LVN to BSN Program in Ontario, CA

Put your experience as a licensed vocational nurse to work and earn credits toward your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Ontario LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Ontario

34 Months

Earn your BSN degree in as little as 34 months at the Accelerated program pace

120 Credits

Complete 120 credits to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing

9 Units of Advanced Placement Credit

Your previous nursing licensure grants you 9 credits toward your BSN degree

San Gabriel Valley Readers Choice Awards

West Coast University Ontario has been voted as a FAVORITE in Career College/Trade School for the San Gabriel Valley Readers Choice Awards!

West Coast University Ontario has been voted as FAVORITE in four categories:

  • Career College: Nursing School
  • Online School
  • 4YR College/University
  • Graduate/MBA School

LVN to BSN Program Highlights

Balance of classroom education and hands-on practice through simulation labs and on-site clinical experience

Stethoscope

Training on the fundamental duties of being an RN in various simulated medical settings, from ORs to labor and delivery rooms

Individualized support, including help selecting a clinical practice site, no-cost tutoring, and NCLEX study tools

Your Success

A Career Services team assisting your job search and ongoing professional development

Why Choose the LVN to BSN Program at WCU-Ontario?

With California expecting a nursing shortage through 2029 and a higher percentage of older registered nurses planning to retire or quit in the near future,1 there is currently a great need for RNs. The LVN to BSN program at our Ontario campus puts you on a path toward earning your bachelor’s degree and becoming a registered nurse.

In our program, you can earn credits for your existing experience as a licensed vocational nurse, bringing you closer to achieving your educational goals. We provide our students with a well-rounded curriculum that covers all the competencies for a career as an RN, along with practical, hands-on experience through on-campus simulations and clinical practice at a healthcare facility.

We want to help you take your nursing education to the next level!

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  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

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Overview: LVN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Program Details

Accelerated Pace

On-Campus

120 Credits

34 Months

7 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 LVN to BSN Program in Ontario 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 at West Coast University-Ontario.

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

Los Angeles, Orange County and Ontario Campuses

 
Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

(Prior to Fall 1 2024)

Bachelor of Science

(Starting Fall I 2024) 

Bachelor of Science

(Starting Fall II 2024)

Total Program Credits 1201 1201
1201 
Program Length (Full-Time) 7 semesters  7 semesters  7 semesters 
Full-Time Status(12 to 18 credits) $17,892 $18,250  $15,000 
3/4-Time Status(9 to 11 credits) $14,914 $15,212  $12,450 
1/2-Time Status(6 to 8 credits) $11,578 $11,810  $9,750 
Less than 1/2-Time Status1(under 6 credits) (per credit) $1,986 $2,026
$1,665 
Total Tuition Costs(Full-Time) $125,244
$127,750  $105,000 
Registration Fee(refundable) $75 $75
$75 
STRF Fee2(non-refundable) $0 $0 $0 
Estimated Total Book Costs3 $4,948 $5,078  $5,078
Estimated Total Book Shipping Cost3 $495 $508  $508
Estimate for Uniforms Fees3 $130 $250
$250 
Estimate for Supplies & Licensure Preparation Fees3 $2,345 $2,345  $2,345 
Technology Fee($100 per semester) $700 $700 $700 
General Education Resource Fee5 $500 $500 $500 
Core Nursing Fee6      $22,750 
Estimated Total Program Costs $134,437
$137,206  $137,206 

 

 
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 

1Includes 9 transfer credits for LVN license.

2 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

3 The Estimate for Book, Uniform, and Supply fees reflect the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price totals compiled in December 2022 and are subject to change. Supplies become student purchases once issued to student. Students who drop or have been dismissed after supplies have been issued will assume ownership for these items and will not be eligible for refunds. For details on all of the supplies, contact the Bursar Office.

LVN to BSN | Supplies issued in NURS 210L RN Skills Laboratory.

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 $5,200 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.1 Students enrolled less than 1/2-Time are billed by the credit hour.

Note 3: The Total Tuition Cost can be converted to Cost per Credit Hour by using the following calculation:

Total Tuition Cost (Prior to Fall I 2024) ($125,244) divided by the Total Program Credits (120) = Cost per Credit Hour ($1,043.70).

Total Tuition Cost (Starting Fall I 2024) ($127,750) divided by the Total Program Credits (120) = Cost per Credit Hour ($1,064.58).

Total Tuition Cost (Starting Fall II 2024) ($105,000) divided by the Total Program Credits (120) = Cost per Credit Hour ($875). 

Admission Requirements

For admissibility into the LVN to BSN program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Submit a completed WCU application for admission
  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 & ACT score of 16 or higher
        1. SAT and ACT and 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)

 

For more information on program requirements, please visit our catalog.

Academic Calendar

New academic terms begin, on average, every 10 weeks. The number of semesters required for your program varies based on the program pace you select. To see a list of term start and completion dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Simulation Centers

Simulation Centers Providing Hands-On Practice

At WCU, we believe that students learn by doing. That’s why we offer technologically advanced simulation labs that put students right into the action.

In our WCU-Ontario simulation center, LVN to BSN students practice all types of medical scenarios and settings (medical and surgical units, pediatrics, maternity/OB, mental health, etc.), where they get to practice patient care on high-fidelity manikins that can respond like real patients. These manikins mimic physiological responses like dropped blood pressure, dilated pupils, sweat, tears, and more.

Simulations are an excellent way for students to practice their skills and gain feedback from instructors before completing their clinicals.

Experience WCU for Yourself!

Attend an info session to learn what all the buzz is about.

Clinical Placements

clinical placement

Help with Clinical Site Placements

One way we support our Ontario LVN to BSN students is by helping them with their clinical placements. We have a dedicated team that can assist you with site selection when it comes time to choose a healthcare facility for your clinical practice hours.

We have local hospitals and other healthcare facilities that we partner with, which provides you with more options for your clinicals. We can assist you with and general support along the way.

NCLEX Support

NCLEX Study Tools to Help You Prepare

At WCU-Ontario, we give you the tools and support you need to properly prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). We know how important it is for you to pass your test and become an RN, and that’s why we offer resources such as:

  • Access to an NCLEX advisor
  • NCLEX bootcamps
  • No-cost tutoring
  • A library of exam-prep books and videos

Career Services

Career Services Through Graduation & Beyond

We want to support you not just throughout your program, but throughout your nursing career as well. As a WCU student and alumnus, you will have access to our Career Services department, which assists with everything from career planning to assistance with your job search.

Our Career Services team can help you spruce up your resume, practice your interview skills, connect with industry recruiters, find nursing positions that match your interests, and more. This is your one-stop hub for career guidance and resources! 2

There are many different types of job opportunities that are available to registered nurses. These are the most common employers of RNs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

  • Hospitals
  • Ambulatory healthcare services
  • Nursing and residential care facilities
  • Government facilities
  • Educational services3

Featured Faculty

Katie Kay

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 includes 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

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 for an LVN to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?

The LVN to BSN program at WCU-Ontario is offered at an Accelerated pace and takes 34 months to complete.

What is an LVN to BSN bridge program?

Our LVN to BSN program makes it possible for you to take your experience as a licensed vocational nurse and turn it into credits toward your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This creates a “bridge” between your existing experience and your bachelor’s degree so you can streamline your path to a BSN.

Can I become an RN after completing the LVN to BSN program?

After completing your program, you will be able to sit for your RN licensure exam. Our Ontario LVN to BSN program helps you prepare for the exam through your coursework, clinical experience, and additional study resources that we offer, such as NCLEX boot camps and no-cost tutoring.

Can I get financial aid?

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. You can visit our Financial Aid page to learn about the various forms of aid that may be available you (depending on your eligibility). We offer many different institutional scholarships and grants that you may want to consider. Speak with a WCU financial aid advisor to learn more about your options.

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!

1 University of Southern California, San Francisco, “Forecasts of the Registered Nurse Workforce in California,” August 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

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.