Master of Science in Nursing at PLU
PLU’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares nurses to lead with purpose and passion. Whether you’re just beginning your path in nursing or seeking to expand your role, you’ll find the support and challenge you need to grow — and to make a meaningful difference.
PLU offers two program pathways:
- The Entry-Level MSN (ELMSN) is for students who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and are ready to transition into nursing.
- The BSN to MSN is for registered nurses seeking advanced roles in leadership or education.
Choose a specialization as a Certified Nurse Educator® or Clinical Nurse Leader®, both of which open doors to meaningful roles in practice, policy, education, and administration. You’ll work closely with expert faculty who bring both research insight and real-world clinical experience to the classroom. When you complete the program, you’ll be equipped to provide direct and indirect care to diverse groups of people in a variety of settings, and address health disparities and drive systemic change in patient care within the current, complex healthcare systems environment.
Graduates of PLU’s MSN program are nurse leaders, educators, and change agents across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Many graduates continue their education in DNP or PhD programs. Others step directly into the field, shaping the future of healthcare — one patient, one classroom, and one system at a time.
Why the MSN at PLU
Nationally ranked
PLU has been ranked as one of the top 100 graduate nursing programs in the U.S. – U.S. News & World Report
Our nursing program boasts a long-standing history and robust alumni network who serve and lead in communities across Washington, the Pacific Northwest, and nationally.
Excellent faculty
PLU’s nursing faculty are compassionate leaders and scholars committed to teaching excellence, clinical competence and scholarly inquiry. They hold advanced degrees and certifications for advanced practice, including clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, and in specialty areas such as family and community nursing, community health nursing, and gerontology.
Hands-on Learning
You’ll benefit from diversified clinical experiences and instruction through 100+ cooperating local healthcare agencies and community-based sites, complemented by PLU’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab.
Cohort Model
Your cohort of fellow nursing students, along with faculty, provide a strong support network and community devoted to learning and scholarship, collaborative engagement, growth, meaningful service, and love and compassion for all humankind.
Relevant Curriculum
PLU’s ELMSN is one of the few MSN direct-entry programs in the region for non-nurses. Whether you pursue the ELMSN or BSN-MSN, your PLU master’s nursing curriculum is informed by real-world practice and designed to meet the individual and collective needs of patients and their families, health care partners, and our community neighbors.
Advancement to leadership roles
PLU emphasizes that your MSN qualifies you for roles beyond bedside care — in leadership, administration, education, and advanced clinical practice. You’ll be able move into roles that blend clinical and non-clinical duties, enhancing your long-term career sustainability.
