Nursing

The application period for A-B Tech's 2025 Spring Associate Degree Nursing Program is now open and the deadline is October 25. Learn more about Selective Admissions criteria and how to apply.

A-B Tech School of Nursing

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
• Paramedic to ADN Advanced Placement Option
• Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) Option with Western Carolina University
• Practical Nursing Program
• Certified Nursing Aide

The A-B Tech Associate Degree & Practical Nursing Programs are fully approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

The A-B Tech Associate Degree Nursing Program is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).

How to Become a Licensed Registered Nurse (RN)

• Associate Degree Program
  • The Associate Degree Nursing program includes five semesters of nursing coursework. The program offers both fall and spring admission options. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is awarded an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree. Completion qualifies the applicant to take the licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) that is required to practice as a registered nurse.
• LPN to ADN Advanced Placement Option
  • The LPN to ADN advanced placement option is completed in three semesters and offers 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.
• Paramedic to ADN Advanced Placement Option
  • The Paramedic to ADN advanced placement option is completed in four semesters and offers a certified paramedic to start the ADN program in a hybrid transition course (NUR-215) and join the current ADN cohort in the third semester. Topics covered in NUR-215 will include concepts from NUR-111, NUR-117, NUR-112, & NUR-114. This program option will begin in the fall 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 completed in four years 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. Upon graduation from A-B Tech the applicant qualifies to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
• School of Nursing Transfer option
  • Students who have completed NUR courses at another college may be eligible for transfer to the A-B Tech Associate Degree nursing program if space is available.

How to Become a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)

• Practical Nursing Program
  • This Practical Nursing program is a three-semester program that awards a Diploma in nursing. The program begins in the fall semester. Completion qualifies the applicant to take the licensure exam (NCLEX-PN) that is required for practice as a licensed practical nurse.
• School of Nursing Transfer option
  • Students who have completed the NUR-101 course at another college may be eligible for transfer to the A-B Tech Practical Nursing program if space is available.