University of St. Francis, Benedictine University partner to offer master nursing program
The University of St. Francis will offer its master
of science program in Advanced Practice Nursing
at Benedictine University in Lisle. The partnership
plan for accelerated degree completion has been
approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
The master of science in nursing program (MSN) expansion is in direct response to the request of Benedictine University nursing faculty who wish to provide their RN-BSN degree completion students with career mobility and the opportunity to obtain an advanced practice degree in their locale, said Maria Connolly, dean of the University of St. Francis College of Nursing and Allied Health.
The
greater DuPage County area does not have a college
or university that offers an MSN program for the
preparation of nurse practitioners and clinical
nurse specialists that focus on the care of the
older adult and nursing education, noted Connolly.
The
RN to BSN/MSN accelerated degree program allows
registered nurses to enroll in graduate-level
nursing courses before completion of their bachelor’s
degree and allows students to complete the master’s
degree sooner—in about two and a half years--than
in traditional programs, explained Connolly. MSN
graduates qualify to take national certifying
examinations and apply for a second license in
the State of Illinois to practice in an advanced
role.
"The
University of St. Francis and Benedictine University
are offering this innovative program to ensure
an increase in the number of well-educated advanced
practice nurses in the workforce during a time
when an ever-increasing worldwide nursing shortage
continues to be predicted," said Connolly.
"Advance
practice nurses play a dynamic role in community
health care," Connolly added. "They
are caring, knowledgeable health care providers
who can diagnose and treat patients in collaboration
with physicians and other allied health professionals,"
she said.
Beginning
this fall USF will offer its MSN program at Benedictine
University. Students will take a combination of
classroom and online courses. Both USF and Benedictine
nursing faculty will teach portions of the program.
Students may choose between two tracks of study:
clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner.
Benedictine
University RN-BSN students must meet USF admission
requirements for the MSN program but will not
be required to take the Graduate Record Examination
(GRE).
The
University of St. Francis, founded in 1920, serves
more than 4,300 students nationwide, including
1,800 students at its main campus in Joliet.
The College of Nursing and Allied Health at the University of St. Francis has educated three generations of nurses. USF’s undergraduate health care programs include the bachelor of science in nursing for freshman and transfer students; the BSN Fast Track program for RNs with A DN or diplomas; medical technology; nuclear medicine technology; radiation therapy; and radiography. Graduate programs include the MSN with three tracks of study: Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Family Nurse Practitioner (offered on site in Albuquerque, N.M.). Online courses are available. The university also offers the master of science in Physician Assistant Studies in Albuquerque.