Her nursing degrees have opened door to success in corporate world

"I have gone toe to toe with other professionals from big name colleges, and I am confident that my education is equally matched, if not enhanced due to the small (campus) atmosphere of knowing who your professors are and being able to communicate with them."

Just listing Christine Rohl's extensive background is exhausting.

Board certified neuroscience nurse and family nurse practitioner, corporate pharmaceutical manager, demonstrated multiple sclerosis expert, manuscript reviewer for the Journal of NeuroScience Nursing, Clinical Advisory Committee member for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Purdue Calumet guest lecturer and clinical instructor, mother of two sons and, oh, yes, soccer player and marathon runner (she completed the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in mid-October).

The Griffith resident also holds multiple academic credentials as a graduate of Purdue University Calumet's School of Nursing: associate degree (1987), baccalaureate degree with Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (1990), master's degree with Clinical Nurse Specialist focus (1998) and a post-master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (2004).

"Even though my heart is in nursing," she said, "I am thankful that my nursing degrees have allowed me to enter the corporate world of biopharmaceuticals."

More specifically, she serves as key account manager for the Chicago area of Switzerland-based Serono Inc. Among the products the company manufactures is the multiple sclerosis medication, Rebif.

In her position, Rohl works with physicians, nurses and patients to advance knowledge about the medication. She also educates about MS through various programs she coordinates.

"I started out as a staff nurse interested in neurology," she said. "Advancing my education allowed more doors to open. I've worked as a clinical nurse specialist and nurse practitioner in an MS clinic. By expanding my education and dedication to MS, I now work for a biotech company that dedicates its pipeline to developing new MS products."

As a certified MS nurse, she has presented at national meetings and has written published articles relating to the neurological disease.

"Although I am a business professional, I am able to add that nursing aspect to what I do since my products affect patients," she said. "In that sense, I am able to care for more people on a global level."

As for her education, she said, "I am thankful that Purdue Calumet provided me the knowledge to succeed in the health care profession, as well as the business world. I feel the Purdue Calumet nursing program is the best around. I have gone toe to toe with other professionals from big name colleges, and I am confident that my education is equally matched, if not enhanced due to the small (campus) atmosphere of knowing who your professors are and being able to communicate with them."