West Coast University

I am currently attending at the North Hollywood Campus since 2014. The General Ed teachers were amazing, given that I took only 3 General Courses in this school. Then, my first semester in Nursing Core, what can i say without using profanity. Basically, the Nursing Fundamentals teacher was very judgmental. She kept talking about how students in WCU came from money so on and so forth. Then, the next term med surg, i had to drop due to work conflict schedule which i remedied while taking Pharmacology. Then, the next term, took med Surg again and the teacher, i was informed that she is a substitute teacher basically read from power point word for word, slide for slide. Students failed the first exam I think about 50% or more in all of her 3 Med Surg classes. Then the school decided to have review sessions with another teacher for 2 hours each session and they divided it into 3 sessions. However, students are still struggling. Many passed, but there are also a few that did not. Instead, the Dean Bickley’s remedy is point fingers at students who did not pass and brag about the students who did pass. Her reply was «well, many students pass.» The underlying issues is that the students for med surg had to teach themselves because the teacher was not teaching. How can you justify the issue that the teacher is not teaching by stating that many students had passed? When the FACT of the matter is that, these students did not learn anything but pass to get by so they can move on to the next term. Unfortunately, when you try to get help, the first thing the Dean Bickley says to you is «Maybe nursing is not for you or oh you failed the first exam, no one recovers from first exam, practically you failed.» So, my advice to you is save your money, go to a different school. Only if West Coast has better teachers, when you can only count in one hand teachers that actually do teach and care for students, maybe just maybe West Coast would be a good school. On top of that, having administrations that loses all your paper work and then quick to remove you from your classes and clinicals when you have trails of emails that shows how many people you sent the emails to. Somehow, THEY NEVER receive your emails. Then, you have a Dean who’s words of wisdom and encouragement is «nursing is not for you.» If they have written in their contract that says, come to west coast, we will take your money so you can teach yourself, do you really think students would come to this school. Maybe students who gave the school good rating is because they did not encounter the stress, and the lack of teaching that most of us have encountered recently.
I understand that nursing program is not easy however, when you have teachers that read of the slides and when you ask questions continues to just read of the slides, what kind of teaching is that? That is why there is such a thing called Teacher-​Students. Because students should be taught by teachers on what to do how to handle patients. Not just have them teach themselves. I have put many hours and hours of reading and studying, however, I am the kind of students that when I am in lectures, I am hoping that the teacher would give me examples comparing it to real life events so I can understand.
I think that a student is a successful student base on a good foundation and education given by teachers. A teacher should not be focusing on students who are doing great or passing the class, but recognize the students who are not because that’s where as teacher you are most needed.
So, bottom line, Nursing program is hard enough, don’t go to a school where Dean’s and Teachers are causing you more stress and grief.

I would just like to say everyone who is posting on here saying WCU isn’t accredited or approved by the board is LYING. It is literally listed on the Board website, and WCU is WASC accredited. Students wouldn’t even be able to sit for board if this school wasn’t accredited, so don’t be scared away by these ignorant comments. It’s an expensive school, but it prepares you so well for your career.

It’s funny how most of the negative reviews about this school are from people who were academically disqualified. Everyone knows this school is expensive and you did too since you decided to go, so why all of a sudden are you complaining on Unilocal?It’s a really hard program but what nursing program isn’t. Each term is only nine weeks long so what do you expect. Exams are almost every week, on top of 12 hour clinicals, and very stressful ATI exams at the end of each term that help you prepare for the boards. I’ve been there so I know what you’re talking about. The school is far from perfect and I know that it can be disorganized especially regarding clinical placements. But I graduated from here about a year ago, passed the NCLEX one month after graduating along with most of my cohort, and was hired at Kaiser. Many new grads from here have been hired at UCLA, CHLA, and other hospitals with Versant programs. So I don’t really understand a lot of the things people are saying here that they can’t back up like that they aren’t accredited and hospitals aren’t willing to hire grads from wcu. How can you sit for the boards if your school isn’t accredited? I guess these reviews are mostly from bitter students who were kicked out because they couldn’t make it through the program. Sorry that must be a horrible feeling but don’t post false reviews that you can’t back up by facts.

I’ve been going to West Coast University for about 2 years and currently taking my nursing classes. I wanted to start off by saying that nursing is not an easy profession. Each student incorporates countless hours of studying every day to become successful nurses. Being in a program that causes high levels of anxiety, you would think that faculty would do their best with working with the students and being a little more accommodating than they are.
Being a student that constantly focuses on her studies to remain a 3.78 GPA average, I’ve come to learn what i need to do to remain at my optimal level. This term, the faculty decided to choose our entire schedule for us not considering students might have work schedules or other priorities that may conflict with the schedule they provided. They told us if there were any issues, we can email them and work something out. When I got my schedule, I realized that I’m setup for failure with the little amount of time I have between 3 consecutive classes, 2 of which have exams every time we meet. On top of my schedule being an issue, I have a medical problem that requires me to rest, especially after a 12 hour clinical day. That would leave me no time to focus on my studies. So i decided to email them, and tell them that I just wanted to change one of my lecture days. We’ve been going back and forth for several emails now and I feel like they don’t want to work with the students. It’s not just myself or this term that has been an issue. A lot of the students attending West Coast University have complaints of how things are being handled with registration. We feel as though no matter how powerful our debate it, our voices are never heard or considered because were more «inferior». The situations were put in outside of worrying about exams is far to stressing and it has taken a toll on my emotions and patience. I’m reaching the point of finding another university and continuing my education elsewhere.

I am currently a student who attends this particular campus of West Coast University.
Re-​review current pending.

130,000 dollars to attend this school. Let that sink in for a second. That will no include books, uniforms and other supplies you’ll need on your journey to getting that bsn degree. Go to a regular cc and use that money to go to UCLA instead. Attending this school will put you on a beautiful debt of 140k with supplies included and that’s waaaay too much money. And yes, I did attend the orientation. It was a no no for me. Too pricey and if you read the other reviews, you’re better off paying for a better school with those 140K you’re planning on exchanging your soul for.

So I recently got dismissed from West Coast and I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t contact Dean Bickley about not being on the roster for Mental Health orientation. She gave me a call at 7:30 at night saying I’m dismissed from west coast and there’s nothing I can do about it. Keep in mind that I was suppose to have theory the next morning. So I have no idea what to do now. She was so rude to me. She talked down to me and she said I have to right to clarify with my professor because I get what I get. She also said I was a weak student and I should not be in Nursing. My mom is a witness to that. Who the hell says that to a person?! All along I thought I’ve passed because my professor calculated my grade in front of me after the finals and she told me herself I passed. My whole class is the witness to that because I even hugged the professor twice from joy and relief. The professor made a huge error and the university didn’t even notify me whatsoever. The university gave me a theory schedule, clinical site, and my blackboard classes, so all along I thought I passed. This is very unprofessional and cost me a lot of TIME AND MONEY. DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL unless you want to be in huge debt.

I attended the Orange County campus. I began the LVN to BSN program 1/​2013, and completed the program ¹⁰⁄₂₀₁₅. A new grad! I have enjoyed my WCU experience, and even though I describe it as the hardest thing that I’ve ever done in my life, it is also a likely runner up for the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life. I have grown as a nurse, a leader, and a person at WCU. I graduated with close friends that will be my colleagues, but also surely lifelong friends.
This school isn’t for everyone though. My advice to anyone considering attending WCU is: You must be a self starter because you are expected to treat your education like your job; you are expected to keep up with scheduling changes that may occur the night before the term begins, and not reading your email is not an acceptable excuse; you are expected to have read the material before attending class (including the very first day of class) because it is clear to read in the syllabus, and the professors will not feed you information, but rather clarify your understanding of what you’ve read and have questions about. They will explain the information to you in a different way (but you’d better be prepared to share your understanding because not reading will show); you must manage your time well to be successful. So my suggestion is to use a calendar to schedule all of your assignments due at the beginning of the term, insert your exam dates into the calendar, be prepared to study at least 2 – 3 hours per unit of each class (one 3 unit course = 6 – 9 hours of study per week outside of class), and make sure you are on time for (and never miss) clinical (ever).
My clinical experiences were great. I would be proud to be a staff member at any of the facilities that I’ve had the privilege to attend for clinical. I’ve learned a lot in those places, and the nurses were always glad to see us coming. WCU has a great reputation in the hospitals that I performed my clinical rotations, and I was even trained at many of them by WCU grads (which was really cool… they get you). The daunting task at the end of the trek is to pass the exit exam, which some describe as more difficult than NCLEX, to graduate from the school. They really prepare you well to take and pass the exam, and after passing you feel confident about the NCLEX. That is where I am now. I am preparing for the NCLEX by completing the Virtual ATI Green Light program as recommended by the school, and as of today 96% of WCU-​OC students that complete Green Light pass on the first try. Many of my friends that were ahead of me passed with only 75 questions on their first try. I will update after I have taken my exam. Good luck to those of you in the program, and to any considering the journey.

Current student here, almost finished with my 1^st term.
While signing up, i had lot of help and guidance from the faculty here at West Coast University. The staff were very friendly and kind to me even after i cancelled my first signup process because i wasn’t sure if this was right for me. Anyways, the entry exam is at a 9^th grade level, don’t blame anyone else if you cant pass this, take the test seriously, if you do fail the exam, re-​evaluate your choices for coming to this school.
My first impressions, school has a very modern feel to it. The location could use some work, but i’m not complaining. During the first few times you are required to attend the school for informational sessions, they try to scare you and tell you that the school is very tough, it is, however, its worth it at the end. They make sure that you know what you are getting yourself into, and i’m pretty sure that they exaggerate a few things here and there, but i’m sure they only do it to prepare you mentally.
The tuition– it is said to be increased soon, like if it wasn’t high enough already. But think about it, you finish almost a year ahead of everyone else, you don’t have to be in a waiting list for a nursing program, and you start almost immediately. Sure it costs alot, but the extra year or two that you don’t have to wait pays off in the long run, you work 1 – 2 years more and gain valuable experience, while everyone else is stuck in a 4 year nursing program, not counting the extra time that they spent on the waiting list.
One complaint… this school needs a cafeteria. The entire school is based around science. Where they teach you the fundamentals of nutrition, body structure and body care… once you realize that the school only offers pre-​made sandwiches and ramen noodles, its kind of harsh…
Parking is free and plenty-​full, around 30 feet from the school… not bad.
Suggestions for the school: Buy Anna’s Linen store next door and build it into a cafeteria. =)

I am currently in my 5^th term and suppose to start intermediate med surg. They gave all my classmates a week notice to fix their clinical papers and gave me 20 mins notice on the Friday before the term started. When confronting them, they said it is a courtesy email and they are not required to send out those emails. However, isn’t not discrimination if you aren’t applying the same treatment to all your students. If you gave a week notice for half of my classmates, the other half DESERVES the same. Hospital can give their 1000+ employees a notice, but with the tuition they are recieving, they can’t even manage the 100+ students in our cohort?
Secondly, if you are planning to go here, make copies of ALL documentation. Turns out when I found my copies of my clinical packet on Monday of week one, everything was up to date. Since I found it late and my school schedule changed already, they claim they can’t help me with anything. Well, news flash westcoast, it wasn’t my fault your office is disorganized. My papers were up to date and I wasn’t able to go into intermediate med surg because of it.
Lastly, after changing my school schedule to classes that conflict with work, I requested to get an online class. The dean told me it’s impossible because I am only able to register for online classes during registration date. The way their registration is set, you can only register for classes on you schedule for that term. For this term, mine was intermediate med surg and nutrition. So the online medical ethics was not available for me during registration day. Well, how can I register for a class on registration day when it wasn’t made available to me during registration day?
So here’s an outline of my experience here at this location: westcoastuniversity messed up my paper work, then messed up my schedule and then wouldn’t work with a simple request to fix their mistake. In conclusion, I had to drop the class. Even dropping the class was a horrible experience. I was waiting for the dean to sign it the drop form. Every 20 mins I asked her secretary if it was ready because she said it’ll only be 20−30mins. Each time she said no and I waited for an hour. When the hour hit, i decided to check my email. There was an email from the dean stating it has been ready 30 mins ago. Ummm… then why didnt your secretary tell me that? I’m at the waiting area, in the educational suite, right outside her office and she send me an email falsifying the time she prepared the paper work. Thank god for technology or she would’ve gotten away with it.
Oh and i almost forgot, then their faculty tag team to send you harassing emails stating the same things over and over. Professionalism has truly gone out the window at this school. Along with compassion, caring and understanding. You know, all of the things that the schools characterized themselves as in their mission statement, objectives and values located in the university’s catalog.

I was honestly looking forward into attending this school. I’ve taken the hesi exam for them 3 times. I’ve studied hard each time and was always shy 3, 4 points. Finally on my 3^rd attempt I passed with a 80%. I was relieved, but the admission process was overwhelming. I got emails& emails about student loans, how to pay for the tuition etc. I was given a start date, which was suppose to be November 1,2015 which is the upcoming term. I was excited, until the evaluation came for my transcripts. I turned in a copy of two schools I went to, sealed. They told me it will take 5 business days, it took longer. About 2 weeks or so, and I after waiting for long trying to figure out what the problem is they tell me they can’t admit me since I was short 5% not making the minimum 2.0 GPA. I waited so long for them to tell me that I can’t start November 1, when they told me I could! So you’re saying I’m approved to start then take it back? Which doesn’t make sense. I don’t think a university should give a student who wants to finish school a start date and then take it back for evaluating their transcripts so late. It’s already the start of fall semester they told me to go back to a CC to take 3,4 classes to boost up that GPA. If I have known sooner I would actually still be at a CC, but it’s too late the next semester open is spring 2016. It’s unfair to have waited this long.
And to be honest transferring phone calls, being put on hold multiple times, not being able to answer my questions correctly isn’t very cool either. I felt like no one knew what was going on or what to tell me. I’m sure it is a good school, I’m sure the professors are great, but the admission/​financial process is confusing and unorganized. And I feel like I wasted my time. Knowing I start November 1^st and then taking it back is frustrating to hear. You shouldn’t give someone a start date and take it back and tell them they can’t be admitted, to go back to a CC and then come back to west coast and reapply. I’m one out of many, many people who look forward into finishing school, but I guess not with this school.

I’m currently enrolled in the LVN-​BSN program. I already finished my general education classes but let me tell you this school is very strict and the classes are hard because they’re fast paced. Not only it’s an expensive school but people must be serious about attending and doing their assignments. If you do this you’ll pass. Professor’s are evaluated every term and all of them have doctorate degrees. The school is recognized by the board of nursing and it’s accredited. I recommend this school to anyone who is willing to work hard and accomplish their goals.

I am absolutely disgusted with this school. I had a rough semester and I didn’t pass two of my classes. When I went to talk to the dean and everyone I was directed to none of them helped me or showed me any kind of sympathy. I was told that anxiety isn’t an issue and had I known I have anxiety I should have reported it sooner. Mind you all my professors knew I had anxiety and I always let them know in advance. When I was in tears they suggested I get a wellness check done because I’ve never failed any class and apparently I was suicidal all of a sudden because I was in tears.
It’s $ 160,000 for the BSN program. Most units won’t transfer. This school is for profit they only listen when you are throwing money in their faces. I don’t recommend this university to anyone. National is cheaper and it’s about the same pace.

I am giving this school 3 stars ONLY because of the kind help of MS. JULIE CHIN the Director of Admissions, and the front desk on the first floor.

Several years ago I began the long process of applying for Nursing schools. I applied at several places where I was denied admission and accepted to a few where I was placed on a wait list. I remember feeling frustrated because ALL I WANTED WAS TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE. So when I was down in the dumps I remember someone saying to apply to West Coast University. At the time, WCU had a reputation for being a «Puppy Mill» for BSN Students. So, I applied and sure enough I was admitted. A year later, I can honestly say WCU is surely not a «puppy mill». It is an institution that gives you the keys to your future and holds you personally responsible for your success. It is a fast paced program and may not be for everyone. For those that are up for the challenge, you will discover many things about yourself and others through out this enduring journey. It will be tough, you may stumble, you may fall, but you won’t be alone. You will have great resources in your fellow classmates and amazing staff. It has been the best choice I have made in my educational career. Since starting at west coast, I have seen both the school and myself go through various changes. I have since taken on many leadership roles throughout the campus and the state. Sure WCU has a high tuition, but when everyone else denied me admission they were willing to give me an opportunity and THIS MY FRIENDS IS WORTH SOMETHING. They have allowed me to fulfill a dream of mine and I believe they deserve every dollar of mine and every ounce of energy to promote the actual gift of WCU– HOPE and OPPORTUNITY. In one year I will be done. I will finish in the spring having made great and amazing friends and having been given the opportunity to attend Oxford University during the summer. For anyone still questioning the genuiness of WCU or its quality as an institution I highly recommend you give yourself every opportunity to succeed. Give WCU the opportunity, you just might be surprised at what you find.

I have been a Licensed Nurse for 7 years and some physicians and RN’s think Im a hop skip and jump away from a genuis but at the same I know becoming an RN isnt easy. It is my passion… I mean I literally dream about nursing and would lose my mind if this program were of no existance. I almost went into shock when I found out about this school. I am so anxious to enroll and that anxiety would probably remain until graduation day, in a good way. I hope Im making the right decision because Im going for it. The stars were for my research, see you soon westcoast.

They do everything that they can to prepare to take to the state license. It is expensive, but they have so many resources to help you out. The simulation center is AMAZING!!! It is frightening, but all of the experience that you gain from simulation is worth it.

Started this school in April 2011. It has been a long way coming but I graduated in august 2014, and just passed my nclex on the first attempt in Nov 2014. It is very important that you understand what you are getting yourself into, especially once you hit the nursing classes. This is not the type of school you treat as a CC. I can’t tell you how many students I’ve seen were 86ed out for silly reasons such as attendance or failing general ed courses for not writing a simple 4 page paper.
The general ed courses are as easy as you want to make them. Nothing should blind side you because everything is mapped out on the syllabus. The nursing program itself is an obstacle that always changes. Scheduled classes can have an extra orientation/​simulation/​paperwork day that can take up more time than you can spare. Work hard and you can reach the finish line.
Biggest advice I can offer is that you have to be a self motivated learner. Don’t get caught up with other people stressing about low test scores who try to fight every question. Learn from what you did wrong and get it right the next time. I failed 1 class (my only fail), and dropped 2 classes — but still made it through despite the mind game falling behind can put on you. Being placed in a new cohort can be a blessing in disguise.
Lastly, WCU makes sure you are ready for the nclex. It is extremely expensive, but worth every penny as long as you finish.

I just finished their LVN — BSN program. This school is not for the weak hearted. The classes are pretty tough coz it’s an accelerated program. Don’t expect the professors to spoon feed you everything, you MUST read the books. Also, don’t listen to the negative comments, I know it’s a pretty expensive school but it’s fast program, you will be done with the program while your friends are barely starting their nursing classes at a community college.
The faculty members have an open door policy and are more than happy to help you. And let’s not forget they have the best professors ever.
Remember! you are doing this for yourself, not for someone else.

I am planing on attending this school in the fall semester. I went online to find information about it and I got a call back no later than 15 minutes about information and setting up a tour. I was intrigued that they wanted my business so gave them a shot. I went to the Ontario location but I loved it. I really like their process, everyone was friendly, the class sizes were about 15 students a class (the skills classes) which I like because that means there will be one on one time with the teachers.
They have computer bars in every hallway with practice questions to the NCLEX so your able to practice in between classes which I thought was pretty cool.
I do recommend to take your pre reqs at a JC just because I will save you a ton of money. I’ve taken all the way up to microbiology and I have almost cut the tuition price in half.
Like I said I have not taken classes here as of yet but the counselor is making my decision very easy for me with how helpful she has been with me. Her name is Lea P. From the Ontario location.
They do require HS diploma and college official transcripts if you have taken college courses and also a passing score on the HESI or any qualifying score on the TEASE.
I know some think its important to party and drink in college… But it’s also important to grow up :)