University of West Florida Online MSN Programs

The School of Nursing at the University of West Florida (UWF) offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) program with nursing education and nurse executive specializations. Coursework is 100 percent online with three local practicums totaling 360 practice hours.

The master’s in nursing education program is designed for working nurses who wish to educate the next generations of nurses in colleges and universities or healthcare settings. Nursing education graduates will be able to teach using research and evidence-based practice. As well, they are trained in the use of advanced healthcare technology and informatics.

Study topics for nursing education may include learning theories and teaching strategies, how to assess nursing students, curriculum development, and principles for health assessment. Nurse educators also learn how to manage patient care from examination to diagnosis and care, including the management of diseases. Graduates may go on to nurse educator and clinical nurse leader positions in healthcare settings and education programs.

The nurse executive MSN program is designed for working nurses who wish to advance into executive nursing positions or move into risk management, informatics, or case management roles. Graduates can utilize financial principles and theories to affect healthcare environments, costs, quality of care, and healthcare system decision-making. Nurse executives may go on to positions such as nurse administrator, healthcare administrator, nursing case manager, nursing informatics specialist, or risk management executive.

Graduates of the master’s in nursing education program may be eligible to take the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam through the National League for Nursing (NLN) or the Nursing Professional Development (RN-BC) exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Graduates of the nurse executive MSN may be eligible to take the Nurse Executive, Advanced (NEA-BC) certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

MSN students should investigate specific certification requirements to verify if their program has prepared them for testing, as this is not guaranteed as part of the UWF MSN program. Please see the note on certification in the admissions section below.

The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). UWF is located in Pensacola, FL.

What to Expect from the University of West Florida Online MSN Program

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MSN program must have a BSN from an ACEN, NLNAC, or CCNE-accredited program with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Also, proof of an unencumbered RN license in the state where they will complete their clinical practicums is required. A prerequisite to the program is completing an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better.

Online applications require an application with official transcripts and a curriculum vitae. Applicants must gain approval from the School of Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee. Work experience is expected with RN licensure. No GRE or GMAT is required. Proof of English language proficiency may be requested if applicable.

Note that UWF does not guarantee eligibility for licensure or certification in states outside of Florida. The student must verify eligibility with their State Board of Nursing and the certifying agency. UWF is an NC-SARA participant and is authorized to provide distance learning to students residing in eligible states.

Study Plan: The UWF online MSN nursing education and nurse executive programs can be completed in 24 months. Start dates land twice each in the fall, spring, and summer. Preceptorships occur locally at approved locations in conjunction with UWF and a clinical preceptor. Courses last eight to 16 weeks, and students may follow a part-time or full-time study plan.

MSN Curriculum: The online MSN program comprises 39 credits and requires the completion of 360 clinical hours. Core courses for both specializations may include the foundations of nursing science; integration of evidence in advanced nursing practice; population health promotion and management; health systems leadership and policy strategies; and project evaluation and dissemination.

Nursing Education Specialization Courses: Fiscal administration for the health professional; project development and management for healthcare professionals; information technology and data analysis for healthcare professionals; nurse executive seminar I-III; and nurse executive practicum I-III

Nurse Executive Specialization Courses: Advanced pharmacology; advanced health assessment; advanced pathophysiology; nursing education seminar I-III; and nursing education practicum I-III

Online Experience: UWF delivers courses mostly asynchronously through Canvas, although some synchronous sessions may be included. UWF students can participate in PowerPoint presentations through TurningTechnologies using a response card called a clicker.

Courses may include assignments, lectures, readings, case studies, and interactive activities. Assessments are completed using the Respondus LockDown Browser. Online student services may include academic advising, faculty office hours, financial aid services, library services, online tutoring, online writing lab services, career counseling, and technical support.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the USF MSN program as coursework is 100 percent online. Nursing education and nurse executive MSN students complete three local practicums at approved locations.

Paying for the University of West Florida Online MSN Program

The University of West Florida online MSN program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and do not include additional fees. Prospective students should contact the UWF School of Nursing for cost clarifications and updates.

Graduate students may apply for unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans. Some employers may provide tuition reimbursement programs or tuition discounts to their employees. Other opportunities for graduate school funding may include private loans and community and organizational scholarships and grants. For financing help, students should contact the UWF Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

University of West Florida Online MSN - Nursing Education

  • Earn your MSN in nursing education in just 24 months with online coursework and three local practicums
  • Educate the next generations of nurses in colleges, universities, hospitals, and healthcare settings
  • Learn teaching and assessment strategies, curriculum design, and how to manage patient care
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Two each in the Fall, Spring, and Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 39
Time to Complete? Graduate in as few as 24 months.
100% Online? Yes plus three local practicums
Program Accreditation CCNE
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelors degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 39
Average Cost Per Credit $425.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $16,575.00

University of West Florida Online MSN - Nursing Leadership

  • Prepare for leadership roles in healthcare settings with the nursing leadership MSN
  • Utilize leadership and financial principles to manage healthcare costs, quality of care, and healthcare systems
  • Participate in three local nurse executive practicums to fully prepare for future leadership roles
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Two each in the Fall, Spring, and Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 39
Time to Complete? Graduate in as few as 24 months.
100% Online? Yes plus three local practicums
Program Accreditation CCNE
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelors degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 39
Average Cost Per Credit $425.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $16,575.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara 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 MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.