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
|
Orange County & Dallas - Online
- RN-MSN Advanced Generalist
- RN-MSN Informatics
- RN-MSN Nurse Educator
- RN-MSN Nurse Leader
Orange County Campus - Online
- 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
- Informatics: 6 Trimesters, 96 Instructional Weeks
- Nurse Educator: 6 Trimesters, 96 Instructional Weeks
- Nurse Leader: 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
- Nurse Leader: 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 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.
- At least one (1) year of documented RN experience in direct patient care before beginning FNP courses.
- 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
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 monts 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.
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 three (3) 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
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
|
| |
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 432 | Principles of Leadership for Health Care Organizations | 3.0 |
| PATH 370 | Pathophysiology | 3.0 |
| MATH 211 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| NURS 340 | Public Health Nursing | 3.0 |
| NURS 500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3.0 |
| NURS 510 | Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 521 | Ethics in Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 530 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3.0 |
| NURS 540 | Research Utilization | 3.0 |
| NURS 561 | Health Promotion & Disease Prevention | 3.0 |
| NURS 570 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3.0 |
| NURS 580 | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment | 3.0 |
| NURS 590A | Advanced Clinical Practice: Theory | 1.5 |
| NURS 590B | Advanced Clinical Practice: Theory | 1.5 |
| NURS 591L-A | Advanced Clinical Practice: Practicum | 1.5 |
| NURS 591L-B | Advanced Clinical Practice: Practicum | 1.5 |
| NURS 690A | Culminating Experience I | 1.5 |
| NURS 690B | Culminating Experience II | 1.5 |
| NURS 495L | Community Practice Experience | 3.0 |
| NURS 535 | Principles of Teaching and Learning (formerly NURS 600) | 3.0 |
| 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 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
|
| |
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 370 | Pathophysiology | 3.0 |
| LDR 432 | Principles of Leadership for Health Care Organizations | 3.0 |
| MATH 211 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| NURS 340-A | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3.0 |
| NURS 340-B | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 510 | Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 495L-A | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 521 | Ethics in Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 495L-B | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 656 | Project Management in Healthcare Informatics | 3.0 |
| NURS 561 | Health Promotion & Disease Prevention | 3.0 |
| NURS 540 | Research Utilization | 3.0 |
| NURS 677 | Introduction to Healthcare Informatics | 3.0 |
| NURS 655 | Database Systems, Design and Information Management | 3.0 |
| NURS 658 | Interoperability and Standards | 3.0 |
| NURS 659 | Implementation, Management and Evaluation of Healthcare Systems | 3.0 |
| NURS 675L-A | Health Informatics Practicum I | 1.5 |
| NURS 690A | Culminating Experience I | 1.5 |
| NURS 675L-B | Health Informatics Practicum II | 1.5 |
| NURS 690B | 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
|
| |
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 432 | Principles of Leadership for Health Care Organizations | 3.0 |
| PATH 370 | Pathophysiology | 3.0 |
| MATH 211 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| NURS 340-A | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3.0 |
| NURS 340-B | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 510 | Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 495L-A | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 521 | Ethics in Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 495L-B | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 561 | Health Promotion & Disease Prevention | 3.0 |
| HA 550 | Leadership Models for Health Care Managers | 3.0 |
| NURS 540 | Research Utilization | 3.0 |
| HA 540 | Strategic Planning in Health Care Organizations | 3.0 |
| NURS 677 | Introduction to Healthcare Informatics | 3.0 |
| HA 520 | Financial Management for Health Care Managers | 3.0 |
| NURS 594 | Advanced Practice Theory: Nursing Leadership | 3.0 |
| NURS 595L-A | Advanced Practice Theory: Nursing Leader Practicum I | 1.5 |
| NURS 694A | Culminating Experience I | 1.5 |
| NURS 595L-B | Advanced Practice Theory: Nursing 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
|
| |
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 370 | Pathophysiology | 3.0 |
| LDR 432 | Principles of Leadership for Health Care Organizations | 3.0 |
| MATH 211 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| NURS 340-A | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3.0 |
| NURS 340-B | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 510 | Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 495L-A | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 521 | Ethics in Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 495L-B | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 535 | Principles of Teaching and Learning (formerly NURS 600) | 3.0 |
| NURS 561 | Health Promotion & Disease Prevention | 3.0 |
| NURS 540 | Research Utilization | 3.0 |
| NURS 530 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3.0 |
| NURS 570 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3.0 |
| NURS 642 | Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education | 3.0 |
| NURS 640 | Curriculum Design and Simulation | 3.0 |
| NURS 641LA | Education Teaching Practicum | 1.5 |
| NURS 692A | Culminating Experience I | 1.5 |
| NURS 641LB | Education Teaching Practicum | 1.5 |
| NURS 692B | 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 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
|
| |
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 370 | Pathophysiology | 3.0 |
| LDR 432 | Principles of Leadership for Health Care Organizations | 3.0 |
| MATH 211 | Statistics | 3.0 |
| NURS 340-A | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 500 | Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice | 3.0 |
| NURS 340-B | Public Health Nursing | 1.5 |
| NURS 510 | Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 495L-A | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 521 | Ethics in Health Care | 3.0 |
| NURS 495L-B | Community Practice Experience | 1.5 |
| NURS 535 | Principles of Teaching and Learning (formerly NURS 600) | 3.0 |
| NURS 561 | Health Promotion & Disease Prevention | 3.0 |
| NURS 540 | Research Utilization | 3.0 |
| NURS 530A | APRN Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 1.5 |
| NURS 676A | Advanced Pharmacology - FNP Specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 530B | APRN Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 1.5 |
| NURS 676B | Advanced Pharmacology - FNP Specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 680A | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment - FNP Specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 601A | FNP Bridge Course | 1.5 |
| NURS 680B | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment - FNP Specific | 1.5 |
| NURS 601B | FNP 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 | Roles in Advanced Practice Nursing | 1.0 |
| NURS 664A | Primary Care Women's Health: Theory | 1.0 |
| NURS 664L-A | Primary Care Women's Health: Practicum | 1.0 |
| NURS 664B | Primary Care Women's Health: Theory | 1.0 |
| NURS 664L-B | Primary Care Women's Health: Practicum | 1.0 |
| NURS 665A | Care Management and Coordination: Theory | 1.0 |
| NURS 662A | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory | 1.0 |
| NURS 662L-A | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum | 1.0 |
| NURS 662B | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory | 1.0 |
| NURS 662L-B | Primary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum | 1.0 |
| NURS 665B | Care Management and Coordination: Theory | 1.0 |
| NURS 668L-A | Advanced Health Care Residency | 1.5 |
| NURS 690A | Culminating Experience I | 1.5 |
| NURS 668L-B | Advanced Health Care Residency | 1.5 |
| NURS 690B | 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
|