Washington State University Revives, Revamps Master of Nursing Program

• Washington State University has revived its master of nursing program less than five years after placing it in “moratorium.” 
• The original curriculum focused on population health, while the new program has two tracks: clinical systems leadership and nurse educator. 
• The deadline to apply for the first cohort is June 15. 

One university recently revived its master of nursing program — less than five years after placing it in “moratorium” due to concerns about its population health specialization. 

Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, announced the changes earlier this month, which were made “in direct response to evolving state needs.”

Geared toward baccalaureate-prepared RNs, the program now follows a one-year, hybrid model with two tracks — clinical systems leadership and nurse educator.

Anne Mason, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, WSU’s associate dean for Academic Affairs, said in the announcement that the changes will provide nurses with the skills to “to take their careers to new heights while directly shaping the future of healthcare.” 

Washington State University and State Needs

The College of Nursing leadership met with community advisory boards and legislators while the original program was dormant to determine how to best realign the curriculum, according to a rationale statement presented to the university’s faculty senate. 

WSU stated in its announcement that an area of concern among the advisory groups was the limited experience nurse leaders have. 

“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 university stated. 

Students who complete the new nurse educator track will be able to lead, teach, and develop courses and curricula, after completing at least 500 practicum hours “embedded in the curriculum,” according to the rationale statement. 

State of Nursing and Education in Washington

The Washington Center for Nursing’s 2024 RN data snapshot found that by 2032 there will be roughly 4,100 more RN jobs than there are nurses. 

A similar analysis of nurse faculty reported an 11% vacancy rate among full-time nurse faculty. It also found an 8% vacancy rate among pre-licensure faculty and an 18% post-licensure vacancy rate. 

In addition to adjustments at the university level, some legislators also are hoping to change the tide. S.B. 5335, for example, would establish a rural nursing education program and provide funding for two more years beyond the initial pilot program that began in 2023.  

“I see this bill as a possibility of not only giving people paths to sustainable work, dignity, and health care access for their community, but also the idea that we can create health care, health care that is, sustainable and beneficial for everyone,” Sen. Verdana Slatter said, according to a Columbia Basin Herald report. 

Legislative priorities for the state’s board of nursing continue to focus on nurse faculty and building the workforce.  

The Bottom Line

Washington State University reworked its master of nursing program to align with the state’s needs. The first iteration focused solely on population health, while the new version has two tracks — clinical systems leadership and nurse educator. Those interested in applying for the first cohort have until June 15. For more information, visit the MN program section of the WSU website. 

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