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 click here to 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 International Student Services (ISS) staff are available to help you. Visit the ISS website to learn more.

Step 2: Prerequisites and Application Requirements

The first 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through the application process,and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions

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

Not sure if your course qualifies? If you’d like to find out whether the courses you’e 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
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

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 US residency – If Required

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:

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 click here to 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 International Student Services (ISS) staff are available to help you. Visit the ISS website to learn more.

Step 2: Prerequisites and Application Requirements

The first 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through the application process,and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions

Prerequisite Courses
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’e 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
Application Requirements
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

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 US residency – If Required

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: