Alumni
Nursing
LVN/LPN to BSN Program
Leverage your skills as a licensed vocational nurse or licensed practical nurse to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and prepare to become a registered nurse.
10 Weeks
10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
34 Months
Earn your BSN degree in as little as 34 months at the Accelerated program pace
9 Units of Advanced Placement Credit
Your previous nursing licensure grants you 9 credits toward your BSN degree
LVN/LPN to BSN Program Highlights
Simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity manikins that react like real patients
No-cost tutoring and study materials to help you prepare for your RN licensure exam
Streamlined curriculum that lets you get credit for your previous nursing education
Innovative learning tools including augmented reality and mobile study apps
Why Choose an LVN/LPN to BSN Program?
There is a great need for BSN-prepared nurses in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape. According to an American Association of Colleges of Nursing study from 2022, 71.7% of healthcare employers had a strong preference for nurses with BSN degrees, and 27.7% made a BSN a requirement for newly hired nurses.1
Our LVN to BSN bridge program helps you earn your degree through a student-centric, innovative approach to learning. As thought leaders in education, we’re constantly seeking the best tools for our students. Your learning experience can include original tv shows, educational games, augmented reality tools, and more!
WCU Campuses with the LVN/LPN to BSN Program
Explore the LVN/LPN to BSN program at WCU!
Overview: LVN/LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Program Details
Depending on which campus you attend, you can choose between various program paces. All campuses offer the Accelerated pace while some offer additional paces for those who need greater flexibility in their school schedules.
Here are our available paces for the LVN/LPN to BSN program:
Accelerated Pace
On-Campus
120 Credits
34 Months
7 Semesters
Evening and Weekend Pace*
On-Campus
120 Credits
39 Months
8 Semesters
Working Professional Pace*
On-Campus
120 Credits
49 Months
10 Semesters
Curriculum
General Education within the Area of Study
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| Pathophysiology | 3 | |
| Medical Ethics and Issues | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 | |
Approved Credits
| Advanced Placement Credit (LVN) | 9 |
General Education Redesign
| Category and Requirements | WCU Course Requirements | Transferable / Options |
|---|---|---|
| Cat. and Req. | Trans. / Options | |
| Foundational Course | (0): First Year Seminar (only offered at Los Angeles and Ontario Campuses prior to Spring II 2024) or (3): Foundations of Higher Education (offered at all Campuses; Los Angeles and Ontario Campuses starting Spring II 2024) |
Non-transferable |
| A1- Written Communication (5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum) | **(3): Written Communication I
**(3): Written Communication II |
Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
| A2. Oral Communication (2.5 Semester Credits Minimum) |
**(3): Oral Communication | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
| A3. Critical Thinking (2.5 Semester Credits Minimum) |
**(3): Critical Reasoning | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
| A4. Quantitative Reasoning (5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum) |
(3): College Mathematics I
(3): Statistics |
Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
| B1– Social and Behavioral Sciences / Cultural Diversity, Tradition (8 Semester Credits and 3 Courses Minimum) |
**(3): Psychology
**(3): Life Span Psychology **(3): Cultural Pluralism |
Equivalent to
Equivalent to Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
| B2. Life and Physical Sciences (12 Semester Credits and 4 Courses Minimum) |
(4): Human Anatomy
(4): Human Physiology(4): Chemistry (4): General Microbiology |
Equivalent to
Equivalent to Non-transferable at the Orange County Campus starting Summer I 2023 Equivalent to Equivalent to |
| B3. 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. | ||
Note: The following course must have been taken in the last 5 years: , , , and .
Note: If scheduled, the following courses are to be taken at WCU: , , , and and (Orange County campus only, starting Summer 1 2023).
**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.
Core Nursing Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| Introduction to Professional Nursing | 2 | |
| Pharmacology | 3 | |
| Physical Assessment | 2 | |
| Medical Surgical Nursing-Promoting Wellness | 3 | |
| RN Skills Laboratory | 2 | |
| 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: | 59.0 | |
: (LVN/LPN to BSN students only)
* – Taken if student is unsuccessful in .
Note: Upon satisfactory completion of the transition courses ( and ), the LVN/LPN to BSN student will receive 9 units of Advanced Placement Credit ( or .
| Program Credit Distribution (LVN/LPN-BSN) | |
|---|---|
| Program Credit Dist.(LVN/LPN-BSN) | |
| Approved Credits from Previous Licensure | 9.0 |
| General Education Semester Credits | 46.0 |
| General Education within the Area of Study | 6.0 |
| Core Nursing Courses | 59.0 |
| Total Program Semester Credits | 120.0 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does the LVN/LPN to BSN Program Cost?
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 LVN/LPN to BSN program costs, visit the program page for the campus you wish to attend.
- LVN to BSN program in Richardson, TX
- LPN to BSN program in Miami, FL
- LVN to BSN program in Los Angeles, CA
- LVN to BSN program in Ontario, CA
- LVN to BSN program in Orange County, CA
We offer several LVN/LPN to 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.
Admission Requirements
To review the admission requirements for WCU’s LVN/LPN to BSN program, please visit the program page for the campus you plan to attend:
- LVN to BSN program in Richardson, TX
- LPN to BSN program in Miami, FL
- LVN to BSN program in Los Angeles, CA
- LVN to BSN program in Ontario, CA
- LVN to 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 varies based on the program pace you select. To see a list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Simulation Centers
Industry-Current Technology
Each of our WCU campuses is equipped with simulation centers that allow you to put your education to practice using high-fidelity manikins that mimic the physiological responses of real-life patients. In our simulation labs, you’ll practice everything from routine to emergency care, giving you hands-on experience in a safe environment that allows for instructor feedback.
As an LVN to BSN student, you will experience simulations designed to teach you the role of a registered nurse in various medical settings, including:
- 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
Helping You Secure a Local Placement
We know how important your clinical experience is, and that’s why we work with our LVN to BSN students to assist with their clinical placements. We have a team that is dedicated to helping you find a healthcare site that meets the requirement of your program.
With our large network of partner hospitals and healthcare providers, we can assist with everything from site selection to compliance tracking and clinical experience coaching. You won’t have to navigate the process alone!
NCLEX Support
Helping You Prepare for the NCLEX
Once you complete your LVN to BSN program or LPN to BSN program, you should be ready to take the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). To help you feel as prepared as possible for the big day, we provide you with hands-on support during your program, including:
- Individualized guidance from an NCLEX advisor
- NCLEX bootcamps to help you build and test your knowledge
- No-cost tutoring to help you in areas where you’re struggling
- Access to virtual library of books and videos
Career Services
Professional Development & Job Search Assistance
We’re here to support you not just in your studies, but in your professional journey as well. Our Career Services department offers the help you need to find job opportunities, prepare for interviews, and put your best foot forward.
We offer a variety of services to WCU students and graduates, including:
- One-on-one career guidance
- Professional development workshops
- Mock interviews
- Help finding job listings2
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses can work in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory healthcare services
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Government facilities
- Educational services3
Explore job opportunities with the help of our Career Services team!
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 long does it take for an LVN/LPN to earn a BSN?
As a LVN or LPN, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at WCU in as little as 34 months at the Accelerated pace. We also offer additional paces at our Miami campus for students with more demanding schedules. These include our Evening and Weekend pace, which can be completed in 39 months, and our Working Professional Pace, which can be completed in 49 months.
What is an LVN/LPN to BSN bridge program?
In an LVN/LPN to BSN bridge program, you’re able to use your current nursing licensure and experience to give you a head start toward your BSN — essentially allowing you to “bridge the gap” between your skills and your degree. This provides you with faster time to completion for your program.
Can I still pursue my BSN degree if I’m a working professional?
Yes, you can. We offer multiple program paces so we can provide our working students with maximum flexibility. If you’re interested in attending class after-hours, you may want to sign up for our Evening and Weekend pace. We also offer a Working Professional pace that allows you to take fewer courses per term so you can better balance work and school.
Can I become an RN after completing the LVN/LPN to BSN program?
Yes, once you complete our LVN/LPN to BSN program, you can take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Our program is designed to help prepare you for the exam, as we teach you the foundational competencies of being a registered nurse, and we provide valuable exam prep resources such as no-cost tutoring, NCLEX bootcamps, a virtual library of educational material, and more.
Can I get financial aid?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. View our Financial Aid page and then speak with a WCU financial aid advisor to fully explore your options. Depending on your eligibility, you could qualify for financial aid such as student loans, grants, and scholarships. View our list of .
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 ().
The Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing program 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.
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, “” 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, , Accessed July 31, 2023
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
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