Barton College

Barton College is a private, four-year institution that integrates a strong liberal arts foundation with professional nursing education. The School of Nursing offers several academic pathways, including a traditional pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an RN-to-BSN completion track, and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The traditional BSN program is designed to be completed in four years, requiring approximately 120 credit hours that balance rigorous science prerequisites with professional nursing theory and practice.

The curriculum focuses on developing core competencies in clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students gain hands-on experience in the Center for Nursing Education, Simulation, and Innovation before transitioning to clinical rotations. Barton is notable for its extensive clinical requirements; students graduate with nearly 1,000 hours of experience—a figure that exceeds many national standards. These rotations occur in diverse settings, ranging from nationally renowned health systems to local community health departments and public schools.

Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, with the program consistently maintaining pass rates that outperform state and national averages. Recognized for its "family-like" atmosphere and a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Barton College stands out among North Carolina programs for its high level of faculty accessibility and its commitment to public service in rural healthcare settings.