Western Carolina University Nursing School Review
Western Carolina University is a public university that is part of the University of North Carolina system. It is located in Cullowhee in the western part of the state and is one of the oldest four-year universities in the state system. The campus is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. There are around 12,000 students attending the university that offers both undergraduate and graduate activities. Western Carolina University was founded in 1889 and now offers more than 120 academic programs.
Nursing Programs
BSN Pre-Licensure Program
The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pre-Licensure Program that prepares graduates for a career as a professional nurse. Graduates take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse . Those who are interested in the program must first be accepted into the university. They must then begin taking lower division courses before applying to the School of Nursing. Only after they are accepted are they able to begin taking nursing courses. Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 in the 60 credits that are required before being eligible to begin the nursing program. In addition, applicants must have an SAT Critical Reading/Verbal score or at least 500 and must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills and have adequate scores on this test. During the nursing program, students complete nursing courses and their clinical experience.
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Student Debt Of Nursing Graduates With A Bachelor’s Degree
While getting their bachelor’s degree at WCU, nursing students borrow a median amount of $15,501 in student loans. This is not too bad considering that the median debt load of all nursing bachelor’s degree recipients across the country is $23,387.
The typical student loan payment of a bachelor’s degree student from the nursing program at WCU is $161 per month.
Summer 2022 Start Date
Our post-Masters Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a practice-focused doctoral program designed for advanced practice nurses, community health nurses, and nursing administrators seeking to advance their careers as experts in translating research into practice.
The DNP Program prepares graduates who will practice nursing at the highest level of their specialty and will be employed in various patient care settings including primary care settings, hospitals, public health agencies, home health, and community-based settings.
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Admission And Certification Requirements
Admission to graduate nursing programs may vary slightly between institutions, but students may be required to:
- Have a BSN from an accredited school
- Have an active, unrestricted RN license
- Submit official transcripts from previous collegiate coursework
- Have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Have at least one year of clinical experience as an RN
- Provide references
- Have completed a statistics course
- Complete a criminal background check
Paying For West Coast University Online Graduate Nursing Programs
West Coast University charges $615 per credit plus fees for the RN to MSN core for the RN to MSN program, $635 per credit plus fees for the MSN core 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 about 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.
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University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Students at this university in Charlotte can choose from concentrations in adult/gerontology acute care or family nurse practitioner in the MSN program. The two-year adult/gerontology acute care program includes attendance in summer sessions and requires completion of a minimum 600 clinical practicum hours. Courses in health assessment, health policy and planning, advanced care of acutely ill patients, and advanced care and health promotion make up part of the required 47 credit hours in courses.
The Family Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan program also includes attendance in summer sessions and features courses such as pharmacotherapuetics, family theory, and primary care for children and adults. An internship is offered in the final summer session. Individuals who already have a Master of Science in Nursing can complete a 21-credit-hour post-master’s certificate program in this concentration. This program requires 600 clock hours of supervised clinical experience.
What To Expect From West Coast University Online Np Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSN and Post-Masters 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.
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-Masters 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.
FNP students also take Primary Care Pediatric Patient Theory and Practicum.
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Family Nurse Practitioner Degrees
A WCU FNP education helps prepare you to advance your care expertise for both children and adults. WCU offers multiple programs with an FNP track.
FAQs
How does the program prepare me for todays Family Nurse Practitioner healthcare needs?
All our nursing programs deliver a student-centric, evidence-based education that includes topics relevant to an evolving healthcare environment. As an FNP student, you can expect in-depth learning around acute-care treatment. Our curricula also address telehealth, special populations, and upcoming trends in medicine.
What can I expect from clinical placements?
Our program includes clinical hours for practical experience. When it comes to finding the right facility, WCU has a dedicated clinical team to help you find a placement for clinical training that aligns with your goals.
Will my previous coursework transfer into the program?
We can evaluate your previous coursework for transfer credit. WCU may accept credit for previous courses taken from other academic institutions as long as the course meets the requirements of the specific academic program for which it is being considered and a grade of B- or better was achieved for a graduate course as documented on official transcripts. Each program maintains its own transfer credit requirements.
How long does it take to complete the FNP tracks?
Time-to-completion will vary depending on what program and pace you choose:
What is an MSN FNP?
Can I get an MSN FNP degree online?
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Paul Justice Msn Rn Fnp
Education
- 1980-1984 / Enka High School, Enka, NC
- 1985-1986 / University of North Carolina-Asheville, 2 Years undergraduate studies prior to admission to Nursing program at Western Carolina University
- 1987-1990 / Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- 2000-2002 / East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, Master of Science in Nursing
- Family Nurse Practitioner , Clinical Preceptor for students in the Nurse Practitioner programs at both Western Carolina University and East Tennessee State University.
Employment
- Current / Mountain Kidney & Hypertension Associates
Society Memberships
- Member of the American Nurses Association
- Member of the North Carolina Nurses Association
- Member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Past Certificates
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Certification Exam for Critical Care Nurses
- Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Instructor
- Emergency Medical Technician
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Western Carolina University Nursing Programs
Located in Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a four-year public university which aims to incorporate research, service, engagement, and teaching in its learning opportunities. The school offers nationally ranked, accredited, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs at WCUs main campus in Cullowhee, NC, at Asheville instructional site, and online. Students have access to state-of-the-art classroom and lab space as well as opportunities for hands-on experience through on and off-site clinical partnerships and service learning programs. This regional institution of higher education has a student to faculty ratio of 17:1. Its School of Nursing under the College of Health and Human Sciences provides students with hands-on-experiences through its state-of-the-art laboratory and classroom.
Their nursing department offers a pre-licensure BSN program, an accelerated BSN program and an RN to BSN program, which is an online program. Their programs are also offered at Biltmore Park Towne Square in Asheville, North Carolina this location offers only a selection of majors, nursing being one of the few.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing – This ABSN program allows students with non-nursing bachelors degrees to earn a BSN degree in four continuous semesters. Due to its flexible curriculum format, students can work part-time while being enrolled in the program. Upon program completion, students can sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
Student Debt Of Nursing Graduates With A Master’s Degree
At WCU, a typical nursing student working on their master’s degree borrrows about $28,170 in student loans. This means that these borrowers may have an easier time paying back their loans thatn the typical nursing graduate who borrows a median amount of $41,000.
Those master’s students from WCU on a 10-year student debt repayment plan end up paying a median amount of $328 per month.
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Family Nurse Practitioner Tracks
Gain skills that help prepare you to work in private practice, clinical environments, and specific care units
Train in telehealth, special populations, and new trends in healthcare
Multiple starts throughout the year, flexible online classes including mobile-accessible learning, and accelerated and working professional program pacing options
Flexibility of study with a mix of online and on-site learning
Why an FNP track?
A Family Nurse Practitioner is a holistic resource for patients of all ages, and often the connective tissue to care for a family unit. At WCU, our online FNP programs are set up to give you the tools for both care and understanding the unique dynamics of family care.
Caring for all ages as a Family Nurse Practitioner requires an advanced level of versatility and proficiency. FNPs respond to unique and varied circumstances and create trust with the families they treat.
In addition to online coursework and OSIs , your West Coast University education will include a forward-thinking approach that anticipates new technologies and practices that will provide a future-focused approach to your education and practice.
Popularity Of Nursing At Wcu
During the 2019-2020 academic year, Western Carolina University handed out 178 bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Due to this, the school was ranked #295 in popularity out of all colleges and universities that offer this degree. This is a decrease of 7% over the previous year when 192 degrees were handed out.
In 2020, 78 students received their masterâs degree in nursing from WCU. This makes it the #132 most popular school for nursing masterâs degree candidates in the country.
In addition, 6 students received their doctoral degrees in nursing in 2020, making the school the #252 most popular school in the United States for this category of students.
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University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Students attending the Wilmington campus of the University of North Carolina can earn a Family Nurse Practitioner Post-master’s Certificate or a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in the same area of study. Students pursuing the degree program can study full-time or part-time. The full-time program can be completed in two and a half years, while the part-time program takes three and a half years. Both require a course that looks at families living in rural areas. Other courses focus on care for patients of all ages, and the programs include required clinical components caring for children and adults. A master’s project or thesis is also required.
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The masters degree program in family nurse practitioner is among the programs of study offered by WCU at its recently opened site at Biltmore Park, where more than 500 students reported for classes earlier this fall semester.
WCUs Programs at Biltmore Park is located in approximately 25,000 square feet of space at 28 Schenck Parkway in Biltmore Park Town Square, just off Interstate 26 at exit 37 between Asheville and Hendersonville. The site includes a high-fidelity patient simulation laboratory for nurse anesthesia students and a nursing skills lab featuring a simulated hospital and outpatient care environment to allow nursing students to learn basic and advanced skills.
For more information about the FNP masters degree, contact Jessica Shirley, director of student services for WCUs School of Nursing, at 654-6506 office or .
For more information about all programs offered by WCU at Biltmore Park, visit the website biltmorepark.wcu.edu or contact Pasty Miller, director of WCUs Programs at Biltmore Park, at 654-6498 or .
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Input: Instructing Nurse Practitioners In Under
- Organization:
- 2015
- Description:
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The purpose of this grant is to assist Western Carolina University to increase the number of Family Nurse Practitioner clinical sites in rural western North Carolina and improve health and healthcare in the region by adding a full-time family nurse practitioner at the Good Samaritan Clinic of Jackson County . Volunteer physicians and practitioners currently serve the site one night per week. The project will allow WCU to train nine FNP students annually at GSCJC. It will also decrease the number of patients in the region who use the emergency room as primary care. Students will learn about the social determinants of rural, underserved populations and the role of primary care. The local hospital system is expected to maintain the position and associated clinical placement sites at GSCJC through cost savings to the hospital resulting from decreased emergency room visits for primary care. Golden LEAF funds will be used to pay for two years of salary for a full-time FNP.
- Contact:
- Ms. Cheryl Clark4121 Little Savannah RoadCullowhee, North Carolina 28723 227-3529
- Areas Served:
Wgu North Carolina Announces New Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program
New degree to address the nations critical shortage of mental health providers
DURHAM, N.C. As nearly one in five U.S. adults suffer from mental, behavioral or emotional disorders, the demand for effective mental healthcare is outpacing the availability of qualified mental healthcare providers across the country. To address this issue, WGU North Carolina an affiliate of online nonprofit Western Governors University has announced the launch of a Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree.
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, only 2.9 percent of the 192,000 credentialed nurse practitioners in the United States work in the psychiatric/mental health specialty area. However, studies have shown that up to 96 percent of counties in the U.S. have unmet needs for mental health professions, with the most pronounced shortage being in rural areas.
The new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree is now available to students in North Carolina, as well as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
WGUs College of Health Professions is one of the nations largest schools of nursing, currently educating more than 26,000 students in bachelors and masters degree programs. WGU has nearly 6,000 graduates in North Carolina, including more than 2,200 from the College of Health Professions.
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Doctor Of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
The BSN-DNP focused program prepares nurses in an advanced practice role with competencies based on scientific inquiry, information literacy and ethics. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to provide quality primary health care, health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common conditions across the life span. The 9-semester program is a full-time curriculum over 36 months and requires a minimum of 83 course credits and 1000 clinical hours. New student cohorts will be admitted in May of each year for the summer semester. The program will require travel to sites in Western North Carolina for clinical practicum rotations. A written comprehensive exam will be required during the final semester. A six-credit hour DNP scholarly project is completed during the final part of the program.
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
At its Chapel Hill campus, the University of North Carolina offers a Master of Science in Nursing program that includes NP concentrations in adult-gerontology, family, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health. The university also offers Post-Master’s Cetificate in Psychiatric-mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The MSN curriculum includes common courses in interpreting research reports and health care policy. Students also complete a master’s thesis. The adult-gerontology program with a focus in oncology requires a course in oncology concepts and an oncology-focused practicum. The family nurse practitioner focus requires a capstone practicum.
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What You’ll Learn
WCU’s three distinct M.S. Nursing concentrations adhere to very specific and intentional curricula to provide you with the training needed to enter the workforce, or continue to further graduate studies and certifications. The Family Nurse Practitioner program requires 51 to 52-semester hours of classroom learning and 640 hours of clinical work covering advanced concepts in scientific inquiry and information literacy. The Nurse Leadership concentration is a 40 to 41-semester hour program combining online and in-person practicum courses. The Nurse Educator concentration is a 38 to 39-semester hour , three-year program combining classroom learning, research methods and practicum learning.
WCU also offers a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia. The Nurse Anesthesia program is an 86-semester hour, 36-month, full-time program. It is a combination of classroom learning at Biltmore Park in Asheville and on-site clinical studies that includes weekend rotations.