Combining elements of the RN to BSN program with master's level nursing studies, Wesley's RN to MSN program provides rigorous learning that builds on—rather than repeats—your current knowledge and skills. And with our bridge-sequence format, the program is flexible enough to meet the needs of nurses at every educational level, whether you're a licensed registered nurse with a diploma, an associate's degree, or a baccalaureate degree.
Special Features
Wesley's program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
The program follows a career-mobility model that emphasizes expert practice, research, and teaching, and is designed to meet your individual needs.
Fourteen-week classes and initial summer courses give you time to process and apply your learning in healthcare settings.
Evening classes meet once each week on the same night for the entire program.
You'll have opportunities to study abroad, to choose practice in your areas of interest, and to write grants for funding of clinical and research work.
Nurses with baccalaureate degrees in any field, nurses seeking a second master's degree, and international nurses may apply directly to the graduate component.
Ninety percent of Wesley's graduate nursing faculty hold doctorates. All are experts in their specialty field and credentialed for certification in their practice areas.
Faculty include current and former presidents of the Delaware Nurses Association and of the Delaware Board of Nursing, and a fellow in the Academy of Nursing Education. They've also been selected as Nursing Faculty of the Year and are certified educators by the National League for Nursing.
Recent research projects of our faculty and students have included assessment of outcomes, simulation effectiveness, depression in women, and environmental health issues.
Course Information
The program's coursework is divided into three categories and is based on the student's particular level of nursing education.
- An RN holding a diploma or an associate's degree takes the baccalaureate core courses and bridge courses before moving into graduate courses
- An RN with a baccalaureate in a field other than nursing takes bridge courses to prepare for the graduate-level courses
- An RN with a bachelor of science in nursing enrolls directly in the graduate program
Curriculum Information
The Wesley College Department of Nursing RN to MSN program prepares a clinical nurse specialist in community health and wellness. Graduates of the program are prepared for roles as a clinician, educator, researcher and consultant in a variety of health care environments. This broad based advanced practice degree provides a wide spectrum of practice opportunities as a leader in the profession of nursing.
The clinical nurse specialist role, first initiated in the 1960s is enjoying a renewed emphasis as the health care system evolves in the 21st century. Graduates are eligible for certification and for licensure as an advanced practice nurse. The program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is recognized by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists as a CNS program for practice in this advanced practice role in community health promotion and wellness.
The Department of Nursing also offers several Post Master Certificate (PMC) programs in speciality areas taught in a convenient weekend format. They include the PMC in Nursing Education, Women's Health and Parish Nursing.
Internships
Students must have a minimum of 500 hours of practicum experience to graduate from the program. Our students complete practice in hospitals, state agencies, and other healthcare environments across the Delmarva Peninsula.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Wesley's RN to MSN program are prepared for roles as clinical specialists, educators, consultants, and researchers in nursing and healthcare professions. They're also eligible to pursue their doctorate in nursing. In fact, many of our graduates are full-time faculty members at colleges and universities from Delaware to Alaska. One of our graduates became a nurse entrepreneur after graduating from the program and now owns more than six diagnostic sleep centers in Delaware.
Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Education
The Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Education prepares advanced-practice nurses to teach in a variety of educational settings. This 15-credit hour certificate program is offered in a convenient weekend format and can be completed while working full time. Courses in curriculum design and instructional theory, as well as teaching practice are all included in the certificate process.
Professional Organizations
Students who meet the rigorous standards of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, may be invited into the Wesley chapter (Tau Beta). Students are also encouraged to hold membership in other professional organizations.
Admission Criteria
- Current RN License
- A 3.00 grade point average in previous coursework
- Two letters of recommendation validating evidence of personal and professional qualifications
- Minimum of one-year practice experience prior to beginning graduate level courses
- Interview
- Diploma, Associate's, or Bachelor's degree in Nursing from a NLN accredited program
- Completed application and official transcripts from all colleges or hospital-based diploma programs attended
For more information, contact:
Lucille C. Gambardella, PhD, CNE, APN, PMHCNS-BC, ANEF
Chair/Professor, Director of Graduate Program,
Department of Nursing
Wesley College
120 N. State Street
Dover, DE 19901
302-736-2512
gambarlu@wesley.edu
