Master of Science in Nursing – BSN to MSN

Question 1: How can I request an application packet?
Visit the apply now page for step-by-step instructions regarding how to download or request hard copy application documents.

Question 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 the financing my education page for more information on tuition, scholarships and loan options.

Question 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: Can I replace a reference form with a recommendation letter?
No. Your application file requires three completed reference forms. Recommendation letters are optional. Please refer to the apply now page to download the correct forms.

Question 9: 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 10: When are acceptance letters typically mailed?
Should you be accepted, you can expect to hear from us within approximately two weeks after all required documents are received.

Question 11: If I receive and accept a seat offer early in the application period, will the University stay connected with me?
Yes. The Office of Admissions and the College of Graduate Nursing will keep in contact with you via email. You will also have an opportunity to participate in certain college events before you matriculate in the fall, such as Seminar Weekend.

Question 1: What are the admission requirements for the BSN to MSN program?
Please review the view requirements web page for more information on the BSN to MSN program prerequisites.

Question 2: Do you require any standardized tests prior to application?
We do not require any standardized tests (i.e GRE or MCAT) for admission into the BSN to MSN program.

Question 3: 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 4: Can I talk to a counselor about my prerequisite coursework?
Yes, we encourage you to communicate with your counselor any questions you may have about prerequisites.

Question 1: How do I check my application status online?
You can check your application status by visiting the application status page.

Question 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: Are fee waivers accepted?
Payment is required at time of application, if a fee waiver is approved a reimbursement will be issued.

Question 8: 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 9: 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.eduto have it deleted.

Question 10: 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 1: Why Western University of Health Sciences?
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. WesternU offers a full range of degree programs in the medical and allied health sciences and is fully accredited. Visit the welcome and examine the curriculum pages for more information on why you might choose WesternU.

Question 2: 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 3: How does the program work?
Visit the examine the curriculum page for details.

Question 4: 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. WesternU 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 5: 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, WesternU’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 6: Am I ready for distance education?
Take a self-assessment test to help determine if distance education is right for you!

Question 7: What computer skills will I need?
Students need word processing skills for papers, discussions and written clinical cases. Students must also be familiar with using e-mail. Some student presentations will be done using Microsoft Power Point. While new students do not need this skill on admission, applicants will benefit from familiarizing themselves 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 applicants find a personal computer mentor, or complete the basic software tutorials prior to beginning the program. All students will need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) prior to registration and will be given a WesternU e-mail account during registration.

Question 8: 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 9: 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 10: As an MSN 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 11: Can I work and attend graduate school at the same time?
Yes. You are encouraged to continue working in your RN role. Students in the MSN Completion Program are able to work full time if they choose while working on their graduate degree. Students who work full time have been very successful in our program. A strong support system (at work and at home) and good organizational skills are helpful.

Question 12: After I graduate do I have to take a standardized exam before beginning to practice?
No, not for practice in most states. See your state’s Board of Nursing for specific requirements.

Question 13: 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 14: How can I learn more about the financial aid available to me?
For more information regarding tuition, financial aid and scholarships, please visit the financing my education page.

Question 15: Can I talk to a faculty member about the curriculum?
Sure! Feel free to contact the Program Director: Diana Lithgow, PhD, FNP-C, MSN by email at dlithgow@westernu.edu.