BSN Degree in the Dallas Area

With no waitlist, WCU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in the Dallas Metro area lets you start studying now so you can begin making a difference sooner.

10 Weeks

10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year

39 Months

Earn your BSN in as few as 39 months at the Accelerated program pace

120 Credits

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

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Highlights

Flexible Schedule

Recently opened campus with spacious study areas, tools for hands-on learning, and an on-site café

Real Life Icon

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

Why Pursue a BSN Degree at WCU-Texas?

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.

Overview: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in the Dallas Metro Area

Program Details

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:

Accelerated Pace

On-Campus

120 Credits

39 Months

8 Semesters

Evening & Weekend Pace

On-Campus

120 Credits

44 Months

9 Semesters

Curriculum

This curriculum applies to students matriculating or reentering after December 1, 2022.

General Education Requirements

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 RequirementsWCU Course Requirements Transferable / Options
Foundational CourseFYS 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 IIAny equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements.
A2. Oral Communication (2.5 Semester Credits Minimum)SPCH 142 (3): Oral CommunicationAny equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements.
A3. Critical Thinking (2.5 Semester Credits Minimum)*PHIL 341 (3): Critical ReasoningAny 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): StatisticsAny 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 PluralismEquivalent 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 MicrobiologyEquivalent 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.

General Education within the Area of Study

PATH 370Pathophysiology3
PHIL 434Medical Ethics and Issues3
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).

Core Nursing Courses

NURS 100Fundamentals of Nursing3
NURS 101LFundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab2
NURS 110Introduction to Professional Nursing2
NURS 120Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing3
NURS 121L-AIntroduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum2
NURS 121L-BIntroduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum – On-Campus1
NURS 180Pharmacology3
NURS 190Physical Assessment2
NURS 201Medical Surgical Nursing-Promoting Wellness3
NURS 211LMedical Surgical Nursing3
NURS 222Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness in the Mentally Ill3
NURS 223LMental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum2
NURS 225Nutrition in Health and Disease3
NURS 306Expanding Family and Community (OB)2
NURS 307Developing Family and Community (PEDS)2
NURS 316L-AExpanding and Developing Family and Community Practicum (OB)1.5
NURS 317L-ADeveloping Family and Community Practicum (PEDS)1.5
NURS 340Public Health Nursing3
NURS 342LPublic Health Nursing Practicum2
NURS 350Research in Nursing3
NURS 420Principles of Leadership and Management3
NURS 431Disaster Management2
NURS 440Issues and Trends in Nursing3
NURS 480Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum3
NURS 481LAdvanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness Practicum3
NURS 493*Integration of Nursing Concepts3
NURS 497Nursing Capstone1
NURS 498LIntegration of Nursing Practices3
Total Credit Hours:68.0

NURS 100, NURS 101L: pre-licensure students only *NURS 493R – Taken if student is unsuccessful in NURS 493.

Program Credit Distribution

General Education Semester Credits46.0
General Education within the Area of Study6.0
Core Nursing Courses68.0
Total Program Semester Credits120.0
Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the Dallas-Area Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Cost?

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.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Accelerated*

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

(Summer 2023)

Bachelor of Science

(Starting Fall I 2023)

Total Program Credits120120
Program Length8 semesters8 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).

Evening and Weekend*

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

(Summer 2023)

Bachelor of Science

(Starting Fall I 2023)

Total Program Credits120120 
Program Length9 semesters9 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).

Admission Requirements (FL & TX)

BSN and LPN-BSN Admissions Requirements-Florida Effective August 18, 2016

Applicants to the Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program must:

  1. For regular admissions, a minimum summative score of 192.3 or a composite score of 58.7 on the TEAS Examination, or score a minimum of 80 on the HESI Examination, or score above 21 on the ACT, or above 1649 on the SAT with 3 sections, or above 1044 on the SAT with 2 sections is required.
  2. For conditional acceptance, a summative score of TEAS of 129 to 192.2, or a score on the HESI from 76 to 79.5, or a score on the ACT from 15 to 21, or a score on the SAT with 3 sections from 1300 to 1649, or on the SAT with 2 sections 800 to 1043 4 is required.
  3. The conditions for admissions are outlined below. Any students who do not continue to meet these conditions may be referred to the Student Conduct Committee and/or dismissed from the university.
    1. Meet regularly with the Student Success Coordinator and assigned tutor.
    2. Are required to retake the TEAS prior to moving into the core nursing curriculum, and must achieve a minimum TEAS Examination composite score of at least a 58.7.

Effective for Fall II 2021 and Subsequent Terms

  1. Submit a complete WCU application for admissions;
  2. Participate in an admissions interview arranged by a university admissions advisor;
  3. Submit WCU-approved documentation of high school graduation or equivalent; (Please Note: Foreign high school diplomas/credentials or their equivalent must have an evaluation performed by an approved organization);
  4. Complete an enrollment agreement (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age);
  5. Meet program-specific entrance requirements;
    1. Submit all postsecondary transcripts:
      1. Applicants with 18 or more postsecondary credits, from an institution recognized by an accreditation body approved by the U.S. Department of Education, will be evaluated on their cumulative grade point average.
      2. Applicants with fewer than 18 postsecondary credits, from an institution recognized by an accreditation body approved by the U.S. Department of Education, will be evaluated based on their high school cumulative grade point average.
    2. Applicants to the LVN/LPN-BSN program must provide proof of current unobstructed licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
    3. Must achieve an acceptable composite score base on entrance examination and cumulative GPA requirements defined as follows:
      1. Applicants with a composite score of 8 or above will be admitted into the program.
      2. Applicants with a composite score of 2 to 7 may be conditionally admitted to the program based on availability of space.
        1. Students who are conditionally admitted must achieve a composite score of 58.7% on the TEAS examination to be allowed entrance into Nursing (NURS) core courses. Students who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to register for NURS courses and will be dismissed from the university. Students will be allotted five (5) attempts to be proficient on the TEAS exam, at which point the student will be dismissed from the university and be responsible for all tuition charges incurred.
      3. Applicants with a composite score of 1 or below will be denied admission to the university.
      4. Any applicant with an entrance examination score or Cumulative GPA requirement below the requirement noted in the tables on this catalog page will be denied admissions.

BSN and ADN Entrance Examination Requirements – (ADN is offered in Florida only)

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.

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Academic Calendar

New academic terms begin, on average, every 10 weeks. To get an idea of when each term starts and ends, view our Academic Calendar.

Simulation Centers

Technologically Advanced Sim Labs

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:

  • Medical and surgical units
  • Pediatrics
  • Maternity/OB
  • Mental health
Schedule an Info Session

We invite you to attend one of our informative presentations on our programs.

Clinical Placements

Clinical Placements Team Supporting BSN-Texas Students

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.

NCLEX Support

Helping BSN Students Prepare for the NCLEX

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.

Graduation Cap

“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*

Graduation Cap

“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*

Career Services

A Team Providing Hands-On Support

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.

Potential Job Opportunities

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:

  • Hospitals (state, local, and private)
  • Ambulatory healthcare services
  • Nursing and residential care facilities
  • Government
  • Educational services (state, local, and private)3

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.

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation from West Coast University, students will have met the following program learning outcomes:

  • Support professional nursing practice decisions with concepts and theories from the biological, physical, and social sciences
  • Plan preventive and population-focused interventions with attention to effectiveness, efficiency, cost, and equity
  • Support therapeutic nursing interventions for patients and families in a variety of healthcare and community settings using evidence-based practice
  • Apply nursing process and critical thinking when providing holistic, patient-centered nursing care to diverse populations
  • Design healthcare education for individuals, families, and communities
  • Comply with the professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct in practice
  • Develop an effective communication style to interact with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary health team
  • Model leadership with providing safe, quality nursing care; coordinating the healthcare team; and when tasked with oversight and accountability for care delivery
  • Use patient care technology and information systems when providing nursing care in a variety of settings

Featured Faculty

Richild Berrick, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, CNE

Campus Dean of Nursing, WCU-Texas

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, MHA

Campus Associate Dean of Nursing, Administration

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.

FAQs

How long does it take to complete the BSN program at WCU-Texas?

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).

Can I earn my BSN degree if I am working?

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.

Can I get a BSN if I already have a bachelor's degree?

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.

What kind of master’s degree can I get with a BSN?

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.

What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?

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

Is financial aid available?

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).

Follow the BSN Texas Student Experience at #WestCoastUniversity

Have Questions?

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.