RN to Master of Science in Nursing Online

Study on Your Schedule

Because we understand personal goals and life circumstances vary, we offer a range of timelines to degree completion.

Accelerated Pace

This is a program for students eager to complete their RN to MSN nursing degree quickly. Unlike many other schools, WCU offers a full-time course of study completion in two years as an RN going for your Masters degree in Nursing. This rigorous course of study will get you into your next phase of practice efficiently.

Working Professional Pace (On Your Schedule)

Our syllabus is also tailored to consider more complicated schedules, so we designed a course of study to accommodate you. If you’re a parent, or caretaker at home, or have a work schedule that keeps you from regular study, your Student Success Advisor can help design a timeline for RN to MSN study that sets you up for success.

Gain Experience

Either online or in-person, you’ll complete clinical and advanced clinical placement practicums. You’ll also have 24-hour access to our campuses, as well as access to the simulation centers at our Texas and California campuses.

Online Study

Because you’re already a certified Registered Nurse, you’ll be able to complete your WCU degree almost entirely online. Mobile-friendly content is available too, to make it easier for you to work through study between shifts.

RN to MSN Curriculum

Preview your course of study by degree. RN-MSN degree curricula are curated by specialty. The number of credits needed, and the number of months your degree will take (depending on whether you choose an accelerated or working professional pace) will vary as well. We recommend reviewing your prospective curriculum in detail so you know what to expect:

Visit the Nursing RN to MSN Online page of our catalog to view the curriculum for your desired specialty track.

Academic Calendar

New academic sessions begin, on average, and depending on programs, every eight weeks, and typically lasts about six trimesters, on the accelerated schedule. You can access an up-to-date start-to-completion schedule below:

Academic Calendar

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 tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. Visit our individual track pages for a breakdown of the costs at West Coast University.

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.

Career Services & Placement

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

Our RN to MSN tracks help prepare you for a variety of nursing opportunities, opening the door to more advanced nursing roles.

Graduates of the RN to MSN program will be prepared for a variety of expanded roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses and nurse practitioners work in a range of settings, including:

• Hospitals (state, local, and private)
• Physicians’ offices
• Outpatient care centers
• Ambulatory healthcare services
• Nursing and residential care facilities
• Government
• Educational services^1,2

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

² Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,  Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.