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Bachelor of Science in Nursing

WCU's BSN programs give you the hands-on experience and support you need to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree. Our student-centric learning approach sets you up for success.

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs

At West Coast University, every part of our BSN program is designed with our students’ needs in mind. This includes creating a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for those who are seeking to become a registered nurse (RN). WCU’s student-centric approach means you get one-on-one support every step of the way, from no-cost tutoring to Student Success advisors. We are continuously pursuing more effective and innovative ways to make a BSN degree accessible to students who have the passion to make a difference in their communities.

<p><strong>Simulation Labs</strong></p>
<p>Work through real-life scenarios in our technologically advanced simulation labs, equipped with high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients.</p>

Simulation Labs

Work through real-life scenarios in our technologically advanced simulation labs, equipped with high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients.

<p><strong>Clinical Support</strong></p>
<p>With a diverse range of clinical partners, our clinical advisors can help you find a local placement that aligns with your interests.</p>

Clinical Support

With a diverse range of clinical partners, our clinical advisors can help you find a local placement that aligns with your interests.

<p><strong>NCLEX Preparation</strong></p>
<p>Get individualized support as you prepare for your licensure examination to become a registered nurse (RN).</p>

NCLEX Preparation

Get individualized support as you prepare for your licensure examination to become a registered nurse (RN).

<p><strong>One-on-One Support</strong></p>
<p>Receive personalized attention and support from the moment you step onto campus, to beyond graduation.</p>

One-on-One Support

Receive personalized attention and support from the moment you step onto campus, to beyond graduation.

Why Pursue a BSN Degree?

Are you interested in becoming a registered nurse so you can change people’s lives for the better? If so, you may want to consider earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which provides you with both the didactic learning and hands-on practice you need to prepare for the fast-paced world of patient care.

WCU’s BSN program focuses on the preparation of nurses who are life-long learners and critical thinkers. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination to become a registered nurse. Benefit from WCU’s student-centric approach to education, technologically advanced simulation labs, and innovative learning tools that are designed to aid in your success!

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Our BSN degree is offered at these campuses

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Miami

At West Coast University-Miami, every part of our program is designed with our students’ needs in mind.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Ontario
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Orange County
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Texas

At West Coast University-Texas, every part of our program is designed with our students’ needs in mind.

Additional Information about the BSN Program

This curriculum applies to students matriculating or reentering after December 1, 2022.

General Education Requirements

All science courses must have been taken within the last five calendar years, unless the student possesses a degree or advanced degree in the specific field of study for which the student is seeking transfer credit. Additional information regarding transfer credit is located in the university’s catalog under Transfer Credit policy or below.

Category and Requirements WCU Course Requirements Transferable / Options
Foundational Course FYS 001 (0): First Year Seminar (only offered at Los Angeles and Ontario prior to Spring II 2024)

 

FHE 100 (3): Foundations of Higher Education (offered at all Campuses; Los Angeles and Ontario Campuses starting Spring II 2024)

Non-transferable
A. Written Communication (6 Semester Credits) * ENGL 140 (3): Written Communication I
* ENGL 240 (3): Written Communication II
Equivalent to ENGL 140
Equivalent to ENGL 240
B. Oral and Interpersonal Communications
(3 Semester Credits)
*SPCH 142(3): Oral Communication Equivalent to SPCH 142
C. Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning
(3 Semester Credits)
*PHIL 341(3): Critical Reasoning Equivalent to PHIL 341
D. Quantitative Literacy
(6 Semester Credits)
MATH 108(3): College Mathematics I
MATH 211(3): Statistics
Equivalent to MATH 108

 

Equivalent to MATH 211

E. Social and Behavioral Sciences Awareness
(6 Semester Credits)
*PSYC 160(3): Psychology
*PSYC 290(3): Life Span Psychology
Equivalent to PSYC 160
Equivalent to PSYC 290
F. Historical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Recognition
(3 Semester Credits)
* HUM 370 (3): Cultural Pluralism Equivalent to HUM 370
G. Scientific Reasoning
(16 Semester Credits)
ANAT 260(4): Human Anatomy
PHYS 261(4): Human Physiology
CHEM 280(4): Chemistry
MICR 290(4): General Microbiology
Equivalent to ANAT 260

 

Equivalent to PHYS 261

Non-transferable at the Orange County Campus

Equivalent to CHEM 280

Equivalent to MICR 290

General Education Capstone
(3 Semester Credits)
CAPS 401(3): General Education Capstone
(only offered at Los Angeles, Ontario Campuses prior to Spring II 2024)
Non-transferable
A minimum of 46 credits is required for graduation.

*As of April 2019, this course will be delivered online, asynchronously, through the institution’s Learning Management System except where otherwise authorized by the Program Dean/Director.

 

General Education within the Area of Study
PATH 370 Pathophysiology 3
PHIL 434 Medical Ethics and Issues 3
Total Credit Hours: 6

Note: If scheduled, the following courses are to be taken at WCU: FYS 001, FHE 100, CAPS 401, and  PATH 370 and PHYS 261 (OC Campus only, starting Summer I 2023).

 

Core Nursing Courses
NURS 100 Fundamentals of Nursing 3
NURS 101L Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab 2
NURS 110 Introduction to Professional Nursing 2
NURS 120 Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing 3
NURS 121L-A Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum 2
NURS 121L-B Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum – On-Campus 1
NURS 180 Pharmacology 3
NURS 190 Physical Assessment 2
NURS 201 Medical Surgical Nursing-Promoting Wellness 3
NURS 211L Medical Surgical Nursing 3
NURS 222 Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness in the Mentally Ill 3
NURS 223L Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum 2
NURS 225 Nutrition in Health and Disease 3
NURS 306 Expanding Family and Community (OB) 2
NURS 307 Developing Family and Community (PEDS) 2
NURS 316L-A Expanding and Developing Family and Community Practicum (OB) 1.5
NURS 317L-A Developing Family and Community Practicum (PEDS) 1.5
NURS 340 Public Health Nursing 3
NURS 342L Public Health Nursing Practicum 2
NURS 350 Research in Nursing 3
NURS 420 Principles of Leadership and Management 3
NURS 431 Disaster Management 2
NURS 440 Issues and Trends in Nursing 3
NURS 480 Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum 3
NURS 481L Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum 3
NURS 493* Integration of Nursing Concepts 3
NURS 497 Nursing Capstone 1
NURS 498L Integration of Nursing Practices 3
Total Credit Hours: 68.0

NURS 100, NURS 101L: pre-licensure students only *NURS 493R – Taken if student is unsuccessful in NURS 493.

 

Program Credit Distribution
General Education Semester Credits 46.0
General Education within the Area of Study 6.0
Core Nursing Courses 68.0
Total Program Semester Credits 120.0

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future. For a breakdown of the BSN program costs, visit the BSN program page for the campus you wish to attend.

We offer several BSN program financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

To review the admission requirements for WCU’s BSN program, please visit the BSN program page for the campus you plan to attend:

New academic terms begin, on average, every 10 weeks. The number of semesters required for your program depends on the program pace you choose. For the most updated list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.

WATCH & LEARN

WCU Simulation Lab

FAQs
Can you get a BSN if you already have a bachelor's degree?

Yes. WCU’s BSN program is designed for those seeking to become a registered nurse (RN) regardless of the undergraduate degree they currently hold.

What master’s degree can you get with a BSN?

WCU offers a variety of master’s programs for those with a BSN degree. One option is to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). At WCU, MSN students can choose from a number of specialization tracks, such as the family nurse practitioner track, nurse leader track, or nurse educator track, just to name a few. If you are licensed as a registered nurse and you want to skip the step of getting an BSN first, you can choose WCU’s RN to MSN program.

Additional options at WCU include a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Health Administration (MHA), or a Master of Public Health.

What’s the difference between an RN and a BSN?

“Registered nurse” is a professional title that indicates that someone has passed the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, is an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.

While a BSN is not required for licensure, a prospective RN may pursue this degree to further their education, prepare them for a career in nursing, and create a pathway to future nursing specialization (which is achieved through a master’s degree).

Can I get financial aid?

You can receive financial aid as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Some of the various types of aid that may be available include student loans, grants, scholarships, federal work-study, employer tuition reimbursement, and more. Visit our financial aid page for information about your general financial aid options. You can also learn about institutional scholarships available at our Undergraduate On-Ground Scholarships and Grants page on our online catalog.

What type of support will I receive at WCU?

With a focus on student-centric learning, we believe in giving our students support from start to finish, and even beyond graduation. At WCU, you will be assigned to a Student Success advisor and a coordinator of clinical relations, and you will have access to no-cost tutoring. Additionally, you will work with highly engaged instructors and other faculty members whom you can call or text directly through our Remind app.

How will the BSN program prepare me for a future career as a registered nurse?

WCU’s BSN program combines both didactic theory courses and clinical experience to ensure that you receive a well-rounded and practical education. In addition to learning the best practices of evidence-based care in the classroom, you will get to put it to practice both in our industry-current simulation centers and in your clinical rotations so you can enter real-world nursing situations with confidence. We also provide you with extensive resources to help you properly prepare for your licensure exam.

How long does it take to complete the BSN program?

WCU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can be earned in 39 months (8 semesters) at the Accelerated pace. The Miami campus offers an Evening and Weekend pace, which can be completed in 44 months (9 semesters), and a Working Professional pace, which can be completed in 54 months (11 semesters). A total of 120 semester credits are required to complete the BSN program.

Can I earn my degree if I’m working?

We offer multiple program paces so you can choose the timeline that works best for you. Taking fewer courses per term through the Working Professional pace may be your best option if you have a limited schedule due to work. Some WCU campuses also offer an Evening and Weekend program to further accommodate working students. Speak with a WCU admissions advisor to learn more about your options.

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WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, the University has moved some of the on-ground courses into a distance education modality. However, as soon as the COVID-19 circumstances change, students will be expected to return on campus to complete their program onsite in the regular learning modality as approved by WSCUC and outlined in the university catalog.