Admission Requirements for the MS and Post-MS Programs
Admission to the MS and Post-MS programs requires compliance with the following:
Applicants need to fill out an online application to start the process. Candidates for the MS and Post-MS programs must submit all admission materials on or before the application deadline for the intended start term:
Summer 2013: May 1, 2013
Fall 2013: August 10, 2013
2. RN Licensure
Active license to practice in Illinois as a Registered Nurse (RN)
3. Nursing Degree
- Candidates for the MS Program must hold a BSN or BS with a major in nursing degree.
- Candidates for the Post-MS Certificate Program must possess an MSN or MS with a major in nursing.
- This degree should be from an accredited program (NLN or CCNE).
i. Required Undergraduate Coursework
- Statistics
- Nursing Research
- Health Assessment
ii. Grade Point Average (GPA)
In general, applicants to the MS Program have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the BSN or BS degree. North Park University will calculate cumulative GPA for each candidate's BS degree based on all credits transferred to the degree-conferring institution.
Applicants to the Post-MS Certificate Program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for their MS or MSN degree.
4. Official Transcripts
Candidates to the MS Program must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Applicants to the Post-MS Certificate Program must submit official transcripts for their MSN/MS degree, and any other undergraduate transcripts that would prove completion of prerequisite courses (Statistics, Nursing Research, and Health Assessment).
i. Foreign Transcripts
Applicants who have completed coursework outside of the U.S. must have their foreign transcripts evaluated by one of the following evaluation services in lieu of original transcript documents: WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). Request to have transcript evaluation processed in the course-by-course format and sent to North Park University's office of Graduate Admission, Box 19. Contact Viviana Belisle if you have questions before you request this evaluation.
ii. North Park Alumni
Applicants who have previously completed studies at North Park should complete the transcript request card to arrange for official transcripts to be sent (at no cost) via inter-departmental mail from the Records Office to the Admission Office, Box #19.
5. Professional Nursing Experience
Candidates for the MS program should have a minimum of two years work experience as an RN. Two recommendations – preferably from supervisors who can assess your professional qualifications – are required.
6. Resume
Applicants should submit a copy of their current curriculum vitae (CV).
7. Personal Statement
The mark of an excellent graduate student is the ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing. Please submit a typewritten response between 300-500 words, double-spaced, that addresses the following questions:
- What are your professional goals?
- How will graduate education help you to achieve those goals?
- Why have you chosen North Park University for your graduate studies?
8. Interview
An interview with the graduate committee may be required prior to admission.
9. Liability Insurance
Proof of current liability insurance coverage will be required prior to beginning any clinical course.
Candidates with a bachelor's degree with a major other than nursing:
In the state of Illinois, candidates must already possess the equivalent of a BS degree in nursing in order to continue into an MS program in nursing. Many schools advertise as having “bridge” programs in which students complete any necessary undergraduate nursing coursework and the MS coursework together.
At this time, North Park University does not offer an accelerated nursing program for non-RNs or career-changers.
If you are not yet an RN, you have the option to apply to North Park University as a transfer student for our traditional, on-campus undergraduate program. This traditional program is not offered in an accelerated format, nor is it geared toward the needs of the returning adult student. This is the only option at North Park University for students who are not already RNs, or if you have completed a bachelor's degree in another field of study.
If you are — or become —an RN, consider applying to our RN to BS program!
Learn More about Nursing Education in Illinois
For detailed information on state-approved nursing education programs at all levels, visit the Illinois Center for Nursing available through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. There you will also find detailed information on licensing and certification requirements for all levels of nursing. This Web site is an excellent resource for any student who is considering the field of nursing in the state of Illinois.