Doctorate

Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN - DNP): Family Nurse Practitioner

Partially Online

Overview

Illinois State University’s BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner sequence prepares you for an advanced practice role, with an emphasis on integrating preventative and self-care measures, as well as the diagnosis and management of commonly occurring acute and chronic health conditions. Throughout the course of the program, you will participate in and use research, and learn about the implementation of health policy, and education of individuals and groups.

This sequence is renowned for providing an outstanding experience for students. Designed by doctoral-prepared faculty who still actively practice, the program mixes online and on-campus education to offer the flexibility you need and quality learning experiences that will take you to the top of your field. Our BSN-DNP program is special in many ways, but an added benefit is our students are eligible to sit for FNP certification and apply for licensure upon completion of FNP coursework mid-program, allowing you to practice as an APRN while finishing the remainder of your DNP coursework.

And, in the case “life happens” our program has a built-in stop-out point allowing students to earn their MSN after completion of master’s level coursework.

Point of Pride

Mennonite College of Nursing's Family Nurse Practitioner program has had a 99% cumulative pass rate on the national certification exam since its founding.

Melissa Moody
(309) 438-7400
Edwards 112

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting International Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

Bachelor's Degree

You must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

GPA

You must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.

Coursework

Show evidence of satisfactory completion of statistics, nursing research, and physical assessment courses with a grade of a C or better at the baccalaureate level.

Resume

Submit your current resume.

Essay

Write a two to three-page, double-spaced essay that describes your educational and career goals.

Licensure

Submit a copy of your current RN license from the state of Illinois.

Academic References

Include on the application the names and email addresses of three professional or academic references from persons qualified to assess your potential to succeed in the DNP program. At least one reference must be from a nursing faculty member from applicant's baccalaureate program or a master's prepared nurse. Your recommenders will receive instructions to complete and upload this reference form to the recommender site.

Credentials Evaluation Service Academic Report (International Students Only)

International applicants must submit to Mennonite College of Nursing a Credentials Evaluation Service Academic Report from CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) or WES (World Education Services). International applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements as directed by the Illinois State University Office of Admissions.

English Proficiency Scores (International Students Only)

International students applying to this program must have a TOEFL score of at least 79 iBT or IELTS score of 6.5 band. Due to limited on-campus courses, immigration documentation cannot be issued for students seeking F-1 or J-1 status.

Application Deadlines

Fall Term Term — February 1

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Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

Given that our programs are designed for working professionals, doctoral students enrolled in a part-time plan of study (6 credit hours minimum) are eligible to apply for graduate assistantship positions in Mennonite College of Nursing. The tuition waiver is prorated based on number of hours enrolled each semester employed as a graduate assistant.

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.