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Application Requirements

As a Registered Nurse who is embarking on your master’s education at WesternU, we are here to provide you with guidance and direction as a prospective student and applicant for the Associate Degree in Nursing to Master of Science in Nursing (ADN to MSN) program. We are here to serve you from day one, step one.

  • Application Process

    Step 1: Authorization For Out-Of-State Students

    State and federal laws require that colleges and universities obtain authorization to offer online degree programs in any state where their students reside. If you are an applicant from outside California, please confirm we have authorization in your state.

    International Students: We do not require a separate application or fee, and you should be prepared to meet all of the prerequisite and application requirements as outlined. If you need assistance with immigration (I-20 form, F-1 visa, SEVIS, etc.), our Office of International Student and Scholars (OISS) staff are available to help you. Visit the OISS website to learn more.

    Step 2: Prerequisites And Application Requirements

    The next step in the admissions process is to ensure you are on track to complete both the course prerequisites and application requirements in time to apply for your preferred year of entry.

    Step 3: Preparing And Submitting Your Application

    The apply now page will provide you with step-by-step instructions as well as an application checklist. There are a number of supporting materials that make up your completed application and it is essential that you print and carefully follow the checklist to ensure that you properly submit these pieces by the deadline.

  • Prerequisite Courses

    REQUIRED: 3 SEMESTER UNITS
    Nutrition
    If nutrition was imbedded in the coursework you completed in your ADN program, it will be accepted
    Social Sciences
    Statistics
    ​Psychology
    Introductory psychology, general psychology and developmental psychology will be accepted

    REQUIRED: 4 SEMESTER UNITS
    ​Microbiology with lab
    Human Anatomy with lab
    Human Physiology with lab
    If anatomy and physiology are combined we will accept a minimum of five (5) semester units

    REQUIRED: 6 SEMESTER UNITS
    Communications/English Composition
    May be taken outside U.S. in countries who’s native language is English (e.g. Canada, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand)

    ALL ​PREREQUISITES:

    • Must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. institution (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis) or its equivalent abroad
    • Must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (a grade of “C-” or lower is not acceptable)
    • Must be completed by the end of the spring term prior to matriculation
    • All coursework taken from non-US institutions (including Canada) must be submitted to an approved service for evaluation
  • Prerequisite Database

    Not sure if your course qualifies? If you’d like to find out whether the courses you’ve taken or plan to take will satisfy WesternU’s ADN-MSN prerequisites you may:

    1. Search the prerequisite database by institution
    2. If you don’t see your courses listed in the database and you have a few courses in question, you may submit a prerequisite verification form.
  • Application Requirements

    All application materials must be submitted by the application deadline of May 1. Completion of prerequisite courses as outlined.

    • Minimum GPA of 3.0 for Overall and last 60 semester or 90 quarter units
    • An Associate Degree in Nursing from a BRN approved school
    • All coursework taken from non-U.S. institutions (including Canada) must be submitted to an approved service

      Registered Nurse (RN) active and unencumbered licensure in the state where your preceptored clinical hours will be completed

      One-year (1800 hours) of experience as an RN preferred

      • Students without one-year experience will be expected to work while completing the program, and must be employed as an RN before being accepted into the program and must continue working as an RN while completing graduate coursework.

      Access to a computer meeting the minimum technical standards

      Proof of Legal U.S. Residency – If Required

      • International applicants, or any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S., must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to matriculation.

      Test of English language proficiency- If Required
      Required for all applicants submitting coursework from foreign schools. TOEFL scores are valid for two years. The following exams will be accepted: