Total number of hours for the program: 128.
The RIBN track provides a separate option for students desiring a career as a bachelor-of-science educated registered nurse. Students will be dual enrolled at WCU and a community college partner throughout the program and will be required to meet both schools' programs and admissions requirements. Major prerequisites and nursing courses for first 3 years of the program will be taken at a community college partner or transferring institution; students will complete the Liberal Studies Program per WCU requirements. Upper level major nursing courses will be taken through the WCU School of Nursing.
Pre-Licensure Nursing
Declaration of a major in pre-nursing does not guarantee admission into the program. Students must formally apply and be admitted into the program before beginning the professional sequence of courses and/or proceeding into clinical placements. Admission to the RIBN program is competitive, and priority is given to the best qualified students. Admission is based on cumulative GPA (3.00) minimum on all previous undergraduate college work or unweighted high school GPA if less than 20 hours of college coursework, and applicable test scores. In addition to the academic requirements below, students are expected to adhere to the technical and professional standards and safe practice policies of the program. For the most up to date information regarding these standards, refer to the nursing website, http://nursing.wcu.edu.
Minimum GPA Requirment: 3.00
When do students apply? To be considered for admission all students must have completed, or be in the process of completing all admissions requirements (GPA and testing). Refer to the nursing website (http://nursing.wcu.edu) for application deadlines.
Required Pre-requisites: Applicants must meet admission requirements for both the community college and university such as Certified Nursing Assistant certification, etc.
Retention in the Program: Students must take and pass with a grade of C (2.00) or better all required courses and demonstrate professional and safe nursing practice. In addition, courses which combine selected content areas require the student to demonstrate competency in each content area by achieving a minimum exam score average of C (77%). For more information on retention policies in the nursing program, refer to the nursing website, http://nursing.wcu.edu.