The RIBN program allows students to graduate with an associates and bachelors degree in only four years. Students will begin working toward their bachelors during the first year of the program while they are  enrolled at the community college. Students will have reduced out-of-pocket expense with the RIBN program than if the student got a traditional four-year degree.  Students spend the first three years at the community college.  After the third year, the student graduates with their ADN and then transitions to UNCP for the fourth year where he or she will earn a BSN.  Students accepted in RIBN will receive preferred admission to the community college and UNCP's nursing program if eligibility requirements are maintained! 

Students with a significant number of college credits or a prior degree may benefit from RIBN by enrolling directly into Year 2 of the program.  This would make RIBN a 3-year pathway.  Please review the eligibility requirements on the Admissions Requirements page. 

Our students are highly encouraged to apply for the FELS program in December of their first year of RIBN. However, students may apply for FELS at any time during the program. Students are also eligible for any grants or scholarships that they qualify for.  Students who graduate from Sandhills Community College's RIBN Program may be eligible for a $1,000 Pembroke Pathways Scholarship for the fourth year of the RIBN Program.

Students who receive equivalent credit for a course will not be required to retake the course.  Course equivalencies are determined by the Registrar's Office at UNCP and the corresponding office at the community college.

Yes. If you are accepted into RIBN, you have preferred acceptance to the UNCP Nursing Program and the Community College Nursing Program. This acceptance is contingent upon remaining eligible to participate in RIBN and there being a seat available in the ADN program. Students are encouraged to apply to other nursing programs and/or universities in the event that they are not accepted into RIBN.  Students can not transfer from one RIBN nursing program to another RIBN school and remain in the RIBN Program.