Western Carolina University

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The "Basic" Pre-Licensure BSN Program is for persons who might

• Have no previous health-care background
• Be certified as Nurse Aides I or II
• Be Licensed Practical Nurses
• Be working in health care without a bachelor's degree
• Have a bachelor's (or higher) degree in another discipline and want a two-year program
  instead of the accelerated option (see below).

Visit the BSN Pre-Licensure website for more information.

The "Accelerated" Pre-Licensure Entry-Option (ABSN), is only for persons who

• Already have a bachelor's (or higher) degree in another discipline
• Can commit to an intense 12-month course of study
• Want to be based in Asheville at the WCU Biltmore Park location

Visit the ABSN Program website for more information.

The WNC Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) Program

• Have very little to no prior college coursework
• Want to be based in Asheville, at A-B Tech, Blue Ridge Community College and WCU at Biltmore Park
• Want to be based in Sylva, at Southwestern Community College and WCU main campus
• Have no previous health-care background
• Be certified as Nurse Aides I or II by the fall term while in RIBN

Visit the WNC RIBN website for more information.

The RN to BSN Program is only for persons who

• Have a current, unrestricted license to practice as an RN in North Carolina OR
  will have such a license before starting WCU Nursing courses.
• Have completed WCU Liberal Studies requirements
• Have at least 60 transferable semester hours not counting previous nursing courses
• Want an online program

Visit the RN to BSN website for more information.

The RN to MS(N) Early-Entry Option is only for persons who

• Meet the requirements for the RN to BSN track (see above)
• Have completed at least 12 of the 24 required RN to BSN Nursing courses
• Want to move directly into master's level nursing at WCU

Visit the RN to MS(N) Early-Entry Option website for more information.

Still not sure which BSN program is right for you?
Use our BSN Program Guide to compare your options

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Graduate: Master of Science (Nursing)

The Master of Science (Nursing) program is for persons who

• Have completed the BSN from an accredited institution OR are completing the WCU RN to MS(N) Early-Entry Option
• Have clinical experience as an RN appropriate to the track
• Are interested in one of the following tracks: 
• Family Nurse Practitioner (taught at Biltmore Park, core online)
• Nurse Administration (completely online)
• Nurse Educator (completely online)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (taught at Biltmore Park, core online)

For more information, visit the MSN Graduate and Certificate Options website.