Accelerated BSN
The Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program is designed specifically for individuals that have
already completed a Bachelor's degree, but want to pursue a career in nursing.
The curriculum for the ABSN option is the same as the Traditional BSN but is offered
in four continuous semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall), allowing students to complete
the program in an accelerated time-frame.
This curriculum format provides students the flexibility to work part-time and allows for greater financial aid opportunities. ABSN courses are conveniently held at our Biltmore Park Instructional site in Asheville, NC.
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. Because clinical sites are throughout the Asheville area, personal transportation is required. 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).
Please explore the informational videos below to find out more about the Western Carolina University Accelerated BSN Program
Applications to Western Carolina University are now open for a Fall 2023 semester start date. See the attached ABSN Applicant Checklist for guidance on the application process.
WCU School of Nursing uses a two-step application process. Applicants must apply to both WCU and to the ABSN program. Admission to both is required to start the program. Additional information for applicants will be posted Fall 2022 with updated link for NursingCAS.
The WCU application and all official academic transcripts must be submitted by January 6, 2023. The NursingCAS application is due January 16, 2023. Please note that if you apply to WCU near the end of 2022 or just before January 6, you will not receive a decision from WCU about your acceptance to the University before the January 16 NursingCAS deadline. Information about scheduling interviews and eligibility will be communicated in early February 2023. Interviews will take place during the month of February with final decisions expected to be made in March.
- Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam
- This exam can be taken at a testing center of your choice, and testing is available at WCU
- Information about the TEAS test
- Official scores must be sent to WCU Nursing from Assessment Technology Institute (ATI) and must be submitted with your application.
- Starting June 2022 TEAS version 7 will be released. Either TEAS 6 or TEAS 7 results will be accepted through the next application period.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- 3.0 minimum GPA from last 60 hours of coursework
- Course Prerequisites, all grades must be a C or higher.
- There are four science courses that are pre-requisites to start the program. To apply,
three of them must be completed by the application deadline. There are no exceptions.
- CHEM 132: Introductory Chem with Lab (4 sem. Credits)
- BIO 291: Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab (4 credits)
- BIO 292: Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab (4 credits)
- ENVH 260/261: Etiology of Infectious Disease w/ lab (3 credits) Note: this is a Microbiology course
- Nursing Prerequisites pre-requisites to start the program
- ND 330 Human Nutritional (ND 338 Normal & Therapeutic Nutrition is acceptable)
- NSG 346 Pathophysiology for Nursing Recommend taking at WCU; Equivalent 300 level course may be accepted. Email wcunursing@wcu.edu.
- MATH 170 Applied Statistics (3 credits)
- Psychology 150 -General Psychology (3 credits)
- There are four science courses that are pre-requisites to start the program. To apply,
three of them must be completed by the application deadline. There are no exceptions.
For disadvantaged students who have been admitted to WCU and are planning to apply to one of our BSN program offerings, the PEN Scholars program will provide specific support services through a dedicated academic and faculty advisor.
Refer to these links for related information about general WCU Tuition & Fees, reduced undergraduate tuition NC Promise, financial aid WCU Office of Financial Aid, available nursing scholarships and the Forgivable Education Loan for Service (FELS) Program.
The ABSN Curriculum plan shows courses in the four-semester plan of study.
