Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University
Address:
12180 Park Avenue S.
Tacoma, Washington 98447
Tacoma, Washington 98447
Phone:
(253) 531-6900
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Website: http://www.plu.edu
Nursing Programs Offered
Accelerated MSN ProgramsBSN Programs
Family Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner - Master's degree
MSN Programs
RN Programs
RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
RN to BSN Program Details
The RN-B to MSN program is designed to allow registered nurses with a previous non-nursing bachelor’s or higher degree to earn the MSN degree; this program does not confer the BSN degree. It's a faster, more direct way for nurses who already have a bachelor's degree to acquire a master's degree without first completing the BSN. The sequence of study recognizes the academic success of the non-nursing graduate and RN licensure as groundwork for graduate study. The RN-B to MSN program is clinically and academically intensive to assure the student of adequate development in an advanced practice nursing role. A limited number of candidates is admitted each year and admission is competitive.
Because RN-B to MSN candidates do not complete the BSN, admission is part of our Entry-Level Master's (ELM) program and RN-B to MSN applicants must meet all admission and progression requirements set by the ELM program.
nursing2As with the ELM program, RN-B to MSN students apply for admission into the Care and Outcomes Manager (COM) Advanced Generalist program only. Students may apply for limited slots in a specialty concentration (such as family nurse practitioner) after their first full semester of graduate study; those not admitted into a specialty concentration remain in the Care and Outcomes Manager track. Admission is selective and space is limited in the specialties.
RN-B to MSN students follow the traditional MSN curriculum, with the additional requirement of NURS 430, Situations with Communities (5 semester hours). NURS430 is best taken at PLU in the spring term prior to starting the MSN program in the summer. For this reason, RN-B to MSN applicants are encouraged to apply to the program early (priority deadline is November 15) if they wish to be considered for admission to the MSN program prior to taking NURS430 (which would start in early February).
BSN Program Details
The Basic BSN program is a three-year program (after completion of prerequisite courses) designed for students with no previous preparation in nursing. Under the direct supervision of its faculty members, the School of Nursing uses the facilities of large hospitals, health agencies and longterm care facilities in the community to provide optimal clinical learning experiences for students.
Graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure as registered nurses in Washington state. They are prepared for first-level staff nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, the military, long term care facilities and community health agencies, with potential for rapid advancement and assumption of leadership roles. They also have the basis to pursue graduate study in nursing.
MSN Program Details
Courses at the MSN level are normally scheduled on Fridays and one or two weekday evenings to accommodate students who are employed part-time. Clinical experiences are typically during the day or evening shift. As required, courses may be offered at other times; students with flexible outside employment are normally able to continue working .5 to .8 FTE, depending on preceptorship requirements (which are heavier toward the end of the program). The Master of Science in Nursing coursework is usually completed in two years on a full-time basis, or three years on a part-time basis. Both full- and part-time programs are full-time for the last year of the program.
RN to MSN Program Details
The RN-B to MSN program is designed to allow registered nurses with a previous non-nursing bachelor’s or higher degree to earn the MSN degree; this program does not confer the BSN degree. It's a faster, more direct way for nurses who already have a bachelor's degree to acquire a master's degree without first completing the BSN. The sequence of study recognizes the academic success of the non-nursing graduate and RN licensure as groundwork for graduate study. The RN-B to MSN program is clinically and academically intensive to assure the student of adequate development in an advanced practice nursing role. A limited number of candidates is admitted each year and admission is competitive.
Because RN-B to MSN candidates do not complete the BSN, admission is part of our Entry-Level Master's (ELM) program and RN-B to MSN applicants must meet all admission and progression requirements set by the ELM program.
nursing2As with the ELM program, RN-B to MSN students apply for admission into the Care and Outcomes Manager (COM) Advanced Generalist program only. Students may apply for limited slots in a specialty concentration (such as family nurse practitioner) after their first full semester of graduate study; those not admitted into a specialty concentration remain in the Care and Outcomes Manager track. Admission is selective and space is limited in the specialties.
RN-B to MSN students follow the traditional MSN curriculum, with the additional requirement of NURS 430, Situations with Communities (5 semester hours). NURS430 is best taken at PLU in the spring term prior to starting the MSN program in the summer. For this reason, RN-B to MSN applicants are encouraged to apply to the program early (priority deadline is November 15) if they wish to be considered for admission to the MSN program prior to taking NURS430 (which would start in early February).
