The West Virginia University School of Nursing is launching a new Master of Science in Nursing Leadership (MSN-NL) program, a unique degree which will prepare graduates to become nursing faculty members, enter nursing administration roles, or obtain unit-level leadership at the clinical level.
The fully online program, which can be accessed through WVU Online, is open to any nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and one year of experience.
“This is a great opportunity for nurses who are interested in obtaining their MSN, and are focused on career growth,” said Dr. Becky Smeltzer, who will serve as the program director and advisor to the MSN-NL students.
As part of the curriculum, the coursework includes:
- A role seminar course, which focuses on the role of the nurse leader in different areas of practice, leadership skills, decision making in complex healthcare systems, systems thinking, and financial management in healthcare.
- A physiology/pharmacology course, which focuses on the topics through the lens of a nursing leader rather than a practitioner, including understanding diagnostic equipment, case management, and financial implications.
- A three-semester, 500-hour practicum experience, during which students will shadow a nurse leader in their area of interest, such as a hospital director, a faculty member, or a unit manager.
Because the program is completely online, students can tailor their practicum experience to a hospital or healthcare setting within their community or region.
“Our curriculum is quite unique,” Smeltzer said. “Our small class sizes allow for individual personalization and for students to really get to know their professors. Even though the course is online, it is a hybrid learning format, so they will have face-to-face time with their professors.”
Applications will be accepted through July 1, 2026, and the first cohort will begin in Fall 2026.
For more information, contact Phillip Engelkemier, Director of Recruitment, at phillip.engelkemier@hsc.wvu.edu.
