School of Nursing

Associate of Science in Nursing Program (ADN)

The Gardner-Webb University ADN Program is the oldest existing associate degree program in the state of North Carolina. The ADN Program, which is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC, 3343 Peachtree Rd, NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326. Phone 404-975-5000, www.nlnac.org), prepares graduates to successfully pass the National Council of State Boards Licensing Exam and become registered nurses. The ADN curriculum consists of twenty nine semester hours of general education courses and forty-three semester hours of nursing courses. Nursing courses are categorized asdidactic (classroom), experiential (laboratory), andapplication (hospital/clinical) experiences.

The ADN Program seeks to meet the following program outcomes:

  • Meet educational needs of eligible residential and commuting students who desire to pursue associate nursing education at a small, private, liberal arts, Christian university.
  • Improve quality of life and health care delivery for the surrounding and global community through education of registered nurses.
  • Graduate no less than 75% of first-time students.
  • Maintain first time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN within at least 95% of the national pass rate.
  • Maintain full approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
  • Maintain continuing accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
  • Graduate students who:
    • practice registered nursing that reflects the educational outcomes of the program.
    • express satisfaction with their program of learning.
    • become employed in nursing.
    • demonstrate satisfactory nursing practice to their employers.
    • continue professional development activities.

The graduate of the Associate of Science in Nursing Program will:

  • Assess, analyze/diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care to provide for the patient's optimum level of wellness consistent with his/her coping abilities, teaching needs, and capacity for self-care.
  • Utilize a hierarchy of needs theory as a framework for prioritizing psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs and provide individualized nursing care for patients in various stages of the lifespan.
  • Provide holistic nursing care characterized by critical thinking, clinical competence, utilization of therapeutic interpersonal skills, and attention to sociocultural forces, including technology, which impact health care, and caring which is consistent with the Christian faith.
  • Communicate with patients, their families and/or significant others, and other care providers in the planning and delivery of health services.
  • Manage nursing care for groups of patients with health care needs in varied settings which include hospitals, extended care facilities, and other community health care agencies.
  • Practice nursing according to ethical and legal standards as a contributing member within the discipline of nursing, and assume responsibility for his/her own practice and self-development.
  • Utilize informatics in the participation and application of evidenced based research and quality improvement in daily nursing practice.
  • Recognize the theoretical underpinnings of nursing practice and research.
  • Be prepared to continue their education to achieve Baccalaureate education.

The Associate in Science in Nursing Curriculum

NOTE: For course descriptions, see the current Undergraduate University Catalog

First Year of Study
Fall Semester (17 SH)

  • BIOL 203 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 SH)
  • PSYC 201 General Psychology (3 SH)
  • NURS 106 - Fundamental Concepts of Nursing (5 SH)
  • NURS 107 - Fundamental Concepts Experiential Lab (1 SH)
  • NURS 108 - Application of Fundamental Concepts (1 SH)
  • NURS 109 - Basic Concepts of Health Assessment (2 SH)
  • NURS 110 -Health Assessment Experiential Lab (1 SH)
Spring Semester (17 SH)
  • BIOL 204 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 SH)
  • PSYC 206 Developmental Psychology (3 SH)
  • NURS 114 - Basic Concepts in Clinical Nursing (7 SH)
  • NURS 115 -Basic Concepts Experiential Lab (1SH)
  • NURS 116 - Application of Basic Concepts (2 SH)
Summer Semester (6 SH)
  • ENGL 101 (3 SH)
  • ENGL 102 (3 SH)
Second Year of Study
Fall Semester (15.5 SH)
  • BIOL 105 Microbiology for the Health Sciences (4 SH)
  • PHED Physical Education (choose one) (1 SH)
  • NURS 206 - Nursing Concepts of Childbearing Families (7SH)
  • NURS 207 - Childbearing Families Experiential Lab (1 SH)
  • NURS 208 - Application of Nursing for Childbearing Families (2 SH)
  • DIMS 111 Dimensions (.5 SH)
Spring Semester (16.5 SH)
  • RELI 101 Introduction to the Old Testament (3 SH) OR
  • RELI 102 Introduction to the New Testament (3 SH)
  • NURS 209 - Advanced Concepts in Clinical Nursing (6 SH)
  • NURS 210 -Advanced Concepts Experiential Lab (1 SH)
  • NURS 211 - Application of Advanced Concepts (3 SH)
  • NURS 290 - Associate Degree Nursing Practice in Contemporary Society (3SH)
  • DIMS 112 Dimensions (.5 SH)

Total Hours Required for Graduation = 72 semester hours (Includes General Education Core (29 SH) and Nursing Major (43 SH)
Requirements for graduation include:

  • A minimum of 72 semester hours and satisfactory completion of all required courses.
  • The final 24 semester hours must be taken at Gardner-Webb.
  • A minimum grade of C required in all nursing courses (the major field) and sciences courses.
  • A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, based on the University grading system on all work attempted.
  • Application for graduation to the Registrar by the designated date and completing all details for graduation.
  • All candidates are required to attend commencement exercises.
  • Two semesters of DIMENSIONS, 0.5 of a semester hour each semester, totaling 1 semester hour.

Program admission criteria

The best qualified applicants are selected from those who apply to the School of Nursing. Waiting lists for acceptance are established as necessary. The School of Nursing Admissions Committee considers academic performance, courses completed, and other factors in determining qualified applicants. Minimum criteria for full admission to the ADN and BSN programs are:

  • Minimum high school/transfer GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Minimum SAT score of 1050 (with at least 500 in Critical Reading and 500 Math) OR
  • Minimum ACT score of 22 (with at least 21 in English, 18 in Math and 20 in Reading) OR
  • Minimum TEAS score of 67 in all areas.
  • CNA I - Must be completed before fall enrollment in nursing courses.
  • Minimum grade of "C" in high school or college Biology, Chemistry and Algebra. These grades must be reflected in the transcripts you provide with your application.
  • Satisfactory Criminal Background History results for all states of residence for the past five years.

In addition, the following criteria must be met before beginning nursing courses:

  • Satisfactory physical and mental health, immunizations required by the University and Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chicken Pox) titer showing immunity or documentation of Varicella immunization and Tuberculin test (PPD)
  • Any allegations or charges of a misdemeanor or felony that occur after the Criminal Background History results have been submitted must be reported to the School of Nursing immediately. Clinical sites have the right to deny a student's access based on criminal background. This denial would result in the student's inability to successfully complete the nursing program.
  • Satisfactory drug screening. This is a requirement for the healthcare facilities where students complete the clinical components of the nursing program. Clinical sites have the right to deny a student's access based on a drug screening.
  • CPR certification.

At any time in the ADN program, students who wish to continue for the BSN at Gardner-Webb may consult with their Academic Advisor. Many students choose to take BSN general education courses along with ADN nursing courses. If compatible with the individual's professional and personal goals, the faculty encourages students to continue their education in nursing. The RN to BSN Program is offered through the University's GOAL Program (Greater Opportunities for Adult Learners) which is tailored for adult, working students.

For admission and program information please see the Degree Completion Website at or contact GOAL Admissions at goal@gardner-webb.edu or by phone at 866-GWU-GOAL. You may also contact Dr. Mary Alice Hodge, Director, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs, 704-406- 3886 or mahodge@gardner-webb.edu.

Graduates of the ADN Program who already have a BS degree in another field are eligible to a ply to the MSN Program. For admission and program information please see the Graduate School Website or contact us by phone at 877-498-4723. You may also contact Dr. Kathy Lindsey, Director, Graduate Nursing Programs, 704-406-4359 or klindsey@gardner-webb.edu.