Purpose
To assist selected RNs with good academic records to move smoothly through the RN
to BSN curriculum directly into certain MS(N) programs.
Currently Available RN to MS(N) Early Entry Option tracks
the difference of the RN to MS(N) Early Entry Option
Normally, the student would take 6-8 semester hours of WCU undergraduate upper-division
electives to complete the BSN following the RN to BSN Program of Study. These electives
could be replaced with up to 6 hours of WCU MS(N) graduate-level work by following
the RN to MS(N) Program of Study (Page 1 shows the RN to BSN curriculum and page 2 shows the RN to MS(N) pathway).
The graduate electives count toward the Upper Level Electives needed in the BSN program
and the electives needed if later accepted into a MS(N) program. This can reduce the
time needed to complete both degrees by up to one semester.
RN to BSN students may still need to complete 3 upper-division perspective hours while
completing their undergraduate work.
Those interested in this program must first be admitted to the RN to BSN program. Once enrolled, they will be advised on how to proceed if interested in this option.
Admission requirements for the RN to MS(N) Early-Entry Option
- A statistics course completed from any accredited institution in any discipline with
a C or better
- Completion of at least 12 of the required 24 hours of WCU RN to BSN NSG courses, with
projected completion of the remaining hours before or during the semester of application
to the WCU RN to MS(N) Early-Entry option.
- GPA of 3.00 on last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
- Professional statement and resume
- Three professional recommendations (one must be submitted by an RN to BSN faculty
member)
- Interview with the Graduate Nursing Admissions Committee
Enrollment in the RN to MS(N) Early-Entry Option does not guarantee admission to the
MS(N) program. Admission of the RN to MS(N) applicant is provisional until the BSN
is successfully completed. While enrolled in the MS(N) core courses, students must also apply to the Graduate
School to be considered for full admission to the MS(N) Program.
Next Steps
- Current RN to BSN students interested in RN to MS(N) Early-Entry Option should consult
with both their advisor and the RN to MS(N) Director.
Testimonial
"Going back to school has had a tremendous impact on both my professional career and
personal life. The RN to MS(N) Early Entry Option allowed me to grow and explore other
avenues that would not have been available to me in the traditional work environment.
Western Carolina University opened doors to me as a student that were other wise closed.
The distance program provides a structure that connects the entire region together.
No longer do our geographical boundaries separate us as students. Being connected
to the entire region though your fellow students has proven to be invaluable. It has
allowed us to see not only our differences but our similarities as well."
Diane Fox RN, BSN
Owner of HealthCare Directions and RN to MS(N) student
