Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The MSN degree program at Wheeling University provides an affordable online pathway to professional leadership and advanced practice roles in nursing. The curriculum is designed to accommodate the registered nurse graduate student who desires to remain employed. All courses are offered online, with clinical and practicum requirements completed in the student’s home community.

Emphasis on the concepts of system, critical thinking, and advanced practice is integrated throughout the MSN curriculum. The MSN graduate will possess the necessary skills to influence the change process and enhance the quality of healthcare for the betterment of patients and the overall health care system. Graduates from the MSN program are prepared to:

• Demonstrate advanced communication skills
• Exhibit critical-thinking skills professionally and in life
• Demonstrate the use of advanced technologies
• Assume leadership positions in health care, educational, and other settings
• Contribute to the development of nursing knowledge
• Ensure the delivery of safe, quality, and cost-effective nursing care that will affect patients, families, populations, and community
• Function as a member of the inter-professional team

For more information, contact nursing@wheeling.edu or grad@wheeling.edu, or call WU Graduate Admissions at 1-800-873-7665.

Family Nurse Practitioner

The MSN-FNP prepares nurses for the advanced practice family nurse practitioner role and national certification. The track integrates concepts from nursing, science, and family practice to give the experienced nurse the advanced in-depth body of knowledge necessary to practice in the expanded registered nurse role as a provider of primary health care.

Nursing Administration

The MSN-NA is designed to prepare nurses for leadership and management positions in a variety of health care settings. Through an integration of concepts from nursing, business and management, graduates of the program are prepared to assume leadership positions in health care settings, to contribute to the development of nursing knowledge, to demonstrate responsibility for the management of the nursing organization, and to function as a member of the executive management team.

Admission Requirements

• Complete an online application free of charge at https://applygrad.wheeling.edu/apply/
• Request official transcripts from any college/university you have attended and have them sent electronically to grad@wheeling.edu or mailed directly to:
Wheeling University – Graduate Admissions
316 Washington Avenue
Wheeling, WV 26003

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN)
• 3.0 undergraduate cumulative GPA*
• Successful completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and research
• Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse
• Two letters of recommendation
• Completed background check

*GRE may be required for students who do not meet the GPA requirements

Transfer Credit

Up to six graduate credits (two courses) in nursing may be eligible for transfer credit. Such credit is only available for graduate level nursing courses and only when the quality and comparability of the other work meets the approval of the MSN Committee. Transfer credit will not be awarded for the courses with grades below a “B.”

MSN Curriculum

Core Courses for aII MSN Majors

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

The curriculum is divided into three components. The first component is the nursing core and contains those courses basic to the MSN degree. The second component contains the FNP clinical core. The third component consists of primary care courses specific to the FNP role.

Clinical Core Courses

FNP Courses (168 clinical hours are required for each course.)

Nursing Administration Track

The curriculum is divided into two components. The first component is the nursing core and contains those courses basic to the MSN. The second component contains nursing administration courses specific to this program.

Nursing Administration Courses

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Wheeling University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).