Western Carolina University School of Nursing

Program Length & Format

• 16-month accelerated program spanning 4 continuous semesters
• Classes held at Biltmore Park instructional site, Asheville, NC
• Full-time schedule with 2-3 days of in-person classes and 1-3 days of clinical experiences weekly
• Clinical rotations primarily in Buncombe County and surrounding Western North Carolina areas

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate (and graduate if applicable) coursework
• All prerequisite courses must be completed with grade of C or higher
• Must complete at least 3 of 4 science prerequisites by application deadline

Entrance Exams

• TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam required, most current ATI version
• Official TEAS scores must be sent directly from ATI to WCU nursing program
• TEAS scores considered as part of a holistic admissions process
• Average TEAS scores for accepted applicants historically range between 85-89%

Prerequisites

• Science prerequisites (4 courses, 3 must be completed by application deadline):

  • Introductory Chemistry with Lab (CHEM 132, 4 credits)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab (BIO 291, 4 credits)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab (BIO 292, 4 credits)
  • Etiology of Infectious Disease with Lab (ENVH 260/261, 3 credits, Microbiology)

• Additional nursing prerequisites (must be completed before program start):

  • Human Nutritional Needs (ND 330 or equivalent 300-level course)
  • Pathophysiology for Nursing (NSG 346 or equivalent 300-level course)
  • Applied Statistics (MATH 170, 3 credits)
  • General Psychology (PSY 150, 3 credits)

Deadlines

• Application deadline occurs annually in January
• Application information for next cycle available mid-October of the preceding year

Application

• Submit application via NursingCAS platform
• Official transcripts required from all post-secondary institutions attended
• TEAS scores sent directly from ATI required with application
• Criminal background check required before program start
• Proof of current Health Care Provider CPR certification required
• Immunization documentation required
• Personal statement and resume submitted as part of the application process to support holistic review

Selection Process

• Admission decisions based on TEAS score, GPA, prerequisite grades, resume, cover letter, and interview performance
• Holistic admissions approach including consideration of experiences and attributes beyond academic metrics
• Interview required as part of the selection process
• Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admission
• Class size capped at approximately 55 students per cohort

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition and fees (2025-2026):
  • Resident: $3,524.78 (includes $1,182.28 health insurance fee, waivable with proof of coverage)
  • Non-resident: $5,524.78 (includes same health insurance fee)
• Additional estimated costs:
  • ExamSoft: $75
  • Books: $100
  • ATI package: $550
  • Virtual simulation: $100
  • Nursing lab supplies: $125
  • Liability insurance: $15
  • Uniform: $250
  • CastleBranch background screening: $125
  • CPR certification: $85
  • Immunizations: varies
  • NCLEX review book: $50
  • Additional background checks and drug screens: $30-45 each
• Optional costs include nursing pin, graduation regalia, and Sigma Theta Tau membership (by invitation)
• Financial aid available through WCU scholarships and federal loans
• PEN Scholars program provides academic support for disadvantaged students

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical rotations in acute care, restorative, and community-based settings
• Clinical specialties include medical-surgical, intensive care, emergency department, pediatrics, labor and delivery, mental health, home health, primary care, hospice, rehabilitation, and others
• Clinical sites primarily located in Buncombe County and Western North Carolina with occasional travel beyond the region
• Simulation labs integrated into curriculum to provide hands-on practice aligned with clinical experiences

Credit Transfer

• Prerequisites and prior coursework evaluated by WCU Registrar’s Office for transfer equivalencies
• No official transcript evaluation prior to application; lookup tools available for some courses
• WCU may accept higher-level courses or online alternatives with approval
• Transfer credit from online providers like StraighterLine considered on a case-by-case basis
• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher before program start

International Students

• International applicants may apply
• Additional application requirements for international students coordinated through WCU admissions international office
• Contact WCU International Student Services for specific guidance on applying and documentation needed

Contacts

• Email for program questions: [email protected]
• Email for prerequisite course transfer inquiries: Registrar’s Office and nursing department contacts listed on WCU ABSN website
• Virtual open houses offered multiple times annually, led by faculty
• Campus visit requests managed via nursing program email contact