What is RIBN?
- RIBN students are admitted to both the associates and bachelors of nursing. Students have an option of completing the program in four or three years. See application criteria below.
- Blue Ridge Community College is the home school for most of the program
- Students are dual enrolled with Western Carolina University in this program, with classes online or at their Biltmore Park location.
- During the fourth year, students take classes at WCU, both at Biltmore Park campus and online.
- Students can work as a Registered Nurse after completing the ADN program and becoming licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Costs are kept low because most of the course work is completed through Blue Ridge.
- Students can apply for nursing scholarships as soon as they are enrolled in the program.
- Students will graduate with three years of nursing education and clinical experience.
Why is a four year nursing degree important?
- Many hospitals prefer a four year degree in nursing.
- The four year degree is the building block to master’s level nursing, such as a nurse practitioner, as well as advancement within the profession.
Selective Admissions Information: RIBN
Students applying to WNC RIBN must meet dual admission requirements set forth collaboratively by Blue Ridge Community College and Western Carolina University.
Students must meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible to apply:
- General acceptance to Western Carolina University and Blue Ridge Community College.
- ACT score with a minimum score of 19.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0. (If a student has less than 20 credit hours of college coursework, then this requirement will default to the high school unweighted GPA.)
- All applicants to WNC RIBN must take the TEAS® Version 7 (Test of Essential Academic Skills). Students may take the TEAS® after the WNC RIBN Adviser has determined eligibility to apply. A minimum score of 70 is required.
- For in person testing at Blue Ridge (Henderson County Campus)
TEAS Version 7 Test Ticket for Fall 2026 RIBN Nursing Program Admission - For remote testing directly through ATI
(student will pay and register for the TEAS through ATI and will need to request a transcript of scores from ATI and have them sent to registrar@bluerige.edu)
https://www.atitesting.com/teas/register
For more information on remote testing with ATI please see:
TEAS Online Remote Proctored Exam
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 the Blue Ridge Practical Nursing Diploma Program. The Practical Nursing Diploma Program requires a minimum score of 60 on the ATI TEAS, Version 7. TEAS scores from ATI TEAS, Version 6 will expire 3 years after test date.
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