ADVANCE YOUR EDUCATION

Nurse Leader

Build on your experience in healthcare to develop nursing leadership skills and competencies.

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Online Nurse Leader Track Highlights

Complete your coursework online with 24/7 tech support and access to LinkedIn Learning

Develop leadership skills through coursework in leadership models, management of healthcare systems, and more

Multiple starts throughout the year with flexible online classes

Comprehensive Career Services support after graduation

Why a Nurse Leader Track?

Clinical nurse leaders play an essential role in keeping nursing teams working together effectively and efficiently to optimize patient care.

Through our nurse leadership tracks, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about a variety of relevant topics including leadership models, implementation of healthcare systems, strategic planning, and more. If you have a passion for leading and organizing others, the nurse leadership tracks can be an exciting course of study that help you develop useful skills.

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Additional Information About our Specialized Nurse Leadership Degree

With our Nurse Leader tracks, you will:

  • Develop leadership skills and learn about healthcare management
  • Build a foundation to take on new nursing leadership roles
  • Get support from our clinical relations coordinators
  • Receive 24-hour access to library and courses
  • Get access to our simulation labs in our California and Texas campuses

Nurse Leader Curriculum

Preview your course of study. Your curriculum will vary depending on what program and pace (Accelerated or Working Professional) you choose. We recommend reviewing your prospective curriculum in detail, so you know what to expect.

RN-MSN
MSN
Post-Master’s

Academic Calendar

Find out when upcoming terms begin
View Calendar

How Much Does The Nurse Leader Track 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 Nurse Leader track 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 Nurse Leader track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several Nurse Leader track 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.

RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Leader Track

Effective Spring II 2023

For Spring I 2023 Enrollment use Winter 2022 Catalog for Tuition and Fees Information)

Accelerated Plus*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits 1351
Program Length (full time)4 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate2
Tuition Cost BSN Level (per credit) $495 $420.75
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $6,311.25
Tuition Cost MSN Level (per credit) $680 $578 
 Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400$17,340 
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN  $27,825 $23,651.25
STRF3 $75 $65
Technology Fee4 $2,000 $2,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees5 $525 $525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,350 $26,176.25
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$30,425$26,241.25

Accelerated*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits1351
Program Length(full time)5 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate2
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit)$495$420.75
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits)$7,425$6,311.25
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit)$680$578
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits)$20,400$17,340
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN$27,825$23,651.25
STRF3$77.50$67.50
Technology Fee4$2,500$2,500
Estimate for Program Supply Fees5$525$525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$30,850$26,676.25
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$30,927.50$26,743.75

Working Professional*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits1351
Program Length(full time)8 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate2
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit)$495$420.75
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits)$7,425$6,311.25
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit)$680$578
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits)$20,400$17,340
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN$27,825$23,651.25
STRF3$80$70
Technology Fee4$4,000$4,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees5$525$525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$32,350$26,176.25
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$32,430$28,246.25

* 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 Includes 51 credits for unencumbered RN License, assumes 39 transfer credits for non-nursing courses, and the remaining 45 credits are required to be taken at WCU.

2 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.

3 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two hundred and fifty cents ($2.50) 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.

4 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.

5 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Leader Track

Effective Spring II 2023

(For Spring I 2023 Enrollment use Winter 2022 Catalog for Tuition and Fees Information)

 

Accelerated Plus*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits30
Program Length (full time)2 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate1
Tuition Cost per credit)$680$578
Total Tuition Cost$20,400$17,340
STRF2$55$47.50
Technology Fee3$1,000$1,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4$525$525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$21,925$18,865
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$21,980$18,912.50

 

Accelerated*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits30
Program Length(full time)3 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate1
Tuition Costper credit)$680$578
Total Tuition Cost$20,400$17,340
STRF2$55$47.50
Technology Fee3$1,500$1,500
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4$525$525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$22,425$19,365
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$22,480$19,412.50
 

 

Working Professional*

Degree TypeMaster of Science
Total Program Credits30
Program Length(full time)6 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate1
Tuition Costper credit)$680$578
Total Tuition Cost$20,400$17,340
STRF2$60$52.50
Technology Fee3$3,000$3,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4$525$525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$23,925$20,865
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$23,985$20,917.50
 

* 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 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.

2 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) 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.

3 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.

4 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.

Post Master's Nurse Leader Certificate

Accelerated*

 Prior to Summer I 2023  Starting Summer I 2023
Degree TypeCertificateCertificate 
Total Program Credits1818 
Program Length (full time)3 trimesters2 Trimesters 
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate2Non-Military Rate Military Rate2
Tuition Cost (per credit)$635$540$680$578
Total Tuition Cost$11,430$9,720$12,240$10,404
STRF2$32.50$27.50$35$30
Technology Fee3$1,500$1,500$1,000$1,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4$170$170$525$525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$13,100$11,390$13,765$11,929
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$13,132.50$11,417.50$13,800$11,959

Working Professional*(Starting Summer I 2023)

Degree TypeCertificate
Total Program Credits18
Program Length (full time)4 trimesters
Non-Military RateMilitary Rate2
Tuition Cost(per credit)$680$578
Total Tuition Cost$12,240$10,404
STRF2$37.50$32.50
Technology Fee3$2,000$2,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4$525$525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas)$14,765$12,929
Estimated Total Program Costs (California)$14,802.50$12,961.50

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree.

1 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.

2 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) 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.

3 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.

4 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.

Support for Students Beyond Graduation

West Coast University supports its students beyond the last day of class. We are committed to helping our graduates throughout their careers.

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

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

An advanced nursing degree helps prepare you to take on new nursing opportunities. Clinical nurse leaders are needed wherever nurses work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Hospitals (state, local, and private)
  • Ambulatory healthcare services
  • Nursing and residential care facilities
  • Government
  • Educational services1

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

Advantages

With our Nurse Leader tracks, you will:

  • Develop leadership skills and learn about healthcare management
  • Build a foundation to take on new nursing leadership roles
  • Get support from our clinical relations coordinators
  • Receive 24-hour access to library and courses
  • Get access to our simulation labs in our California and Texas campuses
Curriculum Information

Nurse Leader Curriculum

Preview your course of study. Your curriculum will vary depending on what program and pace (Accelerated or Working Professional) you choose. We recommend reviewing your prospective curriculum in detail, so you know what to expect.

RN-MSN
MSN
Post-Master’s

Academic Calendar

Find out when upcoming terms begin
View Calendar

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does The Nurse Leader Track 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 Nurse Leader track 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 Nurse Leader track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several Nurse Leader track financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Career Services

Support for Students Beyond Graduation

West Coast University supports its students beyond the last day of class. We are committed to helping our graduates throughout their careers.

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

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Placement Opportunities

An advanced nursing degree helps prepare you to take on new nursing opportunities. Clinical nurse leaders are needed wherever nurses work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Hospitals (state, local, and private)
  • Ambulatory healthcare services
  • Nursing and residential care facilities
  • Government
  • Educational services1

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

FAQs

What is a MSN Clinical 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.

Can I get an MSN Clinical Nurse Leader degree online?

With WCU, you can complete your MSN Nurse Leader coursework online through our flexible online MSN Nurse Leader program.

What can you do with a MSN in nursing leadership?

Nurse leaders take on a variety of roles in different healthcare settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse leaders can be found working in hospitals, ambulatory services, nursing care facilities, governmental positions, and more.

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 optimize patient care.

Is the Nurse Leader track right for me?

Students who have the passion for leading teams and helping motivate others might find the nurse leader track to be a rewarding course of study. It is designed to help you develop leadership skills while instilling important knowledge on 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 what credits can transfer into your chosen program.

How long does it take to complete the Nurse Leader tracks?

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

  • MSN:
    • Accelerated Plus pace — 8 months
    • Accelerated pace — 12 months
    • Working Professional pace — 24 months
  • RN to MSN:
    • Accelerated Plus pace — 16 months
    • Accelerated pace — 20 months
    • Working Professional pace — 32 months
  • Post-Master’s Certificate — 12 months
Have Questions?

Pursuing your degree is a big choice. Fill out our form and one of our admissions advisors will contact you to answer any question you may have!

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify.

WCU distance education programs are delivered out of the Orange County and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

Practice experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree and Post-Master’s certificate programs.