Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

RFU’s College of Nursing focuses on high-level clinical authority and interprofessional leadership. For those with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, the Master of Science in Nursing for Entry into Nursing Practice (MENP) provides a 24-month intensive pathway to becoming an RN with a Master’s degree. For advanced practice, RFU offers specialized Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) tracks in Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP). However, the university is most famous for its Nurse Anesthesia (DNP) program, which consistently ranks among the top 20 in the nation. This 36-month program prepares Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) through a rigorous blend of didactic science and extensive clinical residencies.

The learning environment at RFU is anchored by the Rothstein Ward Simulation Center, a world-class facility where nursing students train alongside future doctors, podiatrists, and physician assistants. This "Interprofessional Education" (IPE) model is a hallmark of the university, simulating the team-based reality of modern hospitals. The Nurse Anesthesia program alone partners with clinical sites across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Colorado, ensuring students gain experience in diverse surgical environments. The outcomes are exceptional: the 2025 CRNA cohort achieved a 99% overall NCE pass rate and an attrition rate of just 1%, highlighting the program's intensive student support and clinical rigor.

Compared to other Illinois programs, RFU is distinguished by its graduate-only focus and its Nursing Pathways partnership with Lake Forest College and the College of Lake County, which provides local students with early conditional acceptance into the MSN program. While tuition for the DNP program is approximately $129,088 (total program cost), the return on investment is significant, with CRNA graduates entering one of the highest-paying specialties in the healthcare industry. Admission for the MENP requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA, while the DNP tracks typically require at least one year of professional experience in a critical care setting.