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. The sequence of study recognizes the academic success of the non-nursing graduate and RN licensure as groundwork for graduate study. A limited number of candidates is admitted each year and admission is competitive.
The RN-B to MSN program is clinically and academically intensive to assure the student of adequate development in an advanced practic nursing role (for example, Care and Outcomes Manager (COM) – Advanced Generalist, COM - Clinical Educator, COM - Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Family Nurse Practitioner) at completion of the program. In contrast to the Entry-Level-MSN applicant, prospective RN-B to MSN students apply for admission and direct entry into either the Care and Outcomes Manager (COM) Concentration (with a choice of focus area), or the Family Nurse Practitioner Focus Area.
Prerequisite Courses
Introductory Statistics (including inferential and descriptive)
Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with labs)
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Microbiology (with lab)
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 the Spring term prior to starting the MSN program in the summer (for FNP) or the Fall (for Care and Outcomes Manager). For this reason, RN-B to MSN applicants are encouraged to apply to the program early (by January 1) if they wish to be considered for admission to the MSN program prior to taking NURS430 (which would start in early February).
