Bishop State Community College Nursing Program: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Located in Mobile, Alabama, Bishop State offers ACEN-accredited ADN and PN programs plus LPN and paramedic-to-ADN mobility tracks. This guide covers programs, tuition, NCLEX outcomes, admissions, and how the school fits into Mobile’s healthcare landscape so you can decide if Bishop State is the right fit.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Bishop State offers multiple entry points—traditional ADN, PN, and LPN/paramedic-to-ADN mobility—at its Downtown Mobile campus, with access to USA Health, the region’s only academic medical center and Level I trauma center. Affordable in-state tuition and ACEN accreditation make it a practical option for Mobile and Gulf Coast students seeking RN or LPN licensure.
Overview & Why Students Choose Bishop State
Located in downtown Mobile, Alabama, Bishop State Community College offers an affordable, ACEN-accredited path to RN and LPN licensure through its Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (PN) programs. What sets Bishop State apart is its combination of a five-semester ADN, a three-semester PN option, and two mobility tracks—Career Mobility Track I for LPNs and paramedics, and Transfer LPN to ADN (Track II) for Alabama Community College System PN graduates—all on one campus with clinical access to USA Health, the Gulf Coast’s only academic medical center.
If you are weighing nursing school acceptance rate and BSN admission requirements at four-year schools, an ADN at Bishop State can be a lower-cost, shorter route to the same NCLEX-RN and RN license, with nursing clinical hours completed in area healthcare settings. This guide gives you a realistic look at programs, nursing student clinical placements, tuition, and how competitive the nursing program at Bishop State is.
Five reasons students choose Bishop State
🧭 Multiple RN & LPN pathways
Bishop State offers traditional ADN and PN plus LPN/paramedic-to-ADN and ACCS LPN-to-ADN transfer options, so students can choose the track that fits their background and timeline.
🏥 Mobile’s academic medical hub
The Downtown campus sits in a city with USA Health (University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Mitchell Cancer Institute, Providence Hospital), giving students exposure to Level I trauma, high-risk OB, and academic cancer care.
✅ ACEN-accredited & board-approved
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) nursing program holds continuing accreditation from ACEN and is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
💵 Practical in-state tuition
The college reports that the average cost for in-state tuition and fees for a full-time student in the program is about $2,500 per semester (12+ credit hours). Out-of-state rates are detailed on the school’s tuition and fees page.
🧪 ACT-based admission (no TEAS)
Bishop State Nursing no longer accepts the TEAS test. The ACT or ACT-R is required (minimum composite 18 with science), which may benefit applicants who already have a recent ACT score.
Nursing Programs Offered
Bishop State offers pre-licensure and mobility options at the associate and practical nursing level. All nursing programs are ACEN-accredited and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Classes are in-person on the Downtown campus, with morning and afternoon formats; semesters run Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Upon successful completion of the five-semester ADN program, the student is awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree. The program combines general education and nursing courses with hands-on experience in labs and clinical environments. Graduates may apply for licensure through the state board and sit for the NCLEX-RN. The program emphasizes clinical judgment, compassionate care, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Practical Nursing (PN)
Upon successful completion of the three-semester PN program—or after completion of the third semester of the ADN program—the student is awarded a certificate in Practical Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN. This option suits students who want to enter the workforce as an LPN first or who plan to continue into the ADN mobility track.
Career Mobility Track I (LPN/Paramedic to ADN)
For students who have completed a PN or Paramedic program and hold unencumbered Alabama licensure. After successful completion of course NUR209 and the final two-semester ADN curriculum, the student is awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree and is eligible for NCLEX-RN.
Transfer LPN to ADN (Career Mobility Track II / ACCS PN to ADN)
For graduates of an Alabama Community College System (ACCS) PN program with unencumbered AL LPN licensure within the 12-month transfer window. After successful completion of the two-semester program curriculum, the student is awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree and is eligible for NCLEX-RN.
Bishop State nursing materials should be checked against official nursing program page for the latest ADN, LPN, and mobility tracks requirements and campus availability.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates for Bishop State Community College, use the Alabama Board of Nursing program outcome summaries together with the school’s official nursing or student achievement disclosures. Rates vary by program, campus, and cohort year.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | Confirm the reporting year (for example, calendar year 2024) and whether the figure covers ADN, BSN, LPN, and/or mobility cohorts before comparing schools. |
| Source | ABN approved nursing programs — annual data (CY2024, PDF) · abn.alabama.gov. Confirm current data with the Board and Bishop State Community College. |
This guide does not substitute for the Board’s official tables. Always verify the latest cohort with the ABN and the nursing program.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Bishop State sits in a port city that attracts international students and healthcare workers, but requirements for college admission and RN/LPN licensure are governed by separate policies. If you were educated outside the United States—or are studying on a visa—treat this as a starting checklist rather than final instructions.
- English proficiency tests: Ask Bishop State which exams (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.) and minimum scores are currently required for admission to the college and to nursing, and whether those standards differ from general admission.
- Foreign transcripts & credential evaluation: Confirm whether your high school or nursing coursework must be evaluated by WES, CGFNS, or another recognized service before Bishop State can award transfer credit or place you into nursing courses.
- Alabama Board of Nursing rules: For internationally educated nurses who already hold a nursing credential abroad, verify NCLEX eligibility and documentation requirements directly with the Alabama Board of Nursing (credential evaluation, English testing, clinical hour verification, etc.).
- Visa and work restrictions: If you are on an F‑1 or other non‑immigrant visa, ask how many on‑campus or clinical hours are allowed, and whether CPT/OPT or other work authorization is needed for paid roles while you study.
Because immigration and licensure rules change frequently, always double‑check any advice you receive against current information from Bishop State’s admissions/International Office and the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the nursing program is competitive and limited by space. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants must be unconditionally admitted to Bishop State Community College before applying to the nursing program.
What you need
- Unconditional admission to Bishop State Community College.
- ACT or ACT-R (residual) with minimum composite score of 18. The science portion is required; the writing portion is not. Super scores are not accepted. Scores must be sent from act.org to Bishop State Admissions.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on nursing core courses (e.g., ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201, BIO 202, BIO 220, PSY 210, SPH 106 or 107, and a Humanities elective).
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA from current or transfer institution, or 2.5 cumulative high school GPA for students without prior college coursework.
- Eligibility for or completion of ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher, and BIO 201 with grade C or higher.
- Original transcripts from all colleges attended on file before the application deadline and good standing with the college.
TEAS is not required; Bishop State Nursing no longer accepts the TEAS test. GRE is not applicable for associate-level programs.
Application timeline
Fall semester: Apply between March 15 and May 15. Spring semester: Apply between September 15 and October 31. Confirm exact dates and any supplemental materials on the official Nursing Application and Minimum Admissions Requirement documents.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Minimum 2.5 on nursing core; range not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | No (ACT required, min composite 18) |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Honest tips for applicants: Apply early and ensure your file is complete before the nursing application deadline. The program recommends taking most general education core courses before beginning NUR coursework due to the fast-paced structure. Strong grades in prerequisite and nursing core courses and a competitive ACT score will strengthen your application. If you are an LPN or paramedic, highlight your licensure and experience in your materials.
By applicant type
High school applicant: Secure unconditional admission to Bishop State, take the ACT (aim for at least 18 composite with science), and complete the nursing prerequisite and core courses with a 2.5+ GPA. Use the Minimum Admissions Requirement handout and nursing application page.
Second-degree / career-change: You will follow the same ADN or PN path; there is no separate accelerated BSN at Bishop State. Complete prerequisites and nursing core with a 2.5+ GPA and meet the ACT requirement.
LPN or paramedic: Apply to Career Mobility Track I (LPN/Paramedic to ADN) or, if you completed an ACCS PN program within the transfer window, to Transfer LPN to ADN (Track II). Emphasize your license and clinical experience.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Bishop State reports that the average cost for in-state tuition and fees for a full-time student (12 or more credit hours per semester) in this program is about $2,500 per semester. Out-of-state and per-credit rates are not fully detailed here. For current in-state and out-of-state tuition and fee rates, visit the official Tuition & Fees page.
Fees for housing, books, nursing-specific fees (e.g., testing, liability insurance, background check, immunizations), and other costs are not fully detailed in the official sources reviewed for this guide. For a complete cost of attendance, see the school’s financial affairs and Financial Aid pages.
Financial aid & scholarships: Bishop State offers institutional scholarships for academics, performing arts, leadership and service, and athletics. The Bishop State Community College Foundation also offers scholarships; details are at the college’s scholarship and financial aid pages. Federal and state aid (e.g., NURSE Corps Scholarship Program) may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The Alabama Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX examination pass rates by approved program in the Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) PDF (see also abn.alabama.gov). In that workbook, find this institution and the column for your program type (for example, Practical Nursing, Associate Degree, or Baccalaureate Degree). Rates can differ by pathway and reporting period.
CY2025 annual workbook: During an April 2026 editorial review, a public CY2025 file with the same “approved annual programs” layout was not confirmed on the Board’s site. Always check the Board for the latest posted year before comparing schools.
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024), Bishop State Community College reported a 70.42% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree (ADN) program, and a 91.3% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for its practical nursing (PN) program, and a 96% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for its LPN stand-alone program (CY2024, first-time testers). Rates can differ by pathway, campus, and reporting year. Confirm the latest outcomes with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school before you compare programs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 70.42% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 78.51%). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (practical nursing) | 91.3% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 88%). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (LPN stand-alone) | 96% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 100%). |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Bishop State Community College and your program type. |
Job placement rate: Not publicly disclosed. For outcomes and job placement data, see the school’s institutional effectiveness or career services pages.
Where alumni work: Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. See the school’s outcomes or career services page for more information.
Is Bishop State Community College the Right Fit for You?
Bishop State is a strong fit for students who want an affordable, ACEN-accredited ADN or PN path in Mobile with multiple entry options (traditional, PN, LPN/paramedic-to-ADN, ACCS LPN transfer). It may not be ideal if you want a four-year BSN from the start, a fully online pre-licensure program, or a school that uses the TEAS instead of the ACT.
Good fit for
- Students in Mobile or the Gulf Coast seeking low-cost ADN or LPN education
- LPNs and paramedics ready to complete an ADN and sit for NCLEX-RN
- ACCS PN graduates within the 12-month transfer window (Track II)
- Students who prefer ACT over TEAS and can meet the 2.5 GPA on nursing core
May not be ideal for
- Students set on a four-year BSN-only path from day one (Bishop State offers ADN/PN and mobility, not BSN)
- Those seeking a fully online pre-licensure nursing program
- Applicants who cannot meet the ACT 18 minimum (with science) or 2.5 GPA on nursing core
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Mobile is home to USA Health, the region’s only academic medical center and the most comprehensive healthcare organization on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Bishop State’s Downtown campus places nursing students in a city with a major health system that includes Level I trauma, high-risk obstetrics, and academic cancer care—all of which create strong demand for RNs and LPNs and a wealth of potential clinical placement and employment settings.
Major facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| USA Health University Hospital | Region’s only Level I trauma center and burn center; major training site for healthcare professionals. |
| USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital | One of five freestanding hospitals in the U.S. devoted to children and women; region’s only high-risk obstetrics program; advanced NICU/PICU; ~3,000 births annually. |
| USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute | Only academic-based cancer research and treatment facility on the Gulf Coast; 40+ clinical trials; ~50,000 annual patient visits. |
| USA Health Providence Hospital | Acute care with advanced services including ECMO in Mobile and Baldwin counties. |
Alabama’s Gulf Coast has strong demand for nurses in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and physician practices. Students benefit from exposure to complex patient populations and a variety of clinical settings within a single metro area.
Clinical rotations in the Mobile area can include Level I trauma, high-risk OB, and oncology—experience that strengthens your resume. Graduates are well positioned for jobs at USA Health and other regional employers.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing classes are offered in-person on the Downtown campus (351 North Broad Street, Mobile). Format is morning and afternoon; semesters are Spring, Summer, and Fall. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in labs and clinical environments and the development of clinical judgment, compassionate care, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The Nursing Department is led by Director of Nursing Victoria L. King, DNP, MSN, RN. For program questions, contact the Nursing Department at 251-405-4495 or nursing@bishop.edu. Student organizations and simulation resources are not fully detailed in the official sources reviewed for this guide; check the school’s nursing resources page for current information.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Mobile, AL (Downtown campus)
- Address
- 351 North Broad Street, Mobile, AL 36603, US
- Telephone
- 251-405-4495
- Contact email
- nursing@bishop.edu
- Website
- www.bishop.edu
Official website: Bishop State Nursing
Contact admissions / nursing: Nursing Department — 251-405-4495, nursing@bishop.edu. Director of Nursing: Victoria L. King, DNP, MSN, RN.
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Bishop State nursing website and download the Minimum Admissions Requirement handout and program information.
- Review the prerequisite and nursing core course list and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the ACT or request scores be sent from act.org to Bishop State Admissions (Bishop State uses ACT, not TEAS, for nursing).
- Draft a list of questions for the nursing department or admissions.
- Reach out to current or former Bishop State nursing students on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Begin outlining any personal statement or materials required for your track (e.g., mobility).
- Note the application window for your entry term (Fall: March 15–May 15; Spring: September 15–October 31) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bishop State Community College a good school for nursing?
Bishop State’s ADN and PN programs are ACEN-accredited and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. The college offers ADN, PN, and LPN/paramedic-to-ADN mobility tracks at its Downtown Mobile campus, with clinical access to the USA Health system. The ADN program reported a 70.42% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024; the PN program reported 91.30% (and 96.00% for the LPN standalone cohort).
What GPA do you need for Bishop State nursing?
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA on nursing core courses and a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (or 2.5 high school GPA if no prior college). The college does not publish a typical GPA range for admitted students.
Does Bishop State require the TEAS exam?
No. Bishop State Nursing no longer accepts the TEAS test. The ACT or ACT-R is required for all nursing program applicants, with a minimum composite score of 18. The science portion is required; the writing portion is not. Confirm current requirements on the official Minimum Admissions Requirement document.
How competitive is admission to Bishop State’s nursing program?
Admission is competitive and limited by space. The acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Does Bishop State offer an accelerated BSN?
Bishop State does not offer an accelerated BSN. It offers an ADN (five semesters), PN (three semesters), and LPN/paramedic-to-ADN and ACCS LPN-to-ADN mobility tracks. Graduates can pursue RN-to-BSN programs at other institutions.
What are the clinical placement sites for Bishop State nursing students?
Clinical experiences are conducted in varied healthcare settings. Specific site names are not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. The college is in Mobile with access to USA Health and other regional facilities; contact the nursing program for current placement information.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Bishop State?
The ADN program reported a 70.42% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024. The PN program reported 91.30% (and 96.00% for the LPN standalone cohort) for NCLEX-PN. Data from the Alabama Board of Nursing; for state comparisons see the official report.
References
- NCLEX pass rate data — Alabama Board of Nursing 2024 Annual Report (Approved Programs)abn.alabama.gov
- Tuition and program information — Bishop State Community College Nursingbishop.edu/programs/health-science-professions/nursing
- Tuition & Fees — Bishop State Financial Affairsbishop.edu/financial-affairs/tuition-fees
- All other data is as provided in our inputs. Any data point marked “Not publicly disclosed” or “Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide” is based on the unavailability of this information in the official sources reviewed for this guide.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal writes evidence-based nursing education guides focused on licensure outcomes, admissions clarity, and career readiness for NurseOnShift.
Review: Fact-checked and reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN for nursing education accuracy against official ABN, school, and accreditation sources.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Apr 2, 2026· Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026· Nursing Education Review Process · Editorial Policy