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Track IV: Direct-Entry MSN (pre-license) 70 sh

The Master of Science in Nursing program for non-nursing graduates is designed for individuals who hold baccalaureate degrees in fields other than nursing.

The 70-credit program builds upon previous, broad educational preparation. It provides an intense and fast-paced nursing curriculum preparing students to become eligible for the NCLEX-R.N. examination and to earn a generalist Master of Science in Nursing degree (M.S.N. with no specialization) upon completion of the program. The program is full-time only and is completed in five consecutive 14-week semesters.

During this program, graduates develop leadership competencies that position students to seek employment in many health care settings. Students have the competencies necessary to practice at the microsystem level, providing point-of-care delivery with a focus on safety, quality, and improved outcomes.

Graduates are eligible to apply for a post-master's certificate in one of the nursing specialties at North Park.

Admissions:

  • Non-nursing baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
    • If an applicant has a GPA less than 3.20, the applicant must take the TEAS (Testing of Essential Academic Skills) Nursing Entrance Exam and must earn 70% or greater on the exam.
  • Transcripts must show completion of the following prerequisite courses within the past seven years:
    • Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
    • Microbiology with lab
    • Chemistry with lab
    • General Psychology
    • Human Growth and Development
    • Statistics
    • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for prerequisite courses; science courses must have a grade of “C” or better; non- science courses must have a grade of “C-“or better; no “D”s, “F”s, and no more than one “W” (withdrawal).
  • Provide proof of Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association only.
  • Submit a 500-800-word essay addressing the following:
    • Why do you want to pursue a master’s degree in nursing at North Park University?
    • Discuss your ability to manage an accelerated rigorous curriculum.
    • How will this program further your professional goals?
  • Professional Resume
  • Two references-recommender can be a recent professor, work supervisor, or professional colleague, and should address the student’s ability to perform graduate work successfully and their work ethic; no personal, friend, or family references will be accepted.
  • Due to the high-level language competency required in nursing, international applicants** must possess proficiency in English at a level to enable them to succeed in graduate-level studies. All international applicants for the DEMSN program are required to submit results from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET).
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum score of 100 is required. The expected breakdown is as follows: Reading 26, Listening 26, Speaking 25, Writing 25.
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): A minimum combined score of 7.0 is required with each subsection score of at least 7.0.
    • Duolingo English Test (DET): A minimum score of 125 is required.
    • **International applicants include those with English as an additional language and/or an applicant with a permanent resident card.
    • North Park University will not be issuing I-20s for the DEMSN program.

Applicants may be invited for an interview. Before enrolling in the program, accepted students must complete all required immunizations, health screenings, drug screenings, and background checks for clinical clearance.

**The DEMSN (pre-license) program does not accept transfer students.

Requirements

Course requirements

MSN Core Courses

Note: For DEMSN students only, the MSN Core Courses are offered every semester (Fall, Spring, and Summer).
NURS 5010Scientific Inquiry and Knowledge Dev Development

3
NURS 5015Health Care Systems: Org & Resources

3
NURS 5020Population Based Health Care

3
NURS 5030Professional Communication & Collaboration

2

Nurse Generalist (pre-license) Courses (DEMSN)

NURS 5210Professional Development I: Introduction to Professional Nursing

2
NURS 5215Professional Development Ii: Image, Roles, and Ethics

4
NURS 5220Communication and Managing Healthcare Information

3
NURS 5230Pathophysiology I

2
NURS 5235Pathophysiology II

2
NURS 5240Pharmacology I

2
NURS 5245Pharmacology II

2
NURS 5250Holistic Health Assessment and Therapeutic Interventions

3
NURS 5260Development of a Microsystem Leader

3
NURS 5270Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement: Translating Research to Practice

4
NURS 5280Nursing in an Evolving Healthcare System

3
NURS 5310Health and Illness: Foundations of Nursing

3
NURS 5311Health and Illness: Foundations of Nursing Practicum

1
NURS 5320Health and Illness: Nursing Across the Lifespan

4
NURS 5321Health and Illness: Nursing Across the Lifespan Practicum

3
NURS 5330Population Health Nursing

4
NURS 5331Population Health Nursing Practicum

1
NURS 5340Health & Illness: Nursing With Diverse Populations

5
NURS 5341Health & Illness: Nursing With Diverse Populations Practicum

3
NURS 5380DEMSN Immersion Practicum

3
NURS 5390Integration and Role Transition Seminar

2