Nursing
The Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.) program.
2024 ADN Admissions Packet (PDF)
Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) coursework, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN); a required step to practice as a registered nurse.
Program Information
Program Options
Program Options
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Associate Degree in Nursing: Hickory RIBN (CVCC & LRU)
- Associate Degree Nursing: LPN-RN Bridge
- Associate Degree in General Education - Nursing
Please see "Information Tabs" for more details about each option.
Additional offerings
- Career & College Promise Associate Degree in Nursing Pathway Certificate
- Associate Degree in General Education - Nursing, AAS (not a nursing degree for licensure)
- Articulation to transfer to specific State Universities for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
These offering do not lead to licensure, but support additional pathways to earning a nursing or other allied health degree. Please see the catalog for more information about the degree option in this curriculum.
Admission Information
- Admission into CVCC nursing programs is competitive.
- INterested applicants should access the appropriate Nursing Admission Packet and download it for reference during the application process.
- It is critical for applicants to read the packet thoroughly and understand its contents. Direct questions to healthcare@cvcc.edu.
- Each applicant must submit a completed Minimum Admission Requirements (MAR) Checklist by the published deadline. Submission of the MAR Checklist indicates an applicant's readiness to be considered for a spot in the nursing program.
Traditional ADN
Associate Degree in Nursing - Traditional Option
The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life, and achievement potential.
Coursework includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.
Admissions Information
2024 ADN Admissions Packet (PDF)
Program Details
- The Traditional ADN program is offered during the day and takes four (4) semesters to complete. (2 years)
- Class, lab, and clinical times vary across the curriculum. Students should expect to participate in class, lab, and clinical 4-5 days a week, with some Saturday clinical assignments. Additional information can be found under Curriculum Course Schedules. (https://www.cvcc.edu/Course-Schedules/)
- Students are encouraged to take general education/related coursework for the ADN prior to acceptance in the program. Please note that taking these courses does not shorten the program length, but it does lighten one’s course load each semester.
- Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).
- Please note the NC Board of Nursing will review the criminal background checks of each person applying for licensure. Applicants can be denied licensure based on this review.
Information Sessions
Applicants are required to participant in an Information Session using Microsoft Teams. Please pre-register for one of the available sessions listed below. Each session is approximately one hour.
- Nov 6, 2023 (Monday) @ 3:00pm Pre-Registration closes Sunday, Nov 5th at 9pm
- Dec 4, 2023 (Monday) @ 10:00 am Pre-Registration closes Sunday, Dec 3rd at 9pm
RIBN: Dual Enrollment CVCC & LRU
Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing (RIBN): Dual Enrollment at CVCC & Lenoir Rhyne University
The Hickory RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nursing) program is a four-year nursing option that will dually admit and enroll students to both Lenoir-Rhyne University and CVCC. This program will provide a seamless Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to a Baccalaureate Nursing Degree (BSN) for top academic students who meet RIBN's stringent admissions criteria. Upon successful completion of the first three years at CVCC, students will take their fourth year entirely at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Admission to the program is highly competitive and selective; students will be chosen on the basis of specific academic requirements.
Note: RIBN is not a “fast track” program to earn a BSN degree. It generally takes eight full-time semesters and two summer terms to complete this program. Although Hickory RIBN is designed for graduating high school seniors who enter college to pursue nursing, students who have been notified of an acceptance into the CVCC Nursing program may be eligible to apply to the RIBN program with transfer status. Seats are limited.
To see more information, check out the RIBN Lenoir-Rhyne University program. To access RIBN content, select the RIBN option under Application Types.
LPN-RN Bridge ADN
Associate Degree in Nursing - LPN-RN Bridge Option
The LPN-RN Bridge Option was designed to support working licensed practical nurses (LPN) in their return to school to obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing. Applicants must have graduated from a regionally accredited nursing school and hold an unrestricted PN license with privileges to practice in North Carolina.
Coursework includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes the nurse as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.
Admissions Information
2024 LPN-RN Bridge Admission Packet (PDF)
Program Details
- The LPN-RN Bridge program is offered in the early afternoon/evenings and takes two (2) semesters to complete. (9 months)
- Students will be required to actively participate in class/labs 2 days a week and attend 12 hour clinical on Saturdays. The hybrid nature of the courses require both in-person and on-line learning. Additional information can be found under Curriculum Course Schedules. (https://www.cvcc.edu/Course-Schedules/)
- Applicants should be prepared for a fast-paced, hybrid program; be familiar with the use of technology; and possess strong time management skills.
- Students should complete general education/related coursework for the ADN prior to acceptance in the program for competitive entry. Please note that taking these courses does not shorten the program length, but it does lighten one’s course load each semester.
- Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).
- Please note the NC Board of Nursing will review the criminal background checks of each person applying for licensure. Applicants can be denied licensure based on this review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Students often have questions related to admission requirements. Each program has a complete Admission Packet detailing requirements. Please review packet for additional information, but some commonly addressed questions are answered below:
What is the length of each program option?
- The Traditional Program is a day-time, 4 semester (2 year) program.
- The RIBN PRogram is a dual enrollment program where student complete courses for the first 3 years at CVCC and their last year at Lenoir Rhyne University.
- The LPN-RN Bridge program is an early afternoon/evening, fast-paced, hybrid program that spans 2 semesters.
How do I request my TRANSCRIPTS for CVCC?
CVCC provides detailed information about transcript request at the following link:
How to Request Official Transcripts for CVCC
What kind of ADMISSION TESTING does CVCC require and how do I schedule testing?
The CVCC Nursing Program uses two types of admission tests. One for the traditional/RIBN options (TEAS) and one for the LPN-RN Bridge option (PN Comprehensive Predictor). Students who meet the admission criteria for the LPN-RN Bridge Option will be sent specific instructions on when and how to register for the PN Comprehensive Predictor.
TEAS
The Traditional ADN Program requires students to sit for the TEAS Test. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test is specifically designed for students interested in nursing and healthcare professions. It was developed by ATI Testing to measure content areas in reading, mathematics, science, English, and language usage. The exam is a 170 item multiple choice format. It is a timed test of 209 minutes, but applicants are encouraged to block out four hours for the exam. The total possible points for the TEAS is a 100 composite score.
Scheduling or Transferring TEAS Test Results
Nursing and Allied Health programs accept official TEAS scores from non-CVCC testing centers or TEAS testing completed online through ATI. Please submit official TEAS scores using this link:
https://www.atitesting.com/teas/transcript
https://www.atitesting.com/teas/register
Other Requirements
Is CPR and/or CNA required for the Nursing Program? Can I take the classes at CVCC?
CVCC offers both CPR and CNA classes. All CNA classes offered at CVCC include American Heart Association (AHA) CPR within the course. Please be sure your CPR is American Heart Association. Course Schedule can be found at the link below:
CVCC Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Class Schedule
Does the program require a background check and drug screen?
Yes. Both are required and reviewed by clinical agencies. Should a clinical agency deny entry based on background or drug screen the student will not be able to meet the clinical requirements of the program and will be dismissed. Additionally, the North Carolina Board of Nursing requires a background check prior to licensure. Concerns about background or drug screens should be directed to the Department Head.
Is the COVID-19 Vaccine required?
Yes. While the college does not require covid vaccination, many clinical agencies used by the program do. With collaborative consideration, all allied health programs at CVCC supported by the clinical consortium require the covid vaccination for clinical placement. At this time there are not any documented exceptions allowed. (Updated Fall 2023).
Can I work while in the CVCC Nursing Program?
The CVCC Nursing Faculty understand many students must work while in school. Further, students may have family or other obligations. It is important to understand and take into consideration the time commitment required by the program prior to applying. The traditional/RIBN option require 4-5 days per week of in-person learning in class/lab/clinical including weekend clinical assignments. The LPN-RN Bridge option requires in-person learning for 2-3 hours 2 days a week with 12 hour clinical every Saturday. Please note the hybrid nature of the Bridge program requires an additional 6-9 hours weekly of course work plus studying and test preparation.
Additional Education Options:
I am a high school student, what are the options for me to take pre-requisite courses for the nursing program?
For high school students interested in dual enrollment for nursing course prerequisites, CVCC offers a Career and College Promise Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Pathway Certificate. Note: This is note a nursing degree.
I would like to go to a four year university for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), what are my options?
Associate in General Education - Nursing: For students who wish to take prerequisites in preparation for application to a competitive BSN program at Appalachian State University, Fayetteville State University, East Carolina University, NC A&T, North Carolina Central University, UNC-G, UNC-P, Western Carolina University or Winston-Salem State University. Please Note: this is not a nursing degree; it is a two year Associate in Applied Science degree which includes general education coursework required for a BSN degree at the schools listed above.
Additionally CVCC has Comprehensive Articulation Agreements (CAA) allowing students who earn the Associate degree with no grade lower than a "C" to be guaranteed admission to at least one of the UNC system schools as a Junior and make a smooth transition for maximum credit transfer.
Some Associate in Applied Science degrees may transfer in full or in part to a four-year school. CVCC has agreements with certain schools to accept the AAS degree in a 2 + 2 arrangement (subject to change).
Important Note: As always, it is imperative that a student at CVCC should be in full conversation with the senior school before selecting and completing a program of study at CVCC.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may transfer to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the following colleges:
Appalachian State University
Fayetteville State
East Carolina University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Central University
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Western Carolina University
Winston-Salem State University
Associate Degree Nursing (RN to BSN - RIBN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lenoir-Rhyne University through the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) Program.
Career Outlook
Career Outlook
Healthcare is an ever-expanding industry. Students who obtain their registered nurse license can work in hospitals, long-term care, doctor's offices, home care agencies, public health and many other places. Registered Nurses can hold associate degree or bachelorette degrees and move onto a Master's of Science in Nursing to be Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practioners, Nurse Educators, and Nurse Anesthetist.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2021 Median Pay for Registered Nurses is $77,600 per year (averaging $37.31 per hour). With a growing elderly population, the need for nursing assistance continues to grow.
Related Allied Health Programs
Related Allied Health Programs
- Dental Hygiene
- Electroneurodiagnostics Technology
- Emergency Medical Science
- Health and Fitness Science
- Health Information Technology
- Healthcare Management Technology
- Human Services Technology
- LPN-RN Bridge
- Medical Office Administration
- Polysomnography
- Radiography
- Respritory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
Program Accreditation
The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC is fully approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) and accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the CVCC Associate Degree Nursing Program is accredited.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at the ACEN Program Search webpage.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Department Head, Nursing
Nursing, PhD, RN, CNE
Email:
Kelly Kistler
Phone: 828-327-7000
x4338
Office Number: CAD 571
For questions regarding admissions requirements, contact:
Admissions
healthcare@cvcc.edu
(828) 327-7000, ext. 4216