Discover Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is a public and non-profit Community College. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus programs—including LPN/LVN, and ADN/ASN degrees. and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Associate's College: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
- Less-than-4-year institution
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4,019 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking students - 30% Graduation Rate
- 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, North Carolina 28801, US
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Student Demographics
- 26 Average Age
- 37% Men
- 63% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 88% White
- 3% Hispanic
- 8% Black
- 1% Asian
College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.
Established in 1959, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) is a pioneering institution in the North Carolina Community College System. Founded in Asheville to serve Buncombe and Madison counties, it now attracts students from across the region. Initially offering Practical Nursing, the college quickly expanded to include Electronics Engineering Technology and Machinist programs. Over the decades, A-B Tech has grown significantly, adding infrastructure and academic programs across five campuses. By the 2014-15 academic year, it served over 24,000 students, making it the largest college in Western North Carolina and the seventh largest in the state system by 2019-20.
Hands-On Learning Experience
The nursing programs offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with essential knowledge, skills, and strategies for integrating safety and quality into nursing care. Students delve into various domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and holistic patient care, ensuring they provide personalized, safe, and effective care. By leveraging evidence-based practices, quality improvement methodologies, and advanced informatics, graduates are well-prepared to excel in dynamic healthcare environments. Upon completion, they are ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue diverse opportunities in the global healthcare system.
Mode of Learning
All programs are conducted in person to fulfill hands-on clinical training requirements. The Practical Nursing program spans 3 semesters and requires 10 credits, while the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN) takes 5 semesters.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can enter the ADN program through a 3-semester Advanced Placement Option. The Western North Carolina Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (WNC RIBN) Program offers a four-year dual-enrollment pathway for an ADN and BSN through Western Carolina University (WCU) and Asheville.
Additionally, the Nurse Aide program includes 160 hours of combined coursework and clinical practice.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
During the first half of 2024, all 73 students who took the NCLEX-RN exam for the ADN program achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate.
Admissions at A-B Tech
Admission with advanced standing in the nursing program depends on the availability of space in the clinical component. Priority for admission is given to students starting their nursing education at A-B Tech, with transfers considered only if there are no re-entry requests from previous A-B Tech ADN Program students.
Accreditation
The A-B Tech ADN and PN programs are fully approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NC BON). The ADN program is also accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
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