Nursing California Admissions Requirements and Program Information

Program Information and Disclosures

Pre-Licensure Nursing Requirements prior to clinical assignments (BSN & LVN to BSN and LVN 30 Unit Option):

1. Obtain a criminal background clearance (information on how to obtain this clearance will be provided to students during the enrollment process).  A misdemeanor or felony may interfere with clinical placement and subsequent licensure as a Registered Nurse;

2. Submit documentation of required immunizations;

3. Provide and maintain a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) for Health Providers;

4. Provide a current Fire Card, where required;

5. Meet the requirements outlined in the “Essentials of RN Job Functions” as documented by a licensed Physician, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant;

6. Undergo drug screening.

7. Provide acceptable proof of adequate health insurance coverage;

8. Comply with clinical site specific requirements.

Nursing Residency Requirements

 

A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at WCU for the BSN and LVN to BSN programs.  Exceptions may be considered.  

 

Registered Nurse Licensure Disclosure - California

The student satisfactorily completing the pre-licensure BSN or LVN to BSN program is eligible to apply for licensure by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The California Board of Registered Nursing requires that applicants for a nursing license must provide a United States issued social security number. This requirement will prevent anyone from applying for RN licensure in California and being employed as an RN without a United States issued social security number. Furthermore, prospective students who do not meet this requirement will be unable to sit for the Nursing Board Examination (NCLEX) in California, since the California Board of Registered Nursing will not issue an Authorization to Test (ATT) without a valid social security number.

 

Examination Fees

Students Enrolled in the August 2013 Term and After

Starting in the August 2013 term, new/reentry students will be required to pay for Authorization to Test (ATT) fees and NCLEX-RN fees as part of the NCLEX Incentive Program.  This program is designed to provide a financial incentive for students to pass the examination on first attempt.  Upon enrollment in NURS 493 Integration of Nursing Concepts, the student account will accrue a one-time charge for examination and licensures fees.  The University will forward these funds to Pearson (NCLEX) and the State Board of Nursing.  On successfully completing the NCLEX examination on first attempt, the University will refund the testing fees noted above and provide the student with a financial incentive.  Please see the campus Testing Coordinator for the NCLEX Incentive Program eligibility criteria.  

Immunizations
Based on the CDC Recommended Immunizations for Health-Care Personnel (HCP), all HCPs must submit documentation of immunization to Hepatitis B (series of three doses with anti-HBs serologic testing 1-2 months after dose #3), proof of immunity to Hepatitis B, or a signed declination; Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR); Varicella (chickenpox); and Tetanus, include Influenza (yearly), Hepatitis A, and Pneumonia. For some individuals, a titer test will be indicated vs. vaccinations. Titer tests showing immunity to listed pathogens are acceptable. Titer tests showing a negative response require appropriate immunizations and follow-up titers must be completed and submitted. Diphtheria and Pertussis (booster every 10 years) are highly recommended immunizations for HCPs. If one or more of the listed immunizations are contraindicated, documentation must be submitted clearly identifying the reason(s). Clinical laboratory reports with the facility stamp and a medical doctor’s signature is required. See the Nursing Student Handbook for additional information.  WCU’s clinical site partners require students to provide proof of immunization against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) to participate in the clinical experience rotation at their site.  In addition, healthcare settings require proof of immunization including against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) for employment.  If the student is unable to fulfill the clinical site’s requirements, they will not be able to progress towards their degree, and may be withdrawn from the program.

For more information on immunizations and vaccines, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/.

Public Health Nurse Certification

Graduates of the BSN program at West Coast University, and who have obtained an unobstructed RN license in the State of California, will be eligible to apply for Public Health Nurse Certification with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).  For information the Public Health Nurse Certification application process, visit the California Board of Registered Nursing website at www.rn.ca.gov

NURS 493 Comprehensive Predictor

Each student will take the ATI Comprehensive Predictor Assessment during the last week of the NURS 493 course.  Each student must achieve an ATI predictive probability of passing NCLEX at or above 92%.  Each student will have ONE (1) attempt to meet the benchmark.  

NURS 493 is graded on a Pass/No Pass scale.  Only students who meet the benchmark will be given a "Pass" (P) for the course and be allowed to graduate from the program.  Students who do not achieve a score of 92%, will be given a "No Pass" (NP) grade and will need to take NURS 493R at no additional cost or units the following term.  

Students scoring at least or above 92% probability of NCLEX success on the ATI Comprehensive Predictor given in week 9 of the course will:

1. Complete a focused review of the Comprehensive Predictor
2. Attend the full ATI Live Review
3. Work through the ATI Live Review Study plan to prepare for NCLEX
4. Students will be enrolled into the Virtual ATI onlne NCLEX review for post-graduation support to prepare for NCLEX.  

Students scoring below 92% probability of NCLEX success on the ATI Comprehensive Predictor will be required to complete the following:  

1. NURS 493R course at no additional cost including:
   1. Completing alternative capstone assignments
   2. Completing ATI assessments
   3. Retaking the ATI Comprehensive Predictor
   4. Attending the ATI Live Review if Comprehensive Predictor is passed.  
2. Students who have taken NURS 493R and passed the course will be identified as needing additional support and, after attending the Live Review and meeting all University requirements to graduate and test for NCLEX, will be enrolled in the Virtual ATI online NCLEX review for continued post-graduation review and support to prepare for NCLEX.  

Nursing Corequisite Course Drop

Pre-licensure Nursing students who are enrolled in courses with corequisites must maintain enrollment in both courses throughout the term.  If a student is seeking to drop, or is dropped/withdrawn from a course with a corequisite, the co-requisite course will also be dropped.  The drop of the corequisite will not count as an unsuccessful attempt.  When a student drops, or is dropped/withdrawn from a course with a corequisite after the Withdrawal (W) deadline, as published in the University Catalog, the student will be permitted to continue in the corequisite course.

Transfer Credit Requirement:

To receive transfer credit for this program, previous General Education course must have achieve a grade of at least a "C", and Core courses require a minimum grade of a "C+".  Approval on transfer credit is based on the program's discretion.  

Admission Requirements

 

BSN and LVN-BSN Admissions Requirements-CALIFORNIA

For Admissibility into the BSN & LVN-BSN Program, Applicants Must Meet the Following Requirements:

1. Submit a completed WCU application for admissions
2. Submit WCU approved documentation of high school graduation or equivalent
   1. Foreign high school diplomas/credentials or their equivalent must have an official evaluation performed by an approved organization)
3. Participate in an admissions interview arranged by a University admissions advisor

   Achieve a HESI composite score of 76 or higher

   1. HESI exam scores must be within three (3) years of enrollment date
   2. HESI exam scores below 76 are denied admission
   3. Examination Retake Details
      1. BSN applicants will have a maximum of two attempts, a week apart, to successfully pass the admissions exam.
         1. If an applicant does not pass the admissions exam after two attempts, he or she must wait a period of 6 months to retest and must provide proof of remediation.
   4. Additional acceptable external scores are eligible for full admission:
      1. TEAS score of 43 or higher
         1. TEAS exam scores must be within three (3) years of enrollment date
      2. SAT score of 835 or higher or ACT score of 16 or higher
         1. SAT or ACT must be within three (3) years of enrollment date
         2. WCU only collects Verbal and Quantitative scores for SAT and ACT
4. Complete an enrollment agreement (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age)
5. Meet program-specific entrance requirements.
   1. Applicants to the LVN-BSN program must provide proof of current unobstructed licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

Impacts on Program and/or Core Nursing Start Date

West Coast University accepts students based on seat availability. If application, acceptance and enrollment requirements have not been fulfilled, your Program start date may be impacted as a result of the seat in that Program start date being assigned to another applicant. Applicants must be accepted before a Program start date can be assigned. In order for an applicant to be accepted, they must meet all University and Programmatic Admission Requirements and submit all required documentation in support of their application, including but not limited to:

• All applicable transcripts of post-secondary education
• Proof of high school graduation or equivalency

Your Program start date may be delayed if any of the required documentation is missing. Students are pending acceptance when they have submitted all the required application and enrollment documentation. During this time WCU is waiting for all documentation related to the applicant’s postsecondary education and high school completion. Applicants in pending acceptance status will meet with Financial Aid and complete paperwork to make appropriate arrangements for the payment of the tuition and fees associated with the program. Additional circumstances that may have an impact on an applicant’s intended Program start date, and/or Core Nursing, start date include the following:

i. Transfer of Credit (TOC) – for completed postsecondary coursework:

The evaluation of transfer credit will have a significant impact on an applicant’s intended Program start date, and/or Core Nursing start date.

Applicants applying to West Coast University (WCU) for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program must both (1) disclose TOC at the time of application and (2) submit all applicable official transcripts of post-secondary education for evaluation of transfer credit for completed courses. Official transcripts for TOC are due no later than the last day of the add/drop period of the first term of the Program start date the student begins in. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted initially, but TOC will not be granted without official transcripts.

Applicable transcripts include college or military transcripts, non-traditional learning experiences such as national exams (AP, CLEP, DANTES, WCU Challenge Exam), or training/courses carrying a recommendation from the American Council on Education.

ii. Postsecondary Course(s) In-Progress:

Applicants must also submit all applicable courses in-progress or awaiting a final grade(s) at the time of application to WCU. Applicants with course(s) in-progress at another institution or organization may be considered for transfer prior to the official transcript being provided. However, the pending course(s) may be removed from a student’s schedule only after the submission of an unofficial transcript.

All in-progress courses must be completed, and final official transcripts submitted by the add/drop deadline of a student’s first term. In-progress courses not completed and submitted by the add/drop deadline, or if the final grade does not meet WCU’s Transfer Credit policy, will result in the course(s) remaining on their schedule. Changes to a student’s schedule may affect their ability to continue enrollment in the existing term and impact their Financial Aid Package.

iii. Challenge Exam:

Applicants may challenge a course if they meet the requirements outlined in the University catalog under the policies for (1) Challenge Credit and (2) Nursing Challenge Exam Additional Requirements.

Potential Post-Start Delays to BSN Program

If application, enrollment, and acceptance requirements are satisfied, West Coast University (WCU) accepts students leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree based upon seat availability. The BSN Program consists of both a Pre-Nursing (General Education) Component and a Nursing (Core) Component. A student must fulfill the Pre-Nursing (General Education) Component prior to the Nursing (Core) Component. If there is a lack of seat availability in the Nursing (Core) Component, a student’s Nursing (Core) Component start date may be postponed. Seat availability in the Nursing (Core) Component start date may be impacted by a variety of factors – some of which are under a student’s control, some of which are not, and some of which may be due to actions by state regulators.

Additional circumstances that may have an impact on an applicant’s ability to begin the Nursing (Core) Component are listed below:

i. Academic Performance:

In the event a student fails a course or is required to repeat a course, or if a student fails to meet the requirements for clinical courses outlined in items (ii), below, or a student makes a schedule change outlined in items (iii) and (iv), below, that disrupts WCU’s planned course sequence, a student may be required to withdraw from the BSN program and reapply for admission. In the event that a student is required to withdraw, all applicable policies related to withdrawals would apply as outlined in the Catalog. A federal financial aid recipient who withdraws or is withdrawn from WCU is subject to a Return of Title IV calculation as described in the “Return of Title IV Funds Policy” in the Catalog, and the recipient-student will be reported to the U.S. Department of Education as having been withdrawn. Any balance due to WCU must be paid in full prior to the student returning, if the student is readmitted.

ii. Meeting the Pre-Licensure Nursing Requirements:

A student must meet all the educational and pre-licensure requirements of the Program, including the Pre-Nursing (General Education) Component, prior to beginning the Nursing (Core) Component. The Pre-Licensure Nursing Requirements prior to clinical assignments are described in the Catalog and include the following:

1. Obtain a criminal background clearance (information on how to obtain this clearance will be provided to students during the enrollment process). A misdemeanor or felony may interfere with clinical placement and subsequent licensure as a Registered Nurse;
2. Submit documentation of required immunizations;
3. Provide and maintain a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) for Health Providers;
4. Provide a current Fire Card, where required;
5. Meet the requirements outlined in the “Essentials of RN Job Functions” as documented by a licensed Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant;
6. Undergo drug screening;
7. Provide acceptable proof of adequate health insurance coverage; and
8. Comply with clinical site-specific requirements.

The failure to satisfy any one of these conditions may result in a delay of the Nursing (Core) Component start date.

  iii. Clinical Packets:

All clinical packets must be received no later than 7 weeks prior to the first term that the Nursing (Core) Component curriculum is scheduled to begin. In the event the clinical packet is not submitted on time, the student may not be scheduled for the first term of the Nursing (Core) Component and may be dismissed and withdrawn from the BSN program. A federal financial aid recipient who withdraws or is withdrawn from WCU is subject to a Return of Title IV calculation as described in the “Return of Title IV Funds Policy” in the Catalog, and the recipient-student will be reported to the U.S. Department of Education as having been withdrawn. Any balance due to WCU must be paid in full prior to the student returning, if the student is readmitted.

  iv. Course and Program Withdrawal:

Withdrawing from a course(s) at any time, changing programs, altering program pace, or taking a Leave of Absence (LOA) after entering the BSN program could result in changes to a student’s course schedule. The change or delay in a student’s course schedule will have an impact on the student’s ability to begin the Nursing (Core) Component, depending upon seat availability, as discussed below, and may result in a withdrawal from the BSN program.

Students who elect to take a leave of absence (LOA) should know that an institutional LOA is not considered an official leave of absence under the U.S. Department of Education’s laws and regulations concerning federal financial student aid, also known as Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“Title IV”). When a student takes an institutional LOA, they are deemed to have withdrawn from the University as of the last date of documented attendance prior to the institutional LOA and become ineligible for federal financial aid under Title IV. As a result, a return to Title IV funds calculation will be completed and the student will be reported to the U.S. Department of Education as having been withdrawn. Any balance due to the University must be paid in full prior to the student returning from an institutional LOA. The time on an institutional LOA will be counted against any six (6) month grace period for entering repayment on federal financial aid loans. Students are encouraged to speak with a Financial Aid Officer prior to planning or beginning an institutional LOA For more information on LOAs, please consult the “Leave of Absence Policy”, “Return of Title IV Funds Policy,” and “Withdrawal and Refund Policy” among other policies in the Catalog.

  v. Course Failure:

Any schedule changes due to failure of courses also may impact the student’s ability to start the Nursing (Core) Component.

  vi. Nursing (Core) Component Seat Availability:

In the event that there are a greater number of students who have advanced to the start of the Nursing (Core) Component than seats available for a specific start date, seat assignments will be made based upon a simple ranking of the students’ Cumulative GPA (CGPA) and meet the requirements in the “Good Standing Policy” located in the Catalog. Such an event may occur due to no fault of the student. In the event that students have equal CGPAs, the remaining open spots will be filled based upon the Pre-Nursing (General Education) course record of the remaining students in the term immediately preceding the start of the Nursing (Core) Component.

If a student does not advance to the first term of the Nursing (Core) Component due to seat capacity, the student will be withdrawn from the BSN program and will be placed in the next available seat in the next available start date of the Nursing (Core) Component. A federal financial aid recipient who withdraws or is withdrawn from WCU is subject to a Return of Title IV calculation as described in the “Return of Title IV Funds Policy” in the Catalog, and the recipient-student will be reported to the U.S. Department of Education as having been withdrawn.

BSN & LVN-BSN Postsecondary Transcripts for Transfer Credit Evaluation

BSN or LVN-BSN applicants requesting transfer credit evaluation must provide the applicable official transcripts by the  seven (7) calendar days before the start of the term. All general education, prerequisite, and core nursing coursework must have been taken at an appropriately accredited institution. For nursing credits to be considered for transfer credit, there can be only one year between the end of the last nursing course taken at a previous institution and the beginning of the first course at West Coast University. Exceptions may be considered. Science courses must be taken within the last five years to be accepted for transfer credit. Course syllabi for courses previously taken at another nursing program should be submitted for review to the campus dean for nursing. The maximum allowable transfer credits applied to the BSN program shall not exceed 52 credits of general education. See the Challenge Credit policy for additional information on receiving nursing credit for previously completed nursing courses. Authority for all final transfer credit decisions is given to the Program Dean/Chair.

Transfer credit will not be awarded based on unofficial transcripts and all, however, students will may be scheduled for their first semester of courses based on unofficial transfer credit review . Financial packaging for the first semester will be estimated without transfer credit unless/until official transcripts are received and evaluated. If transfer credit is evaluated after the add/drop date of the first semester, it will be reflected in financial aid offers for the subsequent semester.

BSN & LVN-BSN Postsecondary Transcripts for Veterans

All applicants who are veterans or seeking transfer credits must submit all official applicable postsecondary transcripts prior to by the Add/Drop period deadline on the second Tuesday of the term regardless of applicable transfer credits for timely certification of the veterans request for benefits and receipt of funds. Please see the Veterans Educational Benefits policy in the Financial Policies and Information Section of the Catalog.

LVN-BSN Licensure Requirements

LVN to BSN applicants who possess a current unobstructed LVN license may be admitted into the West Coast University LVN to BSN program without requiring transcripts if they meet all other specific program admission requirements, which would include military training. LVN’s who were able to obtain their LVN license using their military training as the academic qualifier and those who have graduated from a school that has since closed and transcripts are no longer available.

BSN and LVN to BSN - Trial Period for Alternate Enrollments – California

• Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Licensed Vocational Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LVN to BSN) programs at the California campuses may be accepted on a trial basis once enrollment capacity has been met. These applicants will be admitted as ‘Alternate Students’
• Alternate Students are not eligible for Title IV, HEA program funds unless and until they are admitted as regular students after the trial period as an Alternate. Upon admission as a regular student, Title IV, HEA program fund eligibility will be retroactive back to the beginning of the payment or loan period, as applicable.
• Alternate Students may attend classes during the Add/Drop period of the first term until they are notified of the final determination of seat availability.
• An Alternate’s ability to continue beyond the Add/Drop period is contingent upon a seat becoming available.
• Alternates for which a seat becomes available by the Add/Drop period can continue attendance and be considered a regular student should they choose. An Alternate that chooses to continue attendance will be responsible for institutional charges and become eligible for financial aid.  
• Alternate’s that choose not to continue attendance will have their enrollment canceled and will be refunded 100 percent of the amount paid in institutional charges.  
• If a seat does not become available by end of the Add/Drop period, the Alternate’s enrollment will be canceled, and a seat in the next available cohort will be offered. 

30 Unit Option Admissions Requirements - California

LVN to RN 30 Unit Option - In addition to the 120 Unit LVN to BSN program, West Coast University offers a 30 unit option for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) as required by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Students considering taking the 30 unit option will take Physiology, Microbiology, and selected pre-licensure nursing courses. Students who choose the 30 unit option will not receive a certificate or degree from West Coast University and are not considered a graduate of the University. Students interested in the 30 unit option must declare this option prior to enrolling in the WCU LVN to BSN program. Once students have enrolled and have started the WCU LVN to BSN program, the 30 unit option is not available. Financial aid is not available for students choosing the 30 unit option since this is not a pathway leading to a degree. 

Students who successfully complete the LVN to RN 30 Unit Option will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Please contact the campus Nursing department for further details.

An applicant to the 30-unit option LVN program does not have to take an admission test for entry into the program.  The applicant must have an active unencumbered LVN license for admission.  If the applicant decides to pursue the LVN-BSN option, admission criteria for the degree program must be met.

RN to BSN (Online) Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet the following standards:

1. Completion of the application for admission.
2. Complete all University admission requirements.  
3. Completion of an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution with a 2.25 CGPA or better.
   
   1. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.
4. Active unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the State in which the student completes all assignments for the program. 
   1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this State requirement for nursing licensure.
   2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.  
   3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.  

5. Submit official transcripts from any of the programs below approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) (and any prior courses taken to be considered for transfer credit). 

   1. Associate of Science in Nursing
   2. Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
   3. Diploma in Nursing 
   4. State-approved nursing program with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States
   5. Foreign nursing equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States
   6. Associate of Science with evidence of an earned RN license
   7. Associate of Applied Science with evidence of an earned RN license
   8. Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree with evidence of an earned RN license^*
   9. Foreign equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States^*

^* Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.  

Language Verification Requirements

Students with foreign degrees applying to a nursing program must possess proficiency in English at a level to enable them to succeed in graduate-level studies. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET) must be taken if the applicant’s native language is not English. Results must be sent directly from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo to the West Coast University admissions department. Copies are not acceptable. Your application will not be considered until you have achieved at least the minimum score.

• TOEFL - minimum composite score of 100, with sub-scores of 21 or higher.  
• IELTS - minimum overall band score of 7.0, with a speaking band score of 7.0 or higher and other band scores of 6.0 or higher.  
• DET - minimum score of 125.  

RN-BSN Probational Admission Requirements

Applicants with a CGPA of 2.0-2.24 may be considered for probational admission after meeting the following conditional admissions requirements. Based on review of the applicant packet the Program Dean may request an interview in consideration for admission:

1. The applicant must provide a letter of intent.
2. The applicant must be approved for admission by the Program Dean/Director.  
3. The applicant must satisfy program prerequisites and achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all coursework attempted over the first trimester (two terms).  Students failing to meet these requirements following the first trimester (two terms) will be administratively withdrawn from the university.  

NCLEX Pending

Applicants may be conditionally admitted if they are waiting for their RN licensure to be issued if they meet all other admissions criteria. Proof of licensure must be received by the end of the first term of enrollment, or the student will be dismissed from the PLN program.