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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Track IV Direct Entry

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 post-graduate studies.

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: One reference can be a recent professor, work supervisor, or professional colleague - must address the applicant’s ability to perform graduate-level 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 does not issue 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.

Leave of Absence Policy for DEMSN:

Once students have started the DEMSN track, there is the expectation that they will continuously enroll each semester until program completion. If there is a valid need to step out of the program, a leave of absence must be requested. A student may be granted a leave of absence for academic or personal reasons with approval from the DEMSN program director in consultation with faculty advisor. Although individual circumstances determine justification and duration, the typical leave of absence is for one semester. A student must request a leave of absence in writing from the DEMSN program director, complete a leave of absence form and have it signed by the DEMSN program director, and submit the signed form to the Office of the Registrar.