Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program 

The mission of the Western New Mexico University School of Nursing is to promote health and improve the quality of life for diverse populations by providing nursing education which instills the values of community, nursing scholarship, practice and community service.

Western New Mexico University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Community & Rural/ Frontier Health degree.  Students who complete the MSN program will be prepared for position in leadership, management, and clinical practice in community and healthcare delivery systems. Students who wish to enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at WNMU understand that admission criteria must be met and include at least two years of experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) within the past five years.

Student enrollment in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) School of Nursing does not imply nor guarantee admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Post-Master’s Certificate Program at WNMU.

Furthermore,the student understands that he or she must meet admission requirements which include at least two years of Registered Nurse (RN) experience within the past five years by the time of application to the Post-MSN FNP Certificate Program.

Final admission to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program is contingent on passing a criminal background check.

General Information

A minimum of 33 credit hours are required for this graduate nursing degree. All students interested in applying for admission first must be admitted to the WNMU Graduate Division as specified earlier in this catalog. Students who have been convicted of a felony involving immoral behavior or substance abuse may not be eligible for licensure in New Mexico or in other states. Any individual who has a felony conviction should inquire with the New Mexico Board of Nursing (NMBON) or state(s) in which the individual is interested in obtaining licensure. Admitted students must complete a background check following the standards of the Caregivers Criminal History Screening Act (CCHSA) administered by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). If a student is unable to complete aclinical practicum during the program because he or she is excluded from a facility because of a criminal record, then the student will not be able to complete the program.

Please read all information and instructions carefully, as these may change between application cycles. Be sure to complete the School of Nursing (SON) application located on the SON website.

 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree are as follows:

1. The program will admit baccalaureate-prepared nurses who hold a valid RN license from any state within the United States (US).

2. Applicants must have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) (formerly NLNAC | National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission).

3.The minimum grade point average (GPA) for admission shall be a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the applicant’s pre-licensure nursing education (e.g., Diploma, ADN, BSN).

4.A maximum of nine (9) transfer credits may be applied towards the MSN degree offered by the WNMU School of Nursing. (Please see below for the transfer policy.)

5.Please be sure to contact the Nursing Advisor for the WNMU School of Nursing to obtain approval for the transfer of any courses to ensure that the transfer of credits is possible.

6.Satisfactory completion of a course in statistics within seven years is required prior to admission to the program.

7.Two professional letters of recommendation are required from individuals who have supervised and evaluated the applicant either as faculty or professional colleagues. Letters should express the writer’s opinion of the applicant’s potential for success in an online, self-directed graduate nursing program.

8. A written narrative essay submitted in the form of a Personal Statement is required.

9.Official transcripts from all universities or secondary educational institutions attended must be submitted via the WNMU Office of the Registrar and/or the Graduate Division as appropriate.

Policy for Transfer of Coursework for MSN Program

Students applying for transfer of coursework into the MSN program at WNMU from another academic program must (a) be admitted to Western New Mexico University and (b) submit official transcripts from the college or university attended previously to the WNMU Office of Admissions. Transfer credit may be granted upon review of transcripts by the Admissions Officer and the Associate Dean for the School of Nursing. A grade of “B” or better is required for transfer of credit.

As a condition of possibly receiving transfer credit, students who wish to transfer credit may be asked to submit a catalog or course description in effect at the time in which the course was taken. Students who request transfer credit for nursing courses must have attended either a School of Nursing approved by a State Board of Nursing or an accredited college or university.Any student wishing to transfer to WNMU should review the academic regulations in the University catalog as pertain to transfer credit.

A maximum of nine transfer credits may be applied towards the MSN degree. For courses to transfer into the MSN program, only the following combination of courses (equivalent to nine credit hours) may be applied towards the MSN degree:

1. One of the “3P” courses (i.e., Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Physical Assessment);

2.A graduate-level theory course; and,

3.A business course equivalent to that offered by the WNMU MSN plan of study.

Dates to Remember

The final deadline for receipt of completed applications (including receipt of all transcripts and required documentation) shall be one month prior to the start of the term for which admission is requested. Completed applications shall be reviewed on a rolling basis in the order received. Applicants who successfully complete the full application process (with all materials received by both the Graduate Division and the School of Nursing) shall be advised by email of acceptance or denial to the program within one month of the receipt of all required materials and documentation. Students will be notified by mail of admission status no later than two weeks prior to the start of the term. Note that incomplete applications shall not be considered for admission.

Accreditation of the MSN Program

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Western New Mexico University currently is undergoing accreditation review by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation).

Professional and Ethical Expectations

Students are expected to adhere to the professional standards set forth in the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook, as well as the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses. It is the responsibility of the student to demonstrate professional, ethical, and academic integrity. The student is representing the School of Nursing and are expected to maintain the highest standards.

Additional Information

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (i.e., “B” or better) as well as an 80% (i.e., “B”) or better in all courses in order to progress and to remain in the MSN program.