MSN & RN-MSN Programs in California

The Sonoma State University Master of Science in Nursing, program is designed to prepare advanced level nurses. The program comprises of core instruction in the basic theoretical and conceptual framework for advanced nursing practice and research.

The MSN program offers specialization tracks in Nursing Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Management in administration, education or Clinical Nurse Leader.

The different graduate specialties develop core theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for practice at the graduate level. The program includes foundational courses in nursing theory, health policy, nursing research, ethical practice and healthcare systems financing.

Graduates from all tracks are eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board on Certification and Recertification.

Admission Requirements

1. A Bachelor of Science Degree from an accredited college and university nursing program
2. Minimum Grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 units of undergraduate coursework
3. Current, valid and unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in California
4. Successfully complete basic college statistics and community health nursing course
5. Two years of experience for the Family Nurse Practitioner option

The particular tracks may have specific requirements in terms of nursing pre-requisite courses taken at the undergraduate level and may require students to show proof taking these courses or equivalent credit. 

The University of San Diego Master of Science in Nursing, program is intended for students who possess a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The curriculum for the MSN program focuses on theory, practice and research.

The MSN program offers a range of options including Health Care Informatics, Executive Nurse Leader, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner, Dual Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner, Family/Lifespan Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner.

The program requires core courses for all specialties designed to prepare students in their area. The program consists of 78-91 semester credits adding up to three years of full time study with part time study options available as necessary. The program is a campus based program with classes offered one or two days a week. Clinical experiences are tailored to the specific needs of the various options.

Students who successfully graduate from the program will be eligible for national board certification.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from an accredited college and university
2. Minimum grade point average of 3.0
3. Successful completion of basic statistics per-requisite course
4. Applicants with professional experience will be preferred 

The Point Loma Nazarene University Masters in Nursing, program is accredited by the CCNE and approved by the California Board of Nursing.

The MSN program is designed for students who are working professionals with classes offered just one night in a week and on Saturday mornings every two weeks given at the Mission Valley Regional Center.

The university’s cohort model allows students to interact within a MSN peers group allowing for maximum support and encouragement opportunities. The program is designed to enable students to have hands on practical experience in a range of settings.

Admission Requirements:

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
2. Official transcripts
3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0
4. 250 word personal essay demonstrating advanced writing skills and professional and personal goals in pursuing a graduate degree
5. Basic Statistics course
6. Basic Computer literacy
7. Interview as scheduled with the graduate nursing selection committee
8. A minimum of 12 months of experience as a Registered Nurse

Students accepted into the program will need to meet the requirements set by clinical affiliates including:

• Current, valid, unencumbered California licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse
• Current CPR certificate for Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association
• Criminal background check and drug screening
• Current health and physical clearance including screening for Tuberculosis
• Current HIPAA certificate
  

The Holy Names Nursing program offers a Master of Science in nursing with an option in education for students seeking to pursue positions as a clinical faculty. The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The program offers classes once a month between Thursday and Sunday to allow students to complete the 36 units required for the program. Sixteen of the units for the program are designated for core courses that are required for all MSN students and 20 units for students enrolled in the clinical faculty track. The program generally takes two years to complete.

Admission Requirements:

1. A Bachelor of Science from an accredited college or university
2. Official transcripts for all coursework completed at an institution of higher education
3. A minimum of 2.7 average for the undergraduate coursework and 3.0 or higher for any graduate level coursework
4. Current, valid and unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse
5. Two academic or professional letters of recommendation
6. An essay describing professional and/or personal goals

Specific courses and prerequisite examinations may be required for specific graduate tracks. Applicants who are deemed to be insufficiently prepared may be required to sit for special examinations to meet undergraduate prerequisites.  

University of California at Irvine Nurse Practitioner Program is designed to train students to deliver primary care in a range of healthcare settings. The program offers concentration areas in either the Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Track or Family Nurse Practitioner Track within the Master of Science program.

The curriculum consists of 72 units as well as 720 hours of clinical practice in relevant health care settings for the specialty of focus to prepare students eligible for certification. Graduates from the program will be eligible for certification from the California Board of Registered Nursing and the national board certification examinations.

Graduates from the FNP track are also eligible to apply to sit for the FNP certification examination and graduates from the A/GNP track will be eligible to apply to sit for both the adult and geriatric NP certification examinations.

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree in Nursing from a regionally and CCNE accredited college or university program equivalent to the nursing degree offered at the University of California
2. Current, valid and unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in California
3. A minimum of 3.0 Grade Point Average for undergraduate course work
4. Complete Descriptive and Inferential Statistics with minimum of a ‘C’ grade and upper division nursing research course taken at an accredited institution
5. A minimum of one year of relevant clinical experience 

The Azusa Pacific Master of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare students for advanced theoretical and practical specialization in a clinical nursing. The program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Graduates from the program are trained to assumed roles as advanced clinical nurse specialists, adult nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and pediatric nurse practitioners. Students may also elect to take a secondary specialty in education and administration.

Students who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply for advanced practice certification in their specialties as well as applying for national credential by examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Admission Requirements

• Apply and be accepted by the graduate school at the University
• Official transcripts for baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited school
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (Students with a GPA of 2.7-2.99 may be accepted provisionally)
• Personal and professional recommendation forms
• Personal statement describing professional and educational goals
• Computer Literacy
• Completion of prerequisite courses in the sciences and non science requirements
• Resume
• Pre-admission interview

Admission to the program is highly competitive and meeting application requirements will not guarantee admittance.

The application deadline for admission in the fall semester is the November of the previous year while the deadline for admission in the spring semester is the 1st of March and applications for the summer semester need to be received by the 1st of July.

The Dominican University Master of Science in nursing focuses on the Clinical Nurse Leader specialty to offer advanced education for the nurses working at the point of care.

The MSN program is a 32 credit program designed for students with a BSN degree. The program offers a flexible schedule with classes meeting just once a week on a week day and opportunities for international clinical experience.

Graduates from the MSN program are eligible to apply for national certification as Clinical Nurse Leader by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Admission Requirements

1. Application for admission
2. Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
3. Official transcripts for baccalaureate coursework (as well as graduate level coursework if applicable)
4. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 for the last 60 units of college work
5. Two professional or academic recommendations
6. Resume
7. A written statement describing professional and personal goals in pursuing a graduate degree
8. Current, valid and unencumbered California license to practice as a Registered Nurse
9. Interview with the admission committee (as required)
10. Meet all requirements for prerequisite courses (including Basic Statistics and Nursing Research taken within the last 5 year with a ‘B’ minimum)

The Mount St. Mary’s College Master of Science in Nursing, program is designed to encourage personal and professional development.

It is intended to prepare nurses who intend to work in the nursing field to offer students a range of mobility and better career options.  The different graduate specialties develop core theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for practice at the graduate level. The program includes foundational courses in nursing theory, health policy, nursing research, ethical practice and healthcare systems financing.

The curriculum is a rigorous program which intends to strengthen the ability of students to work with a health care setting. Specific courses and pre-requisite examinations may be required for specific graduate tracks. Applicants who are deemed to be insufficiently prepared may be required to sit for special examinations to meet undergraduate pre-requisites.  

Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university
2. Official transcripts for all coursework completed at the undergraduate and graduate level
3. Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
4. Scores for the Graduate Record Examination (as required)
5. Scores for the California Basic Educational Skills Test
6. Health clearance (tuberculosis clearance included)
7. Admission interviews with admissions committee  

Graduates from all tracks are eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the National Board on Certification and Re-certification.

The Samuel Merritt University Master of Science program offers a flexible approach personalized to the needs of the student. Classes in the program are offered in evenings and on weekends to meet the needs of professional students as well as offering full time study.

Students who successfully complete the Master of Science in Nursing, degree are eligible for national and state certification.

Students are admitted into the MSN program on the basis of academic preparation interest in advanced nursing and commitment to serving.

Graduates from the program are eligible to apply for certification from the California Board of Registered of Nursing as well as being eligible for national certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate Degree in nursing from an accredited college or university
2. Official transcripts for all undergraduate academic and practical coursework
3. Current, valid and unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse
4. Written statement expressing professional goals
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. Minimum of a ‘C’ grade in a statistics course
7. Computer literacy

The MSN program accepts 24 students every year. The application deadline for admission is the 15th of January.