Designed for the college graduate who wants to become a registered nurse, the Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program provides the advanced education for general professional nursing practice and eligibility for the RN licensure examination (NCLEX-RN).
Program Goals
The purpose of the MENP program is to prepare qualified individuals for:
- Licensure by examination (NCLEX-RN) required for entry into professional nursing practice
- Advanced professional nursing practice and leadership in health promotion and illness care
- Collaboration and scholarship with others to meet the present and future health needs of society
- Community service for vulnerable populations in the Vincentian tradition
- Continuing academic and clinical education at the post-graduate and doctoral levels
| Program Requirements | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|
| Degree Requirements | 107 |
| Total hours required | 107 |
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Analyze nursing concepts, theories, and research to design, implement, and evaluate culturally appropriate family-centered and community-based models of professional nursing.
- Develop a personal philosophy of professional nursing through analysis of a professional code of ethics and exploration extant philosophies, nursing’s history and its evolution as a discipline.
- Demonstrate excellence in patient care and nursing knowledge across the lifespan through advanced health assessment, evidence-based professional practice, systematic inquiry, planned innovation, competent use of information systems and technology, and dissemination of information.
- Practice as an ethical leader within nursing and interprofessional health care teams acting with accountability, integrity and social justice for safe, quality and affordable health care for individuals, families, communities.
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
Level I (Basic Graduate Generic) - 35 credits
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NSG 301 | INTRODUCTION TO THE ART AND SCIENCE OF NURSING I | 3 |
| NSG 301C | INTRODUCTION TO THE ART AND SCIENCE OF NURSING I-CLINICAL | 2 |
| NSG 302 | INTRODUCTION TO THE ART & SCIENCE OF NURSING II | 4 |
| NSG 302C | INTRODUCTION TO THE ART & SCIENCE OF NURSING II- CLINICAL | 4 |
| NSG 303 | INTRODUCTION TO THE ART & SCIENCE OF NURSING III-LECTURE | 4 |
| NSG 303C | INTRODUCTION TO THE ART & SCIENCE OF NURSING III-CLINICAL | 4 |
| NSG 307 | ART AND SCIENCE OF NURSING IV: PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH | 3 |
| NSG 307C | ART AND SCIENCE OF NURSING IV: PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH - CLINICAL | 3 |
| NSG 322 | BASIC PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY | 4 |
| NSG 332 | HEALTH ASSESSMENT | 4 |
| NSG 332L | HEALTH ASSESSMENT- LAB |
Level II (Advanced Graduate Generic) - 52 credits
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NSG 422 | APPLIED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | 4 |
| NSG 426 | PHARMACOLOGY II | 4 |
| NSG 431 | HEALTH PROMOTION FOR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES 1 | 4 |
| NSG 440 | MATERNAL HEALTH NURSING | 3 |
| NSG 440C | MATERNAL HEALTH NURSING - CLINICAL | 3 |
| NSG 441 | INFANT, CHILD AND ADOLESCENT NURSING | 3 |
| NSG 441C | INFANT, CHILD AND ADOLESCENT NURSING - CLINICAL | 3 |
| NSG 443 | CLINICAL IMMERSION AND INTERNSHIP | 6 |
| NSG 445 | NURSING PROFESSIONALISM, ADVOCACY, AND LEADERSHIP | 4 |
| NSG 447 | COMMUNITY & POPULATION HEALTH NURSING | 4 |
| NSG 447C | COMMUNITY & POPULATION HEALTH NURSING | 2 |
| NSG 472 | CRITICAL CARE NURSING | 5 |
| NSG 472C | CRITICAL CARE NURSING - CLINICAL | 3 |
| NSG 460 | HEALTH ASSESSMENT II | 4 |
| NSG 460L | HEALTH ASSESSMENT II-LAB |
Level III (Graduate Research Courses) - 20 credits
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NSG 400 | THEORETICAL COMPONENTS OF NURSING | 4 |
| NSG 401 | NURSING RESEARCH I | 4 |
| NSG 481 | BIOSTATISTICS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY | 4 |
| NSG 540 | CULTURE, ETHICS, AND POLICY ANALYSIS | 4 |
| NSG 598 | GRADUATE RESEARCH SYNTHESIS | 4 |
| or NSG 599 | THESIS RESEARCH | |
Students admitted to the Master’s Entry into Nursing Practice program will be able to choose from one of two paths. The Traditional Path is designed to be completed in two years while the Balanced Stride Path offers the same exact set of courses spaced out to allow completion over three years instead. The Balanced Stride Path will begin admitting students in Spring 2025
Student Handbook
A complete list of policies specific to the nursing programs of study is contained in the Student Handbook that is updated regularly on the website for the School of Nursing. The complete MENP handbook can be found here.
Mission of the DePaul University School of Nursing
The Mission of the School of Nursing is the preservation, enrichment and transmission of nursing science as a discipline and its application to promote the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. The faculty pursues this mission through excellence in teaching as the primary focus of scholarship and research that has the potential to enhance nursing knowledge, scientific inquiry, teaching and health. The School of Nursing maintains a commitment to serving persons with diverse talents, qualities, interests and socioeconomic backgrounds in its education programs and professional practice. It seeks to provide accelerated, inquiry-based education that anticipates the rapid pace of change in health promotion and illness care.
Philosophy of the DePaul University School of Nursing
Nursing is a learned profession with a distinct science and art. Students learn the practice of nursing through research and the study of diverse human and environmental patterns of health behavior as they affect individuals, families, and communities. Students incorporate scientific knowledge and the nursing process in their delivery of safe, ethical and quality care with deep regard for the differences along the dimensions of race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, religion, heritage and language.
The focus of the faculty of the School of Nursing is the education and preparation of students for leadership roles in healthcare. Education is centered on providing care for persons and communities in both health and illness while conducting scientific research to generate knowledge that strengthens these endeavors. Critical thinking is emphasized, along with an insightful examination of society, thus affording students the opportunity to apply the science and art of nursing to promote and maintain health while upholding human dignity for the betterment of the community and society.
In keeping with the Vincentian values of DePaul University, students treat all human beings equally and with respect, and by doing so, are acting in the interest of the common good. The School of Nursing faculty is committed to education that will provide the foundation for a professional career as a caregiver, educator, leader, servant and scholar.
A professional level of nursing practice is best achieved through master’s degree education in nursing and requires appropriate licensure through examination (NCLEX- RN). Advanced nursing practice education integrates specialization into the master’s degree curriculum or at the post-master’s level providing eligibility for professional certification as a nurse anesthetist; clinical specialist in community, acute or long-term care areas; nurse practitioner in primary care; or nursing scholarship in practice or the academy. The master’s degree provides the foundation for doctoral education in nursing science.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master's degree program in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program and/or post-graduate APRN certificate program at DePaul University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Academic Integrity Policy
Violations of academic integrity in any form are detrimental to the values of DePaul, to the students' own development as responsible members of society and to the pursuit of knowledge and the transmission of ideas. Violations of academic integrity include but are not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, fabrications, falsification or sabotage of research data, falsification of clinical data, destruction or misuse of the university's academic resources, academic misconduct, and complicity. If an instructor finds that a student has violated the Academic Integrity Policy, the appropriate initial sanction is at the instructor's discretion. An instructor may choose to file an academic integrity violation with the university. Actions taken by the instructor do not preclude the college or the university from taking further action, including dismissal from the university. Conduct that is punishable under the DePaul Academic Integrity Policy.
Academic Integrity Policy Extension for Clinical and Service Settings
DePaul University is committed to education that engages its students, faculty and staff in work within Chicago's institutions and communities. As DePaul representatives to our partner institutions and community organizations, we ask that you take seriously your responsibilities to these institutions during service and clinical experiences and internships. The community and its institutions are extensions of the DePaul classroom. The University's Academic Integrity Policy and Code of Responsibility apply to professional interactions as well.
Program Summary
Designed for the college graduate who wants to become a registered nurse, the MENP Program provides the foundation for generalist nursing practice and eligibility for the RN licensure examination (NCLEX- RN).
Admissions Policies
- Students must meet the minimum admissions requirements listed on the University website.
- The School of Nursing is committed to the principles of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons. Students are evaluated and admitted to the program without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.
- The School of Nursing is committed to providing equal access for all students with disabilities. Eligibility for services and accommodations is determined by the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). Students with disabilities who wish to receive services and accommodations at DePaul University must have their disability on record with CSD.
- Applications are evaluated and students are selected for admission by the Admission, Progression, and Retention (APR) Committee based on their potential to successfully complete program objectives.
- MENP students must have earned a BA or BS from an accredited institution. They must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0, although a cumulative GPA of 3.2/4.0 is preferred. Cumulative GPA is derived from baccalaureate degree and other pre/post baccalaureate coursework completed. GRE scores may be submitted and may be factored into admission decision. Please note meeting minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
- Non-native English speakers must have a TOEFL score of 590 (PBT) or higher or 96 (iBT) or higher.
- MENP students must have completed:
- Two courses of chemistry (organic and inorganic) with labs OR one course of chemistry and one course of microbiology, both with labs.
- Two courses of human anatomy/physiology with labs.
- Applications must include:
- Two letters of reference from former faculty or employer.
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Short answer responses to the following prompts:
- How will your prior background contribute to your ability to fulfill the daily responsibilities of an entry-level registered nurse? (200-word max)
- St Vincent DePaul observed the needs of impoverished people with disparities to access to healthcare. He ultimately dedicated himself to answering a single question: "What must be done?" How will you utilize a nursing degree obtained from DePaul University? (200-word max).
- Please address the strengths and opportunities for growth in your application (i.e., explanation for GPA below 3.2, repeated coursework, gaps in academic history and performance on standardized tests). (200-word max)
- Applicants may submit applications online through Nursing CAS, an online centralizes application service for nursing programs nationwide.
- The student is responsible for meeting all conditions of admission and for notifying the Office of Graduate Admissions once all conditions have been fully met.
Conditional Admission
- Students conditionally admitted into the MENP program must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better during the first quarter of the program. Moreover, grades of W, PA, or IN are unacceptable for conditionally admitted students.
- Failure to meet these criteria will result in immediate dismissal (without the possibility of reinstatement) from the MENP program and an inability to enroll in future courses within the School of Nursing.
- Once a student successfully completes Quarter 1 under these conditions, they shall be subject to the program guidelines as listed in the MENP Student Handbook.
Retention Policies
The retention policy is subject to change at any time. Please check the student handbook for the most updated policy.
- Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater to remain in good standing. A student will be placed on academic probation if the GPA falls below 3.0. and must enroll in the School of Nursing Success Coaching program. If the GPA is raised to at least 3.0 at the end of the next academic quarter, the student is no longer on probation. If the GPA has not risen to 3.0 at the end of the next academic quarter, the student will be eligible for dismissal from the program.
- If a student earns a C or C- in any course, the student is placed on academic probation. A grade of C or C- is not considered a satisfactory grade; as such the student must re-take course and receive a C+ grade or better in the following academic quarters. The student must withdraw from all other courses in the subsequent quarter with only the repeated course to be taken. Placement in a clinical rotation for the repeated course will not be guaranteed and may result in a student having to sit out one quarter. Moreover, the student must enroll in the School of Nursing Success Coaching program. If the student is able to earn a C+ in all classes AND earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater in the next academic quarters, the student will no longer be on academic probation. If the student does not achieve this criteria, the student will be dismissed from the program.
- A student who earns a D+ or lower in any course will be dismissed from the program.
- A student may be placed on probation a maximum of two times during their program.
- In accordance with the nursing licensing regulations, students found to be convicted of a crime will be reviewed by the APR Committee and may be suspended or dismissed from the program. It is the student’s responsibility to disclose any arrests or convictions while enrolled in their program. Degree conferral from the University does not guarantee licensure eligibility in the event the student is convicted of a crime. It is the student’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of the licensure requirements for the state in which they intend to apply for RN licensure.
- The School of Nursing expects a respectful environment conducive to teaching and learning for all students, faculty, and staff. Inappropriate conduct is defined as any action that interferes with the creation and maintenance of an effective learning environment. Students are expected to display civility in all aspects of their educational experience at DePaul University and affiliated institutions.
- Appropriate student conduct is outlined in detail in the Professional Development Guidelines.
- Students displaying inappropriate conduct may be asked to leave the classroom, clinical area, or meeting. Inappropriate conduct will be documented with written contract and placed in the student’s file. Such incidents of inappropriate conduct will then be reported to the Director of the School of Nursing, with copies sent to the Associate Director of the Program, and the APR Committee. Additional sanctions for inappropriate conduct may be imposed, including dismissal from the nursing program. (For additional information, please see the University Student Handbook-available online, and Appendix B of this document.)
Progression Policies
- All students must attend an orientation session before beginning the MENP program.
- The student is responsible for reading the Student Handbook. Students are responsible for signing and submitting the Student Handbook Agreement Statement to affirm they have read and fully understand the policies therein.
- Students are assigned an academic advisor. Students should consult with the academic advisor for any program-related concerns.
- A student may not register for any course that has a prerequisite that has not
- been completed.
- Students may not attend classes for a class in which they are not enrolled.
- Students are responsible for maintaining and updating all required records. See Clinical Guidelines for further information. Failure to have all records submitted and up to date at the beginning of each course will result in inability to attend the clinical component of the course.
- Leave of Absence:
- Students who need to interrupt their studies for personal, health or other reasons may request a leave of absence for up to one full year. The request should be made to the Associate Director of the Program and the Coordinator of Clinical Placements and APR Committee should be notified. Depending on circumstances and estimated length of absence, the Associate Director or student’s academic advisor may recommend additional action to complete the request process.
- Students who wish to return to the program following a leave of absence will need to submit a written request for resuming coursework to the APR Committee. It is the student’s responsibility to send a copy of such request to the Director of the School of Nursing, the student’s faculty advisor, the Associate Director of the Program, and the Coordinator of Clinical Placements. This written request should demonstrate the resolution of the extenuating circumstances contributing to the original need to leave the DePaul Nursing Program. This request for reinstatement must be made no less than 6 weeks prior to resuming the nursing course sequence. Students will be notified in writing regarding the decision concerning their re-entry to the program. Individual assessment of current knowledge and clinical skills will be made prior to placement of the student in the appropriate level within the nursing program.
- Students who have taken a leave of absence from the program for greater than 12 calendar months must re-apply to the University. Their application will then be considered with all other qualified applicants applying for admission to the nursing program.
- A student who withdraws from a core nursing course while in good standing cannot progress in the sequenced nursing curriculum until that course has been successfully completed. In courses that contain both a clinical practicum and a lecture component, both course segments must be completed simultaneously. Exceptions may be identified and defined by the APR Committee in consultation with both the Director of the School of Nursing or Associate Director of the Program and the course faculty.
- A student who withdraws from a core nursing course who is “not in good standing” (with a grade of “C” or lower or on probation) at the time of withdrawal, will be referred to the APR Committee. The APR Committee will review the student’s past and current performance and elicit recommendations from the course faculty. A representative of the APR Committee may then meet with the course faculty, Associate Director of the Program, and student, to counsel the student and to establish a contract for academic improvement. Such students may not progress in the sequenced nursing curriculum until the course has been retaken and successfully completed. In courses that contain both a clinical practicum and a didactic theory portion, both course segments must be completed simultaneously.
- A student may withdraw from a core nursing course “not in good standing” (with a grade of “C” or lower) only once during their program of study. A second such withdrawal will result in dismissal from the program.
- A student who has a grade of B- (86% or less) at mid-quarter may be placed on contract for academic improvement by the instructor. The student must satisfactorily fulfill all course and contract requirements by the end of the quarter of contract initiation in order to progress in the program.
- Failure to meet all of the agreed upon terms outlined in the student contract will result in the consequences identified in the contract which may include program dismissal.
- In accordance with DePaul University policy, students must complete their program within 6 years of matriculation.
Procedure for Reinstatement after Dismissal
Students in the Master’s Entry to Nursing Program who wish to apply for reinstatement after having been dismissed shall contact the APR Committee within 72 hours from their notification of dismissal. Their application for reinstatement should describe the nature of the circumstances leading to their dismissal and their corrective plan of action for future success in the MENP program. The APR Committee will review their application and decide to whether or not to reinstate. During the time the APR committee reviews the student’s application for reinstatement, the student shall remain responsible for any coursework/assignments/deadlines/compliance issues related to their classes in that quarter. Students under dismissal/reinstatement review will NOT be allowed to participate in any clinical activity where direct patient care is involved. In lieu of attending clinical, the student shall be offered an equivalent assignment at the discretion of the APR Chairperson and/or MENP Director. In the event the student is reinstated, the student will be notified via e-mail of their reinstatement. The student shall henceforth be responsible for adhering to the conditions set forth by the APR Committee. In the event the APR Committee decides to deny reinstatement, the student shall be immediately removed from all class rosters and will no longer be allowed to attend any classes/clinical or any other related activity virtually or in-person. The student has the right to petition for reinstatement within a week of notification directly to the Director of the School of Nursing, who may decide to reinstate the student. In the event the Director of the School of Nursing denies reinstatement, the student shall be dismissed immediately. In the event the Director of the School of Nursing reinstates the student, they will be eligible to enroll in classes the following academic quarter. The student will be responsible for adhering to the conditions set forth by the Director of the School of Nursing. If the student fails to comply with the conditions set forth by the director of the school of nursing, the student will be eligible for immediate dismissal. The decision of the Director of the School of Nursing is final. Moreover, a student may only be reinstated once.
Transfer Credit
The MENP program follows the College of Science and Health Transfer Credit Approval (TCA) policy for graduate students. Students who wish to transfer credit should follow the TCA submission guidelines stipulated in the CSH policy.
Community-based Service Learning in DePaul University School of Nursing’s MENP Program
Community-based service learning (CbSL) is consistent with the mission of the University and the School of Nursing. CbSL is a dynamic, collaborative process whereby faculty, students and community-based organizations partner to link learning with service to the community. Students are involved in meeting community needs while applying the experience to their personal and academic development as well as applying their academic learning to their community experience (bi-directional).
-
In the classroom CbSL experience has intentional learning objectives for service learning and structured reflection on what is being learned that can mesh with the course learning goals. In this graduate education model, the outcome of the service learning should be enhanced by student learning in the classroom.
-
At the community partner site students will get real-life experience and perspective different than the world view to which they are accustomed. They will also learn about the challenges and barriers to running a service organization. They tie these actual experiences and relationships to the content they are learning in the classroom.
School of Nursing Simulation Lab Mission Statement
The DePaul Simulation Lab (DSL) is committed to facilitating experiential learning opportunities for students. In order to promote a safe interactive learning environment that fosters collaboration, teamwork, and the synthesis of didactic and clinical knowledge, the DSL employs cutting edge technology in addition to the simulation standards of best practice.
Student Clinical Requirements
It is mandatory for students to complete and upload all clinical requirements to their Student Immunization Tracker via Castle Branch. See the Health Requirements Guidelines for more detailed instructions about clinical compliance. All clinical requirements must be submitted and approved prior to the first day of the quarter of clinical attendance. Updates and renewals (e.g., updated lab results, renewed coverage, yearly immunizations) must be submitted to Castle Branch PRIOR to the expiration date. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all clinical requirements are kept current.
Graduation Requirements
DePaul University awards the Master’s of Science in Nursing degree to students who successfully completed the MENP program. All requirements of the University, College, and School of Nursing must be met as outlined in the current Bulletin.
The student is responsible for completing the application for degree conferral and commencement by the deadline posted in the academic calendar.
Students are responsible for changes reflecting new program requirements if the department gives sufficient notice.
Upon successful completion of graduation requirements, MENP students are eligible to apply to take the National Council of Licensing Examination (NCLEX). (See Legal Limitations below.)
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation requires that graduating MENP students submit to a fingerprinting processing from the Illinois Department of State Police or its designated agent.
Licensure by the IDFPR will require a separate complete background check with fingerprinting prior to being given permission to sit for NCLEX. If criminal activity is noted, such activity MAY BE grounds for the student to not be given permission to take the NCLEX exam.
Graduating with Distinction
Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 in Master's Entry to Nursing Practice courses to graduate with distinction.
Time Limitation
Students pursuing a master's degree must complete all requirements for the master's degree within a maximum of six years from their first term of enrollment in the program.
Legal Limitation for Licensure
Completion of the nursing education program does not guarantee eligibility to take the NCLEX. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation - Board of Nursing may refuse to issue a license for one or more causes stated in that section of the Nurse Practice Act.
Requirements for licensure vary from state to state. Those students wishing to take the NCLEX outside Illinois are advised to check with their state’s licensure requirements early in the academic program.