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.
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 | 37 | |
| Associate Degree Nursing Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing (RIBN) | Degree | | |
| Practical Nursing | Diploma | 44 | |
Good to Know
Program Outcomes:
- Each nursing program has a systematic evaluation plan that is fully implemented, and where continuous quality improvement is demonstrated.
- Each nursing program solicits and utilizes feedback from communities of interest in program planning and faculty decision-making.
- Each 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.
- Each nursing program prepares students to be successful on the licensure exam (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN).
- Nursing program graduates find employment as an RN or LPN within six months of graduation.
- Each 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
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
