Program Overview
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at West Chester University is designed to advance your career to the next level with two areas of specialization: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Educator. Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Nurse Educator programs are offered 100% online, in full- or part-time formats, with synchronous and asynchronous options for working professionals to maintain full-time employment while pursuing their degree. Precepted practicum hours are required for degree completion.
Our program now also includes an MSN with Accelerated BSN option, an intensive 24-month program for students holding a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, combining in-person classes, hybrid classes, and in-person clinical experiences to earn both a BSN and MSN. Precepted practicum hours are required for degree completion.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the MSN program prepares graduates for a job market projected to grow by 6% through 2032, with master’s level nursing positions expected to grow even more. Nurses with an MSN can command salaries more than 20% higher than RNs, depending on their specialty. Now is the perfect time to elevate your nursing career with an MSN from West Chester University!
Tracks
Nurse Educator
A nurse educator is a nurse who teaches and prepares licensed practical nurses (LPN) and registered nurses (RN) for entry into practice positions. They can also teach in various patient care settings to provide continuing education to licensed nursing staff. Nurse Educators teach in graduate programs at Master’s and doctoral levels which prepare advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, nurse administrators, nurse researchers, and leaders in complex healthcare and educational organizations.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse who can provide expert advice related to specific conditions or treatment pathways. They are clinical experts in evidence-based nursing practice within a specialty area, treating and managing the health concerns of patients and populations. The CNS specialty maybe focused on individuals, populations, settings, type of care, type of problem, or diagnostic systems subspecialty. These nurses design, implement, and evaluate both patient–specific and population-based programs of care. [American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope and Standards of Practice (2004), p. 15]. Nearly half of all hospital admissions are for patients 65 and older, but according to Nurse Journal, just 1% of nurses work in gerontology. WCU’s program will prepare you for advanced practice nursing through a core curriculum focused on competencies from policy to ethical decision making, and a specialization in gerontology focused on adult health and health management.
M.S. in Nursing with Accelerated B.S.N.
Designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in an area other than nursing, this intensive 24-month program will give you both your Bachelor of Science in Nursing and your Master of Science in Nursing. Upon completion, you'll be prepared to sit for the licensing exam and to enter the workforce as a nurse leader.
Program Highlights
The curriculum follows the MSN Essentials. Specialty courses are typically taken after Core Curriculum requirements are completed.
Practicum hours:
- Regional placement with Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Regional placement with Nurse Educators
- Student and faculty collaboration
What can I do with this degree?
Graduates of this program may seek employment in educational settings, acute or long-term care settings, or community health care agencies.