Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

What you'll study

Course work builds on BSN-level preparation. LECOM requires certain undergraduate prerequisite courses (see Entry requirements) so students arrive with foundation knowledge in assessment, anatomy, pathophysiology and pharmacology. The program emphasizes clinical assessment and leadership in care delivery, evidence-based practice and application of statistics and research methods (research design/scientific writing is recommended prior to entry).

Entry requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution completed by enrollment.
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA and science GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify for a GRE waiver.
• Current, unrestricted RN license in the applicant's home state; official copy must be sent directly from the Board of Nursing.
• Two professional letters of recommendation and at least one academic letter from the BSN program attended.
• Current CV or résumé listing nursing employment and education.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident status required.
• For graduates of foreign schools: follow the detailed requirements on the program's admission eligibility checklist.

Prerequisite coursework (earned in the BSN program with a grade of 3.0 in each course):

• Physical assessment course
• Human growth and development
• Anatomy and physiology
• Undergraduate pathophysiology (preferred but not required)
• Pharmacology (may have been included in medical-surgical courses)
• Basic statistics (preferred but not required)

Additional administrative and health documentation required before registration: final official transcripts; official national nursing certifications (sent from certifying body); record of continuing education hours from the prior five years; physical examination form; emergency data form; safety report form; criminal background check; immunization record; and a signed LECOM Matriculation Agreement. Students must register before the semester start date and satisfy tuition, fees, and prior debts to maintain enrollment.

Students may switch between full- and part-time enrollment with approval from their academic advisor and the program, but adherence to the program requirements remains mandatory.

Career prospects

The MSN-CNL prepares experienced nurses for clinical leadership roles focused on improving patient care delivery, coordinating interprofessional teams, and applying evidence-based practice at the point of care. Graduates commonly move into unit- or practice-level leadership, quality improvement, care coordination, and roles that bridge bedside practice with systems-level clinical oversight.

Scholarships & funding angle

LECOM maintains institutional scholarship and student support mechanisms; prospective students should contact the program office or financial aid to learn about available funding, eligibility, and application deadlines. For program-specific questions contact the Program Director, Dr. Octavia Flanagan, PhD, WHNP-BC at oflanagan@lecom.edu.