 MSN/LM FAQs - Curriculum
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).
Are Western University'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.
How does the program work?
The program consists of three core components:
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Self-directed web-based courses accessed over the Internet. These courses include asynchronous discussion sessions (each class member making contributions over a period of several days) in which students and faculty collaborate to achieve learning objectives.
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Intensive three-day seminar weekends on campus (12 total: 2 per semester x 6 semesters). These classes provide valuable time for you to interact one-on-one with the nursing faculty and peers. The schedule for the intensive weekends includes: clinical skill building laboratories and testing, selected clinical experience with faculty, lectures, student presentations and content assessments.
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Preceptored clinical experience in your own community. Students practice in supervised settings, with regularly scheduled site visits from one of our clinical coordinators who will work with both you and your preceptor to ensure that the quality of your clinical experience meets Western's rigorous standards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can I talk to a faculty member about the curriculum?
Sure! Feel free to contact the MSN/FNP Director Dr. Diana Lithgow by email at dlithgow@westernu.edu. |
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