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UIC - University of Illinois at ChicagoCollege of Nursing
 
   
   
 

Frequently Asked Questions


Student FAQs
  1. How can I become a UIC-prepared family nurse practitioner?
  2. What qualifications should I have from my previous education?
  3. What do I need to apply?
  4. Is part-time study possible? Can I take courses before being admitted into the FNP program?
  5. How many clinical hours are in the FNP program? Do students have to find their own practicums?

1. How can I become a UIC-prepared family nurse practitioner?

At UIC, there are several ways you can prepare to be an FNP. The Master of Science (MS) program has 51 credit hours for FNP, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has 90 credit hours for FNP. If you already hold a masters degree in nursing, a third option is the post-Masters program. Credit hours required are variable depending on the student's previous coursework. Last, Graduate Entry students may choose the family nurse practitioner specialty when they apply for that program. Please see the College of Nursing's website for further information.

2. What qualifications should I have from my previous education?

You must hold a bachelors degree and be a licensed professional nurse. Your previous educational preparation should include specific coursework; please see the MS, GEP, and DNP admission websites for further information.

3. What do I need to apply?

Applications for MS, GEP, and DNP are available online. Please note the application deadline that applies to your program and provide all requested materials prior to that time. All applications are reviewed soon after the application deadline, following which qualified applicants will be interviewed, admissions decisions made, and all applicants notified of the outcome of their application.

4. Is part-time study possible? Can I take courses before being admitted into the FNP program?

Both full and part-time program plans are available for students in MS, DNP, GEP, and post-MS FNP programs. You must be a degree-seeking student (accepted into a program) in order to take courses at the UIC College of Nursing. However, equivalent courses may be transferable, depending on faculty evaluation of the particular course.

5. How many clinical hours are in the FNP program? Do students have to find their own practicums?

In the MS and post-MS FNP programs there are 660 hours of clinical practice. The DNP FNP program adds a 2-semester residency for a total of 1020 hours of clinical practice. The FNP program at UIC has an outstanding roster of expert clinical preceptors. We arrange and match students to ensure the best possible clinical training throughout the FNP program.