Accelerated BSN Option

Cohorts begin annually, each Fall (August) and graduate the following year during the month of December.
Class schedules vary each semester but typically include classes two days per week and clinical one to two days per week.
Many of the clinical rotations are held in Buncombe County and the surrounding areas, but on occasion travel to more distant sites may be required to provide the optimal clinical experience.
Upon completion of the program of study, students will be eligible to sit for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

ABSN Option applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

1. Graduate of an accredited college or university with an approved bachelor’s degree.
2. GPA: two GPA scores will be calculated, weighted 25% each:

- The first GPA will be based on the last 60 hours of academic credit (undergraduate and/or graduate). A minimum of 3.0 is required for the last 60 hours.
- The second GPA will be based on the three completed science prerequisites required at the time of the application. If more than three science prerequisites are completed by the application deadline, the three highest scores will be used to determine the science GPA.

3. TEAS Admission Assessment Score. Official scores must be sent to WCU Nursing from Assessment Technology Institute (ATI). To learn more, visit the TEAS website.
4. Completed ABSN application (available in November, 2018).
5. Completion of the following prerequisite courses or their approved equivalents with a grade of ‘C’ or above.*

• Chemistry 132 – Introductory Chemistry with lab (4 hours) CHEM 139 and 140 are also acceptable *
• Chemistry 133 – Survey Organic/Biochemistry with lab (4 hours)*
• Biology 291 – Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab (4 hours)*
• Biology 292 – Human Anatomy & Physiology with lab (4 hours)*
• Environmental Health 260/261 – Etiology of Infectious Disease with lab (3 hours)*
• Psychology 150 – General Psychology (3 hours)
• ND 338 – Normal & Therapeutic Nutrition
• NSG 101 – Introduction to Professional Nursing (must earn a B or higher)
• NSG 346 – Pathophysiology for Nursing (may only be repeated once for a total of two attempts)
  
  Note: Students are required to earn a minimum grade of "B" or better for NSG 101 prior to admission to the program. Students are permitted only one repeat for NSG 101 and NSG 346 for grade replacement.

6. Completion of three of the five science prerequisites by the application deadline. All other prerequisites may be in-progress at the application deadline but must be completed prior to matriculation. The five sciences that apply to this rule are indicated with an (*) asterisk.

Students may elect to complete the course prerequisites at a community college or other university. Prior course equivalency approval is required for courses taken at another institution. Click here for more information about North Carolina Community College course equivalencies for the prerequisites.

Note - Admission to the ABSN Option is highly selective. Admission selection criteria for eligible applications will be based on:

• GPA (50%)
• TEAS Admission Assessment Exam Score (25%)
• Resume and Cover Letter Score (10%)
• Interview with the ABSN Admissions Committee (15%)

In addition to applying to WCU, students must also submit a supplemental program application for the ABSN Program.

The deadline for submission of the Fall 2019 applications is February 1, 2019.

Application to the ABSN Option requires applying to both Western Carolina University and the School of Nursing:

• It is strongly recommended that applicants attend an ABSN Advising Session located at the WCU Programs at Biltmore Park location prior to submitting their application.
  • Please check the advising tab below for more information.
• Students must apply for general admission to Western Carolina University by the ABSN application deadline.
  • Click here to review the Western Carolina University admission requirements and online application.
• Complete the TEAS Admissions Exam: WCU tests using ATI TEAS version.
  • To read more about TEAS preparation and registration, visit the TEAS website.
  • Students may take the ATI TEAS exam once every 30 days.
    Official results must be sent to WCU Nursing from Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI).
• Submit a completed ABSN application to the School of Nursing by the deadline above.
• Please review instructions in the packet well in advance of the deadline for application. Selection will be based on the applicant's qualifications, intellectual curiosity, communication skills, and potential for success in the ABSN Option. Meeting minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance into the ABSN Option.

The ABSN required courses are laid out in 4-semesters 

ABSN CURRICULUM

ABSN ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE

NC Promise Reduced Tuition Information

There are financial benefits that are possible due to this program change. Students will now be able to work part-time around their class and clinical schedules due to the 14-17 credit hour course load per semester. To learn more, contact the WCU Office of Financial Aid (finaid.wcu.edu) for more information.

Students can also apply for the CFNC Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) opportunity. The priority deadline for applying is April 1. For more information, visit cfnc.org/fels.
There are also a variety of scholarships that may be available to current students, awarded by the School of Nursing and external organizations. To learn more, visit the Nursing Scholarships website.

The Director of Student Services conducts advising sessions monthly for students wanting more information about upcoming admission cycles. Topics that will be covered include general information about the program, admission requirements, prerequisites/transfer equivalencies, preparing for the TEAS exam, etc. Sessions are held at the WCU Programs at Biltmore Park location. You will receive directions and the room location upon confirmation of your reservation.

Upcoming Advising Session dates include:

Attending an advising session is required prior to requesting an individual advising appointment.

To make a reservation, please email wcunursing@wcu.edu.
Include your name, the date you plan to attend, and your primary email address