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
The application cycle for admission to the ABSN Program for Fall of 2023 admission is now closed. Detailed information for admission to the ABSN Program for Fall 2024 will be posted here in September of 2023. Please note that our usual deadline for application materials is in early January.
- Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam Version 7
- This exam can be taken via remote proctoring through ATI, 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.
- 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)
- For information about prerequisites and equivalences and North Carolina Community Colleges (NCCC) Prerequisites
- 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.
