Master of Science in Nursing

Program Director

Mary Oesterle, Ed.D., RN
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 family nurse practitioner certificate program at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and practiced in primary care with children and families. Her current area of interest is clinical leadership in nursing, both in practice and nursing education. Dr. Oesterle is certified as a Clinical Nurse Leader.

Dr. Oesterle has received grant funding for program development for graduate nursing education, graduate student traineeships, 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.