Advance Your Education
We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit — transfer up to 84 credit hours
New online RN to BSN program sessions begin every eight weeks so you can find the best start date for you
Comprehensive Career Services support after graduation
Competitive tuition with financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, in 2020 82.4% of employers expressed a strong preference for BSN program graduates and 41.1% of hospitals and healthcare settings are requiring new hires to have a bachelor’s degree.1 A BSN helps prepare the graduate for roles in leadership, basic health policy, evidence-based care, quality improvement, and to pursue advanced nursing degrees. Today's professional nurse must be a competent provider, planner, manager, and coordinator of care. The RN to BSN online program at West Coast University strives to help BSN candidates gain the skills needed in today’s healthcare field.
Take your RN degree to a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree in as few as 12 months at the accelerated program pace.
We know you’re eager to get started… and get finished! WCU degrees are designed so that you have the ability to earn your degree at an accelerated pace. Because our students’ circumstances vary, there are also flexible schedules of study that work around yours.
Accelerated Pace (12 Months)
This track is streamlined for working nurses looking to advance their education and degree. An RN to BSN degree can be completed in as few as 12 months, with the opportunity to transfer up to 84 credit hours. Your advisor can help you decide if the accelerated pace is right for you, and if any previous coursework is eligible for transfer credit.
Working Professional Pace (24 Months)
Our syllabus is also tailored to consider more complicated schedules, so we designed a course of study to accommodate you. If you’re a parent, or caretaker at home, or have a work schedule that keeps you from regular study, your Student Success Advisor can help design a timeline for BSN study that sets you up for success.
WCU’s RN to BSN degree study includes 135 hours of practice experience, so you can learn to make assessments and recommendations for care and interact with patients and other practitioners. While most of your degree can be completed remotely, in-person experience is often essential so you can continue your career with confidence.
Preview your course of study by degree, including the number of credits needed. The number of months your degree will take (depending on whether you choose an accelerated or working professional pace) will vary as well. We recommend reviewing your prospective curriculum in detail so you know what to expect:
Nursing RN to BSN Online Bachelor of Science
New academic sessions begin, on average, and depending on programs, every eight weeks, and typically last about three trimesters on the accelerated schedule. You can access an up-to-date start-to-completion RN to BSN schedule below.
West Coast University offers competitive tuition, but if tuition is an obstacle, WCU financial aid and/or scholarship options might be available to help you move forward. Adjusted tuition is also available to active and former military members. To see estimated tuition and fees, Click Here.
To apply for financial aid assistance or scholarships, we recommend applying alongside your admissions application in order for your consideration to be processed on your intended timeline. Learn More
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree could open the doors to a variety of career paths — and the West Coast University Career Services team can help you both prepare for and explore your career options.
WCU Career Services offers career planning advice to leverage your RN to BSN degree, assistance with everything from resume writing and interview preparation to job leads and more.
Registered nurses work in a variety of fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they work with different patient groups and specialties, including:
All our online nursing programs have been designed to give you the flexibility you need to earn your degree. While due dates and assignments help keep you on track, you will have the flexibility to watch lectures and complete coursework when and where it’s convenient for you. You choose whether to study in the mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Our Accelerated RN to BSN program allows you to earn your online RN to BSN degree in as few as 12 months. The Working Professional pace (24 months) lets you take fewer classes per trimester, providing flexibility when you need it. Your advisor can help you find the pace that’s right for you.
While it is possible to earn a BSN degree without having the Registed Nurse (RN) certification, WCU's RN to BSN online program is designed specifically for the RN with an Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing (ADN). Being an RN with a BSN expands your professional opporunities and allows for more specialized nursing work.
WCU's RN to BSN program includes 100% online coursework. Some in-person practice experience is also necessary to complete your RN to BSN degree.
Our RN to BSN program requires in-person clinicals and advanced clinical placement practicums.
The key difference between an RN and BSN degree is that an RN is a state-granted license whereas a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a degree from an accredited institution. One must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to receieve their RN license. An RN may pursue a BSN degree to specialize in a particular area and open new professional opportunities.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Among the scholarships offered are the Alumni Pathway Grant (covers up to 20% of tuition), the WCU Health Services Partner Grant (covers up to 10% of tuition), and the WCU Performance Scholarship (covers up to 15% of tuition).
For additional information and eligibility requirements, please visit our online scholarships and grants page on our online catalog.
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).
Pursuing your degree is a big choice. Fill out our form and one of our admissions advisors will contact you to answer any question you may have!
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
WCU Distance education programs are delivered out of the Orange County and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.
Practice Experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree and Post-Master's certificate programs.
