RN to MSN - Advanced Generalist, RN to MSN - Informatics Track, RN to MSN - Nurse Educator Track, RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Program Location
Orange County & Dallas - Online 
- RN-MSN Advanced Generalist
- RN-MSN Informatics
- RN-MSN Nurse Educator
Orange County Campus - Online
- RN-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Credits
RN-MSN
- Advanced Generalist - 141 Credits
- Informatics - 141 Credits
- Nurse Educator - 141 Credits
- Family Nurse Practitioner - 158 Credits
Program Length
RN-MSN
- Advanced Generalist:  6 Trimesters,  96 Instructional Weeks
- Informatics:  6 Trimesters, 96 Instructional Weeks
- Nurse Educator:  6 Trimesters, 96 Instructional Weeks
- Family Nurse Practitioner:  10 Trimesters, 160 Instructional Weeks
Time to Complete
RN-MSN
- Advanced Generalist:  24 Months
- Informatics:  24 Months
- Nurse Educator:  24 Months
- Family Nurse Practitioner:  40 Months  
Total program length may vary. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide evidence-based and innovative nursing education toculturally diverse learners; preparing nurses to provide quality and compassionate care that is responsive tothe needs of the community and the global society.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, RN to MSN students will:

1. Integrate the various sciences from nursing and such other fields as physiology, statistics, psychosocial,political, financial, genetics, public health and the organizations sciences in the continued improvement ofnursing across the continuum of various health care settings.

2. Provide leadership in a variety of settings that promote high quality safe patient care that also incorporatesethical decision making and effective working relationships across a variety of disciplines.

3. Demonstrate the skills needed to effect quality improvement that incorporates the various models,standards and performance measures necessary to apply quality principles, within any type of
organization.

4. Apply evidenced based research in clinical practice by identifying actual or potential practice problems in asetting and resolving them through the role of change agent.

5. Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills both technical and in the application of informatics to enhance,deliver, communicate and integrate and coordinate patient care.

6. Recognize the need for and ability to affect policy changes by using the policy development process andadvocacy strategies to influence health and health care.

7. Communicate and coordinate with a variety of health professionals in a variety of settings to manage andcoordinate care.

8. Identify and integrate the various evidenced based practices of health promotion and disease preventionusing client centered, culturally and age appropriate concepts in the nursing process of
services to individuals, families and broad based aggregate populations.

9. Demonstrate an advanced level of nursing and relevant sciences and the ability to integrate that knowledgeinto nursing practice that influences health care outcomes for individual, families, populations or systems. 

RN to MSN

The RN-MSN program promotes foundational competencies that are core to advanced nursing practice in anever-changing and globally reaching healthcare environment. Academic, practice experience, andinterpersonal preparation are characterized by increased depth in organizational and systems’ leadershipwithin a culture of integrity and personal accountability in a community that values the dignity andcontributions of all members. Standards of ethical behavior and decision-making are essential foundations ofthe education programs that guide individuals to distinguish ethical principles and understand theconsequences and implications beyond personal and organizational self-interest.

This RN-MSN degree programs build upon prior nursing clinical knowledge and experience and focuses on thecore knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential to meet the complexities of today's healthcareenvironment.  Academic, practice experience, and interpersonal preparation are characterized by increaseddepth in organizational and systems' leadership within a culture of integrity and personal accountability in acommunity that values the dignity and contributions of all members.

The core courses and practice experience offer expanded study in the health care areas of advocacy, programmanagement, education, clinical practice, research, and health policy formulation. Graduates will be able toformulate an inspirational perspective of nursing, incorporating a wide range of theories from nursing andother sciences. The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing (AACN, 2011) provides a foundation for thetheoretical and clinical emphasis of the RN- MSN program.

RN to MSN Nurse Informatics Track

The Informatics track focuses upon preparing students for an exciting career in the development andmanagement of healthcare information technology, incorporating the tools and skills to design and improvethe use of informatics into practice, education, administration and research.  This program helps preparegraduates to assist in the creation, analysis, and testing of applications utilized in electronic health records,provide support and training and act as a liaison between all departments involved in the introduction and useof healthcare technology, as well as facilitate the analysis of clinical data for performance improvementprograms and enhance the continuity of care.  

RN to MSN Nurse Educator Track

The Nurse Educator track focuses on the development of the nursing professional who can integrateenhanced leadership skills with nursing education in he academic or service setting, to formulate aprofessional commitment to learning and to make a contribution to quality improvement.  There is a criticalshortage of nursing faculty in the United States and this program provides students with advanced contentessential for today's contemporary nurse educator.  The program integrates content related to adult learning,curriculum design, simulation and evaluation of nursing courses and programs in a variety of settings.  Theprogram also includes opportunities to explore contemporary educational modalities.  The knowledge andexpertise gained through this program are applicable in a variety of settings.  

RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Track

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track is designed to build on the experiences of the registered nurse andprepare the student to meet the health care needs of the family by providing health assessments, direct care,and guidance, teaching, or counseling as appropriate, particularly around family self-care.  The FNP typicallyworks collaboratively with family primary care physicians and other professionals within the health caresystem.  FNPs work in a variety of health care settings, such as private practice, clinics, community healthorganizations, schools and hospice care.  The demand for more Nurse Practitioners continue to grow as theypresent a viable solution to the growing trend of fewer family practice physicians entering practice.  Theprogram is aligned with standards set by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and theAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing.  FNP certification is through the State of California and nationallythrough the American Nurses Credentialing Center.  


RN to MSN Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet the following standards (RN-MSN All Track Options):

  1. Submit a non-refundable application fee. 
  2. Provide proof of a current unobstructed Registered Nurse (RN) license from the United States.  
  3. Submit official transcripts from a Board of Nursing licensed Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing program;  
    1. Students may provide proof of acceptable degree or diploma at the time of admission; however, official transcripts must be received prior to the add/drop period.  
    2. The RN to MSN program gives students the opportunity to transfer up to 90 semester credits.  Students enrolled in the RN to MSN program are exempt from specific general education and science recency requirements.  
  4. Have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 from the student's Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing program.  
    1. Applicants with a CGPA of 2.7 to 2.99 may be admitted on probation, but must achieve a cumulative B (3.0) or better within their first trimester.  
  5. Applicants whose first language is not English are required to meet one of the following criteria: 
    1. Achieve a minimum overall TOEFL score of 84 (internet-based test);
      1. Speaking section minimum score:  24
      2. Writing section minimum score:  24
    2. Have graduated from an accredited high school where English is the primary language of instruction and examination with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a minimum of three (3) English courses.  
    3. Within the last five (5) years, have successfully completed at least three (3) years of instruction from an accredited high school where English is the primary language of instruction and examination, including three (3) years of English (non-English as a Second Language) courses with a grade of "B" or higher.  
    4. Within the last three (3) years, have successfully completed at least two (2) years of full-time coursework at the post-secondary level (accredited college or University) where English is the primary language of instruction and examination, including two (2) English courses (one course must be a 200 level course or higher) with a grade of "B" or higher.  
    5. ACT English subsection score of 20 or higher.  
    6. SAT Critical Reading subsection score of 525 or higher.  
    7. A minimum of a 6.5 or higher in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination within the last twelve (12) months.  

1) Official transcripts must be submitted to document program completion.  The RN to MSN program gives students the opportunity to transfer up to 90 semester credits. 

2) Students enrolled in the RN to MSN program are exempt from specific general education requirements.  There is no science recency requirement for RN to MSN students.

Admissions Requirements RN-MSN-FNP Track:

In addition to meeting the admissions requirements above, applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner track must:

  1. Receive a recommendation for admission from the Graduate Nursing Admissions Committee following an interview.  As part of the process, applicants must submit an essay for evaluation.  Past academic performance and professional activity will be evaluated, e.g., community, organizational, and volunteer service, and creative professional accomplishments.  
  2. At least one (1) year of documented RN experience in direct patient care before beginning FNP courses. 
  3. Submission of three letters of recommendation from health care professionals or other non-family professionals who can address the applicant's clinical expertise and academic preparation for the program.  


Nursing (RN to MSN) Transfer Credits

Official transcripts documenting receipt of a Nursing degree must be received by the end of the add/drop period of the first term.  The RN to MSN program awards 42 transfer credits for an unobstructed current RN license issued in the United States. 

Students who are requesting transfer credit for courses in the core curriculum must submit official transcripts by the first day of the first term in which the student commences his or her education at West Coast University. 

Nursing applicants requesting additional transfer credit for General Education courses must provide official transcripts no later than 30 calendar days after the start of the semester in which the student commences his or her education at the University.  Only college-level coursework will be considered for transfer credit.  All coursework must have been taken at an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

Note:  Students enrolled in the RN-MSN program must have earned/transferred in 72 credits in order to be eligible for federal Title IV financial aid.

Note:  A student may have the option of taking a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA 100) course if he/she does not have sufficient college-level credits required to meet the 141 credits required for graduation with this degree program.  Prior Learning Assessment (PLA 100) is not subject to this policy as credit earned from Prior Learning Assessment is done in conjunction with enrollment in the appropriate West Coast University course. 

Progression Requirements (All MSN Tracks)

A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 is required in all 500 and 600 courses for graduation.  Students are also required to meet all requirements under the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.  

FNP Progression Requirement

In the FNP track/certificate, students must receive a grade of B or better in all FNP-specific courses taken in order to progress.  Students will be allowed one opportunity to repeat a course for a higher grade.  If unsuccessful, the student may move to another program track, if available or will be dismissed.  

As a track prerequisite, the following courses must have been completed within the last three (3) years with a grade of B (3.0) or better:

  1. NURS 530 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
  2. NURS 676 Advanced Pharmacology
  3. NURS 680 Advanced Health/Physical Assessment

RN to MSN - Advanced Generalist Curriculum

Course Number
Course Name
Total Credit Hours
ELECT 199

Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Coursework:
Up to 48 credits of transfer coursework:

  • Applicants who do not have enough previous credits to complete this requirement will have the following
    options:

* College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

* Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)

* Advanced Placement (AP)

* International Baccalaureate (IB)

* American Credit Evaluation (ACE)

* National College Credit Recommendation
Service (NCCRS)

* Challenge exams

 
48.0
 

As needed to complete the College-Level Non-Nursing Coursework Requirement:

  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA 100 Course)
  • Other WCU Courses as needed
 
N/A
LDR 432Principles of Leadership for Health Care Organizations

3.0

PATH 370Pathophysiology

3.0

MATH 211Statistics

3.0

NURS 340Public Health Nursing

3.0

NURS 500Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3.0

NURS 510Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care

3.0

NURS 521Ethics in Health Care

3.0

NURS 530Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

3.0

NURS 540Research Utilization

3.0

NURS 561Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

3.0

NURS 570Advanced Pharmacology

3.0

NURS 580Advanced Health/Physical Assessment

3.0

NURS 590AAdvanced Clinical Practice: Theory

1.5

NURS 590BAdvanced Clinical Practice: Theory

1.5

NURS 591L-AAdvanced Clinical Practice: Practicum

1.5

NURS 591L-BAdvanced Clinical Practice: Practicum

1.5

NURS 690ACulminating Experience I

1.5

NURS 690BCulminating Experience II

1.5

NURS 495LCommunity Practice Experience

3.0

NURS 535Principles of Teaching and Learning (formerly NURS 600)

3.0

Total Credit Hours:51.0
Required at WCU
51.0
Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Courses
48.0
Awarded for Unobstructed RN Licensure
42.0
Degree Total
141.0

RN to MSN Informatics Track Curriculum

Course Number
Course Name
Total Credit Hours
ELECT 199

Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Coursework:
Up to 48 credits of transfer coursework:

  • Applicants who do not have enough previous credits to complete this requirement will have the following
    options:

* College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

* Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)

* Advanced Placement (AP)

* International Baccalaureate (IB)

* American Credit Evaluation (ACE)

* National College Credit Recommendation
Service (NCCRS)

* Challenge exams

 
48.0
 

As needed to complete the College-Level Non-Nursing Coursework Requirement:

  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA 100 Course)
  • Other WCU Courses as needed
 
N/A
PATH 370Pathophysiology

3.0

LDR 432Principles of Leadership for Health Care Organizations

3.0

MATH 211Statistics

3.0

NURS 340-APublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 500Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3.0

NURS 340-BPublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 510Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care

3.0

NURS 495L-ACommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 521Ethics in Health Care

3.0

NURS 495L-BCommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 656Project Management in Healthcare Informatics

3.0

NURS 561Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

3.0

NURS 540Research Utilization

3.0

NURS 677Introduction to Healthcare Informatics

3.0

NURS 655Database Systems, Design and Information Management

3.0

NURS 658Interoperability and Standards

3.0

NURS 659Implementation, Management and Evaluation of Healthcare Systems

3.0

NURS 675L-AHealth Informatics Practicum

1.5

NURS 690ACulminating Experience I

1.5

NURS 675L-BHealth Informatics Practicum

1.5

NURS 690BCulminating Experience II

1.5

Total Credit Hours:51.0
Required at WCU
51.0
Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Courses
48.0
Awarded for Unobstructed RN Licensure
42.0
Degree Total
141.0

RN to MSN Nurse Educator Track Curriculum

Course Number
Course Name
Total Credit Hours
ELECT 199

Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Coursework:
Up to 48 credits of transfer coursework:

  • Applicants who do not have enough previous credits to complete this requirement will have the following
    options:

* College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

* Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)

* Advanced Placement (AP)

* International Baccalaureate (IB)

* American Credit Evaluation (ACE)

* National College Credit Recommendation
Service (NCCRS)

* Challenge exams

 
48.0
 

As needed to complete the College-Level Non-Nursing Coursework Requirement:

  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA 100 Course)
  • Other WCU Courses as needed
 
N/A
PATH 370Pathophysiology

3.0

LDR 432Principles of Leadership for Health Care Organizations

3.0

MATH 211Statistics

3.0

NURS 340-APublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 500Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3.0

NURS 340-BPublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 510Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care

3.0

NURS 495L-ACommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 521Ethics in Health Care

3.0

NURS 495L-BCommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 535Principles of Teaching and Learning (formerly NURS 600)

3.0

NURS 561Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

3.0

NURS 540Research Utilization

3.0

NURS 530Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

3.0

NURS 570Advanced Pharmacology

3.0

NURS 580Advanced Health/Physical Assessment

3.0

NURS 640Curriculum Design and Simulation

3.0

NURS 641LAEducation Teaching Practicum

1.5

NURS 690ACulminating Experience I

1.5

NURS 641LBEducation Teaching Practicum

1.5

NURS 690BCulminating Experience II

1.5

Total Credit Hours:51.0
Required at WCU
51.0
Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Courses
48.0
Awarded for Unobstructed RN Licensure
42.0
Degree Total
141.0

RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner Track Curriculum

Course Number
Course Name
Total Credit Hours
ELECT 199

Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Coursework:
Up to 48 credits of transfer coursework:

  • Applicants who do not have enough previous credits to complete this requirement will have the following
    options:

* College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

* Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)

* Advanced Placement (AP)

* International Baccalaureate (IB)

* American Credit Evaluation (ACE)

* National College Credit Recommendation
Service (NCCRS)

* Challenge exams

 
48.0
 

As needed to complete the College-Level Non-Nursing Coursework Requirement:

  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA 100 Course)
  • Other WCU Courses as needed
 
N/A
PATH 370Pathophysiology

3.0

LDR 432Principles of Leadership for Health Care Organizations

3.0

MATH 211Statistics

3.0

NURS 340-APublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 500Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3.0

NURS 340-BPublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 510Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care

3.0

NURS 495L-ACommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 521Ethics in Health Care

3.0

NURS 495L-BCommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 535Principles of Teaching and Learning (formerly NURS 600)

3.0

NURS 561Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

3.0

NURS 540Research Utilization

3.0

NURS 530AAPRN Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

1.5

NURS 676AAdvanced Pharmacology - FNP Specific

1.5

NURS 530BAPRN Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

1.5

NURS 676BAdvanced Pharmacology - FNP Specific

1.5

NURS 680AAdvanced Health/Physical Assessment - FNP Specific

1.5

NURS 601AFNP Bridge Course

1.5

NURS 680BAdvanced Health/Physical Assessment - FNP Specific

1.5

NURS 601BFNP Bridge Course

1.5

NURS 663APrimary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Theory

1.5

NURS 663L-APrimary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Practicum

1.5

NURS 663BPrimary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Theory

1.5

NURS 663L-BPrimary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Practicum

1.5

NURS 660Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing

1.0

NURS 664APrimary Care Women's Health: Theory

1.0

NURS 664L-APrimary Care Women's Health: Practicum

1.0

NURS 664BPrimary Care Women's Health: Theory

1.0

NURS 664L-BPrimary Care Women's Health: Practicum

1.0

NURS 665ACare Management and Coordination: Theory

1.0

NURS 662APrimary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory

1.0

NURS 662L-APrimary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum

1.0

NURS 662BPrimary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory

1.0

NURS 662L-BPrimary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum

1.0

NURS 665BCare Management and Coordination: Theory

1.0

NURS 668L-AAdvanced Health Care Residency

1.5

NURS 690ACulminating Experience I

1.5

NURS 668L-BAdvanced Health Care Residency

1.5

NURS 690BCulminating Experience II

1.5

Total Credit Hours:68.0
Required at WCU
68.0
Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Courses
48.0
Awarded for Unobstructed RN Licensure
42.0
Degree Total
158.0