St. John’s College of Nursing in Springfield has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer a master’s of science in nursing (MSN). Between 10 and 20 full- and part-time students are expected to be admitted into the new program each year.

“The addition of the graduate program further builds on the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis’ 130-year legacy of excellence in nursing education,” said Brenda Jeffers, chancellor and professor of St. John’s College of Nursing. “The need for family nurse practitioners and master’s prepared nurse administrators is well documented in the community needs assessment survey we conducted prior to development of the program.”

The graduate program offers specialty options including family nurse practitioner (FNP) and nursing administration/leadership.

“We are proud that this new master’s degree program … provides another way for St. John’s to serve the health needs of the greater Springfield community,” said Dr. Charles L. Lucore, president and chief executive officer HSHS St. John’s Hospital. “In designing the master’s curriculum, the college assured that it contained a strong values-based leadership component for our newest graduates. This will serve our newest graduates well in their roles as family nurse practitioners and nursing administrators, and it will further the reach of our Hospital Sisters’ healing mission.”

FNP and nursing administration/leadership students will take their core curricular courses online. After moving into their specialty areas, the nursing administration/leadership students will continue their courses online, and the FNP students will take their courses at the college. The new nursing college simulation lab will be used extensively to prepare students for their clinical and practice roles. The first classes will begin this fall. More information is available by calling (217) 525-5628 or by email at .