RN Programs in Asheville, North Carolina

Get your RN degree in Asheville, North Carolina - online & campus-based options available.

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Becoming a Registered Nurse in Asheville, North Carolina

Are you considering a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Asheville, North Carolina? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding what an RN does to finding local RN programs and employment opportunities. Let’s dive in!

Why Become an RN in Asheville?

Asheville is a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving arts scene, and welcoming community. With a growing healthcare sector, Asheville offers numerous opportunities for aspiring RNs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in North Carolina is around $68,000 per year, with a projected job growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2029.

For more information about Asheville, visit the official city website.

Prerequisites for RN Programs

To enroll in an RN program in Asheville, you typically need to meet the following prerequisites:
– A high school diploma or GED
– Minimum age of 18
– Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry)
– Passing scores on entrance exams (e.g., TEAS)
– Background checks and immunizations

Typical Program Curriculum

RN programs in Asheville generally include a mix of classroom instruction and clinical training. You can expect courses in:
– Anatomy and Physiology
– Microbiology
– Nursing Fundamentals
– Pharmacology
– Medical-Surgical Nursing
– Pediatric and Geriatric Nursing
– Mental Health Nursing

Clinical training is a crucial part of the curriculum, providing hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.

RN Training Programs in Asheville, North Carolina

Here are some local schools offering RN programs in Asheville:

1. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
   • Address: 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801
   • Program Description: A-B Tech offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing positions.
   • Program Link: A-B Tech ADN Program
2. University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNC Asheville)
   • Address: 1 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804
   • Program Description: UNC Asheville provides a pre-nursing program with pathways to transfer to other UNC system schools for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
   • Program Link: UNC Asheville Pre-Nursing Program
3. Western Carolina University (WCU) at Biltmore Park
   • Address: 28 Schenck Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28803
   • Program Description: WCU offers a BSN program at their Biltmore Park instructional site, combining rigorous coursework with extensive clinical training.
   • Program Link: WCU BSN Program

RN Employment Opportunities in Asheville

Once you complete your RN program, you’ll find several major healthcare facilities in Asheville where you can start your career:

1. Mission Health
   • Address: 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
   • Description: Mission Health is a comprehensive healthcare system and the largest employer in the region. It offers a wide range of nursing positions.
   • Employment Opportunities: Mission Health Careers
2. Asheville VA Medical Center
   • Address: 1100 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
   • Description: The Asheville VA Medical Center provides healthcare services to veterans and offers numerous opportunities for RNs.
   • Employment Opportunities: Asheville VA Careers
3. AdventHealth Hendersonville
   • Address: 100 Hospital Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792 (approximately 22 miles from Asheville)
   • Description: AdventHealth Hendersonville is a nearby facility offering various nursing roles in a supportive environment.
   • Employment Opportunities: AdventHealth Careers

RN Certification Requirements

To become a licensed RN in North Carolina, you must:
– Graduate from an accredited nursing program
– Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
– Apply for licensure with the North Carolina Board of Nursing

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides additional resources and information on national certification requirements.

Cost and Financial Aid

The cost of RN programs in Asheville can vary. For example:
– A-B Tech ADN Program: Approximately $5,000 for in-state tuition
– WCU BSN Program: Approximately $9,000 per semester for in-state tuition

Financial aid options include federal loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Check with each school’s financial aid office for specific information.

Licensure Reciprocity

North Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing RNs from other NLC states to practice without additional licensure. If you’re moving from a non-NLC state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Registered Nurse in Asheville, North Carolina, is a commendable and fulfilling choice. Take the first step today by exploring the RN programs listed above and contacting the schools for more information. Your journey toward becoming an RN starts now!

Registered Nurse Degree Info

Which schools offer Asheville RN Programs?

RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.

How do I become an licensed RN?

Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.

Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?

No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).

Are There Free Nursing Schools in Asheville?

The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in North Carolina. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in North Carolina. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.

Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in North Carolina.

RN Job Description

Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.