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Master of Science in Nursing Online

Pursue a Master of Science in Nursing and unlock a range of opportunities in your desired area of focus, from research to teaching to oversight and staff development.

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You must be a licensed registered nurse or have completed an associate degree of nursing to apply for the program.

You must be a licensed registered nurse and have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or a bachelor's degree in a closely related field to apply for this program.

You must be a licensed registered nurse and have completed a Master of Science in Nursing degree to apply for this program.

You must be a licensed registered nurse and have completed a Master of Science in Nursing degree or a master's degree in a healthcare related field.

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Online MSN Program Highlights

<p>Hands-on practice through on-site intensives and clinical placement practicums </p>

Hands-on practice through on-site intensives and clinical placement practicums 

<p>Student-centric approach to learning designed for your success, one-on-one faculty mentoring</p>

Student-centric approach to learning designed for your success, one-on-one faculty mentoring

<p>100% online classes with mobile-accessible learning and flexible degree completion schedules</p>

100% online classes with mobile-accessible learning and flexible degree completion schedules

<p>Competitive tuition with financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify</p>

Competitive tuition with financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify

Why an MSN Degree?

Graduate study in nursing is a challenging opportunity for growth and offers an array of new directions to take your career. Through our MSN degree program, you’ll learn academics, practicum, and interpersonal skill sets that will serve you whether you choose to move into a particular specialty, teach, or become an organizational leader.

At WCU, in addition to the necessary competencies required in advanced nursing, there is a focus on culture, including the awareness, dignity, and integrity required for nurses moving into a leadership role.

If you’re looking to advance your nursing skills in order to take on more complex roles, care for a specific population, or move into a leadership role, pursuing a master’s degree can be both a challenging and rewarding path.

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Masters of Science in Nursing Degrees

Online MSN-Advanced Generalist Overview

If you have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, a more advanced nursing degree, or a Bachelor of Arts in a closely related field, you can pick up where you left off with your education and earn your MSN online in as few as 24 months. With 135 precepted clinical hours the online MSN-Advanced Generalist program helps provide you the foundation you need to take on more advanced nursing roles in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum also includes coursework to help prepare you for teaching opportunities.

With WCU’s online MSN program, you can also choose one of our other specialized tracks to align your education to your goals and interests. Explore our other MSN tracks:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

For adult and geriatric patients, you are a lifeline for those in acute need of care and compassion. Achieve this advanced degree in as few as 16 months at the accelerated pace with clinical placements, or on a schedule that works around yours.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

A WCU advanced degree in primary gerontology care will prep you to help keep your adult patients of all ages healthy, including preventative care. And you can complete your degree in as few as 20 months at the accelerated pace.

Family Nurse Practitioner

As a Family Nurse Practitioner, you’ll provide a wide range of care for the whole family, including children and adults. You can complete your MSN-FNP at WCU in as few as 20 months at the accelerated pace.
Nurse Educator

Develop the skills and earn the qualifications to teach, lead, and develop educational programs for the next generation of nurses. Complete the program in as little as 24 months at the accelerated pace.

Nurse Leader

For nurses who feel ready to take on oversight, this degree covers leadership at executive, administrative, and department levels in a 24-month course of study at the accelerated pace.
Nursing Informatics

Data-driven nurses are essential at all levels of care. This 24-month (at the accelerated pace) degree is designed for nurses with a passion for analysis, procedural problem solving, and information systems.
Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

If you’re already a registered nurse and want to add psychiatric health to your portfolio of care, you can do it in under 20 months at the accelerated pace, or around your schedule.

Additional Information about our MSN Degree

Study on Your Schedule

We know you’re eager to get started…and get finished! WCU degrees are designed to get you through an exceptional education quickly. Because our students’ circumstances vary, there are also flexible schedules of study that work around yours.

Accelerated

These tracks are streamlined for working nurses looking to complete an advanced degree with speed. Timelines and requirements vary by degree.

Flexible (On Your Schedule)

Our syllabus is also tailored to consider more complicated schedules, so we designed a course of study to accommodate. If you’re a parent, or caretaker at home, or have a work schedule that keeps you from regular study, your Student Success Advisor can help design a timeline for MSN study that sets you up for success.

Hands-On Experience

Most MSN degrees include onsite intensive clinical experience, learning to make assessments and recommendations for care. While most of the MSN program can be completed remotely, in-person experience is often essential.

MSN Curriculum

Preview your course of study for the MSN Advanced Generalist. MSN degree curricula are curated by specialty. The number of credits needed, and the number of months your degree will take (depending on whether you choose the accelerated or working professional pace) will vary as well. We recommend reviewing your prospective curriculum in detail so you know what to expect:

MSN Advanced Generalist

Academic Calendar

New academic sessions begin, on average, and depending on programs, every eight weeks, and typically lasts about six trimesters, on the accelerated schedule. You can access an up-to-date start-to-completion schedule:

Academic Calendar

West Coast University offers competitive tuition, but if tuition is an obstacle, WCU financial aid and/or scholarship options might be available to help you move forward. Adjusted tuition is also available to active and former military members. To see estimated tuition and fees, Click Here to learn more.

Too apply for financial aid assistance or scholarships. We recommend applying alongside your admissions application in order for your consideration to be processed on your intended timeline. Learn More.

Our Career Services Department provides ongoing assistance with professional and career development through workshops and guidance for our online MSN students and graduates.

Graduates of the MSN programs will have the foundation necessary to take on a wide range of positions, including:

  • Staff Development
  • Nursing Research Positions
  • Nursing Leadership/Management
  • Academic Faculty Positions
  • Nursing Quality Improvement and Case Management
FAQs
Will I be able to complete my degree or certificate if I am working?

All our online nursing programs have been designed to give you the flexibility you need to earn your degree. While due dates and assignments help keep you on track, you will have the flexibility to watch lectures and complete coursework when and where it’s convenient for you. You choose whether to study in the mornings, evenings, or weekends.

What is an MSN generalist program?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Advanced Generalist program sets you up for a graduate level degree that opens up new professional opportunities and helps prepare you for leadership and/or teaching roles. WCU offers various MSN specialized tracks for you to pursue an advanced nursing degree in line with your interests and goals.

Can I get an MSN Advanced Generalist degree online?

WCU's MSN Advanced Generalist degree program includes 100% online coursework. Some in-person practice experience is also necessary to complete your MSN degree.

How long does it take to get your MSN degree?

WCU's online MSN Advanced Generalist program allows you to earn your MSN degree in as little as 24 months at our Accelerated pace. Other MSN specialized tracks vary in terms of nursing program length.

Can I get an MSN without being an RN?

While you don't have to be an RN at the start of the program, you do have to have your RN license by the third trimester in order to earn your MSN degree. Some tracks require one year of direct RN experience to complete. See our catalog for more information.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Among the scholarships offered are the Alumni Pathway Grant (covers up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Grant (covers up to 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covers up to 15% of tuition).

For additional information and eligibility requirements, visit our scholarships and grants page on our online catalog.  

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Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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