Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

• Complete the MSN full-time or part-time, entirely online. Online courses offer synchronous and asynchronous formats to enable working professionals the flexibility to pursue a graduate degree while still maintaining their full-time employment.
• The MSN program offers tracks for Nurse Educators and Adult-Gerontology CNS. All tracks require students to complete practicum hours to earn their degrees.
• The MSN curriculum of West Chester University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through 2029.
• Please check the Graduate Catalog for complete descriptions of the MSN curriculum, courses, requirements, and program outcomes.

Admissions Process:

The MSN program accepts applications for both the fall and spring semesters. Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit the following materials to the Graduate College:  

• Completed graduate application, including goals statement (Apply Online)

• Official academic transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended, demonstrating a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or better, with successful completion of the B.S.N. and courses in statistics and physical assessment. 
• Current RN license (Pennsylvania licensure will be required prior to the clinical practicum)  
• Two letters of recommendation
• Goal Statement

School Nurse Certification

School Nurse Certification – Educational Specialist – Level I

• Students who complete this program, hold a valid RN license in Pennsylvania, and have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, are eligible to apply for the School Nurse Certificate (Education Specialist I) issued by the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Education.
• The School Nurse Certification program is a 14-credit, fully online post-baccalaureate program that prepares students for initial Pennsylvania Department of Education certification as an Educational Specialist I – School Nurse. This program prepares registered nurses to meet the health needs of children and adolescents in schools, pre-K to Grade 12.

Please check the Graduate Catalog for complete descriptions of the School Nurse curriculum, courses, and requirements.

School Nurse Certification – Educational Specialist – Level II

• The School Nurse Certification – Level II post-baccalaureate program prepares students for continuing education as a natural extension of the education achieved within the level I certification. The School Nurse Certification – level II program is an extension of the School Nurse Certification - level I program offered either at West Chester University or another Pennsylvania State higher education institution.
• The level I certification is identified by the University in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Requirements for admission are as follows: Active engagement in employment that utilizes level I certification; Active Pennsylvania RN license in good standing; Active BLS certification.

Please check the Graduate Catalog for complete course descriptions of the School Nurse Certification – level II program curriculum, courses and requirements.