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RN to Master of Science in Nursing Online

As a registered nurse, earning your MSN is a big step, and a rewarding one that will create new opportunities and challenges.

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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 RN to MSN Programs

<p>Direct RN to MSN degree (BSN not required) with coursework delivered 100% online</p>

Direct RN to MSN degree (BSN not required) with coursework delivered 100% online

<p>As few as 24 months of study (accelerated program pace)</p>

As few as 24 months of study (accelerated program pace)

<p>Comprehensive Career Services support after graduation</p>

Comprehensive Career Services support after graduation

<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 RN to MSN?

Why RN to MSN?

Our online RN to MSN program allows you to complete bachelor’s courses and advance straight to specialized master’s classes with no lag in between. The curriculum is designed to be a sequence building on your current RN experience. If taking your education forward interests you, the opportunity to make a career out of advanced nursing is equally challenging and rewarding.

RN to MSN Specialized Tracks

A WCU RN to MSN education offers advanced study in specific areas of nursing to help you hone the focus of your practice and realize your full potential. You can choose from our various nurse practitioner or other specialty nursing tracks. These tracks help you prepare to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or to gain the education you need to pursue a specific area of nursing.

 

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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 RN to MSN Degree

Study on Your Schedule

Because we understand personal goals and life circumstances vary, we offer a range of timelines to degree completion.

Accelerated Plus

For a select few of our RN to MSN tracks, the student can complete their program at the Accelerated Plus pace, which gives them the maximum level of speed to completion. This rigorous pace is designed for nurses who want to hit the ground running with their coursework and clinicals.

Accelerated 

The Accelerated pace offers RN to MSN students a full-time course of study so they can earn their degree on a streamlined schedule. Speed to completion is a benefit of this pace.

Working Professional Pace (On Your Schedule)

Our syllabus is also tailored to consider more complicated schedules, so we designed a course of study to accommodate you. 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 RN to MSN study that sets you up for success.

Gain Experience

Either online or in-person, you’ll complete clinical and advanced clinical placement practicums. You’ll also have 24-hour access to our campuses, as well as access to the simulation centers at our Texas and California campuses.

Online Study

Because you’re already a certified Registered Nurse, you’ll be able to complete your WCU degree almost entirely online. Mobile-friendly content is available too, to make it easier for you to work through study between shifts.

RN to MSN Curriculum

Preview your course of study by degree. RN-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 an accelerated or working professional pace) will vary as well. We recommend reviewing your prospective curriculum in detail so you know what to expect:

Visit the Nursing RN to MSN Online page of our catalog to view the curriculum for your desired specialty track.

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 below:

Academic Calendar

How Much Does the RN to 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 RN to 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 RN to 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.

Career Services & Placement

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

Our RN to MSN tracks help prepare you for a variety of nursing opportunities, opening the door to more advanced nursing roles.

Graduates of the RN to MSN program will be prepared for a variety of expanded roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses and nurse practitioners work in a range of settings, including:

  • Hospitals (state, local, and private)
  • Physicians’ offices
  • Outpatient care centers
  • Ambulatory healthcare services
  • Nursing and residential care facilities
  • Government
  • Educational services1,2

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses

2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,  Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

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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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 my previous coursework transfer into the program?

WCU can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. In the RN to MSN program, we can accept up to 90 transfer credits. You can work directly with your advisor to see which credits can be applied to your new degree.

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.

Will I be eligible to sit for my certification exam?

Yes, after you complete the program, you will be eligible to sit for your certification exam. WCU offers two tools to help you prepare for the examination: Lecturio and BoardVitals. Both tools are mobile-friendly platforms that will help you review materials so you can approach the exam with confidence.

What is accelerated RN to MSN?

Our accelerated RN to MSN online program lets you complete bachelor’s courses and progress directly into specialized master’s classes with no transitional delay.

Can you bridge from RN to MSN?

The RN to MSN online is a bridge program for advancing to the next level in your nursing development. The online RN to MSN program allows certified Registered Nurses to complete bachelors-level courses and ultimately earn an MSN degree without lag time in between.

Can I get an RN to MSN degree online?

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

How long does it take to go from RN to MSN?

The amount of time needed to go from an RN to a Master of Science in Nursing degree varies depending on the specialized track and pace you select. For example, for some programs, if you choose the Accelerated Plus pace, you could earn your degree in as little as 8 months. For others, your program could take three years to complete if you select the Working Professional pace. For additional information, visit the page for your MSN track of interest.

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, please 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).

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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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