The Kaiser Permanente Scholars Academy is pleased to announce sponsorship of a Fall cohort for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Join us for an informational webinar on March 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to learn more. To register click here.
Program overview
Kaiser Permanente Nurse Scholars Academy (NSA) is partnering with University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions (USF SONHP) for applicants interested in obtaining their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
The MSN program is designed for working registered nurse leaders. Kaiser Permanente candidates’ projects will demonstrate performance improvement and advance Kaiser Permanente’s mission for nursing leadership, evidence-informed practice, and research.
The MSN program curriculum emphasizes care of the whole person through leadership, quality, safety, and evidence-based practice. As an MSN graduate, you will be prepared to lead and succeed in today’s complex and dynamic health care environment.
Nurse Scholars are challenged to integrate evidence-informed leadership practices that mitigate risk, identify and assess broad outcomes, ensure stakeholder education, enhance health promotion, and deliver highly effective patient care services for diverse populations.
Program details
- The MSN program emphasizes the clinical nurse leader competencies including leadership, quality, safety, and evidence-based practice, and prepares nurses to lead teams at the micro-system (unit) level, supporting innovation, transformation, and performance excellence in the delivery of compassionate care to patients.
- The program uses a blended learning approach and is designed for working registered nurse leaders. Typically, cohorts meet weekly via Zoom and students are expected to actively engage in online discussions and assignments.
- The program consists of 6 consecutive semesters of coursework and practicums.
- Courses are held in fall, spring, and summer for two years or six semesters.
- The Fall 2026 cohort will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Must be a Northern California KFH/HP non-represented, benefited (20+ hours) registered nurse leaders (e.g. assistant nurse managers, nurse managers, nursing shift supervisors, quality nurse consultants, directors and other non-union exempt or non-union non-exempt nurse leaders) in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California region.
- Nurses must be Kaiser Foundation Hospital employees and remain Kaiser Foundation Hospital employees during the program.
- Must have completed at least 90 days as a regular KP employee.
- Have completed a HealthStream eProfile (if you have a HealthStream license assigned)
- Must meet USF SONHP requirements for admission into the MSN program.
Note: The MSN Program is not open to The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG) employees. TPMG offers other programs for their nurse leaders. Kaiser Permanente employees from TPMG and other regions may be eligible for Kaiser Permanente tuition discounts from USF, even if they do not qualify for this program.
Important dates
- Informational Webinar: March 16, 2026 (View recording)
- Application Opens: March 16, 2026
- Application Closes: April 13, 2026
How to apply
Candidates must first apply for tuition assistance through the Nurse Scholars Academy before submitting an application for admission to the University of San Francisco. To complete the application you will need:
- Your HRconnect Talent Profile (skills and qualifications section with all fields visible) in PDF format.
- A video testimonial (2-3 minutes in length) describing:
- Why you are pursuing your MSN.
- What this support means to you personally and professionally.
- Confirmation that your HealthStream eProfile is up to date (if you have a HealthStream license).
- Your direct supervisor and executive leader’s contact information.
The application link for the next MSN cohort will be posted on this page on March 16, 2026.
Financial assistance
- The NSA will provide tuition assistance to nurses who are approved for sponsorship.
- Those selected to participate in the MSN program are eligible to be sponsored for up to 75% of the tuition cost. Sponsored participants will be responsible for 25% of the tuition cost and any other applicable fees.
- Kaiser Permanente employees also may be eligible for tuition reimbursement through HRConnect.
- The USF SONHP may have additional information on other financial aid and scholarships.
- The application fee for applying to USF SONHP will be waived. Instructions will be provided on how to get this fee waived upon selection to participate by the NSA.
