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At WCU, receive a hands-on education that lets you earn your ADN degree in as little as 20 months — that’s less than two years!

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10 Weeks

10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year

39 Months

Earn your BSN in as few as 39 months at the Accelerated program pace

5 Locations

Miami, Texas, LA, Orange County, & Ontario

ADN Program Highlights

<p>Earn your associate nursing degree in as few as 20 months</p>

Earn your associate nursing degree in as few as 20 months

<p>With no waitlist, you can start your ADN degree now and begin making a difference sooner</p>

With no waitlist, you can start your ADN degree now and begin making a difference sooner

<p>Practice in technologically advanced simulations and skill labs to help master techniques and build confidence before you start your career</p>

Practice in technologically advanced simulations and skill labs to help master techniques and build confidence before you start your career

<p>Get help preparing for your licensure exam with tutoring and one-on-one counseling</p>

Get help preparing for your licensure exam with tutoring and one-on-one counseling

<p>Multiple starts throughout the year — classes begin every 10 weeks</p>

Multiple starts throughout the year — classes begin every 10 weeks

<p>West Coast University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission </p>

West Coast University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission 

Student Life at WCU

Student Life at WCU

Join a diverse community of passionate, dedicated individuals at WCU.  With a culture that feels like a family, you will have all the support you need to be the best you can be. Join a study group to learn from your classmates or get some guidance through peer tutoring sessions. WCU’s class sizes grant you the opportunity to get to know your professors and get insight into the healthcare industry. Find a community that helps you build on your strengths and reach your academic goals.

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Start Your Journey

  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

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How would you like to learn?*

Online
On-Campus

You must be a licensed registered nurse or have completed an associate degree of nursing to apply for the program.

You must be a licensed registered nurse and have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or a bachelor's degree in a closely related field to apply for this program.

You must be a licensed registered nurse and have completed a Master of Science in Nursing degree to apply for this program.

You must be a licensed registered nurse and have completed a Master of Science in Nursing degree or a master's degree in a healthcare related field.

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Personal Information you submit through our Sites, such as your name, address and other contact information, may be collected by West Coast University for internal marketing and development purposes as well as to respond to your inquiry, complete a transaction for you, or fulfill other forms of customer service. You can choose not to receive marketing from us by "unsubscribing" using the instructions in any marketing email you receive from us.

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Overview: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Program Details

At WCU, you can choose a program pace that works for your schedule. Whether you want to go full-speed in your studies or complete your program at a slower pace to balance school with your other responsibilities, we have an option for you.

Here are the available paces for the BSN program:

Accelerated Pace

  • On-Campus
  • 120 Credits
  • 39 Months
  • 8 Semesters

Evening & Weekend Pace*

  • On-Campus
  • 120 Credits
  • 44 Months
  • 9 Semesters

Working Professional Pace*

  • On-Campus
  • 120 Credits
  • 54 Months
  • 11 Semesters

*Only available at the Miami campus

Additional Information About our ADN Degree

Clinical Experience

When you earn your associate degree in nursing, you gain real-life clinical experience to prepare you for the real world. West Coast University has a diverse range of clinical partners so you can gain experience at a local facility.

Community Outreach

WCU offers a variety of ways for ADN program students to make a difference in the community while they learn. From community health to providing aid to patients at home and abroad — you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference from day one.

Support Beyond Graduation

West Coast University offers dedicated support from the moment you step onto campus to beyond graduation.

Through our Career Services Department, we provide ongoing assistance with professional and career development through workshops and guidance for our students and graduates. 

Our "student-centric" philosophy offers you several advantages:

  • No Waitlists! Once you have been assigned a start date, you won't have to worry about waitlists to get the classes you need.
  • Multiple starts throughout the year – classes begin every 10 weeks.
  • Gain real-life experience at WCU in our technologically advanced Simulation Center - from routine events to crisis situations—learn the “nursing process” and enhance your critical thinking skills
  • Develop hands-on experience at one of our 70 clinical sites in Florida
  • Graduate in as little as 20 months. Our concentrated ADN curriculum will help you stay on track with your career goals.
  • Scholarships available- accepting applications for both merit-based and needs-based scholarships — see what you might qualify for.
  • Volunteer with community outreach opportunities
  • West Coast University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and its nursing programs are programmatically accredited by CCNE

Associate degree nursing education provides the basic education necessary to become a registered nurse. ADN program graduates are eligible to sit for NCLEX-RN licensing examination and, if licensed, may practice in structured care settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and offices.

Associate degree nursing education incorporates nursing knowledge, knowledge of key biological and social sciences, and study of the humanities.

Graduates of the Associated Degree in Nursing (ADN) program may pursue a variety of specialties as registered nurses, including:1

  • Addiction Nurse 
  • Cardiovascular Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Genetics Nurse
  • Neonatal Nurse
  • Nephrology Nurse
  • Public Health Nurse (PHN)
  • Rehabilitation Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses

Students must have a Bachelor's degree or higher and a full acceptance score in at least one of the following: TEAS, HESI, ACT or SAT to be admitted into the program.

How Much Does The Associate Degree in Nursing Program Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Associate Degree in Nursing tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the Associate Degree in Nursing program costs at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

Associate Degree in Nursing

Pursue your BSN at one of the following campuses
Richardson, TX
Miami, FL
Los Angeles, CA
Ontario, CA
Orange County, CA
Technologically Advanced Sim Labs

At WCU, our goal is to build both the skills and confidence required in the nursing field. Practice using high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients. Coupled with hands-on clinical experiences, our simulations give students the opportunity to master foundational skills and graduate with confidence.

Our BSN students experience a range of patient care situations from routine to emergency. During simulation sessions, each student independently practices the functions of a registered nurse. The simulation labs at West Coast University use a full range of scenarios at all levels of the core nursing program:

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Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.

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We’re here to help you, from the moment you apply to beyond graduation. It all starts here.

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Clinical Placements

WCU is dedicated to building long-term clinical relationships and hospital affiliations that offer students a world of options and meaningful clinical experiences.

We have coordinators of clinical relations who support students by facilitating clinical site and preceptor selection, helping streamline approvals, and assisting with compliance tracking. Our Clinical Placements team also provides coaching calls for students who need guidance on how to make their clinicals a success.

NCLEX Support

NCLEX Support

Helping BSN Students Prepare for Licensure

Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a critical milestone for all nurses. That’s why WCU helps prepare you every step of the way.

As a BSN student, you have access to:

  • One-on-one support from NCLEX advisors
  • NCLEX bootcamps
  • No-cost tutoring
  • A virtual library of educational books and videos

“WCU helped prepare us for the NCLEX by providing an adequate test environment, providing us with opportunities to take proctored tests that simulate the NCLEX and to test our nursing knowledge in those tests.”

– Stephanie P., BSN ’21*

“West Coast prepares you unlike any other school I have seen for the NCLEX.”

– Leslie G., BSN ’18*

Career Services

Providing Hands-On Career Support

WCU graduates get to enjoy support from our Career Services team.2 Starting when you’re a student, through graduation, and beyond, you’ll have access to individualized career advice, professional development workshops on topics like resume writing and interview preparation, help finding job leads, assistance connecting with industry recruiters, and more.

Potential Job Opportunities

Once you receive your licensure as a registered nurse, you will have various options to choose from for your career path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a registered nurse usually works with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Additionally, they may be charged with overseeing licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.

The largest employers of registered nurses (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) are:

The Career Services team can help you find job opportunities that meet your goals!

Featured Faculty

Chiarina P. Piazza, PhD, MEd, RN Dean, College of Nursing | California Program Director

Dr. Piazza has been working in the university since 2009. Her past roles included Faculty; Campus Associate Dean of Nursing, Academics; Campus Dean of Nursing; and Associate Dean, College of Nursing. Most recently, she has been appointed to the position of Dean, College of Nursing.

She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of San Diego, a Master of Education from Cambridge College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles.

With a commitment to community service, Dr. Piazza is a Commissioner for the Sister Cities Commission of Anaheim. And has previously served as Commissioner, Orange County Human Relations, and Board Member for the School Nurses of California Foundation.

FAQs

Does an ADN make you an RN?

An ADN does not necessarily make you an RN, but an ADN program can prepare you to become an RN. An ADN is a degree program that qualifies you to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon passing, you will receive your state-accredited RN license.

How long does it take to become a ADN?

Our Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program offers an accelerated program pace for you to earn your ADN in as little as 20 months.

Can ADN nurses travel?

Generally, the minimum requirement to be a travel nurse is an RN license which can be attained with an ADN and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

CCNE Logo

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

CNEA Logo

The West Coast University Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Program (System) holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.

Follow the BSN Student Experience at #WestCoastUniversity

Experience WCU for Yourself!

Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.

Save Your Seat

Get Started

We’re here to help you, from the moment you apply to beyond graduation. It all starts here.

Learn More

1 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses,” October 2022

2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “What Registered Nurses Do,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022

4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “Work Environment,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022

*The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Additional Resources:

1 Challenge Credit

2 Transfer Credit Policy

2a Military Training or Experience

2b Credit for Previous Education or Training for Veterans

3 Military Educational Benefits

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