Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.): B.S.-D.N.P. (FNP Specialization)

If you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree in nursing and are ready to pursue a D.N.P., our program is for you. The NIU B.S.-D.N.P., Family Nurse Practitioner specialization program prepares you for an advanced practice role, and to lead innovative, evidence-based practice initiatives that focus on quality improvement, leadership, informatics, policy, advocacy and population health.

The D.N.P. degree is practice-focused and after completing the program, you will be eligible to sit for national certification exams. With our flexible D.N.P. program, you can balance work and family obligations while taking your career to the next level. You can pursue the degree full or part time. You'll have access to the outstanding curriculum and faculty our nursing school is known for, with the added convenience of working at your own pace. The coursework for the program is offered online, with hybrid experiences (health assessment, FNP internships, skills courses and D.N.P. practicums). Practicum experiences must be completed in person.

Curriculum

Our education model emphasizes a wide range of advanced nursing knowledge and skills. Your coursework will focus on addressing the issues and needs of diverse client populations and health care systems through evidence-based practices.

Our rigorous program includes 76 credit hours, three FNP internships (adult, pediatrics and women’s health/specialty option) and three D.N.P. practicums.

Like our M.S. in Nursing, FNP Specialization, you’ll select five skill courses based on your education priorities. Those course topics include diagnostic reasoning, orthopedic skills, primary care for women.

You'll complete a scholarly project as part of your coursework. Over the course of three semesters, you'll work with a team to plan, implement and evaluate an initiative that addresses a practice issue in a health care organization or system.

Learn more about course requirements.

Admission Information

You need to have a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing in order to apply to our Doctor of Nursing Practice program. You also need to meet NIU's clinical requirements. Review our admission information for complete details.

Ready to get started? Learn how to apply to a graduate program.

Tuition News

NIU has eliminated the more expensive out-of-state tuition rate for both undergraduate and graduate students, making it financially easier for you to take advantage of our excellent programs.

Get Started

We are currently accepting applications for the following programs:

  • M.S.-Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse Education
  • Post-Master's D.N.P.
  • D.N.P. for Family Nurse Practitioner

Request More Information

We've moved!

The School of Nursing programs have a new home. Beginning in the fall 2023, we are teaching and learning in our new location, the Wellness and Literacy Center at 3100 Sycamore Road. We are excited to share our new home with other healthcare disciplines including audiology, physical therapy and speech-language pathology.

Contact Us

School of Nursing
3100 Sycamore Rd.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-6554
nursing@niu.edu

Hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Back to top