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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Program

Advance Your Nursing Career with PennWest's CCNE-Accredited Online MSN Degree: Choose Your Path in Family Nurse Practitioner or Nursing Administration & Leadership.

PennWest University offers registered nurses (RNs) exceptional opportunities for career advancement through our comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs. If you hold a BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program and seek to elevate your career, PennWest’s flexible online MSN programs can lead to advanced roles, specialized practice, and enhanced earning potential in the dynamic field of healthcare. This masters degree in nursing is designed for working professionals like you, providing a pathway for RN masters programs seekers.

Our MSN nursing curriculum is delivered by experienced clinicians and educators dedicated to building your expertise in evidence-based practice, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and skills required to perform at the highest level. This MSN degree online program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a mark of quality and rigor.

Choose from two high-demand masters in nursing concentrations: Nursing Administration & Leadership or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Our online MSN program structure primarily uses asynchronous and synchronous online coursework for msn courses online, complemented by essential clinical practice experiences (518 hours for the FNP track), preparing you thoroughly for national certification exams (ANCC or AANPCP for FNP graduates) in your chosen specialty. Explore one of the leading online msn nursing programs available today.

Why Choose PennWest for Your Online MSN Degree?

  • Flexible Online Learning: Balance your career and education with our primarily online format, including synchronous and asynchronous coursework designed for working RNs.
  • CCNE-Accredited Quality: Gain a respected qualification from a Master of Science in Nursing program fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring high standards.
  • Expert Faculty Mentorship: Learn from highly qualified faculty who are experienced clinicians and dedicated educators committed to your success in advanced nursing practice.
  • In-Demand Specializations: Tailor your MSN degree to your career goals by choosing between the sought-after Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Nursing Administration & Leadership tracks.

This program is for you if...

  • You are a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) with a BSN, aiming to advance your career with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree specializing in nursing administration, leadership, or family practice (FNP).
  • You want to deepen your clinical expertise and cultivate leadership skills to positively impact patient care and healthcare systems through a rigorous masters degree in nursing.
  • You need the flexibility of an online MSN program to effectively manage your professional work, academic pursuits, and personal life while pursuing your masters in nursing online.
  • You aspire to lead healthcare organizations or deliver comprehensive primary care as a certified Family Nurse Practitioner after completing one of our focused nursing masters programs.
  • You are ready to specialize in either Nursing Administration & Leadership or the Family Nurse Practitioner track within our MSN degree online program to achieve your specific career ambitions and complete one of the top master degree nursing programs.
Locations
Locations
  • Global Online

Credits
Credits
  • 30 Credits for AL-MSN

  • 49 Credits for FNP-MSN

Curriculum: What You'll Study in Our MSN Degree Program

PennWest's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program features a comprehensive curriculum designed around your chosen specialization, making it one of the sought-after masters nursing programs.

If pursuing the Nursing Administration & Leadership track, your MSN courses online will cover critical areas like healthcare policy, financial management, quality improvement, organizational leadership, and strategic planning in healthcare systems.

For the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration (a 49-credit masters nursing program), the curriculum focuses intensively on core courses like Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Applications, plus advanced topics including Advanced Health Assessment, Clinical Diagnostics, Primary Care I & II, Pediatric Primary Care, and Women's Health/Gender Related Care.

Both masters nursing programs strongly emphasize advanced evidence-based practice, nursing theory, research utilization, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for advanced practice and leadership roles. Our MSN degree is designed to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape.

A student taking a classes online.

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

 

Flexible Learning: Our Online MSN Program Delivery

Designed for working RNs, this MSN program offers flexibility through primarily online delivery with both synchronous and asynchronous coursework. Hands-on clinical practice (518 hours required for the FNP track) is completed locally in approved settings. Occasional on-campus skills workshops may supplement your online learning experience.

Learn more about how you’ll learn.

    Career Advancement with Your MSN Degree

    Completing PennWest's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares you for significant career advancement and leadership in healthcare. Graduates of the Nursing Administration & Leadership track are equipped for roles such as Nurse Executive or Health Services Manager, ready to lead teams, manage departments, and shape healthcare policy. If you specialize in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration within our nursing master programs, you'll be qualified to provide comprehensive primary care, manage patient health conditions, and promote wellness, eligible to sit for ANCC or AANPCP certification exams upon graduation. Earning your masters degree in nursing from PennWest positions you as a highly skilled and sought-after leader, opening doors to diverse nursing masters degrees career paths.

    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.

    Fraternal twins share identical passion for caretaking

    PennWest's nursing programs provide a complete educational pathway for nursing professionals. Many of our MSN students are graduates of our BSN program who chose to continue their educational journey with us. Like twin sisters Hannah and Isabella Gorrell, who completed their BSN degrees at PennWest before pursuing advanced nursing roles, our graduates consistently report that PennWest's expert nursing faculty and supportive learning environment prepared them to excel in professional nursing practice.

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    Fraternal twins share identical passion for caretaking

    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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