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School of Education & Health Sciences

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Executive Leader Track

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Why pursue a Master of Science in Nursing from North Central College?

North Central College offers an innovative, interprofessional approach to fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders who embrace diversity, promote health equity, and improve population health outcomes. 

The Nurse Executive Leader track is part of North Central’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and offers a personalized approach to the online student experience. The core principles of the program equip students with the skills and foundation necessary for lifelong learning, personal responsibility, and sustained achievement in the nursing profession. The Nurse Executive Leader track specifically prepares nurses to manage patient services and healthcare systems, and make ethical and professional decisions that align with the healthcare organization.

 

Learn how you can reduce your tuition cost by up to 25%!

North Central College offers several scholarships and awards, including:

  • Alliance Partnership
  • Opportunity Award 
  • North Central College Alumni 
    • Offer can be extended to family of alumni

 

Accreditation Statement

North Central College MSN program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommisssion.org), an institutional
accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The master's degree in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program at North Central College is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Core Values

Caring: We believe caring is essential to the practice of nursing and seek to treat those we serve with sensitivity, respect, and empathy. We embrace holistic care through therapeutic relationships directed toward health, comfort and well-being.

Communication and Collaboration: We believe that open communication and collaboration
require accountability, honesty, integrity, and respect for all participants. We seek to practice shared decision-making with our fellow nurses as well as inter-professionally.

Cultural Inclusivity: We believe in the practice of cultural inclusivity, recognizing the rich diversity of humanity. We endeavor to honor that diversity by continually broadening our scope of care to include all members of our community and by modeling respect and equality for all.

Critical Thinking: We believe critical thinking is essential to nursing as a self-reflective and purposeful approach to thinking. We value the ability to make connections between patient data and acquired knowledge, leading to appropriate clinical interventions for our patients.

Evidence-Based Practice: We believe in the use of evidence-based practice to guide our nursing practice. We foster the integration of current research, clinical expertise, and the rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of nursing interventions to make sound decisions in the care of our patients. We identify safety as having the utmost importance to the practice of nursing and strive to prevent harm to our patients and ourselves while delivering quality care.

Social Justice: We believe social justice in nursing embodies the principles of fairness, equality, dignity and equal opportunity for health for all. We embrace a moral mandate to improve access to quality health care for the marginalized and under-serviced.

Program Goals

  • Prepare graduates to engage in clinical reasoning that provides safe, lawful evidence-based, patient-centered care to diverse populations across the lifespan that reflects ethical clinical judgment and inter-professional collaboration.
     
  • Guide graduates to integrate scientific findings from nursing, bio-psycho-social fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences into the delivery of advanced nursing care for diverse populations to promote health and prevent disease and injury for families, communities, and global health.
     
  • Prepare graduates to utilize patient-care technologies to deliver and enhance care and use communication technologies to integrate and coordinate care.

Important Dates

Launch Your Degree in Fall 2025

July 21, 2025 - Deadline to apply

August 20, 2025 - First day of class

Admissions Criteria

Apply using our free North Central application.

  • A username and password will be generated and sent to the email you provide. You will have 30 days to complete the online application.

North Central College’s MSN program is committed to holistic admission, which assesses an applicant’s unique experiences alongside traditional measures of academic achievement such as grades and test scores. Admission decisions will be made within two months of the application deadline. Applicants will be invited to participate in an on-campus and/or virtual interview format.

Applicants must have:

  • An earned BSN of CCNE or ACEN baccalaureate accredited program
  • A current, unencumbered RN license
    • While North Central accepts students from multiple states/territories, applicants outside of Illinois should check with their state regulatory body 
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of their BSN program
  • Completed undergraduate statistics (3 credit hours) with a “C” or higher

Required Application Materials

  • Submitted official post-secondary academic transcripts
  • Submitted a resume/CV with academic and work history, certificates and services
  • Submitted three letters of recommendation--at least one from a professional nurse colleague (supervisor or preceptor) and one from a professor or graduate-level prepared nursing colleague who can address the applicant’s professional and/or academic qualifications
  • Completed a personal narrative including experiences (healthcare experiences, educational background, community enrichment), and attributes (resilience, integrity, intellectual curiosity, ethnicity/race, socioeconomic status, multilingual abilities, geography, faith, perseverance)
  • Completed application 

 

Apply Today!
 
 
 
 

State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreements

The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions offering distance education to attain authorization from the state where educational services are offered. North Central College is authorized by the state of Illinois to participate in the National Council for State Authorization and Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). The NC-SARA provides oversight of post-secondary distance education, allowing the institution to provide online education to students in participating SARA member states, without obtaining authorization in that state. Regulations vary from state to state. All states EXCEPT California are currently authorized as SARA member states. SARA provides institutional reciprocity for educational offerings only and does not provide reciprocity for professional licensing. Information regarding NC-SARA can be found here.

Professional Licensure

State Board of Nursing requirements vary by state. Therefore, students considering enrollment in online graduate nursing programs should contact the licensing agency of the state where their educational institution is located prior to beginning their academic program to ensure that the program meets the standards established by their home state’s licensure regulations.

North Central College Graduate Nursing Program is offering the MSN and Post-Master Certificates to students in the following states and US Territories:

  • American Samoa
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Colombia
  • Florida
  • Guam
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • New Jersey
  • North Carolina
  • Rhode Island
  • Texas
  • Virgin Islands
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

Onsite Requirements

In addition to on-site practicum experiences local to the student at approved institutional affiliates to meet required practicum hours, students in the graduate nursing program are required to come to the Naperville, IL campus for 2-3 campus visits* during the course of their program. The number and length of the visits vary by specialty program. Prospective students may inquire with the Graduate Nursing Program at North Central College to confirm on-campus requirements. Limited assistance to support the visits may be available.

*Dates will be provided prior to the start of the program


 

COST OF ATTENDANCE

When considering the financial cost of attending graduate school, one number does not tell the whole story. Cost of Attendance provides a more complete picture of all costs, direct and indirect, for one academic year at North Central College.  Numbers are subject to change on an annual basis.

Direct Costs

Direct costs are expenses that will be included on your semester bill, such as tuition and fees.

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are expenses that will not appear on your semester bill but should be considered. Examples of indirect costs include housing, supplies, and personal expenses. Indirect costs vary by student lifestyle, living arrangements, and educational choices. Below are estimated indirect costs for students enrolled in graduate programs at North Central College. It is encouraged that students consider opportunities to minimize other costs and borrowing.

Total Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance will be used by the Office of Financial Aid to determine the maximum amount of financial aid you can receive within the specified year. Note: If your actual cost differs from what is listed under indirect cost that is okay. We encourage you to explore budgeting tools that will help you manage your expenses.

 

2024-2025 Cost of Attendance - Full-Time Schedule

Direct Costs

Year One (Fall/Spring Semesters) Year Two (Summer/Fall Semesters)
Tuition $15,276.00 $13,668.00
Program Fee $1,000.00 -
Wellness Fee $100.00 $50.00
Yearly Total $16,376.00 $13,718.00
Total Direct Costs of Program: $30,094

Indirect Costs

Year One (Fall/Spring Semesters) Year Two (Summer/ Fall Semesters)
Housing and Food $14,076.00 $14,076.00
Transportation $2,224.00 $2,224.00
Personal Expenses $2,134.00 $2,134.00
Books and Supplies $900.00 $900.00
Student Loan Fees $216.00 $216.00
Yearly Total $19,550.00 $19,550.00

Total Cost of Attendance

Year One (Fall/Spring Semesters) Year Two (Summer/ Fall Semesters)
Cost of Attendance $35,926 $33,268

 

2024-2025 Cost of Attendance - Part-Time Schedule

Direct Costs

Year One (Fall/Spring Semesters) Year Two (Summer/ Fall/ Spring Semesters) Year Three (Summer Semester)
Tuition $10,452.00 $13,668.00 $4,824.00
Program Fee $1,000.00 - -
Wellness Fee $100.00 $100.00 -
Yearly Total $11,552.00 $13,768.00 $4,824.00
Total Direct Costs of Program: $30,114

Indirect Costs

Year One (Fall/Spring Semesters) Year Two (Summer/Fall/Spring Semesters) Year Three (Summer Semester)
Housing and Food $14,076.00 $21,114.00 $7,038.00
Transportation $2,224.00 $3,336.00 $1,112.00
Personal Expenses $2,134.00 $3,201.00 $1,067.00
Books and Supplies $900.00 $1,350.00 $450.00
Student Loan Fees $216.00 $324.00 $108.00
Yearly Total $19,550.00 $29,325.00 $9,775.00

Total Cost of Attendance

Year One (Fall/Spring Semesters) Year Two (Summer/Fall/Spring Semesters) Year Three (Summer Semester)
Cost of Attendance $31,102 $43,093 $14,599

Please visit Financial Aid to learn more about the financial aid process and resources available.

The Office of Financial Aid can be reached at 630-637-5600 or by emailing finaid@noctrl.edu.

 

Scholarships and Awards

North Central College offers several scholarships and awards to help you reduce tuition cost by up to 25%, including:

  • Alliance Partnership
  • Opportunity Award 
  • North Central College Alumni 
    • Offer can be extended to family of alumni

Program Overview

  • 36 credit hours, 6 semesters
    • Please note that Graduate Nursing does not follow the published NCC Graduate Summer calendar and concludes a week later.  Please plan accordingly.
      • Click here to see the Nursing Graduate Academic Calendar
  • Online program with 2-3 on-campus immersions
    • Didactic courses are taught online, asynchronous
  • On-site clinical practicums and the completion of 500 practicum hours in the hospital/clinic/simulation setting, is required.

Through the Nurse Executive Leader track, students will learn how to:

  • Manage day-to-day supervision of departments, an entire hospital, or several hospitals
  • Effectively report to the organization’s chief executive officer
  • Implement budget oversight and preparation, business plans, professional presentations, and strategy development
  • Execute human resource hiring and management and interprofessional collaborative practices
  • Create effective intra-departmental and facility-wide systems of healthcare delivery, while leading a productive and efficient workforce

Nursing, M.S.

Department Chair: Dr. Kara Fenne DNP, MSN, RN, CNE 

Mission Statement

The North Central College Graduate Nursing Programs will prepare advanced nurse professionals for life-long learning, transformational leadership and to function as ethical change agents in the local, national and global healthcare system and community.

Vision

The Graduate Nursing program offers an innovative interprofessional approach to foster the next generation of healthcare leaders who embrace diversity, promote equality and improve population health outcomes.

The MSN program follows many policies listed in the Admission and Academic Regulations sections. However, there are some policies specific to MSN. Please refer to the Graduate Nursing Handbook for Graduate Nursing program outcomes, specific admission requirements, academic regulations and the Graduate Nursing Academic Calendar.

The MSN program requires 36-47 credit hours. Credit hour requirements vary based on the degree track and approved transfer credits. Clinical hour requirements are specific to the degree track. Nurse Education and Executive Leader tracks require 500 direct/indirect care clinical hours. Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks require 525 clinical hours. Clinical hours are subject to change based on the certification requirements of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Nursing Core

Nurse Executive Leader Track

This track requires 36 credit hours including the MS in Nursing Core and 500 clinical hours.

Executive Leader Courses

Nurse Educator Track

This track requires 36 credit hours including the MS Nursing Core and 500 clinical hours.

Educator Courses

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

This track requires 47 credit hours including the MS Nursing Core, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Core and 525 direct care clinical hours.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Core

Family Practitioner Courses

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

This track requires 47 credit hours including the MS Nursing Core, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Core and 525 direct care clinical hours.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Core

Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner Courses

Master of Science in Nursing:Nurse Executive Leader/Master of Business
Administration Dual Degree

Set yourself apart and advance your nursing career with North Central’s dual MSN-MBA degree option. Over the course of 6 semesters, you will become equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead in your healthcare organization and drive critical business strategy.

Program Overview

  • Earn two degrees in 24 months
  • 63 credit hours total
    • MSN credit hours – 36
    • MBA credit hours – 27
  • Courses are offered online, asynchronous
  • On-site clinical practicums and the completion of 500 practicum hours in the hospital/clinic/simulation setting is required

Admission Requirements and Application

Applicants must have:

  • An earned BSN of CCNE or ACEN baccalaureate accredited program
  • A current, unencumbered RN license
    • While North Central accepts students from multiple states/territories, applicants outside of Illinois should check with their state regulatory body
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of their BSN program
  • Completed undergraduate statistics (3 credit hours) with a “C” or higher
  • Completed application

To apply:

1. Start Your Application

Apply using North Central's free application. A username and password will be generated and sent to the email you provide. You will have 30 days to complete the online application. In order to submit the application, you will be required to upload the following:

  • Statement of purpose that discusses experiences (healthcare experiences, educational background, community enrichment), and attributes (resilience, integrity, intellectual curiosity, ethnicity/race, socioeconomic status, multilingual abilities, geography, faith, perseverance)
  • Current resume that includes educational and employment history, college extracurricular activities, community activities, honors and leadership roles, hobbies and nonacademic interests.

2. Submit Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions showing an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be submitted to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies directly from the institution attended. Official transcripts can be sent electronically from verified services to grad@noctrl.edu or by mail to
School of Graduate and Professional Studies
30 N. Brainard St.
Naperville, IL 60540


3. Submit Letter of Recommendation
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation - at least one from a professional nurse colleague (supervisor or preceptor) and one from a professor or graduate-level prepared nursing colleague who can address the applicant’s professional and/or academic qualifications
Applicants - please send this recommendation submission link to colleagues and supervisors


APPLY TODAY!


Curriculum


MSN Required Courses

NURS 500 - Professional Role Development into Advanced Practice

NURS 501 - Applied Research and Biostatistics in Evidence-Based Practice

NURS 502 - Population Health and Healthcare Delivery in a Global Society

NURS 503 - Healthcare Quality Outcomes, Safety, and Informatics

NURS 508 – Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment for the Advanced Specialist 

NURS 515 - Organizational Theory for Integrated Healthcare Systems

NURS 516 - Decision Making and Managing Complex Healthcare Systems*

NURS 517- Principles of Business and Finance in Healthcare Systems*

NURS 520 - Evidence-Based Concepts in Human Resource Healthcare Management*

NURS 522- Nurse Executive Leader Capstone Project Planning

NURS 521 - Health Policy for Healthcare Leaders

NURS 523 Nurse Executive- Leader Capstone Practicum
*Courses that meet the MBA general elective requirement


MBA Required Courses

MBUS 500 - Data Analytics for Managers

MBUS 505 - Management - Organizational Behavior

MBUS 520 - Applied Managerial Marketing

MBUS 696 - Strategic Management

MFIN 510 - Financial Management

MBUS 600 - Managerial Economics

MBUS 603 - Global Business

MBUS 606 - Entrepreneurship and New Venture Strategy

MBUS 609 - Global Supply Chain Design and Management


Virtual Professional Development Experience
The professional development events are a unique feature of our MBA program and are offered in a virtual conference format with speakers and breakout sessions, rather than a course led by one instructor. Past topics include:

  • Managing Remote Workers and Returning Workers: Opportunities and Challenges
  • Leadership and Talent Development
  • Professionalism and Ethical Responsibilities
  • Creativity Curiosity and Idea Generation