The School of Nursing

Summary

Overview of the programs offered at the A-B Tech School of Nursing

Programs Offered

A-B Tech offers several different nursing programs. You can find more information about each one by going to abtech.edu/academic-programs and clicking on the specific program.

To become a Licensed Registered Nurse (RN)

• Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) (71 credits; approx. 2 years, 5 semesters)
• LPN to Associate Degree Nursing - Advanced Placement (25 credits; approx. 1 year, 3 semesters)
• WNC Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) (128 credits; approx. 4 years, 11 semesters)

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

Associate Degree Nursing is a five-semester program that awards an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing degree. When you complete the program, you will be qualified to take the licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN). The program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. For questions about the program, contact our Student Advising team at advising@abtech.edu.

LPN to Associate Degree Nursing – Advanced Placement ("LPN to ADN Bridge Program") 

LPN to Associate Degree Nursing - Advanced Placement ("LPN to ADN Bridge Program") provides advanced placement for currently licensed, unrestricted LPNs. The program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. For additional questions, contact our Student Advising team at advising@abtech.edu.

This program is one of our Selective Allied Health Programs. The ADN Advanced Placement program is a January–December program, and students apply in the fall semester before. The program is three semesters in length. To view the specific criteria for admission, go to our Selective and Limited Programs webpage and click the link for the program. If we are not currently accepting applicants, email advising@abtech.edu for more information.

WNC Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN)

WNC Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) is a four-year program and is offered in collaboration with Western Carolina University. An Associate of Applied Science in Nursing is awarded at the end of the third year from A-B Tech, and a Baccalaureate in Nursing from Western Carolina University at the end of year four. This program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.  

The first three years of WNC RIBN will be on A-B Tech’s main Asheville Campus, with one class completed online through WCU each semester. The fourth year of classes will be through WCU. The WCU classes will be either online or at Biltmore Park.

Admission to WNC RIBN is highly competitive. Dual admission requirements are set forth collaboratively by A-B Tech and Western Carolina University. WNC RIBN will accept applications from August to December for entry the next fall. You may find the specific admissions criteria by going to abtech.edu and typing "RIBN" in the Search Field. For additional questions, contact our Student Advising team at advising@abtech.edu.

Practical Nursing Diploma

The Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) program is one of our Selective Allied Health Programs. To view the specific criteria for admission, go to our Selective and Limited Programs webpage and click the link for the program. If we are not currently accepting applicants, email advising@abtech.edu for more information. 

Nurse Aide (CNA) Programs

We offer Nurse Aide Level I, Nurse Aide I Refresher, and Nurse Aide II classes through Continuing Education.

Key Words: nursing, nurse, ADN, RN, LPN, PN, RIBN, Western Carolina University, WCU, nurse aide, CNA