RN to MSN Online

The RN to MSN degree curriculum is curated by specialty. The number of credits needed and the number of months your degree will take will vary, depending on the pace you choose (Accelerated Plus, Accelerated, or Working Professional). We advise that you thoroughly review your prospective curriculum, so you are fully aware of the program details and requirements.

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leader
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

How Much Does the RN to MSN Program Cost?

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

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of RN to MSN online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. Visit the page for your RN to MSN specialized track of interest below for a breakdown of the costs at West Coast University.

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leader
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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

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

Applicants to the program must meet the following standards (RN-MSN All Track Options):

1. Completion of the application for admission.
2. Completion of all university admissions requirements.
3. Completion of an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution with a 3.0 CGPA or better.
   1. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into 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.
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. Submit official transcripts from one of the programs below approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) (including any prior courses taken to be considered for transfer of credit).
   1. Associate of Science in Nursing
   2. Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
   3. Diploma in Nursing
   4. State-approved nursing with evidence of an earned RN license
   5. Foreign nursing equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States
   6. Associate of Science with evidence of an earned RN license
   7. Associate of Applied Science with evidence of an earned RN license
   8. Non-Nursing bachelor’s degree with evidence of an earned RN license*
   9. Foreign-Foreign equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States*

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

RN-MSN Probational Admissions Requirements

Applicants with a CGPA of 2.70-2.99 may be considered for probational admission after meeting the following probational admissions requirements. Based on review of the applicant packet the program dean may request an interview in consideration for admission.

1. The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
2. The applicant must be approved for admission by the Program Dean/Director.
3. The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites and achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms). Students failing to meet these requirements following the first trimester (two terms) will be administratively withdrawn from the university.

Additional Admissions Requirements Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Tracks Only:  

In addition to the admissions requirements above, applicants to the RN to Master of Science in Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse tracks must also meet the following admissions requirements:

1. Recommendation for admission by the program dean/director and admission committee members. Past academic performance and professional achievements will be evaluated using a rubric to determine the applicant’s level of qualification.
2. Pre-requisite: Any student that is approved for transfer of credit for Advanced Pharmacology will be required to complete and pass the California BRN Pharmacology approved modules (California students only).
3. Applicants to the APRN tracks must have a minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care RN experience before entering APRN core courses.
4. APRN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care track, one (1) year of critical care or intensive care setting experience as a registered nurse (RN) within the past 5 years is required prior to admission.
5. APRN Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track, one (1) year of registered nurse (RN) experience in direct patient care or a minimum of six (6) months of direct patient care experience in psychiatric mental health nursing (preferred) within the last 5 years prior to admission.
6. Students in RN-MSN APRN tracks will be required to have a Gap Analysis review upon admission.
7. All students will be required to complete the Supplemental Application Form.

To view additional requirements for students enrolling in our RN to MSN specialized tracks, see the admissions section of the Nursing RN to MSN Online page in the WCU catalog.