[ Master Of Science In Nursing ]

Program Director

Mary Oesterle, Ed.D., APN, CNP
Professor of Nursing
Dr. Oesterle joined the Elmhurst faculty and assumed the position of director of graduate nursing in 2005. She has extensive background in nursing education, with a strong emphasis on graduate education. She completed her baccalaureate and master’s degrees in nursing at Saint Xavier University and earned her doctorate in education from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Oesterle completed a post-doctoral certificate program and is certified as a family nurse practitioner. Her teaching and practice focus has been primary care with families. Her current areas of interest are clinical prevention and health professions education. 

Dr. Oesterle has received grant funding for program development for graduate nursing education and for delivery of primary care services. In 2007, Dr. Oesterle was recognized as a Nurse Fellow by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Dr. Oesterle is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, and the Clinical Nurse Leader Association.