Elmhurst University’s Nursing program levels up with addition of new doctoral program next fall

Starting next fall semester, Elmhurst University will introduce its new Doctoral of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, which is the first doctoral-level program offered by EU.

Last Oct., it was announced by President Troy VanAnken that the DNP was approved by the Higher Learning Commission. 

On the EU website, an article about the new program states that it is, “Oriented toward doctoral-level practice rather than research. As part of their experience, students will identify a current issue in healthcare, work throughout the program to develop a solution, and graduate with a tangible portfolio showcasing the implementation of their project.”

Graphic by- Rachel Fratt

Last March, the nursing program at EU was ranked 135th in the nation. The department of nursing and health sciences has six programs of study for students to choose from, with a chance for students to receive an undergraduate, graduate, and now doctoral degree.

The EU nursing program is very interactive with students. Nursing student senior Rachael Dickenson explains some of the ins and outs of the program.

“Elmhurst University has faculty that has worked in a lot of different fields of nursing as well as areas, and never fails to answer questions about hospitals in the area,” said Dickenson. “We do our clinical rotations at some of the best hospitals not only in Illinois but in the United States, such as Northwestern, Rush, and Lurie.”

Dickenson continued, “We can get a feel of where we feel like we belong whether it be a small family care practice or a high-income trauma center.”

The program offers classes that help students prepare for their board exam, the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), and other standardized tests. Students also receive emails regarding job openings from hospitals that need nurses or technicians upon their graduation.

On top of that, nursing professors offer insight to students about the different areas of nursing they have experience in and provide guidance on what to expect once they are out in the workforce. 

The department of nursing and health sciences also granted eleven students from the master’s program the opportunity to study abroad. 

Jennifer Szutowicz, one of the recipients, was awarded The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant, to take courses in Ireland. She will be studying at the University College of Dublin. 

Szutowicz is looking forward to studying in Ireland with her peers. 

“I felt so much happiness reading the acceptance letter and knowing I will be going with 11 of my close nursing peers,” said Szutowicz. “The whole thing felt surreal.”