WEST COAST UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW Focused on Health Sciences AHEAD OF THE CURVE
For over 100 years, West Coast University has been educating and preparing students for professional careers. Today, WCU is committed to a unique student-centric approach to advanced healthcare education combining critical thinking with hands-on experience to put our students ahead of the curve. Across our seven modern facilities in Southern California, Texas, and Florida, we offer focused undergraduate degree programs in nursing and dental hygiene, as well as master s and doctorate programs in nursing, health administration, occupational therapy, physical therapy and pharmacy. Whether you are looking to start a new professional career, or accelerate your current one, West Coast University is a place where you can do so as part of a community a community of learning that is committed to excellence. AHEAD OF THE CURVE Institutional Accreditation A quality education is the foundation of every career. West Coast University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 1 Accreditation serves as an indicator for both parents and students that an institution is committed to delivering a high-quality education by providing an external and objective endorsement of instructional quality.
WCU Programs Whether you re planning for your career or continuing your education, West Coast University offers focused programs and technologically advanced learning facilities to help prepare you to move ahead. Our concentrated, hands-on approach to education focuses on critical thinking, ethical reasoning, leadership and interpersonal skills. Online Miami Los Angeles Center for Graduate Studies Orange County Ontario Dallas FL CA CA CA CA TX UNDERGRADUATE Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to BSN & Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to BSN Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) 6 GRADUATE Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) 7 Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) 8 Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN 2,3 Registered Nurse (RN) to MSN Multiple Tracks 2,3 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Multiple Tracks 2, 3 Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) 2,4 ONLINE Master of Health Administration (MHA) 5 Master of Public Health (MPH) 5 Post-Master s FNP Certificate Post-Master s Nurse Leader Certificate Post-Master s Nurse Educator Certificate Post-Master s Nurse Informatics Certificate
WCU Undergraduate Programs Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares you for a career that s in demand. With our studentcentric approach, WCU offers you several advantages. Classes are available when you need them, once you re assigned a start date, you won t have to worry about wait lists or lotteries to get the classes you need. 9 WCU also offers ongoing career support with Career Services. Our BSN program prepares you for the real world. Gain real-life experience in our technologically advanced Simulation Center, where you practice routine events to crisis situations, learn the nursing process and enhance your critical thinking skills. WCU has a network of approximately 300 clinical partners nationwide where you do your clinical rotations matters and we are able to draw on a diverse set of site options in assigning your clinical placement. 39 Months 44 Months for Evening and Weekend Prorgram (FL only) Classes Start Every 10 Weeks BSN LVN/LPN TO BSN BSDH Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse to BSN (LVN/LPN to BSN) Your LVN/LPN experience counts at WCU. Turn your LVN/LPN into a BSN an advanced degree that could open doors. West Coast University Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs combine technologically advanced simulation with multiple opportunities to gain hands-on experience. WCU helps prepare students to master both the skills and confidence required to create lasting success in the nursing field. At WCU, you ll discover focused curriculum, technologically advanced simulation, and dedicated faculty ready to help prepare you to take the next step in your career. WCU also provides a variety of ways to help in the community while continuing to build on your education and experience. WCU has built relationships with an expansive list of clinical partners providing you with unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience while making valuable connections to expand your professional network all while continuing to put your education and experience to good use. Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) If you like science, have an interest in healthcare, or just find satisfaction in helping people a career as a dental hygienist could be your ideal option. Our Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree program is one of only six offered in California. It is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) 10 of the American Dental Association, and there are no wait lists for prerequisite classes once you are enrolled. 9 Our Dental Hygiene program focuses on Learning by Doing. Our simulation lab enables you to practice preclinical techniques and procedures which replicate real patient conditions. Once you have progressed, you will have the opportunity to provide dental hygiene services to patients at our on-site clinic. Our Dental Hygiene Clinic offers free service to the public with more than 15,000 patient visits a year, you ll have opportunities to learn and practice in a real-world atmosphere. 34 Months 39 Months for Evening and Weekend Prorgram (FL only) Classes Start Every 10 Weeks 34 Months Community Involvement
WCU Graduate Programs Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). 6 Students in this program are engaged in a lively environment that harnesses advanced technology with patient Simulation Centers. The program stresses interprofessional education, critical thinking skills, effective written and oral communication, computer proficiency and program literacy. 24 Months 96 Credits 1,080 hours of Hands-on Fieldwork Opportunities Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) The Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at West Coast University uses a student-centric, interprofessional approach to prepare students with the critical thinking skills, practical experience and compassionate approach necessary to succeed as an Occupational Therapist. With statistics forecasting a 27 percent growth in the national demand for occupational therapists from 2014 to 2024, 12 this fastgrowing field presents a remarkable opportunity in the healthcare profession. 32 Months 120 Credits Integrated Healthcare Training Our method of experiential learning gives students the confidence to take greater responsibility in the care of their clients. This approach is key to succeed in this challenging yet rewarding field. The doctoral coursework provides the student with a deepened engagement with practice skills, innovation, occupational therapy and occupational science theory, and research. The practice of these skills builds a foundation for future leadership and advocacy within Occupational Therapy and the workplace. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is an interdisciplinary and student-centric program dedicated to the development of entry-level physical therapists poised to fill an emerging demand. This full time program incorporates interprofessional education and experiential learning with over 2,040 hours of clinical experiences and internships. The DPT program has a variety of clinical internship opportunities that will take place at a minimum of three different practice settings to ensure that students are prepared to be a general practitioner at graduation and equipped to work in a range of clinical settings. 36 Months 133 Credits Over 2,040 hours of Clinical Experiences and Internships DPT PharmD Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) The Doctor of Pharmacy program is designed to educate and train professional, ethical and proficient pharmacists. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on practical experience. This approach allows the student to reinforce and translate the theoretical framework and concepts into practice from the outset. This program also incorporates interprofessional education into the curriculum, allowing students to provide patient care in a collaborative team of health professionals. The approach allows a wider breadth of understanding the interconnectedness of pharmacy within the entire healthcare field. WCU combines a demanding curriculum, real-world practice experience and interprofessional education to help aspiring pharmacists to enter the workforce. 45 Months 144 Credits Experiential Learning Integrated Patient Care
WCU Online Programs Online Environment at WCU At WCU, you are not alone, you will have the support and guidance that will help you achieve your professional goals. Our online classes are energizing, engaging and enriched with video content, simulations, adaptive quizzing and on-the-go resources to help you stay connected wherever you are. WCU s programs are simple to navigate and easy to use while we support you with clear and continuous access to your instructors, peers, Student Services and our 24/7 technical support. You will have access to the campus student support services, including ongoing support from WCU s Career Services department, even beyond graduation. Students in California and Texas will have the opportunity to utilize the WCU campuses, our technologically advanced simulation centers and interact faceto-face with the faculty and student support staff. Master of Health Administration (MHA) Master of Public Health (MPH) The MHA program is designed for working professionals and helps prepare graduates for managerial positions. The curriculum has been carefully designed to meet the core competencies as identified by the Health Care Leadership Alliance (HLA) in a survey of 100,000 executives in the healthcare industry and includes interprofessional education taught within the courses. 12 Months 36 Credits Internship Opportunities 100% Online The MPH degree program has been developed to help graduates address the ways health and wellness advocacy; policy and action can have a huge impact on an ever-changing world. From disease prevention to environmental concerns, WCU helps prepare graduates to have the skills and confidence to have a real impact where they re needed most and build careers making a difference. 12 Months 42 Credits Classes Start Every 8 Weeks This program will help you enhance your knowledge of healthcare systems, consideration of ethical issues in healthcare administration and many other skills. The program is delivered 100% online with access to student support services and internship opportunities. If it s making news well-trained public health professionals can help. From Zika to HIV safe drinking water to waste management nearly every issue that matters most has a public health component. So, a Master of Public Health degree really prepares you to follow your passion, and help where it matters most. RN TO BSN Registered Nurse to BSN (RN TO BSN) Tailored for the working RN, this program enhances leadership and management skills. Courses are delivered online with access to on-campus student services including career services, and in Dallas and Southern California, technologically advanced Simulation Centers. This streamlined curriculum allows for up to 84 transferable credit hours. Be sure to ask how both the education you ve completed and your experience in the field can apply toward your degree. Built into the WCU curriculum, RN to BSN students may earn a Certificate of Completion of Sigma Theta Tau International s Nurse Manager Program and a California Public Health certificate. The program includes Practice Experience and helps prepare graduates for roles in leadership, basic health policy, evidence-based care, and quality improvement. 12 Months 36 Credits Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
WCU Online Programs RN to Master of Science in Nursing (RN TO MSN) RN TO MSN WCU s RN to MSN program offers working RNs the opportunity to enhance their nursing knowledge and skills to address the evolving needs of the healthcare system. RN s have the opportunity to move directly to the MSN degree, without the need to complete a BSN. Courses are delivered online with access to on-campus student services including career services, and in Dallas and Southern California, technologically advanced Simulation Centers. WCU offers multiple RN-MSN track options and each program includes practice experience hours. RN to MSN Tracks Advanced Generalist Nurse Educator Nurse Informatics Nurse Leader Our streamlined curriculum allows for up to 90 transferable credit hours. This program is designed to help prepare graduates to take on more challenging career options in administrative, higher education teaching or leadership roles by building on prior clinical knowledge and experience. Also, Informatics track graduates are eligible to take the Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) exam. Our online delivery of the MS in Nursing program has been crafted with working professionals schedules in mind. 24 Months 51 Credits Classes Start Every 8 Weeks Streamlined Curriculum Allowing for Transfer Graduates are Eligible for BRN Approval to Teach Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) West Coast University s Master of Science in Nursing program has been developed to provide you with the foundation to achieve your professional goals. Courses are delivered online with access to on-campus student services including career services, and in Dallas and Southern California, technologically advanced Simulation Centers. WCU offers multiple MSN track options and each program includes practice experience hours. MSN Tracks Advanced Generalist Nurse Educator Nurse Informatics Nurse Leader The MSN program also includes a Curriculum and Instruction course which helps graduates with teaching opportunities, and Informatics track graduates are eligible to take the Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) exam. Our program is designed for working nurses, to help you prepare for the next level of leadership and professional achievement. 24 Months 36 Credits Classes Start Every 8 Weeks Graduates are Eligible for BRN Approval to Teach MSN
WCU Online Programs RN to MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) FNP The RN to Master of Science in Nursing degree Family Nurse Practitioner track has been developed to take your career to the next level without requiring a bachelor s degree. Our career-focused curriculum is based on guidance taken from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing s (AACN) Master s Essentials and focuses on the core competencies as developed by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. The MSN core courses are delivered online and followed by FNP specialty courses. RN-MSN graduates are eligible for BRN approval to teach. 40 Months 68 Credits 6 Onsite Intensives Precepted Clinical Hours MSN FNP Take your education to another level with WCU s MSN-FNP program. Our career-focused curriculum is based on guidance taken from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing s (AACN) Master s Essentials and focuses on the core competencies as developed by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. The MSN core courses are delivered online and followed by FNP specialty courses. The FNP program graduates are also eligible for BRN approval to teach. 36 Months 53 Credits 6 Onsite Intensives Precepted Clinical Hours Post-Master s FNP Certificate 11 Prepare for the next level of leadership and professional achievement by earning your Post-Master s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate with WCU. You will have opportunities to successfully apply theoretical concepts and skills you are learning to clinical situations. Additionally, the program meets National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF) standards. 24 Months 32 Credits 6 Onsite Intensives Precepted Clinical Hours Post-Master s Nurse Leader Certificate If you envision yourself as an Executive Director, Chief Nursing Officer or Department Head, the WCU Post- Master s Nurse Leader Certificate program can help you get there. Nurse Leaders direct the planning and development of policies and procedures for healthcare organizations, while focusing on improving the quality of patient care. With our online certificate program you can become a leader within your field. Post-Master s Nurse Educator Certificate WCU s Online Post- Master s Nurse Educator Certificate can help you create new career options and enlighten future colleagues. Nurse educators design continuing education and staff development programs as well as teach in school. This certificate program is designed to help you meet the needs of students and nursing colleagues. With this certificate program you can guide and inspire others to engage in lifelong learning and help shape the next generation of nurse. Post-Master s Nurse Informatics Certificate Earning your Post- Master s Certificate can help take your career to the next level. Nurse Informatics focuses on the development of healthcare information technology combined with nursing science and computer science. A nurse in this role will create and manage databases and implement them within the healthcare system. WCU s online program is designed by nurses working in the profession. 12 Months 18 Credits Multiple Starts Per Year Precepted Clinical Hours 8 Months 12 Credits Multiple Starts Per Year Precepted Clinical Hours 12 Months 18 Credits Multiple Starts Per Year Precepted Clinical Hours
Learn by Doing FNP Onsite Intensives Students in the MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program and the Post-Master s FNP Certificate program will participate in six weekend intensives (ranging from two to three days in length), held at the Center for Graduate Studies located in Los Angeles, California. These intensive workshops bring students and expert faculty together to engage in person in the demonstrations and practicing of essentials skills and competencies needed by nurse practitioners, as well as clinical evaluations where students perform demonstrations of these skills. These intensive sessions are dynamic and rich in content, and our highly skilled and engaging faculty makes these experiences enjoyable as well as educational. Dental Hygiene Clinic Excellent dental hygiene care free to the community. The West Coast University Dental Hygiene Clinic is a community resource to improve the oral health of those it serves. The clinic serves as an educational facility to support the clinical learning needs of the students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program. All patient care is provided by dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of our expert faculty dental hygienists and dentists. We provide a range of oral care services from routine check-ups and cleanings to treating oral disease. All services are free to those who qualify to be a patient. The mission of the Dental Hygiene Program is to shape the future of dentistry by graduating highly qualified dental hygienists. Simulation Center Imagine your first real-world patient emergency. How will you react? WCU helps prepare you for the correct response by creating on-demand, mock healthcare situations in our Simulation Centers. With repetitive practice and randomized scenarios, you can be confident and able to safely manage situations that mirror those faced by professional nurses every day. WCU s technologically advanced Simulation Centers combine innovative, high-fidelity manikins that mimic human responses with complex scenarios, to help you gain the self-assurance and critical skills needed to succeed.
Beyond the Classroom International Education West Coast University offers students the opportunity to study abroad. In addition to expanding personal perspective and professional networking connections, students also gain firsthand knowledge in: Core concepts of international service Differences in the healthcare continuum Alternative healthcare delivery systems World-view nursing care strategies Top WCU students have an opportunity to gain an international perspective in healthcare, whether they re working hands-on with patients, or studying the latest developments in healthcare. Community Outreach Our programs have been designed with world changers in mind, and our students enjoy integrated opportunities which help each student make a real difference. At WCU, you ll discover a variety of ways to help in the community while you learn. From local health events and on-site assistance, to providing aid to patients at home and abroad you ll have the opportunity to make a difference from day one. WCU has built a network of approximately 300 clinical partners nationwide, each student has unique opportunities to gain hands-on experience working in real community environments to support their individual interests and professional goals. Support After Graduation West Coast University supports its students beyond the last day of class. We are committed to helping our graduates throughout their careers. Through our Career Services department, we provide ongoing assistance with professional and career development through workshops and guidance for our students and graduates. We partner with industry professionals and enhance the prospects for securing employment and obtaining professional success. West Coast University also has an alumni network to keep our graduates connected.
Learn by Doing Experiential Learning Gain hands-on experience at West Coast University. Internships, practice experience, fieldwork and clinicals provide a range of direct patient-care opportunities, allowing students to apply what they have learned in a clinical setting. This approach helps students develop a professional identity within an interdisciplinary context. DISCLOSURES 1 (WSCUC) 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510-748-9001, www.wascsenior.org. 2 The WCU online nursing programs are offered through the Orange County, CA campus and may not be available to residents in all states. 3 Practice Experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN and MSN degree programs. 4 Program requirements include 6 onsite intensives, located at the Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, and precepted hours in order to graduate. Travel costs are not included in tuition and fees. To practice in California, graduates must obtain national certification and seek BRN approval through Method Two. For more information about Certification application requirements, please visit the California Board of Registered Nursing at: http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/applicants/np-app.pdf. 5 The WCU online MHA and MPH programs are offered through the Orange County, CA campus. 6 The entry-level MSOT Program at WCU received accreditation in December 11, 2014 from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. ACOTE s telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-2682, and their web address is acoteonline.org. Program graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure to practice; however, state licensure is usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. 7 Effective February 25, 2014, the West Coast University Doctor of Physical Therapy program has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates that the program may matriculate students in professional courses and that the program is progressing toward accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accreditation@apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. 8 West Coast University School of Pharmacy s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60603, 312-644-3575; fax 312-664-4652, web site www.acpe-accredit.org. 9 Students that have been conditionally accepted will be required to meet all admission requirements in order to advance into Nursing or Dental Hygiene core courses. All students must progress normally and successfully pass their courses in order to advance into Nursing or Dental Hygiene core courses. Student should review their program specific requirements located in the University Catalog for more information. 10 The program in dental hygiene is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at: 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission s web address is: http://www.ada.org/100.aspx. 11 New students accepted based on space availability. 12 Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-therapists.htm. Programs vary by campus. WCU cannot guarantee employment. For graduation rates, median debt of graduates completing these programs and other important information, visit westcoastuniversity.edu/disclosure. The Nursing Baccalaureate and Master s Degree Programs at all campuses are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202-877-6791, http://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne. The nursing pre-licensure (LVN to BSN and BSN) programs offered at West Coast University are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. West Coast University is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing for the pre-licensure nursing (BSN) programs. West Coast University is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing for the pre-licensure nursing (BSN) programs.
Los Angeles Campus 12215 Victory Boulevard North Hollywood, CA 91606 (818) 299-5500 Center for Graduate Studies 590 N Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 284-7998 Orange County Campus 1477 S Manchester Avenue Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 782-1700 Orange County Learning Site 2411 W La Palma Avenue Anaheim, CA 92801 (714) 876-6013 Ontario Campus 2855 E Guasti Road Ontario, CA 91761 (909) 467-6100 facebook.com/westcoastuniversity twitter.com/westcoastu instagram.com/westcoastuniversity Dallas Campus 8435 N Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75247 (214) 453-4533 Miami Campus 9250 NW 36th Street Doral, FL 33178-2431 (786) 501-7070 WCU-BRO-US-AllCampus-072018-V3