Online NP Schools in Illinois
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“Online or distance education is often perceived as ‘easy’ or inferior to traditional in-person education. This perception is entirely false. Online programs require dedicated and motivated students who are self-starters and accountable for their time and outcomes.”
Rachel Borton, PhD, Assistant Professor, Bradley University’s Department of Nursing
Illinois offers a variety of online nurse practitioner (NP) programs that provide flexibility and accessibility for those pursuing advanced nursing education. These programs are designed to accommodate busy schedules, making it easier for working nurses or individuals with personal commitments to further their education.
Online NP schools in Illinois typically offer a range of specializations, including family practice, adult-gerontology, and psychiatric-mental health, catering to the diverse career goals of aspiring nurse practitioners. Students enrolled in these programs benefit from a combination of online coursework and clinical practicum placements, ensuring they receive both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to succeed in their roles.
Nurse practitioners in Illinois are experiencing significant growth. In 2022, there were 8,970 licensed NPs in the state, and according to CareerOneStop.org (2025), this number is projected to increase to 12,660 by 2032—a remarkable 41 percent growth. This surge is driven by the growing need for primary and specialized care providers, the national physician shortage, and an aging population with increased healthcare needs.
Online NP programs in Illinois are critical in addressing this demand by training skilled professionals who can step into these vital roles, enhancing healthcare accessibility and delivery throughout the state.
Meet the Expert: Rachel Borton, PhD, MSN, FNP-FPA, NRCME
Dr. Rachel Borton is the department chairperson and an assistant professor at Bradley University’s Department of Nursing. She holds a PhD in Nursing from Illinois State University, an MSN-FNP from the University of Phoenix, and a BSN from Bradley University.
Dr. Borton focuses on teaching family nurse practitioner (FNP) concentration courses and actively contributes to the university through committee work and leadership roles. She is board-certified as an advanced practice nurse specializing in family practice, has full practice authority in Illinois, and is dedicated to both nursing education and community service.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs?
Dr. Borton: Online or distance education is often perceived as “easy” or inferior to traditional in-person education. This perception is entirely false. Online programs require dedicated and motivated students who are self-starters and accountable for their time and outcomes.
Online nurse practitioner (ONP) programs are challenging but also very rewarding. Those enrolled in ONP programs have a unique advantage due to their extensive experience as licensed, practicing nurses. This experience serves as a valuable asset as they navigate the ONP curriculum, making their educational journey even more fulfilling.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Borton: To succeed as an online nurse practitioner (ONP) graduate student, one must be highly organized, have a flexible job, and maintain a supportive network of family and friends. ONP students need to allocate their time daily for learning, studying, and completing assignments. A flexible job is crucial to accommodate schoolwork and in-person patient learning experiences or clinical hours, with the schedule potentially changing from semester to semester.
Additionally, having a supportive network is vital for success in ONP studies. Family members and friends can provide encouragement and serve as a sounding board when ONP students face frustrations or need assistance, highlighting the value of community throughout this journey.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Illinois (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| Bradley University |
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| Chamberlain University |
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| Rush University |
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| Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing |
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| St. Francis Leach College of Nursing |
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| Northern Illinois University |
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| DePaul University |
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NP Practice Authority in Illinois
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Illinois?
| United States | Illinois | |
| Number of NPs Employed | 307,390 | 9,560 |
| Average Salary | $132,000 | $128,880 |
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $102,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $111,450 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $129,210 | $128,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $138,420 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $158,680 |
| Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of May 2025 | ||
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.