Wilkes University

Wilkes University's School of Nursing offers accredited online Master of Science with Major in Nursing programs to help both working professionals and recent graduates advance their careers. We feature an innovative RN to MS track as well as Nurse Executive and Nursing Education MS degree progressions. Our graduate nursing programs offer the cutting-edge professional knowledge and skills needed in today's dynamic, evolving health care industry. These programs are practitioner-based: study real-world solutions you can immediately apply to your current job. The reliable Wilkes online learning system allows you to complete coursework with the flexibility to fit your busy schedule, while our cohort structure helps you to learn and collaborate with fellow students. All nursing courses are taught by experienced, respected faculty dedicated to mentoring and personalized support. Choose the RN to MS track if you're an experienced RN who currently holds an associate's degree. If you're an RN who already has a BSN, enroll directly in either our Nurse Executive or Nursing Education concentration. For advanced practice nurses who have already earned a master's degree, our DNP program delivers advanced clinical training and applied research in a practice-focused terminal degree program. Regardless of your entry level, all students will enjoy the Wilkes advantage:

• Convenient - Our online approach means you can study when and where it's most convenient
• Personal - Learn from respected, experienced faculty dedicated to your success
• Professional - Enhance your knowledge and skills with our cutting-edge curriculum
• Rigorous - The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post graduate APRN certificate program at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Scholarships, grants and other forms of financial aid may also be available to help students with their tuition.

Wilkes University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/ Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post graduate APRN certificate program at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation).

Program Descriptions

M.S. with Major in Nursing (Nursing Education)

Wilkes University's online Nursing Education concentration, part of the Master of Science with Major in Nursing degree program, is designed to provide candidates with the advanced knowledge and techniques for responding to critical health care education issues as accomplished teachers and leaders. This M.S. online program requires 39 credit hours to complete. The Nursing Education concentration emphasizes academic theory and evidence-based research, effective teaching/learning strategies, curricular design and proven assessment measures. This program also includes two teaching/instructional experiences: a seminar plus 100 practice hours for each course. A concluding scholarly review course allows students to synthesize and review issues relevant to the Nursing Education concentration, and prepares graduates to take the national certification exam leading to Nurse Educator Board Certification.

M.S. with Major in Nursing (Nursing Executive)

Wilkes University's online Nurse Executive concentration, part of the Master of Science with Major in Nursing degree program, is designed to provide graduates with the ability to bring best-practice management skills to a variety of health care organizations. This M.S. online program requires 39 credit hours to complete. The Nurse Executive concentration is based on an intensive academic grounding in relevant business concepts, advanced practice, and workplace leadership. This program also includes two management-focused practicums, totaling 250 clinical hours of experience for each course. A concluding scholarly review course allows students to synthesize and review issues relevant to the Nursing Executive concentration, and prepares graduates to take the national certification exam leading to Nurse Executive Board Certification.

RN to MS (Nursing Education)

Wilkes University's online RN to MS track allows experienced, practicing RNs with an associate's degree (AAN or ASN) to earn a nursing-focused MS fully online in under years - that's less time than it takes to earn a BSN. Simply enroll and complete two bridge courses totaling 10 credit hours. These bridge courses will bring you up to a baccalaureate level of study, and prepare you for graduate coursework. After that, you'll enter your choice of Wilkes University's 39-credit Nurse Executive or Nursing Education online master's program. The Nursing Education MS degree coursework helps prepare program graduates to take the national certification exam leading to Nurse Educator Board Certification.

RN to MS (Nursing Executive)

Wilkes University's online RN to MS track allows experienced, practicing RNs with an associate's degree (AAN or ASN) to earn a nursing-focused MS fully online in under years - that's less time than it takes to earn a BSN. Simply enroll and complete two bridge courses totaling 10 credit hours. These bridge courses will bring you up to a baccalaureate level of study, and prepare you for graduate coursework. After that, you'll enter your choice of Wilkes University's 39-credit Nurse Executive or Nursing Education online master's program. The Nurse Executive MS degree coursework helps prepare program graduates to take the national certification exam leading to Nurse Executive Board Certification.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Wilkes University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers a rigorous, practice-focused doctorate while providing an online curriculum that allows candidates to continue working full time. The 30-credit Wilkes DNP online program is in demand - the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has identified the DNP degree as the top preparation for specialty nursing practice nationwide. This program is an ideal fit for advanced practice nurses or nurse executives who want to become clinical experts, applying the latest scientific knowledge and technological advances to serve patients in effective, innovative ways. All Wilkes DNP students also complete a mentored Scholarly Project in a clinical setting. With a strong emphasis on leadership, information technology, and public health, the DNP from Wilkes produces clinical leaders who can translate evidence-based research directly into practice.