What can you do with a Nursing degree from West Coast University?

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:

Average score: 97%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

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:

View a random Nursing graduate from West Coast University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2020 from West Coast University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Registered Nurse
Medix
Jul 2020 - Present
The role of a Registered Nurse directly utilizes the nursing knowledge and skills gained from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, requiring core qualifications in patient care, assessment, and clinical practice.

Renal Telemetry Registered Nurse
PIH Health
Aug 2020 - Present
As a Renal Telemetry Registered Nurse, this position leverages advanced nursing skills and specific knowledge related to renal care and telemetry, making it highly relevant to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

ABOUT

Hello, 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.

What jobs can you get with a Nursing degree from West Coast University?

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):

What kind of career trajectories do Nursing graduates from West Coast University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

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.

How hard is a Nursing degree from West Coast University?

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!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Nursing.

Do Nursing graduates from West Coast University tend to make good money?

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!

What buzzwords do Nursing graduates use to describe themselves?

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:

What are the best colleges for Nursing?

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:

College Score Count
University of Pittsburgh 100 11
University of Louisville 100 18
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania 100 11
Excelsior College 100 12
Austin Peay State University 100 11
Widener University 100 22
University of Missouri-Columbia 99 12
Towson University 99 29
San Diego State University 99 19
Florida Atlantic University 99 21
University of Virginia 99 19
California State University-Long Beach 99 11
University of Massachusetts, Amherst 99 10
Quinnipiac University 99 26
Fairfield University 99 23
Columbus State University 99 10
University of South Carolina Upstate 99 15
University of Scranton 99 10
Angelo State University 99 10
Aurora University 99 12
Auburn University at Montgomery 99 10
Viterbo University 99 10
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston 99 15
Drexel University College of Nursing & Health Professions Division of Undergraduate Nursing 99 11
Galen College of Nursing 99 13
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) 99 11
Duquesne University School of Nursing 99 11
Michigan State University 98 16
Liberty University 98 24
Grand Valley State University 98 20
University of Delaware 98 20
Northern Arizona University 98 26
Northeastern University 98 20
University of Connecticut 98 15
Drexel University 98 18
Boston College 98 13
University of Massachusetts Lowell 98 11
Minnesota State University, Mankato 98 12
North Dakota State University 98 14
California State University San Marcos 98 16
New Mexico State University 98 10
Tarleton State University 98 10
University of Portland 98 20
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 98 10
Purdue University Northwest 98 11
Curry College 98 20
Mount Saint Mary College 98 15
University of St. Francis 98 10
Regis College 98 16
Clarkson College 98 10
University of Wisconsin-Madison 97 18
Brigham Young University 97 27
San Francisco State University 97 23
James Madison University 97 28
California State University-Sacramento 97 12
Illinois State University 97 13
Brigham Young University - Idaho 97 26
University of Cincinnati 97 22
Ball State University 97 12
Old Dominion University 97 13
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 97 15
University of Illinois at Chicago 97 15
University of Louisiana at Lafayette 97 20
Stephen F. Austin State University 97 17
Seton Hall University 97 10
New Jersey City University 97 10
Miami Dade College 97 19
West Coast University 97 126
The College of St. Scholastica 97 27
Molloy College 97 25
Indiana University Kokomo 97 10
Resurrection University 97 16
Penn State University 96 27
University of Central Florida 96 37
Texas A&M University 96 13
University of Florida 96 21
University of Arizona 96 15
University of Kentucky 96 14
The University of Alabama 96 16
University of South Carolina 96 14
University of New Hampshire 96 14
Boise State University 96 15
San Diego State University-California State University 96 12
Marquette University 96 13
University of San Francisco 96 33
University of Massachusetts Boston 96 19
Saginaw Valley State University 96 15
University of Missouri-Saint Louis 96 10
Ramapo College of New Jersey 96 16
Seattle University 96 22
National University 96 19
Bethel University 96 17
Creighton University 96 10
La Salle University 96 20
Midwestern State University 96 10
Saint Anselm College 96 10
King University 96 12
Mount Saint Mary's University 96 12
Mississippi University for Women 96 11
College of Mount Saint Vincent 96 14
Holy Family University 96 12
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center 96 13
Samuel Merritt University 96 16
Arizona State University 95 42
Florida State University 95 13
Purdue University 95 24
University of Michigan 95 15
West Virginia University 95 18
University of Arkansas 95 29
Kennesaw State University 95 12
Sam Houston State University 95 16
The University of Akron 95 17
University of Miami 95 14
The University of Texas at El Paso 95 15
Loyola University Chicago 95 22
Azusa Pacific University 95 28
Capella University 95 51
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi 95 19
California Baptist University 95 34
Winona State University 95 19
University of North Carolina Wilmington 95 12
Wilmington University 95 11
Salem State University 95 14
The University of Toledo 95 11
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 95 12
Stevenson University 95 10
University of Indianapolis 95 11
Valparaiso University 95 12
SUNY Brockport 95 12
Salve Regina University 95 10
MidAmerica Nazarene University 95 10
The Ohio State University 94 26
The University of Texas at Austin 94 22
University of South Florida 94 34
Western Governors University 94 227
San Jose State University 94 21
Kent State University 94 35
University of Pennsylvania 94 12
Texas Woman's University 94 39
Saint Louis University 94 18
Chamberlain University 94 250
Lamar University 94 16
University of Texas at Tyler 94 19
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 94 10
University of Michigan-Flint 94 14
Georgia College & State University 94 11
Bemidji State University 94 11
Pacific Lutheran University 94 11
Saint Xavier University 94 13
Jacksonville University 94 18
Wagner College 94 12
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 94 22
University of Detroit Mercy 94 16
Aspen University 94 10
Grand Canyon University 93 195
Auburn University 93 17
East Carolina University 93 36
Baylor University 93 13
Oakland University 93 23
Eastern Michigan University 93 14
California State University-San Bernardino 93 10
Texas Christian University 93 25
Northern Kentucky University 93 10
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 93 10
Villanova University 93 30
Indiana Wesleyan University 93 46
University of Central Missouri 93 10
Hunter College 93 18
Adelphi University 93 38
Sacred Heart University 93 15
Simmons College 93 10
University of Maryland School of Nursing 93 10
Ohio University 92 123
The University of Texas at Arlington 92 125
University of Rhode Island 92 27
Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis 92 11
Jacksonville State University 92 15
Olivet Nazarene University 92 17
Walden University 92 22
Union University 92 13
Mount Carmel College of Nursing 92 24
Loma Linda University 92 10
UT Health San Antonio 92 14
Southern New Hampshire University 91 25
New York University 91 17
Clemson University 91 21
Northern Illinois University 91 26
Weber State University 91 18
Indiana State University 91 14
South Dakota State University 91 16
Nova Southeastern University 91 33
Madonna University 91 14
Dominican University of California 91 13
Lourdes University 91 11
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 90 11
Western Kentucky University 90 10
University of Alabama at Birmingham 90 16
East Tennessee State University 90 20
University of Missouri-Kansas City 90 11
Case Western Reserve University 90 10
Davenport University 90 12
York College of Pennsylvania 90 13
South University 90 42
Cedarville University 90 15
Regis University 90 15
Chamberlain College of Nursing 90 116
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center 90 44
Nevada State College 90 11
University of Phoenix 89 59
University of Washington 89 13
University of Utah 89 11
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 89 16
University of North Carolina at Greensboro 89 14
Winston-Salem State University 89 17
St. Petersburg College 89 13
Barry University 89 17
Herzing University 89 15
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center 89 17
Florida International University 88 22
Georgia Southern University 88 19
Montana State University-Bozeman 88 11
Southwestern Oklahoma State University 88 10
University of Nebraska Medical Center 88 13
George Mason University 87 18
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 87 13
Kaplan University 87 17
Immaculata University 87 15
Alverno College 87 13
Duquesne University 86 13
McNeese State University 86 17
University of Mississippi Medical Center 86 16
University of North Florida 84 14
Western Carolina University 84 10
University of West Georgia 83 13
Chamberlain College of Nursing-Addison Campus 83 14
Maryville University of Saint Louis 82 11
American Sentinel University 81 11
Thomas Jefferson University 80 12
Malone University 76 10
Georgia State University 74 14