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.

[nomsa]

Yes you are right. They are working on it. The WASC people are visiting the WCU in September 3-4 this year, so if they are satisfied then the school will be WASC accredited. Who knows, we are just waiting to see the results.

[AOX4RN, MSN, RN, NP]

Yes you are right. They are working on it. The WASC people are visiting the WCU in September 3-4 this year, so if they are satisfied then the school will be WASC accredited. Who knows, we are just waiting to see the results.

FYI, when I visited WCU at the end of 2007, they told me their WASC visit was on the books for "soon". Wonder why it took 4 YEARS? They don't NEED WASC accreditation if people will continue to pay $160,000 for a BSN.

[esubias]

Hello...I was looking into WCU only because it's on the list of approved schools on the RN.gov site. My question to all of you is...in order to sit for the state boards does the school have to be on the list of schools or you can't take it? I work with RN's that went to like Westwood college and that isn't on the list? Just when I thought I understand everything I am again confused. Just not confused enough to pay 116,000. Any help is appreciated? Thanks!