West Coast University Expansion Offers Nursing Programs in Orange County

Dedicated to helping alleviate the critical nursing shortage in California*, West Coast University (WCU) opened a new campus in Orange County where the 98-year old school now offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (LVN to ADN) and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (RN to BSN).

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 29, 2007 -- Dedicated to helping alleviate the critical nursing shortage in California*, West Coast University (WCU) opened a new campus in Orange County where the 98-year old school now offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (LVN to ADN) and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (RN to BSN).

LVN to RN STAT!
At WCU's Los Angeles and Orange County campuses, Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) can now earn their Associate Degree in Nursing in as little as 18 months. Unlike other nursing programs, WCU's LVN to RN program includes all prerequisite and nursing courses within the 18 month program length.

In April 2005, WCU became only the second private proprietary postsecondary institution to be approved by the State of California to offer Licensed Vocational Nurses the opportunity to earn their Associate Degree in Nursing in just 18 months. WCU's inaugural LVN to RN Bridge Program class graduated in February 2007 and achieved an admirable 92% NCLEX pass rate for the first quarter of 2007.

RN to BSN STAT!
Effective May 1, 2007, West Coast University was approved to offer the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (RN to BSN) at the Los Angeles and Orange County campuses. RNs can earn their Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (RN to BSN) in as little as 18 months by attending classes just one evening a week. The first BSN classes begin this summer at the Los Angeles campus and in September for the Orange County campus.

About West Coast University                
www.westcoastuniversity.edu

WCU was originally chartered in 1909 as an ophthalmology school. In the 1950s, WCU became one of the early pioneers to offer Bachelor Degree programs designed to meet the needs of working adults.

In May 1997, the University was reorganized and under the leadership of President and CEO, David Pyle, refocused the curriculum to offer accelerated programs in high demand health care professions.

*The shortage of California registered nurses could grow from 22,500 FTE (full-time equivalents) to 116,000 FTEs by 2020 - a 45 per cent shortfall. (Source: University of California, San Francisco).

Press Contact:
Emily Bernatow
West Coast University
1-866-479-4276

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