West Coast University (WCU) Online Nurse Practitioner Programs – FNP, AGPCNP
The School of Nursing through West Coast University (WCU) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master’s Certificate programs with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) specializations. In addition, those with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Diploma in Nursing may complete the RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program.
The curriculum for the graduate nursing programs meets the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF) standards. These online programs also require the completion of clinical preceptorships local to the student. In addition, online students complete a new student online orientation. Note that the programs may not be available in all states.
All students come to either California or Texas for two three-day intensives, depending on the campus through which they are enrolled. Campus intensives are designed to allow students to practice and demonstrate the essential skills needed for nurse practitioners. Run by faculty, the intensive weekends are full of engaging content, interpersonal collaboration, and include clinical evaluations. Travel costs are not included in tuition, and students must arrange transportation to the events.
Graduates of the MSN and certificate programs are eligible to sit for their specific national certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Students should check with the WCU School of Nursing to verify eligibility and program availability.
The NP programs through West Coast University are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing (CCNE). WCU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is located in Anaheim, California. There is also a campus center in Dallas, Texas through which students may enroll in some of these programs.
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What to Expect from West Coast University Online NP Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate programs must have a prior cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale plus proof of RN licensure in the state of practice. No GRE is required. Students in all programs must receive a recommendation for admittance from the Nursing Dean and committee members. An interview and handwritten essay evaluation are required. Application materials may include an application and fee, proof of unencumbered RN licensure, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV.
- MSN: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field from a nationally accredited program. Those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree must have completed coursework or have experience in leadership, undergraduate research, and public health. Additional coursework may be required for non-nursing bachelor’s applicants. Interested students must have at least one year of direct patient care experience within the past 3 years and have completed introductory statistics.
- RN to MSN-FNP: Interested nurses must hold an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Diploma in Nursing. Students should have at least one year of direct patient care experience within the past five years.
- Post-Master’s Certificates: Applicants must hold an MSN or doctoral degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program. Prerequisite coursework includes Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, and Advanced Physical Assessment.
State Restrictions: The West Coast University graduate nursing programs may not be available in all states. Students should check with the WCU School of Nursing as well as their state board of licensure to verify eligibility and to determine if the program meets state requirements for NP licensure.
Study Plan: The MSN-FNP can be completed in nine trimesters which spans 36 months. The MSN-AGPCNP can be completed in 8 trimesters which spans 32 months. The RN to MSN-FNP program takes about 40 months to complete. The FNP Post-Master’s Certificate can be completed in 24 months, and the AGPCNP certificate can be completed in 20 months. Programs begin in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.
MSN Curriculum: The MSN programs include the following core courses: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice; Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare; Ethics in Healthcare; Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology; Principles of Teaching and Learning; Research Utilization; and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.
Specialty courses required for both specializations include APRN Bridge Course; Advanced Practice Nursing Role; Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient Theory and Practicum; Primary Care Women’s Health Theory and Practicum; Care Management and Coordination Theory; Advanced Health Care Residency; Advanced Pharmacology – APRN Specific; Advanced Health/Physical Assessment – APRN Specific; and Culminating Experience I-II.
FNP students also take Primary Care Pediatric Patient Theory and Practicum.
RN to MSN-FNP Curriculum: The RN to MSN-FNP program comprises 68 credits plus 785 precepted clinical hours. Additional courses to the MSN-FNP courses listed above are Pathophysiology; Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organization; Statistics; Public Health Nursing; Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice; Public Health Nursing; Policy Organization and Financing Healthcare; and Community Practice Experience.
Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The FNP Post-Master’s Certificate program comprises 32 credits plus 650 clinical hours. The AGPCNP certificate program comprises 28 credits plus clinical hours. The curriculum follows the specialty courses listed for the MSN programs above.
Online Experience: Online courses at WCU include videos, adaptive quizzes, simulation exercises, assignments, and assessments. WCU uses Blackboard Learn to deliver courses and new students complete an online orientation at the beginning of the programs. The university offers 24/7 technical support and access to faculty help, peer interaction, and student services. In addition, the Career Services Department offers assistance to graduates in pursuing their careers through workshops, guidance, and partnerships with industry professionals.
On-Site Requirements: Online students in all programs come to the Anaheim, CA, or Dallas, TX campuses for two 3-day on-site intensives. All other coursework is online and clinical preceptorships are completed local to the student.
Paying for West Coast University Online Graduate Nursing Programs
West Coast University charges $615 per credit plus fees for the RN to MSN core courses for the RN to MSN program, $635 per credit plus fees for the MSN core courses for the MSN programs, and $785 per credit for the MSN specialization courses for both RN to MSN, MSN, and certificate programs. Distance education tuition is the same for residents and non-residents. Travel expenses for the two campus intensives are not included in tuition costs. Prospective students should inquire with the WCU School of Nursing for current tuition prices and fees.
West Coast University may offer unsubsidized federal student loans to graduate students according to the FAFSA as well as other scholarships and grants to qualified applicants. Graduate nursing students may also wish to inquire with their employers as to the possibility of a tuition reimbursement program. Other opportunities for funding may include private loans, scholarships, and grants through community and other organizations.
Both FNP and AGPCNP specializations are offered in the West Coast University MSN and Post-Master's Certificate options with just two 3-day campus intensives and local clinicals.
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (ADN bridge) Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
1477 South Manchester Avenue
Anaheim, California 92802
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
2
49
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
49
$720.71
$35,314.79
$720.71
$35,314.79
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
2
49
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
Bachelor's (Non-Nursing) – Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
49
$708.58
$37,554.74
$708.58
$37,554.74
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
2
68
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
ADN – Associate Degree in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
68
$687.50
$46,750.00
$687.50
$46,750.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
2
28
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
28
$785.00
$21,980.00
$785.00
$21,980.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
2
32
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
Unknown
Program Tuition
32
$785.00
$25,120.00
$785.00
$25,120.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.