Alumni
Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
WCU鈥檚 BSN program combines classroom learning with hands-on simulation to help you prepare for the real-world demands of a nursing career.
10 Weeks
10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
39 Months
Earn your BSN in as few as 39 months at the Accelerated program pace
Offered at 5 locations
Miami, Texas, LA, Orange County & Ontario
BSN Program Highlights
Technologically advanced simulation labs allowing you to practice real-life scenarios with high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients
A team dedicated to helping you find a local clinical placement (leveraging WCU鈥檚 diverse range of clinical partners)
Individualized support as you prepare for your licensure examination to become a registered nurse (RN)
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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 student-centric approach to education, technologically advanced simulation labs, and innovative learning tools that are designed to aid in your success!
The Student Experience
WCU Campuses with the BSN Program
Overview: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Program Details
At WCU, you can choose a program pace that works for your schedule. Whether you want to go full-speed in your studies or complete your program at a slower pace to balance school with your other responsibilities, we have an option for you.
Here are the available paces for the BSN program:
Accelerated Pace
On-Campus
120 Credits
39 Months
8 Semesters
Evening & Weekend Pace*
On-Campus
120 Credits
44 Months
9 Semesters
Working Professional Pace*
On-Campus
120 Credits
54 Months
11 Trimesters
Curriculum
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 | (0): First Year Seminar (only offered at Los Angeles and Ontario prior to Spring II 2024)
(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) | * (3): Written Communication I * (3): Written Communication II |
Equivalent to Equivalent to |
| B. Oral and Interpersonal Communications (3 Semester Credits) |
*(3): Oral Communication | Equivalent to |
| C. Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning (3 Semester Credits) |
*(3): Critical Reasoning | Equivalent to |
| D. Quantitative Literacy (6 Semester Credits) |
(3): College Mathematics I (3): Statistics |
Equivalent to
Equivalent to |
| E. Social and Behavioral Sciences Awareness (6 Semester Credits) |
*(3): Psychology *(3): Life Span Psychology |
Equivalent to Equivalent to |
| F. Historical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Recognition (3 Semester Credits) |
* (3): Cultural Pluralism | Equivalent to |
| G. Scientific Reasoning (16 Semester Credits) |
(4): Human Anatomy (4): Human Physiology (4): Chemistry (4): General Microbiology |
Equivalent to
Equivalent to Non-transferable at the Orange County Campus Equivalent to Equivalent to |
| General Education Capstone (3 Semester Credits) |
(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 | ||
| Pathophysiology | 3 | |
| Medical Ethics and Issues | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 | |
Note: If scheduled, the following courses are to be taken at WCU: , , , and 聽 and (OC Campus only, starting Summer I 2023).
| Core Nursing Courses | ||
| Fundamentals of Nursing | 3 | |
| Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab | 2 | |
| Introduction to Professional Nursing | 2 | |
| Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing | 3 | |
| Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum | 2 | |
| Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum – On-Campus | 1 | |
| Pharmacology | 3 | |
| Physical Assessment | 2 | |
| Medical Surgical Nursing-Promoting Wellness | 3 | |
| Medical Surgical Nursing | 3 | |
| Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness in the Mentally Ill | 3 | |
| Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum | 2 | |
| Nutrition in Health and Disease | 3 | |
| Expanding Family and Community (OB) | 2 | |
| Developing Family and Community (PEDS) | 2 | |
| Expanding and Developing Family and Community Practicum (OB) | 1.5 | |
| Developing Family and Community Practicum (PEDS) | 1.5 | |
| Public Health Nursing | 3 | |
| Public Health Nursing Practicum | 2 | |
| Research in Nursing | 3 | |
| Principles of Leadership and Management | 3 | |
| Disaster Management | 2 | |
| Issues and Trends in Nursing | 3 | |
| Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum | 3 | |
| Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum | 3 | |
| Integration of Nursing Concepts | 3 | |
| Nursing Capstone | 1 | |
| Integration of Nursing Practices | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 68.0 | |
, : pre-licensure students only * – Taken if student is unsuccessful in .
| 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 | |
Tuition & Financial Aid
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.
- BSN program in Richardson, TX
- BSN program in Miami, FL
- BSN program in Los Angeles, CA
- BSN program in Ontario, CA
- BSN program in Orange County, CA
We offer several BSN program financial aid options 鈥 including scholarships, grants, and loan access 鈥 to help support you through your studies. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Admission Requirements
To review the admission requirements for WCU鈥檚 BSN program, please visit the BSN program page for the campus you plan to attend:
- BSN program in Richardson, TX
- BSN program in Miami, FL
- BSN program in Los Angeles, CA
- BSN program in Ontario, CA
- BSN program in Orange County, CA
*Only available at the Miami campus
Academic Calendar
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.
Simulation Centers
Technologically Advanced Sim Labs
At WCU, our goal is to build both the skills and confidence required in the nursing field. Practice using high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients. Coupled with hands-on clinical experiences, our simulations give students the opportunity to master foundational skills and graduate with confidence.
Our BSN students experience a range of patient care situations from routine to emergency. During simulation sessions, each student independently practices the functions of a registered nurse. The simulation labs at 国产主播 use a full range of scenarios at all levels of the core nursing program:
- Medical and surgical units
- Pediatrics
- Maternity/OB
- Mental health
Experience WCU for Yourself!
Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.
Clinical Placements
A Dedicated Team Providing Support
WCU is dedicated to building long-term clinical relationships and hospital affiliations that offer students a world of options and meaningful clinical experiences.
We have coordinators of clinical relations who support students by facilitating clinical site and preceptor selection, helping streamline approvals, and assisting with compliance tracking. Our Clinical Placements team also provides coaching calls for students who need guidance on how to make their clinicals a success.
NCLEX Support
Helping BSN Students Prepare for Licensure
Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a critical milestone for all nurses. That鈥檚 why WCU helps prepare you every step of the way.
As a BSN student, you have access to:
- One-on-one support from NCLEX advisors
- NCLEX bootcamps
- No-cost tutoring
- A virtual library of educational books and videos
鈥淲CU helped prepare us for the NCLEX by providing an adequate test environment, providing us with opportunities to take proctored tests that simulate the NCLEX and to test our nursing knowledge in those tests.鈥
– Stephanie P., BSN 鈥21*
鈥淲est Coast prepares you unlike any other school I have seen for the NCLEX.鈥
– Leslie G., BSN 鈥18*
Career Services
Providing Hands-On Career Support
WCU graduates get to enjoy support from our Career Services team.2 Starting when you鈥檙e a student, through graduation, and beyond, you鈥檒l have access to individualized career advice, professional development workshops on topics like resume writing and interview preparation, help finding job leads, assistance connecting with industry recruiters, and more.
Potential Job Opportunities
Once you receive your licensure as a registered nurse, you will have various options to choose from for your career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a registered nurse usually works with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Additionally, they may be charged with overseeing licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.3
The largest employers of registered nurses (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) are:
- Hospitals (state, local, and private)
- Ambulatory healthcare services
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Government
- Educational services (state, local, and private)4
The Career Services team can help you find job opportunities that meet your goals!
Featured Faculty
Chiarina P. Piazza, PhD, MEd, RN
Dean, College of Nursing | California Program Director
Dr. Piazza has been working in the university since 2009. Her past roles included Faculty; Campus Associate Dean of Nursing, Academics; Campus Dean of Nursing; and Associate Dean, College of Nursing. Most recently, she has been appointed to the position of Dean, College of Nursing.
She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of San Diego, a Master of Education from Cambridge College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles.
With a commitment to community service, Dr. Piazza is a Commissioner for the Sister Cities Commission of Anaheim. And has previously served as Commissioner, Orange County Human Relations, and Board Member for the School Nurses of California Foundation.
FAQs
How will the BSN program prepare me for a future career as a registered nurse?
WCU鈥檚 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鈥檓 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.
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鈥檚 degree can you get with a BSN?
WCU offers a variety of master鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 the difference between an RN and a BSN?
鈥淩egistered nurse鈥 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鈥檚 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 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.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at 国产主播 are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 ().
The 国产主播 Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Nursing Program (System) holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.
Have Questions?
Pursuing your degree is a big choice. Fill out our form and one of our admissions advisors will contact you to answer any questions you may have!
1 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 鈥,鈥 October 2022
2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, 鈥,鈥 Updated Sept. 8, 2022
4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, 鈥,鈥 Updated Sept. 8, 2022
*The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
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