Elmhurst University has proven again to be an innovator in higher education by launching its distance Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP) program online—the first and only distance MENP program in the country.
The MENP program is designed specifically for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields who want to follow their passion of caring for others and transition to a meaningful new career in nursing. This master’s-entry nursing program is a 20-month commitment and is offered to residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. Coursework is 100% online, with clinical rotation hours at sites near where students live and one on-campus residency.
During the residency, students build clinical knowledge and skills through active, hands-on learning in the state-of-the-art Simulation Center (Sim Center) located in the award-winning Elmhurst Hospital. A 4,600-square-foot facility with laboratory and classroom space, the Sim Center creates health care environments that simulate inpatient, outpatient and community settings.
“In our Sim Lab, students have the opportunity to practice essential protocols and procedures. They experience intense scenarios safely and without the risk of harming patients,” said Diane Salvador, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, executive director of the Department of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Simulated learning builds confidence, enhances critical thinking skills and allows time for reflection and evaluation of best practices.”
Elmhurst’s accomplished faculty and support services benefit students throughout the program and sustain momentum for success. Upon graduation, students will be fully prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification. “We prepare our students for success from the start. Over the last five years, our MENP graduates have achieved a 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate, with most years being 100%” Salvador said.
The CNL certification is built into the program and documents MENP students’ ability to function at an even higher level of competency. “This program trains students to become clinical nurse leaders in health care delivery across the continuum of care to improve the safety and quality of patient outcomes,” Salvador said.
For working professionals who are considering transitioning their careers to nursing, the MENP is an enterprising program that will prepare them to provide quality direct patient care and develop them as skilled clinical nurse leaders with future opportunities for management and leadership roles.