Skip to Main Content

Associate Degree Nursing Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) Option

The RIBN option is a dual admission program offered in collaboration with Western Carolina University (WCU). Students are accepted into and take courses at both Blue Ridge Community College and WCU during enrollment in the RIBN option.

Students are required to complete the following:

  • For retention in RIBN, students must take and pass with a grade of “C” or better in all required courses and a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.25 for progression in the program and the student must demonstrate professional and safe nursing practice

  • RIBN has a three-year and four-year program progression option. Year I students enroll in general education courses at Blue Ridge and WCU as advised by the RIBN Program Advisor. After successful completion of Year I curriculum RIBN students will progress into the ADN program as a Year II RIBN student (Year I ADN). Year II and III students maintain enrollment in the ADN program at Blue Ridge and WCU courses as advised by the RIBN Program Advisor. After graduation from the ADN program, Year IV classes are taken at WCU to complete the BSN program.

  • By June of Year II, provide documentation of successful completion of a North Carolina approved Nurse Aide I Program which includes theory, lab, and clinical components. A copy of a college transcript or a notarized course completion certificate will be acceptable documentation.

  • Hold a documented, current, unrestricted credential as a Nurse Aide I (NAI) from the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry and the Division of Health Service Regulation.

  • Successfully pass NCLEX - RN to progress to Year IV.

See the RIBN Program Advisor for the recommended course sequence.