J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College Nursing Program: A Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Based in Huntsville, Alabama’s fast-growing tech and aerospace corridor, J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College offers ADN (RN with PN option per official materials), Practical Nursing, LPN-to-RN Mobility, and LPN Launch (Huntsville Hospital). This guide outlines how these pathways differ, what to verify on the official site, and how competitive admission can be compared with four-year BSN routes.
Contents
Quick facts for 2026 applicants
*Per-credit tuition summarized from Drake State’s official tuition and estimated cost of attendance information. Always confirm the latest figures on the college website before you apply.
Key takeaway
Drake State’s nursing pathways are built for students who want a focused, hands-on route into nursing in a high-demand region, without immediately committing to a four-year BSN. With ADN, Practical Nursing, and LPN-to-RN Mobility options anchored in Huntsville’s healthcare ecosystem, it can be a strategic choice if you plan to start with an associate degree and later bridge into RN-to-BSN or other completion programs while working.
Overview & Why Students Choose J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College
J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville offers ACEN-accredited pathways at the ADN and PN levels, plus LPN-to-RN Mobility and an employer-linked LPN Launch option. The program emphasizes clear prerequisites, published GPA and ACT expectations for most tracks, and community-college tuition.
For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates for Drake State, use the Alabama Board of Nursing program data and the school’s student achievement disclosures. Confirm all outcomes with the Board and the nursing program.
Reasons students choose Drake State
Stackable ADN, PN, mobility, and LPN Launch
The Associate Degree Nursing program is structured as RN with a PN option in official materials (students may sit for NCLEX-PN after the first three semesters when requirements are met—confirm with the nursing department). The college also lists Practical Nursing, LPN-to-RN Mobility, and LPN Launch with Huntsville Hospital (LPN Launch PDF).
Transparent GPA and ACT standards
Published minimums include 2.5 in nursing-required core courses and 2.0 cumulative, plus ACT expectations for ADN and LPN-to-RN Mobility—useful when comparing yourself to other Alabama programs.
Huntsville location and clinical demand
The metro area supports diverse clinical placements and employer demand tied to hospitals, clinics, and regional growth.
Community college affordability
In-state tuition is listed at $173 per credit hour in college materials—a lower per-credit path than most four-year BSN routes before RN-to-BSN elsewhere.
Structured prerequisite roadmap
The Admission of Nursing Students policy lists prerequisites (e.g. ENG 101, MTH 100+, BIO 201/202, SPH 106 or 107, PSY 210) and requires unconditional college admission before nursing application.
Nursing Programs Offered
Drake State focuses on workforce-oriented ADN and Practical Nursing pathways rather than BSN, MSN, or DNP degrees. Many students who start here later apply to RN-to-BSN or other completion programs at universities once they are licensed RNs.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) — RN with PN option
Official materials describe RN with a PN option: after the first three semesters, eligible students may sit for NCLEX-PN before completing the full ADN—confirm eligibility, sequencing, and exit/re-entry with the nursing department and the Alabama Board of Nursing. Full program graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN. See the Drake State nursing page and catalog for plans of study.
Practical Nursing (PN)
Prepares students for NCLEX-PN and LPN practice. Admission differs from ADN—PN does not require ACT in the sources reviewed, though GPA and prerequisites still apply.
LPN-to-RN Mobility
For licensed LPNs advancing to ADN and RN. Requires GPA and ACT standards, prerequisites, and Mobility deadlines per the catalog.
LPN Launch (Huntsville Hospital)
Distinct entry model with Huntsville Hospital. Review the LPN Launch packet (PDF); confirm seats and terms with the college.
BSN, MSN, and DNP
Drake State does not confer BSN, MSN, DNP, or PhD nursing degrees. Plan for ADN/PN + licensure, then RN-to-BSN or graduate study at a four-year school.
This guide reflects Drake State’s published ADN and PN pathways. Confirm current offerings on the nursing program page and Admission of Nursing Students policy before you apply.
This overview summarizes Drake State’s ADN, LPN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and mobility tracks pathways. Confirm the current list—including online vs. on-campus tracks—on official nursing program page.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
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), Drake State Community and Technical College reported a 70.45% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree (ADN) program, and a 95.24% 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.
A single calendar-year NCLEX pass rate should not be your only decision factor, but a lower rate should prompt you to ask the program about remediation, faculty support, cohort size, and more recent outcomes. Confirm current data with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school before you compare programs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 70.45% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 90.91%). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (practical nursing) | 95.24% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 83.33%). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (LPN stand-alone) | 96% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 85%). |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Drake State Community and Technical College and your program type. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and program type. Figures on this page from the Alabama Board of Nursing reflect calendar year 2024 first-time pass rates unless another source and year are labeled. Confirm the latest pass rates with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the nursing program before you compare schools.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Drake State’s public information is written mainly for domestic applicants, but the college is listed as accepting international applicants who demonstrate English-language proficiency through exams such as IELTS and TOEFL. Because immigration rules, English-language thresholds, transcript evaluation practices, and licensure steps can change frequently—and may differ between general admission and nursing program admission—use the checklist below as guidance only; verify everything with Drake State and the Alabama Board of Nursing, not as legal or licensing advice.
- English-language proficiency: External listings show Drake State accepts TOEFL and IELTS; an IELTS Academic minimum of 5.5 is noted. Confirm with admissions whether that threshold and accepted exams apply to international ADN and PN applicants and whether nursing requires higher scores. TOEFL minimums are not listed on Drake State’s public nursing pages; confirm with admissions.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Drake State indicates official degree evaluations are required for credentials earned outside the U.S. Ask which services (e.g. WES, CGFNS, or others) are approved and how to submit them for nursing admission and transfer credit.
- Alabama Board of Nursing: If you hold a nursing credential outside the U.S., contact the Alabama Board of Nursing about NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS-type evaluations, and documentation or translation requirements—separate from Drake State admission.
- Visa & clinical placements: Confirm whether ADN, PN, and LPN-to-RN Mobility are open on your visa type; ask how full-time enrollment, clinical rotations, background checks, health clearance, and drug screens work for international students, including any extra steps or timelines at clinical sites.
Policies change frequently. Confirm requirements with Drake State’s admissions or international office and the Alabama Board of Nursing before you rely on this summary.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to Drake State’s ADN, PN, and LPN-to-RN Mobility programs is selective and based on criteria set by a nursing selection committee. While the nursing school acceptance rate is Not publicly disclosed, the catalog makes it clear that meeting minimum requirements alone does not guarantee a seat; applicants are evaluated on GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and testing benchmarks such as the ACT. College admission: Unconditional admission to Drake State must be granted before you apply to any nursing program (see the Admission of Nursing Students policy in the catalog).
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (RN / PN) | March 15 | Per Drake State nursing admission materials; confirm on the nursing program page and catalog. |
| Spring (LPN-to-RN Mobility / PN) | August 15 | Per catalog; verify current cycle. |
| Summer (RN) | November 15 | Per catalog; verify current cycle. |
| Confirm with school | — | Deadlines can change; always confirm application windows on Drake State nursing and catalog pages before planning your semester schedule. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | 2.0 cumulative (college); 2.5 in nursing-required core courses; 2.5 high-school cumulative (or GED equivalent) for applicants without prior college coursework |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on current nursing applications; Drake State emphasizes ACT for ADN and Mobility—confirm on testing information. |
| ACT | ACT composite (standard ACT or approved entrance exam) required for ADN and LPN-to-RN Mobility; scores do not expire for these purposes per nursing materials. PN admissions in the sources reviewed do not require ACT. |
| Prerequisites (examples) | ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201, BIO 202, SPH 106 or 107, PSY 210—with eligibility or completion demonstrated before program entry |
| Clinical experience preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Straight-from-high-school applicants should prioritize strong grades in algebra, biology, and chemistry and meet ADN ACT expectations if entering that track; career changers can map prior credits to nursing core (Drake State does not offer ABSN—ADN or PN may be the route); working LPNs should keep an unencumbered license and strong GPA for LPN-to-RN Mobility.
Because Drake State uses minimum GPA, prerequisite completion, and ACT benchmarks, your file will be strongest if you exceed the minimums rather than just meet them. Focus on earning solid grades in anatomy, physiology, and math—the same courses that will come up again in nursing clinical hours—and complete as many prerequisites as possible before you apply. If you are also applying to BSN programs or accelerated nursing programs at universities, use the same transcript review to understand how competitive your GPA and science background look across all of your target schools.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Drake State publishes tuition and estimated cost-of-attendance tables in its catalog and on the student financial information pages. The figures below summarize per-credit tuition and select nursing-related fees referenced in those materials; for a full annual budget—including housing, books, and transportation—you should always consult the most recent college resources.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-state tuition (per credit hour) | $173 (general tuition rate noted in Drake State tuition materials) |
| Nursing test fee | $117 per semester test fee for LPN, ADN, and ADN1 programs (as referenced in estimated cost of attendance information) |
| Out-of-state tuition | Not publicly disclosed in the sources used for this guide; see Drake State’s tuition and fees page for current non-resident rates. |
| Estimated annual cost of attendance | Not publicly disclosed in the excerpted materials; refer to Drake State’s Estimated Cost of Attendance tables for detailed yearly estimates. |
| Source | Drake State Tuition & Fees; Estimated Cost of Attendance (catalog). Confirm current amounts with the school. |
This guide does not estimate costs for housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, or personal expenses because Drake State does not break out every cost line on a single public page. For a complete picture of your budget, use Drake State’s official Estimated Cost of Attendance and financial aid resources rather than any third-party calculators.
Financial aid & scholarships
Drake State participates in federal and state financial aid programs, and nursing students may qualify for grants, loans, and work-study based on FAFSA results. Named institutional nursing scholarships are not listed on Drake State’s public pages; students can explore external awards such as the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program or employer-based tuition assistance after they begin working as LPNs or RNs. To identify school-specific opportunities, consult Drake State’s financial aid office and scholarship listings.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Drake State does not publish multi-year job placement or alumni employer lists on its public nursing pages. ADN and PN graduates enter the Alabama job market reflected in statewide workforce reports, which project continued demand for RNs and LPNs across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings. When you speak with a Drake State advisor, ask for multi-year NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass-rate trends, job placement statistics within six to twelve months of graduation, and examples of typical first-role titles and settings, and compare with other Huntsville-area or Alabama programs to gauge fit.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN performance | According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report: ADN first-time NCLEX-RN 70.45%; practical nursing NCLEX-PN 95.24%; LPN stand-alone NCLEX-PN 96.00%. Confirm current rates with the Board and the school. Consult Alabama Board of Nursing reports for current data. |
| Job placement rate | Not publicly disclosed. Ask Drake State’s nursing department or career services for recent job placement information. |
Is J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College the Right Fit for You?
PN vs. ADN outcomes (ABN CY2024): Drake State reported a stronger 95.24% NCLEX-PN rate and 96% LPN stand-alone rate than its 70.45% ADN NCLEX-RN rate in the same Board report. Compare the pathway that matches your license goal.
Drake State suits many students who want an ADN or PN path at community-college cost with published GPA and ACT benchmarks. It is less aligned with a traditional four-year residential BSN, fully online pre-licensure nursing, or graduate nursing on the same campus.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want stackable ADN, PN, Mobility, or LPN Launch options in the Huntsville area.
- Prefer transparent minimum GPA and ACT rules and can meet or exceed them.
- Plan to become an RN or LPN first, then pursue RN-to-BSN or graduate study elsewhere.
- Value community-college tuition and clinical training close to regional employers.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a pre-licensure BSN, ABSN, MSN, or DNP from the same institution.
- Require a fully online pre-licensure nursing curriculum.
- Want a large four-year residential campus experience without transferring later.
- Cannot meet published prerequisites, GPA floors, or ACT requirements for their target track.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Huntsville and the surrounding North Alabama region are anchored by a mix of community hospitals, specialty clinics, long-term care centers, and health services connected to Redstone Arsenal and aerospace employers. State workforce documents emphasize that nursing roles remain among Alabama’s high-demand occupations, with ongoing openings for both RNs and LPNs across the state.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Huntsville metro area | The city’s growth in technology, defense, and aerospace supports population increases that sustain demand for hospital, clinic, and long-term care services—relevant context for clinical exposure and local hiring. |
| North Alabama healthcare network | Local hospitals and outpatient facilities provide a range of potential nursing student clinical placements, from acute care and surgical services to primary care and rehabilitation; specific partner names are not listed on Drake State’s public nursing pages. |
| Statewide nurse demand (Alabama) | Alabama workforce discussions consistently flag RNs and LPNs as high-need occupations, which can help sustain job opportunities for graduates who are flexible about location, shift patterns, and unit types. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students at Drake State divide their time among classroom instruction, skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations at affiliated facilities. Simulation lab details and nursing student organizations are not described on Drake State’s public pages; if those are important to you, ask the nursing department whether there are active student nurse associations, peer-tutoring programs, or mentorship initiatives. Outside of nursing, students can engage with broader campus activities and support services typical of a community and technical college setting.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Huntsville, AL
- Address
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide (see drakestate.edu for official campus address information).
- Telephone
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide; consult the Drake State website for the most current phone numbers.
- Contact email
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide; use the contact forms or departmental emails listed on drakestate.edu.
- Website
- www.drakestate.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Drake State nursing page and download any available program brochures or degree plans for ADN, PN, and LPN-to-RN Mobility.
- Use the Admission of Nursing Students policy in the catalog to list out each prerequisite course (ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201, BIO 202, SPH 106/107, PSY 210) and compare it line-by-line with your transcripts so you know exactly what you still need.
- Check the current application instructions to confirm whether you must submit an ACT or other entrance exam score for your target track, then register or request scores if needed.
- Draft 5–7 specific questions for a Drake State nursing advisor about NCLEX outcomes, clinical sites, and how the point-based or criteria-based selection process is applied in practice.
- Connect with at least one current student or recent graduate—through local networks or platforms like LinkedIn—to ask about workload, clinical hours, and how they balanced work, family, and school.
- Outline a short personal statement explaining why you are choosing an ADN or PN route at a community and technical college instead of going directly into a BSN or accelerated nursing program, and how you see future RN-to-BSN or graduate study fitting into your plan.
- Mark the relevant deadline (March 15, August 15, or November 15) on your calendar and back-plan when transcripts, testing, and financial aid tasks need to be completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College a good school for nursing?
Drake State offers ACEN-accredited nursing pathways at the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (PN) levels, along with an LPN-to-RN Mobility option. According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Drake State reported a 70.45% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for ADN, 95.24% for practical nursing, and 96.00% for the LPN stand-alone pathway. Applicants should compare outcomes by pathway because PN outcomes were much stronger than ADN outcomes in CY2024.
What GPA do you need for Drake State nursing?
Drake State’s Admission of Nursing Students policy requires a minimum 2.5 GPA in nursing-required core courses and at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA from the current or transferring institution. High-school applicants without college coursework are expected to have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or GED equivalent. Because the nursing school acceptance rate is Not publicly disclosed, it is wise to treat these as minimums rather than targets.
Does Drake State require the TEAS exam for nursing?
The sources reviewed for this guide emphasize an ACT composite score requirement for the ADN and LPN-to-RN Mobility programs and note that ACT is not required for the PN program. TEAS is not listed on Drake State’s current nursing application materials; confirm on the testing information page before assuming TEAS is or is not required.
How competitive is admission to Drake State’s nursing programs?
The nursing school acceptance rate at Drake State is Not publicly disclosed, but the college describes selective admission based on GPA, completion of prerequisites, and ACT or other entrance exam scores. Seats in ADN, PN, and Mobility tracks are limited, so stronger grades—especially in anatomy, physiology, and math—and higher test scores can improve your competitiveness.
Does Drake State offer an accelerated BSN?
No. Drake State Community and Technical College focuses on ADN, PN, and LPN-to-RN Mobility programs rather than BSN or accelerated BSN (ABSN) degrees. Students who want a BSN typically complete the ADN at Drake State, become licensed RNs, and then transfer into RN-to-BSN programs offered by four-year institutions.
What are the clinical placement sites for Drake State nursing students?
Drake State’s catalog and public materials indicate that students complete clinical experiences at healthcare facilities in the Huntsville and North Alabama region, but specific partner hospital names are not listed on Drake State’s public nursing pages. For the most current clinical site list, contact the nursing department or program coordinator directly.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Drake State?
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Drake State reported a 70.45% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the ADN program, 95.24% for practical nursing, and 96.00% for the LPN stand-alone pathway. Applicants should compare these by pathway because the PN outcomes were much stronger than the ADN outcome in CY2024. Confirm current rates with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school.
References
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Drake State Community and Technical College · Admission of Nursing Students (GPA, ACT, prerequisite requirements, and application deadlines). drakestate.smartcatalogiq.com (2024–2025 catalog)
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Drake State Community and Technical College · Nursing Programs overview (ADN, PN, and Mobility descriptions). drakestate.edu/career-pathways-programs/health-sciences/nursing/
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Drake State Community and Technical College · Tuition and Fees (per-credit tuition and fee information for credit-bearing programs). drakestate.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/
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Drake State Community and Technical College · Estimated Cost of Attendance (nursing test fees and general financial information). drakestate.smartcatalogiq.com (Estimated Cost of Attendance)
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Drake State Community and Technical College · Testing Information (on-campus ACT and entrance testing details for nursing applicants). drakestate.edu/admissions/testing-information/
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Alabama Board of Nursing · NCLEX pass-rate reports by institution for ADN and PN programs (for official NCLEX statistics and benchmarks). abn.alabama.gov
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All other narrative context is based on editorial synthesis of the same official sources. Figures marked “Not publicly disclosed” or not stated on this page were not located in official sources at review time.
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.
Medical review: This page was medically and fact-checked by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data, including Drake State’s catalog, tuition resources, and nursing program descriptions.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, immigration, 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