Question 1: Do I need to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to apply?
Yes. You must have a bachelor's degree in nursing or nursing related field. Visit the view requirements page for additional requirement information.

Question 2: Do I need to be a Registered Nurse (RN) to apply?
Yes. You will be asked to submit proof of your licensure at the time of application. You must also have a minimum of one year full time work experience as a registered nurse. Visit the view requirements page for additional requirement information.

Question 3: If I live out of state can I attend?
Yes. The program is ideal for people living in distant or remote areas. Air travel is convenient to the Ontario International Airport, which is 15 minutes from campus. Many area hotels offer shuttle service to the campus. After orientation, many students make acquaintances and share hotel expenses. Distant students enrolled in clinical programs are required to periodically extend their seminar weekends to work with clinical faculty.

Question 4: Do you give preference to California residents?
No. We are a private institution and do not have to meet certain resident enrollment standards that state institutions must meet.

Question 5: Is tuition the same for in-state and out-of-state residents?
Yes. Tuition costs are the same for all students within the same program. Visit our financing my education for information on tuition, scholarships and loans.

Question 6: What if I haven't been in school for a long time?
Many of our students have not been in school for a long time. We find that adults do very well with our learning model as it is designed for the working professional who has typically been out of school for a while.

Question 7: Can I replace a reference form with a recommendation letter?
No. Your application file requires three completed reference forms. Recommendation letters are optional.

Question 8: May I submit more than the required number of reference forms?
Only three reference forms are required; however, if you would like to submit additional recommendation letters, it is advisable to limit them to two or three extra.

Question 9: Do the reference forms have to be turned in with the application packet?
We prefer that the forms be sent to our office by the person writing the recommendation. If you submit the Reference Forms with your application, they must each be in a sealed envelope with the person's signature across the seal.

Question 10: Do I need to plan for an interview as part of the admissions process?
No. You will be required to submit a personal statement and CV as part of your application and that is what is used to gain insight into your motivation for graduate study, and your career goals.

Question 11: When are acceptance letters typically mailed?
Letters of acceptance are sent approximately two weeks after all required documents are received.

Question 12: How can I request an application packet?
We're glad to hear you are ready to apply!  Visit the apply now page for step-by-step instructions.  You may download the documents or request hard copy application forms from this page.

Question 1: What are the prerequisites for the MSN-FNP program?
Please visit the view requirements page for details.

Question 2: Do you require any standardized tests prior to application?
No. We do not require any standardized tests( i.e GRE or MCAT) for admission into the MSN/FNP program. Visit the view requirements page for a complete list of requirements.

Question 3: Do you require a minimum GPA to apply?
Yes. You must have obtained a 3.0 overall GPA or higher in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units. We do occasionally admit students with a GPA below 3.0 on a probationary status for the first semester. Visit the view requirements page for a complete list of requirements.

Question 4: What should I do if my GPA is not at least 3.0?
Include in your personal statement an explanation for your low GPA. We will review your personal statement and possibly interview you by phone or in person. Occasionally, we recommend retaking courses with low grades to improve your GPA.

Question 5: Can I talk to a counselor about my prerequisite coursework?
Absolutely!  Please contact us to ask any questions you might have.

Question 1: Why should I attend WesternU?
WesternU's College of Graduate Nursing was the first in the country to offer an MSN and FNP program online. Since the college started as a Web-based program, all aspects of the program are fully synchronized to support a Web-based instructional style. Our faculty members are experienced leaders in the field of advanced practice nursing, nursing education and nursing research. Our program offers the same rigorous curriculum as any traditional nursing degree program. The College of Graduate Nursing received full professional accreditation from the Committee Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in October 2006. We offer a full range of degree programs in the medical and allied health sciences and are fully accredited. Visit the welcome page for more information on what makes WesternU unique.

Question 2: What is a nurse practitioner?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has received advanced training in diagnosing and treating illnesses, health promotion and disease prevention services. Many are family nurse practitioners, and some specialize in other areas, including:

• acute care
• adult care
• geriatric/elder health
• pediatric/child health
• psychiatric/mental health
• school/college health
• women's/obstetric-gynecologic health

Question 3: What is the difference between a physician assistant (PA) and a family nurse practitioner (FNP)?
Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) practice in the same settings but with a somewhat different focus. In California, PAs must practice under the direct supervision of a physician. NPs must have a collaborative agreement with a physician but he/she is not required to be physically present in the same facility as the physician. Another difference is that an NP practices under his or her own licenses while PAs practice under the physician's license.

Question 4: What are the benefits of completing a master's degree in nursing?
Master's-prepared advanced practice nurses find greater job satisfaction from having greater autonomy in their daily practice. A wider range of job career options becomes available. You are able to make a greater contribution to the care of your patients-both because our program gives you the conceptual and clinical tools to care for "the whole patient," and because, from a licensing perspective, the degree allows you to provide a greater scope of care. Nurses who became established in the field before the threshold of educational requirements increased are now finding that many state regulating agencies are requiring master's level preparation in order to continue in the advanced practice setting.

Question 5: How long does it take to complete the MSN/FNP program?
The MSN/FNP program can be completed in six, 15 week semesters, with three semesters scheduled each year (two years).

Question 6: How does the program work?
Visit the examine the curriculum page for details.

Question 7: Are WesternU's web-based nursing programs as rigorous as traditional programs?
Yes. We maintain professional accreditation standards. The curriculum was developed specifically for the Web, and follows national guidelines and standards from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. Western University is WASC accredited and offers a full range of degree programs in the medical and allied health sciences. The College of Graduate Nursing received full professional accreditation from the Committee on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in October 2006. The college is California Board of Registered Nursing approved. All graduates to date have passed the national certification exam.

Question 8: What are the benefits of learning in a web-based program?
There are many advantages to a web-based program. First, it allows the bachelor's-prepared nurse to complete an advanced degree while living and working in his/her own community. This offers the student a great degree of flexibility in scheduling written coursework around job, personal, and family commitments. Second, the one-on-one nature of web-based class discussion groups allows the nursing faculty to get to know students better than in a more traditional classroom group format. Finally, Western University's program is designed with the adult learner in mind. Students find the course content to be more relevant to their needs, since they are actively involved in shaping their educational experience.

Question 9: With a web-based curriculum, how will I learn the course material?
You will complete self-directed web-based courses that are accessed via computer. Syllabi, posted on the Western University Web site will provide you with detailed direction for study. Also, most courses include asynchronous discussion sessions in which students and faculty participate in collaborative learning of the assigned readings. Each semester you will attend two intensive, three-day seminar weekends on campus. You will be in regular contact with faculty via phone or e-mail to receive help on questions and/or to be provided with guidance.

Question 10: Am I ready for distance education?
Take a self-assessment test to help determine if distance education is right for you!

Question 11: What computer skills will I need? 
You will need word processing skills for papers, discussions and written clinical cases. You will also need to be familiar with using e-mail. Some student presentations will be done using Microsoft Power Point. While new students do not need this skill upon admission, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with this computer program.

Since the computer skills required to navigate and complete our curriculum are not difficult, beginners do very well with some focused skill training. We recommend that you find a personal computer mentor, or complete the basic software tutorials prior to beginning the program. You will need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) prior to registration and will be given a WesternU e-mail account during registration.

Question 12: Will I be on campus at anytime during the program?
Yes. In addition to the pre-program orientation, students attend two seminar weekends per semester. Students are expected to validate their learning through oral presentations, skill demonstration, testing and clinical presentations. Students attend lectures and are able to meet with faculty, fellow students and prepare for group assignments. Classes usually begin on Friday morning and end on Sunday.

Question 13: Will I have any kind of training before starting the program?
Yes! During the summer prior to beginning your first semester, you will attend a pre-program consisting of a course called "Communication and Information Management" (CGN 5000). This course orients you to the web-based format of all subsequent online courses. During the pre-program, your computer skills will be assessed and computer skill training sessions will be conducted. Instruction will include critical skills such as how to post comments on a discussion board, submit a paper on-line in APA format with references, access Internet resources, and use electronic logs of your clinical hours.

Question 14: Once a student, if I ask a question about the coursework, how quickly can I expect a response?
Our standard is that a response will occur within 72 hours. Faculty are available via phone and e-mail to clarify any questions.

Question 15: As an MSN/FNP student, how will my progress be assessed?
All courses require scholarly papers, case studies, presentations, and group participation for problem solving or research. While knowledge is considered the foundation of decision-making, knowledge alone does not assure correlation understanding. Thus, through problem-based learning exercises, online clinical cases, oral presentations, and interactive topical discussions, nursing faculty are able to measure and monitor the acquisition of knowledge, values, self-reflection, and ethical decision making. You must achieve at least a B (80 percent) in each didactic course in order to receive credit.

Question 16: After I graduate do I have to take a standardized exam before beginning to practice?
No, not for practice in most states. However, we strongly recommend taking the National Certification Exam due to the limited reimbursement of NPs who are not Nationally Certified.

Question 17: Can I work and be in the MSN/FNP program at the same time?
Yes. You are encouraged to continue working in your RN role. However, this is a rigorous program and we recommend that you work part time if possible. Students who work full time have been successful in our program, but need to have a strong support system (at work and at home) and extremely good organizational skills.

Question 18: How can I learn more about your graduate nursing programs?
Request information to be sent to you by mail or contact us with any questions you might have.

Question 19: What financial aid or scholarships are available?
For more information regarding tuition, scholarships, and loans please visit the financing my education page.

Question 20: Can I talk to a faculty member about the curriculum?
Sure! Feel free to contact the MSN/FNP Director Diana Lithgow, PhD, FNP-C, MSN by email at dlithgow@westernu.edu.

Question 21: Do you have any information sessions on campus?
We do not offer information sessions for the MSN/FNP program. For your convenience, information about the MSN/FNP program has been captured in this PowerPoint presentation which will provide information including career trends, program options and design, curriculum and the admissions process. If you have any additional questions, please contact the MSN/FNP Director Diana Lithgow, PhD, FNP-C, MSN by email at dlithgow@westernu.edu.