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• Flexible Web-Based Programs
• About the Program
• Self-Directed Learning Activities
• Weekend Seminars
• Student Assessment
• Admissions Information
• The Curriculum

Flexible Web-Based Programs Designed for Professional Nurses

Western University is one of the first institutions educating future nurse leaders in the unique Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader (MSN/CNL) track. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Clinical Nurse Leader or CNL is a new nursing role being developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in collaboration with leaders from the education and practice arenas. AACN is advancing the CNL to improve the quality of patient care and to better prepare nurses to thrive in the health care system. The CNL role emerged following research and discussion with stakeholder groups as a way to engage highly skilled clinicians in outcomes-based practice and quality improvement. In practice, the CNL oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care in complex situations. This master s degree-prepared clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. The CNL evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. The CNL is a leader in the health care delivery system, and the implementation of this role will vary across settings. This CCNE-accredited program consists of three integrated elements:

• Web-based curriculum
• Weekend sessions at the Pomona, California campus twice per semester
• Preceptored clinical practicum

Weekend Seminars

Twice during each semester, students are required to convene on campus for an intensive weekend of interactive activities and instruction. The weekend of study begins Friday morning and ends on Sunday.

Student Assessment

Student performance in each course is assessed through a combination of seminar participation, written and oral presentations, and/or objective examination.

Admissions Information

For more information, please review the MSN/CNL admissions information, or if you are ready you may download an application. If you have any questions regarding the application requirements, please contact the Admissions Counselors: Daniell Mendoza at (909) 469-5442 or Valerie Valle at (909) 469-5336.

The Curriculum

With the pre-program course CGN 5000: Communication and Information Management (1 unit), the MSN/CNL curriculum consists of 50 semester units.

The following table shows the courses included in the full-time track for the MSN/CNL Program. Unit values for each course are shown in parenthesis. Select the course title to see a description of the course.

For more program information, please contact Marcia Luxenburg-Horowitz, MSN, RN at mhorowitz@westernu.edu.