Master's Entry to Nursing Practice

Important Dates 

March 1, 2026:  Verified NursingCAS application priority deadline 

August 1, 2026: Verified NursingCAS standard deadline* 

August 26, 2026: First day of class 

*The application, payments, and transcripts must be received by 11:59 PM CST on the deadline date. To ensure they arrive on time, try to send all documents several weeks before the deadline. 

Applicant Requirements 

Applicants must have: 

• A bachelor’s degree from regionally or nationally accredited institution
• An overall minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Completed all prerequisite courses 

Prerequisite Courses  

Prerequisite coursework must be completed at a U.S. regionally accredited institution. All prerequisite courses must have been completed within seven years of application and with a grade of B (3.0) or higher. 

• Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab)
• Microbiology (with lab)
• General, Organic, or Biochemistry (with lab)
• Statistics
• Human Growth & Development or Developmental Psychology
• Communication (Written or Oral)   

Recommended Optional Application Material

The following items may be included to demonstrate the applicant's ability to succeed in the program.  

• Nursing observation and/or work experience, such as an aide. Applicants should include this in their application as part of work, volunteer or observation hours.
• Recommended courses
  • ​Medical Terminology
  • Nutrition
  • Ethics

Application Process 

All applicants must apply online via the online application service NursingCAS. Review all NursingCAS and North Central College-specific instructions prior to completing the application process. 

Submit the following documents to NursingCAS: 

• Complete the NursingCAS application
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate US institutions attended
• Upload a personal statement in the Documents section
• Upload a current professional resume or curriculum vitae with academic and work history 

Apply Today 

Interview Process 

We are committed to a holistic admission process that values your experiences and attributes alongside traditional measures of academic achievement, such as grade point average.  The Admissions Committee reviews verified applications throughout the admission cycle to select candidates for an interview.  Interviews are conducted virtually or on the North Central College campus throughout the admission cycle.  Candidates selected to interview will be notified by email or telephone of available dates. Interviews are required before a final admission decision is made.    

International Applicants 

At this time, the North Central College Entry to Practice MSN is not approved to issue form I-20 for non-immigrant students.  If you have questions regarding eligibility for admission based on citizenship or visa status, please email grad@noctrl.edu prior to submitting your application.  

International applicants who do not require an I-20 must submit: 

• A course-by-course evaluation from a recognized agency.  WES, ECE, or CGFNS
• TOEFL iBT 100 overall with no section below 22
• IELTS 7.0 overall
• Duolingo English Test 120 overall 

The Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice is a two-year, six semester long program. The 76-credit curriculum integrates didactic coursework, case-based learning, clinical laboratory practice, high-fidelity simulation, and immersive clinical placements. 

At North Central, nursing education is more than the transfer of knowledge - it’s a transformational journey that shapes who you become as a nurse and as a person.  Each semester builds upon the last, ensuring breadth across populations and care settings and depth of competency development, preparing graduates for safe, evidence-based, human-centered nursing practice. Semester areas of focus include: 

• Semester One - Foundations of Professional Nursing
• Semester Two - Health, Illness, and Care Across the Lifespan
• Semester Three - Adult Health in Complex and Varied Care Settings
• Semester Four - Family, Lifespan, and End-of-Life Nursing
• Semester Five - Leadership, Community Health, and Professional Formation
• Semester Six - Transition to Professional Practice 

Sample Plan of Study

Year One - Fall Semester

Year One - Spring Semester

Year One - Summer Semester

Year Two - Fall Semester

Year Two - Spring Semester

Year Two - Summer Semester

When considering the financial cost of attending graduate school, it is important to recognize that a single number does not tell the whole story. The Cost of Attendance (COA) provides a more complete picture of both the direct and indirect costs associated with one academic year at North Central College. All amounts are estimates and are subject to change annually.

Fall 2026 Cohort Cost of Attendance

Direct Costs

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

Total Direct Costs of Program: $62,200

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are expenses that will not appear on your semester bill but should still be considered when planning for graduate school. These may include housing, food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Indirect costs vary based on a student’s 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.

Financial Aid Options

Graduate students at North Central College may be eligible for federal and private financial aid, most commonly federal student loans.

To be considered for federal aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and include North Central College’s school code: 001734. Under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program, graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year, with a maximum lifetime limit of $100,000 in graduate borrowing.

Students may also apply for private education loans to cover any remaining educational costs. A list of lenders used by other North Central College students is available at www.elmselect.com. 

Because expenses vary by student, we encourage you to consider ways to minimize costs and borrowing whenever possible.

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid by calling 630-637-5600 or email finaid@noctrl.edu with any questions. Visit https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/financial-aid to learn more about the financial aid process and resources available.