Starting West Coast University April 2011

Nadi1515 · Apr 5, 2011

They actually have amazing labs. It was one of the things that really attracted me to this school. If you are going to spend this much money, at least you get the best technology out of it.

The Ontario campus (which is where I'm attending) is opening a new simulation lab this fall which is supposed to be pretty amazing.

nomsa · Apr 5, 2011

I really agree with you. Most of the community colleges don't have such labs. The only thing that is negative about this school is their price.

RN2B2014 · Apr 7, 2011

I'm starting june 2011 in anaheim! =) anyone else??

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Apr 7, 2011

Honestly I would think long and hard about having that high a payment with that crazy of a variable rate. Your payments are going to be over half your take home salary! Even if you get it reduced. I have 70k in student loans and my payments are 950 a month with a 6% interest rate, and I'm struggling with that, I also do have a husband and baby,....but still..

Do you have a backup plan to pay those loans if you are unable to find work, as many nurses are currently struggling?

JuRaTu · Apr 12, 2011

I'm also planning to start June 2011 in either Anaheim or Ontario for the Accelerated BSN program. I'll likely be choosing Anaheim though.

Passed the A2 Hesi & going through the financial aid process right now.

Also planning to test out of a few classes that I've taken during my first degree, but have expired due to being slightly over 5 years. Anyone know how that works exactly? Thanks in advance!

RN2B2014 · Apr 12, 2011

I'm also planning to start June 2011 in either Anaheim or Ontario for the accelerated BSN program. I'll likely be choosing Anaheim though.
Passed the A2 Hesi & going through the financial aid process right now.
Also planning to test out of a few classes that I've taken during my first degree, but have expired due to being slightly over 5 years. Anyone know how that works exactly? Thanks in advance!

Hello JuRaTu

I'm going to wcu in anaheim this june too. Feel free to pm me. I go to financial aid meeting tomorrow. Most of my classes transferred! woot woot! Hopefully we will be classmates soon! =)

ms.a · Apr 13, 2011

I thought about attending the program this April but like most I worry about the loans after. It is my last resort if I do not get in anywhere else. Is anyone applying for scholarships?? I don't have anyone to co-sign for me so its a little difficult. =[

swtcaligurl · Jul 10, 2011

I ended up with Sallie Mae. I'll eventually get it all consolidated anyway but the cost is definitely a huge negative.
At orientation they did speak about WASC accreditation. They will be visiting in September but not actually giving a decision until early next year. So... fingers crossed! If they do get it, that will we amazing considering I would really like to do a Masters at some point.

Hi Nadi!

I am actually going to attend WCU in Ontario this end of August! I am very excited and scared at the same time. How do you like the school so far? I welcome any advice and suggestions.

-F

Nadi1515 · Jul 10, 2011

If I can give you any advice it would be to stay ahead of the work load. Accelerated is an understatement... it is achievable but you have to put the work in to it. Buddy up with your classmates and do study groups and utilize the free tutoring, it is so helpful! You will basically be with the same group of people your entire time, so build the friendships now...

Good luck with your 1st term and keep me updated! Welcome to WCU!

RN2B2014 · Jul 10, 2011

If I can give you any advice it would be to stay ahead of the work load. Accelerated is an understatement... it is achievable but you have to put the work in to it. Buddy up with your classmates and do study groups and utilize the free tutoring, it is so helpful! You will basically be with the same group of people your entire time, so build the friendships now...
Good luck with your 1st term and keep me updated! Welcome to WCU!

Nadi is so right! U have to stay on top of your work! I just finished reading and its 130am on a Saturday night...I study EVERYDAY to be able to go to school and work full time. But its so worth it and I'm loving my classes! Good luck! Hard work pays off! I work in a hospital and have seen plenty of nurses lately who have just graduated or about to graduate from WCU.

moniquelvn · Jul 12, 2011

Nadi is so right! U have to stay on top of your work! I just finished reading and its 130am on a Saturday night...I study EVERYDAY to be able to go to school and work full time. But its so worth it and I'm loving my classes! Good luck! Hard work pays off! I work in a hospital and have seen plenty of nurses lately who have just graduated or about to graduate from WCU.

Hi Laurensue9. I just attended the information seminar this past Saturday July 9th at the North Hollywood campus. I'm seriously considering the LVN to BSN option and have a few classes that I think will transfer to lessen my time in the program (hopefully). My husband has my back 100% if this is the route I choose. I've been telling myself that I would need to stop working full time to complete the program and give it all of my effort. I couldn't help but be amazed at your comment about working full time and going to school. Can you give me some insight about this? Are you part-time at school or full time? Kudos to you for taking on the load! Thanks for reading my comment!

-Mo:nurse:

RN2B2014 · Jul 12, 2011

Hi Laurensue9. I just attended the information seminar this past Saturday July 9th at the North Hollywood campus. I'm seriously considering the LVN to BSN option and have a few classes that I think will transfer to lessen my time in the program (hopefully). My husband has my back 100% if this is the route I choose. I've been telling myself that I would need to stop working full time to complete the program and give it all of my effort. I couldn't help but be amazed at your comment about working full time and going to school. Can you give me some insight about this? Are you part-time at school or full time? Kudos to you for taking on the load! Thanks for reading my comment!
-Mo:nurse:

Hi Monique!

Yes I do work full time and I am a full time student. But I'm not gonna lie it is hard! I have a complete map out that I do each sunday night of my entire week. I have three calendars that I keep everything very organized on. I know each day I have something to read, something to study, and something that is do online. I cannot fall behind or I will freak out! lol. Unlike a lot of my fellow students I do not have the opportunity to not work while going to school. I plan to work full time until I start clinicals next april. Trying to bank as much cash as possible for the debt ahead lol. Right now I'm doing ok but it's still my first term...next I have biochem! So fingers crossed I can handle it lol. I'm currently looking into a different job at the hospital I work at so I can work 12hour shifts just three days a week unlike the 5-6day 8hr shifts I work now. Over all I really do enjoy wcu! It's tough work but I feel like I just started and I already have midterms next week! It just flies right by! Any more questions feel free to ask. I know a lot of people are very negative about west coast but being at school is a completely different experience. Good luck! =)