North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is proud to announce the expansion of its Nursing Program with the addition of a Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This comprehensive four-year program is set to welcome its first cohort of students in August 2025, with applications being accepted from February 1 to May 1, 2025. Admission decisions will be finalized by June 1, paving the way for selected students to begin in the fall semester.
The new 4-year program is designed to provide a seamless educational pathway for aspiring nurses. Freshman and sophomore years will focus on completing prerequisites and general education requirements. Students will then apply for admission to the nursing program at the end of their sophomore year. Upon acceptance, students will dedicate their junior and senior years to nursing-specific coursework and clinical experiences. Transfer students are also welcome to apply, with the flexibility to complete prerequisite courses at other institutions before transferring to NCWU.
Wesleyan’s current RN-to-BSN program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the university intends to seek accreditation for the new prelicensure program as well. Entirely donor-funded through partnerships with local and state organizations, the program reflects a strong investment from the surrounding community in its success.
Leading the initiative are Dr. Crystal Ostheim, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, BP-C, CNE, Director of Nursing Programs, and Dr. Lesley Gillian McGraw, DNP, RN, CNE, Prelicensure BSN Program Director. Additionally, two experienced nursing educators will join the team starting February 1, further bolstering the program’s academic and clinical expertise.
The new nursing program will utilize NCWU’s state-of-the-art simulation and skills lab, featuring high-fidelity and medium-fidelity simulation manikins, task trainers, and a mock hospital room. These facilities are designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in a realistic clinical environment. The program also boasts advanced classroom technology, group study rooms, and flexible lab access for students who wish to hone their skills further. To enhance clinical simulation experiences, the program will incorporate cutting-edge reality and AI technology.
Grounded in creativity and innovation, NCWU’s Prelicensure BSN program is tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles, making the educational experience both engaging and realistic.
If you have any specific questions regarding the new 4-year program, contact Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs, at COstheim@ncwu.edu. Applications will be accepted from February 1 to May 1, 2025.
Nursing Program Awarded Funds for Expansion
North Carolina Wesleyan University has been awarded $500,000 in funding by the Golden LEAF Board of Directors. These funds will be utilized to renovate a campus building that will house a new baccalaureate nursing program. READ MORE >
NC Wesleyan joins RN-to- BSN Articulation agreement with Community Colleges
NC Wesleyan University has signed an agreement that will make it easier for registered nurses to transfer their community college credits to Wesleyan in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
NC Wesleyan University is the 13th private college in the state to sign the RN to BSN articulation agreement between North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) and the NC Community College System. The agreement was established specifically to address the growing need for highly qualified nursing professionals.
Learn More about our RN to BSN Program >
Wesleyan’s New RN to BSN Program Receives Official Accreditation
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University is excited to announce that its new RN to BSN program has received accreditation approval from its regional accreditor, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), after submitting documentation in January. The University began accepting applications for the program this spring, with classes set to begin in the fall.
The 100% online RN to BSN program is designed to help registered nurses achieve the education necessary to broaden their skill set and advance their careers in nursing. This curriculum integrates new and innovative knowledge into daily nursing practices and includes 34 credit hours. In this program, professional baccalaureate nursing practice will focus on population health, nursing leadership and management, informatics, healthcare policy and evidence based research opportunities that will facilitate professional growth. RN to BSN students will be required to complete clinical practice experiences that will allow them to implement new knowledge into their nursing practice. The program features multiple start dates so students can begin when they are ready and finish in as little as 12 months.
“These are exciting times at North Carolina Wesleyan University with the introduction of nursing to our Adult & Professional Studies programs. It’s never been a better time to advance in the field of nursing and work towards transforming healthcare for the betterment of those receiving our services,” stated Dr. Brittany Bass, Director of RN to BSN Program. “The faculty and staff stand ready to help prospective students succeed and cheer you on throughout the RN to BSN journey here at NCWU.” NC Wesleyan has also received a $15,000 gift from two married alums to cover the costs of textbooks for the first 20 students accepted into the program. For more information on the RN to BSN program and to apply, visit ncwu.edu/rn-to-bsn.
Learn More about our RN to BSN Program >
Wesleyan Hires Director for New RN-to-BSN Program
Director of RN-to-BSN Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – North Carolina Wesleyan University announced in August their plans to implement a new accelerated RN-to-BSN program, which will now be led by Dr. Brittany Bass. With experience in both the classroom and clinical settings, Dr. Bass brings a fresh perspective to launch the new program.
Dr. Brittney Bass has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barton College. She obtained a Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, as well as a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She has garnered experience as a Nursing Instructor at Nash Community College and most recently served as a Clinical Resource Educator for UNC Physicians Network.
Wesleyan received a $150,000 grant over a three-year period from Nash UNC Health Care to support the development of this program. Now, with an appointed Director, curriculum can be developed, submission for regional accreditation of the program can take place and additional funding can be acquired from donors and foundations. Wesleyan hopes to start this program in the next year pending application submission and approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
“We are excited to provide local and regional licensed nurses with the opportunity to attain their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Through our partnerships with Nash UNC Health Care, Edgecombe and Nash Community Colleges, we want to establish a unified and seamless system for individuals to attain their Associate and Bachelor’s degree in nursing from colleges that serve the Nash and Edgecombe communities,” commented Dr. Evan D. Duff, Interim President of North Carolina Wesleyan University.
Some of Dr. Bass’ responsibilities as the new Director of the RN-to-BSN program include curriculum development with faculty and the Board of Trustees, supervising day-to-day functions of the program, overseeing faculty and student affairs and submitting reports for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation.
Wesleyan is proud to become a key player in providing highly-educated and experienced nurses to the Twin Counties healthcare system and beyond.
Dr. Bass and her husband reside in Elm City with their two children, ages five and seven. She enjoys reading, boating and spending time at the beach with her family.
