|  |
 MSN Completion Program FAQs - General
Why Western University?
Western University'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. Western University offers a full range of degree programs in the medical and allied health sciences and is fully accredited.
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.
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.
Am I ready for distance education?
Take a self-assessment test to help determine if distance education is right for you!
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.
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.
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.
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.
What financial aid or scholarships are available?
Most students are eligible for student loans. There are also some other financing options for your graduate nursing degree. For details, please click here to visit our financial aid site.
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.
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.
How can I learn more about your graduate nursing programs?
There are a number of ways to learn more about us. You've taken the first step by coming to our website! For further information or to request an application packet, please call (909) 469-5335 or click here to contact us by e-mail.
Do you have any information sessions on campus?
We do not offer information sessions for the MSN Completion program. For your convenience, the MSN/FNP information session 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 Diana Lithgow, PhD, FNP-C, MSN by email at dlithgow@westernu.edu | |
   © 2008 Western University of Health Sciences. All Rights Reserved | 309 E. Second St. Pomona, CA 91766-1854 | (909) 623-6116 Copyright Policy | Privacy Policy | Web Accessibility | Maintenance Schedule | Site Map | Web site Feedback | |