Nursing Direct
Overview
Nursing Direct is a selective Pathway designed for high-achieving students who know they want to pursue a nursing career from day one. Unlike most programs—where students complete general education and science prerequisites before competing for a limited number of nursing seats—Barton’s Nursing Direct Pathway gives you direct acceptance into the BSN program.
As a Nursing Direct student, you’ll join a community of future nurses who share your passion for health care, compassion, and service. You’ll gain early mentorship, hands-on experience, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you already have a place in Barton’s School of Nursing.
What You’ll Experience
Direct Entry to Nursing: Secure your seat in Barton’s BSN program without the stress of reapplying after sophomore year.
Community of Care: Join a cohort of nursing students who will support and grow with you throughout your Barton journey.
Faculty Mentorship: Work with experienced nursing faculty from your very first semester.
Hands-On Learning: Get early exposure to labs, simulations, and nursing-related workshops.
Career Preparation: Explore nursing specialties, professional organizations, and networking opportunities starting in year one.
Nursing Association Membership: Automatic membership to BCANS (Barton College Association of Nursing Students), in affiliation with state and national student associations of nursing students.
Support for Success: Access tutoring, advising, and peer mentors who will help you thrive academically and personally.
Nursing Direct is perfect for:
- Students who know they want a career in nursing and want to lock in their spot early
- High school seniors eager to start building nursing knowledge right away
- Students excited to join a close-knit community of peers who share the same goals
- Future health care leaders looking for personalized guidance and opportunities to grow
Meet Your Nursing Direct Leader
Altovise Staton is a dedicated faculty member in Barton’s School of Nursing and the Director of the Nursing Direct Pathway. With years of experience in nursing education and a passion for student success, she works closely with Nursing Direct students to guide them through their academic and professional journey.
Having earned a degree in respiratory therapy early in her healthcare career, Altovise brings over 25 years of healthcare experience to our nursing students. She most recently comes to us from ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC where she works in the Cardiovascular Operating Room and has earned her Certification as an operating room nurse. She also works in the Operations Center as a Transfer Center Nurse where she has the privilege of connecting providers in rural areas of Eastern NC with the tertiary care their patients need. In addition to that she has nursing experience in emergency medicine, as well as cardiovascular intensive care.
In her spare time, she enjoys providing community education. As an AHA Instructor she provides education in CPR, AED use and First Aid to local schools, churches, and community centers at no cost to them.
Altovise is passionate about health equity and diversity in healthcare professions. She is committed to helping bridge the health and healthcare disparities gap through community support and provider education surrounding access to healthcare, both basic and complex.
Application Requirements
To be considered for Nursing Direct, you must:
- Must be an incoming freshman (program not available for transfer students)
- Hold a 3.0 or higher unweighted GPA
- Select Nursing as your intended program of study on your Barton admissions application
Submit a thoughtful essay response in the Pathway portion of your admissions application
Scholarship Opportunities
Nursing Direct students are eligible for Pathway scholarships that can help cover tuition and enrich your Barton experience. Scholarships are renewable each year as long as you remain active in your Pathway and maintain program requirements.