Nursing : Undergraduate - West Chester University

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is for those interested in becoming a Registered Nurse. Upon graduation from WCU with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program our graduates will be able to function as a self-direction professional and should have the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career as a profession nurse.

In addition to meeting West Chester University entrance requirements, applicants for nursing must have completed work equal to a standard high school curriculum, consisting of a minimum of 16 units.

Specifically, a student should have four units of English, three units of social studies, two units of mathematics (one of which must be algebra), and two units of science with a related laboratory or the equivalent. A combined score of at least 1000 is expected on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT 1).

Student Program Outcomes

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 1

80% of students will pass NCLEX on their first attempt

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 2

90% or students will receive a NSL412>73

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 3

80% of students who submit NSG411 Consumer Issue Paper will receive a grade of 73% or greater

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 4

85% of students who submit NSL 411/412 Evidence Based Practice Paper will achieve a grade of >73%

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 5

70% of NSG412 pre-licensure students will receive an 850 or > on the RN Exit Exam

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 6

80% of Communication Scores on the RN-Exit Exam will exceed 700

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 7

80% of Critical Thinking Scores on the RN-Exit Exam will exceed 700

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Knowledge 8

80% of RN-BSN students will receive a NSL 412 grade of 73 or greater as evidence of adequate critical thinking skills

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Retention 1

80% of students who successfully complete NSG/NSL 212 will graduate with a BSN

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Retention 2

80% of RN-BSN students who begin NSG/NSL 311 will graduate with a BSN

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Preparation 1

75% of graduates will indicate that they have jobs within one year of graduation

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Preparation 2

90% or baccalaureate employers who respond to the Employer Survey, will score 4 (on a 1-5 scale) that the WCU graduate "collaborates" with client and/or appropriate personnel to establish goals & devise plans to meet biopsychosocial health care needs

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Growth 1

30% of respondents to the Alumni Survey will indicate involvement in professional organizations

Program Quality & Effectiveness - Growth 2

20% of BSN graduate respondents will indicate achievement of specialty certification

Mission & Governance - Student

Students will participate in program governance through inclusion on Curriculum Committee, Curriculum Sub-Committees, Student Affairs Committee, Level III (Junior) and Level IV (Senior)

Mission & Governance - Faculty

All faculty participate in program governance- includes development of:

Handbook & bylaws
Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog Submissions
Nursing Student Handbook
Meeting attendance

Information Literacy

Students will ethically manage data, information, knowledge, and technology to communicate effectively, will provide safe and effective patient care; and use research and clinical evidence to inform practice decisions.

High school students or graduates interested in the BSN Program:

High school students who are interesting in applying to the nursing program are advised to take biology (including anatomy and physiology), chemistry, and psychology courses if they are available.

If you have questions about the admissions process please contact the Admissions office or call 610-436-3411.

Be sure to read the Admissions Requirements and Procedures.
WCU nursing does not require a pre-admission exam or interview.

Students wishing to enter WCU in the Fall of next year should have their applications submitted for admission to the Nursing major as early as you can.

The Admissions Department will screen applications and then extend offers to the most qualified applicants. If you are not offered admission to the Nursing major, but are offered admission to another major or undeclared major please be aware that transferring into the program later is unlikely to occur.

Interest in nursing is currently very high so admission to the major will be very competitive.

Apply Online

WCU Undergraduates or External students wishing to transfer to Nursing

We occasionally can accept a few internal change of majors to nursing in the BSN program. Please view the announcements on the homepage for upcoming Information Sessions.

Historically, we have not had space for external transfers into the traditional BSN program. If you have a bachelor's degree in another discipline our Advance 2 BSN program may be for you.

If you are currently a registered nurse you may be interested in obtaining a bachelor's degree in our BSN for the RN program.

Clinical Experiences & Career Outlook

Students in the BSN program have a wide variety of clinical experiences including acute care, community health, day care centers, schools, retirement centers, nursing homes, and veterans hospitals. Individualized instruction is provided in the clinical setting with a 1:8 faculty/student ratio. A learning laboratory is available on campus to allow students to practice their psychomotor skills prior to actual contact with clients. BSN graduates have obtained jobs in many settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community agencies, physicians' offices, etc. Most BSN graduates continue on with graduate study after a few years of experience as a professional nurse.

Please see the WCU Undergraduate Handbook for special requirements for clinical practica.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has more information about the occupational outlook for Registered Nurses.

The American Nurses Association has documents summarizing the Employment and Earnings of Registered Nurses as of 2010 and a discussion on the Nurse Hiring Outlook and Industry Trends.

View the Course Catalog

BSN Handbook

BSN Tuition

Advance-2-BSN (Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing Program)

The Advance-2-BSN program is for the student with a previously earned baccalaureate degree to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Upon successful completion of the program graduates are then be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam (National Council on Licensure Examination for the RN) for licensure as a Registered Nurse. This intensive 18-month program builds upon the student's previous education.

Advance-2-BSN Program Information

One cohort of 32 students is accepted each year. Each cohort begins at the end of May and graduates December of the next year.

Cohort 13 will run May 2017 to December 2018.

Follows nearly the same curriculum as the traditional BSN program but at an accelerated pace.
Costs are the same tuition and fees as the traditional BSN program. Billing is by semester.

Total tuition and fees for the 18-months are around $21000 in-state and $45000 out-of-state (subject to change).

Classes are held weekdays in the summer semesters. In the fall and spring semesters classes are held weeknights with clinicals on weekends.

Application Information

The Application Guide is 24-page PDF guide explains the requirements for admission, the application procedure, a FAQ, and course descriptions to enter Cohort 13.

Cohort 13 applications will be accepted from August 15 to October 15, 2016
Transfer credits can be checked for equivalency at the WCU Registrar's Transfer Credit Equivalencies page. Most courses with similar titles and credits will transfer.
Use the Transcript Self-Review form from the Information & Application Guide to determine which perquisites you have completed and still need completion.
You may apply with some missing or in-progress prerequisites. Priority is given to those with the most completed, particularly the science courses. All must be completed before beginning the program.
All previous applicants must reapply online and send Dr. Thompson a new transcript self-review.

For questions about the program please first read the Program Information and Application Guide. If that document does not answer your question please send an e-mail to the Advance 2 BSN Coordinator, Dr. Brent Thompson at BThompson@wcupa.edu

For questions about the online application form please contact WCU Admissions or call 610-436-3411.

The West Chester Advantage & Career Outlook

WCU is a Kiplinger's "Best Buy."
All nursing courses are taught by faculty, not graduate assistants.
Students are taught by clinical experts in their area of specialization.
Students learn skills in a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory.
Students are accepted into "cohorts" fostering group learning and support.
A faculty advisor is assigned to each student upon admission.
Payment is by the semester, not a lump sum up front like some other programs.
WCU NCLEX-RN nursing board first-time passing rate has ranged from 90 to 100% for the last 7 cohorts.
As a recent graduate stated: "It was a tough program, but I think we all learned a lot...I am happy to say I...got my dream position as a NICU RN."

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has more information about the occupational outlook for Registered Nurses.

The American Nurses Association has documents summarizing the Employment and Earnings of Registered Nurses as of 2010 and a discussion on the Nurse Hiring Outlook and Industry Trends.

BSN Handbook

Advance 2 BSN Application Guide

Advance 2 BSN Tuition

BSN for the RN (BSN for Currently Registered Nurses)

The BSN for the RN curriculum is specially designed for licensed Registered Nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. You must currently be a licensed Registered Nurse (or near graduation from an ADN program) to enroll in this program.

Applications to the BSN-RN program are done as Transfers through the Admissions Department.

Be sure to indicate you are applying to the BSN for the RN program as your Major.
Applicants must have a minimum Higher Education cumulative GPA of 2.75 (out of 4).
No letters of recommendation are necessary.

If you have applied and have questions or concerns about the application process or the status of your application please contact the Admissions Department directly.

If you have questions please contact Dr. Deb Mandel at DMandel@wcupa.edu. You will have an opportunity to meet with Dr. Mandel as a part of your application process.

Credit for Previous Nursing Experience (Nursing Credits)

Transfer Credit
Most students will be able to transfer credit in for 28 credits of nursing courses including the following courses: NSG 212, NSL 212, NSG 312, NSL 312, NSG 411, NSL 411
Waiver of Courses
Includes content generally taught in nursing programs; Pathophysiology (BIO 307), Abnormal Psychology (PSY 375)
General Education Requirements
Required by WCU for all students (48 credits)
Includes courses in English composition, mathematics, communication, a Diverse Communities course, an Interdisciplinary course, basic behavioral and social sciences, the arts and humanities, and free electives. Many of these may be transferred from previous educational experiences.
CLEP Opportunities
Credit for life experience (CLEP) exams are accepted for many of the courses offered at West Chester University. Applicants must see Registrar page for accepted courses and where the exam can be taken.
Required nursing courses at WCU (21 credits)
Two courses (each course has a theory and a focused clinical assignments):
NSG 311, NSL 311; NSG 412, NSL 412; as well as NSG 325 and NSG 313
The theoretical components of both of these courses are offered one night a week to accommodate the RN population. Focused clinical assignments are individualized to meet the students' learning needs and are often completed independently or in groups with the guidance of a faculty member.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program?
It varies with each student. Everyone comes in with a different number of credits and prerequisites so what they have to take varies. Everyone has to have 120 credits to graduate, (30 credits must be taken at WCU). It is up to you if you want to do it quickly or gradually.
Can I manage work and this program?
This program was developed with the working nurse in mind. All of our students work full time and most have families and still manage to do well in the program.
Is your program on-line?
RN-BSN students value the interaction/exchange that occurs in the classroom. While continuing that tradition, this hybrid program utilizes online course management program D2L so the RN-BSN student spends less time in classroom.
What does Fast Track mean?
The nursing class meets one night/week for five to six hours. Focused clinical experiences are arranged by the students.
What credits transfer?
All your appropriate credits will transfer, and West Chester does not charge for transfer credits.
Self-Service Check for Course Equivalencies. Use this link to see if courses taken at another college are considered equivalent to WCU courses. If so, you can apply to have the credits transferred to WCU
Does WCU accept Excelsior/ Correspondence Nursing credits?
NO, WCU does not accept these nursing credits.

View the Course Catalog

BSN for RN Handbook

BSN for RN Tuition