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Master of Science in Nursing-Entry

Two-year program designed for students with no previous nursing education.

Campus in Lebanon, Oregon.

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A nurse in maroon scrubs stands at a hospital workstation, while another nurse works at a computer and a patient talks with staff in the background.

Earn Your MSN at WesternU

A two-year program for a lifelong career.

Build on your bachelor’s degree in any field, no prior nursing education required. WesternU’s MSN-Entry program prepares you for RN licensure while you earn your Master of Science in Nursing.

Throughout the program, you’ll be supported by dedicated faculty, one-on-one tutoring, a structured mentorship program, and immersive clinical experiences that prepare you to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care.
Application Requirements & FAQs

High Pass Rate

WesternU MSN-E students obtain a high first-time NCLEX pass rate — a testament to our faculty’s dedication to student success.

Scholarship Support

Qualified students may be eligible for scholarships to help offset tuition costs while completing the MSN-Entry program.

Licensure Testing at 16 Months

Students become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN by the fifth semester, just 16 months into the program. Begin the path to RN licensure while completing your Master of Science in Nursing in just 24 months.

Three healthcare professionals interact with a medical monitor beside a hospital bed in a clinical setting.

Quality Improvement

Learn while making an impact.

The MSN-Entry program prepares nurses to improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness of patient care. Working alongside faculty mentors, students complete Quality Improvement projects that identify opportunities to enhance health care processes and patient outcomes.

These projects extend beyond the classroom. By addressing real challenges in clinical settings, students gain practical experience while contributing meaningful improvements to the delivery of care.
  • Medical students and instructors practice CPR on a mannequin in a clinical skills lab.

  • High-Tech

    Simulation

    Practice in high-risk scenarios.

    Prepare for the high-pressure situations you’ll encounter as a registered nurse through hands-on training in WesternU’s advanced simulation lab. Using leading-edge technology in a safe, supportive learning environment, you’ll build clinical skills, strengthen critical thinking, and gain the confidence to respond effectively in emergency and complex patient care situations.

    Master of Science in Nursing-Entry Curriculum
  • Three healthcare professionals work together beside a hospital bed, attending to a patient mannequin in a medical simulation lab.
Four healthcare professionals in scrubs, including one with a stethoscope and name badge, stand in a hospital setting having a discussion.

Specialized Externships

Choose your area of interest.

Whether you’re interested in emergency care, labor and delivery, intensive care, or another nursing specialty, externship opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience in the areas that interest you most.

In addition to specialty experiences, you’ll complete approximately 900 clinical hours throughout the program. This extensive clinical training helps you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enter practice prepared for the responsibilities of patient care.

“My preparation as a master’s level nurse was strong. CGN prepared me well for the rigorous demands of the nursing profession. I am thankful that our faculty kept us supported, grounded and focused.”

Richard Delavan, MSN ’19, Family Nurse Practitioner, Providence Health & Services, Portland, Oregon
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Explore Your Future

Where an MSN can take you.

Every nursing career is unique. WesternU alumni build rewarding careers across a variety of specialties and practice settings, applying their education and compassion to make a difference in the lives of patients every day.
A person with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing white glasses, pearl necklace, and a beige top, smiles at the camera against a gray background.
Alexandra Diebold-Fox, MSN, CCRN-K, NE-BC, RN

WesternU Class of 2013, Director of Nursing – Adult Inpatient, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles

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Alvin Joseph Rocha, MSN, RN, CPN

WesternU Class of 2013, Nurse Care Manager and Pulmonary Hypertension Coordinator, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

A person with glasses and gray hair smiles, wearing a patterned jacket over a light blouse against a plain background.
Lisa Roberts, DrPH, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CHES, FAANP

WesternU Class of 2001, Director, School of Nursing – Global Nursing PhD, Research, Loma Linda University

Ready to take the next step?

The nursing profession is diverse and rewarding. Get started with a master’s degree and step confidently into the field of nursing. At the College of Graduate Nursing-Northwest, you will be supported by expert faculty, hands-on experience, and a mission-driven community.

Get more information today and let us guide you through the application process.