West Coast University was founded in 1909 as an ophthalmology school. Over the years, the institution expanded its academic offerings across various disciplines and degree levels. A significant shift occurred in 1997, when new leadership reorganized the university to focus on health science programs.
Key milestones in the university’s recent history include:
2006: Opening of the Los Angeles, California Campus.
2007: Launch of the Orange County, California Campus and the introduction of online courses.
2008: Establishment of the Ontario, California Campus.
2009: The Dental Hygiene program obtains programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program received initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
2010: The university began offering master’s degree programs in Nursing and Health Care Management.
2011: West Coast University secures accreditation from WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). In addition, the Master of Science in Nursing program receives initial accreditation from CCNE.
2012: The Texas Campus was opened in Dallas.
2013: The Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, California, was established and welcomed its first cohort of Master of Occupational Therapy students.
2014: Post-Graduate APRN Certificate offerings received accreditation from CCNE, and the Miami, Florida Campus was opened.
2017: The Master of Public Health program began course offerings, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program was granted full accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
2018: The Doctor of Pharmacy program received full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
2019: The Occupational Therapy Doctorate secures full accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
2020: The Doctor of Nursing Practice program was granted accreditation by CCNE.
2021: The Master of Physician Assistant program attains Provisional accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
2023: Introduction of the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
This history reflects West Coast University’s commitment to adapting and expanding its educational offerings and opportunities to support the professional goals of its student body.