Total number of hours for the program: 120.
The RIBN program provides an accelerated option for Associate Degree Nursing students desiring a career as a bachelor-of-science educated registered nurse. Students will be dually enrolled at WCU and a community college partner throughout the first three years of the program and will be required to meet both schools’ program and admissions requirements. Major prerequisites and nursing courses for the first three years of the program will be taken at the community college partner. Students will complete the Liberal Studies Program per WCU requirements. The remaining upper-level major nursing courses will be completed through the WCU School of Nursing.
Admission
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.00 Students are admitted to the community college Associate Degree Nursing program. Students who meet RIBN criteria are referred to the WCU School of Nursing for admission. Admission is based on a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on all previous undergraduate college work (or unweighted high school GPA if the student has completed less than 20 hours of college coursework) and applicable test scores. Students are expected to adhere to the technical and professional standards and safe practice policies of the program and also the academic requirements explained below. For the most up-to-date information regarding these standards, refer to the nursing website.
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 WCU RIBN nursing website noted below for application deadlines.
Required Prerequisites: 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. In addition, courses that 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 at https://www.wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/HHS/nursing/undergrad-programs/ribn/index.aspx