WCU-Miami BSN Graduate Spotlight: Gaston Mirabal Jr.
Learn More
Alumni
Nursing
LVN to BSN Program in the Dallas Area
Our LVN to BSN program at WCU-Texas is designed to help licensed vocational nurses earn their bachelor’s degree and gain the skill needed to become registered nurses.
34 Months
Earn your BSN in as few as 34 months at the Accelerated program pace
2 Paces
Choose between two 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 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
LVN to BSN Program Highlights
Simulations to help you prepare hands-on for a variety of nursing scenarios
Clinical placement advisors to help you find a local clinical site that aligns with your goals
One-on-one support through no-cost tutoring and preparation for the NCLEX licensure exam
Innovative learning experience that includes augmented reality and original shows
Why Choose the LVN to BSN program at WCU-Texas?
As the healthcare industry advances, many employers are showing a preference for nurses with a BSN preparation. In fact, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, as of 2022, 71.7% of hospitals and other healthcare employers said they prefer BSN graduates, while 27.7% are requiring bachelor’s degrees for new hires.1
Our LVN to BSN bridge program in the Dallas Metroplex lets you apply nine advanced placement credit units for your LVN experience, helping streamline your path to a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The curriculum segues from general education to core nursing classes, incorporating hands-on practice through technologically advanced simulation labs. Our goal is to help you develop both the skills and the confidence to start your RN career successfully.
Overview: LVN 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
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 (Los Angeles, Ontario, Miami {prior to Spring II 2023}, and Orange County {prior to Summer I 2023} Campuses)orFHE 100(3): Foundations of Higher Education (Texas, Miami {starting Spring II 2023} and Orange County {starting Summer I 2023} Campuses) | Non-transferable |
| A1- Written Communication (5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum) | **ENGL 140(3): Written Communication I **ENGL 240(3): Written Communication II | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
| A2. Oral Communication (2.5 Semester Credits Minimum) | **SPCH 142(3): Oral Communication | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
| A3. Critical Thinking (2.5 Semester Credits Minimum) | **PHIL 341(3): Critical Reasoning | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
| A4. Quantitative Reasoning (5 Semester Credits and 2 Courses Minimum) | MATH 108(3): College Mathematics I MATH 211(3): Statistics | Any equivalent courses that meet the General Education categorical requirements. |
| B1– Social and Behavioral Sciences / Cultural Diversity, Tradition (8 Semester Credits and 3 Courses Minimum) | ||
| B2. Life and Physical Sciences (12 Semester Credits and 4 Courses Minimum) | ||
| B3. General Education Capstone (3 Semester Credits) | CAPS 401(3): General Education Capstone (Los Angeles, Ontario, Miami {prior to Spring II 2023}, and Orange County {prior to Summer 1 2023} Campuses) | 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 110and 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 LVN to BSN Program in Texas 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 LVN 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 LVN to BSN program costs in the Dallas Metroplex at West Coast University.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies.
LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
| 10 Month Academic Year | ||
| with parents | off campus | |
| Food & Housing | $2,980 | $9,920 |
| Transportation | $2,060 | $2,060 |
| Personal Expenses | $6,740 | $6,740 |
| Total | $11,780 | $18,720 |
Accelerated*
| Degree Type | Bachelor of Science (Summer 2023) | Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2023) |
| Total Program Credits | 1201 | 1201 |
| Program Length | 7 semesters | 7 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) | $90,510 | $90,510 |
| Registration Fee (refundable) | $75 | $75 |
| Estimated Total Book Costs2 | $4,596 | $5,024 |
| Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost2 | $460 | $502 |
| Estimate for Uniforms Fee2 | $130 | $130 |
| Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees2 | $2,345 | $2,345 |
| Technology Fee2($100 per semester) | $700 | $700 |
General Education Resource Fee4 | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs | $99,316 | $99,786 |
* 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 a term.
1 Includes 9 transfer credits for LVN license.
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 ($90,510) divided by the Total Program Credits (120) = Cost per Credit Hour ($754).
| 10 Month Academic Year | ||
| with parents | off campus | |
| Food & Housing | $2,980 | $9,920 |
| Transportation | $2,060 | $2,060 |
| Personal Expenses | $6,740 | $6,740 |
| Total | $11,780 | $18,720 |
Evening and Weekend*
| Degree Type | Bachelor of Science (Summer 2023) | Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2023) |
| Total Program Credits | 1201 | 1201 |
| Program Length | 8 semesters | 8 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) | $91,5022 | $91,5022 |
| Registration Fee (refundable) | $75 | $75 |
| Estimated Total Book Costs3 | $4,596 | $5,024 |
| Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost3 | $460 | $502 |
| Estimate for Uniforms Fee3 | $130 | $130 |
| Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees3 | $2,345 | $2,345 |
| Technology Fee4 ($100 per semester) | $800 | $800 |
General Education Resource Fee5 | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Total Program Costs | $100,408 | $100,878 |
*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 a term.
11 Includes 9 transfer credits for LVN license.
2 The Evening & Weekend Schedule results in 6 semesters at full time, and 2 semesters at 3/4 time.
3 The Estimated Book, Uniform and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturers 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.
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 ($90,502) divided by the Total Program Credits (120) = Cost per Credit Hour ($754).
Admission Requirements
For admissibility into the LVN to BSN program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Submit a completed WCU application for admission
- 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 & ACT score of 16 or higher
- SAT and ACT and 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)
For all admission requirements, please visit our catalog.
Request Info
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
Hands-On Learning
Get access to the tools you need to perfect your nursing skills. Our simulation labs are equipped with industry-current technology, including high-fidelity manikins that react like real patients. They have rising blood pressures and dilating pupils. They can even give birth!
Students practice for a diverse range of situations using the simulation labs, including scenarios in the following nursing 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
Helping You Find a Clinical Site
Our WCU-Texas nursing students have a dedicated team to support them through their clinical practice hours. The Clinical Placements team can leverage their relationship with local healthcare facilities to help you find a clinical placement location. The team is also here to assist you with tracking your hours and making sure you meet all requirements.
NCLEX Support
Licensure Preparation
Once you’ve completed the LVN to BSN program, there is one final step to becoming a registered nurse — passing your licensure exam.
WCU offers one-on-one support to help you prepare for the NCLEX-RN. You’ll have access to a variety of tools and resources, including:
- A library of study books and videos
- Practice exams to test your performance
- NCLEX advisors that can help answer questions
- No-cost tutoring and one-on-one guidance
Career Services
Supporting You in Your Job Search
WCU-Texas will support you every step of your job search. We have a dedicated Career Services team that can provide you with a variety of resources, including:
- Help locating open nursing jobs
- Resume writing workshops
- Interview coaching
- General career guidance and professional development
As a WCU student or graduate, you can contact Career Services any time you need help!2
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 University, 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.
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 earn your BSN as an LVN?
We offer two different program paces for WCU-Texas students:
- Accelerated – 34 months
- Evening and Weekend – 39 months
What is an LVN to BSN bridge program?
An LVN to BSN program is designed to bridge the gap between your knowledge as a licensed vocational nurse and the knowledge expected of an RN with a BSN degree. It builds on the experience you already have, letting you complete your BSN faster than you would if you didn’t already have your LVN license.
Can I pursue the LVN to BSN program while working?
Absolutely! We offer an Evening and Weekend program pace to help accommodate work schedules. Students who choose this pace are able to take all of their classes and labs during after-work hours and weekends. Your advisor can help you figure out if this is the right choice for you.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. As part of the application and enrollment process, you will meet with a financial aid advisor that can walk you through the process and explain common funding options, including scholarships and loans. They are a great resource that can help you figure out which financing option is right for you.
For information on the institutional grants available at WCU-Texas, 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.
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).
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.
Call