Accreditation and Approvals

Program Accreditor Address Disclosure / Other Information
Institutional Accreditation WASC Senior College and University Commission 1001 Marina Village Parkway
Suite 402
Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 748-9001
Website: www.wscuc.org/
West Coast University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accreditation body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Original Accreditation: January 1963 to March 1997
New Grant: November 4, 2011
Bachelor of Science, Dental Hygiene
(BSDH)
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) 211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
800-621-8099 or (312) 440-4653
Website: www.ada.org
The Dental Hygiene program offered at the Orange County campus is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Bachelor of Science Nursing
(BSN)
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 655 K Street
Suite 750
Washington DC 20001
(202) 877-6791
Website: www.ccneaccreditation.org
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at West Coast University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Master of Science Nursing (MSN) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 655 K Street
Suite 750
Washington DC 20001
(202) 877-6791
Website: www.ccneaccreditation.org
The master’s degree program in nursing at West Coast University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)  655 K Street
Suite 750
Washington DC 20001
(202) 877-6791
Website: www.ccneaccreditation.org 
The post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Bachelor of Science, Nursing
(BSN and LVN-BSN)
California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) 1747 North Market Boulevard
Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 322-3350
Website: www.rn.ca.gov
The nursing pre-licensure (LVN to BSN and BSN) programs offered at West Coast University are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Bachelor of Science, Nursing
(BSN and LVN-BSN)
Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) 333 Guadalupe #3-460
Austin, TX 78701
Website: www.bon.state.tx.us.com
West Coast University is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing for the pre-licensure nursing (BSN) programs.
Bachelor of Science, Nursing
(BSN and LPN-BSN)
Florida Board of Nursing 4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-10
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252
(850) 245-4125
Website: floridasnursing.gov
Master of Science, Occupational Therapy
(MSOT-CA)
Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy (ACOTE) 6116 Executive Boulevard
Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
(301) 652-2682
Website: www.aota.org/Educate/Accredit.aspx

The entry-level MSOT Program at WCU received accreditation in December 11, 2014 from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-2682, and their web address is www.acoteonline.org.

Program graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition,  states require licensure to practice; however, state licensure is usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Master of Science, Occupational Therapy
(MSOT-TX)
Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy (ACOTE) 6116 Executive Boulevard
Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
(301) 652-2682
Website: www.aota.org/Educate/Accredit.aspx

The WCU entry-level occupational therapy master's degree (MSOT) program has applied for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) , located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD  20852-4929.  ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its Web address is www.acoteonline.org.  The program must be granted Candidacy Status, have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).  After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).  In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.  Note that a felony conviction may affect a student's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.  

Doctorate of Science, Occupational Therapy
(OTD)
Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy (ACOTE) 6116 Executive Boulevard
Suite 200
North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929
(301) 652-2682
Website: www.aota.org/Educate/Accredit.aspx
West Coast University's Doctor of Occupational therapy program received accreditation on July 26, 2019 from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE's telephone number c/o AOTA is 301-652-2682, and their web address is acoteonline.org.

Program graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), Inc. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Though most states require licensure in order to practice, the state licenses are usually contingent on successful passage of the NBCOT Certification Examination. A felony conviction may affect a graduate's ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination as well as eligibility to obtain state licensure.
Doctor of Physical Therapy
(DPT)
Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) 1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 706-3245
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Website: www.capteonline.org/Home.aspx
Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at West Coast University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Avenue, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA, 22305; Telephone: 703-684-2782; email: accreditation@apta.org; website www.capteonline.org.
Doctor of Pharmacy
(PharmD)
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) 190 South LaSalle Street
Suite 2850,
Chicago, IL 60503-4810
312-644-3575
Fax: 866-228-2643
Website: www.acpe-accredit.org.
Programmatic Accreditation
West Coast University School of Pharmacy’s Doctor of Pharmacy program  is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60603-4810, 312-644-3575; fax: 866-228-26431; website www.acpe-accredit.org.

Accreditation Disclosure
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredits Doctor of Pharmacy programs offered by Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy in the United States and selected non-US sites. For a Doctor of Pharmacy program offered by a new College or School of Pharmacy, ACPE accreditation generally involves three steps; Precandidate status, Candidate status and Accredited status.
Precandidate status denotes a developmental program that is expected to mature in accord with stated plans and within a defined time period. Precandidate status is awarded to a new program of a College or School of Pharmacy that has not yet enrolled students in the professional program and authorizes the School to admit its first class.
Candidate status is awarded to a Doctor of Pharmacy program that has students enrolled but has not yet had a graduating class.
Accredited status is awarded to a program that has met all ACPE standards for accreditation and has graduated its first class. Graduates of a class designated as having Candidate status have the same rights and privileges of those graduates from a fully accredited program. ACPE conveys its decisions to the various boards of pharmacy and makes recommendations in accord with its decisions. It should be noted, however, that decisions concerning eligibility for licensure by examination or reciprocity reside with the respective state boards of pharmacy in accordance with their state statutes and administrative rules.
The Doctor of Pharmacy program of the West Coast School of Pharmacy was awarded Accredited status during the June 20-24, 2018, meeting of the ACPE Board of Directors based upon an on-site evaluation conducted April 3-5, 2018, and discussion with University and School officials.

PLEASE NOTE THAT LICENSURE TO PRACTICE AS A PHARMACIST IS REQUIRED IN EVERY STATE.  HOWEVER, THE EXAM AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS VARY BY STATE.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO RESEARCH THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE STATE IN WHICH YOU PLAN TO PRACTICE.
Master of Physician Assistant
(MPA) - TX
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) 3325 Paddocks Parkway
Suite 345
Suwanee, Georgia 30024
(770) 476-1224
Website: www.arc-pa.org
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the West Coast University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by West Coast University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation. Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-west-coast-university/

To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state.

A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/ registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. West Coast University is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
(DNP)
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 655 K Street
Suite 750
Washington DC 20001
(202) 877-6791
Website: www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE

 

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Associate Degree in Nursing
(ADN)
NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC  20037
(202) 909-2526
Website: cnea.nln.org
West Coast University Associate Degree in Nursing program holds preaccreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20037. 800-669-1656. Holding pre-accreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation by NLN CNEA will be received.
Master of Speech Language Pathology(MSLP) Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) 2200 Research Boulevard, #310
Rockville, MD  20850
(800) 498-2071
(310) 296-5700
Website: caa.asha.org/

 

The Master’s of Speech Language Pathology (M.S.L.P.) education program in speech-language pathology distance education program at West Coast University is a Candidate for Accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

Master of Physician Assistant
(MPA) - CA
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) 3325 Paddocks Parkway
Suite 345
Suwanee, Georgia 30024
(770) 476-1224
Website: www.arc-pa.org
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the West Coast University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by West Coast University.

Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation. Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-west-coast-university/

To become a certified PA (PA-C), one must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). In addition, students must obtain state medical board registration/licensure. The licensure requirements will vary from state to state.

A PA may not begin working as a Physician Assistant in most states until he/she has successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) AND has been licensed/ registered by the state in which they practice. There may be exceptions for certain state licensures or for federal employment, such as the military and Veterans Administration. Failure to complete all necessary steps may constitute practicing medicine without a medical license. Upon graduation, students are responsible for ensuring they obtain all required licenses and certifications. West Coast University is not responsible for registration or licensing; the student is solely responsible for all such requirements and verifying proper authorizations to practice medicine have been obtained.