Advance Your Education
Online coursework designed for working nurses who want flexibility in their study schedules
Practical training in evidence-based practice with a focus on ethics, leadership, and community health
A clinical team dedicated to helping you find a placement for your practicum hours in your local area
Ongoing support from faculty, your Student Success advisor, our Career Services team, and more
If you’re a registered nurse who wants to advance your knowledge in clinical best practices, build your leadership skills, and expand your understanding of the latest trends and technologies in medicine, you may be interested in an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, in 2021, 77.4% of employers expressed a strong preference for BSN program graduates, and 40.6% of hospitals and healthcare settings are requiring new hires to have a bachelor’s degree.1 A BSN can help prepare you for roles in leadership, basic health policy, evidence-based care, and quality improvement. It can also prepare you to pursue advanced nursing degrees.
At the Accelerated Plus pace, our online RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as 8 months, or two trimesters. The program requires 120 credit hours for completion, with a total up to 90 credits transferable credits or equivalent, for students who qualify.2 At WCU, we focus on practical coursework and hands-on experience that can be carried over into real-life nursing situations throughout your career.
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 a quick pace. However, we know that students’ circumstances vary, and that’s why we also offer flexible paths of study for those who may need it. Choose a study schedule that matches your goals and life schedule!
Accelerated Plus Pace
(8 Months)
This is the fastest pace that we offer for our RN to BSN online program. By taking more courses per term, you can earn your online RN to BSN degree in as few as 8 months, or just two trimesters. This pace is ideal for experienced nurses who want to streamline their path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Accelerated Pace
(12 Months)
This pace is also a great option for working nurses who want to pursue their bachelor’s degree on a more aggressive timeline. At the Accelerated RN to BSN pace, a student can complete their degree in as few as 12 months.
Working Professional Pace
(20 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 you have a work schedule that complicates your study schedule, this may be the best program pace to help you reach your educational goals.
WCU's RN to BSN program requires 135 hours of practice experience (which includes 90 supervised hours) so you can learn to make assessments and recommendations for care and interact with patients and other practitioners. While your coursework can be completed remotely, in-person experience is also required through clinicals completed in your local area so you can continue your career with confidence
Because you’re already a licensed RN, you’ll be able to complete your WCU degree almost entirely online. Additionally, mobile-friendly content is available to make it easier for you to study between shifts.
We recommend reviewing your prospective RN to BSN curriculum in detail so you know what to expect in your program:
| Course Number |
Course Name |
Total Credit Hours |
| ELECT 199 |
Awarded for College-Level Non-Nursing Coursework: Up to 39 credits of transfer coursework:
* College Level Examination Program (CLEP) * Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES) * Advanced Placement (AP) * International Baccalaureate (IB) * American Credit Evaluation (ACE) * National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) * Challenge exams |
39.0 |
If a post-licensure nursing student cannot provide appropriate documentation evidencing general education transfer credit eligibility at the time of enrollment, the student will be scheduled for General Education classes at West Coast University.
RN-BSN Transfer Credit
To achieve the graduation requirement of 120 credits, all students must complete 39 credits of general education courses. All general education credits must fall into one of the general education category areas below. Students may request to satisfy general education credit requirements through transfer credit per university policy.
| 300 | Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations | 3 |
| 305 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| 310 | Resiliency, Professionalism, & Career-Long Learning | 3 |
| 315 | Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| 400C | Community & Public Health Nursing I | 3 |
| 405C | Community & Public Health Nursing II | 3 |
| 410C | Health Literacy & Nursing Capstone | 3 |
| 500 | Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics, & Finance | 3 |
| 510 | Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care | 3 |
| 515 | Health Promotion and Disease Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 | |
Credit Distribution
| Required at WCU | 30.0 |
| Awarded for college-level, General Education courses | 39.0 |
| Awarded for Unencumbered RN Licensure and lower-level nursing courses | 51.0 |
| Degree Total | 120.0 |
New academic terms begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters required for your program depends on the program pace you choose. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of RN to BSN Online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the RN to BSN Online program costs at West Coast University.
We offer several RN to BSN Online financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.
For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
| Degree Type | Bachelor of Science | ||
| Total Program Credits | 1201 | ||
| Program Length(full time) | 2 trimesters | ||
| Non-Military Rate | Veteran Rate1 | Active Duty Rate2 | |
| General Education Courses4 | $495 | $420.75 | $250 |
| Core Courses | $495 | $420.75 | $250 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $14,850 | $12,622.50 | $7,500 |
| STRF5 | $40 | $35 | $22.50 |
| Technology Fee6 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees ($50 per Trimester)7 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Non-California Resident) | $15,950 | $13,722.50 | $8,600 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California Resident) | $15,990 | $13,757.50 | $8,622.50 |
| Degree Type | Bachelor of Science | ||
| Total Program Credits | 1201 | ||
| Program Length (full time) | 3 trimesters | ||
| Non-Military Rate | Veteran Rate1 | Active Duty Rate2 | |
| General Education Courses4 | $495 | $420.75 | $250 |
| Core Courses | $495 | $420.75 | $250 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $14,850 | $12,622.50 | $7,500 |
| STRF5 | $42.50 | $35 | $22.50 |
| Technology Fee6 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees ($50 per Trimester)7 | $150 | $150 | $150 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Non-California Residents) | $16,500 | $14,272.50 | $9,150 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California Residents) | $16,542.50 | $14,307.50 | $9,172.50 |
| Degree Type | Bachelor of Science | ||
| Total Program Credits | 1201 | ||
| Program Length (full time) | 5 trimesters | ||
| Non-Military Rate | Veteran Rate1 | Active Duty Rate2 | |
| General Education Courses4 | $495 | $420.75 | $250 |
| Core Courses | $495 | $420.75 | $250 |
| Total Tuition Cost | $14,850 | $12,622.50 | $7,500 |
| STRF5 | $45 | $37.50 | $25 |
| Technology Fee6 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Estimate for Program Supply Fees ($50 per Trimester)7 | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (Non-California Residents) | $17,600 | $15,372.50 | $10,250 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs (California Residents) | $17,645 | $15,410 | $10,275 |
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated Plus will attempt two to three courses per term, Accelerated will attempt one to two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term. General Education courses that are not applied as transfer credit is not included in the Estimated Time to Completion.
1 Includes 51 credits for active unencumbered RN License and lower-level nursing, and assumes 39 transfer credits for General Education courses, and the remaining 30 credits are required to be taken at WCU.
2 Rate provided to Veterans, Veteran Spouse, dependents utilizing VA Benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.
3 Rate provided to Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Department of Defense employees.
4 Students that do not receive the 39 transfer credits for General Education courses will need to schedule the courses at WCU. The cost of these General Education courses is not included in the Estimated Total Program Costs.
5 Effective April 1, 2022, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
6 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
7 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.
Applicants to the program must meet the following standards:
Individuals with 15 or more college-level credits are required to have a 2.25 GPA in post-secondary education.
*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.
Upon graduation, RN to BSN students will:
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 BSN degree, assisting with everything from resume writing and interview preparation to job leads and more.3
Registered nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an RN typically works alongside physicians and other healthcare specialists, and they may oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides. RNs may even work with specific patient groups, such as when they work in the following areas of care:
At WCU, we have a Clinical Placements team that is dedicated to supporting you throughout your clinical practicum journey, from your first course all the way to graduation. Whether you need resources to help you identify the right preceptor and clinical site that aligns with your goals, assistance getting your preceptor and clinical site approved, or guidance on how to make your practicum experience a success, our team is here to help.
You will have an assigned coordinator of clinical relations who can provide you with coaching calls, so you’ll never have to feel alone as you complete this critical component of your program requirements. West Coast University has partnerships with reputable healthcare organizations, which can be of great value when it comes to helping students with clinical practice placements
Dean/Director, DNP, RN to BSN, AGPC-NP & Graduate Specialty Programs
Dr. George Peraza-Smith is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Case Western Reserve University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Mast of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing administration from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has both a gerontological nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate from the University of South Florida and an adult nurse practitioner post-doctoral certificate from Brandman University.
Dr. Peraza-Smith is board-certified as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), a gerontological nurse practitioner, an APRN gerontological specialist, and a certified nurse educator. He is the immediate past president of the Florida Nurses Association and the immediate past inaugural president of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) for which he remains a trustee on the board. The GNCC offers an APRN gerontological specialist certification to distinguish APRNs who possess expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults.
Dr. Peraza-Smith has been teaching in MSN and DNP online and hybrid programs for over 10 years. He has held academic leadership positions such as Professor, Program Director, Department Chair, and Associate Dean. Dr. Peraza-Smith resides in Zephyrhills, Florida with his husband and two children.
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 ability 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.
Yes, if you are a registered nurse, you have the option to complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in eight months, or two trimesters, when you choose the Accelerated Plus pace at WCU. This is possible because of your previous academic experience and licensure. You can transfer up to 39 credits for previously completed general education courses and up to 51 credits for previously completed lower-level nursing courses as demonstrated by earning your RN license. Additionally, the Accelerated Plus pace makes it possible for you to take more courses per trimester, allowing you to complete you remaining credits in a shorter time frame.
In addition to our Accelerated Plus pace for our RN to BSN program (which only takes eight months), we also offer an Accelerated pace and a Working Professional pace. The program takes 12 months to complete at the Accelerated Pace and 20 months to complete at the Working Professional pace. The Working Professional pace 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 registered nurse (RN) licensure, 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 opportunities and may allow for more specialized nursing work.
Yes. The online RN to BSN program at WCU consists of online coursework as well as on-site experiential learning. We advise students to choose a local preceptor RN who serves as a guide in their clinicals.
Our RN to BSN program requires 135 hours of clinical practicum, with 45 hours being indirect practicum and 90 hours being direct (or in-person) practicum. We have a clinical team that can help you find a local preceptor site where you can complete your practicum hours.
The key difference between an RN and BSN 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 receive an RN license. A registered nurse may pursue a BSN degree to specialize in a particular area and can help open the door to new professional opportunities.
You can receive financial aid, scholarships, and/or grants if you qualify. A few of the scholarships and grants available at WCU include 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 the online division scholarships and grants page in our catalog.
No WCU student is ever alone. We provide a wealth of online support and resources, including 24/7 access to your coursework and our WCU library, as well as 24/7 tech support. Additionally, our faculty members are committed to responding to students’ questions within a 24-hour period through the Remind app. We also offer no-cost tutoring, faculty mentoring, a Student Success advisor, and more.
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 questions you may have!
1 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses,” October 2021
2 WCU evaluates transfer credits for acceptance. For the RN to BSN program, we may accept a total of up to 90 transfer credits (up to 39 credits for previously completed general education courses and up to 51 credits for previously completed lower-level nursing courses as demonstrated by earning your RN license).
3 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, Updated September 2022
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.