University History

West Coast University was originally founded in 1909 as an ophthalmology school. Over subsequent years, the university diversified its program offerings in multiple academic disciplines and offered at multiple degree levels. In May of 1997, new leadership emerged and the University was reorganized with a focus on health science programs. Highlights of the University's recent history include the following:

2006 -- Opening of the Los Angeles campus
2007 -- (September) Opening of branch campus in Orange County
2007 -- (September) The University launches online courses
2008 -- (November) Opening of branch campus in Ontario, California
2009 -- Dental Hygiene program (Orange County campus) attained professional accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
2009 -- Bachelor of Science, Nursing program receives initial professional accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
2010 -- (June) WCU approved to offer master's degree programs in Nursing and Health Care Management
2011 - Master of Science, Nursing program receives initial professional accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
2012 -- (February) Opening of branch campus in Dallas, Texas
2013 -- (August) Opening of Center for Graduate Studies in Los Angeles, and matriculation of first cohort of students in the Masters of Occupational Therapy program
2014 -- Doctor of Physical Therapy program achieves candidacy status through Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
2014 - Post-Graduate APRN Certificate receives accreditation by CCNE
2014 -- (April) Opening of branch campus in Miami, Florida
2015 -- (June) Doctor of Pharmacy program achieves candidacy status through Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
2016 – (December) Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is granted candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
2017 -- (January) Master of Public Health program starts offering courses.
2017 – (February) The University is granted reaffirmation of accreditation for eight years by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
2017 -- Doctor of Physical Therapy granted full accreditation by CAPTE
2017 -- Occupational Therapy Doctorate awarded candidacy status by ACOTE
2018 -- Doctor of Pharmacy awarded full accreditation by ACPE
2020 -- Doctor of Nursing Practice granted Accreditation by CCNE
2021 -- Master of Physician Assistant granted Accreditation-Provisional status by ARC-PA