Earn an Entry-Level Master’s Degree in Nursing (ELM)
And Change Lives – Starting with Your Own.
Ready to leave your current field behind for something more meaningful? The Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM)* program at Westcliff University is designed for career changers and college graduates looking to become registered nurses (RNs) with a graduate-level edge.
- New campus with state-of-the-art facilities
- Career-focused training & support
- Hands-on simulations and technology-driven learning
- Clinical experience at prestigious sites, starting first semester
**JOIN OUR FIRST OPEN HOUSE ON 4/26 – 10AM-1PM **
Location: Corona, CA
Next Cohort: September 2025
Credits: 65
Schedule: Full Time
Program Length: 20 months
(*) Pending BRN Approval
A Career In Nursing Is Closer Than You Think!
Westcliff’s Entry-Level Master’s Program in Nursing
You’ve already invested time in your education. Now, it’s time to pivot into a career that’s meaningful, stable, and future-proof. With the demand for nurses at an all-time high, Westcliff’s ELM degree program gives you the skills, clinical training, and leadership foundation to not just enter nursing, but to stand out in it — no previous nursing education required.
Why Westcliff? A Smarter Path to Your Nursing Career.
Our commitment to student success sets Westcliff University apart from other Entry Level Masters in Nursing programs in California. You will start preparing for the NCLEX exam on day one, ease into patient care with hands-on simulations, and start gaining valuable clinical experience at prestigious SoCal sites in your first semester.
High-tech, hands-on training built for the real world.
- Cutting-edge simulation labs – Practice clinical scenarios before ever stepping into a hospital.
- ATI Engage — Swap outdated textbooks for interactive, real-world learning that prepares you to think, act, and lead as a nurse.
A campus designed for your life.
Westcliff’s nursing campus in Corona, CA is built for students who are serious about their education. You’ll get:
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Dedicated study spaces & a student lounge
- Easy access to I-15, free parking, and nearby food & coffee spots
Support that actually supports you.
We get it—going back to school is a big move. That’s why we offer compact class sizes, faculty mentorship, and full access to Westcliff’s student support services. You’ll also get access to career advising, student events, and even free admission to the WU athletics games!
Message From Our Executive Director
At Westcliff there’s a philosophy of practical hands-on education. That’s exactly what nursing is about, being able to practice at a bedside making sure that students understand where they’re going, what that’s going to look like and are as prepared as possible.
Erica Martinez
Executive Director, College of Nursing
What You’ll Learn in the ELM Program
The ELM degree curriculum builds on your previous education while giving you the hands-on clinical experience and advanced nursing knowledge you need to become a licensed RN.
Core Learning Areas
- Simulation-Based Training – Work with life-like manikins that mimic real patient conditions.
- Clinical Rotations in Real Healthcare Settings – Gain direct patient care experience in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
- Advanced Nursing Leadership – Learn critical decision-making and healthcare systems management.
Digital Learning That Keeps You Engaged
Westcliff integrates ATI Engage, a fully interactive digital platform that replaces traditional textbooks with real-world case studies and clinical scenarios.
What makes it better?
- Interactive learning tools that strengthen critical thinking.
- Engaging, multimedia-rich case studies that prepare you for real-world nursing.
- Designed for adult learners looking to upskill quickly.
ELM Curriculum Details
- Program length: 20 months (full-time)
- Schedule: 4-5 days per week, including clinical rotations
- Credits Required: 65 total
- Clinical Sites: Assigned based on availability
Admissions: Is the ELM Program Right for You?
Westcliff’s Entry Level Master’s Degree in nursing program is built for career changers and second-degree students who are ready to transition into nursing at the graduate level.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
Clinical Admissions Requirements
- Clean background check
- CPR certification
- Proof of health insurance and clinical clearance
Prerequisites
- Complete 9 prerequisite courses with a B or higher: Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Ethics, Critical Thinking, Sociology, Statistics, and Psychology.
- Need to complete prerequisites? Talk to an advisor about course options before applying.
Program Information
The Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM) program offers a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum designed to prepare students for success in their nursing careers. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and clinical practice (starting in the first semester), students gain the skills to deliver patient-centered care and address complex health challenges.
Required Courses/ Curriculum Overview
- NUR 500 – Concepts of Professional Nursing
- NUR 510 – Pharmacology for Nursing
- NUR 511 – Fundamentals of Professional Nursing
- NUR 512 – Medical-Surgical and Geriatric Nursing Practice
- NUR 516 – Essential Pathophysiology
- NUR 517 – Nursing Care of Psychiatric/Mental Health Clients
- NUR 520 – Physical Assessment for Nursing
- NUR 547 – Ethics and Advocacy in Nursing Practice
- NUR 549 – Nursing Informatics and Evidence-Based Practice
- NUR 561 – Nursing Care of Mother/Infant Clients
- NUR 565 – Nursing Care of Children
- NUR 572 – Community and Global Public Health Nursing
- NUR 575 – Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
- NUR 586 – Research Application to Nursing Evidence-Based Practice
- NUR 590 – Transition into Professional Nursing Practice
- NUR 592 – Clinical Judgment for Professional Nursing Practice
Course Catalog and Student Handbook
For a detailed description of ELM program courses, see page 247 of the Course Catalog. To learn more about attending Westcliff University, download the Student Handbook.
Tuition & Fees: A Master’s Degree That Pays Off.
Invest in your future without overpaying.
Westcliff’s ELM tuition is transparent and competitive.
For more information, visit Westcliff Tuition & Fees.
Effective Fall 1 2025
| PROGRAM | # of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Estimated Tuition* |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 120 | $810 | $97,200 |
| Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM) | 65 | $1,200 | $78,000 |
| NURSING PROGRAM FEES | |||
| Application Fee | $75 | ||
| TEAS Entrance Exam | $70 per attempt | ||
| Lab Fee (applied when taking at least one lab course) | $600 per semester | ||
| ATI | $660 per semester | ||
| Skills Packet | $300 per semester | ||
| Uniform Fee | $485 per year | ||
| OTHER FEES | |||
| Public Health | $300 | ||
| NCLEX Licensure Exam | $400 | ||
(*) without transfer of credits
Your Future: Where Can an ELM Take You?
An Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing gives you more flexibility, faster career growth, and higher earning potential.
Career Pathways for ELM Graduates
- Hospital RN – Start in ICU, ER, Labor & Delivery, Med-Surg, or Pediatrics
- Clinic or Ambulatory Nurse – Serve in outpatient and specialty care
- Public Health Nurse – Work in community health and preventative care
- Nursing Informatics – Combine healthcare with tech & data management
- Case Manager or Nurse Navigator – Guide patients through complex health systems
Your nursing career starts here. Where you take it is up to you.
Why Nursing? Why Now?
Nursing careers are in demand.
Projected 6% job growth by 2032 – California has one of the highest shortages of nurses.
Higher education = higher earning potential.
In California, Registered Nurses (RNs) typically earn higher salaries compared to the national average. An experienced RN’s salary can range from $138,420 – $174,370*.
You’ll make an impact – every single day.
Whether you’re at the bedside or behind the scenes, nurses change lives.
An ELM degree helps you stand out and chart your career path.
ELM Program Resources
Learn more about the Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM) Degree Program at Westcliff University.
ELM Brochure
College of Nursing Brochure
University Brochure
Admission Office Information
Have questions? Check out our FAQs below. If you would like to speak with an admissions advisor to schedule a tour or attend an information session, please fill out this form.
Entry Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM) Degree FAQs
Westcliff’s ELM degree program requires completing 65 credits (after prerequisites) and takes 20 months (five semesters), full-time.
An Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM) degree is designed for individuals with non-nursing backgrounds who aspire to become registered nurses. The program integrates theoretical classroom learning with clinical practice to develop both nursing skills and critical thinking abilities, preparing students for successful careers in healthcare.
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field, you may apply for the Entry Level Master’s Degree in Nursing program. No previous nursing education is required as long as prerequisite courses have been completed.
Our first cohort launches September 2025 (pending WSCUC & BRN approvals).
Earning an ELM degree in Corona positions you for a thriving career in nursing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. On average, about 194,500 job openings for registered nurses are expected each year over the next decade. This growth underscores the high demand for skilled nurses, making an ELM degree a strategic investment in your future.
To be eligible for admission to Westcliff University’s ELM nursing program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- Complete nine prerequisite post-baccalaureate courses (listed below).
- Pass a clear background check and obtain clinical clearance, which includes providing a CPR card, proof of vaccinations, and proof of health insurance.
Prerequisite Courses:
| SCI 211 | Chemistry with Lab |
| SCI 221 | Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab |
| SCI 223 | Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab |
| SCI 231 | Applied Microbiology with Lab |
| COM 206 | Speech, Debate, and Ethics |
| COM 207 | Critical Thinking & Research |
| SBS 210 | Psychology, Motivation and Decision Making |
| SBS 230 | Developmental Sociological Perspective |
| MTH 130 | Intro to Life Science Statistics |
The ELM nursing program in Corona equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the healthcare industry. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and attain the Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification after obtaining their Registered Nurse (RN) license. The program also includes a unique Academic Success Prescription Program, which provides NCLEX exam preparation and career readiness support starting on day one. Additionally, students benefit from state-of-the-art simulation labs, designed to replicate real-world clinical scenarios.
Yes, the Entry Level Master’s program in nursing emphasizes hands-on learning to prepare students for real-world nursing practice. The program includes:
- Nursing Clinical Courses: Students participate in clinical rotations 1-2 days per week, with schedules available Monday through Sunday during daytime, evening, or night shifts.
- High-Fidelity Simulation Laboratory: Equipped with four exam/mannequin rooms (including a mother/baby delivery room), each room features a computer control station, two Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) rooms for future Nurse Practitioner (NP) tracks, and two debrief rooms with seating for 10 students each. The lab also includes audio/visual, recording, and SmartBoard capabilities.
- Mid and Low-Fidelity Skills Laboratory: Offers hands-on practice with hospital beds and exam tables.
- Science Laboratory: A 24-seat lab for chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology courses, featuring a large projection microscope, SmartBoard, and ample space for experiments. Cohorts of 40 students are split into smaller groups of 20 to ensure personalized attention.
The ELM nursing program is designed to be completed in five semesters, totaling 20 months of intensive study and clinical training.
The current cost per credit is $1,200 for a total estimated tuition of $78,000. Westcliff University has scholarships and other financial aid options available. To learn more, visit the Financial Aid page.
Yes, ELM stands for Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing, which is the same as an entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
Yes, payment plan requests can be made through the Student First portal, providing flexibility for students to manage their tuition payments.
Yes, Westcliff University offers a variety of scholarships. All available scholarships and application deadlines are listed on the Scholarships and Grants page. Awards are typically released 2-3 weeks after the listed deadlines each semester.
The biggest advantage of an Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM) is the accelerated path to becoming a registered nurse. Unlike second-bachelor’s or associate degree programs, which require additional years of study to obtain a graduate degree, the ELM program allows students to earn a graduate degree in nursing from the start—streamlining their education while meeting the same RN licensure requirements.