RN to MSN - Advanced Generalist, RN to MSN - Informatics Track, RN to MSN - Nurse Educator Track, RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Track, RN-MSN - Nurse Leader Track
Program Location
|
Distance Education/Online
- RN-MSN Advanced Generalist
- RN-MSN Informatics
- RN-MSN Nurse Educator
- RN-MSN Nurse Leader
- RN-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
|
Program Credits
|
RN-MSN
- Advanced Generalist - 141 Credits
- Informatics - 141 Credits
- Nurse Educator - 141 Credits
- Nurse Leader - 141 Credits
- Family Nurse Practitioner - 158 Credits |
Program Length
|
RN-MSN
- Advanced Generalist:
6 Trimesters, 96 Instructional Weeks or
10 Trimesters, 160 Instructional Weeks
- Informatics:
6 Trimesters, 96 Instructional Weeks or
9 Trimesters, 144 Instructional Weeks
- Nurse Educator:
6 Trimesters, 96 Instructional Weeks or
9 Trimesters, 144 Instructional Weeks
- Nurse Leader:
6 Trimesters, 96 Instructional Weeks or
9 Trimesters, 144 Instructional Weeks
- Family Nurse Practitioner:
10 Trimesters, 160 Instructional Weeks or
12 Trimesters, 192 Instructional Weeks
|
Time to Complete
|
RN-MSN
- Advanced Generalist: 24 Months or 40 Months
- Informatics: 24 Months or 36 Months
- Nurse Educator: 24 Months or 36 Months
- Nurse Leader: 24 Months or 36 Months
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 40 Months or 48 Months
|
Total program length may vary. WCU distance education programs may not be available to residents in all states.
RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Advanced Generalist: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1141.00, 25-1072.00
RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1141.00, 25-1072.00
RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1141.00, 29-1072.00, 29-1171.00
RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Informatics: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1141.00
RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Leader: Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-1141.00, 25-1072.00
Mission Statement
The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide evidence-based and innovative nursing education to culturally diverse learners; preparing nurses to provide quality and compassionate care that is responsive to the 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 of nursing 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 incorporates ethical 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 a setting 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 and advocacy 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 prevention using 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 knowledge into 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 a never-changing and globally reaching healthcare environment. Academic, practice experience, and interpersonal preparation are characterized by increased depth in organizational and systems’ leadership within a culture of integrity and personal accountability in a community that values the dignity and contributions 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 the core knowledge, skills and abilities that are essential to meet the complexities of today's healthcare environment. Academic, practice experience, and interpersonal preparation are characterized by increased depth 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, program management, education, clinical practice, research, and health policy formulation. Graduates will be able to formulate an inspirational perspective of nursing, incorporating a wide range of theories from nursing and other sciences. The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing (AACN, 2011) provides a foundation for the theoretical 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 and management of healthcare information technology, incorporating the tools and skills to design and improve the use of informatics into practice, education, administration and research. This program helps prepare graduates 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 use of healthcare technology, as well as facilitate the analysis of clinical data for performance improvement programs 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 integrate enhanced leadership skills with nursing education in he academic or service setting, to formulate a professional commitment to learning and to make a contribution to quality improvement. There is a critical shortage of nursing faculty in the United States and this program provides students with advanced content essential 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. The program 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 and prepare 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 typically works collaboratively with family primary care physicians and other professionals within the health care system. FNPs work in a variety of health care settings, such as private practice, clinics, community health organizations, schools and hospice care. The demand for more Nurse Practitioners continue to grow as they present a viable solution to the growing trend of fewer family practice physicians entering practice. The program is aligned with standards set by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. FNP certification is through the State of California and nationally through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
RN to MSN Nurse Leader Track
The West Coast University RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program Nurse Leader track helps to prepare the graduate for the challenges of leading health care organizations through these times of constant change and innovation, which demands highly qualified leaders with a well-rounded understanding of clinical, managerial, and business concepts. Students will learn the theories and concepts of leadership models, research utilization, strategic planning and financial management, as well as policy development, ethical concepts and practices, and opportunities to collaborate with other health care disciplines. The program prepares the nurse leader to lead processes and teams, and apply analytical and problem-solving skills on a daily basis to enhance the quality of patient care outcomes in a variety of settings.
This program meets the educational eligibility requirements for the ANCC Nurse Executive, Board Certified Credential (NE-BC).
RN to MSN Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the program must meet the following standards (RN-MSN All Track Options):
- Submit a non-refundable application fee to cover administrative cost of processing application.
- Provide proof of a current unobstructed Registered Nurse (RN) license from the United States.
- Applicants awaiting their licensure exam may be admitted if they meet all other admissions criteria but must show proof of licensure prior to entering the third trimester of the program.**
- Submit official transcripts from a Board of Nursing licensed Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing program;
- Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the first week of the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period in order to be admitted into the program.
- Applicants with a valid license may be admitted with approved documentation of earned high school degree or equivalent pending receipt of official transcripts of the nursing degree. Official transcripts must be submitted to document program completion.
- Have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 from the student's Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing program.
- 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.
- Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.
- One year of direct patient care nursing experience within the past five years is preferred.
*All students must have a current and unobstructed license in the United States prior to entering the third trimester of the program;an unobstructed license is required for degree completion and will be verified again prior to entering the practicum course. Failure to present a valid RN license will result in dismissal from the university until such time license is current and unobstructed.
Admissions Requirements RN-MSN-FNP Track:
In addition to meeting the admissions requirements above, applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner track must:
- 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.
- Applicants to the FNP track must have a minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care experience within the past three (3) years prior to entering FNP courses.
- Submission of two (2) letters of recommendation from most recent employer (supervisor) and from a professor who can address the applicant's clinical expertise and academic preparation for the program.
Nursing (RN to MSN) Transfer Credits
The RN to MSN program awards 42 transfer credits for an unobstructed current RN license issued in the United States and up to 48 credits of general education transfer credits (total of 90 transfer credits).
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 credits for courses must provide official transcripts no later than six months 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.
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.
NURS 496L A&B Language
Students who do not intend to earn a California Public Health Certificate should register for NURS 496L A & B as a substitute for NURS 495L. Please contact your program dean if you have any questions.
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 five (5) years with a grade of B (3.0) or better:
- NURS 530 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
- NURS 676 Advanced Pharmacology
- NURS 680 Advanced Health/Physical Assessment
A student in the Family Nurse Practitioner RN to MSN online program at West Coast University participates in two (2) 3-day On-site Intensive (OSI) weekends. The OSI brings students to campus to learn, practice and demonstrate essential hands-on skills and competencies needed by nurse practitioners.
RN to MSN - Advanced Generalist Curriculum
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
|
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
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
|
| PATH 370 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| LDR 432 | Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| MATH 211 | Statistics | 3 |
| NURS 340A | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 340B | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 510 | Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 495L-A | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 521 | Ethics in Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 495L-B | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 656 | Project Management in Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| NURS 561 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| NURS 540 | Research Utilization | 3 |
| NURS 677 | Intro to Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| NURS 655 | Database Systems, Design and Informatics | 3 |
| NURS 658 | Interoperability and Standards | 3 |
| NURS 659 | Implementation, Management, and Evaluation of Healthcare Systems | 3 |
| NURS 675L-A | Health Informatics Practicum I | 1.5 |
| NURS 693A | Culminating Experience I | 1.5 |
| NURS 675L-B | Health Informatics Practicum II | 1.5 |
| NURS 693B | Culminating Experience II | 1.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 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 Leader Track Curriculum
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
|
| LDR 432 | Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| PATH 370 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| MATH 211 | Statistics | 3 |
| NURS 340A | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 340B | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 510 | Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 495L-A | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 521 | Ethics in Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 495L-B | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 561 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| HA 550 | Leadership Models for Health Care Managers | 3.0 |
| NURS 540 | Research Utilization | 3 |
| HA 540 | Strategic Planning in Health Care Organizations | 3.0 |
| NURS 677 | Intro to Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| HA 520 | Financial Management for Health Care Managers | 3.0 |
| NURS 594 | Advanced Practice Theory: Nursing Leadership | 3 |
| NURS 595L-A | Advanced Practice: Nurse Leader Practicum I | 1.5 |
| NURS 694A | Culminating Experience I | 1.5 |
| NURS 595L-B | Advanced Practice: Nurse Leader Practicum II | 1.5 |
| NURS 694B | Culminating Experience II | 1.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 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
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
|
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
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
|
| PATH 370 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| LDR 432 | Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| MATH 211 | Statistics | 3 |
| NURS 340A | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NURS 340B | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 510 | Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 495L-A | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 521 | Ethics in Healthcare | 3 |
| NURS 495L-B | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 535 | Principles of Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| NURS 561 | Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| NURS 540 | Research Utilization | 3 |
| NURS 530A | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 1.5 |
| NURS 676A | Advanced Pharmacology - APRN specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 530B | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 1.5 |
| NURS 676B | Advanced Pharmacology - APRN specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 680A | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment - APRN specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 601A | APRN Bridge course | 1.5 |
| NURS 680B | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment - APRN specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 601B | APRN Bridge course | 1.5 |
| NURS 663A | Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Theory | 1.5 |
| NURS 663L-A | Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Practicum | 1.5 |
| NURS 663B | Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Theory | 1.5 |
| NURS 663L-B | Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Practicum | 1.5 |
| NURS 660 | Advanced Practice Nursing Role | 1 |
| NURS 664A | Primary Care Women's Health Theory | 1 |
| NURS 664L-A | Primary Care Women's Health: Practicum | 1 |
| NURS 664B | Primary Care Women's Health Theory | 1 |
| NURS 664L-B | Primary Care Women's Health Practicum | 1 |
| NURS 665A | Care Management and Coordination - Theory | 1 |
| NURS 662A | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory | 1 |
| NURS 662L-A | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum | 1 |
| NURS 662B | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory | 1 |
| NURS 662L-B | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum | 1 |
| NURS 665B | Care Management and Coordination - Theory | 1 |
| NURS 668L-A | Advanced Health Care Residency | 1.5 |
| NURS 691A | Culminating Experience I | 1.5 |
| NURS 668L-B | Advanced Health Care Residency | 1.5 |
| NURS 691B | Culminating Experience II | 1.5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 68.0 |
Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Courses
|
48.0
|
Awarded for Unobstructed RN Licensure
|
42.0
|
Degree Total
|
158.0
|