You sense within you a deep call for compassion and care. It’s a call to comfort, a call to serve, a call to lead. It’s a call that expands the whole of the human experience — from birth to death and everywhere in between. The call of a nurse is sacred.
At Point Loma Nazarene University, we understand the inherent sacredness of your work. That’s why we provide you with the best knowledge and practices while also focusing on the spiritual and emotional side of caring for patients.
A Faithful Balance
The program focuses on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of nursing, providing a balanced approach to learning that integrates education, service, and faith.
Close-Knit Collaboration
Move through the program together with a close-knit diverse cohort of peers for continued encouragement and supportive friendships. Smaller classes allow for in-depth discussion and quality interactions with professors.
A Healthy Future
The hands-on, evidence-based instruction, clinical nurse specialist programs, mentoring and networking opportunities through an extensive alumni group, and PLNU’s strong nursing reputation in San Diego set the stage for your continued career success after graduation.
Sacred Work
Interview with Janet Johnson
As a Registered Nurse, Janet wanted a rigorous program that would equip her with the skills to teach other RNs. PLNU's master's in nursing program both challenged and encouraged her in the next step of her career.
The program is designed for working professionals. Most classes are held one night a week and select Saturdays at our Liberty Station Conference Center.
PLNU’s cohort model keeps you with a core group of MSN peers as you progress through the courses together. The model provides friendship, support, and encouragement. In addition, the students benefit from the diversity of experience and expertise of the other cohort members. The smaller class size allows for deeper discussion and more faculty interaction/ The inclusion of faith and service allows for opportunities to discuss issues of spirituality.
Students have the ability to have hands-on experience in multicultural settings. Through core courses and nursing clinical specialty, students gain a solid foundation in advanced practice nursing. PLNU students benefit from the broad range of clinical preceptors and clinical agencies that are available.
We offer ADN to MSN (RN to MSN), BSN to MSN, and Post-MSN certificate programs.
ADN to MSN Program
If you’re an ADN or diploma-prepared Registered Nurse, you can complete 11 units of transition courses prior to starting the MSN cohort in the fall. You'll then continue in the MSN course progression for the rest of your program. The program can be completed in two-and-a-half years. Please note that a BSN degree is not granted, and you must have at least six months to one year of full-time employment as a Registered Nurse in a United States healthcare facility to apply.
BSN to MSN Program
If you're a BSN-prepared Registered Nurse, you can earn your MSN in two years by starting in the fall MSN cohort. If you prefer to take the program at a slower pace, you may start in spring or summer and spread out your classes. You must have at least six months to one year of full-time employment experience as a Registered Nurse in a United States healthcare facility to apply.
Post-MSN Certificate Program
If you're a Registered Nurse with your MSN, this program is designed to prepare you to assume the role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
Student Profile
Christina M. Kelley
Christina M. Kelley (15) started her journey into the nursing vocation in high school as a student in a medical assistant regional occupational program that gave her hands-on experience in the industry.
Each specialty track is designed to prepare Registered Nurses for advanced practice, nursing leadership, and state and national certification opportunities. All tracks consist of MSN core courses (22 units), plus track-specific theory courses and a minimum of 500 track-specific clinical hours (21 units).
Eligibility for a particular MSN CNS specialty track is defined in terms of your nursing background and patient care expertise.
MSN in Nursing Education students will complete two three-unit graduate elective courses from the School of Education.
MSN in Healthcare Leadership students will complete two, three-unit graduate elective courses from the Fermanian School of Business or the School of Nursing.
Students in all tracks will complete four to five practicum courses, which are aligned to theory content within the concurrent semester, whenever possible.
Licensures and Professional Certifications:
This program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and meets the requirements for licensure or certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for Professional Licensure or Certification. Information about out-of-state requirements in Nursing is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Point Loma Nazarene University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Duty Under Instruction (DUINS) at PLNU
PLNU is proud to partner with the U.S. Navy to offer qualified nurses and service members the opportunity to obtain their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) through the Duty Under Instruction (DUINS) program.
The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While acknowledging diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it’s a reflection of you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0 or higher you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.
To be admitted into PLNU's Master of Science in Nursing program, you must have an associate degree in nursing, diploma degree in nursing, or a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from an institution that indicates the completion of your degree.
If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.
Application Checklist
Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU.
Submit online application for admissions (includes $50 non-refundable application fee). Fee waived if applicant is one of the following: PLNU alum, current or former military and their dependents, PLNU employee.
Submit official transcripts showing completion of an associate degree, diploma, or bachelor's degree in nursing, and if applicable, a higher-level degree from a regionally accredited college or university*. If you have not completed a degree, please request official transcripts from each school you have attended. (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
Official transcripts must be sent to: Point Loma Nazarene University Office of Graduate Admissions 3900 Lomaland Dr. San Diego, CA 92106
*Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
Submit a resume.
Submit a personal essay.
Nursing Education and Healthcare Leadership Tracks Essay Prompt:
Please submit an essay of approximately 250 words that demonstrates your ability to utilize graduate-level writing skills. Describe why you are interested in pursuing your MSN at PLNU and what this program means to you personally and/or professionally.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Tracks Essay Prompt:
Please submit an essay of approximately 250 words that demonstrates your ability to utilize graduate-level writing skills. Using the following websites: NACNS.org and ACNPweb.org, compare and contrast the role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner. Discuss why you have chosen the CNS role.
Submit two professional recommendations.
Work Experience:
Clinical Nurse Specialist tracks require at least one year of full-time RN employment experience in a United States acute care facility.
Nursing Education and Healthcare Leadership tracks require at least six months of full-time RN employment experience in the United States.
MSN applicants must have at least six months of experience in an RN role.
After all application materials are submitted, an interview with the School of Nursing is scheduled.
*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.
Special Instructions
Health Status
Prior to starting clinical hours, all graduate nursing students must provide evidence that they are physically and emotionally able to perform the duties required. A physical examination by a healthcare provider with information completed on a form provided by the SON is necessary. Students must also provide evidence of current immunizations and tests as required by the SON.
California RN License and CPR Certification
Prior to starting clinical hours, all graduate nursing students must provide evidence of both a California Registered Nurse License issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and a current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS certification. No other CPR certifications or RN licenses are allowable to meet these requirements.
Background Check and Urine Drug Screen
Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check and drug screening will be required prior to your first clinical experience, and within one year of your clinical rotation at Rady’s Children’s Hospital. If a flag occurs from either your background check or drug screening, this may result in immediate dismissal from the Point Loma Nazarene University Master of Science in Nursing clinical courses.
Dilute urine means there is too much water in the urine causing the test to be inconclusive. If you drink too much water before going for your drug screening, the result may be a dilute reading. If you receive a dilute, it will flag your American Data Bank Drug Screen Report.
We recommend no liquids after midnight until you have submitted your a.m. urine specimen. If you are concerned that your urine may be diluted flush that specimen and reschedule your drug screen appointment. (Note that urine is normally yellow in color. If the color is not obviously yellow it may be diluted.)
Licensures and Professional Certifications:
PLNU cannot confirm whether California's licensures, credentials, and other professional certifications are accepted in other states.
Admission into a distance education program offered by Point Loma Nazarene University is granted at the time of initial acceptance into the program and is dependent on authorized program availability in the state where the student is physically located at the time of admission. If a student moves to another state after admission to the program, continuation within the program will depend on whether Point Loma Nazarene University is authorized to offer distance education courses in that state and/or whether Point Loma Nazarene University meets the professional licensure requirements for a specific program in that state. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the institution of a change in his or her physical presence.
State Authorization
State authorization is a formal determination by a state that PLNU is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state. PLNU is not required to obtain state authorization in every state, and the university has opted at this time not to seek authorization in some states. Additionally, PLNU meets the criteria for exemption from authorization in certain states.
At this time, PLNU does not have authorization in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, which means residents of these states cannot enroll in any PLNU online program or course. For more information refer to our disclosures page.
Authorizations in specific states may change periodically. PLNU recommends individuals contact PLNU admissions at (800) 733-7770 for the latest information.
Career Opportunities
The versatile set of skills you’ll develop by pursuing a degree in nursing from PLNU prepares you for nursing in a variety of settings. PLNU nursing alumni have held various positions in healthcare facilities, educational institutions, community clinics, medical missions, and public health agencies. PLNU cultivates passion, professionalism, and a values-driven approach to work in a context that intersects your intellect and faith and equips you to become a purposeful and trustworthy leader in your workplace.
A master's degree in nursing can lead to a career in the following:
Nursing Education
Case Manager
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Educator
Healthcare Leadership
Entrepreneurship
Missions
Financial Aid and Student Support
We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.
With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.
What is required to be admitted into this program?
To be admitted into PLNU's Master of Science in Nursing program, you must have an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution. All MSN applicants must also have at least six months to one year of full-time employment experience as a Registered Nurse in a United States healthcare facility.
Can I work while completing the program?
PLNU's MSN program was designed with working nurses like you in mind! MSN courses are held one to two nights a week and selected Saturdays at PLNU's Liberty Station Conference Center. The majority of our current students maintain their full-time jobs and are very successful in the program.
What scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to me?
You will have the option to apply for a number of scholarships through Student Financial Services. This program qualifies for state and federal financial aid options. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The expected completion time is two years for the BSN-to-MSN program and two-and-a-half years for the ADN-to-MSN program.
How many days a week do classes meet?
Classes are one to two nights a week and selected Saturdays depending on the semester and track you choose.
Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes! As an international student, you can apply as a senior in university or any time after you obtain your bachelor’s degree. If you earned your baccalaureate degree outside of the United States, all documents must be translated into English and evaluated by members of National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must also submit official proof of English proficiency (TOEFL). Please contact Graduate Financial Aid and Student Support Services for more information.
PLNU is a Christian university, but I am not a Christian. Would I feel out of place in this program?
We welcome and encourage people of all backgrounds as students in our programs. Issues that relate to faith may be discussed in some classes, and engaging in discussion with individuals with alternative points of view will be encouraged as learning opportunities. Students will work within a learning community that is supportive academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
What is a clinical nurse specialist?
A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is a master's prepared nurse who has completed a course of specialized study and 500 clinical hours in an area of nursing practice, following a patient population, or facilitating a particular outcome utilizing the five roles of the CNS and the three spheres of influence. Clinical nurse specialists often advance the standard of nursing care in a specific area.
What CNS options are available?
Adult-Gerontology is appropriate for nurses working in the acute care hospital inclusive of telemetry units, progressive care, critical care, operating room, post-anesthesia recovery units, acute care clinics, urgent care, and emergency departments where the young adult to the older adult — including the frail elderly populations — are the most prominent. Nurses educated in the adult-gerontology population are educated across both areas of practice.
Women's Health is appropriate for nurses who provide healthcare for women across the lifespan. Healthcare conditions among child-bearing women in acute care settings, prevention and management of chronic illnesses, and various topics integral to women’s physical and mental health in the United States will be explored. Education is congruent in terms of role and population foci.
Pediatrics is appropriate for nurses working with neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, and young adult health populations. Education is congruent in terms of role and population foci.
Do you offer certifications for me if I already have my MSN?
Yes! The Post-MSN Certificate program offers the Adult-Gerontology CNS, Pediatrics CNS, and Women’s Health CNS specialties.
I have an ADN degree, but not a BSN. Can I still apply?
Yes! PLNU offers both ADN and BSN entry points. If have an associate degree in nursing or you're a diploma-prepared RN, you will begin the program with our specially designed ADN to MSN transition courses and then progress into the MSN courses upon completion. You must meet the requirement of having six months to one year of full-time RN experience, depending on your MSN specialty track, before starting the program.
I think I may want to earn a Ph.D. in nursing. Will an MSN from PLNU help prepare me for this?
Yes! Upon completion of your MSN at PLNU, you will be eligible to apply for a Ph.D. program in nursing.
What APRN will this program prepare me for?
At PLNU, we offer the Clinical Nurse Specialist APRN option for students to pursue. Three tracks are available to choose from: Adult-Gerontology, Pediatrics, and Family and Individual Health. In addition, we offer MSN specialty tracks in Nursing Education and Healthcare Leadership.
Will I have to find my own preceptors?
No. We secure your preceptors for you.
Course List
For information about the courses required for the Nursing, M.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog.
37-50 (depending on entry point and concentration)
Program Start Date
Summer 2023 – May 8, 2023 Fall 2023 – August 28, 2023 Spring 2024 - January 8, 2024
Cost
$820 per unit 2022-23 academic year
Need More Information
Find out how this program fits you and your goals. Fill out the form or speak directly with a counselor. Either way, we'd be happy to send you what you need.
