RUSH University College of Nursing is ranked in the top 10 programs nationwide in the 2023 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Masters Programs survey. The Generalist Entry Master’s (GEM) Clinical Nurse Leader program secured the No. 10 spot out of more than 200 colleges nationwide.
This marks the first time the GEM program was included in the Online Masters Programs survey. The program has made recent curriculum changes that shifted to a more online educational experience. The move to a hybrid program allows GEM students to take courses online, in person or a combination of both depending on the course. In 2023, more than half of all classes were offered either in an online or hybrid format.
“We are proud to again be recognized for our educational excellence in this year’s rankings,” says Christine Kennedy, PhD, RN, FAAN, the John L. and Helen Kellogg Dean at the College of Nursing, and interim provost of RUSH University. “Never have online learning options for graduate nursing school been more important than they are today. We are proud to meet these needs and help develop more nurses who are ready to tackle the complex health care challenges ahead.”
The GEM program is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to pursue a career in nursing. The program focuses on clinical leadership and prepares students to successfully sit for the NCLEX (RN licensure exam) and Clinical Nurse Leader certification after graduation. The full-time program is completed in just two years.
Upon completion of the program, GEM graduates are prepared to move into a clinical role or continue to a more advanced degree, with opportunities like the RUSH GEM to DNP Direct Entry Pathway program.
GEM graduates’ NCLEX pass rate for academic year 2022 was 97%, which is well above the national average of 86% and Illinois average of 84%.
“We are so proud to be ranked in the top 10 for our GEM program this year,” says Fred Brown, DNP, RN, director of generalist education at the College of Nursing. “RUSH College of Nursing provides a unique educational experience for non-nurses seeking to enter the profession through the GEM program. Our outstanding faculty and our commitment to the highest educational standards help us stand out as a top choice for students wanting to become nurses.”
