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 - 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
- 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 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):

  1. Submit a non-refundable application fee to cover administrative cost of processing application. 
  2. Provide proof of a current unobstructed Registered Nurse (RN) license from the United States. 
    1. 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.** 
  3. Submit official transcripts from a Board of Nursing licensed Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing program;  
    1. 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.  
    2. 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.    
  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 submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.  
  6. 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:

  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

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:

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

A student in the Family Nurse Practitioner RN to MSN online program at West Coast University participates in six on-site weekend intensives (OSI's).  The OSI's bring students to campus to learn, practice and demonstrate essential hands-on skills and competencies needed by nurse practitioners.  

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 Healthcare Organizations

3

PATH 370Pathophysiology

3

MATH 211Statistics

3

NURS 340-APublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 340-BPublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 500Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3

NURS 510Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare

3

NURS 521Ethics in Healthcare

3

NURS 530APRN Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

3

NURS 540Research Utilization

3

NURS 561Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

3

NURS 570Advanced Pharmacology

3

NURS 580APRN Advanced Health/Physical Assessment

3

NURS 590AAdvanced Clinical Concepts

1.5

NURS 590BAdvanced Clinical Concepts

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

NURS 535Principles of Teaching and Learning

3

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

LDR 432Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations

3

MATH 211Statistics

3

NURS 340-APublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 500Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3

NURS 340-BPublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 510Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare

3

NURS 495L-ACommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 521Ethics in Healthcare

3

NURS 495L-BCommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 656Project Management in Healthcare Informatics

3

NURS 561Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

3

NURS 540Research Utilization

3

NURS 677Intro to Healthcare Informatics

3

NURS 655Database Systems, Design and Informatics

3

NURS 658Interoperability and Standards

3

NURS 659Implementation, Management, and Evaluation of Healthcare Systems

3

NURS 675L-AHealth Informatics Practicum I

1.5

NURS 693ACulminating Experience I

1.5

NURS 675L-BHealth Informatics Practicum II

1.5

NURS 693BCulminating 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 Leader 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
LDR 432Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations

3

PATH 370Pathophysiology

3

MATH 211Statistics

3

NURS 340-APublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 500Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3

NURS 340-BPublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 510Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare

3

NURS 495L-ACommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 521Ethics in Healthcare

3

NURS 495L-BCommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 561Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

3

HA 550Leadership Models for Health Care Managers

3.0

NURS 540Research Utilization

3

HA 540Strategic Planning in Health Care Organizations

3.0

NURS 677Intro to Healthcare Informatics

3

HA 520Financial Management for Health Care Managers

3.0

NURS 594Advanced Practice Theory: Nursing Leadership

3

NURS 595L-AAdvanced Practice: Nurse Leader Practicum I

1.5

NURS 694ACulminating Experience I

1.5

NURS 595L-BAdvanced Practice: Nurse Leader Practicum II

1.5

NURS 694BCulminating 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

LDR 432Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations

3

MATH 211Statistics

3

NURS 340-APublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 500Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3

NURS 340-BPublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 510Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare

3

NURS 495L-ACommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 521Ethics in Healthcare

3

NURS 495L-BCommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 535Principles of Teaching and Learning

3

NURS 561Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

3

NURS 540Research Utilization

3

NURS 530APRN Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

3

NURS 570Advanced Pharmacology

3

NURS 642Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education

3

NURS 640Curriculum Design and Simulation

3.0

NURS 641LAEducation Teaching Practicum

1.5

NURS 692ACulminating Experience I

1.5

NURS 641LBEducation Teaching Practicum

1.5

NURS 692BCulminating 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

LDR 432Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations

3

MATH 211Statistics

3

NURS 340-APublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 500Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

3

NURS 340-BPublic Health Nursing

1.5

NURS 510Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare

3

NURS 495L-ACommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 521Ethics in Healthcare

3

NURS 495L-BCommunity Practice Experience

1.5

NURS 535Principles of Teaching and Learning

3

NURS 561Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

3

NURS 540Research Utilization

3

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 660Advanced Practice Nursing Role

1

NURS 664APrimary Care Women's Health Theory

1

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

1

NURS 664BPrimary Care Women's Health Theory

1

NURS 664L-BPrimary Care Women's Health Practicum

1

NURS 665ACare Management and Coordination - Theory

1

NURS 662APrimary Care Pediatric Patient: Theory

1

NURS 662L-APrimary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum

1

NURS 662BPrimary Care Pediadtric Patient: Theory

1

NURS 662L-BPrimary Care Pediatric Patient: Practicum

1

NURS 665BCare Management and Coordination - Theory

1

NURS 668L-AAdvanced Health Care Residency

1.5

NURS 691ACulminating Experience I

1.5

NURS 668L-BAdvanced Health Care Residency

1.5

NURS 691BCulminating 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