West Coast University - Generic BSN program

[mk21]

I visited the Orange County Campus for West Coast University today to inquire about the Generic BSN program.

Pros:

-no waiting list: first come (and complete the admissions process), first serve

-nice labs, facilities etc.

-no pre-requisites. All you need is a HS diploma or GED/equivalent, take the entrance exam, and be able to successfully finance your education. The pre reqs are built into the program (first nine months), OR you can transfer over credits to reduce costs, and start later.

-you get your bachelors

-partnerships (clinicals) with CHOC, St. Jude's, etc.

-at the end of the curriculum you end up with a certificate in nurse management, and Public Health certificate + membership with Sigma Theta Tau (I'm not so sure how valuable these are..but I figure they don't hurt you to list the on your resume.)

-39 months to get your bachelors from start to finish.

Cons:

-Brace yourself.... it costs $116,000.00

-You get your bachelors....BUT it doesn't transfer anywhere other than University of Phoenix.

-I felt that the Admissions representative did not really have any interest in my educational goals or concerns with the school. For example: amidst my response to the generic "why do you want to be a nurse" she cut me off within my first sentence with "oh yeah, mmhmm .. how nice" and proceeded to ask whether I would be able to find proper arrangements for my children whilst in the program. Now, I understand that is a concern for some pre-nursing candidates....but I don't have kids, I don't look like I am remotely pregnant, nor did I mention anything about kids. This isn't completely bad, but it gave me a bad impression of the school.

-I talked to a disgruntled student outside. She was unhappy with the curriculum (that she was in), and instruction. Should one student be a red flag? I'm not sure.

Anyhow, this is just an informational post on my experience visiting the campus. I've read about many people having a great experience there, this is just my opinion/knowledge.

[pnsiny]

i agree 116,ooo is way too much i,m pretty sure there is other school out there that can offer us a better deal

[Care4life]

Thanks so much for taking the time to break down the math on paying off that kind of debt that I was possibly considering.

I'm thankful to God that I can get honest feedback from here.

Take care :-)

[Aglasgow07]

When you say that the credits will not transfere... if I complete the BSN program will I be able to go into a CRNA program with a BSN from WCU?

[kirkiri]

I got a call from the WCU admissions office after I left a message that I was interested in their 39 month BSN program. I was mainly attracted to their weekend class option as I am a working full time and it is also accredited by regional agencies. Nice and dandy so far. Then I asked about the tuition. As soon as I heard $15,000 per semester, my jaw dropped on the phone.

And yes, I believe it will not be an issue to get into the UC Fullerton CRNA program.

But I decided forget it!! It is way too much money.

That is all I have to say!

[kirkiri]

I also strongly suggest looking at Cypress College RN program, 2 years and your are done. Then try to get into an RN to BSN program.

[newbetonursing]

I REALLY NEED SOMEONE TO ANSWER OUR QUESTION....this is a serious questioni have about WCU. I want to get my masters...and if the BSN from WCU wont transfer....then why should i take the test on thursday!?!?!

[Special K.S.]

Your BSN WILL transfer as WCU is accredited!

[JLRuiz89]

I think it's worth it, I definitely understand it's expensive but just because you have all your nursing prereqs doesn't mean your going to get into a nursing program.

[Pixie6453]

WCU is ACICS accredited which does not transfer to most California State Universities they want a WASC accreditation. WCU said they are working on getting one but our posts on this site claim WCU has been saying that for a couple yrs now :/ Someone also said CSUF will take WCU students but there pre reqs page clearly states the school your transferring from must be a WASC accredited school http://www.kpsan.org/prereqs.php

[rockob64]

I went to t he very first meeting/orientation they had for the lvn-bsn program. i had asked if the units from the classes at WCU can be used. the person holding the orientation tried not to look my way. until i stood up and asked the same question. the person finally answered that he would tell me after the orientation. after it was done he stated that they are not good at any college or university. then i asked, then why do you charge so high a price if the only good is being able to sit for the boards. the person stated "well at least you can sit for the boards" . well that means if you wanted a true bachelors degree you need to go somewhere else and not WCU. which means if you wanted to go get a masters or higher you would have to start all over.

[nomsa]

Because WCU is not WASC accredited, it is CCNE, so many colleges or universities transfer classes from schools that are WASC accredited. I believe they are working on their WASC accreditation right now. You don't have to restart the RN classes but the pre-reqs. Check it on CA RN Board of Nursing and see if its not a true bachelors degree in Nursing.

[rockob64]

Thats my point. even if you graduate from their course (saying that you took the course from the very start without transferring any classes from other colleges) you can take the boards. But if you want to continue, all the courses you took are only excepted at maybe two institutions. for the money payed and the dedication, the school should had made it their mission for their credits to be accepted everywhere. i say this to the person who is planning to move on to higher positions such as nurse practitioner or physician assistant. nobody wants to put in 2-4 yrs of their life and start all over. especially if they have to pay for classes, books,food and transportation.