First, some facts. Of the Nursing graduates from West Coast University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 126 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 97%, Nursing graduates from West Coast University have a substantially higher likelihood (+30%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 16% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Nursing graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from West Coast University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONRegistered NurseMedix Jul 2020 - Present Renal Telemetry Registered Nurse PIH Health Aug 2020 - Present ABOUTHello, my name is [NAME REMOVED] Florido and I graduated with my BSN from West Coast University in April 2020. I am a highly motivated new graduate who is in search of opportunities that will help mold me and guide me in my role as a Registered Nurse. I have worked in the guest relations/customer services industry for over 8 years at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach. During my time at Fashion Island Hotel, I gained experience on anticipating guest needs, mastering effective communication, providing exceptional service, and handling guest emergencies in an efficient and timely manner. I also served as a mentor and leader for new employees by training and collaborating with guest relations managers on how to improve employee and guest satisfaction. My 8 years of dedication and loyalty to Fashion Island Hotel demonstrates my passion and commitment to customer service. My passion for patient care and teaching is demonstrated by my volunteering at Orange Coast College as an Anatomy Teaching Assistant, St. Joseph Hospital Orange, St. Jude Medical Center and Hoag Memorial Hospital as a Health Scholar. I was able to provide direct patient care and assist nurses and assistive personnel in providing basic patient care. I also had the privilege of rotating on multiple units which expanded my knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the profession. Having the opportunity to work alongside nurses and other health care professionals motivated me to pursue my passion as a Registered Nurse. It would be an absolute privilege to be given the opportunity to deliver the best possible care and compassion that I am so eager to give to my patients. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we look at the career paths of individuals who graduated with a Nursing degree from West Coast University, it’s clear that a significant majority of them have gone on to hold positions that are closely related to nursing. The most common job title among these graduates is "Registered Nurse" (RN), which is a direct application of their education. Many have taken roles in various clinical settings such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and specialty care units. These positions fully utilize the clinical skills and knowledge they acquired during their studies, making them highly relevant to their nursing degree. In fact, a large number of the job descriptions confirm the graduates are actively engaging in patient care, critical assessments, and other essential nursing responsibilities on a daily basis.
However, not every job has proven to be entirely relevant to their nursing training. For example, some graduates have found themselves in administrative or leadership roles, such as Clinical Educators or VPs at recruiting firms, where the connection to core nursing practice is less prominent. These roles may use some nursing-related skills, like leadership or interpersonal communication, but do not primarily engage the clinical knowledge expected from a nursing education. Specific positions like Medical Assistants, Case Managers, or even roles in the aesthetic or spa industry can sometimes only partially utilize nursing skills, making their relevance to nursing more questionable. Despite this, the overwhelming trend shows that the foundational education in nursing has led most graduates into roles that directly align with their training, further demonstrating the strong connection between their education and their career outcomes.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Nursing graduates (this is across all Nursing graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to West Coast University):
The career trajectories of graduates from West Coast University’s Nursing program reveal a fairly promising picture overall. Most alumni kickstart their careers in nursing roles soon after graduation, primarily as Registered Nurses (RNs) across various healthcare settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. The initial jobs almost universally fall in the realm of direct patient care, which aligns perfectly with the nursing degree these graduates have attained. Whether in emergency departments, pediatrics, or intensive care units, it’s clear that a significant number of graduates are heading straight into critical nursing positions where they can apply their skills right away.
Fast forward five to ten years, and we see many of these individuals progressing in their careers, often assuming roles with greater responsibility. Many graduates are still working as RNs but have advanced their positions to specialized roles, such as charge nurses, clinical education specialists, or even nurse practitioners. Some have shifted into leadership roles, such as nurse supervisors or clinical managers. There are also those who have ventured into diverse fields like case management or education, highlighting the versatility of a nursing degree. Although it’s impossible to judge each graduate’s success story, the patterns suggest a strong retention in the nursing field, with individuals climbing the professional ladder in relevant paths over the years.
However, it's worth noting a few caveats. While many graduates are thriving, there are also some who seem to wander off the typical path — like those who have taken on roles not directly related to hands-on patient care or nursing, such as positions in search firms or even aesthetic nursing, which may depart slightly from traditional caregiving roles. Still, these instances appear to be less common when compared to the overall number of graduates continuing on robust nursing paths. In the end, most of these West Coast University alumni are building meaningful careers, and it’s encouraging to see a solid foundation laid for their futures in the nursing world.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing can be pretty challenging, and West Coast University is no exception. The coursework is intense, with a mix of science classes, clinical rotations, and hands-on training that really pushes you to understand both the theory and practice of nursing. You’ll need to juggle a lot of studying, group projects, and exams, plus your clinical hours can be demanding too. It’s generally considered harder than a typical college degree because of the level of dedication and time management required. So, if you're thinking about it, be prepared for some late nights and a steep learning curve, but it can definitely be rewarding if you're passionate about helping others!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Nursing.
Looking at the jobs these nursing graduates from West Coast University have had since finishing their studies, it's clear that many of them have been on a strong career path that likely pays pretty well. Starting from around 2012, a majority of them began their careers as registered nurses, which is a field that tends to have decent starting salaries—usually somewhere in the range of $60,000 to $80,000 a year, depending on the location and setting of the job. As they gained experience, some even moved into specialized positions like Clinical Nurse, Wound Care Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner, which can significantly boost their income. For example, roles in emergency rooms and intensive care units typically offer higher pay due to their complexity and demand for specialized skills.
Over the years, many of these graduates transitioned into various reputable healthcare organizations and even took on leadership roles, like Charge Nurse or Clinical Educator. These roles usually come with higher salaries not just because of additional responsibilities, but also due to a growing demand for experienced healthcare professionals. Others who ventured into niche areas such as cardiac rehabilitation, aesthetic nursing, or even travel nursing could also see an uptick in their paycheck. So, overall, it seems like these nursing graduates have not only made a decent living but have also had opportunities for growth and advancement in their careers, which is pretty awesome!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Nursing (this is across all Nursing graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to West Coast University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Nursing (ordered by the average relevance score of their Nursing graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: