FAQs

Question: How many applicants are granted interviews? How many are accepted into the class?
Generally, the admission committee selects 200 applicants for interviews and selects 60-70 applicants into the class. Typically, an alternate list of qualified applicants is formed, and referred to as it becomes necessary.

Question: How can I make myself a more competitive applicant?
Demonstrate your desire to be a nursing professional and propensity to care for others, as well as your knowledge of the nursing profession.

Question: 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: 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: Can I take prerequisites at a community college?
Yes, prerequisites completed at a community college are accepted and given full consideration.

Question: 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: Can I be in the process of completing prerequisites at the time of application?
Yes, however, beginning with the class entering in fall 2023, Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology must be completed at the time of application. This will enable the admissions committee to accurately assess your GPA. The admissions committee understands that it is difficult to secure a seat in science prerequisite courses, therefore, we recommend that you prepare early. NOTE: If you are accepted to the MSN-E program and have prerequisite courses in progress, they must be completed by the end of the spring term prior to the fall (August) start date.

Question: 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: How do I check my application status online?
You can check your application status by visiting the application status page.

Question: What if I want to change information on my application after I have completed it?
You may not change answers or documents submitted with your application, but you may upload additional, supplemental materials. To do so, visit the application status page and use the “Upload Materials” section of the page to submit your supplemental materials.

Question: What if I want to apply to more than one program? Do I need to create a new account?
You can apply to multiple programs using a single account. Visit our online application, log in, and click “Start New Application” at the bottom of the page.

Question: What address should I use if I need to mail any additional application materials?
For official transcripts please mail to:
Western University of Health Sciences
Attn: Admissions Operations/program you are applying for (MSMS, MSNE, MSPS, etc.)
309 E Second Street
Pomona, CA 91766

For unofficial documents, please upload to the online application as indicated in the application instructions.

Question: How do I pay my application fee?
All application fees require payments made by credit card. Only cards with Visa and Master Card logos will be accepted. No checks, money orders, or cash will be accepted for payment of application fees.

Question: What if I do not have a Visa or Master Card?
Payment may be made with a Visa or Master Card prepaid gift card which can be purchased at many major chain stores or online. Please be aware that the gift card must contain a balance sufficient to cover the application fee in one full payment.

Question: Are fee waivers accepted?
Payment is required at time of application, if a fee waiver is approved a reimbursement will be issued.

Question: How do I withdraw my application?
You may withdraw your application by visiting the application status page. Scroll to the bottom of your application and select withdraw my application.

Question: How do I delete an application I accidentally started?
Applicants cannot delete their own application once started. Please submit a request to Admissions Operations at AO@westernu.edu to have it deleted.

Question: I have applied to more than one program. How do I check my application status for multiple applications?
You can check your application status by visiting the application status page. Select the application you wish to view from the drop down menu located on the right hand side.

Question: 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: 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: 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 March 2016. Accreditation of nursing programs assures you as a consumer that the program meets professional educational standards of excellence.

Question: What does WesternU offer that other institutions do not offer? What sets WesternU apart?
The advanced use of clinical simulation 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 curriculum pages for more information.

Question: 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: Can I work while in the MSN-Entry program?
We recommend that students do not work during the program, 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 throughout the duration of the program.

Question: What courses are included in the program?
Please visit the examine the curriculum page for more information.

Question: How many clinical hours are required?
During the program you will complete 32 units of clinical hours or 1440 hours. The California Board of Registered Nursing requires 18 units or 810 hours in an Associate Degree or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing program. We provide additional clinical hours as they extend beyond the number of clinical units required for an undergraduate degree in Nursing.

Question: How do I find out more information about the MSN-Entry program?
For more information, register for an Preview Day, request information by mail, or contact us with your questions. We are happy to assist you as you make this important educational decision.