Master's of Science in Nursing and Post Master's Certificate Programs
The Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing has five master's options for students interested in furthering their nursing education. In addition, for applicants who already have an MSN degree, each of the five options has a post-master’s certificate available. See option-specific roadmaps.
All programs are offered pending sufficient enrollment.
Upcoming Information Sessions Calendar
All programs begin every Fall semester (August). The application filing period is from October to January.
Applications for Fall 2024 will begin October 1, 2023
Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
NOTE: Online Health Assessment lecture/lab courses will be acceptable for application and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you need an initial HA lecture/lab course because your program did not have one, you may use one of the approved courses from our pre-requisite chart (online is acceptable). You may also use any online course to refresh your Health Assessment if it has been over five years.
Application website: Cal State Apply
Cal State LA Apply Instructions (step by step)
Application information and requirements
Applicant interview date (mandatory): Friday, February 9th, 2024 (Zoom)
Applicants will be notified of the admission decision by mid-March
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program prepares graduates to work with acutely ill adults in a variety of acute care settings including clinics, emergency departments, acute hospital-based settings, and intensive/critical care units. With a strong emphasis on research and evidence-based practice, students follow a curriculum that includes both theoretical contents and planned clinical experiences that emphasize holistic patient care and a collaborative, interdisciplinary team approach. A post-master’s certificate program is also available. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to be recognized as advanced practice nurses by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and eligible to take the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option Roadmap
Post-Master's Certificate -Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Option Roadmap
This option has been discontinued.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to manage urban families' health as primary care providers. This specialty emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute episodic illnesses and chronic health problems among culturally diverse clients across the lifespan. Care for individuals, families, and the community is experienced through direct advanced nursing care, consultation, collaboration, coordination, and referral in various community-based and ambulatory care settings. The graduate of this program will provide leadership and promote research in the delivery of quality health care services to multicultural and vulnerable groups in a variety of settings, including primary and ambulatory care such as family practices, private offices or community clinics, K – 12 schools, women’s health clinics, and practices, pediatric offices, occupational health, urgent care, specialty clinics, sports medicine, or travel medicine. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to be recognized as advanced practice nurses by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and eligible to take the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner Option Roadmap
Post-Master's Certificate -Family Nurse Practitioner Option Roadmap
The Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP) program is to prepare the nurse interested in an advanced practice role in the health care system. The student receives preparation in various roles, including independent psychotherapy practice and management of psychiatric and mental health conditions in various settings. Such management includes the furnishing of psychiatric medications. Students receive detailed supervision of cases to understand the incorporation of mental health sciences theory into practice. The program builds on the rich history and tradition of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing practice. The educational preparation includes courses in nursing research and theories and working with clients at all levels of the health-illness continuum. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to be recognized as advanced practice nurses by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and eligible to take the Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
MSN - Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Option Roadmap
Post-Master Certificate - Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Option Roadmap
The purpose of the Nursing Education option is to prepare graduates with competencies in knowledge and skills as nurse educators in various settings. The theoretical component prepares students for advanced scientific nursing knowledge, educational theories, teaching methodologies and evaluation, and curriculum design and development. The practical experience is designed to provide a beginning teaching experience in staff development, client education programs, and collegiate nursing. The student will be allowed to participate in both classroom and clinical teaching and investigate the faculty member's broader role within the academic and service setting.
Applicants and prospective students may contact Jennifer Romero at [email protected]