Westmont Makes History with Graduate Nursing Programs

Westmont marks its 89th year with an historic event: full accreditation for the college’s first graduate nursing programs. The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has officially approved two off-campus graduate nursing programs: a Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

“These new graduate programs meet a critical need in our community for outstanding nurses equipped to provide crucial leadership and compassionate care in healthcare at our hospitals, clinics and medical offices,” says President Gayle D. Beebe. “With this historic step, we continue to extend our reach and directly serve our Santa Barbara community.”

The MEPN launches this fall with an initial cohort of nine students, while the MSN program begins in January 2027. 

“Establishing graduate programs reaches a broader range of students, attracts diverse new learners and serves the immediate and greater needs of our Santa Barbara community,” says Provost Kimberly Denu.

The MEPN, designed for individuals holding bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields, combines foundational nursing education, graduate coursework and clinical experience. The MSN program allows registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to pursue leadership roles, career advancement, and specialized practice.

Dianthe Hoffman, nursing program director, says the move aims to address local healthcare demands by preparing nurses in advanced roles equipped with both clinical expertise and compassionate care.

The graduate offerings build on the strength of Westmont’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), which enrolls three cohorts of 40 student nurses each year at the Westmont Downtown | Grotenhuis Nursing building on Anapamu Street. 

With the undergraduate nursing program growing swiftly, the masters programs provide additional opportunities for nursing students seeking an advanced career track. 

Applications for the ABSN program (now in its fifth year) have increased by 400%, demonstrating ongoing interest in health care and nursing and the appeal of working in a booming career field. 

Prospective nurses may now apply for the January cohorts for the MEPN and MSN. For more information, see
westmont.edu/nursing. To schedule a visit with an admissions representative, call (805) 565-6300.