California MSN Programs
American University of Health Sciences: RN to MSN Program Review
American University of Health Sciences, 1600 East Hill Street, Building #1, Signal Hill, California 90755
American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) is a Christian university that specializes in providing undergraduate and graduate programs. The focus of AUHS is to reach out to potential students who are underrepresented in healthcare and research. AUHS is a private-for-profit minority owned university that was established in 1994. The American University of Health Sciences School of clinical Research offers a Masters of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR).
Admission requirements include four passport size photos, a resume, and an essay explaining the applicant’s reason for seeking admission to the graduate program. Applicants must forward a copy of their Bachelors Degree in Nursing and official transcripts that demonstrate a grade point average of at least 2.5. Prerequisites are completion of anatomy, physiology, public speaking, and medical terminology with a grade of C or higher. Students must also take the GRE and submit scores, and international applicants must also submit results of the TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer-based, or 80 on Internet-based tests. The university also requires that all students take the proctored online entrance exam. Students must score 21/50 in 12 minutes.
The MSCR degree from the American University of Health Sciences School of clinical Research takes 18 months to complete. It provides training to develop clinical researchers for a career in community-based research, biostatistics, clinical trials, and other aspects of clinical research. Federal financial aid is offered to students who must first complete the necessary application. This university is unique because it focuses on a diverse group of students, and it offers a masters degree in Clinical Research to Registered Nurses.
Azusa Pacific University: RN to MSN Program Review
Azusa Pacific University
901 E. Alosta Ave., PO Box 7000
Azusa, California 91702-7000
Azusa Pacific University is a Christian university located in Azusa about 25 miles north of Los Angeles at 901 E. Alcosta Avenue. Bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs are available online or on campus. There are also seven regional centers in Southern California. U.S. News & World Report ranked the university as one of the best colleges for the past seven years. The university focuses on a culturally diverse population and is unique in offering an American Language and Culture Institute as part of the university. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered, along with many different specialties. APC is truly unique with the wide selection of specialties offered with their MSN program.
The Entry-level Masters (ELM) program provides training for those with a bachelors or masters degree who want to pursue training for a career as an advanced practice Registered Nurse (RN). Students can complete pre-licensure and post-licensure courses in three years. The Azusa, Inland Empire, and San Diego campuses offer this program. Another masters degree in nursing program is the MSN with Adult CNS and ANP Certificate. In 3 to 4 years, nurses can complete graduate studies in nursing to earn a masters degree in Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) with a specialization in Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) certification. This program is offered on the main campus.
Azusa Pacific University also offers a MSN with CNS Specialties program. With this training, the graduate is prepared for a career in one of the two options of Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist or Parent-Child Clinical nurse Specialist. An RN is prepared to work in acute, primary, or long-term care settings after completing this program. This option takes 2 to 3 years to complete and is offered at the main campus in Azusa or in San Diego.
Another program option for masters degree in nursing students is the MSN with NP specialties. This Master of Science in Nursing with Nurse Practitioner (NP) program has options such as Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner. All three tracks provide advanced practice training for nurses to work with adults of all ages. The program is offered in Azusa, Inland Empire, and San Diego.
The MSN with PN Specialty is a Master of Science in Nursing with a Parish Nursing specialty that prepares nurses to work with those within church or religious groups in the spiritual aspects of patient care. It takes 2 to 3 years to complete and is offered at the main campus. The MSN with Parent-Child CNS and PNP Certificate leads to a masters degree plus a specialty of Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. This program is offered at the main campus and takes three years to complete. Another track in the MSN program is the MSN with SNSC Specialty or Master of Science in Nursing with School Nurse Services Credential. This program provides training for nurses for a career as a school health practitioner.
The MSN with SNSC and FNP Certificate is a combined program that allows students to complete their masters degree with School Nurse Services Certificate, including a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate after graduation and completing the national certification exam. It is offered at the main campus and takes 4 to 5 years to complete. Another program that takes 4 to 5 years to complete and is offered at the main campus is the MSN with SNSC and PNP Certificate. It leads to a masters degree plus School Nurse Services Certificate and a specialization in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. At graduation, students take the national exam for certification in these specialty areas.
The Nursing, MS (MSN) program provides training in specialized clinical areas of nursing. It prepares students to be nationally board eligible. Students must also complete a specialized clinical area of nursing along with this program.
California State University-Dominguez Hills: RN to MSN Program Review
California State University-Dominguez Hills
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, California 90747
California State University-Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is located in Los Angeles County in the South Bay region. It was founded in 1960 and is part of the California State University system. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is offered with five different MSN Role Options, including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner Role Option, and Masters Entry-level Professional Nursing. The Masters Entry-level Professional Nursing program is a pre-licensure program for applicants with bachelors degrees in other fields. This is an intensive, accelerated program of full-time study that includes over 1,000 hours of clinical experience. It consists of six semesters that are completed in 24 months with a concentration in the Clinical Nurse Leader role.
This RN to MSN program is designed for the RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree who has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on the last 60 credits attempted. Applicants must also have licensure in the U.S. and must pass the Graduate Writing Examination. From 33 to 53 credits are needed to graduate, depending on the role option chosen. Part-time students can take as long as 5 years to complete the program and full-time students need about 2 years of studies to complete the program.
To qualify for graduation, students must take a comprehensive exam. All courses are offered online, and some courses are offered at CSUDH campuses in Southern California. Federal financial aid is available as an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, and the university offers an Outstanding Graduate award to one graduate student. Scholarships are offered by the School of Nursing and other sponsors. Prerequisite courses must be completed before beginning the core courses for the MSN program. Students then complete the specialty advanced practice nursing courses chosen for the role option chosen.
For nurses with a bachelors degree in another field, the university offers the MSN Pathway. Students complete BSN course prerequisites and then courses for the MSN role. A mandatory workshop explains how the program combines online and on campus courses.
California State University-Fresno: RN to MSN Program Review
California State University-Fresno
2345 E. San Ramon
MS MH25
Fresno, California 93740-8031
California State University-Fresno (Fresno State University, Fresno State, or FSU) is part of the California State University system’s 23 campuses. It is located in Fresno near the Sierra Nevada Mountains at 2345 E. San Ramon. FSU was founded in 1911 as a normal school, and today both undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered at the University. Fresno State has received numerous awards, including the rank of Washington Monthly magazine’s rating as a top university in 2010 and a rating as one of the best public colleges in 2009 by Forbes magazine. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers an opportunity for students to design their own program as well as a culminating activity or a comprehensive exam.
The application process at the university requires that nurses first apply to the Department of Nursing. After being accepted into the RN to MSN program, nurses then apply to the University for admission. Fresno State’s Department of Nursing offers an Entry Level Masters program for non-nurses who want to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Students complete nursing courses and clinical experience before taking the licensure exam. They then continue their studies in the MSN program. At the completion of the program, graduates have received training as a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator. The program is full-time and is very intensive. Students must attend classes during the summer, in the evening, and on weekends. Clinical rotations are in many different settings, including rural areas.
The Primary Care/Family Nurse Practitioner Option is another MSN concentration offered at the university. Registered Nurses receive training to provide primary health care to all members of the family. Graduates may take the national certification exam for licensure as Pediatric, Geriatric, or Family Nurse Practitioners. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track is specifically designed so that the RN who wants a career working with children can receive training in this area.
An additional option offered at Fresno State is the Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator track, which can be completed full-time in two years or part-time in three years. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average in the 8 prerequisite courses needed for this program. Nurses who are interested in a career as a school nurse can apply to the University’s School Nurse Services Credential program. Nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing who have a grade point average of 3.0 in their last 60 credits of study may apply to this program. Associate degree nurses who have a bachelors degree in another field may also apply, but they must take public health nursing courses before beginning courses in this specialty. The courses for the school nurse program are offered online in the summertime. Twenty-seven credits are required to complete the program that is divided in two phases consisting of 27 credits.
Nurse Practitioners who have completed their masters degree in nursing may want to complete a Certificate of Advanced Study for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners that is offered by the Department of Nursing. This program is web-based and involves web conferencing and online courses. Applicants must be certified Nurse Practitioners who want to earn this certificate in a one-year period.
Fresno State offers many different educational options for career advancement in nursing. This RN to MSN program has concentrations and role options for advanced practice nursing. Students may qualify for nursing scholarships, grants, or for unsubsidized federal graduate loans.
California State University-Fullerton: RN to MSN Program Review
California State University-Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd.
P.O. Box 6868
Fullerton, California 92834-6868
California State University-Fullerton (CSUF, Cal State Fullerton, CSU Fullerton) is part of the California State University system. Located in Fullerton, it has the highest enrollment of all 23 colleges in the system. The University was founded in 1957 and is the only campus in the state to offer a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in school nursing. CSUF has received awards and rankings, such as the U.S. News rating of Number 33 of regional universities in the West. The University’s Nursing-Anesthesia Program was ranked as Number 22 by U.S. News & World Report. Both online and campus based programs are offered at the University at 800 N. State College Boulevard in Fullerton.
The MSN Leadership: Online & Campus is a program for nurses with bachelors degrees who want to receive training for leadership roles in various healthcare facilities. The advantage of this program is that the Registered Nurse (RN) may choose 6 units of graduate elective, a final project that takes one year, and practicums that are tailored to his professional interests. Students must meet all of the requirements for admission to the University and to the School of Nursing, including a California RN license, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and grade point average of 3.0.
Nurses may also complete their MSN Women’s Health Care program at CalState Fullerton. Students may choose to specialize in nurse midwifery or women’s health nurse practitioner. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, and part-time students can complete the first year on a part-time basis but most move to full-time for the second and third years of study. The RN with a bachelors degree in nursing who is licensed in California and has a 3.0 grade point average or above may apply to the program. The Nurse-Midwifery program requires at least six months of recent clinical nursing experience in labor and delivery in the past five years, but one year experience is preferred. The Nurse Practitioner specialty requires at least one year of recent clinical experience, preferably in OB/Gyn nursing. Applicants must apply to both the School of Nursing and to the University.
Another MSN concentration offered at the University is the Nurse Educator concentration that is designed for working nurses with a bachelors degree. At the completion of the program, graduates are prepared for an advanced nursing career teaching student nurses, facilitating staff development, or as a community educator. The program is offered on campus and takes two years to complete full-time or three years part-time. Current licensure as a RN is required plus at least a 3.0 grade point average. A School Nursing MSN program is also offered, and it takes four years of part-time study to complete. A nurse with a BSN must have a 3.0 grade point average and current licensure in California. Graduates have received school nursing training to provide healthcare and wellness services to students of all ages.
California State University-Fullerton also offers a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program in partnership with Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia (KPSAN) which is also located in Fullerton. This MSN program takes two years to complete, including summers. Study is full-time only, and those who have already finished graduate coursework are sometimes able to graduate after completing only 52 credits. Applicants must have a BSN or MSN and a minimum grade point average of 3.2. The GRE is not required, but an interview may be part of the application process for this program. Nurses must have at least one year of current full-time experience in adult critical care.
California State University-Long Beach: RN to MSN Program Review
California State University-Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, California 90840
California State University-Long Beach (Cal State Long Beach) is located in Los Angeles County at 1250 Bellflower Boulevard. It is part of the California State University system and was founded in 1949. Cal State Long Beach has recognized by the Princeton Review as one of “America’s Best Value Colleges.” U.S. News & World Report has named the University among the top five public Masters Degree programs. The University’s tuition is one of the lowest in the country. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with many different clinical specialty areas is offered at the University.
A unique feature of CSULB nursing program is that all core courses are offered on Tuesday and Thursday. This allows the working Registered Nurse (RN) to adjust her schedule so that she can be in class on these days and to be able to work other days of the week. Full-time students generally need to be on campus on both of these days. Near the end of the program, students complete a directed project and thesis. Before beginning these tasks, students must Advance to Candidacy by seeking approval from the School of Nursing Graduate Director and Associate Dean of the College of Health and Human Services. . At least six credits must be completed at the University, all prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade point average of 3.0, and students must have passed the Writing Proficiency Examination or GRE for dual degree programs.
One of the MSN options is the Entry Level MSN program that is designed for students with a bachelors degree in another field who does not have a RN license. This BSN/MSN Program considers only California residents to be admitted to the program. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 for all MSN specialty areas in training for advanced nursing careers. This program requires that students complete the nursing courses required for a BSN and then take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. They then complete the MSN specialty that they have chosen.
MSN degrees with concentrations in Nurse Practitioner specialties are offered in Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Applicants must be a RN with a BSN, although a bachelors degree in another field is considered. A grade point average of 3.0 or better in undergraduate studies is expected. Students complete the required core courses for the MSN plus the courses and clinical experience required for their chosen specialty.
Other MSN specialty areas offered are Clinical Nurse Specialist, Health Care Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Health Care Administration, Health Services (School Nurse) Credential Program, and a Functional Minor in Nursing Education. Both Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation Scholarships and American Association of Colleges of Nursing Financial Resources are available to graduate students. Federal financial aid is also available.
California State University-Los Angeles: RN to MSN Program Review
California State University-Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, California 90032
California State University-Los Angeles (Cal State LA, CSULA) is located in Los Angeles at 5151 State University Drive and is part of the California State University system. One of the colleges that has been nationally recognized is the nursing graduate program by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “America’s Best Graduate Schools” and it has also been named one of the top programs in the state. The University was established in 1947. Cal State LA offers a variety of masters degrees in nursing.
One of the masters programs in nursing is the Entry Level Masters Program in Nursing. It takes 3 to 4 years to complete and is designed for those with a bachelors degree in another field. The program leads to a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN). Students must complete basic nursing courses with a grade point average of at least 3.0 within 5 quarters of studies, and they must pass the California licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse. Admission requirements include taking the TEAS test and submitting copies of transcripts from undergraduate work, and all prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of at least C except for science courses that must have a grade of B or higher. There is a mandatory orientation day for students who are admitted to this very competitive program. Because students are admitted as conditionally classified as graduate students, they may apply for a Federal Direct Loan to pay for their tuition.
A traditional Master of Science degree in nursing is also available at the University with selected advanced areas of study, including a Nurse Administration Option, Nursing Education Option, and four Nurse Practitioner specialties that are Acute Care Adult Option, Adult Option, Family Option, or Psychiatric/Mental Health Option. The RN interested in these programs that provide training that will advance their nursing careers must first apply to the University online and then to the School of Nursing. Applicants must have a BSN and a 3.0 grade point average in upper division nursing courses. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 for the last 90 quarter hours of coursework is also required, plus a California RN license.
Students should check with the School of Nursing for more information on some programs that are on hold and not accepting applicants to see if these programs have been opened. They are MS Nurse Practitioner: Primary Pediatric Option, MS School Health Option: Track 1, School Nurse: Health Service Credential, and Accelerated Masters Programs Track 1 and Track 2.
California State University-Sacramento: RN to MSN Program Review
California State University-Sacramento
6000 J Street
Sacramento, California 95819
California State University-Sacramento (Sacramento State) is part of the California State University system and is located in Sacramento. The University was founded in 1947 and today houses over 30 research centers. A Master of Science in Nursing program is offered with a specialty area of Advanced Clinical/Educator Role that requires 33 credits to complete. Most students complete their training for advanced nursing positions in 6 semesters of part-time study. Students may set up alternative programs of study with a faculty advisor to fit into their schedules. The Family Nurse Practitioner program is no longer accepting applications, but the School Nurse MSN program is working with the Sacramento State School of Nursing.
An RN with a current California license and a BSN who have a 3.0 undergraduate grade point average must be eligible to be certified as a Public Health Nurse in the state. The University makes it very easy to apply to the MSN program because no GRE test or recommendation letters are required. Also, the School of Nursing does not require an individual application or documentation for this role track. Official transcripts must be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6112.
Students complete core courses and then 15 credits of role courses, including a Practicum in specialized Nursing Processes: Maternal/Child and community Nursing or Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: Adult Nursing. A comprehensive exam is the culminating experience for the MSN degree, but students may petition to complete a project or thesis instead.
The School Nurse MSN program admission requirements are to have a BSN and undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 and current licensure in the state. Courses are online and campus based and are arranged to fit the schedules of working school nurses. The program takes one year to complete. All prerequisite courses must be completed before enrolling in the program, including an audiology certificate course. Applicants must apply to Sacramento State by forwarding their application and official transcripts, a statement of interest, and two recommendation letters. A comprehensive exam is required at the end of the program.
California State University-San Marcos: RN to MSN Program Review
California State University-San Marcos
CSU San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
San Marcos, California 92096-0001
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM or Cal State San Marcos) is located in San Marcos at 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road. It is part of the California State University system. It was founded in 1989 and offers 10 graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. Students may attend the program full-time or part-time. A Registered Nurse (RN) who is seeking training for an advanced practice nursing position or in a career as a nurse educator is prepared for leadership and management positions after graduation.
The RN to MSN program is designed to be completed in 4 years of part-time study, including summers. Applicants must have an associates degree and must first complete all Pre-nursing core courses with a grade point average of at least 2.75 in the core with no grade under 2.0. During the time that students complete the BSN portion of the program, they must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. All prerequisite courses must first be completed, including a bioethics course.
A MSN program with three concentration choices is offered at the University, including Advanced Practice Nursing, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nursing Education. Nurses may complete the program on either a full-time or part-time basis. The Advanced Practice Nursing Concentration has two tracks that provide training for a career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner. Both a Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization and a Family Psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialization are offered.
Both Nurse Practitioner options can be completed full-time in 6 semesters or part-time in 8 or 9 semesters. The Clinical Nurse Specialist Track takes the same amount of time to complete. In this option, students may choose to specialize in Adult Health, Gerontology, Pediatrics, or Public Health. Students must complete 500 hours of clinical experience to qualify for the national certification examination at the completion of the program. There are some nursing scholarships and grants available for nursing graduate students, and Federal financial aid is also available.
California State University-Stanislaus: RN to MSN Program Review
California State University-Stanislaus
Demergasso-Bava Hall, Room 260
One University Circle
Turlock, California 95382
California State University-Stanislaus (Cal State Stanislaus) is part of the California State University system located in Turlock. Founded in 1957, it has been named in the top 10 public universities in the new West Coast Masters category by U.S. News & World Report. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is offered with concentrations in Nursing Education and Gerontological Nursing. The Cal State Stanislaus nursing program provides training for the Registered Nurse (RN) who wants to work in a career such an advanced nursing specialist.
Application requirements include admission to the University before final acceptance into the MSN program. Nurses must have a BSN and current California licensure and must send a resume with cover letter explaining professional goals to the University at Demergasso-Bava Hall, Room 260, One University Circle, Turlock, California 95382. The GRE or MAT tests are required, as well as two professional recommendation letters. Applicants must also have at least a 3.0 grade point average in undergraduate studies for the last 60 units of coursework. Conditional admission is available for nurses with grade point averages of 2.5 to 3.0. Nurses must have a full year’s work experience and must have completed a statistics course within the past 7 years.
The University also offers a BRIDGE MS in Nursing program for nurses with an associates degree or for non-nurses with a bachelors degree in another field. Admission requirements for these students includes the completion of 4 BRIDGE courses before progressing into graduate level courses, and applicants must also meet all of the requirements above for applicants to the MSN program.
In the MSN program, students complete the core courses before beginning Nurse Education or Gerontology. Students must earn at least 3.0 in graduate nursing courses. Students work in cohort groups to complete group projects. Part-time students can complete the Nursing Education track or Gerontological track in three years. This program is unique because students may choose their culminating experience from graduate project in nursing, a graduate thesis, continuing thesis or project, or comprehensive exam. Also, two fellowships are offered to MSN students who can have a portion of their tuition paid with these funds.
Dominican University of California: RN to MSN Program Review
Dominican University of California
50 Acacia Avenue
San Rafael, California 94901
Dominican University of California is a private Catholic university located in San Rafael, less than 15 miles north of San Francisco at 50 Acacia Avenue. It was established in 1890 and is one of the oldest universities in the state. Dominican University was rated as one of the best Regional Universities in the West at 37th. It is a small college with only around 970 postgraduate students. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is offered at the University with a concentration of Clinical Nurse Leader. There is also an Accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Registered Nurse (RN) to MSN program offered for Registered Nurses who want to complete their MSN.
Dominican University of California’s MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program provides training for the nurse with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing who wants to pursue a career in any healthcare setting. Unique features of this program are that students meet one time each week on a weekday, and they have opportunities for international clinical experiences. A minimum of 400 clinical hours are required. Students work in a cohort and receive support from faculty since this is a very small university. Also, GRE scores are not required, but they are taken into consideration when evaluating applicants for admission.
Admission requirements are a BSN and a grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 credits of coursework. Applicants must submit an official transcript, a resume and Statement of Purpose or Intent, and two recommendation letters. A copy of the applicant’s California RN licensure is also required, as is an interview with the nursing faculty. The program is finished as soon as all required courses and a capstone project are completed.
Dominican University’s Accelerated ADN/RN to MSN program is an accelerated program designed for nurses who want an advanced nursing career. Training includes the first year of bridge work, and then masters level courses are taken. Admission to the program is on an individual basis by the nursing faculty.
Holy Names University: RN to MSN Program Review
Holy Names University
3500 Mountain Blvd.
Oakland, California 94619
Holy Names University (HNU) was begun by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in 1868. It is located at 3500 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland, California 94619. Today, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees are awarded by the University. With only 836 undergraduate students and 495 postgraduate students, the faculty to student ratio is low. A Masters of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) is offered at HNU with four options. These include the Clinical Faculty option, the Administration Option, and two options that lead to double degrees. These are the MSN Administration/MBA and the MSN/Forensic Psychology. A Family Nurse Practitioner program is also offered at the University.
The advantage of the MSN at Holy Names University is that courses are offered one weekend a month on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on campus and by interactive video. Students enrolled in dual degree programs must take additional courses one additional weekend each month. These two programs can be completed in two years. Program requirements for these advanced nursing programs are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a bachelors degree in another field, which qualifies the applicant for the Pathway program, RN licensure, two recommendation letters, official transcripts, and a written personal statement.
The MSN Clinical Faculty option provides training for nurses who want to join a clinical faculty with a masters degree. The curriculum includes MSN core courses plus 20 education credits. A MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner option requires 45 credits, including 12 credits of clinical practice as Registered Nurses to prepare for an advanced nursing career providing primary care to patients of all ages.
The Pathway Program to the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner option provides the undergraduate nursing courses to students with a bachelors degree in another field. After students complete these courses and gain their licensure as Registered Nurses, they finish the masters level program in the concentration that they choose.
HNUs Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Forensic Psychology dual degree provide training for a career as a forensic mental health nurse. Graduates may work in prisons and state hospitals or may work in correctional community health nursing. Students attend classes one time each month Thursday through Sunday, and they complete forensic psychology coursework online. Another MSN offering at Holy Names University is a dual degree of MSN and Master of Business Administration (MBA). This program also meets one time each month from Thursday through Sunday plus one additional Saturday morning for the MBA degree. This program can be completed in two years.
Nurses who want to become administrators or managers may want to enroll in the MSN with an option for preparation as an Administrator/Manager program at Holy Cross. Twenty-eight credits in theory and 8 credits in clinical experience are required.
Loma Linda University: RN to MSN Program Review
Loma Linda University
West Hall
11262Campus Street
Loma Linda, California 92350
Loma Linda University (LLU) is located in Loma Linda at 11262 Campus Drive and is a Seventh-day Adventist university. Founded in 1905, LLU was established to provide education for nurses and physicians who worked in evangelistic medical work. The Loma Linda University Medical Center is the site of some of the clinical experience that graduate students complete in their advanced nursing training. Masters Degree (MS) programs offer Nurse Practitioner specialties, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Nursing Administration concentrations. A Nurse Anesthesia program and Nurse Educator program are also offered.
Nurse Practitioner MSN degrees in Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner are concentrations that prepare primary healthcare providers to work in community and ambulatory settings. Students interested in training for the lucrative career of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist can prepare by completing this MSN program that leads to national certification so that these specialty nurses can practice in all 50 states. The Nursing Administration MSN program prepares the RN to work in leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings.
LLU also offers a Clinical Nurse Specialist concentration for MSN students seeking advanced practice nurse training. Graduates are prepared to work with any type of patient in any healthcare setting. Students choose from the Clinical Nurse specialist-Adult & Aging Family specialty or the Clinical Nurse specialist-Growing Family specialty. The Nurse Educator MSN program prepares nurses for faculty positions in nursing education. This program has specialty areas of Nurse Educator-Adult & Aging Family or Nurse Educator-Growing Family.
Loma Linda University is unique in the fact that health, science, and the Christian faith are integrated into the programs.
Mount Saint Mary’s College: RN to MSN Program Review
Mount Saint Mary’s College
12001 Chalon Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Mount Saint Mary’s College is a private Catholic college located in Los Angeles at 12001 Chalon Road. It was established in 1925 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The college has two campuses. Mount Saint Mary’s is primarily a women’s college, but men are admitted to some of the programs. U.S. News & World Report listed the college as one of the highest rated masters granting universities in the western U.S. A Masters of Nursing program is offered at the college for nurses who want to further their professional development and personal growth.
MSN concentrations offered at the college are Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. Courses are offered year round, on weekends, weekdays, evenings, and online. The program takes a minimum of 2 years to complete. Students may have either a BSN or a bachelors degree in another field with current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state. Financial aid is offered at the college in the form of a few scholarships, and students may apply for Federal financial aid. There are also outside scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs offered by some hospitals.
The Master of Science in Nursing Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Track provides training for students pursuing a career that promotes the health and well-being of adults of all ages. Students complete 500 clinical hours in addition to coursework. A thesis project is required at the end of the program. Applicants must have at least one year of full-time experience working as an RN with adults. The MSN Educator Track provides training for students as a nursing educator as students design curriculum and gain practice in all of the other aspects of teaching student nurses, staff, and patients. The MSN Leadership and Administration Track is designed to train nurses for careers as leaders and administrators in a variety of healthcare settings.
Point Loma Nazarene University: RN to MSN Program Review
Point Loma Nazarene University
3900 Lomaland Drive
San Diego, California 92106
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is located In San Diego on Point Loma at 3900 Lomaland Drive. It is a Christian college that was founded in 1902 as a Bible college by the Church of the Nazarene. A Master of Science program with clinical Nurse Specialist options is offered at the University. Options include Adult Gerontology, Family/Individual Health, Pediatrics, or Psychiatric Mental Health advanced nursing specialties.
Application requirements are either an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN). Applicants must have passed the NCLEX-RN and have at least one year’s full-time nursing experience. PLNU offers students individual attention with proactive faculty support and deeper classroom discussions on issues of ethics and spirituality. The program is designed for working nurses and is convenient because courses are held one night each week plus every other Saturday.
Students who choose advanced training for nurses who want to work with young adults and adults of all ages up to the elderly may complete their MSN with a focus on Adult Gerontology. The Family/Individual Health MSN specialty focus is designed for nurses who want to work with all family members, including women’s health and community. The Pediatrics specialty focuses on working with children, and nurses who choose the Psychiatric Mental Health concentration are prepared to work in behavioral intensive care units and other mental health nursing settings.
The MSN program at Point Loma Nazarene University is designed for nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing, as well as for BSN trained nurses. Students who have not completed their BSN take transition courses before moving into the MSN program. The University offers many scholarship and financial aid opportunities to graduate students in nursing.
Samuel Merritt University: RN to MSN Program Review
Samuel Merritt University
3100 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, California 94609
Samuel Merritt University was established in 1909 as a school of nursing. It is located in Oakland at the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland at 3100 Telegraph Avenue. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing are offered at the University, including Entry level Master of Science in Nursing with career paths of Case Management and Family Nurse Practitioner. The Entry Level Master of Nursing (MSN) program is designed for those with a bachelors degree in another field who want to enter the field of nursing.
Admission requirements to the MSN program are having a bachelors degree and completing all prerequisites before entering the program. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average on the last 60 credits earned and must maintain this average of on science prerequisite courses. Two reference letters are required, and taking the TEAS exam is also required. A writing sample must also be submitted with the candidate’s application. It takes 7 semesters to complete the Case Management option and 10 semesters for the completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner program. Samuel Merritt University offers financial aid options to students.
The Entry Level MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum consists of two years or four semesters of full-time study to complete undergraduate nursing courses. The NCLEX-RN is taken after this coursework and clinical experience is completed. The student then begins the MSN courses on a part-time basis and is able to work, gaining experience as a RN. Four semesters of pre-licensure coursework are also required for the Case Management specialty. When these are completed, the student takes the NCLEX-RN for licensure and may begin working because the second half of the program is part-time as the MSN is completed in three semesters.
San Diego State University: RN to MSN Program Review
San Diego State University
Hardy Tower Rm 58
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, California 92182-4158
The San Diego State University (SDSU) was founded in 1897 as a normal school. Located in San Diego at Hardy Tower, Room 58, 5500 Campanile Drive, it is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the San Diego area. It is part of the California State University System. The School of Nursing has been in existence for 60 years and now offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for the Registered Nurse (RN) who wants training that will lead to a career in advanced care nursing careers. Graduates are prepared to work as nurse practitioners, midwives, clinical specialists, nurse educators, and in other roles within the community.
The RN to MSN program has four concentrations and program options for additional specialization within these concentrations. They are Community Health Nursing, Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults and the Elderly, Nursing Education, and Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems. Financial Aid is available to students, including a variety of nursing scholarships and federal loans. Each concentration has specific deadlines for submitting applications to the program, and these must be followed closely. Admission requirements are holding a bachelors degree in nursing with a grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate upper division courses. Those who have a bachelors degree but have not majored in nursing are accepted on an individual basis.
The GRE General Test is required, as well as a grade of at least C in a statistics course. California RN licensure is also required. Also, it is preferred that applicants have one year of nursing experience before starting the concentration or specialization courses. Nurse Midwife applicants must have experience in labor and delivery. Advanced Practice Nursing of Adults and Elderly students are recommended to have three years of related experience. Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems concentrations do not require work experience. An additional requirement for the School Nursing specialization is that students must have completed Communicative Disorders, Hearing Conservation, and Audiometry for School Nurses. At times, students who have not met all of the admission requirements are admitted on a conditionally classified graduate standing.
The Master of Science degree requires that 12 credits of core courses are completed. The concentration or specialization area also requires from 18 to 45 credits plus zero to 6 credits in electives. A thesis or project is completed at the end of the program, or students may opt to take the comprehensive exam.
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The Community Health Nursing concentration has the following specializations: Nurse-Midwifery, Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Nurses who choose the concentration Advanced practice Nursing of Adults and the Elderly may choose from the specialization in Acute/Critical Care Nursing. This specialization has two choices of Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist Preparation or Clinical Nurse specialist and Nurse Educator. Nurses who want to teach students nurses will want to opt for the Nursing Education concentration. They must choose from specializations in Adult Health, Maternal-Newborn, or Pediatrics. There are no specialization choices in the concentration of Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Systems.
SDSU offers many concentrations and specializations that are similar to individualized education plans for students because of all of the choices offered. Registered Nurses who are looking for specific features in their MSN program would benefit from completing their Master of Science in nursing degree from San Diego State University.
San Francisco State University: RN to MSN Program Review
San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Ave. GH 357
San Francisco, California 94132-1722
San Francisco State University (San Francisco State) is located in San Francisco at 1600 Holloway Avenue and is part of the California State University system. U.S. News & World Report consistently rates it as one of the top 50 masters granting universities in the West. San Francisco State was established in 1899 as a normal school. The School of Nursing offers a Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with several options. These include a Generic Masters as well as a program for the Registered Nurse without a bachelors degree in nursing who want to work towards a masters degree.
The RN-MSN Stanford Cohort Program is designed for working nurses. The two-year, six semester program features evening classes and individualized programs that are practical. Each cohort group of nurses completes all classes on campus and off-site together in a group. After completing bachelors degree level nursing courses and any additional requirements, students may begin masters level nursing courses.
An RN with a BSN may enter the masters program after demonstrating that he has completed courses comparable to those offered in San Francisco State’s BSN program. Applicants with bachelors degrees in another field may want to apply to the generic nursing Master of Science program to receive training for advanced nursing careers. The first five semesters in this option consist of nursing theory and clinical work as pre-licensure students. They then take the NCLEX exam for licensure in California and may begin graduate level courses. Application requirements include a score of 4 or above on the Analytical Writing section on the GRE.
The Master of Science program at the University has three emphases, which are Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Administration, and Community/Public Health Nursing.
San Jose State University: RN to MSN Program Review
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, California 95192
San Jose State University (San Jose State) is located in San Jose at One
Washington Square. It is part of the California State University and is the oldest public institution on the West Coast of the U.S. San Jose State has the highest foreign student enrollment of any masters university in the U.S. U.S. News and World Report rates the University’s graduate program in nursing as 193rd in the nation, making The Valley Foundation School of Nursing one of the best graduate programs available.
A masters program with a major in nursing is offered at the University. A Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) may apply to the program. Nurses with bachelors degrees in other fields are accepted conditionally as they take prerequisite courses before entering the program. An advantage of this program is that applicants do not need to have a 3.0 grade point average in the last 60 hours of their undergraduate studies. These applicants are admitted on a conditional basis to take one graduate course. If they earn at least a 3.0 grade in it, they may be reevaluated for admission to the masters program. Some specialties in the program are offered online and there are also some that are webcasted so that students can access them either live or on their computers.
The Master of Science degree in Nursing program first requires that the student is admitted to the University and then to the nursing program. Applicants must have California RN licensure, and must have a BSN with a grade point average of 3.0. Prerequisite courses include a statistics course, Principles of Economics or its equivalent, and students must also show competency in writing by taking the Writing Skills Test. A co-requisite is Introduction to Technology. There are three different options in the program, which are Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Informaticist. The majority of students in the program work full-time and complete the MSN on a part-time basis.
United States University: RN to MSN Program Review
United States University
830 Bay Blvd.
Chula Vista, California 91911
United States University (USU) is a for-profit university in San Diego that specializes in nursing. It was established in 1997 and began as a non-profit organization to help immigrants transfer their degrees. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is offered at the University with various options for students. The University is located at 830 Bay Boulevard, Chula Vista, CA 91911 and at campuses in San Diego County (National City) and Orange County (Cypress).
An Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) program is offered at USU. Admission requirements are that the applicant must have a bachelors degree from an accredited university or the equivalent of a US bachelors degree. A grade point average of at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester credits is required, as well as the TEAS test with a minimum score of 73 percent. The test may be taken only three time per year. Prerequisite courses must be completed with at least a C+, and science courses must have been taken in the last 7 years. Applicants must also submit a written state of purpose, one professional recommendation, and an interview with the Admissions Committee is required.
The MSN-FNP program at the University provides training for Registered Nurses with BA or BS degrees who want a career in advanced practice nursing. The degree can be completed in 24 months. The unique aspects of this program are that classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays. Students must complete 49 credits and complete 720 clinical hours that are arranged individually. A Family Health Project is the culminating activity of the program. Admission requirements are an active, unencumbered RN license, a grade point average of 2.5 in undergraduate courses, and a personal goal statement. Official transcripts must also be submitted. Minimum TOEFL scores are 550 for paper based, 213 for computer based, or 80 for Internet based tests.
The MSN-Administrator option is offered at the San Diego County (National City) campus of USU and at Orange County (Cypress) campus. It is also possible to complete this degree completely online. The program consists of 7 core courses, 5 specialization courses, and no clinical courses are required. Admission requirements are an active, RN license, undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5, official transcripts, and a personal goal statement.
USU also offers a MSN-Educator option for nurses interested in training so that they can teach student nurses in the future. This program is offered at the San Diego County (National City) and Orange County (Cypress) campuses. Only 7 core courses and 5 specialization courses are required with no clinical courses. Admission requirements are an active RN license, a grade point average of 2.5, official transcripts, and a goal statement.
University of California-Los Angeles: RN to MSN Program Review
University of California-Los Angeles
700 Tiverton Avenue, PO Box 951702
Los Angeles, California 90095
The University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in Los Angeles. Located at 700 Tiverton Avenue, it was established in 1919 as a normal school. UCLA has won many global rankings, including being rated as 13th by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and many others. U.S. rankings have been equally outstanding, with U.S. News and World Report rating it 2nd among public universities, tied with The University of Virginia.
A Master of Science in Nursing Advance Practice and Master of Science in Nursing Masters Entry Clinical Nurse programs are offered at UCLA. U.S. News and World Report lists the UCLA nursing program as one of the top Nursing Graduate Schools in the nation. The School of Nursing has competitive admission.
One of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at the University is the MSN Masters Entry Clinical Nurse program. Admission requirements are a BSN degree, completion of prerequisite courses with at least a grade of C in each, and a scholarship record satisfactory to the Graduate Division and to the School of Nursing. Applicants must also have three recommendation letters submitted. Clinical rotations begin in the first spring quarter, and they may be on Saturdays and in the evening. At the completion of the program, all students completing masters degrees must take a comprehensive exam.
A second MSN program is also offered at UCLA, which is the Master of Science in Nursing-Advanced Practice. This is a two-year program that provides training for nursing advanced practice careers. Students may become nurse administrators, nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists after completing this MSN program.
The following concentrations and specialties are offered at UCLA:
Nursing Administration with concentrations of Nursing Administration Specialty, Nursing Administration/Occupational and Environmental Health, or MBA/MSN in Nursing Administration Specialty
Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Population with a specialization of Adult/Gerontology-Acute Care Specialty and Oncology Specialty
Family Population with specializations of Family Nurse Practitioner or Underserved Populations Subspecialty 2009
Pediatric Population with the specialization of Pediatric Specialty
Graduating from UCLAs School of Nursing MSN program often leads to many job offers in the specialty areas that students have completed in their graduate studies.
University of California-San Francisco: RN to MS Program Review
The University of California-San Francisco
2 Koret Way, #N-319X
UCSF Box 0602
San Francisco, California 94143-0602
The University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) is a highly regarded health center where education, patient care, and health sciences research take place. The nursing program is part of a graduate school that is rated of the top health science professional schools in the world. U.S. News and World Report ranks the UCSF Medical Center as one of the top 10 hospitals in the U.S. Established in 1873, the University has a large number of graduate students, including RN to MSN students. USFC is located at 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, California 94143-0602.
The University’s Master of Science (MS) program provides training for many different advanced practice roles as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse-midwife, administrator, educator, and consultant. Core courses are required for all specialty areas, and students also complete coursework related to their specialization. To qualify for graduation, students must have completed 30 to 36 credits plus 8 credits of graduate professional work. They must also take a written comprehensive exam, or in some cases, a thesis. MS students are usually taking courses on campus two or three days each week, and clinically intensive specialty areas require a third or fourth day each week for clinical rotations. Areas of Masters Specialization offered at UCSF include the following:
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Practice Neonatal Nursing
Advanced Practice Pediatric Nursing
Advanced Practice Public Health Nursing
Cardiovascular Nursing
Critical Care Trauma
Family Nurse Practitioner
Gerontological Advanced Practice Nursing
Health Policy Nursing
Nurse Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Nursing and Health Systems Leadership
Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing
Oncology Nursing, Advanced Practice
Perinatal Nursing
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
Admission requirements include official transcripts of bachelors degree work in nursing and current RN licensure in California or in another state. Applicants must be proficient in English and must complete a statistics course. The applicant’s grade point average must be 3.0 or above, and one year of work experience is desirable. This program has many positive features, including the wide variety of specialty areas that train students for careers in nursing.
University of California-Davis Health System: RN to MSN Program Review
University of California-Davis Health System
Education Building
4610 X Street
Sacramento, California 95817
The University of California-David Health System (UC Davis) was established in 2009 with the goal of transforming health care through nursing education and research. The School of Nursing is part of the UC Davis Health System that also includes the UC Davis School of Medicine, the hospital and clinical services of UC Davis Medical Center, and the UC Davis Medical Group consisting of 800 physicians. UC Davis offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, located in the Education Building at 4610 X Street, Sacramento, CA 95817.
Application requirements include forwarding official transcripts and having recommendation letters submitted. It is necessary to have active current licensure as a RN and to submit a resume to the University. Other requirements are a grade point average of at least 3.0, and applicants must explain any publications they have had or awards that they have received, and they must also describe their research interest and submit a statement of purpose. Other requirements in the application process are to explain future goals and to submit a personal history statement.
Nurses accepted into the program must enroll full-time. The program is expected to be completed in five quarters with a sixth quarter option available if needed. The program culminates with a masters thesis. MSN program options are Family Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant or Master of Science in Nursing-Health Care Leadership.
University of California-Irvine: RN to MS Program Review
University of California-Irvine
252 Berk Hall
Irvine, California 92697-3959
The University of California-Irvine ( UC Irvine), founded in 1965, is located in Irvine California. It is part of the University of California system and is a public research university. The UC Irvine Medical Center is a large teaching hospital affiliated with the University. The Nursing Science department at the UC Irvine offers a Master of Science (MS) in nursing program with an emphasis on research and expanded view of health that includes health promotion, restoration, and rehabilitation.
The MS program requires nurses to choose an area of advanced nursing practice that they would like to focus on for their future career. Training consists of two choices of concentrations, which are Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner track or the Family Nurse Practitioner track. Both of these tracks require that students complete core courses plus the specialty courses that are related to their chosen specialty area. A total of 72 credits are required plus 720 hours of clinical practice. The full-time program takes two years to complete.
Students graduating from the Family Nurse Practitioner track are eligible to sit for the certification exam for their specialty. Nurses who complete the Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner track are eligible to sit for both the adult and geriatric nurse practitioner certification exams. Students in the nurse practitioner program may apply for loans and may qualify for graduate nursing scholarships at UCI.
University of San Diego: RN to MSN Program Review
University of San Diego
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, California 92110
The University of San Diego (USD) is located in San Diego at 5998 Alcala Park and is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees are offered at the University that was founded in 1949. The University has received numerous rankings, including a rating of 97th among “National Universities” by U.S. News and World Report and 37th in the West by Forbes. The Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science Graduate Programs in Nursing were names among the top 10% of programs by U.S. News and World Report.
USD offers a Masters Entry Program in Nursing for those who have a bachelors degree but are not Registered Nurses. The program is demanding and provides training for individuals who want a career in nursing. The curriculum consists of five terms and takes 21 months of full-time study to complete as students take bachelors level nursing courses and masters level nursing courses and complete clinical experience. At the end of the program, graduates receive their masters degree in clinical nursing and are able to take the NCLEX for national certification. Graduates are also eligible to sit for the clinical Nurse Leader certificate exam.
Admission requirements are having a bachelors degree, completing the requisite courses, and having a grade point average of at least 3.0 on undergraduate and prerequisite work. Official transcripts, three recommendation letters, a resume, and at least 100 hours of experience as a volunteer in a health care setting observing a registered nurse are required. The GRE general test is recommended, but it is not required.
SDU also offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for nurses with a bachelors degree in nursing. There are seen areas of emphasis, which are the following:
Executive Nurse Leader
Health Care Informatics
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner
Dual Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner
Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner
Family/Lifespan Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Additional MSN options are the following:
Nursing Education Option
Latino Health Care Option
Mind-Body-Spirit Health Care Option
This program is unique in all of the specialty areas that it offers, including the three that are not usually available at most universities. Also, SDU is known for its international study opportunities for graduate students.
University of San Francisco: RN to MSN Program Review
University of San Francisco
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, California 94117-1080
The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private Catholic university in San Francisco. It was founded in 1855 by the Jesuits and is one of the country’s top Jesuit universities. Graduate students have opportunities for international travel and for service opportunities for volunteer service. Flexible class schedules are offered for working nurses, and the program’s small size enables students to work closely with faculty. Several masters degrees in nursing are offered, including an Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Public Health, and MSN Clinical Nurse Leader.
Financial aid is available through the federal government, and graduate nursing scholarships are also sometimes available. Most of USFs graduate programs are offered at the main campus at 2130 Fulton Street in San Francisco, but a few courses may be offered at the University’s other four campus branches. Each applicant to the program is considered individually, and there are not fixed GRE or other test scores required.
The MSN degree is offered by the Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions for four different types of individuals. These are the following:
MSN Program for the Non-Nurse (MSN Clinical Nurse Leader)
MSN Programs for the RN (RN Associate Degrees in Nursing or diplomas) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader
RN (BSN) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader
RN (BA/BS Non-nursing) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader
Online MSN
The MSN Program for the Non-Nurse is an entry-level nursing program consisting of 68 units. It is completed in two years and requires full-time training of coursework three days each week and clinical experience two days each week. Admission requirements are a grade point average of 3.0 or better, submission of official transcripts, personal statement, and two recommendation letters. Applicants must also submit a resume and students must complete 32 credits of prerequisite courses. A MSN project is required to complete the program that is offered only at the San Francisco campus.
The Registered Nurse (RN) (Associates in Nursing) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader (RN-MSN) is an accelerated program designed for students to receive training for a career as a Clinical Nurse Leader. Students complete undergraduate upper level nursing courses plus masters level nursing courses for a total of 46 credits. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0, submit official transcripts and two letters of recommendation. A personal statement, resume and a copy of the applicant’s RN license must also be submitted. This program is offered at the San Francisco Campus, Santa Rosa Regional Campus, and at the San Jose Regional Campus.
The applicant who has a Bachelors Degree in Nursing (BSN) will want to apply to the Registered Nurse (RN) BSN to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program. Admission requirements include the submission of official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and must also submit a copy of their RN license. This program is offered at the San Francisco Campus, Santa Rosa Regional Campus, San Jose Regional Campus, and at the Pleasanton Regional Campus.
USF also offers a RN (BA/BS Non-nursing) to MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program. It is offered at the San Francisco Campus, Santa Rosa Campus, San Jose Campus, and at the Pleasanton Regional Campus. Admission requirements are having at least a 3.0 grade point average, submitting official transcripts, a resume and personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit a copy of their RN license. The program consists of 40 credits.
The Online MSN program is designed for the Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) or BSN nurse and can be completed in as little as two years. Students complete coursework online and their clinical experience in healthcare settings near their home.
University of Southern California: RN to MS in Nurse Anesthesia Program Review
University of Southern California
Keck School of Medicine
Department of Anesthesiology
1540 Alcazar Street CHP #223
Los Angeles, CAalifornia 90089-9012
The University of Southern California (USC) offers one Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science (MS) option which is the Nurse Anesthesia Program that is offered at the USC Keck School of Medicine at 1540 Alcazar Street. Courses are offered at the Health Sciences Campus in Los Angeles and at the USC Medical Center. The program is rigorous and has prerequisites such as a minimum of one year of critical care experience, a grade point average of at least 3.0, and a minimum GRE score of 1,000 or a Quantitative score of at least 153 and Verbal score of at least 144. Applicants must also have a combination of inorganic, organic, and biochemistry coursework, an Introductory Physics course, Statistics or Nursing Research, Anatomy, Physiology, and Health Assessment. Three recommendation letters plus a copy of the applicant’s California RN license must also be submitted.
The Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia program provides training for nurses who will be able to provide anesthesia to patients after completing 45 credits. A research capstone project is required at the completion of the program. It takes two to two and one-half years to complete the program, including clinical residency courses. USC invites 50 students who have applied to the program to interview with them, and out of these, 16 are chosen for the program. To be more competitive, applicants need high GRE scores and two to three years of ICU experience in a high acuity setting. Shadowing nurse anesthetists in a hospital setting is also recommended.
West Coast University: RN to MS Program Review
West Coast University
12215 Victory Blvd.
North Hollywood, California 91606
West Coast University (WCU) has campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, Orange County, and Dallas. The Los Angeles offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, including a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing. West Coast University was established over 100 years ago and has expanded since that time. In 2006, the Los Angeles campus began classes.
The University’s MS in Nursing provides training for the Registered Nurse (RN) to move into a career as a nurse educator or into a leadership career. The curriculum requires 36 credits and is designed for the working nurse. A concentrated, full-time program can be completed in only 15 months. Courses are offered in blended format, requiring students to be on campus for the first and last meetings of the 10-week term. In between this time, courses are delivered online. Admission requirements are having a 3.0 grade point average from all undergraduate coursework or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or bachelors degree in a related field. Also accepted are grade of 90% on HESI-A2 or 1000 on the GRE. Applicants must have a BSN or a bachelors degree in a related field and a current RN license.
The core courses WCU’s Masters in Nursing program prepare graduates for future advanced nursing roles in staff development, academic faculty positions, nursing quality improvement and case management, staff development, and project management. Students may decide how quickly they want to complete their masters degree at WCU.
Western University of Health Sciences: RN to MSN Program Review
Western University of Health Sciences
309 E. Second St.
Pomona, California 91766-1854
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) is allocated in Pomona and has another medical school campus in Lebanon, Oregon. It is a non-profit graduate school for the health professions that was established in 1977. The University originally opened as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Several Master of Science (MSN) programs are offered, including a MSN-Entry program, Bachelor of Science (BSN) to Master of Science (MSN), Master of Science (MSN) to Family Nurse Practitioner, Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) to MSN, and MSN Completion program. Unique features of the MSN program are that students begin clinical experiences early in their studies and they work in many different clinical settings from rural to inner city practices.
Students in all MSN programs must choose a specialty area for a concentration while working on their masters degree. These are the following:
Health Systems Leadership-Clinical Nurse Leader
Health Systems Leadership-Administrative Nurse Leader
Ambulatory Care
Family Nurse Practitioner
Western U’s MSN-Entry program provides training for those who already have a bachelors degree in another field and want to become nurses and earn their Master of Science (MSN) Admission requirements include a BA or BS and a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Applicants must also meet minimum technical standards. All prerequisite courses must be completed as well. Students complete nursing coursework and clinical experience for 16 months to prepare for the NCLEX national exam required for licensure. This portion of the program takes place at the University campus so that students have access to simulation labs and assistance from faculty members.
A unique feature of the University is the Learning Enhancement & Academic Development Office (LEAD) that provides individual and group peer tutoring sessions as well as stress relief sessions. Workshops on topics like test taking skills, time management, and review courses to prepare for the NCLEX are offered. Students should plan on spending around 55 hours on coursework and clinical practice during the pre-licensure portion of this program. After that, students work as professional nurses as they continue their graduate studies on a full-time basis. This portion of the program is offered online.
BSN nurses may enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing-BSN to MSN program. It is offered full-time and can be completed in this way in only two years. A part-time program is also available. This program is web-based and is self-directed learning. Weekend seminars take place at the campus at 309 E. Second St, Pomona, California two times each semester, and students complete their clinical training near their home. Students work on group projects with classmates via email and phone, and they must spend two weekends each semester on campus.
Admission requirements are a BSN, but occasionally applicants with degrees in another area are admitted. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester credits taken, and a statistics course is also required. In addition, applicants must be currently licensed nurses in the area where clinical practice will occur. One year of experience working as an RN is also required in addition to meeting minimum technical standards.
WesternU also offers a Combined MSN/Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program that can be completed online according to the schedule of the nurse student. Intensive seminar weekends at the Pomona Campus plus clinical experiences make it possible for nurses with BSN degrees to obtain their MSN and Family Nurse Practitioner certificate in only two full years full-time or in three years of part-time studies.
Admission requirements are having a BSN, but bachelors degrees in related fields are considered. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in their last 60 semester credits, a statistics course completed, and must be currently licensed as an RN in the area where clinical hours will be completed. One year of experience working as a RN is also required. Also, applicants must have minimum technical skills. Students accepted into the program should expect to spend time on coursework each week plus about 10 hours on clinical work.
Another RN to MSN program offered at WesternU is the Master of Science in Nursing Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) to MSN program. Designed for the RN who want to advance in their nursing career, this program provides training for advanced practice nursing careers. With this program, students have the opportunity of advancing through the program without earning a BSN. They take upper level bachelors degree nursing courses and then advance to the masters program. The program is designed so that students are able to continue working and complete coursework online. Two weekend visits to the Pomona campus per semester for intensive seminars are required, and clinical experience is completed in the student’s home area.
Admission requirements for the RN to MSN program are completing the prerequisite courses, and the applicant must have an Associate Degree in Nursing and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 semester credits. A current RN license is required, and students who do not have one year of experience are expected to work while completing the program. Access to a computer and meeting minimum technical standards is expected, as is proficiency in English.
Another MSN option offered at WesternU is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN-Completion). Offered for BSN nurses who are Nurse Practitioners who want an MSN degree, the program can be completed in one year full-time or on a part-time basis. Students learn with a web-based curriculum and self-directed learning and spend two weekends each semester for intense seminars at the Pomona campus. Admission requirements include a BSN, but bachelors degrees in related fields are individually considered.
Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 in their last 60 semester credits and must have taken a statistics courses and earned at least a C in it. It is also necessary to have Advanced Practice licensure and certification as a Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, or in another area. Licensure as an RN is needed in the state where clinical practice will occur, and one year of experience as a RN is required. Applicants must have computer access and meet minimum technical standards.
