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Nurse Leader

Build on your experience in healthcare to develop nursing leadership skills and competencies.

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Online Nurse Leader Track Highlights

<p>Complete your coursework online with 24/7 tech support and access to LinkedIn Learning</p>

Complete your coursework online with 24/7 tech support and access to LinkedIn Learning

<p>Develop leadership skills through coursework in leadership models, management of healthcare systems, and more</p>

Develop leadership skills through coursework in leadership models, management of healthcare systems, and more

<p>Multiple starts throughout the year with flexible online classes </p>

Multiple starts throughout the year with flexible online classes 

<p>Comprehensive Career Services support after graduation</p>

Comprehensive Career Services support after graduation

Why a Nurse Leader Track?

Clinical nurse leaders play an essential role in keeping nursing teams working together effectively and efficiently to optimize patient care.

Through our nurse leadership tracks, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about a variety of relevant topics including leadership models, implementation of healthcare systems, strategic planning, and more. If you have a passion for leading and organizing others, the nurse leadership tracks can be an exciting course of study that help you develop useful skills.

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Online Nurse Leader Program Tracks

WCU offers multiple programs with a nurse leadership specialty to help you develop leadership skills for the healthcare industry.

Additional Information About our Specialized Nurse Leadership Degree

With our Nurse Leader tracks, you will:

  • Develop leadership skills and learn about healthcare management
  • Build a foundation to take on new nursing leadership roles
  • Get support from our clinical relations coordinators
  • Receive 24-hour access to library and courses
  • Get access to our simulation labs in our California and Texas campuses

Nurse Leader Curriculum

Preview your course of study. Your curriculum will vary depending on what program and pace (Accelerated or Working Professional) you choose. We recommend reviewing your prospective curriculum in detail, so you know what to expect.

RN-MSN
MSN
Post-Master’s

Academic Calendar

Find out when upcoming terms begin
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How Much Does The Nurse Leader Track Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Nurse Leader track tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the Nurse Leader track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several Nurse Leader track financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Leader Track

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated Plus*

Degree Type

Master of Science(Effective prior to Summer 2 2025)

Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025)
Total Program Credits 1351  1351
Program Length(full time) 4 trimesters  4 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495  $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $7,425 
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400  $21,000  
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825  $28,425  
STRF2 $0  $0 
Technology Fee3 $2,000  $2,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,350  $30,950  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $30,350  $30,950  

Accelerated*

Degree Type

Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025)

Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025)
Total Program Credits 1351 1351
Program Length(full time) 5 trimesters  5 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495  $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425  $7,425 
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400  $21,000  
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825  $28,425  
STRF2 $0 $0 
Technology Fee3 $2,500  $2,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525  $525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,850  $31,450  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $30,850  $31,450  

Working Professional*

Degree Type

Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025)

Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025)
Total Program Credits 1351  1351  
Program Length(full time) 8 trimesters 8 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495  $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425  $7,425 
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400  $21,000  
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825  $28,425  
STRF2 $0  $0 
Technology Fee3 $4,000  $4,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $32,350 $32,950  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $32,350  $32,950  

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year5    
  Prior to Fall I 2024 Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents  off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee $220  $220  $220 $220 
Living Expense (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Includes 51 credits for unencumbered RN License, assumes 39 transfer credits for non-nursing courses, and the remaining 45 credits are required to be taken at WCU.

2 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero hundred and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

4 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.

5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Leader Track

Tuition and Fees 

Accelerated Plus*

Degree Type Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025)
Total Program Credits 30  30 
Program Length(full time) 2 trimesters  2 trimesters 
Tuition Costper credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost $20,400  $21,000  
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,000  $1,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $21,925  $22,525  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $21,925  $22,525  

Accelerated*

Degree Type Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 30  30 
Program Length(full time) 3 trimesters 3 trimesters 
Tuition Cost per credit) $680  $700  
Total Tuition Cost $20,400  $21,000  
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,500  $1,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $22,425  $23,025
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $22,425  $23,025  

Working Professional*

Degree Type Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 30  30 
Program Length(full time) 6 trimesters  6 trimesters 
Tuition Cost per credit) $680  $700  
Total Tuition Cost $20,400  $21,000  
STRF1 $0  $0
Technology Fee2 $3,000  $3,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $23,925  $24,525  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $23,925  $24,525  

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year4    
  Prior to Fall I 2024  Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee  $220  $220  $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Post Master's Nurse Leader Certificate

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated*

Degree Type Certificate (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025)  Certificate (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 18  18
Program Length(full time) 2 trimesters 2 trimesters
Tuition Cost(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost $12,240  $12,600  
STRF1 $0 $0 
Technology Fee2

$1,000

$1,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $13,765  $14,125  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $13,765  $14,125  

Working Professional*

Degree Type Certificate (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025)  Certificate (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 18  18 
Program Length(full time) 4 trimesters  4 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $680  $700
Total Tuition Cost $12,240  $12,600  
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $2,000  $2,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $14,765  $15,125  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $14,765  $15,125  

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year4    
  Prior to Fall I 2024  Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents  off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee  $220  $220  $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196
$10,100  $15,932 

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree.

1 Effective April 1, 202, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.   

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Support for Students Beyond Graduation

West Coast University supports its students beyond the last day of class. We are committed to helping our graduates throughout their careers.

Our Career Services department provides ongoing assistance with professional and career development through workshops and guidance for our online students and graduates.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

An advanced nursing degree helps prepare you to take on new nursing opportunities. Clinical nurse leaders are needed wherever nurses work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Hospitals (state, local, and private)
  • Ambulatory healthcare services
  • Nursing and residential care facilities
  • Government
  • Educational services1

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses

FAQs
What is a MSN Clinical Nurse Leader?

An MSN Nurse Leader is a specialized degree track that helps graduates develop strong leadership skills. WCU's online MSN Nurse Leader program builds on graduates' previous knowledge with online coursework that prepares them to lead healthcare organizations.

Can I get an MSN Clinical Nurse Leader degree online?

With WCU, you can complete your MSN Nurse Leader coursework online through our flexible online MSN Nurse Leader program.

What can you do with a MSN in nursing leadership?

Nurse leaders take on a variety of roles in different healthcare settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse leaders can be found working in hospitals, ambulatory services, nursing care facilities, governmental positions, and more.

What is the role of a clinical nurse leader?

Nurse leaders play a critical role in maintaining effective nursing team environments. They rely on strategic planning, leadership models, and healthcare system implementation to optimize patient care.

Is the Nurse Leader track right for me?

Students who have the passion for leading teams and helping motivate others might find the nurse leader track to be a rewarding course of study. It is designed to help you develop leadership skills while instilling important knowledge on healthcare systems.

Will my previous coursework transfer into the nurse leader track programs?

We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. Your advisor will work with you to determine what credits can transfer into your chosen program.

How long does it take to complete the Nurse Leader tracks?

Time-to-completion will depend on which program and pace you choose:

  • MSN:
    • Accelerated Plus pace — 8 months
    • Accelerated pace — 12 months
    • Working Professional pace — 24 months
  • RN to MSN:
    • Accelerated Plus pace — 16 months
    • Accelerated pace — 20 months
    • Working Professional pace — 32 months
  • Post-Master’s Certificate — 12 months
Pluses
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WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify.

WCU distance education programs are delivered out of the Orange County and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

Practice experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree and Post-Master's certificate programs.