Nursing

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Students can complete the MSN curriculum on a full-time or a part-time basis; however, all requirements for the degree must be completed in six years or less. The course format for both MSN programs is primarily online, however, students may have to attend classes on campus, please refer to individual syllabi or faculty regarding scheduling. The MSN program offers tracks for the advanced practice role and generalist role. For advanced practice, both the Nurse Educator and Adult-Gerontology CNS require practicum hours at the end of the program. For the generalist role in Clinical Nurse Leadership, immersion experiences will be required in the final semesters. The online courses offer synchronous and asynchronous formats to enable working professionals the flexibility to pursue a graduate degree while still maintaining their full-time employment.

Graduates of this program may seek employment in educational settings, acute or long-term care settings, or community health care agencies. The MSN curriculum of West Chester University is accredited by theCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through 2029.

Please check the Graduate Catalog for complete descriptions of the MSN curriculum, courses, requirements, and program outcomes.

Admissions Process:

The MSN program accepts applications for both the fall and spring semesters. Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit the following materials to the Graduate College:  

• Completed graduate application, including goals statementApply Online

• Official academic transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended, demonstrating a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or better, with successful completion of the B.S.N. and courses in statistics and physical assessment. 
• Current RN license (Pennsylvania licensure will be required prior to the clinical practicum)  
• Two letters of recommendation
• Application fee

Please go to the Graduate College page for more information on our program and how to apply. 

School Nurse Certification

School Nurse Certification – Educational Specialist – Level I

Students who complete this program, hold a valid RN license in Pennsylvania, and have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, are eligible to apply for the School Nurse Certificate (Education Specialist I) issued by the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Education.

School Nurse Program Accepts Applications throughout the year.

The School Nurse Certification program is a 14-credit, post-baccalaureate program that prepares students for initial Pennsylvania Department of Education certification as an Educational Specialist I – School Nurse. This program prepares registered nurses to meet the health needs of children and adolescents in schools, pre-K to Grade 12.

Required courses are NSG 502 (School Nurse Practicum), NSG 512 (Legal Mandates of School Nursing), NSG 533 (Health Assessment), and EDA 542 (Foundations of Special Education).

Please check the Graduate Catalog for complete descriptions of the School Nurse curriculum, courses, and requirements.

School Nurse Certification – Educational Specialist – Level II

The School Nurse Certification – level II program is an extension of the School Nurse Certification - level I program offered either at West Chester University or another Pennsylvania State higher education institution. The level I certification is identified by the University in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The School Nurse Certification - level II program is a post baccalaureate program that prepares students for continuing education as a natural extension of the education achieved within the level I certification.

As such, requirements for entry into the School Nurse Certification - level II program are as follows: Active engagement in employment that utilizes level I certification; Active Pennsylvania RN license in good standing; Active BLS certification.

Courses within the Level II program are as follows:

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Bearing
NSG 531	Healthcare Policy, Leadership & Organization	3
NSG 532	Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing	3
NSG 535	Population-based Health Promotion	3
NSG 536	Evidence-Based Practice Research	3
NSG 537	Bioethical Decision Making in Health Care	3
HEA 503	Foundations of Public Health	1

Accreditation

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MSN Program Information and Certificate Program Information

Jacquelyn Owens DNP, CRNP, FNP-BC
Department of Nursing
Graduate Coordinator
West Chester University
JOwens@wcupa.edu

Graduate Handbook

Please visit The Graduate School page for information about programs, open houses, fees, and deadlines