Inside Westcliff University BSN Programs

Westcliff University’s College of Nursing is pioneering solutions to tackle the critical nursing shortage in the United States. Set to open in Fall 2025 in Corona, California, this new addition to Westcliff’s programs directly responds to the growing need for qualified nursing professionals. The nationwide healthcare staffing challenges have become more pressing due to retirements, career changes, and an aging population.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program gives you the essential skills for a successful nursing career through evidence-based education. Students can complete this well-laid-out program spans 120 credits over nine semesters quickly while getting detailed preparation. You’ll be ready to take the NCLEX-RN examination and get Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification after becoming a Registered Nurse.

Westcliff’s BSN program stands out with its practical, hands-on approach to nursing education. Students start preparing for the NCLEX exam right away through the university’s unique “Academic Success Prescription Program”. The program also features:

• Clinical experiences starting in your second year
• Training at prestigious clinical sites throughout Inland Empire, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties
• Professional growth through membership in national and state student nursing associations

Weekday classes happen mostly on-campus, with some evening or weekend clinical rotations. Students get immersive learning with a predictable schedule. Clinical courses begin in the second year, letting you build theoretical knowledge before applying it in real-life healthcare settings.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows registered nurse employment will grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033. Nearly 200,000 job openings are predicted each year. These numbers highlight how valuable and timely Westcliff’s nursing programs are.

Graduates can choose from many career paths. You could work as entry-level hospital staff nurses in specialties like Medical-Surgical, ICU, ER, Labor & Delivery, or Pediatrics. Other options include clinic or ambulatory care nursing, home health nursing, and long-term care or rehabilitation nursing.

The program’s value gets a boost from Westcliff University’s regional accreditation through WSCUC and approval from the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). These credentials will give your degree more weight in the healthcare job market.

Westcliff’s practical teaching philosophy matches nursing perfectly. It combines theoretical knowledge with clinical experience to prepare you really well for actual patient care.

Types of Programs Offered

Westcliff University’s new College of Nursing now offers two nursing paths. Students can prepare for the NCLEX-RN examination and become licensed registered nurses through either program.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program helps students start their nursing career. Students need 120 credits over nine semesters to complete this detailed program. Full-time students typically finish in 36 months, but you might graduate faster with approved general education transfer credits. The program starts with general education and basic science courses. Students then move on to specialized nursing classes that include hands-on lab simulations and clinical experiences. Clinical courses begin in the second year.

The Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELM) program provides a faster path to nursing. This program works best if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another field and want to switch careers. Students can complete the 65-credit program in about 20 months of full-time study.

Each program has its own requirements:

• BSN program: High school diploma or GED with a minimum 2.75 GPA and a composite score of 65 on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
• ELM program: Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA

Graduates from both programs receive similar professional qualifications. After graduation, you can take the NCLEX-RN examination to get your Registered Nurse license. You can also apply for Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification.

ELM graduates have a unique advantage. Though they start as entry-level nurses after getting licensed, their advanced degree plus previous education and work experience might lead to leadership roles faster than BSN graduates.

Both programs will welcome their first students in September 2025 at Westcliff’s Corona, California campus.

Online and Hybrid Options

Flexibility is the core of Westcliff University’s educational approach. This proves especially helpful for nursing students who balance work and personal life with nursing school. Since 2003-2004, the university has offered online bachelor’s degree programs that fit different student needs. This 20-year-old online education framework supports the College of Nursing’s dedication to create adaptable paths for both new nurses and healthcare professionals switching to nursing careers.

Westcliff’s value comes from blending in-person learning with flexible clinical schedules. Students get hands-on training while managing their time effectively through this hybrid model. The university archives all online classes so students can review lecture materials at their convenience.

Students at Westcliff can expect these online learning features:

• Live lectures that connect faculty and classmates in real time
• A curriculum that’s practical, relevant, and inclusive
• Recorded sessions for review
• Online chatrooms that encourage group learning
• Zoom and other visual tools for virtual education
• Detailed new-student orientation

These online and hybrid options keep educational quality high while making programs more available. Students can complete certain programs fully online, and these classes include campus-based students to maintain consistent education quality.

The numbers show how popular these flexible options have become. The 2019-2020 academic year saw 61.70% of Westcliff’s students (1,983 out of 3,214) enroll in at least one online class. Among undergraduates, 67.99% took online courses, with 60.24% choosing fully online programs. Graduate students showed similar interest, with 58.93% taking at least one online class.

The mix of flexibility and quality shows in the results – 81% of online bachelor’s graduates find jobs within four months of finishing. Programs cost $475 per credit for all students, both domestic and international. This makes nursing education available without cutting corners on quality or career prospects.

Admission Requirements

Westcliff University’s BSN program has specific academic and testing requirements. The university sets clear standards that will give students proper preparation for their nursing curriculum.

The BSN program requires a minimum GPA of 2.75. You must also score 65 or higher on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) entrance examination. These standards help determine if you’re ready for nursing education.

Students need to complete nine prerequisite courses with a B- or higher grade. The courses include Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Ethics, Critical Thinking, Sociology, Statistics, and Psychology. These courses lay the groundwork you need to succeed in nursing studies.

International students must prove their English language proficiency. The acceptable scores are:

• IELTS: 5.5 overall
• TOEFL: 60 overall
• Duolingo: 95 overall

The program starts three times a year with sessions in September 2025, January 2026, and September 2026. This schedule gives you multiple chances to start your nursing education.

Westcliff University makes the application process simple. You start by submitting an application through the university portal. Next, you’ll meet with an admissions advisor who helps you submit and verify your documents. International students should start this process early because international documentation and testing might take extra time.

Your clinical courses start in the second year. This gives you time to build your theoretical knowledge before you work with patients. The program structure helps you prepare step by step for hands-on patient care.

The university suggests applying early, especially if you’re an international student. Starting the process early improves your chances of getting into this competitive program.

What’s Different about the BSN Programs at Westcliff University

Westcliff University’s BSN Programs stand out in today’s nursing education world. These programs take just 16 months to complete. Students get one of the quickest paths to nursing licensure without sacrificing quality education or clinical experience.

Westcliff gives students customized support through its Academic Success Prescription Program. Your NCLEX exam preparation starts on day one. This approach improves your chances to pass this vital licensing exam on your first try.

The program’s career-ready curriculum excels because of:

• Small class sizes with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio in clinical settings
• Hands-on simulation labs with cutting-edge equipment that matches real hospital settings
• Training at top clinical sites across Southern California

Making education affordable stays at Westcliff’s core. BSN program tuition costs $475 per credit hour for all students. This creates equal opportunities whatever their citizenship status. Students can access various financial aid options like grants, scholarships, and payment plans to make their nursing education cost less.

Students start building their professional network right away at Westcliff University. They join national and state student nursing associations before they graduate.

Expert nurse educators bring their real-life knowledge straight to Westcliff’s classrooms. Their hands-on experience and strong academic background give students both theory and practical skills needed for clinical success.

Graduates leave ready for both the NCLEX-RN exam and Public Health Nurse certification after getting licensed. These two qualifications open up more career paths right after graduation.

The program runs on a predictable schedule. Classes happen mostly on weekdays. Clinical rotations sometimes take place during evenings or weekends to help working students.