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Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing · MSN · California
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program in California
Build on your nursing education and experience to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Designed for BSN-prepared Registered Nurses, this 16-month, four-semester program offers specialized tracks in Nursing Leadership and Nursing Education, providing the advanced knowledge and practical experience needed to take your nursing career to the next level.
CredentialMaster of Science in Nursing
Program typeGraduate MSN
Time to completeAs little as 4 semesters
Designed forBSN-prepared Registered Nurses
Learning formatOnline lectures + practicum
AvailabilityCalifornia only
The short version
Advance Your Nursing Knowledge. Expand Your Career Opportunities.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is a post-licensure graduate degree designed for Registered Nurses who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Designed for working nurses, the program builds advanced knowledge in evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, education, patient safety, and quality improvement. With specialized tracks in Nursing Leadership and Nursing Education, graduates are prepared to pursue advanced professional opportunities, take on greater responsibilities, and make a lasting impact on healthcare delivery and nursing education.
For Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)Asynchronous online lecturesCalifornia only
Contact Admissions for current application requirements, program schedules and enrollment availability.
01
PROGRESS
Earn Your MSN in Just 16 Months
Build on your nursing education and experience to earn your Master of Science in Nursing in just four semesters.
02
PRACTICE
Specialized Practicum Experience
Apply advanced leadership or nursing education skills through supervised, hands-on experiences in real-world healthcare or educational settings.
03
FLEXIBILITY
Flexible Online Learning
Asynchronous online coursework allows working nurses to advance their education while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
04
SUPPORT
Advance Your Nursing Career
Prepare for expanded career opportunities in nursing leadership, healthcare management, and nursing education.
HOW LEARNING WORKS
Connect Advanced Nursing Education with Professional Practice.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program combines flexible, asynchronous online coursework with supervised practicum experiences in real-world healthcare or educational settings, preparing nurses for advanced roles in Nursing Leadership or Nursing Education.
Flexible Asynchronous Online Learning
Study advanced nursing concepts on your own schedule through flexible online coursework designed for working Registered Nurses.
Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning
Strengthen your knowledge of advanced patient assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
Nursing Leadership and Healthcare Management
Develop skills in organizational leadership, team management, healthcare finance, strategic planning, and quality improvement to prepare for advanced leadership roles.
Nursing Education and Professional Development
Build expertise in instructional strategies, curriculum development, student assessment, and clinical education to prepare for opportunities teaching and mentoring future nurses.
Advanced Nursing Education at MFSON
Nursing education designed for leadership, innovation, and career advancement.
MFSON’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program combines advanced academic learning with practical experience and professional development, preparing nurses for expanded opportunities in Nursing Leadership and Nursing Education.
Complete MSN Program Curriculum
Explore the Master of Science in Nursing curriculum.
Open a course below to read its description.
4semesters, as little as
12courses listed
BSN → MSNpost-licensure pathway
NUR501 – Complex Healthcare Systems: Organization, Policy, and Economics
This course explores the structure, function, and dynamics of complex healthcare systems, with an emphasis on how organizational, financial, regulatory, and political factors influence healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Students examine health policy, economics, reimbursement models, and systems-thinking to better understand strategies for improving quality, equity, and organizational performance. The course also addresses the impact of structural racism, social determinants of health, and market forces on healthcare disparities and system effectiveness. Through case studies, policy analysis, and applied learning activities, students develop the leadership, advocacy, and strategic decision-making skills needed to drive sustainable, system-level improvements in healthcare.
NUR502 – Translational Science for Advanced Nursing Practice
This course prepares students to become scholarly nursing professionals who evaluate, translate, and apply evidence to improve outcomes across clinical, organizational, and population health settings. Students develop advanced skills in research appraisal, evidence-based practice, translational science, and data analysis to support informed decision-making and quality improvement. The course emphasizes the integration of scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient and population preferences while addressing ethical, cultural, and equity considerations in research and practice. Through the evaluation and dissemination of scholarly findings, students strengthen their ability to lead evidence-based change and promote continuous improvement in advanced nursing practice.
NUR503 – Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
This course explores evidence-based strategies for health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention across individuals, families, communities, and populations. Students examine behavioral science, epidemiology, population health principles, and culturally responsive approaches to address social determinants of health and reduce health disparities. Through community engagement and applied learning experiences, students develop the skills to assess population health needs, implement prevention initiatives, and evaluate their effectiveness. The course prepares future nurse leaders to promote wellness, improve population health outcomes, and advance health equity through collaborative, evidence-informed practice.
NUR504 – Health Care Delivery and Innovation
This course examines the transformation of healthcare delivery through innovative care models, emerging technologies, and system redesign. Students explore topics such as digital health, artificial intelligence, improvement science, and design thinking to develop solutions that enhance quality, safety, equity, and value in healthcare. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the ethical, financial, regulatory, and operational considerations associated with implementing new technologies and care models. Through data-driven analysis and collaborative projects, students learn to design, evaluate, and lead innovative healthcare initiatives that improve outcomes for patients, families, and communities.
NUR506 – Transformational Leadership and Reflective Practice in Complex Systems
This course prepares students for advanced nursing leadership roles by developing leadership skills, reflective practice, and systems-level thinking. Students explore leadership theories, change management, governance, organizational culture, and ethical decision-making to effectively lead within complex healthcare environments. Emphasis is placed on fostering collaboration, psychological safety, equity, and evidence-based leadership while supporting workforce development and organizational improvement. Through self-assessment and applied learning, students strengthen their leadership identity and develop the resilience and strategic skills needed to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems.
NUR511 – Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan
This course provides an advanced study of physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan, examining the molecular, genetic, developmental, and environmental factors that influence health and disease. Students analyze the mechanisms underlying acute, chronic, and multisystem conditions while developing advanced clinical reasoning to connect disease processes with clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings. The course also explores the impact of social determinants of health, environmental exposures, and health inequities on disease risk and outcomes. Through the integration of current scientific evidence, students strengthen their ability to support disease prevention, early identification, and evidence-based clinical decision-making for diverse populations.
NUR512 – Advanced Physical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning
This course develops advanced skills in comprehensive health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making across the lifespan. Students refine interviewing, communication, and physical examination techniques while integrating developmental, cultural, and social factors into patient assessments. Emphasis is placed on interpreting diagnostic tests, synthesizing clinical findings, and formulating accurate differential diagnoses using evidence-based reasoning. Through simulation, case analysis, and applied learning experiences, students strengthen their ability to identify health risks, recognize early signs of disease, and document clinical findings to support high-quality, patient-centered care.
NUR513 – Advanced Pharmacological Therapies
This course provides an advanced study of pharmacology, focusing on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics across the lifespan. Students develop the knowledge and clinical reasoning skills needed to make safe, evidence-based medication decisions for diverse and complex patient populations. Emphasis is placed on evaluating drug actions, interactions, contraindications, and therapeutic outcomes while considering genetic, cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors that influence medication management. The course also prepares students to apply legal, ethical, and regulatory principles to prescribing practices and patient education, promoting safe medication use and optimal health outcomes.
NUR531 – Learning Design and Pedagogical Innovation for Nursing Education
This course prepares students for the multifaceted role of the nurse educator by exploring teaching, leadership, and curriculum development across academic, clinical, and community settings. Students examine learning theories, adult education principles, educational neuroscience, and evidence-based teaching strategies to design engaging, learner-centered educational experiences. Emphasis is placed on creating inclusive, culturally responsive, and psychologically safe learning environments that promote equity, critical thinking, and professional growth. The course also explores governance, accreditation, simulation, and emerging educational technologies, preparing graduates to foster learner success and excellence in nursing education.
NUR533 – Curriculum Structure and Development
This course prepares students to design, develop, and implement nursing curricula that support excellence in academic and practice-based education. Students examine the philosophical, theoretical, and evidence-based foundations of curriculum development while exploring accreditation requirements, professional standards, and evolving healthcare workforce needs. Emphasis is placed on creating competency-based, inclusive, and equitable curricula that align course and program outcomes with organizational goals and industry expectations. Through curriculum mapping and instructional planning, students develop the skills to create coherent educational programs that prepare future nurses for high-quality professional practice.
NUR535 – Learner Assessment and Program Evaluation
This course prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate assessment strategies that measure student learning, clinical competence, and program effectiveness in nursing education. Students explore competency-based assessment, psychometric principles, rubric development, simulation evaluation, and methods for assessing clinical judgment. Emphasis is placed on creating valid, reliable, and equitable assessment tools while analyzing data to improve teaching, curriculum, and learner outcomes. Through evidence-based program evaluation and continuous quality improvement strategies, students develop the skills to enhance educational effectiveness and support student success.
NUR537 – Nursing Education Practicum: Leading in Educational Environments
This practicum provides a supervised, hands-on experience that prepares students to transition into the nurse educator role in academic or clinical settings. Working closely with a practicum mentor and faculty instructor, students apply evidence-based, learner-centered teaching strategies while gaining experience in instruction, curriculum implementation, learner assessment, and program improvement. Emphasis is placed on reflective practice, mentoring, leadership, and the use of equitable assessment methods to support student success. Through a comprehensive practicum project, students integrate nursing education theory, professional standards, and educator competencies to demonstrate readiness for advanced practice as a nurse educator.
NUR521 – Managed Care and Reimbursement
This course explores managed care models, reimbursement systems, and the financial and regulatory factors that influence healthcare delivery and organizational performance. Students examine payer systems, value-based payment models, utilization management, and population-based financing to understand their impact on access, quality, cost, and health equity. Emphasis is placed on developing strategies that optimize reimbursement, improve care coordination, and support sustainable, high-quality healthcare delivery. Through the study of healthcare policy, compliance, and organizational leadership, students gain the knowledge and skills to navigate and influence today’s evolving reimbursement environment.
NUR523 – Leading People and Developing Talent
This course prepares students to lead and develop healthcare teams by exploring advanced workforce planning, talent management, and organizational leadership strategies. Students examine staffing models, employment law, performance management, coaching, mentoring, and conflict resolution to support effective and ethical leadership practices. Emphasis is placed on creating diverse, inclusive, and psychologically safe work environments that promote employee engagement, professional growth, quality care, and patient safety. Through evidence-based leadership approaches, students develop the skills needed to build resilient, high-performing teams and foster positive organizational cultures within complex healthcare systems.
NUR525 – Finance and Budgeting for Nurse Administrators
This course prepares nurse leaders to manage the financial and budgeting responsibilities of healthcare organizations through strategic resource planning and fiscal decision-making. Students develop skills in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, productivity management, and cost-benefit evaluation to support organizational performance and sustainability. Emphasis is placed on aligning financial decisions with quality outcomes, reimbursement trends, regulatory requirements, and ethical resource stewardship. Through the application of financial management principles, students learn to make evidence-based decisions that promote high-value, safe, and equitable healthcare delivery.
NUR527 – Nursing Leadership Practicum: Leading and Evaluating Care Systems
This practicum provides a supervised, hands-on leadership experience that prepares students for advanced nurse leadership roles within complex healthcare systems. Working alongside an approved leadership mentor and faculty instructor, students apply evidence-based leadership, systems thinking, and data-driven decision-making to address organizational priorities and improve quality, safety, and equity. Students participate in leadership rounds, operational planning, interprofessional collaboration, and performance improvement initiatives while strengthening communication and team leadership skills. Through a comprehensive practicum project and reflective practice, students demonstrate readiness to lead healthcare teams, evaluate care systems, and drive organizational excellence.
Contact Admissions for updated program descriptions, current course scheduling, program requirements and enrollment information.
career context
Expand the Possibilities for Your Nursing Career.
MSN-prepared nurses can pursue advanced professional opportunities in nursing leadership, healthcare management, nursing education, and specialized healthcare roles. Career opportunities may include Nurse Manager, Director of Nursing, Nurse Educator, Clinical Instructor, Healthcare Administrator, and Quality Improvement Specialist. Work settings include hospitals, healthcare systems, colleges and universities, nursing schools, clinical education centers, community health organizations, public health agencies, government healthcare facilities, and nonprofit organizations.
Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing cannot guarantee employment. Individual roles depend on licensure, professional experience, additional qualifications, certifications, and employer requirements.
Admissions + next steps
Take the Next Step Toward Earning Your MSN
Contact Admissions to learn more about our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, specialization tracks, admission requirements, and enrollment opportunities.
Your next step
Take the Next Step Toward Your MSN
Learn how you can advance your nursing career with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing at Glendale Career College. Request information today to explore our Nursing Leadership and Nursing Education tracks, learn about upcoming enrollment opportunities, and connect with an Admissions representative who can help you take the next step toward earning your MSN.