Question 1: How many applicants are granted interviews? How many are accepted into the class?
Generally, the admission committee selects 100 applicants for interviews and selects 60 applicants into the class. Typically, an alternate list of qualified applicants is formed, and referred to as it becomes necessary.
Question 2: Can I apply to more than one program at WesternU?
Yes, but it could be a factor on selection to the program. CGN faculty are most interested in an applicant that understands the nursing profession and is highly motivated to make a difference throughout their career.
Question 3: How can I make myself a more competitive applicant?
Demonstrate the desire to be a nursing professional who is dedicated to the profession.
Question 4: I've been selected as an alternate; is that a good thing?
Yes, students selected for an alternate seat are in a favorable position for admission as well. Depending on the applicant pool, more students may be offered a seat after the initial selection.
Question 5: I have questions regarding my application; can I speak to an admissions counselor?
Yes, feel free to contact your admissions counselor anytime with questions. We are here to help!
Question 1: Can I take prerequisites at a community college?
Yes, prerequisites completed at a community college are accepted and given full consideration.
Question 2: Do you give preference to applicants who completed their prerequisites at a university over someone who took them at a community college?
No, prerequisites are given the same consideration whether they were completed at a community college or at a university. However, a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the sciences is a proven indicator for success in nursing.
Question 3: Can I be in the process of completing prerequisites at the time of application?
Yes, however, we recommend that you complete all but one prerequisite course by the spring term of the year you apply. The admissions committee understands that it is difficult to secure a seat in science prerequisite courses, therefore, we recommend that you complete all prerequisites no later than June. This will enable the admissions committee to accurately assess your GPA and assure than you are positioned for admission.
Question 4: Do I need experience in the health care field? Is experience preferred?
No, experience is not necessary to obtain acceptance into the MSN-Entry program. This program is designed for people without experience in healthcare. The admissions committee finds that students with degrees in other disciplines are often transferable to nursing. While experience is not required, exposure to professional health care and the ability to discuss your understanding of the RN role will strengthen your application.
Question 5: Can I talk to a counselor about my coursework?
If you’d like to find out whether the courses you’ve taken or plan to take will satisfy WesternU’s MSN-Entry prerequisites you can:
- search the prerequisite database by institution.
- if your courses aren't listed in the database and you have a few courses in question, you may submit a prerequisite verification form.
- if your courses aren't listed in the database and you have numerous courses in question, or simply wish to lay out your coursework, you may instead print and submit an academic worksheet.
By laying out your coursework in relation to our prerequisites, you will be able to determine the courses you may still need to complete. In addition, you will be able to assess your academic performance in the courses (prerequisites) our admissions committee believes are of greatest importance. If the course name does not match the prerequisite title, be sure to include a course description for reference.
Once you receive our assessment, feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.
Question 1: What is the MSN-Entry program?
A master's entry program is an accelerated program of study that meets the same educational requirements for a BSN in Nursing. The difference is that the student cohort all have a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field. Therefore, the program of study is tailored to the needs of an adult learner who desires a master's degree as a terminal degree. In addition, the profession is in need of diverse students who have broader skills to bring to the discipline of nursing.
Question 2: How do MSN-Entry graduates compare to traditional RNs on the NCLEX exam?
Current data verifies that MSN-Entry students score higher on the NCLEX exam. In California, the NCLEX pass rate ranges from 90% to 100%. Since MSN-Entry students are admitted with a higher GPA, it is thought that these students are academically proven by their BA or BS degree and are highly motivated to achieve an RN and MSN degree.
Question 3: Are the College of Graduate Nursing programs accredited?
Yes, CGN has the highest level of accreditation. A ten year re-accreditation with the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and re-approval by the Board of Registered Nursing was granted in October 2006. In the past three years the College has had two external reviews with no recommendations for improvement other than expanded physical space for the clinical skills lab. Accreditation of nursing programs assures you as a consumer that the program meets professional educational standards of excellence.
Question 4: What does WesternU offer that other institutions do not offer? What sets WesternU apart?
The advanced use of clinical simulation in the pre-licensure phase of the curriculum and a dedicated faculty team that is committed to the MSN-E model of education sets WesternU apart from other institutions. In addition, CGN has clinical partnerships in premier clinical facilities in southern California. Please review the welcome and examine the curriculum pages for more information.
Question 5: What benefits are there to obtaining an MSN rather than a BSN?
The advantages are numerous. These include career advancement, a higher level of educational preparation, and a shortened program of study. Many students who obtain a second bachelor's degree or an associates degree in nursing, later need to spend many more years of education to eventually achieve an MSN.
Question 6: Can I expect the same high quality education from your web-based program that I would from an on-campus program?
Absolutely. The web-based curriculums of our MSN or DNP programs are rigorous and the credentials of the faculty are impressive. We are able to achieve state and national accreditation because our curriculums are high quality.
Question 7: Can I work while in the MSN-Entry program?
We recommend that students do not work during their RN portion of the curriculum, as the courses are intensive and delivered in an accelerated format. With this in mind, it is important for you to make a full-time commitment in the first four semesters. In semester five, you will become licensed as an RN and seek employment. In the post-licensure phase of the program, unit load is reduced as it is expected that you will be working as an RN.
Question 8: What courses are included in the RN portion of the program?
The curriculum exceeds the prescribed minimum requirements of RN programs in our state. The BRN requires 36 units and CGN's program consists of 56 units. Additional didactic and clinical courses are part of the curriculum and felt by faculty to be essential to prepare highly qualified RN's. Please visit the examine the curriculum page for more information.
Question 9: How many clinical hours are required in the RN portion of the curriculum?
During the first 16 months of the program you will complete 810 (18 units) clinical hours. The California Board of Registered Nursing requires 15 units or 675 hours. We provide additional clinical hours as we believe they provide added value for your future employment.
Question 10: What are the track options for the MSN portion of the curriculum?
Please visit the examine the curriculum page for details regarding your track options.
Question 11: When do I choose my MSN track option? Can I change my option later?
Yes. You will be asked to select a track in the third semester of the pre-licensure program; however you take non track-specific courses until semester five, so there is some flexibility in when this decision is made. Keep in mind that changing tracks may delay graduation if courses in a different track are not offered in a given semester. Your faculty advisor will work closely with you to achieve your desired educational goals.
Question 12: How do I find out more information about the MSN-Entry program?
For more information, register for an information session, request information by mail, or contact us with your questions. We are happy to assist you as you make this important educational decision.
