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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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10 Weeks

10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year

39 Months

Earn your BSN in as few as 39 months at the Accelerated program pace

5 Locations

Miami, Texas, LA, Orange County, & Ontario

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 coursework with mobile-accessible learning and flexible degree completion schedules</p>

100% online coursework 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?

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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Start Your Journey

  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

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How would you like to learn?*

Online
On-Campus

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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Overview: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Program Details

At WCU, you can choose a program pace that works for your schedule. Whether you want to go full-speed in your studies or complete your program at a slower pace to balance school with your other responsibilities, we have an option for you.

Here are the available paces for the BSN program:

Accelerated Pace

  • On-Campus
  • 120 Credits
  • 39 Months
  • 8 Semesters

Evening & Weekend Pace*

  • On-Campus
  • 120 Credits
  • 44 Months
  • 9 Semesters

Working Professional Pace*

  • On-Campus
  • 120 Credits
  • 54 Months
  • 11 Semesters

*Only available at the Miami campus

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 Plus

A few of our MSN tracks are offered at the Accelerated Plus pace, which provides the maximum level of speed to completion at WCU. This aggressive pace is ideal for nurses who have time to power through their coursework and clinicals.

Accelerated

The Accelerated pace is for students who know they can commit to a full-time class and study schedule. Speed to completion is a benefit of this pace.

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 program. 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.

Visit our Graduate Programs of Study page and click on your desired MSN specialty track to view the curriculum.

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

How Much Does the MSN Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MSN tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. Visit our individual track pages for a breakdown of the costs at West Coast University.

We offer several MSN financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

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
Pursue your BSN at one of the following campuses
Richardson, TX
Miami, FL
Los Angeles, CA
Ontario, CA
Orange County, CA
Technologically Advanced Sim Labs

At WCU, our goal is to build both the skills and confidence required in the nursing field. Practice using high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients. Coupled with hands-on clinical experiences, our simulations give students the opportunity to master foundational skills and graduate with confidence.

Our BSN students experience a range of patient care situations from routine to emergency. During simulation sessions, each student independently practices the functions of a registered nurse. The simulation labs at West Coast University use a full range of scenarios at all levels of the core nursing program:

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Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.

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We’re here to help you, from the moment you apply to beyond graduation. It all starts here.

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Clinical Placements

WCU is dedicated to building long-term clinical relationships and hospital affiliations that offer students a world of options and meaningful clinical experiences.

We have coordinators of clinical relations who support students by facilitating clinical site and preceptor selection, helping streamline approvals, and assisting with compliance tracking. Our Clinical Placements team also provides coaching calls for students who need guidance on how to make their clinicals a success.

NCLEX Support

NCLEX Support

Helping BSN Students Prepare for Licensure

Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a critical milestone for all nurses. That’s why WCU helps prepare you every step of the way.

As a BSN student, you have access to:

  • One-on-one support from NCLEX advisors
  • NCLEX bootcamps
  • No-cost tutoring
  • A virtual library of educational books and videos

“WCU helped prepare us for the NCLEX by providing an adequate test environment, providing us with opportunities to take proctored tests that simulate the NCLEX and to test our nursing knowledge in those tests.”

– Stephanie P., BSN ’21*

“West Coast prepares you unlike any other school I have seen for the NCLEX.”

– Leslie G., BSN ’18*

Career Services

Providing Hands-On Career Support

WCU graduates get to enjoy support from our Career Services team.2 Starting when you’re a student, through graduation, and beyond, you’ll have access to individualized career advice, professional development workshops on topics like resume writing and interview preparation, help finding job leads, assistance connecting with industry recruiters, and more.

Potential Job Opportunities

Once you receive your licensure as a registered nurse, you will have various options to choose from for your career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a registered nurse usually works with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Additionally, they may be charged with overseeing licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.

The largest employers of registered nurses (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) are:

The Career Services team can help you find job opportunities that meet your goals!

Featured Faculty

Chiarina P. Piazza, PhD, MEd, RN Dean, College of Nursing | California Program Director

Dr. Piazza has been working in the university since 2009. Her past roles included Faculty; Campus Associate Dean of Nursing, Academics; Campus Dean of Nursing; and Associate Dean, College of Nursing. Most recently, she has been appointed to the position of Dean, College of Nursing.

She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of San Diego, a Master of Education from Cambridge College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles.

With a commitment to community service, Dr. Piazza is a Commissioner for the Sister Cities Commission of Anaheim. And has previously served as Commissioner, Orange County Human Relations, and Board Member for the School Nurses of California Foundation.

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.

Can I get an MSN degree online?

WCU's MSN degree program includes 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?

The length of time it takes to earn your Master of Science in Nursing degree depends on the specialized track and pace you choose. For example, it may take you as little as 8 months to earn an MSN at the Accelerated Plus pace for certain tracks while for others, it can take up to three years at the Working Professional pace. Learn more by visiting the page of the track you’re interested in pursuing.

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.  

CCNE Logo

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).

CNEA Logo

The West Coast University Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Program (System) holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.

Follow the BSN Student Experience at #WestCoastUniversity

Experience WCU for Yourself!

Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.

Save Your Seat

Get Started

We’re here to help you, from the moment you apply to beyond graduation. It all starts here.

Learn More

1 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses,” October 2022

2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “What Registered Nurses Do,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022

4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “Work Environment,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022

*The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Additional Resources:

1 Challenge Credit

2 Transfer Credit Policy

2a Military Training or Experience

2b Credit for Previous Education or Training for Veterans

3 Military Educational Benefits

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