West Coast University Los Angeles: Top Healthcare Degrees and Programs

West Coast University-Los Angeles is a private, for-profit institution with a century-long legacy, now specializing in healthcare education. With campuses across several states and robust online offerings, WCU provides a wide range of associate to doctoral programs in nursing, public health, healthcare administration, dental hygiene, and related fields.

The Los Angeles campus features modern facilities, simulation labs, and a Center for Graduate Studies, supporting a diverse, predominantly female student body. Accredited by WSCUC and several specialized bodies, WCU emphasizes hands-on learning, flexible program pacing, and strong student support services, including career guidance and financial aid.

The university’s mission centers on producing skilled healthcare professionals through quality education, real-world experience, and community involvement.

West Coast University – Los Angeles: A Deep Dive into a Healthcare-Focused Institution

West Coast University (WCU) is a private, for-profit institution with a significant presence in Los Angeles, known for its focused approach to healthcare education. With a history stretching back over a century, WCU has evolved to address the critical demand for qualified professionals in nursing, healthcare, and related fields.

A Century of Evolution: History of WCU

Founded in 1909 in California as a small ophthalmology school, West Coast University has undergone significant transformations. In 1997, new leadership pivoted the institution’s focus to high-demand healthcare programs, aiming to benefit students and meet national workforce needs.

Today, WCU operates campuses across California (including Los Angeles, Orange County, and Ontario), Texas, and Florida, alongside a robust offering of online programs. The Los Angeles campus itself has a dedicated Center for Graduate Studies.

Academic Offerings: A Spectrum of Healthcare Degrees

West Coast University-Los Angeles offers a comprehensive range of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, primarily concentrated in the health sciences and related business fields. This diverse portfolio caters to both entry-level professionals and those seeking advanced specialization.

Undergraduate Programs:

• Nursing:
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • LVN/LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LVN/LPN to BSN)
  • RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Healthcare:
  • Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH)
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Administration (BSHA) – Also available 100% online with tracks in Finance and Strategic Management.
  • Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH)

Graduate Programs:

• Nursing:
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Specialized tracks include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
  • Post-Master’s Certificates – For nurses with a master’s seeking to specialize further.
  • RN to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)
• Healthcare:
  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC)
  • Master of Health Administration (MHA) – Also 100% online with specialized tracks in Informatics and Organizational Leadership.
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • Master of Physician Assistant (MPA)
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
  • Master of Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP)
• Business:
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Online with tracks in Health Administration & Leadership, Project Management, and Public Health.

Doctoral Programs:

• Nursing:
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Healthcare:
  • Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
  • Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)

Many programs offer multiple paces (e.g., Accelerated, Accelerated Plus, Working Professional) and have multiple start dates throughout the year, providing flexibility for students. WCU emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world experiences, with online programs often integrating in-person clinical components.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

West Coast University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This regional accreditation signifies that WCU meets rigorous standards for educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

In addition to institutional accreditation, many of WCU’s programs hold specialized programmatic accreditations from respected bodies in their respective fields, ensuring graduates are prepared for licensure and practice. These include:

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for nursing programs (BSN, MSN, Post-Master’s Certificates).
• Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for Occupational Therapy programs.
• Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Physician Assistant Program.
• Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association for Dental Hygiene programs.
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for the Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.

Campus and Facilities in Los Angeles

The West Coast University-Los Angeles campus, including its Center for Graduate Studies, is designed to foster interprofessional learning and provide students with modern educational resources. Key facilities include:

• Advanced Classrooms: Equipped with integrated technology such as permanently mounted projectors, projection screens, and interactive whiteboards.
• Simulation Labs: Providing hands-on, real-world experience in a controlled environment, crucial for healthcare programs.
• Study Rooms: Dedicated spaces for individual and group study.
• Computer Labs: Offering access to necessary software and resources.
• Food Service Areas: For student convenience.
• Dental Hygiene Clinic: At the Anaheim campus, WCU dental hygiene students provide free dental services to the community, offering valuable practical experience.

The Los Angeles campus is conveniently located at the Victory Blvd. Exit of Highway 170 (Hollywood Freeway).

Student Body and Demographics

While specific Los Angeles campus-only enrollment data is often aggregated with other WCU campuses for overall university statistics, general trends can be observed. As of the 2023 school year, West Coast University’s total enrollment was approximately 2,687 students across all locations, with around 2,413 total students (and 2,144 undergraduates) attributed to the Los Angeles campus in some analyses.

Diversity: WCU-Los Angeles demonstrates a diverse student body:

• Gender: Approximately 78% female and 22% male among undergraduates, with a similar ratio across all students (around 1,902 female and 511 male students).
• Race/Ethnicity (2023 data, aggregated for WCU-Los Angeles):
  • Hispanic: 937
  • White: 919
  • Asian: 552
  • Two or more races: 157
  • Black or African American: 84
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 20
  • Race/ethnicity unknown: 11
  • American Indian or Alaska Native: 4
  • U.S. Nonresident: 3
• Age: WCU-Los Angeles has a high student age diversity, with only about 14.16% of students in the traditional 18-21 age range. A significant portion of the student body falls into older age groups, with 25-29 (838 students), 22-24 (658 students), and 30-34 (417 students) being prominent age brackets (2023 data).

The student-to-faculty ratio can vary by program and campus, but WCU emphasizes personalized support.

Faculty and Leadership

West Coast University prides itself on its faculty, who often bring significant real-world experience to the classroom. The Los Angeles campus leadership includes:

Johnny Arellano: Interim Executive Director

Allen Perez: Campus Dean of Nursing

Miriam Kahan: Campus Dean of General Education

Monica Englert: Campus Director of Admissions

Tracy Cabuco: Campus Director of Student Financial Services

Arpine Zohrabyan: Campus Director, Career Services

Numerous other dedicated faculty members lead and teach within specific programs, ensuring specialized expertise for students in various healthcare disciplines.

Admissions and Financial Information

Admissions Requirements: Prospective students for West Coast University-Los Angeles must generally meet the following criteria:

• Proof of high school graduation or equivalent (official transcript required).
• Meet all specific programmatic admissions criteria.
• Participate in an interview with a University Admissions Advisor.
• Submit a completed application for admission.
• Complete and execute an enrollment agreement (parent/guardian signature required for applicants under 18).
• For international students, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test) and financial support are required, along with eligibility for a student visa (F-1).

Tuition and Fees (as of recent data): West Coast University-Los Angeles has a unified tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students.

• In-State/Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: Approximately $37,194 per year.
• Books & Supplies: Approximately $3,992 per year.
• Net Price (average after financial aid for grant/scholarship recipients): Approximately $51,992 per year.
• Average Total Aid Awarded: Approximately $6,645 per year.
• Students Receiving Financial Aid: 100% of students receive some form of financial aid. WCU offers a tuition payment plan, allowing tuition to be paid in installments.

Student Support and Outcomes

West Coast University is committed to student success, offering various support services and focusing on career readiness.

Career Services: Provides one-on-one support to students and alumni for job placement and career development. While WCU provides guidance, employment cannot be guaranteed.

Financial Aid Advisors: Assist students in navigating financial aid options, including scholarships and grants for those who qualify.

Academic Support: Includes registrar services and student portals.

Clinical Rotations, Practica, and Fieldwork: Required in many programs, these experiences allow students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings under faculty supervision.

Community Involvement: WCU encourages and facilitates student, faculty, and staff participation in community service and philanthropic activities, supporting various causes.

Student learning outcomes are consistently assessed, with the university collecting and analyzing student work to ensure competency development. Graduates are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, communication, digital literacy, ethical conduct, collaboration, and a service-oriented approach.

West Coast University-Los Angeles plays a significant role in educating the next generation of healthcare professionals, addressing the evolving needs of the industry through its focused curriculum, hands-on training, and commitment to student success.

FAQs about West Coast University – Los Angeles

What is West Coast University – Los Angeles known for?
West Coast University – Los Angeles is known for its strong focus on healthcare education, offering a wide range of accredited nursing, health sciences, and allied health programs.

Is West Coast University – Los Angeles accredited?
Yes, the university is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), with several programs holding specialized accreditations such as CCNE, ACOTE, ACPE, and CAPTE.

What degrees are offered at WCU Los Angeles?
WCU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees primarily in nursing, healthcare administration, public health, occupational therapy, and related fields.

Are there online programs available?
Yes, West Coast University offers fully online programs including RN to BSN, BSHA, MHA, MPH, and MBA, many with specialized tracks.

Where is the WCU Los Angeles campus located?
The campus is located off Victory Blvd. at the Highway 170 (Hollywood Freeway) exit in Los Angeles, California.

What is the cost of attending WCU Los Angeles?
Tuition and fees are approximately $37,194 annually, with books and supplies estimated at $3,992. The average net price after financial aid is around $51,992 per year.

Does West Coast University offer financial aid?
Yes, 100% of WCU students receive some form of financial aid, and the university also offers tuition payment plans.

What are the admissions requirements for WCU Los Angeles?
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent, must complete an interview with an admissions advisor, and meet program-specific criteria. International students must also prove English proficiency and visa eligibility.

Can international students apply to WCU?
Yes, international students can apply with proof of English language proficiency, financial support documentation, and eligibility for an F-1 visa.

How diverse is the student body at WCU Los Angeles?
The student population is diverse, with major ethnic groups including Hispanic, White, Asian, and African American students. Around 78% of undergraduates are female.

What is the typical age range of WCU students?
WCU Los Angeles serves a wide range of ages, with many students between 22 and 34 years old. Only about 14% are traditional college age (18–21).

What kind of facilities are available at the LA campus?
Facilities include advanced classrooms, simulation labs, study rooms, computer labs, food service areas, and access to a dental hygiene clinic (at the Anaheim campus).

What are the nursing programs offered at WCU Los Angeles?
Programs include ADN, BSN, LVN/LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, MSN with multiple NP tracks, Post-Master’s Certificates, RN to MSN, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

What specialized graduate programs are offered?
Specialized programs include Master of Physician Assistant, Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Public Health, Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and Speech-Language Pathology.

What doctoral programs are offered at WCU?
Doctoral offerings include the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD).

Are clinical experiences part of the curriculum?
Yes, many programs include required clinical rotations, fieldwork, and practica to ensure hands-on, real-world learning.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio at WCU Los Angeles?
The ratio varies by program, but WCU emphasizes small class sizes and personalized faculty support.

What support services are available to students?
Services include financial aid counseling, academic advising, career services, and access to faculty mentors and online student portals.

Does WCU guarantee job placement after graduation?
No, WCU does not guarantee employment, but it offers career services to assist with job placement and professional development.

What is the role of the Center for Graduate Studies?
The Center supports graduate students through specialized resources, faculty, and interprofessional collaboration in advanced healthcare education.

How often can students start their programs?
Many programs offer multiple start dates throughout the year, providing flexible enrollment options.

What tracks are available in WCU’s MBA program?
Tracks include Health Administration & Leadership, Project Management, and Public Health, all offered online.

Are there community service opportunities for students?
Yes, WCU encourages student involvement in community outreach, including free dental services provided by dental hygiene students at the Anaheim campus.

Who are some key leaders at the Los Angeles campus?
Notable leaders include Johnny Arellano (Interim Executive Director), Allen Perez (Campus Dean of Nursing), and Miriam Kahan (Dean of General Education).