The Washington State University College of Nursing is re-launching its Master of Nursing (MN) program following a redesign in direct response to evolving state needs. Created for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses, the one-year, hybrid-format MN program offers two specialty tracks: Clinical Systems Leadership and Nurse Educator.
Students benefit from flexible online and hybrid coursework combined with in-person practicum experiences in their local communities. The Post-Licensure MN program is available at WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, WSU Vancouver, and in Yakima, serving nurses licensed in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
“Our Master of Nursing program was revised to meet changing state needs,” said Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Anne Mason, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC. “Importantly, these changes will enable full-time nurses to gain critical leadership or nurse educator skills that will allow them to take their careers to new heights while directly shaping the future of healthcare.”
The Master of Nursing (MN) program, redesigned in direct response to evolving state needs, will prepare graduates to lead healthcare system improvements and to educate the next generation of nurses.
Graduates will be prepared to lead healthcare system improvements, or educate the next generation of nurses, at a time when demand for advanced-degree nurses is growing rapidly. The Washington State Board of Nursing requires all nursing faculty to hold a graduate degree in nursing — current data on nursing faculty identifies a workforce where over 40% are age 51 or higher and the vacancy rate of faculty positions is 13%. Per Washington Center for Nursing’s supply and demand forecast, the shortage of registered nurses will persist through at least 2030.
In discussions with community advisory groups across the state about program needs, one of the areas of concern was the limited experience of nurse leaders. When state advisors responded to questions about the ideal Master of Nursing degree, they specifically requested focused education in quality care metrics and patient safety, and systems leadership. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for medical and health services managers, which include nurse executives, will grow approximately 32% from 2020 to 2030, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
Applications open on May 15, the deadline for the first cohort is June 15.
For more information or to apply for Fall 2025, visit the Master of Nursing program website.
