If you’re looking to advance your nursing education, you may have encountered a waitlist — or know someone else who has — at some point. Waiting for acceptance can be frustrating, especially when it delays your career goals and you’re ready to start now.
Rather than putting your future on hold, consider a school that values your passion and commitment to succeed. West Coast University (WCU) proudly offers an accredited, no-waitlist Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at its Miami and Dallas-area campuses, allowing you to begin quickly without sacrificing quality.
In addition to a BSN, WCU offers nursing programs at six campuses across Florida, Texas, and California at the associate and master’s levels. Program lengths range from approximately 20 months to 54 months, depending on which program and pace you choose.
Starting sooner means you can begin making a difference sooner. Read on to learn more about nursing school waitlists and why choosing a program without a waitlist can be a smart move.
What is the Average Waitlist Time for a Nursing Program?
Since every school is different, the average wait time for entering a nursing program can vary significantly. While certain nursing programs may allow entry within only a few semesters, others might require applicants to wait several years.
This is because nursing waitlists vary widely depending on factors such as:
- Your GPA
- The nursing courses you’ve completed
- How long you’ve been waiting to enter the nursing program
Although waiting to make it off the list is an option, it may mean postponing your nursing career for months or even years. WCU’s no-waitlist admissions process allows qualified applicants to begin their education sooner and gain the hands-on experience needed to succeed in the nursing field.
What Are the Benefits of No-Waitlist Schools?
Beyond prompt enrollment, there are other benefits to attending no-waitlist schools. If you’re a prospective nurse, consider the time and uncertainty that can arise while waiting to hear back on your acceptance. Below are a few advantages of attending a no-waitlist school.
1. You Can Finish Your Nursing Degree Faster
It makes sense that no-waitlist nursing programs can save you precious time toward starting your nursing career. Some BSN programs offer accelerated paces, allowing you to complete your education more efficiently. In fact, the BSN programs at WCU’s Texas and Miami campuses can be completed in as little as 39 months at the Accelerated pace.
Finishing sooner also means less time between the day you decide to pursue nursing and the day you complete your degree requirements, and less time carrying the cost and uncertainty of waiting.
2. You’ll Reduce Stress From Uncertainty
Waiting to hear back from a nursing program can feel overwhelming, especially when your future plans are on hold. The uncertainty of not knowing when — or even if — you’ll be accepted into a program can add unnecessary stress to the experience.
With accredited no-waitlist nursing programs, you can minimize that uncertainty and put your energy into preparing for your nursing career without delays.
3. You Can Save Money on Your Education
If you’re located in a high cost-of-living state with long nursing school waitlists (like California), you might want to consider relocating for nursing school. Moving to states like Florida or Texas to pursue your BSN degree can both eliminate waitlists and make your education more affordable. You’ll receive a quality education for less.
4. You’re Able to Enroll Anytime Without Pressure
Knowing you can enroll right away can give you a clear timeline for your education, allowing you to focus on your studies and career goals instead of worrying about waitlists or reapplying year after year.
Whether you’re just getting started in the field of nursing or transitioning from another healthcare field, you can rest easy knowing that you can start your education on your own terms.
Where Can You Attend Nursing School at WCU?
Wondering whether there’s a WCU campus near you? You’ll find six across three states. Nursing programs, program lengths, and admissions timelines differ by campus, so where you start depends on where you are and how soon you want to begin.
| Campus | Location | Nursing Programs | Program Length | Waitlist |
| WCU-Miami | Doral, FL | Associate Degree in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing LPN to BSN Direct-Entry MSN |
ADN: approx. 20 months BSN: 39 / 44 / 54 months LPN to BSN: 34 / 39 / 49 months Direct-Entry MSN: approx. 24 months |
No waitlist. You can begin classes once you have been assigned a start date |
| WCU-Texas | Richardson, TX (Dallas Metroplex) | Bachelor of Science in Nursing LVN to BSN | BSN: 39 months LVN to BSN: 34 months (Accelerated pace) | No waitlist. You can begin classes once you have been assigned a start date |
| WCU-Los Angeles | North Hollywood, CA | Bachelor of Science in Nursing LVN to BSN | BS in Nursing: 39 months LVN to BSN: 34 months |
Contact an admissions advisor |
| WCU-Ontario | Ontario, CA | Bachelor of Science in Nursing LVN to BSN |
BS in Nursing: 39 months LVN to BSN: 34 months |
Contact an admissions advisor |
| WCU-Orange County | Anaheim, CA | Bachelor of Science in Nursing LVN to BSN BS in Dental Hygiene | BS in Nursing: 39 months LVN to BSN: 34 months Dental Hygiene: 34 months | Contact an admissions advisor |
| Center for Graduate Studies | Los Angeles, CA | Graduate and doctoral health programs | Varies by program | — |
The no-waitlist BSN programs described in this article are offered at WCU-Miami and WCU-Texas. If you’re considering a California campus, an admissions advisor can walk you through current availability and start dates.
How Long Does Nursing School Take at WCU?
How long is nursing school? That depends on the credential you’re pursuing and the pace you choose. At WCU-Miami, you can pick from three BSN paces to match your schedule. WCU-Texas offers the Accelerated pace only.
| Program | Campus | Pace | Length |
| Associate Degree in Nursing | Miami | — | Approx. 20 months (67 credits) |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Miami | Accelerated Evening & Weekend Working Professional |
39 months 44 months 54 months |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Texas | Accelerated | 39 months (120 credits) |
| LPN to BSN | Miami | Accelerated Evening & Weekend Working Professional |
39 months 44 months 54 months |
| LVN to BSN | Texas | Accelerated Evening & Weekend Working Professional |
34 months (120 credits) |
| Direct-Entry MSN | Direct-Entry MSN | Accelerated Evening & Weekend Working Professional |
Approx. 24 months (83 credits) |
New academic terms begin on average every 10 weeks, so the gap between applying and starting is measured in weeks, not semesters or years. Eligible transfer credits may reduce your time to completion further. Keep in mind that your previous coursework will need to be evaluated to confirm what may transfer.
For a full breakdown of what shapes a BSN timeline: prerequisites, transfer credits, and pace, see our guide to how long a BSN takes.
Skip Nursing School Waitlists and Finish Sooner at WCU
If you’re ready to start a career helping others, you don’t have to wait. WCU’s accredited BSN program at its Miami and Dallas-area campuses offers the hands-on training needed to succeed. Students learn from experienced faculty and receive support in securing clinical training in the local area — all without having to face the uncertainty of lengthy waitlists.
Plus, if you’re wondering how to pay for your tuition, WCU’s financial aid advisors are here to help you determine your options. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
When you earn your BSN in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Area, you may qualify for a New Student Achievement Grant of up to $9,500 per academic year. Prospective BSN and LPN to BSN students attending the Miami, Florida location may also qualify for up to $6,500 per academic year.
Learn why so many driven nurses choose West Coast University as their nursing school for a meaningful, quality education — schedule your tour today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does West Coast University have a nursing waitlist?
No. WCU-Miami and WCU-Texas don’t have waitlists for their nursing programs, so you can start your education when you’ve been assigned a start date.
Some nursing schools also require you to reapply to the nursing program after you finish your general education courses. Neither campus requires that; you’re a nursing student from day one. Availability varies at the California campuses, so contact an admissions advisor about those locations.
Which WCU campuses offer nursing programs?
You’ll find nursing programs at five WCU campuses:
- Miami, Florida (in Doral)
- Richardson, Texas, in the Dallas Metroplex
- North Hollywood, California
- Ontario, California
- Anaheim, California, home to the Orange County campus
The Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles offers graduate and doctoral health programs.
Are WCU’s nursing programs accredited?
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation).
The associate degree in nursing, baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate certificate programs at West Coast University are accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, 202-909-2487.
How often do nursing classes start at WCU?
New academic terms begin on average every 10 weeks. Because there’s no waitlist at the Miami and Texas campuses, you can typically begin at the next available start date instead of waiting for an annual admissions cycle.
Can I transfer credits into a WCU nursing program?
Yes. WCU offers a complimentary transcript evaluation to determine whether your previous coursework may be eligible for transfer credits, and eligible transfer credits could help you finish your program sooner.
Keep in mind that your previous coursework will need to be evaluated to confirm what may transfer.
How do I apply to a WCU nursing program?
We recommend booking an information session first, so an admissions advisor can walk you through your program options, admission requirements, and financial aid eligibility. From there, you can start your application online.
All programs require proof of high school graduation or its equivalent, passing entrance exam scores, and you’ll need to be 18 years of age before clinical rotations. You can also call 866-508-2684 to request information.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. 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.
