Keith Bakken

Education

Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Loyola University Chicago (Concentration: Systems Leadership and Population Health)

MS Nursing with Leadership and Management, North Park University

BS Nursing, North Park University

Profile

Keith Bakken began his nursing career in Illinois, before moving to Belgium where he studied French and Tropical Medicine, and then to the Democratic Republic of Congo for three years as part of a missionary service.

Bakken’s most popular class at North Park is Health Policy and Politics which provides students with relevant and in-depth knowledge for the medical workplace. Bakken says there are two important things he wants his students to know, “We will help you achieve your goal of becoming a trusted healthcare professional. But more than that, we will walk along with you and support your desire to become a person who lives out their values daily.”

Part of Bakken’s inspiration for his classroom comes from his time studying at North Park where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, “My favorite teacher was Dr. Larry Knipp. He was a man of faith and integrity. He radiated joy and loved to teach. He inspired me to do my best and taught me that success in the classroom was achievable with hard work and to have a passion for truth and remain joyful no matter the hardship.”

Professional Organizations & Associations

• Member Local Leadership Board–American Lung Association Chicago, 2022-present
• Manuscript Reviewer–Journal of Healthcare Management, 2025
• Finance Committee American Nurses Association–Illinois, 2025
• Public Policy Committee Member, American Lung Association, 2024-present
• Member of the American Nurses Association, 2017-present
• Member of the Illinois Nurses Association, 2017-present
• Member American Organization of Nurse Leaders, 2025-present
• Member of the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, 2025-present
• Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses Association
• Nursing Honor Society