Master's Entry in Nursing (MSN) for Non-Nurses: Clinical Nurse Leader

This full-time program is completed in 2 years. Upon graduation, our graduates sit for the NCLEX exam to receive their RN license before they can move into practice or continue their education to one of the doctoral programs. 

The program is considered a “hybrid” program with a mix of classes online and in-person. It has been designed to meet the educational needs of our students and provide the most optimal learning environment while ensuring the necessary clinical skills are developed. Clinical rotations are offered through a variety of sites across the Chicago metro area and provide students with the opportunity to see individuals throughout the lifespan.   

There are two application periods each year. Students can apply to start in September or January. We recommend applicants complete their application as early in the application process as they can.

Yes, RUSH University offers information on tuition and financial aid that is currently available. In addition to tuition and financial aid, the College of Nursing offers support to students to attend conferences through the Dean’s Scholarship Fund. 

RUSH College of Nursing offers students a high faculty-to-student ratio to help ensure that skills learned in the classroom are able to be applied in the real-world. Additionally, the Nursing Learning Lab and Simulation Centers help students hone their skills with patients. Outside the classroom, students are connecting with the Chicago community through volunteer opportunities and clinical experience through the Office of Faculty Practice, Students may also choose to gain experience by working in the medical center as Nursing Assistants, Research Assistants, or work study students.  

Yes, there are two options for potential applicants. One option is to complete the GEM program and after graduation, apply for the DNP or PhD program. This pathway is ideal for applicants who are unsure whether pursuing a DNP or PhD is right for them. The other is through the Direct Entry pathway. Interested applicants can apply for the GEM, and one of the select DNP or PhD program simultaneously. This pathway is highly competitive and is currently only available for the following programs. More information on the Direct Entry pathway is available.  

• Adult Health and Gerontology Primary Care NP
• Advanced Public Health
• Family NP
• PhD in Nursing Science 
• Primary Care Pediatric NP
• Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

GEM applicants apply for the DNP or PhD program and the GEM program simultaneously. Once accepted, students will need to continue meeting expectations outlined above. Students are notified of their acceptance to the DNP or PhD program when they receive their GEM admissions results. 

The Direct Entry pathway allows students to make decisions and receive advisement about the next stages of their career while they are in the GEM program. The Direct Entry pathway also helps students build relationships with their peers and mentors that are vital to success in both programs.    

Tuition for the GEM program is $1087 per credit hour, and tuition for DNP and PhD programs is $1286. Information on tuition and financial aid is available.   

In addition, students who decide to work at RUSH and utilize the RUSH tuition reimbursement benefit can decrease their out-of-pocket costs for the DNP and PhD program. (Please note, the GEM program is a full-time program with clinical hours beginning in term 1; GEM students are discouraged from working during the first two terms of the program.) 

Yes, graduates are invited to apply to the DNP or PhD program after completing the GEM program. GEM graduates are eligible to receive up to 12 credit hours of MSN coursework applied to their DNP plan of study. GEM graduates are highly successful upon completion of the program; whether entering the workforce at RUSH as MSN prepared nurse and Clinical Nurse Leader, or continuing at RUSH to pursue a DNP or PhD degree.  

All applicants are reviewed holistically based on the  Master’s Entry in Nursing (MSN) for Non-Nurses Admission Guidelines. To participate in the Direct Entry pathway, applicants will submit their standard GEM materials, and an additional short-form application to the PhD in Nursing Science or DNP track of their choice. The short-form application is part of the Program Materials section of your NursingCAS application. 

Applicants are admitted to a specific specialty based on holistic review of the application; a student that accepts the offer of admission is making a commitment to enroll in that specialty. Applicants must be able to confidently identify one area of specialization they would like to pursue. 

All GEM applicants are encouraged to participate in the virtual Master’s Entry in Nursing (MSN) for Non-Nurses Information Session.  GEM applicants that are considering the Direct Entry pathway should also plan to attend the information session for the PhD in Nursing Science or DNP track in which they are interested.  

GEM students in the Direct Entry pathway must maintain good standing throughout the program to retain their early acceptance in the DNP  program and be required to:  

• Complete a GEM capstone project related to DNP specialty area (agreed upon by student, PD, & GEM team)
• Student must consistently demonstrate academic progression and meet requirements of GEM program
• Volunteer/Work experience in in-patient or community setting associated with DNP specialty area prior to graduating from the pre-licensure program and obtaining an RN license
• Pass NCLEX-RN before enrolling in DNP program 
• Work experience as a RN associated with DNP specialty area prior to starting the DNP program 

Students who fail to meet the criteria listed above will have the Direct Entry admission offer rescinded. However, this does not necessarily impact your standing in the GEM program. GEM students follow the admissions and progressions policies outlined in the College of Nursing student guidebook.