Nursing
LPN to BSN Program in Miami
Our LPN to BSN program in Florida is designed to help licensed practical nurses earn their bachelor’s degree and gain the skill needed to become registered nurses.
New Student Achievement Grant (Up to $6,500 per academic year!)
Created to support new students with exceptional entrance exam scores (83 on the HESI or 66 on the TEASV), this grant is available to BSN or LPN to BSN students starting Oct. 2024 or Jan. 2025 at WCU-Miami. Learn more.
For additional information and eligibility requirements on the New Student Achievement Grant, please visit the Undergraduate On-Ground Scholarships and Grants page on our catalog.
34 Months
Earn your BSN in as few as 34 months at the Accelerated program pace
3 Paces
Choose between three program paces, including an Evening and Weekend option
9 Units of Advanced Placement Credit
Your previous nursing licensure grants you 9 credits towards your BSN degree
#1 Best Colleges for Nursing in Florida
West Coast University Miami has been voted Best School/University in the Best of Miami 2024 Readers’ Poll hosted by the Miami New Times!
WCU-Miami is proud to be the winner of the Bronze Award from the Miami Herald for Best College/University!
LPN to BSN Program Highlights
No waitlists so you can start studying now and begin making a difference sooner
Simulations to help you prepare for scenarios in medical and surgical units, pediatrics, mental health, and more
A dedicated team to help you find a local clinical placement that meets program requirements
One-on-one support and no-cost tutoring to help you prepare for your licensure exam
Why Choose the LPN to BSN Program at WCU-Miami?
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nearly three quarters of healthcare employers (71.7%) prefer BSN program graduates, and more than a quarter (27.7%) are requiring new hires to have a BSN. Earning your BSN and becoming an RN can help open the door to a multitude of opportunities.
Our LPN to BSN program at WCU-Miami emphasizes hands-on learning. You’ll practice your skills in simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity manikins that react like real patients, including showing symptoms, dropping blood pressures and dilating pupils. It’s a learning experienced designed to help make you a confident RN.
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).
Overview: Miami LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Program Details
Accelerated Pace
On-Campus
120 Credits
34 Months
7 Semesters
Evening and Weekend Pace
On-Campus
120 Credits
39 Months
8 Semesters
Working Professional Pace
On-Campus
120 Credits
49 Months
10 Semesters
Curriculum
General Education within the Area of Study
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| PATH 370 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| PHIL 434 | Medical Ethics and Issues | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 6 | |
Approved Credits
| NURS 199D | Advanced Placement Credit (LVN) | 9 |
General Education Redesign
| Category and Requirements | WCU Course Requirements | Transferable / Options |
|---|---|---|
| Cat. and Req. | Trans. / Options | |
| Foundational Course | FYS 001(0): First Year Seminar (only offered at Los Angeles and Ontario Campuses prior to Spring II 2024) or FHE 100(3): Foundations of Higher Education (offered at all Campuses; Los Angeles and Ontario Campuses starting Spring II 2024) |
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 PhysiologyCHEM 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 (only offered at Los Angeles, Ontario Campuses prior to Spring II 2024) |
Non-transferable |
| A minimum of 46 credits is required for graduation. | ||
Note: The following course must have been taken in the last 5 years: ANAT 260, CHEM 280, MICR 290, and PHYS 261.
Note: If scheduled, the following courses are to be taken at WCU: FYS 001, FHE 100, CAPS 401, and PATH 370 and PHYS 261 (Orange County campus only, starting Summer 1 2023).
**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.
Core Nursing Courses
| Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | Hours |
| NURS 110 | Introduction to Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 180 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 190 | Physical Assessment | 2 |
| NURS 201 | Medical Surgical Nursing-Promoting Wellness | 3 |
| NURS 210L-AB | RN Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| 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: | 59.0 | |
NURS 210L: (LVN/LPN to BSN students only)
*NURS 493R – Taken if student is unsuccessful in NURS 493.
Note: Upon satisfactory completion of the transition courses (NURS 110 and NURS 210L), the LVN/LPN to BSN student will receive 9 units of Advanced Placement Credit (NURS 199D or NURS 199E).
| Program Credit Distribution (LVN/LPN-BSN) | |
|---|---|
| Program Credit Dist.(LVN/LPN-BSN) | |
| Approved Credits from Previous Licensure | 9.0 |
| General Education Semester Credits | 46.0 |
| General Education within the Area of Study | 6.0 |
| Core Nursing Courses | 59.0 |
| Total Program Semester Credits | 120.0 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does the LPN to BSN Program in Miami 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 LPN to BSN 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 LPN to BSN program costs at West Coast University-Miami.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies.
LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tuition and Fees
Accelerated*
| Degree Type |
Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2024) |
Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall 2 2024) |
Bachelor of Science Program Start Date Prior to Fall 2 2024 (Effective Spring 2 2025) |
Bachelor of Science Program Start Date on and after Fall 2 2024 (Effective Spring 2 2025) |
| Total Program Credits1 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Program Length(Full-Time) |
7 semesters | 7 semesters | 7 semesters | 7 semesters |
| General Education Courses(per credit x 46 credits) | $599 | $599 | ||
| Core Courses(per credit x. 65 credits) (nursing & non-nursing2) | $799 | $799 | ||
| Tuition Cost Full-Time Status (12 to 18 credits) | $9,213 | $9,213 | ||
| 3/4 Time Status (9 to 11 credits) | $7,647 | $7,647 | ||
| 1/2 Time Status (6 to 8 credits) | $5,988 | $5,988 | ||
| Less than 1/2 Time Status (per credit if under 6 credits) |
$887 | $887 | ||
| Total Tuition Costs | $79,489 | $64,491 | $79,489 | $64,491 |
| Registration Fee (refundable) | $75 | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Estimated Total Book Costs3 | $5,028 | $5,028 | $4,164 | $4,164 |
| Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost3 | $503 | $503 | $416 | $416 |
| Estimate for Uniforms Fee3 | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees3 | $2,345 | $2,345 | $4,200 | $4,200 |
| Technology Fee4 ($100 per semester) | $700 | $700 | $700 | $700 |
| General Education Resource Fee5 | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Core Nursing Fee6 | $15,000 | $15,000 | ||
| Estimated Total Program Costs | $88,890 | $88,892 | $89,794 | $89,796 |
Indirect Costs
| 10 Month Academic Year7 | ||||
| Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
| with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
| Federal Student Loan Fees | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Course Materials (Personal Electronic Device-1st year only) |
$1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,980 | $9,920 | $3,120 | $10,410 |
| Transportation | $2,060 | $2,060 | $2,160 | $2,160 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $6,740 | $6,740 | $7,070 | $7,070 |
| Total | $12,880 | $19,820 | $13,450 | $20,740 |
* 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 Includes 9 transfer credits for LPN license.
2 Non-nursing core includes PATH 370 and PHIL 434
3 The Estimated Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change.
4 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.
5 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.
6 The Core Nursing Fee will be billed each semester in which Core Nursing courses are scheduled and covers costs associated with background checks and drug screenings; the operation of equipment for Simulation, Technology, including but not limited to the establishment, scheduling, coordination, site visits, on-going management, and other expenses related to clinical activities. 4 Core Nursing Semesters multiplied by $3,750 per Core Nursing Semester
7 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 Fees1
Working Professional*
| Degree Type |
Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2024) |
Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall 2 2024) |
Bachelor of Science Program Start Date Prior to Fall 2 2024 (Effective Spring 2 2025) |
Bachelor of Science Program Start Date on and after Fall 2 2024 (Effective Spring 2 2025) |
| Total Program Credits1 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Program Length (Full-Time) |
10 semesters | 10 semesters | 10 semesters | 10 semesters |
| General Education Courses (per credit x 46 credits) | $599 | $599 | ||
| Core Courses (per credit x. 65 credits) (nursing & non-nursing2) | $799 | $799 | ||
| Tuition Cost Full-Time Status (12 to 18 credits) | $7,048 | $7,048 | ||
| 3/4 Time Status (9 to 11 credits) | $5,850 | $5,850 | ||
| 1/2 Time Status (6 to 8 credits) | $4,581 | $4,581 | ||
| Less than 1/2 Time Status (per credit if under 6 credits) |
$887 | $887 | ||
| Total Tuition Costs | $79,489 | $64,490 | $79,489 | $64,490 |
| Registration Fee (refundable) | $75 | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Estimated Total Book Costs3 | $5,028 | $5,028 | $4,164 | $4,164 |
| Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost3 | $503 | $503 | $416 | $416 |
| Estimate for Uniforms Fee3 | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees3 | $2,345 | $2,345 | $4,200 | $4,200 |
| Technology Fee4 ($100 per semester) | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
|
General Education Resource Fee5 |
$500 | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Core Nursing Fee6 | $15,000 | $15,000 | ||
|
Estimated Total Program Costs |
$89,190 | $89,191 | $90,094 | $90,095 |
Indirect Costs
| 10 Month Academic Year7 | ||||
| Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
| with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
| Federal Student Loan Fees | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Course Materials (Personal Electronic Device-1st year only) |
$1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,980 | $9,920 | $3,120 | $10,410 |
| Transportation | $2,060 | $2,060 | $2,160 | $2,160 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $6,740 | $6,740 | $7,070 | $7,070 |
| Total | $12,880 | $19,820 | $13,450 | $20,740 |
* 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 Includes 9 transfer credits for LPN license.
2 Non-nursing core includes PATH 370 and PHIL 434.
3 The Estimated Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change.
4 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.
5 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.
6 The Core Nursing Fee will be billed each semester in which Core Nursing courses are scheduled and covers costs associated with background checks and drug screenings; the operation of equipment for Simulation, Technology, including but not limited to the establishment, scheduling, coordination, site visits, on-going management, and other expenses related to clinical activities. 5 Core Nursing Semesters multiplied by $3,000 per Core Nursing Semester
7 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
Evening and Weekend*
| Degree Type |
Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2024) |
Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall 2 2024) |
Bachelor of Science Program Start Date Prior to Fall 2 2024 (Effective Spring 2 2025) |
Bachelor of Science Program Start Date on and after Fall 2 2024 (Effective Spring 2 2025) |
| Total Program Credits1 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Program Length (Full-Time) | 8 semesters | 8 semesters | 8 semesters | 8 semesters |
| General Education Courses (per credit x 46 credits) | $599 | $599 | ||
| Core Courses (per credit x. 65 credits) (nursing & non-nursing2) | $799 | $799 | ||
| Tuition Cost Full-Time Status (12 to 18 credits) | $8,419 | $8,419 | ||
| 3/4 Time Status (9 to 11 credits) | $6,988 | $6,988 | ||
| 1/2 Time Status (6 to 8 credits) | $5,472 | $5,472 | ||
| Less than 1/2 Time Status (per credit if under 6 credits) | $887 | $887 | ||
| Total Tuition Costs | $79,489 | $64,490 | $79,489 | $64,490 |
| Registration Fee (refundable) | $75 | $75 | $75 | $75 |
| Estimated Total Book Costs3 | $5,028 | $5,028 | $4,164 | $4,164 |
| Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost3 | $503 | $503 | $416 | $416 |
| Estimate for Uniforms Fee3 | $250 | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees3 | $2,345 | $2,345 | $4,200 | $4,200 |
| Technology Fee4 ($100 per semester) | $800 | $800 | $800 | $800 |
|
General Education Resource Fee5 |
$500 | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Core Nursing Fee6 | $15,000 | $15,000 | ||
| Estimated Total Program Costs | $88,990 | $88,991 | $89,894 | $89,895 |
Indirect Costs
| 10 Month Academic Year7 | ||||
| Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
| with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
| Federal Student Loan Fees | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Course Materials (Personal Electronic Device-1st year only) |
$1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,980 | $9,920 | $3,120 | $10,410 |
| Transportation | $2,060 | $2,060 | $2,160 | $2,160 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $6,740 | $6,740 | $7,070 | $7,070 |
| Total | $12,880 | $19,820 | $13,450 | $20,740 |
* 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 Includes 9 transfer credits for LPN license.
2 Non-nursing core includes PATH 370 and PHIL 434.
3 The Estimated Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change.
4 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.
5 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.
6 The Core Nursing Fee will be billed each semester in which Core Nursing courses are scheduled and covers costs associated with background checks and drug screenings; the operation of equipment for Simulation, Technology, including but not limited to the establishment, scheduling, coordination, site visits, on-going management, and other expenses related to clinical activities. 5 Core Nursing Semesters multiplied by $3,000 per Core Nursing Semester
7 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
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:
- Submit a completed WCU application for admissions
- Submit WCU approved documentation of high school graduation or equivalent
- Foreign high school diplomas/credentials or their equivalent must have an official evaluation performed by an approved organization)
- Participate in an admissions interview arranged by a University admissions advisor
- Achieve a HESI composite score of 76 or higher
- HESI exam scores must be within three (3) years of enrollment date.
- HESI exam scores below 76 are denied admission
- Examination Retake Details
- BSN 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 1 months to retest and must provide proof of remediation.
- Additional acceptable external scores are eligible for full admission:
- TEAS score of 43 or higher
- TEAS exam scores must be within three (3) years of enrollment date
- SAT score of 835 or higher or ACT score of 16 or higher
- SAT or ACT must be within three (3) years of enrollment date
- WCU only collects Verbal and Quantitative scores for SAT and ACT
- TEAS score of 43 or higher
- Complete an enrollment agreement (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18 years of age)
- Meet program-specific entrance requirements.
- 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.
Academic Calendar
New academic terms begin, on average, every 10 weeks. The number of semesters required for your program depends on the program pace you choose. For the most updated list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Simulation Centers
Technologically Advanced Simulation Centers
At WCU-Miami, our goal is to help you build both the skills and confidence needed in the nursing field. That’s why our students practice using high-fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients. Coupled with hands-on clinical experiences, our simulations give students the opportunity to master foundational skills and graduate with confidence.
Our LPN to BSN students in Miami experience a range of patient care situations, from routine to emergency. During simulation sessions, each student practices the functions of a registered nurse while getting immediate feedback from their professors. Simulations include scenarios in the following nursing areas:
- Medical and surgical units
- Pediatrics
- Maternity/OB
- Mental health
Experience WCU for Yourself!
Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.
Clinical Placements
Helping You Find the Right Clinical Placement
WCU-Miami has clinical relationships with a variety of local healthcare facilities. Our dedicated Clinical Placements team can help you find a facility where you can complete clinical hours and get hands-on experience. The team can also help ensure that your preceptor and site meet all requirements and can assist you with tracking your progress.
NCLEX Support
One-on-One NCLEX Preparation
One of the most important milestones in a nurse’s career is passing their licensure examination to become a registered nurse. At WCU-Miami, we aim to support you as you prepare for the exam with a variety of tools and resources, including:
- Access to an NCLEX advisor to answer questions and help you prepare
- NCLEX practice bootcamps to help you study and review before your exam date
- No-cost tutoring to address difficult topics
- Practice exams and a library of study books and videos
Career Services
Supporting You Every Step of Your Career
As a WCU-Miami student or graduate, you get access to a dedicated Career Services team. This team offers a variety of career tools and individualized advice. They can help you find job opportunities, coach you for interviews, review your resume, and more! Career Services is your one-stop hub for career advice and professional development.2
Registered nurses can work in wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, schools, and doctor’s offices. 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)3
Featured Faculty
Chiarina P. Piazza, PhD, MEd, RN
Dean, College of Nursing | California Program Director
Dr. Piazza has been working in the university since 2009. Her past roles included Faculty; Campus Associate Dean of Nursing, Academics; Campus Dean of Nursing; and Associate Dean, College of Nursing. Most recently, she has been appointed to the position of Dean, College of Nursing.
She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of San Diego, a Master of Education from Cambridge College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles.
With a commitment to community service, Dr. Piazza is a Commissioner for the Sister Cities Commission of Anaheim. And has previously served as Commissioner, Orange County Human Relations, and Board Member for the School Nurses of California Foundation.
FAQs
How long does it take to go from LPN to BSN?
At WCU-Miami, licensed practical nurses can earn their BSN in as little as 34 months. We offer three different program paces that students can consider:
- Accelerated – 34 months
- Evening and Weekend – 39 months
- Working Professional – 49 months
What is an LPN to BSN bridge program?
An LPN to BSN program helps you bridge the gap between your existing skills and experience and those expected of a BSN graduate. It leverages your knowledge as a licensed practical nurse to help you complete your bachelor’s degree.
Can I pursue the LPN to BSN program while working?
Absolutely! We offer multiple program paces to help accommodate working students, including an Evening and Weekend program that lets you complete all lectures and labs during after-work hours and weekends. There is also a Working Professional pace that lets you take fewer classes per term for maximum flexibility. Your advisor can help you figure out which pace is right for you.
Can I become a registered nurse after completing the LPN to BSN program?
Yes! Our LPN to BSN program helps prepare you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Additionally, as a WCU student and graduate, you get access to a variety of tools and resources that help you study for the exam, including no-cost tutoring.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. We have dedicated financial advisors who can help you through the application process, including answering questions about the FAFSA and helping you understand your options.
For 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 financial aid available, visit our Financial Aid page.
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!
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
1 American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses,” October 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
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