RN to MSN - Advanced Generalist, RN to MSN - Informatics Track, RN to MSN - Nurse Educator Track, RN to MSN - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Tracks, RN to MSN Nurse Leadership Track

_{*This program is currently only available through the Online Orange County campus with the first start Fall I 2021.  Students will be able to apply through the Online Texas campus by the end of October 2021 with a start date of Fall II 2021.}

_{**This program will be available for students to apply by October 2021 with a start date of Fall II 2021 and will only be available through the Online Texas Campus}

_{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

RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: SOC Code: 29-1170

RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner:  SOC Code: 29-1170

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

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 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Tracks

RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

RN to MSN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

RN to MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The RN to MSN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Tracks are 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 client/family self-care.  The APRN typically works collaboratively with physicians and other professionals within the health care system. APRNs work in a variety of health care settings, such as but not limited to private practice, clinics, community health organizations, prisons, schools, and hospice care.  The demand for more Nurse Practitioners continues to grow as they present a viable solution to the growing trend of fewer physicians entering practice. These tracks are aligned with standards set by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.  

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).