Submit your information to access a comprehensive digital program guide. One of our dedicated enrollment advisors will contact you shortly to discuss next steps.
"My enrollment advisor was so helpful. I felt like she really cared and wanted me to succeed in the program."
Elysa Katz
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin
If you reside in or plan to relocate to one of these states prior to starting the program, please submit the form for more information.
Unfortunately, your location is currently ineligible for our program but we’d like to help you continue your search. Visit OnlineABSNPrograms.com and enter your ZIP code to find a CCNE-accredited program near you.
The online MENP is a rigorous, full-time program requiring 100% commitment. It’s strongly advised that you don’t work, even part-time, to exclusively focus on the program for its 20-month duration.
You will use an online learning platform to complete your coursework and have direct access to your professors and fellow students. All coursework is done entirely online, except for your clinical experience and one residency that will take place on Elmhurst University’s campus, located just west of Chicago. During the residency, you’ll build clinical knowledge and skills through active, hands-on learning in the state-of-the-art Simulation Center.
This direct-entry nursing program is currently offered for non-nurses who reside in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. It is specifically tailored toward second-career professionals who want to enroll in a fast-paced, immersive program to enter the nursing profession with an MSN.
Both of our online nursing programs offer a fast path to a new and meaningful nursing career. If you’re undecided about which program to choose, this comparison chart may help you select the path that’s right for you. It is important to note that the MENP program awards a master’s degree, and the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program culminates in a bachelor's degree.
MENP
ABSN
GPA for admission
71 credits/20 months
60 credits/16 months
RN, Clinical Nurse Leader
Students who want to enter nursing and advance to leadership roles to improve patient safety and quality outcomes
Students who want to enter nursing to follow their passion to care for others
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Elmhurst University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*
Admission requirements include:
To be admitted to the nursing program, students must:
Your enrollment advisor will help you determine which prerequisites you need before you can start the online MENP program. You will need 22 credit hours of prerequisites, and completion of the following college-level courses, with a grade of "C" or better in each.
Prerequisites for the MENP program must have been completed within 5 years.
If you haven’t earned credits for these courses an enrollment advisor will help you with the next steps.
Examines the structure, function and forces that shape U.S. and global health care delivery systems. Explores current and emerging technologies to support safe practice environments that optimize patient safety, cost-effectiveness and health outcomes for individuals and populations. Identifies policy decision-making in relation to advanced nursing roles. This course provides essential content to exercise clinical leadership in interprofessional teams in health care organizations and to advocate for individuals, diverse populations and the discipline of nursing.
NRS 508 Foundations for Professional Nursing PracticeExamines knowledge, skills and attitudes essential to professional nursing practice with individuals, families and populations across the lifespan. Clinical reasoning skills for the professional nursing role are developed using the concepts of quality, safety, evidence-based practice and patient-centered care within the health-illness continuum. Ethical principles and social determinants of health are introduced as a framework for professional nursing practice. Clinical practicum/lab provides opportunity for application of these concepts as a provider of care in a variety of health care systems.
NURS 517 Family Health: ChildbearingExamines patient and family centered nursing care for select conditions and health alterations specific to reproductive-age women, newborns, children, and families across the health illness continuum. Students develop the professional roles of provider and designer/manager/coordinator of nursing care using an evidence-based approach. Clinical practicum builds on previous knowledge, skills and attitudes and provides opportunity for application and synthesis of course concepts in a variety of health care systems.
NRS 527 Epidemiology and BiostatisticsThis course is an introduction to epidemiological and statistical knowledge and skills that are fundamental to an advanced nursing role. Concepts essential for evidence-based practice, clinical prevention and population health are covered.
NRS 532 Technology in Health Care Education and PracticeBuilds on the theories and principles of teaching/learning for an advanced nursing role that have been developed in the foundational courses. As an advanced competence course, emphasis is on knowledge and skills for teaching, learning and communication in technology-enabled environments. Focus includes management of relevant data and use of information to support professional nurses and to care for patients in multiple settings. Ethical and legal issues related to information technology are explored from the perspective of an advanced nursing role.
Important DatesGrowing up internationally and spending one-on-one time with nurses due to her brother’s illness has inspired Breana to give back. She talks about why she chose an online direct entry master's in nursing program and what stood out about Elmhurst in her search for the right university.
Breana’s long-term goal following graduation is to further her education to become a nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health.
Breana SutterOur clinical placement team will work closely with you to provide a seamless placement experience and ensure your rotations meet University and national guidelines. These frequently asked questions will help you better understand the clinical placement services we provide in our online direct entry nursing program. Download the online MENP brochure for more information.
What are nursing clinicals? How does the clinical placement process work? What can I expect during my nursing clinicals? How do I prepare for nursing clinicals?Hands-on patient care in clinical settings is a requisite component of a nursing degree. During your clinicals, with the supervision of a licensed RN, you'll practice what you learned in the online classroom on real patients.
Clinicals are very similar to an internship or being an apprentice; you provide care for real patients under the direct supervision and guidance of your preceptor and indirect supervision and support from Elmhurst faculty.
The clinical placement team identifies and secures quality placement sites and preceptors in your local community. We manage this process for you so that you'll have time to focus on your coursework and the core competencies you'll need to succeed and graduate fully prepared.
You will work directly with a preceptor, who is a licensed RN, and receive additional support from your Elmhurst clinical faculty supervisor. Clinicals will begin after the required background check, physical examination and two-week skills residency are successfully completed.
Nursing clinicals can require students to work shifts as long as 12 hours. You'll work under an experienced nurse who will coach you throughout the process. During your clinical rotations, you'll gain practical experience by implementing assessment skills, care coordination, patient advocacy and much more.
Your placement coordinator will be with you throughout the entire process by answering your questions, verifying your clearance requirements and walking you through the nursing clinicals checklist. The checklist details the dress code, clinical tools and professional expectations to ensure your success in each rotation.
What are nursing clinicals?Hands-on patient care in clinical settings is a requisite component of a nursing degree. During your clinicals, with the supervision of a licensed RN, you'll practice what you learned in the online classroom on real patients.
Clinicals are very similar to an internship or being an apprentice; you provide care for real patients under the direct supervision and guidance of your preceptor and indirect supervision and support from Elmhurst faculty.
How does the clinical placement process work?The clinical placement team identifies and secures quality placement sites and preceptors in your local community. We manage this process for you so that you'll have time to focus on your coursework and the core competencies you'll need to succeed and graduate fully prepared.
What can I expect during my nursing clinicals?You will work directly with a preceptor, who is a licensed RN, and receive additional support from your Elmhurst clinical faculty supervisor. Clinicals will begin after the required background check, physical examination and two-week skills residency are successfully completed.
Nursing clinicals can require students to work shifts as long as 12 hours. You'll work under an experienced nurse who will coach you throughout the process. During your clinical rotations, you'll gain practical experience by implementing assessment skills, care coordination, patient advocacy and much more.
How do I prepare for nursing clinicals?Your placement coordinator will be with you throughout the entire process by answering your questions, verifying your clearance requirements and walking you through the nursing clinicals checklist. The checklist details the dress code, clinical tools and professional expectations to ensure your success in each rotation.
A clinical nurse leader (CNL) is a relatively new role in health care. CNLs are highly skilled nurses with a master’s degree who collaborate with and lead the health care team to improve the safety and quality of patient outcomes. Sometimes confused with clinical nurse specialists who are prepared for advanced practice, CNLs are nurse leaders who work at the bedside to continually improve health care processes and systems that ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.
As a CNL, you can work in a variety of clinical environments and will focus on:
When you earn your online MENP degree at Elmhurst, you will be prepared to be a clinical nurse leader in health care delivery across the continuum of care.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about our online MENP program. Download your comprehensive digital program guide for more information.
What is a Direct Entry MSN program?A Direct Entry MSN Program allows non-nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field to progress directly toward earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP) program at Elmhurst University allows you to pursue an advanced degree in nursing (MSN) while developing the skills required to become a registered nurse and preparing to sit for your Clinical Nurse Leader certification.
What can I do with an MSN degree?An MSN degree opens a variety of career pathways, allowing students to combine advanced lessons with clinical experience. Careers that MSN degree holders might pursue upon completion of an advanced practice nursing program include: nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, midwife, telehealth nurse practitioner and more.
How long is the Master's Entry in Nursing Practice?The Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice program at Elmhurst is a 20-month program.
When do MENP program classes start?Our online MENP program offers two start dates per year: August for the Fall term and January for the Spring term.
Accreditation and RecognitionElmhurst University is fully accredited and recognized by many national and regional publications.
Is the online MENP program accredited?Yes, this prelicensure nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Are the classes 100% online?No, all coursework is 100% online, but students do nursing clinicals as close as possible to their local area and attend one on-campus residency. This rigorous program is a full-time commitment that is not self-paced; some courses also include live sessions via Zoom.
Meet the FacultyThe professional and committed nursing faculty will teach, mentor and support you throughout your education.
Clinical PlacementWhat are clinicals and how does clinical placement work? Our clinical placement support services team will answer your questions.
Is financial aid available?If you’re concerned about paying for your education, you’re not alone. Your enrollment advisor can help you navigate the financial options that are available.
Learn about tuition, fees and financial aid options.
Can I work while enrolled in the online MENP program?No, we strongly discourage students from working while in the program. MENP students may spend 8 to 12 hours a day studying and completing clinical hours. It is best to give this accelerated program 100% of your focus to ensure you are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and become a nurse upon graduating from the program.
Can I apply to the program if I haven’t completed all of the prerequisites?Yes, you may apply to the program without having completed all prerequisites, but you will need to show successful completion of the prerequisites prior to enrolling in the program. If you still need to complete the prerequisite requirement, an enrollment advisor can help you identify local and online options for satisfying this requirement.
Where should I send my transcripts?We encourage you to first schedule an appointment with the admission team to discuss the program and your goals. When you are ready to apply, please have all official transcripts sent to our online records team to ensure the quickest processing possible. They may be sent either electronically or via mail.
If sending electronic transcripts, send to admissionsrecords@onlinedegrees.elmhurst.edu. Please confirm this receiving address when ordering, as many sending institutions have default email addresses in their ordering systems. If sent to an alternate email address, it could create a delay in processing the application.
If sending transcripts via mail, send to the address below. Please confirm this receiving address when ordering as many sending institutions have default addresses in their ordering systems. If sent to an alternate address or office, it could delay the processing of the application.
Elmhurst University
Online Records Processing
