Alumni
Nursing

10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
Earn your BSN in as few as 39 months at the Accelerated program pace
Complete 120 credits to earn your BSN degree
#1 Best Colleges for Nursing in America
#1 Best Colleges for Nursing in Texas
#1 Best Value Colleges in Dallas-Forth Worth Area
Voted as a Best Nursing School by The College Application
Recently opened campus with spacious study areas, tools for hands-on learning, and an on-site café
Simulation labs equipped with industry-current technology, including manikins that react like real patients
Clinical placement teams that help you find local healthcare facilities that align with your goals
One-on-one support every step of the way, including access to Career Services beyond graduation
Are you looking for a career that makes a difference in the world? The care and support nurses provide every day — whether in hospitals or doctors’ offices — make a real impact in patients’ lives. Nurses have the potential to bring comfort when it’s most needed, alleviating both symptoms and worries.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses comprise the largest component of the healthcare workforce. They are the primary providers of hospital patient care and long-term care.1 Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program helps equip you with the skills you need to enter the nursing profession as a registered nurse.
Our WCU-Texas campus, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, has technologically advanced simulation labs where you can practice and master your skills. You’ll work with manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients, all while getting applicable and immediate feedback from your professors.
The WCU-Texas campus offers two program paces to help you find a schedule that fits into your life. Our admissions advisors are available to help you figure out which one is right for you.
Here are our available paces for the BSN program:
On-Campus
120 Credits
39 Months
8 Semesters
On-Campus
120 Credits
44 Months
9 Semesters
This curriculum applies to students matriculating or reentering after December 1, 2022.
All science courses must have been taken within the last five calendar years, unless the student possesses a degree or advanced degree in the specific field of study for which the student is seeking transfer credit. Additional information regarding transfer credit is located in the university’s catalog under Transfer Credit policy or below.
Category and Requirements | WCU Course Requirements | Transferable / Options |
Foundational Course | FYS 001 (0): First Year Seminar (Los Angeles, Ontario, Miami {prior to Spring II 2023}, and Orange County {prior to Summer 1 2023} Campuses) FHE 100 (3): Foundations of Higher Education (Texas, Miami {starting Spring II 2023}, and Orange County {starting Summer I 2023} Campuses) | Non-transferable |
A1- Written Communication (5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum) | * ENGL 140 (3): Written Communication I * ENGL 240 (3): Written Communication II | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
A2. Oral Communication (2.5 Semester Credits Minimum) | * SPCH 142 (3): Oral Communication | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
A3. Critical Thinking (2.5 Semester Credits Minimum) | *PHIL 341 (3): Critical Reasoning | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
A4. Quantitative Reasoning (5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum) | MATH 108 (3): College Mathematics I MATH 211 (3): Statistics | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
B1– Social and Behavioral Sciences / Cultural Diversity, Tradition (8 Semester Credits and 3 Courses Minimum) | * PSYC 160 (3): Psychology * PSYC 290 (3): Life Span Psychology * HUM 370 (3): Cultural Pluralism | Equivalent to PSYC 160 Equivalent to PSYC 290 Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
B2. Life and Physical Sciences (12 Semester Credits and 4 Courses Minimum) | ANAT 260 (4): Human Anatomy PHYS 261 (4): Human Physiology CHEM 280 (4): Chemistry MICR 290 (4): General Microbiology | Equivalent to ANAT 260 Equivalent to PHYS 261 Non-transferable at the Orange County Campus starting Summer I 2023 Equivalent to CHEM 280 Equivalent to MICR 290 |
B3. General Education Capstone (3 Semester Credits) | CAPS 401 (3): General Education Capstone (Los Angeles, Ontario, Miami {prior to Spring II 2023}, Orange County {prior to Summer I 2023} Campuses) | Non-transferable |
A minimum of 46 credits is required for graduation. |
*As of April 2019, this course will be delivered online, asynchronously, through the institution’s Learning Management System except where otherwise authorized by the Program Dean/Director.
PATH 370 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
PHIL 434 | Medical Ethics and Issues | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 6 |
Note: If scheduled, the following courses are to be taken at WCU: FYS 001, FHE 100, CAPS 401, and PATH 370 and PHYS 261 (OC Campus only, starting Summer I 2023).
NURS 100 | Fundamentals of Nursing | 3 |
NURS 101L | Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab | 2 |
NURS 110 | Introduction to Professional Nursing | 2 |
NURS 120 | Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing | 3 |
NURS 121L-A | Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum | 2 |
NURS 121L-B | Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum – On-Campus | 1 |
NURS 180 | Pharmacology | 3 |
NURS 190 | Physical Assessment | 2 |
NURS 201 | Medical Surgical Nursing-Promoting Wellness | 3 |
NURS 211L | Medical Surgical Nursing | 3 |
NURS 222 | Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness in the Mentally Ill | 3 |
NURS 223L | Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum | 2 |
NURS 225 | Nutrition in Health and Disease | 3 |
NURS 306 | Expanding Family and Community (OB) | 2 |
NURS 307 | Developing Family and Community (PEDS) | 2 |
NURS 316L-A | Expanding and Developing Family and Community Practicum (OB) | 1.5 |
NURS 317L-A | Developing Family and Community Practicum (PEDS) | 1.5 |
NURS 340 | Public Health Nursing | 3 |
NURS 342L | Public Health Nursing Practicum | 2 |
NURS 350 | Research in Nursing | 3 |
NURS 420 | Principles of Leadership and Management | 3 |
NURS 431 | Disaster Management | 2 |
NURS 440 | Issues and Trends in Nursing | 3 |
NURS 480 | Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum | 3 |
NURS 481L | Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum | 3 |
NURS 493* | Integration of Nursing Concepts | 3 |
NURS 497 | Nursing Capstone | 1 |
NURS 498L | Integration of Nursing Practices | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: | 68.0 |
NURS 100, NURS 101L: pre-licensure students only *NURS 493R – Taken if student is unsuccessful in NURS 493.
General Education Semester Credits | 46.0 |
General Education within the Area of Study | 6.0 |
Core Nursing Courses | 68.0 |
Total Program Semester Credits | 120.0 |
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 Dallas-area Bachelor of Science in Nursing 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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing program costs at West Coast University.
We offer several 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 (Summer 2023) | Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2023) |
Total Program Credits | 120 | 120 |
Program Length | 8 semesters | 8 semesters |
Full-Time Status (12 to 18 credits) | $12,930 | $12,930 |
3/4-Time Status (9 to 11 credits) | $10,750 | $10,750 |
1/2-Time Status (6 to 8 credits) | $8,405 | $8,405 |
Less than 1/2-Time Status (under 6 credits) (per credit) | $1,425 | $1,425 |
Total Tuition Cost (Full-Time) | $103,440 | $103,440 |
Registration Fee (refundable) | $75 | $75 |
Estimated Total Book Costs1 | $4,790 | $5,283 |
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost1 | $479 | $528 |
Estimate for Uniforms Fee1 | $130 | $130 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees1 | $2,345 | $2,345 |
Technology Fee2 ($100 per semester) | $800 | $800 |
General Education Resource Fee3 | $500 | $500 |
Estimated Total Program Costs | $112,559 | $113,101 |
*Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Evening and Weekend, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course per term.
1 The Estimated Book, Uniform and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change.
2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and require electronic course materials/software.
3 The General Education Resource Fee includes costs associated with ATI Smart Prep materials. The General Education Resource Fee will be waived for Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.
Note 1: Students who wish to take Challenge Exams will be subject to a fee of $100 for each Challenge exam. Please see the campus Bursar Office for a full price listing.
Note 2: Course Audits - If a course(s) is being audited, credits for these courses will be included for the student's schedule status for billing, based on the schedule statuses and amounts shown above. Pre-licensure Nursing students should refer to the program's Dismissal Policy for information surrounding course auditing.
Note 3: The Total Tuition Cost can be converted to Cost per Credit Hour by using the following calculation:
Total Tuition Cost ($103,440) divided by the Total Program Credits (120) = Cost per Credit Hour ($862).
Degree Type | Bachelor of Science (Summer 2023) | Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2023) |
Total Program Credits | 120 | 120 |
Program Length | 9 semesters | 9 semesters |
Full-Time Status (12 to 18 credits) | $11,941 | $11,941 |
3/4-Time Status (9 to 11 credits) | $9,928 | $9,928 |
1/2-Time Status (6 to 8 credits) | $7,762 | $7,762 |
Less than 1/2-Time Status (under 6 credits) (per credit) | $1,425 | $1,425 |
Total Tuition Cost (Full-Time) | $103,443 | $103,443 |
Registration Fee (refundable) | $75 | $75 |
Estimated Total Book Costs2 | $4,790 | $5,283 |
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2 | $479 | $528 |
Estimate for Uniforms Fee2 | $130 | $130 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees2 | $2,345 | $2,345 |
Technology Fee3 ($100 per semester) | $900 | $900 |
General Education Resource Fee4 | $500 | $500 |
Estimated Total Program Costs | $112,662 | $113,204 |
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Evening and Weekend, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course per term.
1 The Evening & Weekend Schedule results in 7 semesters at full time, and 2 semesters at 3/4 time.
2 The Estimated Book, Uniform and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change.
3 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.
4 The General Education Resource Fee includes costs associated with ATI Smart Prep materials. The General Education Resource Fee will be waived for Active Duty, Active Duty Spouse, Reserve, Reserve Spouse, Veterans, Veteran Spouse, Department of Defense employees, dependents utilizing parent's veteran's education benefits, and Veterans Affairs employees.
Note 1: Students who wish to take Challenge Exams will be subject to a fee of $100 for each Challenge exam. Please see the campus Bursar Office for a full price listing.
Note 2: Course Audits - If a course(s) is being audited, credits for these courses will be included for the student's schedule status for billing, based on the schedule statuses and amounts shown above. Pre-licensure Nursing students should refer to the program's Dismissal Policy for information surrounding course auditing.
Note 3: The Total Tuition Cost can be converted to Cost per Credit Hour by using the following calculation:
Total Tuition Cost ($103,443) divided by the Total Program Credits (120) = Cost per Credit Hour ($862).
Applicants to the Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program must:
Effective for Fall II 2021 and Subsequent Terms
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.
For additional information, such as transfer credit evaluation requirements, visit our catalog.
New academic terms begin, on average, every 10 weeks. To get an idea of when each term starts and ends, view our Academic Calendar.
If you’re looking for a nursing school in Texas that emphasizes hands-on learning, the WCU-Texas BSN program offers technologically advanced simulation labs equipped with industry-current technology. Practice your skills using manikins that mimic real-life patients. Their blood pressure rises and falls, their pupils dilate, and they show signs of pain. In the simulation labs, students learn what to do when a patient crashes, and they gain the confidence to tackle real-world challenges.
The simulation labs are equipped for a variety of scenarios, including in the following areas:
We invite you to attend one of our informative presentations on our programs.
At WCU-Texas, we know real-life experience is pivotal in helping you become a confident nursing professional. Our dedicated Clinical Placements team is available to help you find a local healthcare facility that fits your goals. They can facilitate clinical site and preceptor selection, help streamline approvals, and assist with compliance tracking.
After passing all your classes and completing your clinical hours, there’s still one more step to becoming a registered nurse: passing the licensure exam.
WCU-Texas brings you the support you need to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. You’ll have access to NCLEX advisors, bootcamps, study guides, and no-cost tutoring. Through these tools and resources, you’ll gain an understanding of topics covered and the types of questions asked in the exam.
“The day we graduated, I was like ‘I’m going to go take my NCLEX tomorrow.’ That’s how prepared I felt.”
– Alexis C., BSN ’20*
“Because I felt so confident after the program, I actually went back and rescheduled my exam to take it earlier and, thankfully, I passed on the first try.”
– Radha D., BSN ’20*
WCU-Texas graduates have access to our Career Services team for every step of their job search.2 Get help with career planning, locating open jobs, writing resumes, completing applications, and preparing for interviews.
Registered nurses can work in a variety of healthcare facilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs most commonly work in the following settings:
Additionally, RNs can also work in departments and facilities with a range of specializations, including addiction treatment, cardiovascular care, critical care, genetics, neonatal care, nephrology, and public health.3 Our Career Services department can help you find a role that fits your long-term career goals.
Upon graduation from West Coast University, students will have met the following program learning outcomes:
Richild Berrick is the Campus Dean of Nursing at West Coast University-Texas. In her current role, she specializes in NCLEX preparation, curriculum development and management, teaching methodology, and assessment development and analysis.
Dr. Berrick is a certified nurse educator with 17 years of experience in nurse education, during which time she worked in both public and private schools. She was licensed as an RN in 1994, and her clinical experience includes nursing in labor and delivery, emergency room, critical care settings.
Dr. Berrick has a PhD in Nursing Education, a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in nursing education (MSN/Ed), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, attending music festivals, and doing anything outdoors.
Brenna Nix is the Campus Associate Dean of Nursing and Administration for West Coast University’s Texas campus. Prior to assuming the associate dean role, Nix was a Program Assistant for Clinical Education for WCU-Texas. She has nearly a decade of administrative experience.
Some of Nix’s duties as an associate dean include assisting with training and onboarding of new faculty members, maintaining the nursing program budget, and overseeing federal work-study students and program assistants.
Nix has a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Texas Tech University. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
In her free time, Nix loves traveling and spending time with her family. She also enjoys finding new coffee shops to visit.
The BSN program in Texas offers two program paces. The Accelerated pace lets you earn your degree in as little as 39 months (just over three years). The Evening and Weekend pace gives you more flexibility in your schedule by fitting in all classes in the evenings and weekends. It lets you earn your BSN in 44 months (just under four years).
Yes. Our Evening and Weekend program at WCU-Texas fits all your classes during evenings and weekends. This schedule is ideal for working students who need a little flexibility during weekdays.
Yes. WCU’s BSN program is for any students who are seeking to become a registered nurse (RN), even those who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in a different area of study.
West Coast University offers various master’s programs for BSN graduates who want to continue their educations. One popular option is our Master of Science in Nursing program, which allows you to specialize in a specific area of nursing. We offer advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialties such as our Family Nurse Practitioner track, as well as non-APRN specialties such as our Nurse Leader and Nurse Educator tracks.
We also have an RN to MSN program available for those pursuing their graduate degree post-licensure. Non-nursing graduate degrees that some of our nursing students pursue include our Master of Health Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Public Health programs.
An RN is a state-granted license that lets you work as a registered nurse. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an academic degree from an accredited institution. A BSN helps prepare you to pass your RN licensure exam, but it is not a requirement for licensure. Many nurses choose to pursue their BSN because it helps prepare them for new career opportunities. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 77.4% of employers are expressing a strong preference for BSN program graduates.4
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. At WCU-Texas, we have a dedicated team of financial aid advisors to help guide you through the process and find the solution that is right for you. For more information about institutional scholarships available at WCU-Texas, such as the Greg Jarvis Simulation Scholarship and the Nursing Excellence Grant, please visit the Undergraduate On-Ground 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 questions you may have!
1 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Fact Sheet, Updated Sept. 2022
2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
3 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “Work Environment,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022
4 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses,” October 2021
*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.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.