Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions Questions
Does the ABSN program offer an official transcript evaluation? How do I determine
how my previous courses will transfer?
We do not offer an official transcript evaluation prior to applying to WCU.
Review the ABSN Admission Requirements to help evaluate previous coursework for applicability in meeting the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµABSN prerequisite
requirements.
Do you accept credits from companies like StraighterLine, SOPHIA Learning, Study.com,
or Saylor Academy?
Many students will utilize online proprietary educational institutions to meet prerequisite
requirements. Check the ABSN Admission Requirements which details common coursework accepted for ABSN prerequisite requirements.
What TEAS score do I need to be a strong applicant?
The TEAS score is one element we evaluate. Historically, the average TEAS score for
accepted applicants has ranged between 85-89%.
Can international students apply to the program?
Absolutely! The best way to start the process is by contacting the Office of Global Engagement to find out what additional information will be required to apply to WCU, and what
your next steps will be. Please note that review of coursework completed outside of
the United States will require additional steps, such as submission of course descriptions
and course syllabi for coursework evaluation. This process will take longer due to
complexity of the review.
Is there a time restriction for prerequisites (i.e., all courses must be taken in
the last __ years?)
The ABSN program does not have a time restriction for the completion of any prerequisite
coursework.
Can I apply before completing all prerequisites?
You must complete 3 of the 4 science prerequisites prior to applying. You can complete
other prerequisites after the application deadline, as long as you finish them prior
to starting ABSN courses in the fall. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade
of a C or higher. Nursing course prerequisites (ND 330 and NSG 346) are typically
completed after notification of admission to the program.
Where/how should I take NSG 346 and ND 330?
Because they are taught at the 300-level, most students are not able to transfer NSG
346 and ND 330 from other institutions. The majority of ABSN students take these courses
online through Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµduring the summer after being admitted to the ABSN program, before
officially starting classes in the fall. Slots are held for all admitted ABSN students.
Can I substitute Calculus or another high-level math class for MATH 170 (Applied Statistics)?
We require a statistics course for admission. A statistics course in another discipline
besides math may be considered. The ABSN Admission Requirements details common coursework accepted for ABSN prerequisite requirements and the process
for having a transfer course evaluated by the School of Nursing.
Can ABSN faculty or the School of Nursing check over my application on NursingCAS
to make sure I have everything I need?
Prior to submission, we do not have access to applicant materials in the NursingCAS
platform. The best thing to do is look carefully over all the information on the ABSN
website and the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµABSN application instructions in NursingCAS to ensure you’ve included
all required materials.
Are there information sessions or open houses?
We offer many Virtual Open Houses throughout the academic year, which are led by faculty
and give a great overview of the program. If you’d like to schedule a time to see
the Biltmore Park campus, you can start that process by emailing wcunursing@wcu.edu.
Does the ABSN program consider anything else in admission decisions besides test scores
and GPA?
The ABSN program admission process includes a comprehensive evaluation of all applicants
based on the submitted materials detailed in the NursingCAS application. The evaluation
of an applicant is not exclusive to metrics alone (such as test scores and GPA).
How many do you accept in each admission cycle?
We currently seat a class of 55 students.
Program Questions
What is the course schedule like?
It varies from semester to semester. In general, you should expect 2-3 days of in-person
classes at the Biltmore Park campus and 1-3 days of clinical experiences at surrounding
healthcare facilities, depending on the semester and the week. In general, you should
plan on being in class, lab, or clinical 4-5 days per week. More details can be found
in the ABSN Curriculum Overview video.
Does NC Promise apply to the ABSN Program?
Yes. Additional Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµand ABSN fees do still apply for all students. For more information,
visit the NC Promise page.
Can I work during the program?
Many students do work part-time during the program, but this can vary depending on
the semester’s course load, your work schedule, and other factors. We typically recommend
that students plan to limit hours during the first semester (until they get used to
the workload of the program) and re-evaluate each semester. More details can be found
in the ABSN Curriculum Overview video.
What kinds of clinical experiences will I have during the program?
You’ll complete clinical rotations in a variety of acute care and community health
areas. These can include specialties like medical-surgical care, stepdown units, intensive
care, operating room/surgery, emergency department, labor and delivery, pediatrics,
home health, mental health, health department, primary care, endoscopy, hospice, inpatient
rehabilitation, wound care, cath lab, electrophysiology lab, interventional radiology,
substance use treatment, and case management.