Blue Ridge Community College Nursing Program Review

Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) was established over 40 years ago and is located in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Blue Ridge Community College offers associate degrees, certificates and diploma programs in several disciplines. Blue Ride Community College is ideal for individuals looking to update their skills, as well as those finishing high school and interested in starting out in a new career path. Blue Ridge Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in Georgia.

The nursing programs at Blue Ridge Community College include an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Health Technology, with a major in nursing. Upon completion of the program, individuals can go on to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to become a Registered Nurse. The program is approved by the State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Prior to applying to the program, students must complete a criminal background check and a drug screening in order to complete the clinical practicum portion of the program. Students must also complete general education courses prior to the program commencement and must hold a minimum “C” grade or higher in the selected prerequisites.

In order to be accepted into the clinical practicum segment of the program, students must complete nursing courses with a minimum 80% or above. If individuals do not satisfy this requirement, they must re-apply to the program. The application deadline for the program is August 5, and priority for entry is given to residents of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County, Rockingham County and Highland County. Residents must have lived in the aforementioned areas for a minimum of one year prior to application. Individuals may be required to supply proof of residency, which can include tax returns, employment income, car registration, and documents, which prove insurance status.

Admission to the program is competitive, and students must provide a high school diploma, a 45% on the math and reading portions of the nursing entrance exam. Students can also complete the ERI, NLN, HESI and ATI exam instead. Applicants must have completed high school biology and algebra with a minimum “C” grade or above. Students must also have a 2.5 GPA or above in college coursework.

High school students are also sometimes admitted to the program, but they must hold a high school GPA of 3.0 or above, and a 45% of the math and reading portions of the entrance exam. High school students must also hold a “C” grade or above in high school biology and algebra and hold an SAT score of 530 and above in reading and 520 and above in math. High school applicants must also include a high school transcript in their application. Advance placement students are given preference at time of application.

Licensed Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing Program (LPN to RN)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) are also give advance placement into the nursing program and are only required to complete three semesters of study in the summer period. LPNs can also complete the program on a part-time basis, which can take over three years to complete, if only one class is taken per semester.

RN to BSN Programs

Students who complete the nursing program at Blue Ridge Community College, who already hold a Registered Nurse (RN) licensure from another academic institution, can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at a four-year institution. This RN to BSN option is offered through James Madison University, University of Virginia, Eastern Mennonite University, Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Contact:
Blue Ridge Community College
Box 80, One College Lane
Weyers Cave, VA 24486
Phone: (540) 234-9261