About the Associate Degree Nursing Program
The Associate Degree Nursing program of study at Blue Ridge Community College provides students with the knowledge, skills and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment and to meet individual needs that impact health, quality of life and achievement of potential. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is required to practice as a registered nurse (RN). The Associate Degree Nursing Program is five-semesters in length.
Employment opportunities are vast within the global health care system and may include positions within acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community healthcare facilities. Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing program can expect to find employment in the Henderson and Transylvania Counties, as well as throughout the state and nation. On average, registered nurses in North Carolina can expect to earn $71,000 annually. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2021)
Classes are taught at the Health Sciences Center in Hendersonville and at the Transylvania County Campus in Brevard.
Clinical rotations offer diverse experiences for our students with area healthcare providers. Our clinical instructors lead our students as they perform patient care in a wide variety of specialties and settings.
Effective January 17, 2022, the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Blue Ridge Community College, located in Flat Rock, NC is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on January 17, 2024.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this candidate program at:
http://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp
View 2022-2023 Associate Degree Nursing Program Outcome Data
Course Requirements
Apply for the Associate Degree Nursing Program
The early application period for Fall 2024 admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program is Oct. 1, 2023, to Feb. 1, 2024. Our nursing program has a selective admissions process, which means not all students who apply to the program will be accepted. Incoming students are encouraged to apply early to avoid waitlists.
Additional Admissions Procedures for the Associate Degree Nursing Program
Admissions information for the Fall 2024 ADN program is available below. Students may submit their Admissions Requirements Checklist (ARC) to the Registrar’s Office via email at registrar@blueridge.edu.
Admissions Procedures for Fall 2024 Nursing Program
Admissions Requirements Checklist (ARC) for Fall 2024 Nursing Program
View our video on how to apply for the nursing program.
For more information on remote testing with ATI please see:
View TEAS, Version 7 Study Resources
As of June 3rd, 2022 ATI has moved to a new version of the TEAS. The new version has some updates to the content and formatting. Please review the information below.
Format of the Exam and How the Exam is scored
- The ATI TEAS, Version 7 contains only multiple-choice questions.
- Scrambled versions of the assessments are used to ensure test security.
- There is no penalty for guessing. Any question that is not answered will be scored as incorrect.
- Examinees cannot ask the Proctor questions about the content of the assessment or questions about items on the assessment.
Time Limit: 209 minutes (Reading: 55 min; Math: 57 min; Science: 60 min; English: 37 min) 170 questions
| Reading (26% of exam) | Mathematics (23%) | Science (29%) | English and Language Usage (22%) |
| Key ideas & details | Number & algebra | Human anatomy & physiology | Conventions of standard English |
| Craft & structure | Measurement & data | Biology & Chemistry | Knowledge of language |
| Integration of knowledge & ideas | | Scientific reasoning | Using language & vocabulary to express ideas in writing |
Minimum scores must be obtained for both the RIBN program and the Blue Ridge Associate Degree Nursing.
RIBN requires a minimum score of 70 and the
Blue Ridge Associate Degree Nursing requires a score of 67 on the ATI TEAS, Version 7. TEAS scores from ATI TEAS,
Version 6 will expire 3 years after test date.
Overview of Pathways
Associate in General Education – Nursing Program
The Associate in General Education-Nursing (AGEN) program is a program of study that includes general education courses. Students may take courses in this program before applying to either the ADN or the RIBN program.
This pathway of study will not result in a nursing degree.
Students may begin this general education program at any time.
Associate Degree Nursing Program
Students apply separately to this program and must be accepted through a selective admissions process to enroll. A new cohort is admitted each fall.
Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) Program
The Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) program leads to a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It is a partnership between Blue Ridge Community College and Western Carolina University.
Students apply separately to this program and must be accepted through a selective admissions process to enroll. A new cohort is admitted each fall.
Guided Pathways
Financial Aid
Financial aid, including the Brighter Future Free College Scholarship Program, grants and scholarships, is available to those who qualify. Additionally, the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities.
Contact us today to learn more about financial aid options that can help you pursue a nursing degree.
RN to BSN Programs
Graduates of the Associate Degree Nursing Program have the opportunity to continue their education at a number of baccalaureate and advanced degree programs throughout the state. Blue Ridge Community College participates in the uniform articulation agreement with the University of North Carolina RN to BSN programs. This is an affordable pathway that will allow registered nurses to meet the requirements needed to enter into a RN to BSN program.
Technical Standards
Students enrolling in these programs must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in Technical Standards. Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards must contact Disability Services at (828) 694-1813 for more information.
