West Coast University - BSN Program

JustVicky899 · Apr 29, 2015

I'm currently finishing my OB term along with Natural Disaster and Medical Ethics. This coming Monday is my last final exam.
My next term consist of Pediatrics, Epidemiology, and Research.
My biggest advice is if you're taking some general education at WCU, try to overload (if they let you, because sometimes they don't) by taking a third class like medical ethics or epidemiology before you start your nursing core classes, so that you don't have to be like the most of us where we have to take 3 classes in a term (9 weeks = 1 term = 2 classes/term). It's doable to do 3 classes during nursing school, but it's more convenient and time efficient if you can focus on the important core classes.
My current experience at WCU is a mix bag of good and bad. I feel like certain professors in WCU make it easier for you (not that the test are easy, but they teach you the material better) versus others who seem to just read off the lecture powerpoint slides. I think I most dislike the fact that WCU doesn't let you see your test after taking the test, therefore, there's no way you can find out what you got right or wrong. I feel like this is very important because it lets us know what we need to study more and what we're good at.
On a positive note, WCU provides students various resources to help you pass your nursing classes such as tutoring, access to a library, and access to scholarly databases that you would regularly have to pay for. Furthermore, WCU offers volunteer and job opportunities in the community and LA County area while you are going to school.

Wow that sounds intensed! I am currently starting the process of admission in the bsn program but i recently graduated LVN school. My nursing school was the same. only fail the term 2 times but had to pass with 80% and alot of self teaching so i'm hoping it'll be easier for me here at WCU. I do have a question. I have 5 classes that I took at a CC and i'm hoping they all transfer over (Psy 1 & 2, Eng, phil, speech) I was wondering, however even though I did not take math or the college level English, will i be able to challenge these courses anyways??? Or would I have to of taken them at CC already without them being able to transfer over???

ShondaJ · May 10, 2015

I am not a student of WCU nor have any affiliation with it. Just Stated there was no need to speak so harshly to individuals on a forum that should be positive and for people to receive feedback. WCU is not where I am attending or plan to attend. No need for the attack.

Sorry if you were offended. It would be nice to see positive feedback and conversation here on a public forum between students, nurses and graduates.

ShondaJ · May 10, 2015

Psata. You don't know me so don't assume. I dont attend WCU and don't plan too. I just happen to be browsing the forum and I have responded on other threads not just WCU. If making a statement about not harshly attacking people who inquire about a school really bothers you the I apologize. I don't endorse any school nor promote them. Just giving an individual feedback as the moderators say everyone has a freedom to speak. If only WCU post your looking at them that's on you. I have seen people call others stupid and an idiot and all kinds of harsh words. I just say they should not be disrespected with such words. If it's allowed on this website then let me know and I will keep quiet and avoid all the negative threads.

ShondaJ · May 10, 2015

Thank you Dianah.

qwertyytrewq · Jun 8, 2015

I was wondering if WCU accepts transfer students too? Does it matter if I have any volunteering experience/ does volunteering experience helps me get into the school? And do you think it is a good school/ worth it? Sorry for so many questions... hahah.

Lenchik10 · Jul 10, 2015

I was wondering if anyone heard anything about WCU's reputation among hospitals?

SimpleNewGrad · Jul 10, 2015

I was wondering if anyone heard anything about WCU's reputation among hospitals?

I don't know how to answer that question BUT;

I know a lot of people who also came from WCU at the hospital where I work for.

Also know classmates of mine who work for Kaiser, LAC+USC, UCLA and CHOC.

allcall · Aug 4, 2015

Does anyone take the train/coaster to get to the campus. I live in San Diego and am considering taking the coaster to save on gas and to utilize driving time by studying on my way to and from the campus. I would appreciate any feedback :)

SimpleNewGrad · Aug 15, 2015

Does anyone take the train/coaster to get to the campus. I live in San Diego and am considering taking the coaster to save on gas and to utilize driving time by studying on my way to and from the campus. I would appreciate any feedback :)

That would be a hassle. Specially if you start your clinicals and nursing classes.

My gf is from San Diego. She started just commuting to school. She got tired of it and eventually just got an apt. She's from WCU too.

earleya · Aug 18, 2015

Thank you so much for your awesome review on the school and your experience thus far!!!

How soon after you applied did you receive feedback about your acceptance??

Thank you :)

Hi Everyone,
I got a 75% on my TEAS V test. I know I needed to get at least 85% on my Teas V score to be competitive on most BSN programs.
I found out that West Coast University is now accepting Teas V scores with a minimum score of 58%. So with a 75% score on the Teas V, I was a qualified applicant and I didn't have to take their HESI exam.
Once you're qualified based on taking their HESI or Teas V, the biggest qualifying factor you have is getting approved for Financial Aid or Private Student Loans. If you have all your finances straight, then that's when they secure your spot in their Nursing Program.
However, my biggest gripe right now and most of the students that I have spoken with is that they have a weird system of transferring credits. Each student I spoke to had different experiences on what classes transferred to that school and what didn't.
For example, WCU transfered all of my science classes that I took at Los Angeles Valley College:
Anatomy
Physiology
Microbiology
Psychology - Intro
Psychology - LifeSpan
BUT, they didn't transfer my General Chemistry.
They transfered my CAL STATE LA:
English 101/102 but they said that both my English 101/102 class that I took only transfers over to their English 140 Written Communication I, but not to their English 140 Written Communication II.
They also didn't transfer the following G.E. classes that I took in CAL STATE LA:
Philosophy
College Mathematics
Public Speaking
There reason is that CAL STATE LA is a Quarter system and WCU is a Semester system. This is how they calculate it: 1 quarter unit = 0.67 semester unit
In addition, if they don't think your class is equivalent to their class they won't accept it as transfer credit.
My biggest advice is go to their transfer credit website: Transfer Credits | WCU
and click on the TES link to check if they transfer your classes from the school you completed in.
Basically, I have to retake some classes over again because they didn't consider it transferable. Making my Nursing program completion date longer than 2 years.
In addition, during your first term they give you a set schedule that you can't change. Classes are 10 weeks long. The normal classes you take per term are 2, I've tried to add 1 or 2 more classes to a term, but so far I've been denied.
Overall, my experience with the G.E. professors have been positive. They are very knowledgeable and nice.
If you have any questions please contact me. I will answer your questions to the best of my knowledge.

twainsette · Aug 20, 2015

i was wondering what are the class schedule? is It mon - fri? and how much you had to pay?

Theone40 · Aug 22, 2015

I am on the last semester of my community college ADN program and really wanted a BSN. Anyone know if WCU would transfer the classes from my ADN program and I would just continue ?