Generalist Entry Masters (GEM) in Nursing with a Focus in Clinical Leadership

The Generalist Entry Masters (GEM) in Nursing at Rush University College of Nursing comprehensively prepares students to be graduate nurse clinicians with a focus in clinical leadership. Graduates are prepared to function at a high level in inpatient, out-patient and community settings. This program is for students who already have a bachelor's degree.

The education and preparation of students to meet the health needs of a culturally diverse society is facilitated at Rush by the unification of academic and clinical practice components. Rush students have the advantage of attending a private university that is a vital part of a nationally recognized academic medical center. This unique integration stimulates excellence in education, practice, scholarly activities and professional leadership by the faculty and the graduates of the College of Nursing.

Program of Study

The program of study is a fast-paced, five-day a week curriculum. It is 6 quarters in length with one additional quarter spent in a residency experience. A combination of classroom and clinical coursework is provided throughout the program. Students have rich, clinical experiences with adults, children and older adults in a variety of health care settings. The GEM program has a defined curriculum requiring dedicated, full-time study each quarter. Committed faculty advisors are assigned to assist students in their successful matriculation through the program. Clinical practice sites include Rush University Medical Center and other health care facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area. Students are required to arrange their own transportation to all practice sites.

Required Prerequisite Courses

Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry (with lab)
Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
Microbiology
Normal Nutrition
Statistics
Introductory or General Psychology
Human Growth and Development, Developmental Psychology or Child Psychology

All required prerequisite courses must be completed, with a grade of "C" or better, prior to enrolling at Rush. Science courses should be taken with a laboratory component whenever possible. It is highly recommended to have taken human anatomy and physiology within the last 3 years. If you have any questions about course requirements contact College Admission Services at 312-942-7100 to speak with a counselor.

Quarter of Entry

Summer quarter (begins in late June)

Winter quarter (begins in January)

Admission Guidelines

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Cumulative and prerequisite science GPAs of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
• Submission of official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended
• Applicants must complete with a grade of “C” or better all required prerequisite coursework prior to enrolling at Rush
• Acceptable GRE scores (the GRE is waived if cumulative GPA is 3.25 or greater)
• Personal interview with faculty
• Three professional letters of recommendation. Recommendations from friends, relatives or coworkers will not be accepted. Recommendations from work must be from a supervisor or manager.
• Submission of a completed application with a nonrefundable application fee
• Applicants who did not complete 4 years of college in the U.S. must submit acceptable TOEFL scores
• A minimum of three science courses, two of which must be the required prerequisite science courses (Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry with lab, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology), must be completed before consideration by the College Admission Committee