronic illness or injury across a continuum from disease prevention to critical care, including stabilizing patients, preventing complications, and providing palliative/end-of-life care. Graduates are eligible for the CPNP-AC exam through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
The PCPNP track prepares NPs to provide primary care to children, adolescents, and infants, emphasizing preventive care, well-child exams, and management of acute and chronic conditions in settings such as pediatric primary care offices, school-based clinics, and specialty services. Graduates are eligible for primary care pediatric NP certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
The PMHNP specialty prepares NPs to treat people with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings, with training in behavioral and biological disciplines and an emphasis on autonomous practice. Graduates are eligible for lifespan PMHNP board certification through ANCC.
The NNP track prepares advanced practice nurses to care for high-risk and critically ill newborns in NICU settings, including attending high-risk deliveries, managing complex neonatal conditions, and performing advanced procedural skills. Graduates are eligible for NNP board certification through the National Certification Corporation.
The DNP and certificate programs through Rush University are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Rush University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Chicago, Illinois.
For the latest academic year, we have over 180 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
Chamberlain University
Aurora University
North Park University
What to Expect from the Rush University Online DNP and Post Graduate Certificate Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to Rush University’s DNP and post-graduate certificate programs must hold an unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the United States. BSN-to-DNP applicants must have a bachelor of science in nursing from a regionally accredited institution. MSN-to-DNP and post-graduate certificate applicants must hold a master’s or higher degree in nursing. All applicants are expected to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, considering both cumulative college-level coursework and prelicensure nursing coursework. GRE scores are not required for the DNP programs or post-master’s certificate programs.
Professional nursing work experience is expected for all tracks. Specific experience requirements vary by specialty. NNP applicants must have at least six months of recent neonatal intensive care unit (level 3 or higher) experience, and at least two years of full-time level III or level IV neonatal experience is required.
ACPNP applicants must have a minimum of six months of recent acute care pediatric nursing experience, and at least two years of full-time pediatric experience. PMHNP applicants are given preference if they are working in a clinical psychiatric setting or will begin working in one at the start of the program. AGPCNP applicants are given preference if they have recent experience as a registered nurse or will begin working as an RN when the program starts. PCPNP applicants are given preference if they have registered nurse experience in a pediatric setting.
Application materials include a completed online application, official transcripts, substantive answers to personal essay questions, a resume or CV detailing community service, educational and professional activities, scholarly work, and employment, proof of current U.S. RN licensure, and three professional letters of recommendation from individuals in leadership positions who can speak to the applicant’s clinical abilities. Personal interviews with faculty are part of the admissions process. Students whose primary language is not English must also provide proof of English language proficiency.
State Restrictions: Rush University’s online courses and programs are restricted in certain states. The university is unable to offer enrollment into its online programs to residents of Louisiana and Tennessee. Its advanced practice specialty online programs are not offered to residents of New York. For the PMHNP DNP program, online enrollment is also restricted for residents of California. Enrollment is not offered to residents of Canada. For some programs, such as ACPNP, applicants who live outside the Chicago metro area are asked to contact the program director to learn if the program is available in their state and locale. Applicants who do not reside in Illinois are encouraged to contact their state’s higher education regulation authority for more details.
Study Plan: Rush University’s DNP and post-graduate certificate programs are offered primarily online with flexible full-time and part-time options. Program length, credit requirements, and clinical hours vary by specialty and entry point (BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP APRN, or MSN-to-DNP non-APRN).
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP DNP:
- Format: Part-time start, full-time commitment in the last year
- Length: Approximately 3.5 years for all students
- Credits: 71 (BSN-to-DNP), 38 (MSN-to-DNP APRN), 59 (MSN-to-DNP non-APRN)
Neonatal NP DNP:
- Format: Full-time or part-time
- Length: 2.5 years full-time, 3.5 years part-time
- Credits: 68 (BSN-to-DNP), 56 (MSN-to-DNP)
Acute Care Pediatric NP DNP:
- Format: Part-time cohort model
- Length: About 3.5 years (BSN-to-DNP); 2 to 3 years (MSN-to-DNP, depending on APRN status)
- Credits: 68 (BSN-to-DNP), 29 (MSN-to-DNP APRN), 56 (MSN-to-DNP non-APRN)
Primary Care Pediatric NP DNP:
- Format: Full-time or part-time
- Length: 2.5 to 3.5 years (BSN-to-DNP); about 2.5 years (MSN-to-DNP)
- Credits: 68 (BSN-to-DNP), 56 (MSN-to-DNP)
Psychiatric-Mental Health NP DNP:
- Format: Part-time
- Length: About 4 years (BSN-to-DNP); about 3 years (MSN-to-DNP; may be shorter for APRNs)
- Credits: 68 (BSN-to-DNP), 41 (MSN-to-DNP APRN), 56 (MSN-to-DNP non-APRN)
Neonatal NP Post-Graduate Certificate:
- Format: Part-time, online
- Length: 2 years
- Credits: 28
Acute Care Pediatric NP Post-Graduate Certificate:
- Format: Part-time, cohort-based
- Length: Minimum of 8 months for students with pediatric or family NP degrees (may be longer after gap analysis)
- Credits: Minimum of 12
Most programs move through in cohorts with limited class sizes. Start terms vary by specialty, with admissions in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Students complete clinical practicum hours at approved sites local to where they live and work, subject to state and program restrictions.
BSN to DNP Core Curriculum: All DNP students at Rush University complete a common set of core courses that provide the foundation for doctoral-level advanced practice. The core courses include leadership in evolving health care environments; health care economics, policy, and finance; program evaluation; DNP project planning and implementation; and DNP project proposal seminar.
In addition, all BSN-to-DNP students complete a graduate nursing core that includes: antiracism in organizational leadership; applied epidemiology and biostatistics nursing; research for evidence-based practice; and health promotion in individuals and clinical populations.
BSN-to-DNP students also complete an advanced practice nursing core that includes: advanced pharmacology; advanced physiology; advanced pathophysiology; diagnostics for the APRN; transition to the APRN role; advanced health assessment for advanced practice nursing across the life span; and advanced health assessment for advanced practice nursing across the life span: lab.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Specialty: In addition to the core, the AGPCNP concentration includes the following specialty courses: major psychopathological disorders; pharmacotherapeutics primary care; management: adult/gerontology I and II; and quality and safety for the aging adult. Students also complete DNP practicum and project courses: DNP specialty practicum; immersion residency; and DNP project practicum A-C.
- Neonatal NP Specialty: In addition to the core, the NNP concentration includes the following specialty courses: neonatal pathophysiology; advanced neonatal physical assessment; developmental physiology of the fetus/neonate; neonatal pharmacotherapeutics; and neonatal management I-III. Students also complete DNP practicum and project courses: DNP specialty practicum; DNP immersion residency; DNP project practicum A-C.
- Acute Care Pediatric NP Specialty: In addition to the core, the ACPNP concentration includes the following specialty courses: advanced primary care of the child I; applied pharmacology – pediatric; and pediatric acute care I and II. Students also complete DNP practicum and project courses: DNP specialty practicum [acute care pediatric], DNP immersion residency; DNP project practicum A-C.
- Primary Care Pediatric NP Specialty: In addition to the core, the PCPNP concentration includes the following specialty courses: advanced primary care of the child I-III; and applied pharmacology — pediatric. Students also complete DNP clinical practicum and project courses: DNP specialty practicum; DNP immersion residency; DNP project practicum A-C.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Specialty: In addition to the core, the PMHNP concentration includes the following specialty courses: major psychopathological disorders; psychopharmacology; neuropathophysiology: a life span approach; diagnostics and management I: psychiatric assessment across the life span; diagnostics and management II: evidence-based treatment; and diagnostics and management III: group therapy and complex care. Students also complete DNP practicum and project courses: DNP specialty practicum; DNP immersion residency; DNP project practicum A-C.
MSN to DNP for APRNs and non-APRNs Curriculum: Courses for the MSN to DNP vary by specialty and entry point. A gap analysis is completed to determine the required courses based on previous graduate education.
Post-Graduate Acute Care Pediatric NP Certificate Curriculum: The ACPNP postgraduate certificate includes specialty curriculum content of pediatric acute care I and II. Specialty courses include specialty practicum and specialty residency. Depending on previous coursework and initial APRN degree, students complete a minimum of 12 credits, with additional prerequisite coursework possible after a gap analysis.
Post-Graduate Neonatal NP Certificate Curriculum: The NNP postgraduate certificate includes an advanced-practice core of neonatal pathophysiology and advanced neonatal physical assessment. Specialty curriculum content includes: developmental physiology of the fetus/neonate; neonatal pharmacotherapeutics; and neonatal management I-III. Specialty courses include specialty practicum and specialty residency.
Online Experience: Rush University utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). It delivers its DNP and post-graduate certificate programs primarily through online coursework. Most courses are completed online, with some programs offering the option to take certain classes both online and on campus. Several programs move through in cohorts with limited class sizes. Many programs are offered in part-time formats, and some also offer full-time options. Students collaborate with faculty and peers through online platforms, and some professors offer opportunities for live lectures and student presentations. Students have access to university support services, including academic advising, library resources, and technical support.
On-Site Requirements: On-site visits to the Chicago, IL campus vary by specialty:
- DNP-AGPCNP: Minimum of five campus visits for simulation experiences (three to four experiences, one time per term during clinical management courses), DNP project proposal, and DNP project final presentation.
- DNP-NNP: Two required campus visits (one three-day visit for the advanced neonatal physical assessment course and one visit for final defense presentations).
- DNP-ACPNP: Optional one-day new-student orientation; a two- to three-day visit for the DNP proposal presentation; and a two- to three-day visit in the final term for the DNP final presentation.
- DNP-PCPNP: Minimum of two campus visits (health assessment, which can be completed remotely or on campus, and two simulation experiences, one per trimester during the fall and spring term of clinical courses, each usually lasting one full day).
- DNP-PMHNP: No required in-person visits; a one-day on-campus orientation is highly recommended but not required, and the DNP project presentation may be done online or on campus.
- Post-Graduate NNP Certificate: One three-day campus visit prior to beginning clinical practicum.
- Post-Graduate ACPNP Certificate: Two campus visits (one week with each of the pediatric acute care management courses).
Clinical practicum hours are completed at approved sites local to the student, subject to state and program restrictions.
Paying for the Rush University Online DNP and Certificate Programs
Rush University online APRN program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Tuition numbers include fees, but do not include travel costs for campus visits. Prospective students should contact the Rush University Office of Student Financial Affairs for complete costs and details.
Rush University may offer unsubsidized federal student loans to graduate students according to the FAFSA. In addition, Rush University may offer scholarships and grants where applicable. Nursing students are encouraged to check with their employers as to the possibility of a tuition reimbursement program or tuition discount. Finally, Rush University online students may wish to pursue community and private opportunities for funding.
The Rush University online DNP programs include seven NP and CNS specializations with varying entry points and second specialty options for existing APRNs, as well as two Post-Graduate Certificates that prepare transformative leaders who focus on innovation and improving the quality of care for patients and communities.
DNP – Acute Care Pediatric NP – BSN route
DNP – Acute Care Pediatric NP – MSN route for APRN
DNP – Acute Care Pediatric NP – MSN route for non-APRN
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – BSN route
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – MSN route for APRN
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – MSN route for non-APRN
DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – BSN route
DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – MSN route
DNP – Primary Care Pediatric NP – MSN route for APRN
DNP – Primary Care Pediatric NP – MSN route for non-APRN
DNP – Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – BSN route
DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – BSN Route
DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – MSN route for APRN
DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – MSN route for non-APRN
Post-Graduate Certificate – Acute Care Pediatric NP
Post-Graduate Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Armour Academic Center, 600 S. Paulina Street, Suite 202
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Summer
No
6
68
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
68
$1,493.00
$101,524.00
$1,493.00
$101,524.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Summer
No
6
29
756
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
29
$1,493.00
$43,297.00
$1,493.00
$43,297.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Summer
No
6
56
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
56
$1,493.00
$83,608.00
$1,493.00
$83,608.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
5-8
71
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
LA, NY, TN
Program Tuition
71
$1,493.00
$106,003.00
$1,493.00
$106,003.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
5-8
38
756
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
LA, NY, TN
Program Tuition
38
$1,493.00
$56,734.00
$1,493.00
$56,734.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
5-8
59
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
LA, NY, TN
Program Tuition
59
$1,493.00
$88,087.00
$1,493.00
$88,087.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
1
68
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
68
$1,493.00
$101,524.00
$1,493.00
$101,524.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
1
56
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
56
$1,493.00
$83,608.00
$1,493.00
$83,608.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Summer
No
6
38
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
38
$1,493.00
$56,734.00
$1,493.00
$56,734.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Summer
No
6
56
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
56
$1,493.00
$83,608.00
$1,493.00
$83,608.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Summer
No
7
68
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
68
$1,493.00
$101,524.00
$1,493.00
$101,524.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
2
68
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
68
$1,493.00
$101,524.00
$1,493.00
$101,524.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
2
41
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
41
$1,493.00
$61,213.00
$1,493.00
$61,213.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
2
56
1,008
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
56
$1,493.00
$83,608.00
$1,493.00
$83,608.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
3
12
504
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
12
$1,493.00
$17,916.00
$1,493.00
$17,916.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
1
28
588
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.25, pre-licensure nursing GPA <3.0, or MSN GPA <3.5)
None
LA, TN
Program Tuition
28
$1,493.00
$41,804.00
$1,493.00
$41,804.00
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.
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.