Bradley University’s Online Nurse Practitioner Program Is Ranked Number One in Illinois

--Program earned top spot on RegisteredNursing.org’s 2025 list--

The online Nurse Practitioner program at Bradley University has been named the best in Illinois for 2025, according to RegisteredNursing.org, a leading website that focuses on nursing education and employment in the industry.

“We are thrilled to see the hard work of our students, faculty, and support staff recognized,” said Dr. Rachel Borton, Chairperson of the Department of Nursing. “RegisteredNursing.org is a well-respected resource within the nursing education field, and we couldn’t be more excited to receive this honor.”

The rankings are based on numerous factors, including completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program variety, and faculty expertise.

Data from sources including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), and the Council for Community and Economic Research is also factored into the methodology.

In their writeup accompanying the list, RegiseredNursing.org said the following about the Bradley program:

“Bradley University's Department of Nursing offers top-tier nurse practitioner programs. These programs provide students with comprehensive theoretical and practical training in a variety of specialties, including family, adult-gerontology, and psychiatric-mental health. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with advanced clinical skills and prepare them for success in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.”

One of the standout features of Bradley’s nurse practitioner program is the wide range of options it offers. Students can choose between earning a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, while those who already hold an advanced nursing degree can add a new specialization by earning a post-master's nursing certificate.

Prospective students can also choose from multiple entry points, depending on their prior education level. These include options for students who hold an Associate Degree in Nursing, a non-nursing bachelor's degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a Master of Science in Nursing.

“This recognition underscores Bradley University's excellence and leadership in nursing education,” said RegisteredNursing.org outreach coordinator Sally Worthington told the Peoria Journal Star.

Additional information about Bradley’s online Nurse Practitioner program can be found at https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/nursing.