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The School of Nursing

342  Academic Programs

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/nursing and clicking on the specific program.

To become a Licensed Registered Nurse (RN)

Admission Criteria

To view the specific criteria for admission for each program, go to our Selective and Limited Programs webpage and click the link for the program. If you have questions about the general selective admissions process, please email advising@abtech.edu.

When to Apply

You can find information about current and upcoming application periods for Selective and Limited programs linked below.

Selective and Limited Programs Application Period Information

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

Associate Degree Nursing 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. 

LPN to ADN – Advanced Placement 

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. 

Paramedic to ADN – Advanced Placement

The Paramedic to Associate Degree Nursing advanced placement option ("Paramedic to ADN Bridge Program") provides advanced placement for those with an Unrestricted North Carolina Paramedic Certification or a National Registry Paramedic Certification. The program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

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. 

Practical Nursing Diploma

The Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN) program qualifies the applicant to take the licensure exam (NCLEX-PN) that is required for practice as a licensed practical nurse. The program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Nurse Aide (CNA) Programs

We offer Nurse Aide Level I, Nurse Aide I Refresher, and Nurse Aide II classes through Continuing Education. Registration procedures can be found at abtech.edu/cna. If you have questions about the general selective admissions process, call the Health Occupations office at (828) 398-7878 or email HealthOccupationsConEd@abtech.edu.

 

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