Preparing Future Nurses: Inside Westcliff’s ELM Nursing Orientation
The first day on campus often sets the tone for what follows.For Westcliff University’s newest Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM) cohort, New Student Orientation marked a meaningful and fast-paced start. Held just one day before classes began, the orientation brought together incoming students, faculty and administrators for an immersive introduction to the academic expectations, resources and community within the College of Nursing.
Hosted at Westcliff University’s College of Nursing in Corona, California, the event reflected the accelerated nature of the ELM program itself. Students arrived eager to begin, many stepping into a nursing environment for the first time after completing bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields. Throughout the day, conversations centered on clarity, structure and what it means to begin a master’s-level nursing education without delay.
“I’m very excited and nervous,” said incoming student Kellyann Jimenez. “But I think it’s going to be a really fun experience.”
What Happens at ELM New Student Orientation at Westcliff
As the day progressed, New Student Orientation introduced students to the core elements that will shape their experience throughout the Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing program, including:
- An overview of the Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing (ELM) curriculum and five-semester program timeline
- Expectations for academic rigor, professionalism and clinical readiness in a master’s-level nursing program
- Guidance on the dos and don’ts of nursing professionalism, including dress code standards and program expectations
- Student headshots taken for official records and future professional use
- Time to try on nursing scrubs, helping students step into their new roles with confidence
- Available student support services, including advising and financial aid
- Opportunities to connect with faculty, administrators and classmates
- A walkthrough of campus spaces and simulation environments used for hands-on learning
Together, these moments helped students move from anticipation to clarity, reinforcing that orientation was both a milestone and a practical starting point ahead of their first day of classes.
Real ELM Nursing Student Perspectives From New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation also gave students space to reflect on both the pace of the program and the sense of support they experienced on campus. Many described feeling welcomed by faculty and encouraged by the opportunity to connect with peers who share similar goals.
- “I love the group. Everyone’s super welcoming,” said Isabel Alba, who is entering the Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing program after completing a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. “I’m overall really excited to start the program.”
For students transitioning into nursing from other academic backgrounds, orientation helped clarify how the program is designed to support career changers.
- “I have my bachelor’s in public health sciences, but I wanted to make a career change and get into nursing,” said Kevin Jacinto. “This program gave me a direct path to do that.”
Others highlighted how orientation helped ease the transition back into an academic setting while introducing key resources and expectations.
- “I already have my bachelor’s degree in biology, and it’s been a little while since I’ve been in the classroom,” said Cassidy Kingston. “Going over student services and financial aid today really helped me feel more ready to start.”
That mix of clarity, reassurance and momentum was echoed across the cohort as orientation wrapped up. With expectations clearly outlined and connections forming, students left the day feeling confident about the path ahead and ready to begin their journey in the College of Nursing.
Faculty and Administrative Support in Westcliff’s ELM Nursing Program
Faculty and administrative leadership played an active role throughout New Student Orientation, reinforcing how support is built into the Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing experience from the outset.
“New Student Orientation gives our ELM students the opportunity to connect with faculty and administrative staff before classes begin,” said Veronica Jimenez, Associate Director of Nursing Operations at Westcliff University College of Nursing. “They’re excited, professional and ready to get started, and orientation helps set the tone as they prepare to begin their nursing education.”
Throughout the day, students engaged directly with faculty members and staff, asked questions and gained insight into academic standards, professionalism and program logistics. This early access helped establish clear lines of communication and reinforced the College of Nursing’s commitment to supporting students as they transition into an accelerated, master’s-level nursing program.
What Comes Next After ELM New Student Orientation
By the end of New Student Orientation, students left campus with a clear understanding of the Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing program, a growing network of peers and a strong sense of momentum heading into their first week of classes.
With coursework beginning immediately after orientation, the day served as both a welcome and a launch point — helping students move from preparation to action. As the cohort progresses through the program, the foundation established during orientation will continue to support their academic and clinical development.
For prospective students considering an Entry-Level Master’s in Nursing pathway, Westcliff’s New Student Orientation offers a clear example of how the College of Nursing prioritizes structure, communication and community from day one.
Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM) Program Overview
The Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM) degree is a prelicensure program offered through Westcliff University’s College of Nursing for individuals pursuing a transition into professional nursing. The program is designed for applicants who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a non-nursing field, or an international medical degree, and meet the required academic prerequisites.
Following completion of prerequisite coursework, students enter the core nursing curriculum, which integrates classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training. The curriculum is structured to prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and supports progression into registered nursing roles, advanced practice pathways or future graduate and specialty education.
Program Overview
- Degree: Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM)
- Credits: 65 total credits
- Program length: 20 months, full time*
- Location: On-campus instruction in Corona, California
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Completion of all required prerequisite courses with a grade of B or higher
* Program length and scheduling subject to change.