BSN Degree in Miami

Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, located in the heart of Miami, offers a hands-on learning experience designed for modern students.

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

Best of Miami 2023 Readers' Poll

West Coast University Miami has been voted Best School/University in the Best of Miami 2023 Readers’ Poll hosted by the Miami New Times!

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Highlights

Real Life Icon

Simulation labs with high-fidelity manikins that mimic real patient reactions to help you master your nursing skills

No associate degree required, so you can go straight to bachelor-level classes

A dedicated clinical placements team that can help you select a healthcare facility that aligns with your interests and goals

List

No waitlists, so you can start your degree now and begin making a difference sooner

Why Pursue a BSN Degree at WCU-Miami?

Florida is one of the top employers for nurses in the United States, ranking fourth for the highest employment of nurses by state.1 For many of our students, nursing is more than just a career choice. It’s a calling. At WCU-Miami, we want to give you the tools to make a difference in your community, providing care and comfort to those who need it most.

If you’re looking for a nursing program in Miami that emphasizes hands-on learning, then we invite you to explore our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Our nursing students practice in simulation labs that mimic the real world. They provide a safe and controlled environment where students can practice their nursing skills — including blood draws, patient monitoring, and patient crashes — without fear of making mistakes. Once students have mastered their skills and developed confidence, they get real-world experience at a local healthcare facility through their clinical hours.

WCU-Miami provides you with the support you need, including no-cost tutoring, group study spaces, and access to a variety of learning apps. With multiple starts throughout the year and three program paces to choose from, WCU-Miami is helping put your degree within reach.

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BSN at WCU-Miami

Overview: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Program Details

At WCU-Miami, we offer three program paces for our BSN students. Our admissions advisors are available to help you figure out which pace 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

Working Professional Pace

On-Campus

120 Credits

54 Months

11 Trimesters

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 RequirementsTransferable / Options
Foundational CourseFYS 001 (0): First Year Seminar (only offered at Los Angeles and Ontario prior to Spring II 2024)

FHE 100 (3): Foundations of Higher Education (offered at all Campuses; Los Angeles and Ontario Campuses starting Spring II 2024)

Non-transferable
A. Written Communication (6 Semester Credits)* ENGL 140 (3): Written Communication I
* ENGL 240 (3): Written Communication II		Equivalent to ENGL 140
Equivalent to ENGL 240
B. Oral and Interpersonal Communications
(3 Semester Credits)		*SPCH 142(3): Oral CommunicationEquivalent to SPCH 142
C. Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning
(3 Semester Credits)		*PHIL 341(3): Critical ReasoningEquivalent to PHIL 341
D. Quantitative Literacy
(6 Semester Credits)		MATH 108(3): College Mathematics I
MATH 211(3): Statistics		Equivalent to MATH 108

Equivalent to MATH 211

E. Social and Behavioral Sciences Awareness
(6 Semester Credits)		*PSYC 160(3): Psychology
*PSYC 290(3): Life Span Psychology		Equivalent to PSYC 160
Equivalent to PSYC 290
F. Historical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Recognition
(3 Semester Credits)		* HUM 370 (3): Cultural PluralismEquivalent to HUM 370
G. Scientific Reasoning
(16 Semester Credits)		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

Equivalent to CHEM 280

Equivalent to MICR 290

General Education Capstone
(3 Semester Credits)		CAPS 401(3): General Education Capstone
(only offered at Los Angeles, Ontario Campuses prior to Spring II 2024)		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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Miami 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 Miami 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 in Miami 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

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated*

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

(Summer 2023)

Bachelor of Science

(Starting Fall I 2023)

Total Program Credits120120
Program Length (Full-Time)8 semesters8 semesters
General Education Courses (per credit x 46 credits)$599$599
Core Courses (per credit x. 74 credits) (nursing & non-nursing1)$799$799
Total Tuition Costs$86,680$86,680
Registration Fee (refundable)$75$75
Estimated Total Book Costs2$4,674$5,161
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2$468$516
Estimate for Uniforms Fee2$130$130
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees2$2,345$2,345
Technology Fee3($100 per semester)$800$800

General Education Resource Fee4

$500$500
Estimated Total Program Costs$95,672$96,207

 

Indirect Costs

10 Month Academic Year5
with parentsoff campus
Federal Student Loan Fees$100 $100 
Course Materials (Personal Electronic Device-1st year only)
$1,000$1,000
Living Expenses (Food & Housing)$2,980$9,920
Transportation$2,060$2,060
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses$6,740$6,740
Total$12,880$19.820

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated, Working Professional 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 a term.

1 Non-nursing core includes PATH 370 and PHIL 434.

2 The Estimated Book, Uniform, and Supply costs reflect the Manufacturer's 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.  

5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

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. Students enrolled less than 1/2-Time are billed by the credit hour.1

Tuition and Fees

Working Professionals*

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

(Summer 2023)

Bachelor of Science

(Starting Fall I 2023)

Total Program Credits120120
Program Length (Full-Time)
11 semesters 11 semesters
General Education Courses (per credit x 46 credits)$599$599
Core Courses (per credit x. 74 credits) (nursing & non-nursing1)$799$799
Total Tuition Costs$86,680$86,680
Registration Fee (refundable)$75$75
Estimated Total Book Costs2$4,674$5,161
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2$468$516
Estimate for Uniforms Fee2$130$130
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees2$2,345$2,345
Technology Fee3 ($100 per semester)$1,100$1,100

General Education Resource Fee4

$500$500
Estimated Total Program Costs$95,97296,507

 

Indirect Costs

10 Month Academic Year5
with parentsoff campus
Federal Student Loan Fees$100 $100 
Course Materials (Personal Electronic Device-1st year only)
$1,000$1,000
Living Expenses (Food & Housing)$2,980$9,920
Transportation$2,060$2,060
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses$6,740$6,740
Total$12,880$19,820

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated, Working Professional 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 a term.

1 Non-nursing core includes PATH 370 and PHIL 434

2 The Estimated Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's 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.  

5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

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.1Students enrolled less than 1/2-Time are billed by the credit hour.

Tuition and Fees

Evening and Weekend*

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

(Summer 2023)

Bachelor of Science

(Starting Fall I 2023)

Total Program Credits120120
Program Length (Full-Time)
9 semesters 9 semesters
General Education Courses (per credit x 46 credits)$599$599 
Core Courses (per credit x. 74 credits) (nursing & non-nursing1)$799 $799
Total Tuition Costs$86,680$86,680
Registration Fee (refundable)$75$75
Estimated Total Book Costs2$4,674$5,161
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2$468$516
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

$95,772$96,307

 

Indirect Costs

10 Month Academic Year5
with parentsoff campus
Federal Student Loan Fees $100 $100 
Course Materials (Personal Electronic Device-1st year only)
$1,000$1000
Living Expenses (Food & Housing)$2,980$9,920
Transportation$2,060$2,060
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses$6,740$6,740
Total$12,880$19,820

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated, Working Professional 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 a term.

1 Non-nursing core includes PATH 370 and PHIL 434.

2 The Estimated Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's 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.  

5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

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. Students enrolled less than 1/2-Time are billed by the credit hour.1

Admission Requirements (TX & FL)

BSN and LVN/LPN-BSN Admissions Requirements-Florida and Texas

For Admissibility into the BSN & LVN/LPN to BSN Program, Applicants Must Meet the Following Requirements:

  1. Submit a completed WCU application for admissions
  2. Submit WCU approved documentation of high school graduation or equivalent
    1. Foreign high school diplomas/credentials or their equivalent must have an official evaluation performed by an approved organization)
  3. Participate in an admissions interview arranged by a University admissions advisor
  4. Achieve a HESI composite score of 76 or higher
    1. HESI exam scores must be within three (3) years of enrollment date.
    2. HESI exam scores below 76 are denied admission
    3. Examination Retake Details
      1. BSN applicants will have a maximum of two attempts, a week apart, to successfully pass the admissions exam.
      2. If an applicant does not pass the admissions exam after two attempts, he or she must wait a period of 1 months to retest and must provide proof of remediation.
    4. Additional acceptable external scores are eligible for full admission:
      1. TEAS score of 43 or higher
        1. TEAS exam scores must be within three (3) years of enrollment date
      2. SAT score of 835 or higher or ACT score of 16 or higher
        1. SAT or ACT must be within three (3) years of enrollment date
        2. WCU only collects Verbal and Quantitative scores for SAT and ACT
  5. Complete an enrollment agreement (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age)
  6. Meet program-specific entrance requirements.
    1. Applicants to the LVN-BSN program must provide proof of current unobstructed licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

BSN & LVN-BSN Post Secondary Transcripts for Transfer Credit Evaluation

BSN and LVN/LPN-BSN applicants requesting transfer credit evaluation must provide official transcripts by the Add/Drop deadline on the second Tuesday of the term.  All general education, prerequisite, and core nursing coursework must have been taken at an appropriately accredited institution. For nursing credits to be considered for transfer credit, there can be only one year between the end of the last nursing course taken at a previous institution and the beginning of the first course at West Coast University. Exceptions may be considered. Science courses must be taken within the last five years to be accepted for transfer credit. Course syllabi for courses previously taken at another nursing program should be submitted for review to the campus dean for nursing. The maximum allowable transfer credits applied to the BSN program shall not exceed 52 credits of general education, and for the ADN (Florida only) program shall not exceed 27 credits of general education. See the Challenge Credit policy for additional information on receiving nursing credit for previously completed nursing courses. Authority for all final transfer credit decisions is given to the Program Dean/Chair.

Transfer credit will not be awarded based on unofficial transcripts, however, students may be scheduled for their first semester of courses based on unofficial transfer credit review . Financial packaging for the first semester will be estimated without transfer credit unless/until official transcripts are received and evaluated. If transfer credit is evaluated after the add/drop date of the first semester, it will be reflected in financial aid offers for the subsequent semester.

Concurrent Enrollment:   Individuals who are concurrently enrolled at another institution at the time of their matriculation to West Coast University, may be allowed to request transfer credit for courses that are in-progress. In this situation, official transcripts must be received by the end of the first term of matriculation in order to receive transfer credit.

BSN & LVN-BSN Post Secondary Transcripts for Veterans

All applicants who are veterans or seeking transfer credit must submit all official applicable postsecondary transcripts by the Add/Drop deadline on the second Tuesday of the term regardless of applicable transfer credits for timely certification of the veterans request for benefits and receipt of funds.  Please see the Veterans Educational Benefits policy in the Financial Policies and Information Section of the Catalog.

LVN/LPN-BSN Licensure Requirements

LVN/LPN to BSN applicants who possess a current unobstructed LVN/LPN license may be admitted into the West Coast University LVN/LPN to BSN program without requiring transcripts if they meet all other specific program admission requirements, which would include military training. LVN/LPN’s who were able to obtain their LVN/LPN license using their military training as the academic qualifier and those who have graduated from a school that has since closed and transcripts are no longer available.

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

At the WCU-Miami campus, we provide our Florida nursing students with technologically advanced simulation labs where they can practice their skills. Get hands-on practice using manikins that mimic real human patients. They have blood pressures that can rise and drop. Their pupils dilate. They show signs of pain, and they can even give birth!

Using these manikins and our hospital setups, you’ll be able to work through different scenarios while getting immediate feedback from your instructors. The WCU-Miami simulation labs let you work through scenarios in:

  • 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.

Schedule Session

Clinical Placements

Clinical Placements Team Supporting BSN-Miami Students

At WCU-Miami, we understand the importance of clinical experiences for your education. We are dedicated to building long-term clinical relationships with local facilities to help offer you a diverse range of options and meaningful clinical placements.

Our dedicated Clinical Placements team will work with you to find the facilities that best fit with your goals and interests. We can help you select the right clinical site and preceptor, streamline approvals, and assist with tracking.

NCLEX Support

Helping BSN Students Prepare for the NCLEX

One of the most important milestones in your nursing journey is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to officially become a registered nurse. Having your RN license means you can work as a nurse and use the skills and knowledge developed in the BSN program.

At WCU-Miami, we want to give you the resources you’ll need to approach the exam with confidence. Meet with an NCLEX advisor, participate in bootcamps, and get no-cost tutoring in areas where you might need some review. You will also have access to practice exams and a library of educational books and videos to help you prepare.

Graduation Cap

“West Coast University provides you everything you need to make sure that you pass the NCLEX on the first try.”
– Ariadna R., BSN ’20

Graduation Cap

“They overprepare you for NCLEX, for real-life working, for everything.”
– Lizzy B., BSN ’20

Career Services

Career Planning & Job Search Assistance

Graduates of the BSN program can work for any company or facility that needs nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RN 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)2

Our WCU-Miami Career Services team is available to help you from your first day of class to beyond graduation. Whether you need career planning advice, help locating open jobs, interview coaching, or assistance with resume writing, Career Services is you one-stop hub for anything having to do with professional development.3

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

Katie Kay, DNP, RN, PCCN-K

Dean, College of Nursing

Dr. Katie Kay is the Dean for West Coast University’s College of Nursing where she provides direct oversight to the academic quality and delivery of prelicensure-through-doctoral nursing education. She is a nurse educator and leader with a collaborative, service-oriented mindset. Dr. Kay remains passionate about accessibility for both education and healthcare to improve the way we are delivering care to the communities we serve.

Prior to her appointment at West Coast, Dr. Kay served as the Vice President of Healthcare Academics at Emeritus where she was the in-house expert for nursing and healthcare education. In her time at Emeritus, she partnered with several leading academic institutions to create high-quality, accessible, and affordable upskilling and reskilling programs to address key gaps in healthcare delivery and healthcare leadership.

Dr. Kay has also previously held the title of Senior Director of National Academic Operations at Chamberlain University, where she was responsible for providing leadership to university-wide academic, quality, and experiential learning initiatives. In her tenure at Chamberlain University, she also worked as adjunct faculty and held the role of Associate Dean of Faculty in the Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner track.

Her passion for accessibility also stems from her work as an administrator at a large metropolitan hospital where she had oversight of the day-to-day operations of 22 inpatient units. Primary areas of leadership included patient safety, acuity management, throughput, accreditation, advocacy for professional nursing practice, and re-attainment of Magnet distinction.

The most recent publications for Dr. Kay include The 3 P’s: Pharmacology Physical Assessment, and Pathophysiology (Crowley, Wallace, Letz, and Kay) and a poster presentation titled “Innovative Approaches to Clinical and Practicum Placements.”

Dr. Kay is a member of the American Association for Critical Nurses, the National League of Nursing, and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and she serves as the Executive Director for the Association of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.

FAQs

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

The BSN program in Miami offers three program paces:

  • Accelerated – 39 months
  • Evenings and Weekends – 44 months
  • Working Professional – 54 months

The Accelerated pace is ideal for students who want to study full-time and streamline their education. It can be completed in just over three years. The Evenings and Weekends program lets you schedule all your classes during evenings and weekends. This is ideal for working students or anyone with daytime commitments. The Working Professional pace lets you take fewer classes per term.

Can I earn my BSN while working?

Yes! If you are a working student, you might be interested in our Working Professional pace that allows you to take fewer classes per term, earning your degree in 54 months. Alternatively, you can explore our Evenings and Weekends pace. It lets you take all your classes during evenings and weekends, ideal for anyone who has daytime commitments.

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

Yes. Having a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline does not prevent you from being able to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This program is designed for any student who is interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN).

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

At WCU, there are various options available for master’s programs that you can pursue following your BSN program. Many of our BSN graduates move on to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing degree, which allows them to specialize within a specific area of nursing. We also offer an RN to MSN program for licensed RNs who want to skip a bachelor’s program and go straight to their master’s degree.

Other BSN graduates may pursue a Master of Health Administration, Master of Business Administration, or Master of Public Health at WCU.

What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?

An RN is the designation for a state-issued license for registered nurses while a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is an academic degree. A prospective nurse does not need to have a BSN in order to become licensed as an RN, however, many pursue this degree to help them prepare for the licensure exam and maximize their career opportunities – especially since 77.4% of employers have indicated a strong preference for BSN-prepared nurses.4

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. As part of your admissions process, you will have a one-on-one meeting with one of our financial aid advisors. They can help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

For more information on the institutional grants available for the WCU-Miami campus, please visit the Undergraduate On-Ground Scholarships and Grants page on our online catalog.

And for more information on other forms of aid available, visit our Financial Aid page.

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).

 

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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 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm

2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, “Work Environment,” Updated Sept. 8, 2022

3 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

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.

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