Faculty

Michelle Bobo, MSN, RN

Department Head of Nursing

Email: mbobo@bjlanjia.com
Phone: (828) 448-3529
Office: 2128 South Sterling Street
Morganton, NC 28655

 

Nursing

 

Our Associate Degree Nursing program gives you the knowledge, skills, and strategies to provide safe, quality nursing care that positively impacts the lives of patients. You will study how the nurse is a integral member of the healthcare team, employing evidence-based practice and quality improvement in advancing appropriate healthcare practices.

Employment opportunities may include positions within acute, chronic, extended, industrial, and community health care facilities. Data from O*Net Online indicates high demand for nurses. Graduates of the A.D.N. program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). WPCC’s nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.

%

Job Placements

%

Graduation Rate

%

NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate

Nursing Facts

Nursing is a career field that is in high demand, but there are some little-known facts about nursing that are interesting.

 

  • Nursing is considered the most honest and ethical profession in the U.S.
    The Gallup Poll has ranked nurses the most honest and ethical for 18 years in a row.
  • Nurses have been employed for thousands of years.
    The first nursing school (for men only) was in India 2,200 years ago.
  • The Civil War saw the rise of nursing as a career in the U.S.
    The first nursing school in the U.S., the New England Hospital for Women and Children opened in 1862 in New England.
  • There are over 4 million nurses in the U.S.
    The Kaiser Family Foundation notes that there are 3.2 million registered and 800 thousand practical nurses employed in the U.S.
  • Demand for nurses continues to increase.
    With an aging population, job opportunities in nursing continue to outpace those entering the field.
  • Nurses work in more places than hospitals.
    In fact, only 60% of nurses work in hospitals according to AMN Healthcare. Schools, hospice care, and in-home services are a few of the other locations nurses work.
  • Like other healthcare professionals, nurses can specialize in a field.
    There are many specialties in nursing, such as cardiac care, geriatric, hospice, long-term, and nurse educators to name a few.
  • You get exercise on the job.
    Nurses walk an average of 4-5 miles per day during their shifts, twice the average of most Americans.

Estimated Total Cost

Read More About this Cost Estimate By Clicking the Plus Sign

Estimated Total Cost
for A.A.S. Degree

  1. AHA-BLS Healthcare Provider (Every 2 years) – $70
  2. Immunizations (See enclosed Health Form) – $200 (variable)
  3. 2-Tb tests at the beginning of the program and 1-beginning of 2nd – $100
  4. A minimum of 2 uniforms (2-Ceil blue tunic tops and 2-black pants) – $100
  5. 2-lab jackets – $60
  6. A pair of nursing shoes (black enclosed shoes, no clogs, no canvas) – $100
  7. A watch with a second hand – $30
  8. A stethoscope – $40
  9. Bandage scissors – $20
  10. (6) 2” Binders, paper, dividers, tabs – $150
  11. Pens, pencils, erasers, highlighters – $100
  12. Thumb Drive – $20
  13. Computer (laptop) for loading books and bringing to class – $500-$1,000
  14. Electronic Resources (books & V.sims) (fee for the entire program) – $1,700
  15. Textbook for co-requisite course (ACA-115) – $62
  16. ATI Lab fees- [$625.00/semester (4)] – $2,500
  17. Technology, parking, activity and Insurance fees [x4 semesters] – $289
  18. Tuition $76 per credit hour x 67 credit hours (Entire Program) – $5,100
  19. Graduation Petition Fee – $30
  20. Pinning Ceremony Uniform – $50
  21. School Pin – $60
  22. Lamp for pinning ceremony – $35
  23. NCLEX-RN Application Process:
    • NC Application Fee – $75
    • Criminal Background Check – $38
    • Fingerprinting – $10
    • NCLEX-RN registration (Pearson View) – $200
    • Passport photo for application – $10
  24. CastleBranch (First- and Second-year requirements) – $189

ESTIMATED TOTAL FOR THE PROGRAM: $11,838-12,388

Apply for Admission

Admission is selective and all requirements (1-8) must be completed and submitted by May 31st of the same year the student intends a Fall entrance. Nursing Director will email the notification of acceptance and letters of intent in March, April, and May (as students qualify). WPCC Nursing does not have a “waiting list”. July 19th is the final date letters of intent will be accepted by email.
  • Completion of a Western Piedmont Community College admission application with Nursing as major by May 31, 2024.
  • Submission of official high school and all college transcripts.
  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on all post-secondary coursework within the last 7 years.
  • Eligible to take ENG 111 or higher without a co-requisite.
  • Eligible to take MAT 143 or higher without a co-requisite.
  • Completion of high school biology, BIO 111, or BIO 168 with a grade of “C” or better within the last 7 years.
  • Active Nurse Aide 1 certification on the DSHR list. For more information, call the Foothills Higher Education Center at 828.448.3532 or visit the WPCC Nurse Aide page.
  • Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a minimum score in the proficient category of ≥ 63 (unrounded). TEAS score must be 3 years old or less, must have been taken in-person at Western Piedmont Community College or another in-person testing site, and may only be taken up to four times in a 12 month year. A TEAS test schedule & registration link will be emailed to pre-nursing students in the Program A1030N. Typically test date options vary, but will be prior to the deadline. Study resources: www.atitesting.com & the WPCC Academic Success Center

    Admissions

    Let’s get started! Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.

    Financial Aid

    We recognize that paying for college is an important consideration while making your education journey . Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.

    Western Piedmont Community College reserves the right to make changes in the admissions requirements as needed.

    1. Nursing applicants are encouraged to complete Anatomy & Physiology I and II before entering the Nursing Program.
    2. North Carolina law requires a nursing student to be physically and emotionally healthy in order to ensure safe care of clients. The determination that a student is healthy and can participate in clinical practice must be made by a licensed medical provider (physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner). A student is admitted conditionally until a completed physical appraisal form, including the statement verifying the student is able to perform clinical practice and with documentation of all required immunizations, is uploaded on castlebranch.com.
    3. An applicant is considered a nursing student at Western Piedmont Community College when official written notification of admission is received, the student has submitted written acceptance of admission to the program, and the health form with documentation of immunizations are completed as stated above.
    4. A fee is assessed for professional liability insurance and Assessment Technology Institute supplemental resources at the time of registration.
    5. Clinical practice experiences are provided at many different facilities. Students are responsible for providing transportation to the sites and purchasing required uniforms.
    6. Clinical agencies accredited by The Joint Commission may require a criminal background check on and/or drug testing for nursing students. This is a requirement of the agencies and not the nursing program. Any student denied clinical access at any WPCC clinical agency due to the results of the criminal background check, drug test, or for any other reason will be dismissed from the program. Also, the North Carolina Board of Nursing requires a separate criminal background check on all program graduates prior to taking the NCLEX-RN Licensure exam. Specific information regarding this process is provided to students in the last semester of the nursing program.

    Location

    2128 South Sterling Street
    Morganton, NC 28655

    Phone

    (828) 448-3529

    Email

    mbobo@bjlanjia.com