West Coast University-Los Angeles (WCULA) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

West Coast University has three campuses in Southern California, which are located in Los Angeles, Ontario and Orange County. Over the last century, West Coast University has stood out as a leading health care education institution.

West Coast University opened its doors as a single classroom and over the years, it has evolved into a leading health care education institution. The Orange County campus is unique in that it offers one of only four Bachelor of Science Degrees in Dental Hygiene in the entire state of California.

West Coast University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award bachelors and master’s degrees.

Information Summary

Ranks 316th in California and 3414th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	44.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$36,223
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	43 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	67% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	1,991

Academics

West Coast University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to begin or to further a career in nursing, dental hygiene, and health care management. West Coast University’s accreditation by the ACICS allows for undergraduate degrees to be offered in nursing and graduate degrees to be offered in both nursing and health care management.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Unique Programs

Nurse Simulation Centers

West Coast University has a state-of-the-art Nurse Simulation Center at each of their campuses. It is critical that nursing students have real-life experiences to best qualify and meet the demands of their careers. The state-of-the-art Nurse Simulation Center at West Coast University provide these opportunities. By simulating patient scenarios, West Coast University students are confronted with real-world issues that reflect those they will need to respond to in their profession.

The West Coast University Dental Hygiene Clinic

West Coast University has an outstanding Dental Hygiene Clinic where students are provided with the opportunity to achieve hands-on experience. Such experience is needed to help dental students complete their education. Additionally, the Dental Hygiene Clinic is dedicated to meeting the needs of the local community. The clinic serves as an invaluable community resource due to the fact that it was designed to provide a superior experience to patients who may not have the means for routine dental maintenance. Not only are students provided the opportunity to work in an advanced dental facility, they are also part of a team of professionals who provide patients with top quality services, at no cost to them.

Admissions

Students applying for admission into West Coast University undergraduate degree programs must initially participate in an admissions interview. Prospective students must submit a completed application, a completed enrollment agreement, and proof of high school graduation or its equivalent. Requirements may vary per program; therefore, students must meet admissions requirements for their respective program. Additionally, students must agree to take and successfully complete requirement for computer proficiency by the end of the first semester.

Graduate Admissions Requirements

Potential students desiring admission to one of the graduate programs at the West Coast University must complete a number of steps. One of the initial steps is an interview. Prospective students are required to participate with a representative from the University Admissions office. After the interview, prospective applicants are asked to submit a completed application for admission. A copy of the student’s official transcripts that provides proof of their bachelor’s degree credits from an accredited program and a completed enrollment agreement are to be submitted as part of the application process. Requirements may vary per program. Therefore, students must meet admissions requirements for their respective program.

Blended Format of Graduate Programs

West Coast University offers some of their graduate programs in a blended delivery format. These include the Master of Science in Health Care Management and the Master of Science in Nursing programs, as well as some courses in the RN to MSN program. The format for these classes are designed so that students attend classes on-campus during a limited number of weekends of each term, while remaining coursework and interactions are completed and facilitated fully online. There are additional requirements for students who are taking online and/or blended courses.

Financial Aid

West Coast University offers a variety of financial assistance to those students who are unable to meet educational costs on their own. Although many forms of financial aid are need-based programs, for those who do not qualify for need-based assistance, there are various other programs available to assist with supplementing a student’s financial needs.

Generally, the initial step when applying for financial assistance is to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This form is available online and should be completed as early as possible.

West Coast University also offers alternative financing options. These include federal and state aid and loans. Additionally, the university provides a comprehensive listing of academic scholarships to a wide variety of applicants.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 25th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in California.

Students

West Coast University is dedicated to creating well-rounded opportunities for their diverse student population. The goal of Student Services is to develop the whole student- academically, professionally and personally. Therefore, activities and programs are designed to enhance students’ collegiate experience and individual growth, both inside and outside the classroom.

West Coast University’s dedication to student success is exhibited through their Student Services by facilitating a broad array of professional, social and retention-oriented student support programs designed to enhance the students’ collegiate experience and individual growth. Active involvement outside of the classroom cultivates the non-academic development of students and contributes to their learning experience.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Additional School Information

Both SAT and ACT scores can be used to apply for admission into the nursing program. Therefore, high school seniors wanting to start West Coast University in the summer or fall, should take the SAT or ACT no later than spring of their senior year.

Additional requirements must be completed, for those students applying for the dental hygiene program. These include passing the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), as well as completing a minimum number of observations as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Deadlines are applicable for the TEAS Examination and Dental Hygiene Observation.

Bibliography

West Coast University. West Coast University. Web. 27 May 2011.
West Coast University College of Nursing, Nursing Student Handbook. West Coast University, Feb 2011. Web 27 May 2011.

West Coast University-Los Angeles