Gonzaga University Nursing School Review

Gonzaga University (GU), located in Spokane, Washington has its history in Catholic and Jesuit education. Gonzaga University offers several programs in nursing, including; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing Program (RN to MSN), a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Gonzaga University’s nursing programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Gonzaga University is intended for individuals seeking licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). The Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing Program is for individuals who already hold a Registered Nurse Licensure and are interested in obtaining a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing is for Registered Nurses who hold a licensure and a baccalaureate degree/ The Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing is for nurses who hold a Master’s degree in nursing, as well as a Registered Nurse licensure. Specialty areas of study are offered within the Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Program. The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Gonzaga University began during the spring of 2013.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Gonzaga University prepares students to sit the NCLEX-RN examination after graduation, in order to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. Individuals can enter the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program three ways; Freshman Admit Program, Gonzaga students and Major-Ready Transfer Students.

The Freshman Admit Program entry allows students from high school to apply for admission. Once admitted, students can begin studying at the nursing program in the fall semester of their freshman year. During the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, individuals must hold a cumulative GPA of 2.9 and get a “C” grade in all prerequisite courses. Students can write the NCLEX-RN examination in order to become a Registered Nurse upon graduation from the program. Gonzaga Students can also apply to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, if they are not admitted during their freshman year, but they cannot count nursing as their major. Major-Ready Transfer Students can apply in the Spring semester only and they must complete all nursing prerequisite coursework and apply into the nursing program as major-ready students. Individuals will be admitted based on their GPA and letters of recommendation, as well as personal letter of intent.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Gonzaga University offers several tracks of the Master of Science in Nursing Program including; Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Health Systems Leadership. The Master of Science in Nursing Program is intended for working nurses, so the program is available both on-campus and through distance learning, both on a full-time and part-time basis. Most students enroll in the program in 6-7 credits per semester and students have a maximum of five years to complete the program. The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. In order to be considered for the MSN program, students must submit an application, proof of a bachelor’s degree, a Registered Nurse licensure, a 3.0 GPA, a CV, MAT score and a personal statement, along with two letters of reference.

Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing (PMCN)

Individuals who already hold a master’s degree with a major in nursing may apply to the Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing at Gonzaga University. The certificates consist of 22-32 semester credits both in-class and through clinical practicum.All courses must be completed within five years. The Post-Masters Certificate in Nursing tracks include; Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health and Health Systems Leadership.

Online Nursing Programs

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Online Master of Science in Nursing program at Gonzaga University is intended for individuals who wish to pursue additional training as a Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Health Systems Leadership.

Online RN to MSN Degree

The Online RN to MSN degree option is intended for Registered Nurses with an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) or BSN degree, who wish to obtain higher level nursing education while still working in the field of Registered Nursing. Completing the RN to MSN degree online, allows individuals the flexibility to continue employment.

Those applicants with ADN/ASN degree qualifications will need 66 credits to graduate. Those students with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing will need only 36-47 credits to become online RN to MSN graduates.

Leadership skills, research approaches and ways to improve healthcare and patient outcomes will be the focus of this RN to MSN bridge program.Students are allowed to accelerate there progress through the program by taking several classes concomitantly instead of just one class. Just taking two online RN to MSN degree classes means that graduation is possible within about 3 years.

The online RN to MSN degree program at Gonzaga University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). It offers a Nurse Educator Specialization and also the Health Systems Leadership specialization.

Contact:
Gonzaga University
502 East Boone Avenue
Spokane, WA 99258-0102
Phone: (800) 986-9585