My PennWest

PennWest nursing programs provide opportunities for professional advancement.

According to nurse.org, nursing is the nation’s largest health care profession. If you have already earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing, PennWest’s online Master’s in Nursing programs can take your career to the next level, providing opportunities for professional advancement in a variety of roles as well as additional financial compensation.

You’ll learn from faculty who are skilled clinicians and educators. They are committed to providing you with a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, so you have the confidence to perform your duties at the highest possible level.

Choose from two tracks that lead to high-demand jobs – Nurse Administrator and Family Nurse Practitioner. Courses are delivered online with both synchronous and asynchronous instruction except for clinical practice. You’ll be prepared to sit for certification exams that allow you to use your specialized skills in the delivery of health care.

Public Notice of Upcoming Accreditation Review Visit By The ACEN

This program is for you if...

  • You are a registered nurse seeking to advance your career with a master's degree focused on nursing administration, leadership, or family practice.
  • You want to develop advanced clinical skills and leadership abilities to influence healthcare outcomes.
  • You seek the flexibility of an online program to balance work, education, and personal commitments.
  • You aim to enhance your ability to manage healthcare systems or provide primary care as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
  • You are interested in specializing in either Administration and Leadership or Family Nurse Practitioner to meet your career goals.
Locations
Locations
  • Global Online

Credits
Credits
  • 30 Credits for AL-MSN

  • 49 Credits for FNP-MSN

What You'll Study

In the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at PennWest, you'll study a comprehensive curriculum tailored to your chosen concentration. For Administration and Leadership, courses include healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and strategic management. For the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, you'll focus on advanced clinical practice, primary care, and health promotion. Both tracks emphasize evidence-based practice, research, and interprofessional collaboration. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications to prepare you for leadership roles and advanced practice in various healthcare settings.

Degrees, Certificates

Meet Our Faculty

Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

Meet our faculty

 

How You’ll Learn

This program is offered 100% online.

Learn more about how you’ll learn.

    What You'll Become

    Upon completing the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at PennWest, you will be prepared to take on advanced roles in healthcare. As a graduate of the Administration and Leadership concentration, you will be equipped to manage healthcare systems, lead nursing teams, and influence healthcare policies. If you choose the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, you will be prepared to provide comprehensive primary care, diagnose and treat health conditions, and promote wellness across patient populations. Your expertise will position you as a leader in the nursing profession.

    Career Paths

    • Nurse Practitioner: Provides advanced clinical care in specialized areas such as family practice, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
    • Nurse Executive: Oversees nursing departments, manages budgets, implements policies, and ensures high-quality patient care.
    • Clinical Nurse Leader: Coordinates and improves patient care delivery within healthcare teams.
    • Nursing Educator: Teaches and mentors nursing students in academic or clinical settings.
    • Health Services Manager: Manages healthcare facilities, departments, or programs, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services.
    • Clinical Research Nurse: Conducts research to advance nursing practices and improve patient care outcomes.
    • Public Health Nurse: Works in community health settings to promote public health and prevent disease.
    • Quality Improvement Coordinator: Develops and implements programs to improve the quality of patient care and healthcare services.
    • Nurse Informaticist: Integrates nursing science with information management to improve healthcare data systems.
    • Nurse Consultant: Provides expertise to healthcare organizations on best practices, regulatory compliance, and clinical care.
    • Telehealth Nurse Practitioner: Delivers healthcare services remotely, using telecommunication technologies.
    • Nurse Policy Analyst: Analyzes and develops healthcare policies to improve patient care and healthcare systems.

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    How We'll Help You Succeed

    At Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), we prioritize your success and well-being from the moment you join our community. Our comprehensive student support system is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, academic assistance, and emotional support to ensure you can fully focus on your studies and personal growth. Whether you're a first-generation college student, returning for further education, or navigating career changes, our dedicated faculty and staff provide the encouragement and resources you need to overcome challenges and thrive. With a wide range of services from tutoring and career counseling to mental health resources, PennWest stands by your side, empowering you to achieve your academic goals and prepare for a successful future. Join us at PennWest, where you're not just a student; you're part of a supportive family committed to helping you find your place in the world.

    500

    Number of clinical practice hours required for the Family Nurse Practitioner program.

    Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

    The BSN, RN-BSN, MSN- Nurse Practitioner programs at PennWest are accredited by ACEN:

    Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
    3390 Peachtree Road NE,
    Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
    (404) 975-5000

    View Accreditation

    Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

    The RN-BSN, MSN-Administration and Leadership, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at PennWest are accredited by CCNE:

    Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
    655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
    Washington, DC 20001
    Phone: 202-887-6791
    Fax: 202-887-8476

    The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
    P.O. Box 2649
    Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
    Phone: 717-783-7142
    Fax: 717-783-0822
    ST-NURSE@pa.gov

    View Accreditation
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