BSN to DNP

Program Options

The Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is nationally recognized among the Top 25 Online DNP Programs. Some on-campus requirements apply, depending on the degree program chosen. The College offers four BSN to DNP degree programs:

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (P-MHNP)
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

Program Outcomes

The graduate of the doctorate degree program is able to:

1. Incorporate advanced levels of clinical judgment and scholarship into nursing and leadership.
2. Appraise scientific knowledge, as well as new and current approaches in nursing practice and leadership to promote optimal outcomes.
3. Examine leadership in organizations and systems to assure quality care delivery models.
4. Design, deliver, direct and disseminate evidence-based practices.
5. Evaluate programs, health care delivery systems and outcomes using information systems.
6. Advocate for health care practice change through policy development and evaluation.
7. Assume appropriate leadership roles for effective interprofessional collaboration to achieve optimal outcomes.
8. Combine ethical principles with decision making processes in health care practices and systems.
9. Integrate advanced clinical reasoning and judgment in the management of complex clinical situations and systems.

Admission Criteria

1. Please send the following to the Admissions Office:
   1. Completed Application for Admission Priority Date - Priority acceptance is given to completed application materials received by April 1st for fall semester and Oct. 1st for spring, although applications are accepted all year round.
   2. Pay nonrefundable $50.00 application fee.
   3. Request that the registration office of all higher education institutions previously attended send an official transcript directly to the Admissions Office. Please note that we must receive an official transcript from every institution, even if transfer credit from that institution appears on the transcript of another institution.
   4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a program accredited by ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE and regionally accredited.
   5. Evidence of completion of undergraduate health assessment and nursing research with a minimum grade of “C” in both courses.
   6. Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
   7. Proof of current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in state where currently practicing.
   8. Three letters of recommendation from persons who can to speak to the applicant’s ability to undertake doctoral study. (PDF) One letter from a nursing faculty from student’s bachelor’s education is preferred. The references providing the recommendations are to mail their letters directly to the Admissions Office/Graduate Program (SFMC CON, 511 NE Greenleaf St., Peoria, IL 61603).
   9. A 750 – 1,000 word typed essay outlining goals, objectives, and focused area of interest.
   10. Evidence of one year professional nursing experience preferred.
   11. NNP-Must have the equivalent of at least two years of fulltime clinical experience as an RN in a Level III or IV NICU within the past five years before starting the clinical courses. May start theory courses without the required clinical experience. Must hold and maintain a current Neonatal Resuscitation Program certificate.
   12. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students must have 1 year of experience (or the equivalent) in psych-mental health within the last 5 years prior to starting the psych-mental health specific theory or practicum courses.
   13. An interview may be requested by the College.
2. When all of the above documentation has been received in the Admissions Office and evaluated, you will receive a letter from the College of Nursing regarding your admission status.
3. Checklist:
   1. Application
   2. $50.00 application fee
   3. Transcripts
   4. Three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the College (PDF)
   5. Curriculum Vitae
   6. Copy of RN license and APN license, if applicable
   7. Copy of certification (if applicable)
   8. Admission essay

Distance Education Student Eligibility by State:

All applicants are welcome to apply. However, due to restrictions on distance education imposed by individual states, the College cannot accept students that are residents of the following states (11-25-20).

The College has met state specific distance education requirements and has been given permission by the Board of Higher Education to provide this Post Masters DNP education to students in all states except the ones in the table above. Students can contact the State Board of Nursing for further information. See below for addresses.

Your state not listed or other questions? If you are a potential out of state applicant and you do not see your state listed above or if you have other questions, please contact the Graduate Dean at (309) 655-2230 to determine the College’s authorization to offer distance education in your home state.

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