Rush University Online DNP-NP, DNP-CNS, and Post-Graduate NP Certificate Programs
#22 Best Program Variety
- 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 – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist – BSN route
- DNP – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist – MSN route
- DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – BSN route
- DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – MSN route
- DNP – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist – BSN route
- DNP – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist – 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 degree with BSN and MSN entry points and several nurse practitioner (NP) and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) 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:
- Acute Care Pediatric NP (ACPNP)
- Primary Care Pediatric NP (PCPNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
- Neonatal NP (NNP)
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (P-CNS)
- Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (N-CNS)
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.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the most relevant nurse practitioner certification exam or clinical nurse specialist exam, most frequently administered by organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the National Certification Corporation (NCC), and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).
The DNP and certificate programs through Rush University are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The NCNS curriculum is approved by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (CCNS-N). Rush University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Chicago, Illinois.
What to Expect
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Rush University nursing programs must hold an unencumbered RN license in the U.S. BSN to DNP students must hold a bachelor of science in nursing degree from an accredited institution. Prospective MSN to DNP students must hold an MSN degree or higher with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The GRE is not required for the DNP programs if the applicant has a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, a prelicensure GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a graduate GPA from a completed degree of 3.5 or higher. Applicants to the certificate programs must have a master’s in nursing degree or higher with the same minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. The GRE is not required for post-master’s programs.
Professional nursing work experience is expected for all tracks. NNP students must have at least two years of full-time neonatal work experience prior to beginning clinicals. PNP students must have at least two years of full-time pediatric work experience prior to beginning clinicals. PMHNP should already be working in a clinical psychiatric setting or begin with a psychiatric clinic upon acceptance.
If chosen for an interview, the applicant is encouraged to interview in person, but the interview can take place through WebEx, GoToMeeting, or via phone if the applicant lives more than 50 miles away. Application materials include official transcripts, answers to personal essay questions, a resume or CV, proof of RN licensure in the U.S., GRE scores if cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, and three professional letters of recommendation including one from a supervisor or manager, and two from those in leadership positions who can attest to the applicant’s clinical abilities. Students whose primary language is not English must also provide proof of English language proficiency.
State Restrictions: While Rush University accepts students from most states applicants outside of Illinois should check with the admissions department to make sure they are eligible for the nursing programs. Rush University is not able to offer online programs to residents of Louisiana or Tennessee. As well APRN programs are not offered to residents of New York. As a rule, students should contact the licensing board of their specific state of residence to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP or CNS licensure.
Study Plan: The BSN to DNP program can be completed full-time in three years or part-time in 3.3 to 3.5 years. The MSN to DNP options can be completed in two to three years, depending on prior APRN licensure in another specialty. The MSN to DNP program may not be offered full-time for distance learners. Students in the PMHNP track may pursue part-time study until the last year which is full-time only.
The Post Graduate Certificate programs can be completed in two-thirds to one year of part-time study, depending on the results of the GAP Analysis. Many of the programs move through in a cohort and class sizes are limited. Start dates land in the Fall, Spring, and Summer and vary with each program specialty and level. Students also complete local practicums in the area where they live and work.
BSN to DNP Core Curriculum: The BSN to DNP program options vary from 68 to 77 credits plus clinical hours. The graduate nursing core may include the following courses: Organizational and Systems Leader; Research for Evidence-Based Practice; Applied Epidemiology Biostats Nursing; and Health Promotion in Individuals and Clinical Populations. The advanced practice nursing core may include Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Physiology; Advanced Pathophysiology; Transition to the APRN Role; Diagnostics for the APRN; Advanced Health Assessment- APRN Across the Lifespan and Lab.
The DNP core courses include Leadership in Evolving Healthcare Environments; Program Evaluation; Healthcare Economics, Policy, and Finance; DNP Project Planning and Implementation; and DNP Project Proposal Seminar. DNP practica and project courses include DNP Specialty Practicum: Acute Care Pediatric; DNP Immersion Residency; and DNP Project Practicum A-C. Certain courses may differ depending on the specialization.
- Acute Care Pediatric NP Specialty: The BSN to DNP – ACPNP comprises 68 credits and requires completion of 924 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Advanced Primary Care Of The Child I; Applied Pharmacology: Pediatrics; and Pediatric Acute Care I-II.
- Primary Care Pediatric NP Specialty: The BSN to DNP – PCPNP comprises 68 credits and requires completion of 1,008 clinical hours. Specialty courses may include Advanced Primary Care Of The Child I-III; and Applied Pharmacology: Pediatrics.
- Neonatal NP Specialty: The BSN to DNP – NNP comprises 68 credits and requires completion of 1,008 clinical hours. Specialty courses may include Neonatal Pathophysiology; Advanced Neonatal Physical Assessment; Developmental Physiology Fetus/Neonates; Neonatal Pharmacotherapeutics; and Neonatal Management I-III.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Specialty: The BSN to DNP – PMHNP comprises 68 credits and requires completion of 1,008 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Major Psychopathological Disorders; Psychopharmacology; Neuropathophysiology: Lifespan Approach; Psychiatric Assessment Across the Lifespan; Evidence-Based Treatment; and Group Therapy and Complex Care.
- Pediatric CNS Specialty: The BSN to DNP – PCNS comprises 74 credits and requires completion of 1,008 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Advanced Primary Care Of The Child I; Applied Pharmacology: Pediatrics; Principles of Case Management; Pediatric Acute Care I-II; and Evidence-Based Teaching and Health Professions.
- Neonatal CNS Specialty: The BSN to DNP – NCNS comprises 77 credits and requires completion of 1,008 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Neonatal Pathophysiology; Advanced Neonatal Physical Assessment; Developmental Physiology Fetus/Neonates; Neonatal Pharmacotherapeutics; Neonatal Management I-III; Principles of Case Management; and Evidence-Based Teaching and Health Professions.
MSN to DNP for APRNs and non-APRNs Curriculum: Courses for the MSN to DNP vary and follow the BSN to DNP where applicable. A Gap Analysis will be completed to determine the required courses.
The MSN to DNP for the PCPNP, ACPNP, and PMHNP specializations can be completed by APRNs and non-APRNs. Those who already have APRN status may take less time to complete the degree. Credits are as follows:
- Acute Care Pediatric NP Specialty:
- APRN: 29 credits plus 756 clinical hours
- Non-APRN: 56 credits plus 1,008 clinical hours
- Primary Care Pediatric NP Specialty:
- APRN: 38 credits plus 1,008 clinical hours
- Non-APRN: 56 credits plus 1,008 clinical hours
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Specialty:
- APRN: 41 credits plus 1,008 clinical hours
- Non-APRN: 56 credits plus 1,008 clinical hours
The NNP, PCNS, and NCNS specializations do not have an option for APRNs. Credits are as follows:
- Neonatal NP Specialty: 56 credits plus 1,008 clinical hours
- Pediatric CNS Specialty: 62 credits plus 1,008 clinical hours
- Neonatal CNS Specialty: 65 credits plus 1,008 clinical hours
Post-Graduate Acute Care Pediatric NP Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Graduate ACPNP Certificate program comprises completion of at least 12 credits and depends on the results of a Gap Analysis. Required courses may include Pediatric Acute Care I-II; Specialty Practicum; and Specialty Residency. Completion of 504 clinical hours is required.
Post-Graduate Neonatal NP Certificate Curriculum: The Post-Graduate ACPNP Certificate program comprises completion of at least 27 credits plus 504 clinical hours. Course requirements depend on the results of a Gap Analysis. Required courses may include Neonatal Pathophysiology; Advanced Neonatal Physical Assessment; Developmental Physiology Fetus/Neonates; Neonatal Pharmacotherapeutics; and Neonatal Management I-III; Specialty Practicum; and Specialty Residency.
Online Experience: Rush University utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Most courses for the online programs are fully online and may require varying campus visits. Some courses are also offered on campus or in a blended format if students live near the university. Some specializations move through the programs as a cohort. Most of the programs are offered both part-time and full-time in an asynchronous manner. Collaboration takes place through email, discussion boards, and online multimedia services. Students have access to a variety of services including admissions counseling, career counseling, academic advising, library and bookstore services, and 24/7 technical support.
On-Site Requirements: On-site visits to the Chicago, IL campus vary for each specialty. Following is a list of the visits required for each degree track:
- DNP – Acute Care Pediatric NP – Four required visits and an optional 1-day New Student Orientation
- DNP – Primary Care Pediatric NP: Six required visits and a highly recommended 1-day program orientation on campus
- DNP – Neonatal NP: One 3-day visit for neonatal health assessment.
- DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP: Two required visits for Health Assessment and Mental Health Assessment plus a highly recommended on-campus orientation and presentation of the DNP project either on-campus or online
- DNP – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist: Six required visits including program orientation
- DNP – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist: Eight required visits including program orientation
- Post Graduate Certificate – Neonatal NP: One 3-day visit
- Post Graduate Certificate – Acute Care Pediatric NP: Three required visits plus an optional New Student Orientation
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Paying for Rush University Online APRN 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 – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist – BSN route
DNP – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist – MSN route
DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – BSN route
DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – MSN route
DNP – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist – BSN route
DNP – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist – 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
$1,384.00
$94,112.00
$1,384.00
$94,112.00
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
$1,384.00
$40,136.00
$1,384.00
$40,136.00
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
$1,384.00
$77,504.00
$1,384.00
$77,504.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall, Spring
No
8
77
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
77
$1,384.00
$106,568.00
$1,384.00
$106,568.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall, Spring
No
8
65
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
65
$1,384.00
$89,960.00
$1,384.00
$89,960.00
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
$1,384.00
$94,112.00
$1,384.00
$94,112.00
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
$1,384.00
$77,504.00
$1,384.00
$77,504.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall, Spring
No
8
74
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
74
$1,384.00
$102,416.00
$1,384.00
$102,416.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall, Spring
No
8
62
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
62
$1,384.00
$85,808.00
$1,384.00
$85,808.00
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
$1,384.00
$52,592.00
$1,384.00
$52,592.00
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
$1,384.00
$77,504.00
$1,384.00
$77,504.00
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
$1,384.00
$94,112.00
$1,384.00
$94,112.00
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
$1,384.00
$94,112.00
$1,384.00
$94,112.00
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
$1,384.00
$56,744.00
$1,384.00
$56,744.00
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
$1,384.00
$77,504.00
$1,384.00
$77,504.00
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
$1,384.00
$16,608.00
$1,384.00
$16,608.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
1
27
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
27
$1,384.00
$37,368.00
$1,384.00
$37,368.00
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.