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WCU » Programs » LVN/LPN to BSN » Dallas
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 LVN to BSN students starting Oct. 2024 or Jan. 2025 at WCU-Texas. Learn more.
10-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
Earn your BSN in as few as 34 months at the Accelerated program pace
Your previous nursing licensure grants you 9 credits towards your BSN degree
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
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.
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On-Campus
120 Credits
34 Months
7 Semesters
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 |
NURS 199D | Advanced Placement Credit (LVN) | 9 |
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.
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 |
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.
Degree Type | Bachelor of Science (Prior to Fall I 2024) | Bachelor of Science (Starting Fall I 2024) |
---|---|---|
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 Costs1 | $5,024 | $5,149 |
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost1 | $502 | $515 |
Estimate for Uniforms Fee1 | $130 | $250 |
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees1 | $2,345 | $2,345 |
Technology Fee2 ($100 per semester) | $700 | $700 |
General Education Resource Feesup>3 | $500 | $500 |
Estimated Total Program Costs | $99,786 | $100,044 |
Indirect Costs
10 Month Academic Year4 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
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 or Working Professional, 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.
1Includes 9 transfer credits for LVN license.
2The Estimated Book, Uniform and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in January 2022 and are subject to change.
3Technology 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.
4The 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.
5The 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.
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).
For Admissibility into the BSN & LVN/LPN to BSN Program, Applicants Must Meet the Following Requirements:
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.
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.
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:
Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.
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.
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:
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:
As a WCU student or graduate, you can contact Career Services any time you need help!2
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.
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.
The LVN-BSN program at WCU-Texas allows you to complete your degree in 34 months (a little under 3 years).
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.
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).
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.