Master of Science in Nursing - Leadership and Administration

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Program Information

WWU's Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration is a two-year, full-time, 48-credit non-thesis master's degree. The program combines online coursework with immersive face-to-face sessions three times per quarter on the Bellingham Campus and hands-on practical experiences arranged by the faculty in the community.

The MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration readies students to lead in healthcare organizations and community settings. Graduates are equipped to integrate health equity into nursing leadership and administration, including systems thinking, implementing effective change, and strategic financial management. Real-world practice experiences with nurse leaders provides hands-on experience.

The curriculum meets the didactic requirement to sit for advanced credentialing: Nurse Executive (NE-BC) and the Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) certification programs.

Goals

Graduating students will have many opportunities, such as being nurse managers, directors of nursing, quality improvement specialists, case managers, healthcare consultants, and healthcare administrators. These professionals are pivotal in improving patient care and leading healthcare organizations and communities.

Application Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university.
  • All applicants must complete the Graduate School's ApplyWeb application and pay the $100 application fee.
  • Within the application you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
  • Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
  • International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency and student VISA requirements.

Additional Application Requirements

  • Two (2) Letters of Reference
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose: Please address the following questions, limiting your response to 500 words total.
    • Please review WWU Nursing Program’s philosophy statement. Building on a specific personal attribute, characteristic, cultural value, or behavior, describe how your nursing practice aligns or will align with the program philosophy.
    • What are your personal and/or professional experiences living in/working with minoritized and/or marginalized communities (rural/disadvantaged/immigrant/BIPOC).
    • What personal and/or professional experiences do you have in navigating public assistance programs (Pell grant, SNAP/WIC, Medicaid, TANF, etc.)?
    • Are you from a Medically Underserved Area (MUA) or do you have a commitment to serve a MUA? Medically Underserved Area/Population identify geographic areas and populations with a lack of access to primary care services. 

 

The Master of Science in Nursing Program has received Phase II approval from the Washington State Board of Nursing (WA BON). www.doh.wa.gov/Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing Program application for accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has been accepted and the program will be undergoing the accreditation process once the first cohort is enrolled.