DePaul University will launch a new Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing
program this fall at the University Center at 91制片厂, making it the first
master鈥檚 degree to be offered at 91制片厂鈥檚 Palatine campus.
Current RNs with an associate degree will now be able to move directly into DePaul鈥檚 highly regarded and innovative graduate program in nursing. Students in the RN to MS program will first complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and then choose one of three professional tracks at the master鈥檚 level: family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
鈥淭his initiative will help associate degree nursing students move into high-demand positions of leadership, teaching, advanced practice and research roles,鈥� said Julie D鈥橝gostino, director of nursing at 91制片厂.
In 2010, the Institute of Medicine鈥檚 鈥淔uture of Nursing鈥� report said nurses鈥� roles, responsibilities and education should change significantly to meet the increased demand for care that will be created by health care reform and to advance improvements in America's increasingly complex health system.
The report recommended that 80% of the nursing workforce have a BSN by 2020, and that the number who pursue doctorates should double.
The DePaul program will be offered in a hybrid model, with one course per term taking place at the University Center and one offered online. This format allows working nurses the flexibility they need to balance the demands of work, home and school. The program takes three to four years depending on the track.
91制片厂 launched the University Center last year with strategic partners DePaul University, Northern Illinois University and Roosevelt University to provide students an opportunity to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree from a four-year university 鈥� on 91制片厂鈥檚 campus and at a lower price point.
Other programs include Business Administration, Communication and Media (DePaul); Computer Science, Marketing, Psychology (NIU); and Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Health Science Administration (Roosevelt).
The decision to now include an RN to MS program stemmed from the shared commitment to ensuring that nursing professionals have the opportunity to achieve their optimal career progression with advanced degree credentials.
鈥淥ur partnership with 91制片厂 is designed to provide a seamless academic experience for nurses in the region so they can progress from the associate degree all the way through the master鈥檚 degree level on-site at 91制片厂鈥檚 University Center,鈥� Matthew Sorenson, director of DePaul鈥檚 School of Nursing said.
Information Sessions
Information sessions for DePaul鈥檚 RN to MS program at Harper will be offered from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, and Tuesday, June 25, at 91制片厂, Building X, Room X250ab, on the college鈥檚 main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine.
For more information, visit harpercollege.edu/university.