Online MSN Nurse Leader

Advance your education and hone your nursing leadership skills while fusing clinical, managerial, and business concepts

Apply Now
MSN – Nurse Leader MSN – Nurse Leader

8 Weeks

8-week course sessions allow for start dates throughout the year

24/7 Access

All-hours access to your coursework, online library, and tech support

CCNE-Accredited

This nursing track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1 (for the MSN and RN to MSN programs only)

Nurse Leader Track Highlights

Flame

Education that focuses on a balance of clinical, managerial, and business concepts

Opportunities to learn about leadership models, management of healthcare systems, and more

Continued Growth

Flexible coursework you can complete online while gaining hands-on experience through precepted clinical hours

Your Success

Professional development opportunities through our Career Services team

Why Choose an MSN - Nurse Leader?

Nurse leaders help foster cohesion within healthcare teams and enhance the patient care experience across healthcare settings. The online MSN – Nurse Leader specialization at WCU helps you advance your education and hone your leadership skills.

The MSN – Nurse Leader specialization offers an evidence-based education that spans leadership models, healthcare systems implementation, strategic planning, financial management, and more. Additionally, you’ll have the flexibility to pursue your education on your terms, with online coursework and virtual classrooms accessible anywhere with Wi-Fi.

Request Info

Start Your Journey

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

Personal Information you submit through our Sites, such as your name, address and other contact information, may be collected by West Coast University for internal marketing and development purposes as well as to respond to your inquiry, complete a transaction for you, or fulfill other forms of customer service. You can choose not to receive marketing from us by “unsubscribing” using the instructions in any marketing email you receive from us.

Click here to learn more.

Explore the Nurse Leader Track program at WCU!

Overview: Online Nurse Leader Track

Program Details: MSN – Nurse Leader

Accelerated Plus

Distance Education/Online

30 Credits

8 Months

2 Trimesters

Accelerated

Distance Education/Online

30 Credits

12 Months

3 Trimesters

Working Professional

Distance Education/Online

30 Credits

24 Months

6 Trimesters

Curriculum

Course Number Course Name Total Credit Hours
Number Name Hours
MSNC 500 Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics, & Finance 3
MSNC 505 Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice 3
MSNC 510 Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care 3
MSNC 515 Health Promotion and Disease Management 3
MSNL 600 Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management 3
MSNL 605 Business Management for Advanced Nursing Practice 2
MSNL 610 Leading Change in Complex Healthcare Systems 2
MSNL 615 Leadership Communication & Conflict Management 2
MSNL 620 Financial Management for Advanced Practice Nursing 2
MSNL 625 Healthcare Quality, Safety, Policy, and Ethics 2
MSNL 630 Entrepreneurship for Advanced Nursing Practice 2
MSNL 635C Nurse Leader Practice Integration Experience 3
Total Credit Hours: 30.0

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the MSN – Nurse Leader Program Cost?

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

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MSN – Nurse Leader online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MSN – Nurse Leader track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several 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.

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Leader Track

Tuition and Fees 

Accelerated Plus*

Degree Type Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024)
Total Program Credits 30 30 
Program Length(full time) 2 trimesters 2 trimesters 
Tuition Costper credit) $680 $680 
Total Tuition Cost $20,400 $20,400 
STRF1 $55 $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,000 $1,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525 $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $21,925 $21,925 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $21,980 $21,925 

Accelerated*

Degree Type Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024)
Total Program Credits 30 30 
Program Length(full time) 3 trimesters 3 trimesters
Tuition Cost per credit) $680 $680 
Total Tuition Cost $20,400 $20,400 
STRF1 $55 $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,500 $1,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525 $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $22,425 $22,425 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $22,480 $22,425 

Working Professional*

Degree Type Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024)
Total Program Credits 30 30 
Program Length(full time) 6 trimesters 6 trimesters 
Tuition Cost per credit) $680 $680 
Total Tuition Cost $20,400 $20,400 
STRF1 $60 $0 
Technology Fee2 $3,000 $3,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525 $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $23,925 $23,925 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $23,985 $23,925 

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year4    
  Prior to Fall I 2024  Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee  $220  $220  $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the program must meet the following requirements (MSN All Track Option):  

  1. Completion of the application for admission.
  2. Completion of all university admissions requirements.
  3. Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program, with a 3.0 GPA or better.
  4. A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
    1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
    2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
    3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
  5. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the first week of the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.

*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog

For additional requirements, please visit our catalog.

Academic Calendar

New academic sessions begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters needed depends on the program and pace selected for the Nurse Leader track. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.

Clinical Placement

Clinical Placement Nurse Leader

Clinical Placements Team Providing Support

At WCU, we want to give you all the tools you need for success. That’s why we have a Clinical Placements team that provides you with assistance for getting set up with your preceptor and clinical practice site. We’ll help you find the right preceptor and site for your needs and assist with getting the approval process completed.

And if you need any guidance during the course of your practicum, all you have to do is schedule a coaching call with your assigned coordinator of clinical relations. It’s that easy!

We have partnerships with healthcare providers so we can provide more resources to our students for their clinical placements.

Career Services

Helping You Explore Career Opportunities

Our dedicated Career Services team can help you find a position that utilizes your leadership skills and knowledge. They provide a range of services designed to aid you throughout your job search, including help locating open roles, resume writing assistance, interview coaching, and more.

As a WCU graduate, you get access to our Career Services resources — through graduation and beyond.2

Featured Faculty

George-Peraza-Smith

Meet the Dean

Dr. George Byron Peraza-Smith, DNP, RN, A-GNP-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP

Dean/Director, MSN – AGPCNP & Graduate Specialty Programs

Dr. George Peraza-Smith is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Case Western Reserve University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing administration from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has both a gerontological nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate from the University of South Florida and an adult nurse practitioner post-doctoral certificate from Brandman University.

Dr. Peraza-Smith is board-certified as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), a gerontological nurse practitioner, an APRN gerontological specialist, and a certified nurse educator. He is the immediate past president of the Florida Nurses Association and the immediate past inaugural president of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) for which he remains a trustee on the board. The GNCC offers an APRN gerontological specialist certification to distinguish APRNs who possess expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults.

Dr. Peraza-Smith has been teaching in MSN and DNP online and hybrid programs for over 10 years. He has held academic leadership positions such as professor, program director, department chair, and associate dean. Dr. Peraza-Smith resides in Zephyrhills, Florida with his husband and two children.

FAQs

Is the MSN - Nurse Leader track right for me?

Students who have a passion for leading teams and helping motivate others might find the MSN- Nurse Leader track to be a rewarding course of study. It is designed to help you develop leadership skills while instilling important knowledge of healthcare systems.

Will my previous coursework transfer into the Nurse Leader track programs?

We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. Your advisor will work with you to determine which credits can transfer into your chosen program.

How long does it take to complete the MSN - Nurse Leader track?

Time-to-completion will depend on which pace you choose:

  • MSN:
    • Accelerated Plus  – 8 months
    • Accelerated  – 12 months
    • Working Professional – 24 months

What is an MSN – Nurse Leader?

An MSN – Nurse Leader is a specialized degree track that helps graduates develop strong leadership skills. WCU’s online MSN – Nurse Leader program builds on graduates’ previous knowledge with online coursework that prepares them to lead healthcare organizations.

What can you do with a degree in nursing leadership?

Nurse leaders take on a variety of roles in different healthcare settings. They can work anywhere registered nurses work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this includes hospitals, ambulatory services, nursing care facilities, governmental positions, and more.3

What is the role of a clinical nurse leader?

Nurse leaders play a critical role in maintaining effective nursing team environments. They rely on strategic planning, leadership models, and healthcare system implementation to help improve patient outcomes.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Our financial aid advisors can help you determine which option is right for you. WCU institutional scholarships include the WCU Performance Scholarship, WCU Health Services Partner Grant, and the Alumni Pathway Grant for WCU alumni.

For additional information and eligibility requirements, please visit our scholarships and grants page on our online catalog.

How will WCU support me in my online journey?

Your WCU education includes access to a variety of tools and resources designed for student success, including:

  • Technical support available 24/7
  • No-cost tutoring
  • An assigned Student Success advisor you can contact whenever you need support
  • Access to LinkedIn Learning
  • Dedicated financial aid advisors
  • Career Services for life

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).

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

1 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).

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