Welcome to the home page for the A-B Tech School of Nursing! Dedicated in April 2023, the School of Nursing recognizes the college's legacy and leadership in nursing education for Western North Carolina since 1959. The School of Nursing includes:
- Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program
- LPN to ADN Advanced Placement Option
- Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) Program with Western Carolina University
- Licensed Practical Nursing Program
- Certified Nursing Aide
The A-B Tech Associate Degree Nursing Program is fully approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
The A-B Tech Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
How to Become a Licensed Registered Nurse (RN)
- Associate Degree Nursing Option
This Associate Degree Nursing Option is a five-semester program that awards an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree. Completion qualifies you to take the licensure exam that is required for practice as a registered nurse. - LPN to ADN Advanced Placement Option
The LPN to ADN advanced placement option is 3-semester option that allows LPNs with a current unrestricted license to enter the ADN program in the 3rd semester. Qualified applicants will receive credit for NUR-111, NUR-112, NUR-114, and NUR-117. This program option begins in the spring of each academic year. Completion qualifies the applicant to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. - RIBN Option (WNC Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses)
Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) Option is a four-year program and is offered in collaboration with Western Carolina University. An Associate of Applied Science in Nursing is awarded at the end of the third year from A-B Tech and a Baccalaureate in Nursing from Western Carolina University at the end of year four. This program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 2129, Raleigh, NC 27602, (919) 782-3211. - Transfer Process Overview
Programs
| Title | Credential | Credit Hours | Link to program details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree Nursing - Fall Admission | Degree | 72 | |
| Associate Degree Nursing - Spring Admission | Degree | 72 | |
| LPN to ADN Advanced Placement | Degree | 72 | |
| Paramedic to ADN Advanced Placement Option | Degree | 72 | |
| Associate Degree Nursing Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing (RIBN) | Degree | | |
| Practical Nursing | Diploma | 44 | |
Good to Know
Program Outcomes:
- The nursing program has a systematic evaluation plan which is fully implemented, and continuous quality improvement is demonstrated.
- The nursing program solicits and utilizes feedback from communities of interest in program planning and faculty decision-making.
- The nursing program has a minimum of 60% of students complete the program on time and a minimum of 70% of students complete the program within 150% of their most recent admission.
- The nursing program prepares students to be successful on the NCLEX-RN.
- Nursing program graduates find employment as an RN within six months of graduation.
- The nursing program’s students, graduates, employers, and faculty express satisfaction with the program's effectiveness.
Mission:
The A-B Technical Community College Nursing Program is dedicated to preparing highly competent and caring nurses who practice with excellence and integrity and recognize diversity and inclusion with respect to all. The faculty incorporates the following values:
- Caring
- Professional
- Spirit of inquiry
- Continuous improvement
- Innovation
- Inclusiveness
Vision:
A-B Tech Nursing Department is committed to providing a student-centered, high-quality, nursing education program that is recognized for its caring, integrity, inclusiveness, and excellence.
Christy Andrews, MSN, RN
Jack and Carolyn Ferguson Endowed Nursing Chair
- Office: AHWD 508
- Phone: (828) 398-7264
Nita Kirkpatrick, MSN, RN
Associate chairperson of Associate Degree Nursing Program
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7481
Monica Smith, MSN, RN
Associate chairperson of Practical Nursing Program
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7590
Tipton Dillingham, MSN, RN
Clinical Coordinator of Nursing Program
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7357
Deanna Littrell, MSN, RN
Simulation Coordinator/Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7617
William "Brent" Evans, MSN, RN, CNE
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7333
Pam Griffin, MSN, RN
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7263
Carol Hicks, MSN, RN, CNE
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7616
Andi Jefferis, MSN, RN
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7352
Abby Meyer, MSN, RN
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7356
Denise Morgan, MSN, RN
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7945
Eileen Shupe, MSN, RN, CNE
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7258
Joan Vassey, MSN, RN
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7661
Monica Walls, MSN, RN
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7261
Dr. Alyson Weimar DNP, MSN, RN, CNE
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
- Phone: (828) 398-7277
Amanda Willis MSN, RN
Nursing Faculty
- Office: AHWD 419
Amy Jo Parker MSN, RN
RIBN Advisor/Student Success Advocate
Office: AHWD 116
Phone: (828) 398-7534
Kimberly Morehouse, MBA
Administrative Assistant
- Office: AHWD 508
- Phone: (828) 398-7259
