LVN-BSN /West Coast University

nurse2bmom · Dec 13, 2011

That is interesting news tothepointeLVN. Yes, WCU no longer has the LVN-ADN program, however, what they do now have is their WASC accreditation. Therefore, you could continue on to pretty much any college for your Masters degree and your degree would be accepted. If you were to try to transfer to another nursing program in the middle of the program and wanted to transfer certain classes however, they would need to be evaluated by the college to see if it meets their requirements. This happens no matter what school you are moving from/to. So, yes, WCU does offer a BSN and MSN. They have some great technology and I cannot complain about my education received there. If money is an issue, then you may want to look into your local community colleges and find out more about their programs. If time is an issue and you would like to complete your education quicker, no matter the cost, I would entertain the ADN option at the sister school or BSN at WCU. Although finding a job with an ADN is not hopeless, in today's competitive market a BSN surely helps. Not to mention there are hospitals that will not hire ADN nurses any longer. Not sure what info you needed, but hope that helps...I have my first job interview WED!!

gmalauulu · Dec 13, 2011

With the cost of WCU's tuition of course money is an issue for me. I have my previous loan from my LVN school and am really trying to stay away from having to get more loans which I know I will have to get if I do decide to attend WCU. I've been reading a multitude of threads with discouraging words regarding not only WCU but also about becoming a RN in So. California.

@ nurse2bmom....Congratulations are in order! Good luck! How long ago did you finish? You did the LVN-RN or LVN-BSN? Thank you both for the information given, I really do appreciate it. If any of u can offer any and all information or anything about WCU, I'd be very thankful!

nurse2bmom · Dec 13, 2011

I finished the LVN-ADN program at WCU in Aug 2010. They no longer have that program as their focus is now BSN and MSN. The program was VERY intense because it is accelerated. However, they must have done something right since I passed my NCLEX with no problem the first time around with the minimum number of questions. Just like anywhere else, you get out of it what you put into it. Yes, it is CRAZY expensive. That made my decision to go there very tough as well, but, somehow we were able to make it work. I am a veteran though, so, I did have some GI Bill money to assist with the cost. I am just now looking for a job since I received my license Oct. last year. I had my last baby in Nov. last year and then we moved, so, I waited until I was a bit more settled before starting to look for jobs. I kept my eye out though, and even now, it's HARD finding places to even APPLY to right now as a new grad. I also saw that many places are REQUIRING BSN. Although I already knew I would continue my education, I figured I better do something productive with my time if I was not going to work right away. Also, there are some people in my class who have been nurses for 20 years that are going back to school for BSN because their employer is going to require it in the near future or they will lose their jobs. From what I gather, being a new grad nurse anywhere in the U.S. right now is difficult, with California being one of the top on the list. I think it will ease up a little in the next few years though. So, I was lucky because I just started putting in apps at the end of October and I at least have an interview...I am also hoping it will be my LAST as a new grad and I get the job! THANK YOU for the well wishes...I sure hope they help! As far as WCU, I attended in Orange County and really have no complaints. From what I have seen from WCU complaints ALOT is about the cost. Other than that, like I said, it's what you make it....just like anywhere you go...there will be good and bad....even the instructors that worked there liked it compared to some other major universities they had worked for in the past...good luck to YOU...

gmalauulu · Dec 13, 2011

Thank you for the information. It was all very helpful! Good luck on your interview! :yeah:

AngLVN, LVN · May 5, 2012

Well I'll be doing the 30 unit option at RCC and then I will get my BSN at CSDH. Everyone's experience is different. But I am not going to pay $117,000!

lvnreadyforrn · May 13, 2012

Hi AngLVN,

Just a quick question, have you talked to your counselor about the 30 unit option? I am thinking of going that route also then pursue my BSN somewhere else just to avoid having to take out those expensive loans. What are you gonna have to do in order to pursue you bsn after the 30 unit option?

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · May 23, 2012

Hi AngLVN,

Just a quick question, have you talked to your counselor about the 30 unit option? I am thinking of going that route also then pursue my BSN somewhere else just to avoid having to take out those expensive loans. What are you gonna have to do in order to pursue you bsn after the 30 unit option?

Check with the school you are considering the 30-unit transfer to BSN. You may find that your 30-unit RN degree will not be accepted because you did not get your ADN--only a 30 unit certificate. Normally, you must have an ADN to transfer to a BSN or just do the complete generic BSN program.

Either way, if you transfer and try for your BSN you will need to take all the prerequites for the nursing program and as well as the bachelor's gen ed classes, if you get accepted into the BSN program. I have heard of students who tried the 30 unit option and then when they wanted their BSN, they had to start all nursing classes from the beginning.

I also heard a rumor that once you get your 30-unit nursing license, your licence reflects only a certificate not a ADN--and that status never changes. As I said, it was just gossup on AN, and I have no proof.

lvnreadyforrn · Jun 3, 2012

Check with the school you are considering the 30-unit transfer to BSN. You may find that your 30-unit RN degree will not be accepted because you did not get your ADN--only a 30 unit certificate. Normally, you must have an ADN to transfer to a BSN or just do the complete generic BSN program.
Either way, if you transfer and try for your BSN you will need to take all the prerequites for the nursing program and as well as the bachelor's gen ed classes, if you get accepted into the BSN program. I have heard of students who tried the 30 unit option and then when they wanted their BSN, they had to start all nursing classes from the beginning.
I also heard a rumor that once you get your 30-unit nursing license, your licence reflects only a certificate not a ADN--and that status never changes. As I said, it was just gossup on AN, and I have no proof.

Thanks for the reply, lady in scrubs

Just have 2 prereqs left but I find it so hard to finish them. I am a single mother of a 3 yr. old and by the time work is finished, I have no daycare provider to take care of my daughter in the evenings. I cant do online because its science classes. So it looks like I am up the creek without a paddle. LOL!!!