Jacksonville State University School of Nursing: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Jacksonville State University’s Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing offers a full ladder of nursing education—from pre‑licensure BSN through RN‑to‑BSN, MSN, and DNP—anchored in a program that has reported a three‑year NCLEX‑RN average above state and national benchmarks. If you are comparing BSN admission requirements, RN‑to‑BSN completion options, and advanced practice or DNP pathways in Alabama, this guide pulls together what you need to evaluate JSU’s nursing programs, outcomes, and competitiveness in 2026.
Contents
Quick facts for 2026 applicants
*NCLEX data summarized from third‑party program rankings citing Jacksonville State University’s three‑year BSN NCLEX‑RN average and Alabama/National benchmarks. Always verify the latest official rates with JSU and the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Key takeaway
Jacksonville State’s Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing is best thought of as a full‑spectrum nursing school: a pre‑licensure BSN with a strong multi‑year NCLEX‑RN record, an online STEP RN‑to‑BSN program, and DNP tracks in Family and Adult‑Gerontology Acute Care advanced practice. For applicants willing to meet fairly specific GPA and ACT thresholds, and who value a pathway that can carry them from entry‑level practice through doctoral study within one institution, JSU is a serious contender among Alabama nursing schools.
Overview & Why Students Choose Jacksonville State University
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1. Strong multi‑year NCLEX‑RN performance
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2. Full academic ladder from BSN through DNP
Few regional schools offer the full continuum of BSN, RN‑to‑BSN, MSN, and DNP programs under one nursing college. JSU’s advanced practice DNP tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult‑Gerontology Acute Care, plus a Post‑Master’s DNP, allow students who start in the BSN or STEP RN‑to‑BSN programs to envision a long‑term academic home without leaving the institution if they choose to pursue graduate study.
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3. Online RN‑to‑BSN (STEP) program for working nurses
The STEP RN‑to‑BSN program is 100% online and designed to be completed in one calendar year of full‑time study, with 32 hours of upper‑division nursing courses and 35 hours of nursing validation credit recognizing prior RN education and experience. For working RNs who already juggle shifts, family, and other obligations, that combination of flexibility and credit for experience can make finishing a BSN more realistic.
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4. Clear GPA and testing expectations
JSU publishes specific thresholds: at least a 2.75 GPA on core requirements for upper‑division BSN admission and a 2.5 GPA on core courses for the STEP RN‑to‑BSN program, along with ACT expectations (for example, ACT composite 18 for general admission and 20 within five years for upper‑division BSN assessment). This transparency helps you realistically gauge how competitive the nursing program is at Jacksonville State before you invest in additional coursework.
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5. ESL‑specific TOEFL standards for nursing
For BSN applicants whose first language is not English, JSU specifies higher TOEFL thresholds than the general university minimums—such as an iBT score of 83 within four years of application—for upper‑division nursing. If you are an international or ESL applicant, these program‑level requirements can provide clearer guardrails as you prepare for both university admission and safe, effective practice in English‑speaking clinical settings.
Nursing Programs Offered
JSU’s Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate pathways that can carry you from first‑time BSN student through advanced practice and doctoral‑level preparation. Exact accreditation details and some granular curriculum features are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; always confirm with the School of Nursing and the catalog before making decisions.
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The pre‑licensure BSN program admits students to the upper division in both fall and spring. Applicants complete a set of core requirement courses with a minimum grade of “C” or better, maintain at least a 2.75 GPA on core requirements, and meet ACT expectations before being considered for upper‑division placement. Once admitted, students progress through a sequenced curriculum of classroom instruction, skills lab work, simulation, and nursing student clinical placements that lead to eligibility for the NCLEX‑RN exam.
STEP RN‑to‑BSN (online)
The STEP (Strategic Teaching for Enhanced Professional Preparation) RN‑to‑BSN program is a fully online completion track for registered nurses who hold a diploma or associate degree in nursing from a U.S.‑accredited program. Full‑time students can complete the program in approximately one calendar year (three semesters) by taking 32 credit hours of nursing courses; JSU also awards 35 hours of nursing validation credit for prior professional preparation. Admission criteria include a current, unencumbered RN license, a minimum 2.5 GPA on core requirement courses, and “C” or better in all required core classes.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
JSU offers graduate‑level nursing education, but detailed MSN track names, formats (online vs. hybrid), and admission criteria are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Prospective students should consult the JSU nursing graduate catalog and School of Nursing site for up‑to‑date information on MSN concentration options, such as potential nurse educator or leadership tracks, and any post‑baccalaureate admission requirements.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Jacksonville State provides several DNP options, including BSN‑to‑DNP Family Nurse Practitioner, BSN‑to‑DNP Adult‑Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and a Post‑Master’s DNP for nurses who already hold an MSN and approximately 500 hours of clinical practice. Application deadlines cited in program materials include May 1 for fall entry and October 1 for spring in selected tracks. Exact course plans, total DNP credit hours, and clinical hour requirements are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages, so you should confirm those details with JSU’s DNP program pages.
Verify program names, tracks, and delivery formats for JSU’s BSN, MSN, and DNP on official nursing program page. Specialty and graduate options can change by admission cycle.
NCLEX‑RN performance & student outcomes
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), Jacksonville State University reported a 91.41% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its baccalaureate (BSN) 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.
As secondary context, third-party program evaluations cite a 90.62% three-year NCLEX-RN pass rate for JSU’s BSN over a multi-year window, compared with Alabama (85.70%) and national (86.21%) BSN averages in the same analysis. Use that only to supplement—not replace—the official ABN CY2024 figure above.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (BSN) | 91.41% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 97.52%). |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Jacksonville State University and your program type. |
The three‑year averages above are based on a secondary source summarizing Jacksonville State University’s BSN outcomes and state/national benchmarks; they are helpful as a high‑level snapshot but are not a replacement for official reports. For the most accurate and current NCLEX‑RN statistics—and a breakdown by graduating cohort—review the Alabama Board of Nursing’s annual pass‑rate reports and any outcomes data JSU publishes for the Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Jacksonville State University admits international students at the university level and sets additional English‑language expectations for BSN applicants whose first language is not English. Because these policies can change and nursing may be held to stricter standards than general admission, treat the points below as a structured checklist to review with JSU’s International House and the School of Nursing, not as immigration or licensing advice.
✅ University‑level English proficiency (general JSU)
- TOEFL: Minimum scores cited for international graduate admission include 550 (paper‑based), 213 (computer‑based), or 79 (internet‑based). Equivalent alternatives accepted by JSU include IELTS with a minimum overall band score of 6.0, iTEP 3.9, Duolingo 100, and PTE 56.
- Exemptions: Applicants with qualifying degrees from certain English‑speaking countries may be exempt from these tests under JSU’s general international‑student policies.
- Verification: Because thresholds and accepted tests can vary slightly between undergraduate and graduate admission, international students should confirm current score requirements with JSU’s International House and the specific program they are targeting.
⚠️ BSN‑specific English requirements for ESL applicants
- Higher TOEFL thresholds for BSN applicants: For BSN candidates whose first language is not English, JSU materials indicate higher minimum TOEFL scores than general admission, such as a paper‑based score of 560, computer‑based score of 220, or an internet‑based (iBT) score of 83, completed within four years of application.
- ACT requirement alongside TOEFL: BSN applicants are also expected to meet ACT thresholds (for example, ACT composite 20 within five years for upper‑division assessment), even when they have met TOEFL requirements.
- Waivers: Some applicants may request a waiver if they are from designated English‑speaking countries or have lived for many years in an English‑speaking country; the exact waiver policy was not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages and must be confirmed directly with JSU Nursing.
If you completed your secondary school or nursing education outside the United States, ask JSU which credential‑evaluation services it accepts (for example, WES or other agencies) and how those evaluations are used for both general admission and nursing prerequisites. Separately, if you plan to pursue RN licensure in Alabama based on foreign nursing education, contact the Alabama Board of Nursing about required credential reports, English‑language testing, and NCLEX eligibility; those licensure requirements are independent of JSU’s admissions decisions.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
JSU’s nursing programs are selective and capacity‑limited. While a precise nursing school acceptance rate is Not publicly disclosed, the combination of GPA thresholds, ACT requirements, and program‑specific English standards—especially for ESL applicants—means you should treat the published minimums as a floor, not a guarantee.
Upper‑division BSN admission (pre‑licensure)
✅ Core requirements to verify
- University admission: Students must first be admitted to Jacksonville State University before applying to the nursing major.
- GPA: A minimum 2.75 GPA on core requirement courses is required for admission to the upper‑division BSN.
- Grades in prerequisites: All required core courses must be completed with a grade of C or better before entering upper‑division nursing.
- ACT: Program materials reference a minimum ACT composite score of 18 (or SAT equivalent) for general admission and note that an ACT score of 20 within five years is used for upper‑division BSN assessment.
- Deadlines: Application deadlines cited for upper‑division BSN include June 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission.
⚠️ STEP RN‑to‑BSN and DNP admissions highlights
- STEP RN‑to‑BSN (online): Requires a current, unencumbered RN license, completion of a U.S.‑accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program, a minimum 2.5 GPA on core requirement courses, and “C” or better in all core classes. Application deadlines are commonly August 1 (fall), December 1 (spring), and April 1 (summer).
- DNP tracks: BSN‑to‑DNP FNP and AGACNP, plus a Post‑Master’s DNP, have graduate‑level admission criteria (such as prior BSN or MSN from an accredited program and minimum graduate GPA requirements) that are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages and must be confirmed in the JSU DNP catalog.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Upper‑division BSN GPA minimum | 2.75 GPA on core requirement courses (C or better in all core classes) |
| STEP RN‑to‑BSN GPA minimum | 2.5 GPA on core requirement courses |
| ACT requirement | Minimum ACT 18 (or SAT 960) for admission; ACT 20 within five years referenced for BSN upper‑division assessment |
| TEAS requirement | Not published on the school’s public nursing pages |
| Clinical experience preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Because JSU’s nursing programs are selective, simply hitting the 2.75 (BSN) or 2.5 (STEP RN‑to‑BSN) GPA minimums may not be enough in competitive cycles. Focus on earning strong grades in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics, and make sure your ACT or equivalent scores are current and comfortably above the minimum where possible. When you speak with an advisor, ask how recently admitted cohorts compare to the published minimums so you can set realistic academic targets.
Guidance by student type
If you’re coming straight from high school
Work toward an ACT composite of at least 20 and a strong record in math and science courses, especially biology and chemistry. Use volunteer work, shadowing, or entry‑level healthcare jobs to confirm your interest in nursing before you commit to the upper‑division BSN’s clinical workload.
If you already hold a degree
JSU does not advertise an accelerated BSN in the inputs reviewed, so you would follow the traditional BSN pathway by completing core prerequisites, then applying to upper division. Highlight your previous academic strengths—particularly in sciences—and clearly explain why you are transitioning into nursing and how JSU’s BSN plus possible graduate options align with your long‑term goals.
If you’re an RN seeking advancement
The STEP RN‑to‑BSN program is designed for licensed RNs who want a flexible, online path to the BSN, and JSU’s DNP options offer further progression later on. Emphasize your clinical experience, leadership roles, and readiness for online learning, and ensure your core‑course GPA meets or exceeds the 2.5 minimum to keep your file competitive.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Jacksonville State University publishes detailed undergraduate and graduate tuition and fee tables, but the specific per‑credit and annual amounts for BSN, STEP RN‑to‑BSN, MSN, and DNP are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Because tuition, nursing fees, and differential graduate rates can change from year to year, you should rely on the latest JSU Cost and Aid resources for precise numbers.
| Category | What we can say from sources |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition (BSN) | Not publicly disclosed on the school’s published pages. See JSU’s official undergraduate tuition and fee schedule for current in‑state and out‑of‑state rates. |
| Online STEP RN‑to‑BSN tuition | Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide. Contact JSU or review the RN‑to‑BSN and online program tuition pages for the most accurate pricing. |
| Graduate (MSN/DNP) tuition | Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide. Graduate per‑credit and program‑level totals must be confirmed through JSU’s graduate cost of attendance tables. |
| Nursing or clinical fees | Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide. Ask JSU for any course‑based, lab, simulation, or clinical fees associated with BSN, MSN, and DNP courses. |
This guide does not estimate housing, meals, transportation, or books/supplies for JSU because those amounts are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages at a detailed level. For a realistic budget—including differences between campus housing and commuting, and between undergraduate and graduate enrollment—use JSU’s official Cost of Attendance resources and financial aid office instead of general cost‑of‑living calculators.
Financial aid & scholarships
JSU participates in federal and state financial aid programs, and undergraduate and graduate nursing students can explore grants, loans, work‑study, and institutional scholarships. Named nursing‑specific scholarships are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; however, students may also be eligible for external awards such as the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program or employer tuition assistance. For the most current list of nursing‑related scholarships and criteria, consult JSU’s scholarships and financial aid pages.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Beyond NCLEX‑RN pass rates, key outcomes such as job placement percentages, on‑time completion rates, and alumni employer lists for JSU nursing graduates were Not publicly disclosed on the school’s published pages. However, the presence of BSN, RN‑to‑BSN, MSN, and DNP tracks suggests that many graduates stay within nursing for advanced study and leadership roles after entry‑level practice.
| Outcome metric | What is known from sources |
|---|---|
| NCLEX‑RN performance | 91.41% first-time NCLEX-RN (BSN) per ABN CY2024; third-party summaries cite a 90.62% three-year BSN average as secondary context. |
| Job placement rate | Not publicly disclosed. Ask JSU’s School of Nursing or institutional research office for the percentage of BSN and graduate nursing alumni employed within 6–12 months of graduation. |
| Where alumni work | Not published on the school’s public nursing pages. See JSU nursing outcomes or career services pages if you want examples of typical employers and roles for recent graduates. |
Is Jacksonville State University the Right Fit for You?
JSU’s nursing programs can be a strong match if you want a public‑university environment with pathways that extend from BSN through DNP and are comfortable with clear GPA and testing thresholds. They may not be ideal if you are seeking a smaller‑cohort, community‑college setting, need fully online pre‑licensure coursework, or want highly granular cost transparency without consulting JSU’s own tuition and outcomes resources.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Jacksonville State University is located in Jacksonville, Alabama, and serves a region that draws on hospital systems, clinics, and long‑term care centers throughout northeast Alabama. State‑level workforce reports consistently list registered nursing and licensed practical nursing among Alabama’s high‑demand occupations, with hundreds of openings annually across urban and rural counties.
| Regional context | Implications for JSU nursing students |
|---|---|
| Northeast Alabama service area | Hospitals, community clinics, and long‑term care facilities in and around Jacksonville and neighboring cities provide settings for nursing student clinical placements, exposing students to a blend of rural and small‑city health needs. |
| Statewide nurse demand | Alabama workforce documents highlight persistent demand for RNs and LPNs, which can support job opportunities for graduates willing to consider varied units, employers, and locations within the state. |
| Pathways to advanced roles | Because JSU offers DNP tracks, students who begin in the BSN or STEP programs and later pursue graduate study can position themselves for advanced practice, leadership, or academic roles in Alabama’s healthcare ecosystem. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
JSU’s School of Nursing has been highlighted in university news as operating in a modern training environment, but detailed descriptions of simulation labs, named clinical skills centers, or nursing‑specific student organizations were not described on the school’s public nursing pages. Prospective students should ask about simulation capabilities, student nurse associations, honor societies, and support services (such as tutoring and mentoring) that can shape the day‑to‑day experience in both the BSN and graduate programs.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Jacksonville, AL
- Address
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide (see www.jsu.edu for official campus and School of Nursing addresses).
- Telephone
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide; consult JSU’s School of Nursing contact page for 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 the JSU nursing website.
- Website
- www.jsu.edu
Official resources
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official JSU BSN page (and STEP or DNP pages if relevant) and download any available degree plans, admission checklists, and student handbooks.
- List all JSU core requirement courses for your target program from the catalog and compare them line‑by‑line with your transcripts so you know exactly which classes you still need and where your GPA stands relative to the 2.75 (BSN) or 2.5 (STEP) minimums.
- Confirm whether your ACT (or SAT) scores meet current requirements and are within the allowed time window; if needed, register for testing and schedule study time.
- Draft 5–7 specific questions for a JSU nursing advisor—covering NCLEX outcomes, typical nursing student clinical placements, and how competitive recent applicant pools have been compared with the published minimums.
- Reach out to at least one current JSU nursing student or recent graduate via LinkedIn or campus networks to ask about workload, faculty support, and their transition into practice or graduate study.
- If you are an international or ESL applicant, review JSU’s international student requirements and BSN‑specific TOEFL thresholds, then plan any needed English‑language testing well before nursing application deadlines.
- Mark JSU’s relevant application deadline on your calendar—June 1 or October 1 for upper‑division BSN, or the listed RN‑to‑BSN/DNP dates—and backfill a timeline for transcripts, testing, recommendations (if required), and financial aid paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jacksonville State University a good school for nursing?
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Jacksonville State University’s BSN program reported a 91.41% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (CY2024, first-time testers). Some third-party summaries cite a 90.62% three-year BSN average compared with Alabama (85.70%) and national (86.21%) benchmarks over a wider window—useful as secondary context, but confirm the latest official figures with JSU and the Alabama Board of Nursing before you decide.
What GPA do you need for Jacksonville State University nursing?
For upper‑division BSN admission, JSU materials indicate a minimum 2.75 GPA on core requirement courses, with a grade of “C” or better in each core class. The STEP RN‑to‑BSN program requires at least a 2.5 GPA on core requirements. Because a nursing school acceptance rate was Not publicly disclosed, it is wise to aim above these minimums, especially in key science and math courses.
Does Jacksonville State University require the TEAS exam for nursing?
The sources reviewed for this guide emphasize ACT and SAT requirements for JSU nursing (for example, ACT composite 18 for general admission and 20 within five years for upper‑division BSN assessment). TEAS requirements are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages, so you should confirm on JSU’s current School of Nursing and admission pages before assuming TEAS is or is not required.
How competitive is admission to Jacksonville State’s nursing programs?
The exact nursing school acceptance rate at JSU is Not publicly disclosed, but the combination of GPA thresholds, ACT expectations, and program‑level English requirements for ESL applicants indicates a competitive process with limited seats. In practice, applicants with GPAs and test scores comfortably above the minimums—and strong performance in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics—are likely to be more competitive.
Does Jacksonville State University offer an accelerated BSN?
Public materials reviewed do not list an accelerated or second‑degree BSN program at JSU; instead, the university offers a traditional BSN and an online STEP RN‑to‑BSN completion program for licensed RNs. Second‑degree students usually complete BSN core prerequisites and follow the standard upper‑division BSN admission process, or pursue accelerated nursing programs at other institutions.
What are the clinical placement sites for JSU nursing students?
JSU’s public materials describe regional clinical experiences, but specific hospital and clinic partner names are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. To understand where you might complete nursing student clinical placements, ask the School of Nursing for a current list of partner facilities and the types of units (for example, medical‑surgical, maternal‑child, mental health) typically used in the BSN and graduate programs.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Jacksonville State University nursing?
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Jacksonville State University reported a 91.41% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its BSN program (CY2024, first-time testers). Third-party rankings have cited a 90.62% three-year BSN average versus Alabama and national means in the same period; treat those as supporting context only and verify year-by-year data with the Alabama Board of Nursing and JSU’s School of Nursing.
References
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External BSN program evaluation summarizing Jacksonville State University’s three‑year NCLEX‑RN pass rate and Alabama/U.S. BSN benchmarks. rncareers.org — Jacksonville State University Nursing Programs
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Jacksonville State University — Bachelor of Science in Nursing overview (upper‑division admission, GPA requirements, and ACT expectations). jsu.edu/nursing/BSN/
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Jacksonville State University — STEP RN‑to‑BSN admissions information (licensure status, GPA minimums, application deadlines). jsu.edu/nursing/STEP/step_admissions.html
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Jacksonville State University Catalog — Undergraduate nursing (School of Nursing) and STEP Program RN‑BSN sections (core requirements and program structure). catalog.jsu.edu/undergraduate/health-professions-wellness/nursing/
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Jacksonville State University Catalog — International student applicants and English‑language proficiency standards (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, iTEP). catalog.jsu.edu/graduate/admission/international-student-applicants/
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Jacksonville State University nursing materials referencing higher TOEFL thresholds for BSN applicants whose first language is not English. catalog.jsu.edu/undergraduate/health-professions-wellness/nursing/
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Alabama Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass‑rate reports by institution (official NCLEX data and benchmarks for Alabama nursing programs). 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 published on the school’s public nursing pages” 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 JSU’s BSN and STEP admissions information and external NCLEX‑RN summaries.
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