Most important takeaways…
- Chicago-area schools offer FNP, PMHNP, PNP, AGNP, AGACNP, and WHNP specialties across MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels.
- Net prices for the most affordable NP programs in the region start below $20,000 for the full degree.
- Nurse practitioners in the Chicago metro earn a median annual wage above $120,000, delivering strong return on investment.
- Working nurses can choose from online, hybrid, or on-campus formats, though all tracks require local clinical hours.
More than 30 academic medical centers and over 50 federally qualified health centers operate across the Chicago metro, creating one of the densest clinical training environments in the Midwest. That infrastructure supports a wide range of nurse practitioner programs in Illinois, from FNP and PMHNP tracks to less common specialties like Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Women's Health.
For working nurses weighing program options, the core tension is practical: balancing tuition costs, clinical placement logistics, and degree level (MSN vs. DNP) against the salary gains an NP credential delivers in this market. Coverage here extends beyond Chicago proper to suburbs and nearby cities like Naperville, Evanston, and Rockford, where many students live or complete rotations. Illinois does not require NPs to hold a DNP for independent practice, but employer preferences and reimbursement trends continue shifting toward the doctoral degree. If you're wondering whether that investment makes sense, our breakdown of whether a DNP is worth it covers the tradeoffs in detail.
NP Programs in Chicago, Ranked
These are some of the strongest NP programs for Chicago-area nurses, including options in the city, the surrounding suburbs, and commutable nearby metros. Each school is worth considering based on its specialties, delivery format, and clinical connections.
- Accreditation status
- Tuition and cost
- Graduate outcomes
- Specialty offerings
- Clinical placement support
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Chicago is the city's flagship public nursing school and the most comprehensive NP option in the area, with DNP tracks in family, adult-gerontology, pediatric, women's health, psychiatric-mental health, and neonatal care. Faculty arrange practicum placements across Chicago-area health systems and community clinics, and several programs report strong certification pass rates. Multiple Illinois campus locations add flexibility for students across the state.
- Post-master's DNP and post-DNP certificate pathways
- Certification through PNCB
- Hospital-based clinical experience with critically ill children
- Post-master's DNP and post-DNP certificate options
- Certification through PNCB
- Primary care focus for children and families
- Faculty-arranged practicum sites
- Blended online and in-person format
- Multiple Illinois campus locations
- Focus on underserved communities
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Lifespan-focused curriculum
- Clinical skills in diagnostic reasoning, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy
- Available at six UIC campuses
- Psychiatric clinical experience preferred
- Prepares for National Certification Corporation exam
- Clinical sites arranged by staff
- Well-woman, reproductive, and gynecological care
- Chicago, Rockford, and Urbana campuses
- 77 total credit hours
- 1000 clinical hours
- Faculty arranges clinical placements
- Part-time available
- BSN-to-DNP pathway
- 100% licensure pass rate
- Practicum sites arranged by faculty
- Post-master's DNP available
- Specialized neonatal NP track
- Evidence-based neonatal care focus
- Advanced practice nursing doctorate
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care) DNP — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) DNP — Hybrid
Family Nurse Practitioner DNP — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP — Hybrid
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner DNP — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP — Hybrid
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner DNP — On-Campus
Rush University
Rush University is embedded in a leading Chicago academic medical center, giving NP students uncommon access to practicing faculty and urban clinical sites. Its DNP and post-master's certificate options span family, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology, and pediatric acute and primary care, with many delivered online or hybrid to accommodate working schedules.
- Part-time, eight-month minimum completion
- $1,436 per credit
- Two required campus visits
- Class size limited to 30 students
- Prepares for CPNP-AC certification
- For nurses with a doctoral degree in nursing
- 1-1.5 years to complete
- Clinical sites in the Chicago area
- Faculty are active practitioners
- BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP tracks
- Online courses with two on-campus visits
- Clinical experiences at Rush and in Chicago
- 2-3.5 years to complete
- Apply through NursingCAS
- BSN or MSN entry paths
- Starts fall
- Personal interview with faculty
- Complete in 2-4 years
- Part-time available
- Synchronous online classes
- Prepares for ANCC lifespan PMHNP certification
- DNP project capstone
- Class size of 21 students
- Clinical sites in Chicago and suburbs
- Five required campus visits
- 3-3.5 years to complete
- Hybrid format with 75% online
- Small class size of 30
- Individualized clinical practica
- 2-3.5 years to complete
Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Postdoctoral Certificate — On-Campus
Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP — Online
Family Nurse Practitioner DNP — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP — Online
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP — On-Campus
University of St Francis
University of St. Francis combines online FNP and PMHNP programs with a remarkably Chicago-focused clinical mission. Through HRSA-funded ANEW support, selected students complete rotations at partner clinics in Chicago and Joliet and can receive scholarships toward their degree. Eight-week course cycles and multiple start dates help working nurses stay on track.
- CCNE accredited
- $830 per credit
- Complete in 24-36 months
- Eight-week course cycles
- Five start dates per year
- 20% alumni discount
- HRSA ANEW scholarships available
- $810 per credit
- Complete in 24-48 months
- Eligible for ANCC certification
- Covers therapy planning and medication management
- HRSA ANEW scholarships with Chicago-area clinical partners
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Saint Xavier University
Saint Xavier University's MSN-FNP is anchored in Chicago, pairing online coursework with on-campus skills intensives and preceptor assistance. The program includes 600 clinical hours, reports strong recent certification outcomes, and welcomes applicants from Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
- 47 credit hours
- $750 per credit
- Total cost $35,250
- Hybrid online and campus format
- 600 clinical hours
- 100% FNP exam pass rate
- Admits Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin applicants
- Preceptor assistance provided
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Lewis University
Lewis University brings CCNE-accredited nursing programs to the southwest suburbs, with MSN concentrations and post-master's certificates spanning family, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology, and acute care practice. Courses are offered online, hybrid, or at the Oak Brook location, and the university supports employer tuition assistance, alumni scholarships, and graduate assistantships.
- Requires an MSN degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- RN licensure required
- Hybrid format
- Accredited by CCNE
- Alumni scholarship available
- Online post-master's certificate
- Covers psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy
- Lifespan mental health conditions
- Prepares for intensive care settings
- Online coursework options
- Requires MSN degree
- Campus-based certificate program
- Serves adolescents through older adults
- Routine and complex medical care focus
- Seven concentration options
- Full-time and part-time enrollment
- Online or Oak Brook location
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- 73 total credit hours
- Two required DNP immersions
- Final scholarly project presentation
- DNP residencies included
Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN — On-Campus
BSN to DNP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Chamberlain University-Illinois
Chamberlain University's Illinois campus supports a national online NP lineup, including FNP, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology primary care, and acute care tracks. Chicago-area students benefit from local immersion events and dedicated practicum support to secure preceptors in the metro region. The for-profit model is worth weighing against lower-cost public options.
- Finish in three years
- Online format
- CCNE accredited
- Practicum support provided
- Immersion skills event
- Integrated certification exam preparation
- Finish in 2.5 years
- No GRE required
- 625 clinical practicum hours
- Online coursework
- Requires one year of RN experience
- 750 total clinical hours
- No GRE or entrance exams
- Multiple start dates
- 45 credit hours
- 650-hour practicum
- Two in-person visits
- Clinical experiences across all age groups
- 36 credit hours
- Six semesters of full-time study
- Two on-ground immersion weekends
- No mandatory login times
- Nine concentration options
- Available fully online to Illinois residents
- RN-BSN to MSN pathway
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
RN-BSN to MSN, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University offers an affordable, CCNE-accredited MSN-FNP and a hybrid DNP pathway from its DeKalb campus, about an hour west of Chicago. Online coursework is paired with in-person internships in Illinois, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious working nurses.
- 50 credit hours
- $792.18 per credit hour
- Illinois RN license required
- In-person internships included
- Fall and spring start terms
- CCNE accredited
- $792 per credit
- Clinical placement assistance available
- Hybrid format with online classes
- Full-time and part-time options
- Preceptor coordinator assists with placements
- Clinical partnerships with local health organizations
MS in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BS-DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Marquette University
Marquette University's nursing school offers a CCNE-accredited post-master's certificate in adult-gerontology acute care plus MSN tracks in adult-gerontology primary care and pediatric care. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical assessment for complex patients, with acute care tracks requiring significant RN experience. Milwaukee is roughly a 90-minute drive from Chicago, making it a realistic option for nurses willing to commute.
- Post-master's certificate for nurses with graduate degrees
- Minimum 12 credits, typically 21-30 credits
- Covers Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Advanced Health Assessment
- Requires one year of full-time acute care RN experience
- Accredited by CCNE
- Six concentration options across the nursing MSN
- Spring, summer, and fall start dates
- Interview required for pediatric specialization applicants
- No GRE required to apply
- Focus on health promotion and diagnosis
- Serves patients ages 13 and up
- Clinic-setting primary care focus
- PALS certification required for admission
- One year of acute care experience required
- Focus on complex, critically ill children
- $1,450 per credit
- 48 total credit hours
- Dual certification in primary and acute care
- 250-hour clinical residency
- Training at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — On-Campus
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) MSN — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN — On-Campus
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care) MSN — Hybrid
Dual Pediatric Primary Care and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN-DNP — Hybrid
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee School of Engineering offers CCNE-accredited PMHNP programs in a hybrid format that suits nurses in the northern Chicago suburbs and southeastern Wisconsin. Students choose between an MSN track and a post-master's certificate, both built around psychiatric-mental health practice across the lifespan.
- Hybrid program format
- CCNE accredited
- Apply through NursingCAS
- Psychiatric mental health specialization
- Blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences
- Recognized in U.S. News Best Online Programs 2026
- Apply through NursingCAS
Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate — Hybrid
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track — Hybrid
Andrews University
Andrews University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, making it a practical option for RNs who need to keep working while earning the terminal degree. The ACEN-accredited, cohort-based program combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework and can be completed in three to five years.
- ACEN accredited
- Cohort-based structure
- Synchronous and asynchronous online options
- Complete in three to five years
- Scholarly project with defense
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Three entry tracks for BSN or MSN prepared nurses
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
NP Specialties Available in the Chicago Area
Which nurse practitioner specialties can you actually study in the Chicago metro area? The short answer: Family, Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs are most widely available, while Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Women's Health, and Neonatal tracks require a bit more legwork to find. For a broader look at all available pathways, see our guide to nurse practitioner specialties.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family Nurse Practitioners provide primary care across the lifespan, from newborns to older adults. You'll manage acute illness, chronic disease, and health promotion in outpatient settings. FNP is the most common specialty in the Chicago area, and nearly every institution offering NP education includes an FNP track at the MSN, DNP, or post-master's certificate level.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health and substance use disorders. PMHNP programs in Chicago have grown rapidly to meet workforce demand, with hybrid and online options now available at several institutions. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers a hybrid DNP-track PMHNP program accessible to Chicago-area students.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
Adult-Gerontology tracks prepare you to care for adolescents through older adults in primary care or acute care settings. AGNP programs are less common than FNP in the immediate Chicago area, though some institutions offer AGNP concentrations within broader MSN or DNP curricula.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners specialize in care from infancy through young adulthood, in either primary care or acute care settings. University of Illinois Chicago offers a hybrid DNP Pediatric Acute Care track, and Rush University provides a post-graduate Acute Care Pediatric NP certificate for nurses already holding a graduate degree.
Women's Health and Neonatal Specialties
Women's Health Nurse Practitioners focus on reproductive and gynecologic care. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners work exclusively with critically ill newborns in NICU settings. Both are harder to find locally. Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria offers a three-year MSN Neonatal NP program (learn more about NP programs in Peoria Illinois), and students willing to commute to Rockford, Champaign, or northwest Indiana may discover additional specialty options not widely advertised in the Chicago metro itself.
MSN, DNP, or Post-Master's Certificate: Choosing Your Degree Level
If you're weighing an MSN FNP vs DNP in Chicago, understanding the differences in time commitment, clinical requirements, and career positioning is essential. The MSN is the entry-level credential for nurse practitioner practice, while the DNP is the terminal practice doctorate. A post-master's certificate lets nurses who already hold an MSN add a new NP specialty without repeating an entire graduate degree. Each pathway serves a different stage of your career.
How to Choose the Right NP Program in Chicago
Choosing the right nurse practitioner program in Chicago means looking beyond a school's reputation or location. It requires investigating the details that directly affect your ability to get licensed, find clinical placements, and pass certification exams. The process centers on four key areas: accreditation, certification pass rates, clinical placement support, and faculty expertise.
Verify Accreditation Status
Accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is non-negotiable. It confirms that the program meets national quality standards, including fnp program accreditation requirements, and is required for licensure and national certification. Most schools display their accreditation on the program webpage, but you can also verify status directly on the CCNE or ACEN websites. If a program is not accredited by one of these bodies, you may not be eligible to sit for certification exams or obtain state licensure.
Compare Certification Pass Rates
Certification pass rates are a practical indicator of how well a program prepares its graduates. Request first-time pass rate data for the ANCC or AANP exam relevant to your intended specialty. Some schools publish these on their outcomes pages. When comparing, look for rates that meet or exceed national averages. Consistently low pass rates could signal gaps in curriculum or exam preparation support.
Assess Clinical Placement Support
Securing nurse practitioner clinical rotations in the Chicago area can be competitive. Ask each program directly about their clinical placement process. Do they assign preceptors, maintain hospital partnerships, or provide a coordinator to help you find sites? Some np programs with clinical placements in the Chicago area have established networks among hospitals, clinics, and community practices, which can save you months of legwork and ensure you gain the required patient-care hours.
Evaluate Faculty Expertise
Faculty who remain clinically active bring real-world insight to the classroom. Browse the school's website for faculty profiles and look for mention of current practice, recent publications, or specialization in areas like family practice, psychiatric care, or acute care. Instructors who are actively engaged in the nursing community often have stronger professional connections that can benefit your clinical journey and career.
Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus Programs for Working Nurses
Online, hybrid, and on-campus NP programs each offer distinct advantages for working nurses, but the terminology can be misleading. Even fully online programs require in-person clinical hours, which means your location in the Chicago area still influences where you can complete rotations.
Fully Online Programs: Flexibility with a Catch
Several Illinois schools, including Chamberlain University, Northern Illinois University, and Governors State University, offer online FNP programs in Illinois and other NP tracks. These programs deliver coursework asynchronously, giving you flexibility to study around your work schedule. However, every program requires hundreds of clinical practicum hours at approved sites. For Chicago-area nurses, this often means leveraging connections to local health systems like Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Health, or the University of Chicago Medical Center. Proximity to these hospitals can make securing preceptors easier.
Hybrid Programs: Blending Convenience and Face-to-Face Learning
Hybrid formats, common among schools like UIC, DePaul University, and Saint Xavier University, combine online courses with periodic on-campus intensives. These sessions build hands-on skills and allow you to connect with faculty and peers. The blend works well for nurses who want some in-person interaction without a full commute.
What to Ask About Clinical Placement Support
A key differentiator across all formats is clinical placement support. Some programs, such as Chamberlain and Saint Xavier, offer dedicated placement services or preceptor assistance. Others leave the process largely up to you. Before enrolling, ask pointed questions: Does the school help arrange rotations? Are there partnerships with Chicago-area hospitals? For online programs, verify that the school can support placements in Illinois, especially if the institution is based out of state. Nurses interested in doctoral-level preparation should also explore online DNP programs in Illinois, where similar clinical placement questions apply. The quality of placement support can directly impact how quickly you finish your program.
Most Affordable NP Programs in the Chicago Area
The table below highlights five of the most affordable NP programs in and around Chicago, sorted by net price. Keep in mind that net price figures reflect institution-wide averages (including financial aid) reported to the federal government, not NP-specific tuition. Your actual cost will depend on the program you choose, your residency status, and the financial aid you receive. Public universities such as UIC, Governors State, and Northern Illinois typically offer the largest savings for Illinois residents.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Xavier University | $13,950 | $13,950 | $10,970 | Hybrid |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $17,550 | $27,748 | $10,974 | Hybrid |
| Governors State University | $10,666 | $10,666 | $12,329 | Online |
| University of St. Francis | $14,757 | $14,757 | $13,006 | Online |
| Northern Illinois University | $9,176 | $9,176 | $13,391 | Online |
What Chicago NP Graduates Earn: Outcomes and ROI
Weighing the cost of an NP program against your future earning power is one of the most practical calculations you'll make, and the Chicago metro offers strong financial returns for nurse practitioners who complete advanced training.
Current Wages in the Chicago Market
As of May 2025 (the most recent data available), the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that nurse practitioners in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin MSA earned a median annual wage of $120,540. That figure reflects the middle of the distribution, meaning half of NPs in the metro earn more and half earn less. The same dataset counted approximately 6,830 nurse practitioners employed across the metropolitan area, a figure that has grown steadily over the past decade as hospitals, health systems, and outpatient clinics expand their reliance on advanced practice providers.
Your actual starting salary will depend on specialty, care setting, and experience. Psychiatric-mental health NPs and acute care NPs in hospital settings often command the higher end of the range, while family and pediatric NPs in community health centers may start closer to the median. For a deeper look at how compensation varies across roles, explore highest paid nurse practitioner specialties. Many Chicago-area NPs also earn productivity bonuses, differential pay for weekend or evening shifts, and robust benefits packages that add substantial value beyond base salary.
National Job Outlook and Illinois Workforce Demand
Nationally, the BLS projects employment of nurse practitioners to grow 45 percent from 2022 to 2032, a pace categorized as much faster than average for all occupations. That projection translates to roughly 118,600 new NP positions over the decade, driven by an aging population, increased access to care under health insurance expansion, and a shift toward team-based models that rely on NPs for primary and specialty care.
In Illinois, demand is amplified by persistent workforce shortages. The Health Resources and Services Administration's data explorer identifies dozens of Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) across the state, including several in the Chicago metro's outer suburbs and neighboring rural counties. You can learn more about where gaps are most acute by reviewing states with the most need for nurse practitioners. The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Employment Security both publish workforce reports that highlight NP vacancies in behavioral health, geriatrics, and underserved urban neighborhoods.
Return on Investment
Most Chicago-area NP programs cost between $30,000 and $70,000 in total tuition, and graduates typically see a meaningful salary increase within the first year of practice. If you're currently earning the median RN wage in Illinois (approximately $80,000), the step up to $120,000 as an NP recoups tuition in two to three years for many graduates. Programs that offer employer tuition reimbursement, federal loan forgiveness for service in HPSAs, or part-time enrollment that lets you keep working can further improve the return timeline.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Chicago
What steps do you need to take to go from bedside RN to practicing nurse practitioner in Illinois? The pathway involves several distinct milestones, and understanding the full timeline helps you plan your career move realistically. If you're early in the process, our guide on transitioning from RN to nurse practitioner covers the big-picture considerations.
Step-by-Step Pathway to NP Practice
The journey to becoming a nurse practitioner in Chicago follows this sequence:
- Earn your BSN: Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program.
- Obtain RN licensure: Pass the NCLEX-RN and secure your Illinois RN license.1
- Complete a graduate NP program: Enroll in an MSN or DNP program with your chosen specialty track. An active RN license is required for admission.
- Pass national certification: Sit for board certification through either the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in your specialty area.3
- Apply for Illinois APRN licensure: Submit your application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which handles all APRN licensing in the state.
- Enter a collaborative agreement: Illinois requires new NPs to practice under a written collaborative agreement with a physician.4
- Achieve full practice authority: After completing 4,000 hours of collaboration, you become eligible for full practice authority without physician oversight.4
Timeline Expectations
From the start of a BSN program through initial NP licensure, expect roughly six to eight years total. If you already hold your BSN and RN license, the graduate portion alone typically takes two to three years for an MSN, or three to four years for a DNP completed part-time.
Illinois Practice Authority Explained
Illinois operates under a partial practice model with a clear pathway to independence. When you first obtain your APRN license, you must work under a written collaborative agreement that identifies your collaborating physician, describes your scope of services, delegates prescriptive authority, and outlines communication methods.4
Once you accumulate 4,000 hours of collaborative practice, you can apply for full practice authority. This 2017 legislative change means experienced NPs in Illinois can eventually practice and prescribe independently, including Schedule II through V controlled substances with appropriate DEA registration.3 For a broader look at how these rules compare across the country, see the nurse practitioner scope of practice guide.
