Rapid changes in the health care industry continue to fuel the national demand for highly qualified nurses. DePaul University has been meeting that demand for more than 40 years by educating nurses through its bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Now, DePaul will offer these programs at its Naperville Campus, along with the recently added Accelerated R.N. to M.S. Degree Program, which helps nurses earn a bachelor's or master's in less time.

"We were the first institution to establish a graduate program in nursing in the state of Illinois," said Susan Poslusny, who chairs DePaul’s nursing department. "Since 1953, we have graduated over 600 master-prepared nurses who hold leadership positions in administration and education."

The master’s program prepares registered nurses for Advanced Nursing Practice in several specialties: community health, home health or acute and chronic illness. Students may also pursue certification as a clinical specialist or nurse practitioner.

"An attractive option for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing is the accelerated R.N. to M.S. program that will be offered in Naperville," said Poslusny. "An R.N. can complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just over two years."

Registered nurses may also choose the four-course graduate Certificate Program in Case Management and Managed Care, which is designed for individuals just beginning work in the case management system or for those who want to expand their knowledge of managed care systems.

More information on DePaul’s nursing program is available by calling 773/325-7280.

Prospective students can learn more about these and other academic programs offered at the Naperville Campus by attending one of the university's information sessions or open houses.

Information sessions are being held each Saturday through June 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at DePaul’s temporary Naperville location, 1804 Centre Point Drive.

Open houses will be held Saturdays: June 21 and July 19, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 1837 Centre Point Circle, Naperville. An open house will also be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the new Naperville Campus, 150 W. Warrenville Road.

For more information call 312/362-5000.