The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) track prepares students to develop nursing competencies while building upon a liberal arts education that expands their world view of the global community. The curriculum is sequential and integrates theory from the biological and social sciences to develop clinical reasoning and communication skill in graduates who will be expected to serve as leaders in the changing healthcare environment. Content is presented in a simple to complex format and is organized using seven strands to help conceptualize the professional nursing role, including nursing process, research, therapeutic care, teaching/learning, communications, and role development, and incorporates theory and practice to meet the “Essentials for Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice” (AACN, 2008).
Each Essential is presented throughout the curriculum in the classroom and operationalized in clinical settings. Incorporation of the nursing process allows the nursing student to differentiate the independent, dependent, and interdependent functions of nursing.
The General Education courses provide the foundation for the nursing major and continued learning in all educational programs. The addition of both clinical and non-clinical nursing courses in each program prepares graduates for practice at differing levels of experience and responsibility from entry to the nursing profession through the baccalaureate level.
The nursing curriculum provides the opportunity for the student to acquire the professional nursing knowledge and skills necessary to assist patients to an optimal level of health. This is accomplished through an integration of theoretical nursing knowledge with essential clinical skills. Students are provided the opportunity to practice in a changing health care environment in acute and long-term care facilities, as well as in community settings.
Upon graduation from West Coast University, students will have met the following Program Learning Outcomes:
Program Information and Disclosures
Pre-Licensure Nursing Requirements prior to clinical assignments (ADN, BSN & LPN to BSN):
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Obtain a criminal background clearance (information on how to obtain this clearance will be provided to students during the enrollment process). Failure to disclose a misdemeanor or felony may interfere with clinical placement and subsequent licensure as a Registered Nurse (applicants with felony convictions are not admissible);
- Submit documentation of required immunizations;
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Provide and maintain a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) for Health Providers;
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Provide a current Fire Card, where required;
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Meet the requirements outlined in the “Essentials of RN Job Functions” as documented by a licensed Physician, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant;
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Undergo drug screening.
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Provide acceptable proof of adequate health insurance coverage;
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Comply with clinical site specific requirements.
Nursing Residency Requirements
A minimum of 18 credits must be taken at WCU for the ADN program offered in Florida only. Exceptions may be considered.
A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at WCU for the BSN and LPN to BSN programs. Exceptions may be considered.
Registered Nurse Licensure Disclosure - Florida
The student satisfactorily completing the pre-licensure BSN or ADN program is eligible to apply for licensure by the Florida Board of Nursing. The Florida Board of Nursing requires that applicants for a nursing license must provide a United States issued social security number. A United States issued social security number is also required to be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in the state of Florida. This requirement will prevent anyone from applying for RN licensure in Florida and being employed as an RN without a United States
issued 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.
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 repeat NURS 493 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:
- Complete a focused review of the Comprehensive Predictor
- Attend the full ATI Live Review
- Work through the ATI Live Review Study plan to prepare for NCLEX
- 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:
- Repeat NURS 493 course at no additional cost including:
- Completing alternative capstone assignments
- Completing ATI assessments
- Retaking the ATI Comprehensive Predictor
- Attending the ATI Live Review if Comprehensive Predictor is passed.
- Students who have repeated NURS 493 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.
Admission Requirements
BSN and ADN Entrance Examination Requirements - (ADN is offered in Florida only)
BSN and ADN applicants will have a maximum of two attempts, a week apart, to successfully pass the admissions exam. 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. WCU only collects Verbal and Quantitative scores for SAT and ACT and must be within three (3) years of enrollment date. HESI exam scores must be within three (3) years of enrollment date. TEAS exam scores must be within three (3) years of enrollment date.
BSN & LPN-BSN and ADN Transfer Credit Evaluation - (ADN is offered in Florida only)
BSN and ADN applicants requesting transfer credit evaluation must provide official transcripts to the registrar no later than the first day of the first semester in which the student commences their education at West Coast University. General education, prerequisites, and core nursing coursework taken from regionally accredited institution will be considered and evaluated for transfer credit. 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. The student must be listed in good standing with the prior institution. 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, and for the ADN (Florida only) program shall not exceed 27 credits of general education. For additional information on receiving nursing credit for previously completed nursing courses, see the Challenge Credit policy. Authority for all final transfer credit decisions is given to the Program Dean/Chair.
LPN-BSN Licensure Requirements
LPN to BSN applicants who possess a current unobstructed LPN license may be admitted into the West Coast University LPN to BSN program without requiring transcripts if they meet all other specific program admission requirements, which would include military training. LPN’s who were able to obtain their LPN 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.
RN to BSN Transfer Credits
The RN to BSN program awards 42 transfer credits for an unobstructed current RN license issued in the United States and up to 42 credits of general education transfer credits (total of 84 transfer credits).
Students enrolled in the RN to BSN program are exempt from specific general education requirements. There is no science recency requirement for RN to BSN students.
Students who request transfer credits for courses in the core curriculum must submit official transcripts by the first day of the first term in which the student commences his or her education at the University.
Students requesting additional general education transfer credits must provide official transcripts no later than six months after the start of the semester in which the student commences his or her education at the University. Only college-level coursework will be considered for transfer credit. All coursework must have been taken at an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
International MD Transfer Policy
West Coast University accepts a general education block transfer credit from any international institution that granted a Medical Doctor (MD) degree and is recognized by the country’s Ministry of Education or Department of Education. An MD international graduate has to complete at WCU FYS001, CAPS401, and prove English proficiency by providing one of the below-listed requirements. If no proof of English proficiency is available, in addition to the WCU FYS001 (ADN and BSN) and CAPS401 (BSN Only), international students must complete WCU ENGL140 (ADN and BSN) and ENGL 240 (BSN Only) with a grade of C or better.
In order for the transfer of general education credits including English courses to be granted one has to:
- Graduate with an MD degree from an international higher education institution that is recognized by the country’s Ministry of Education or Department of Education.
- Complete an international transcript equivalency credential evaluation from one of the WCU approved professional evaluation agencies. This evaluation should include: the degree comparability, course by course evaluation, GPA, grade and credit conversion.
- Pass the TEAS exam with a minimum score of 58.7 or composite score of 192.3 or higher.
- Prove English proficiency. This is required by providing either one of the below listed:
- TEAS exam scores of at least 69.0% in Reading and 60.0% in English and Language usage
- TOEFL (minimum 500 PBT, 61IBT-paper based, internet based),
- IELTS (minimum 6.0 on speaking and writing)
- Pearson Test of English (minimum 44; or level 3,4 or 5 of PTE-general test)
- Eiken English Proficiency exam (Minimum Pre-1 grade)
- Exams identified within the Common European Framework of reference--Cambridge English: FCE -grade of C or better; or CEFR- B-2 level
- CLEP minimum score of 50 in College Composition or College Composition modular
- Graduated with a grade of C or better from an English as a Second Language (ESL) program, or obtained grades of C or better in college-level English courses taken at an accredited English-speaking post-secondary institution
Nursing (ADN), Associate Degree International MD Transfer List
Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science Degree - International MD Transfer List
ADN Admissions Requirements-Florida Only
Applicants to the Associate Degree in Nursing program must:
- Submit a completed application for admission.
- Complete and execute an enrollment agreement. If the applicant is under the age of 18, enrollment documents must be signed by a parent or guardian.
- Submit documentation of high school graduation or its equivalent.
- Participate in an interview with a University Admissions Advisor.
- For regular admissions, a minimum summative score of 192.3 or a composite score of 58.7 on the TEAS Examination, or score a minimum of 80 on the HESI Examination, or score above 21 on the ACT, or above 1649 on the SAT with 3 Sections, or above 1044 on the SAT with 2 Sections is required.
- LPN applicants must provide proof of an unencumbered license to practice as a Vocational Nurse in Florida.
Post Secondary Transcripts*
Students submitting postsecondary transcripts for transfer credit purposes must do so by the first day of the term of matriculation. Unofficial transcripts may be utilized for the purpose of estimating transfer credits. However, no credit will be awarded without the submission of official transcripts. Failure to submit official transcripts by the end of the first term of matriculation will result in the denial of transfer credit and students will be scheduled for the University's required, equivalent course.
Individuals who are concurrently enrolled at another institution at the time of their matriculation to West Coast University, may be allowed to request transfer credit for courses that are in-progress. In this situation, official transcripts must be received by the end of the first term of matriculation in order to receive transfer credit.
Please note all veteran students are required to submit all postsecondary transcripts. Please see the Veterans Educational Benefits policy in the Financial Policies and Information Section of the Catalog.
BSN and LPN-BSN Admissions Requirements-Florida and Texas, Effective August 18, 2016
Applicants to the Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program must:
- For regular admissions, a minimum summative score of 192.3 or a composite score of 58.7 on the TEAS Examination, or score a minimum of 80 on the HESI Examination, or score above 21 on the ACT, or above 1649 on the SAT with 3 sections, or above 1044 on the SAT with 2 sections is required.
- For conditional acceptance, a summative score of TEAS of 129 to 192.2, or a score on the HESI from 76 to 79.5, or a score on the ACT from 15 to 21, or a score on the SAT with 3 sections from 1300 to 1649, or on the SAT with 2 sections 800 to 1043 4 is required.
- The conditions for admissions are outlined below, any students who do not continue to meet these conditions may be referred to the Student Conduct Committee and/or dismissed from the university.
- Meet regularly with the Student Success Coordinator and assigned Tutor.
- Are required to retake the TEAS prior to moving into the core Nursing curriculum, and must achieve a minimum TEAS Examination composite score of at least a 58.7.
Post Secondary Transcripts*
Students submitting postsecondary transcripts for transfer credit purposes must do so by the first day of the term of matriculation. Unofficial transcripts may be utilized for the purpose of estimating transfer credits. However, no credit will be awarded without the submission of official transcripts. Failure to submit official transcripts by the end of the first term of matriculation will result in the denial of transfer credit and students will be scheduled for the University's required, equivalent course.
Individuals who are concurrently enrolled at another institution at the time of their matriculation to West Coast University, may be allowed to request transfer credit for courses that are in-progress. In this situation, official transcripts must be received by the end of the first term of matriculation in order to receive transfer credit.
Please note all veteran students are required to submit all postsecondary transcripts. Please see the Veterans Educational Benefits policy in the Financial Policies and Information Section of the Catalog.
RN to BSN (Online) Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the program must meet the following standards:
- Provide proof of a current unobstructed Registered Nurse (RN) license from the United States.
- Students awaiting their licensure exam may be admitted if they meet all other admissions criteria but must show proof of licensure prior to entering the third trimester of the program.
- Submit official transcripts from a Board of Nursing licensed Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing program;
- Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the first week of 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 in order to be admitted in to the program.
- Applicants with a valid license may be admitted with approved documentation of earned high school degree or equivalent pending receipt of official transcripts of nursing degree. Official transcripts must be submitted to document program completion.
*All students must have a current and unobstructed license in the United States prior to entering the third trimester of the program; an unobstructed license is required for degree completion and will be verified again prior to entering the practicum course. Failure to present a valid RN license will result in dismissal from the university until such time license is current and unobstructed.