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RN to MSN Nurse Leader

Leverage your experience as an RN to earn your master’s in nursing leadership. Help foster collaborative and effective nursing teams!

RN to MSN – Nurse Leader RN to MSN – Nurse Leader

8 Weeks

8-week course sessions allow for start dates throughout the year

24/7 Access

All-hours access to your coursework, online library, and tech support

CCNE-Accredited

This nursing track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1 (for the MSN and RN to MSN programs only)

Nurse Leader Track Highlights

Flame

Education that focuses on a balance of clinical, managerial, and business concepts

Opportunities to learn about leadership models, management of healthcare systems, and more

Continued Growth

Flexible coursework you can complete online while gaining hands-on experience through precepted clinical hours

Your Success

Professional development opportunities through our Career Services team

Why Choose an RN to MSN - Nurse Leader?

For those with a passion for driving positive change and fostering collaboration within healthcare teams, WCU’s online RN to MSN – Nurse Leader track offers an enriching pathway towards realizing your leadership potential.

Nurse leaders are at the forefront of orchestrating effective and efficient nursing teams, ensuring optimal patient care delivery and organizational success. The WCU RN to MSN in nursing leadership gives you the opportunity to learn about leadership models, implementation of healthcare systems, strategic planning, financial management, and more.

Additionally, our online RN to MSN specializations are designed with the needs of working professionals in mind. With the flexibility of virtual classrooms accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, you’ll have the freedom to pursue your education on your own terms.

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  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

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Explore the Nurse Leader Track program at WCU!

Overview: Online Nurse Leader Track

Program Details: RN to MSN – Nurse Leader

Accelerated Plus Pace

Distance Education/Online

135 Credits

16 Months

4 Trimesters

Accelerated Pace

Distance Education/Online

135 Credits

20 Months

5 Trimesters

Working Professional Pace

Distance Education/Online

135 Credits

32 Months

8 Trimesters

Curriculum

Course Number Course Name Total Credit Hours
Number Name Hours
ELECT 199 Awarded for College-Level General Education Coursework:
Up to 39 credits of transfer coursework:-Effective Spring II 2023(For Spring I 2023 Enrollment use Winter 2022 Catalog for Curriculum Information)

  • Applicants who do not have enough previous credits to complete this requirement will have the following
    options:

    • * College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
    • * Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)
    • * Advanced Placement (AP)
    • * International Baccalaureate (IB)
    • * American Credit Evaluation (ACE)
    • * National College Credit Recommendation
      Service (NCCRS)
    • * Challenge exams
39.0
Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations 3
Pathophysiology 3
Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice 3
Community & Public Health Nursing I 3
Community & Public Health Nursing II 3
Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics, & Finance 3
Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice 3
Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care 3
Health Promotion and Disease Management 3
Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management 3
Business Management for Advanced Nursing Practice 2
Leading Change in Complex Healthcare Systems 2
Leadership Communication & Conflict Management 2
Financial Management for Advanced Practice Nursing 2
Healthcare Quality, Safety, Policy, and Ethics 2
Entrepreneurship for Advanced Nursing Practice 2
Nurse Leader Practice Integration Experience 3
Total Credit Hours: 45.0
Required At WCU 45.0
Awarded for College-Level General Education Courses 39.0
Awarded for Unobstructed RN Licensure 51.0
Degree Total 135.0

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the RN to MSN – Nurse Leader Track Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of RN to MSN – Nurse Leader online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the RN to MSN – Nurse Leader track costs at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥.

We offer several financial aid options—including scholarships, grants, and loan access—to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Leader Track

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated Plus*

Degree Type

Master of Science

(Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024)

Master of Science

(Enrolling after April 1, 2024)

Total Program Credits 1351 1351 
Program Length(full time) 4 trimesters 4 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495 $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $7,425
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680 $680 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400 $20,400 
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825 $27,825 
STRF2 $75 $0 
Technology Fee3 $2,000 $2,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525 $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,350 $30,350 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $30,425 $30,350 

Accelerated*

Degree Type

Master of Science

(Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024)

Master of Science

(Enrolling after April 1, 2024)

Total Program Credits 1351 1351
Program Length(full time) 5 trimesters 5 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495 $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $7,425 
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680 $680 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400 $20,400 
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825 $27,825 
STRF2 $77.50 $0
Technology Fee3 $2,500 $2,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525 $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,850 $30,850 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $30,927.50 $30,850 

Working Professional*

Degree Type

Master of Science

(Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024)

Master of Science

(Enrolling after April 1, 2024)

Total Program Credits 1351 1351 
Program Length(full time) 8 trimesters 8 trimesters
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495 $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $7,425 
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680 $680 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400 $20,400 
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825 $27,825 
STRF2 $80 $0 
Technology Fee3 $4,000 $4,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525 $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $32,350 $32,350
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $32,430 $32,350 

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year5    
  Prior to Fall I 2024 Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents  off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee $220  $220  $220 $220 
Living Expense (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Includes 51 credits for unencumbered RN License, assumes 39 transfer credits for non-nursing courses, and the remaining 45 credits are required to be taken at WCU.

2 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero hundred and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

4 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.

5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet the following standards (RN-MSN All Track Options):

  1. Completion of the application for admission.
  2. Completion of all university admissions requirements.
  3. Completion of an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution with a 3.0 CGPA or better.
    1. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.
  4. A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
    1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
    2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
    3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
  5. Submit official transcripts from one of the programs below approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) (including any prior courses taken to be considered for transfer of credit).
    1. Associate of Science in Nursing
    2. Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
    3. Diploma in Nursing
    4. State-approved nursing with evidence of an earned RN license
    5. Foreign nursing equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States
    6. Associate of Science with evidence of an earned RN license
    7. Associate of Applied Science with evidence of an earned RN license
    8. Non-nursing bachelor’s degree with evidence of an earned RN license*
    9. Foreign-Foreign equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States*

* Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the .

For more information, please visit .

Academic Calendar

New academic sessions begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters needed depends on the program and pace selected for the Nurse Leader track. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.

Clinical Placement

Clinical Placement Nurse Leader

Clinical Placements Team Providing Support

At WCU, we want to give you all the tools you need for success. That’s why we have a Clinical Placements team that provides you with assistance for getting set up with your preceptor and clinical practice site. We’ll help you find the right preceptor and site for your needs and assist with getting the approval process completed.

And if you need any guidance during the course of your practicum, all you have to do is schedule a coaching call with your assigned coordinator of clinical relations. It’s that easy!

We have partnerships with healthcare providers so we can provide more resources to our students for their clinical placements.

Career Services

Helping You Explore Career Opportunities

Our dedicated Career Services team can help you find a position that utilizes your leadership skills and knowledge. They provide a range of services designed to aid you throughout your job search, including help locating open roles, resume writing assistance, interview coaching, and more.

As a WCU graduate, you get access to our Career Services resources — through graduation and beyond.2

Faculty

George-Peraza-Smith

Meet the Dean

Dr. George Byron Peraza-Smith, DNP, RN, AGNP-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP

Dean/Director, MSN – AGPCNP & Graduate Specialty Programs

Dr. George Peraza-Smith is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Case Western Reserve University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing administration from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has both a gerontological nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate from the University of South Florida and an adult nurse practitioner post-doctoral certificate from Brandman University.

Dr. Peraza-Smith is board-certified as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), a gerontological nurse practitioner, an APRN gerontological specialist, and a certified nurse educator. He is the immediate past president of the Florida Nurses Association and the immediate past inaugural president of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) for which he remains a trustee on the board. The GNCC offers an APRN gerontological specialist certification to distinguish APRNs who possess expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults.

Dr. Peraza-Smith has been teaching in MSN and DNP online and hybrid programs for over 10 years. He has held academic leadership positions such as professor, program director, department chair, and associate dean. Dr. Peraza-Smith resides in Zephyrhills, Florida with his husband and two children.

FAQs

Is the Nurse Leader track right for me?

Students who have a passion for leading teams and helping motivate others might find the Nurse Leader track to be a rewarding course of study. It is designed to help you develop leadership skills while instilling important knowledge of healthcare systems.

Will my previous coursework transfer into the Nurse Leader track programs?

We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. Your advisor will work with you to determine which credits can transfer into your chosen program.

How long does it take to complete the RN to MSN - Nurse Leader track?

Time-to-completion will depend on which pace you choose:

  • Accelerated Plus pace – 16 months
  • Accelerated pace – 20 months
  • Working Professional pace – 32 months

What is an RN to MSN – Nurse Leader?

An RN to MSN – Nurse Leader is a specialized degree track that helps graduates develop strong leadership skills. WCU’s online RN to MSN – Nurse Leader program builds on graduates’ previous knowledge with online coursework that prepares them to lead healthcare organizations.

Can I get a Nurse Leader degree online?

Our Nurse Leader tracks let you complete your coursework online with hands-on practice through precepted clinical hours completed at a healthcare facility near you.

What can you do with a degree in nursing leadership?

Nurse leaders take on a variety of roles in different healthcare settings. They can work anywhere registered nurses work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this includes hospitals, ambulatory services, nursing care facilities, governmental positions, and more.3

What is the role of a clinical nurse leader?

Nurse leaders play a critical role in maintaining effective nursing team environments. They rely on strategic planning, leadership models, and healthcare system implementation to help improve patient outcomes.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Our financial aid advisors can help you determine which option is right for you. WCU institutional scholarships include the WCU Performance Scholarship, WCU Health Services Partner Grant, and the Alumni Pathway Grant for WCU alumni.

For additional information and eligibility requirements, please visit our on our online catalog.

How will WCU support me in my online journey?

Your WCU education includes access to a variety of tools and resources designed for student success, including:

  • Technical support available 24/7
  • No-cost tutoring
  • An assigned Student Success advisor you can contact whenever you need support
  • Access to LinkedIn Learning
  • Dedicated financial aid advisors
  • Career Services for life

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 ().

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

WCU Distance education programs are delivered out of the California and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

Practice Experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree and Post-Master’s certificate programs.

1 The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,