Shelton State Community College Nursing Program: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
In Tuscaloosa’s community college sector, Shelton State’s ADN, Practical Nursing, and LPN‑to‑RN mobility pathways give students a relatively affordable route to RN or LPN licensure with ACEN accreditation and Alabama Board of Nursing approval. This guide pulls together what Shelton State and the Alabama Board of Nursing publish about NCLEX performance, tuition, and admission competitiveness so you can decide whether it fits your timeline and budget.
Contents
Quick facts for 2026 applicants
*Per‑credit estimates are based on Shelton State’s 2025–26 financial information page. Exact totals depend on course load, fees, and books; always confirm on the official tuition page.
Key takeaway
Shelton State is best suited for students who want an ACEN‑accredited ADN or PN program at a community college price point and who are comfortable with competitive entry but do not necessarily need a large university experience. Before committing, you should look closely at the most recent Alabama Board of Nursing NCLEX reports and ask Shelton State for its current admission rubric, because detailed GPA and TEAS cutoffs are not widely published.
Overview & Why Students Choose Shelton State Community College
Shelton State Community College is a public institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offering ADN, Practical Nursing, and LPN‑to‑RN mobility options. For many students in West Alabama, it represents a way to enter nursing without relocating or paying university‑level tuition.
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Shelton State’s ADN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is 95.40%, with 100.00% for practical nursing and 92.86% for the LPN stand-alone pathway. Both ADN and PN are ACEN-accredited and Alabama Board of Nursing-approved. Because admission is competitive and details can change, confirm the latest NCLEX outcomes and admission rubric with Shelton State before applying.
Nursing Programs Offered
Shelton State’s nursing options cover both entry‑level LPN preparation and RN pathways. Catalog descriptions emphasize that nursing courses are sequential, clinical hours are significant, and both ADN and PN programs are academically rigorous.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
The ADN program is a two‑year track leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX‑RN exam. Students move through five consecutive semesters that include classroom instruction, skills and simulation labs, and supervised clinical rotations in regional healthcare settings. Successful completion prepares graduates for entry‑level RN roles in hospitals, long‑term care, and community health while providing a foundation for later RN‑to‑BSN study.
Practical Nursing (PN) certificate
Shelton State’s Practical Nursing program is commonly described as a three‑semester, 12‑month certificate that prepares students for the NCLEX‑PN examination. The curriculum blends theory, campus lab experiences, and clinical practice; PN graduates typically work as LPNs in long‑term care, physicians’ offices, and some acute care settings. Shelton State’s materials note that nursing courses are taken in sequence and that a significant weekly time commitment is necessary across classroom, clinical, and study hours.
LPN‑to‑RN mobility
For licensed practical nurses, Shelton State offers an LPN‑to‑RN mobility track that provides advanced placement into the ADN program. External descriptions mention requirements such as experience as an LPN before entry, but the exact work‑hour threshold, course mapping, and program length are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; applicants should rely on Shelton State’s official mobility information and advising.
Verify Shelton State’s current ADN, LPN, and mobility tracks offerings—including campuses, mobility options, and start terms—on official nursing program page and in the college catalog.
NCLEX results and 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), Shelton State Community College reported a 95.4% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree (ADN) program, and a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for its practical nursing (PN) program, and a 92.86% 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 / source |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 95.4% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 98.9%). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (practical nursing) | 100% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 100%). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (LPN stand-alone) | 92.86% 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 Shelton State Community College and your program type. |
Confirm Shelton State’s latest NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN outcomes with the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 annual report and the nursing department before you compare programs.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Shelton State admits international students and has a dedicated international admissions section. While nursing itself is a state‑regulated profession, your first step is to meet the college’s general international requirements before layering on Alabama Board of Nursing expectations for licensure.
| Requirement | Summary from Shelton State sources |
|---|---|
| English‑language proficiency | Shelton State requires a minimum score on an approved English exam; external sources specifically reference IELTS Academic with a minimum score of about 5.5 for two‑year programs. |
| Visa & documentation | International students must hold an appropriate U.S. visa, provide translated/evaluated transcripts, and submit financial documentation and proof of health insurance. |
| Nursing‑specific notes | Program‑level English or credential rules specific to ADN/PN admission are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Foreign‑educated nurses should also check Alabama Board of Nursing requirements for NCLEX eligibility. |
Because immigration and licensure policies can change quickly, treat this section as guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm current expectations with Shelton State’s international office and the Alabama Board of Nursing before planning a move.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Shelton State describes its ADN, PN, and mobility tracks as competitive admission programs with rigorous study expectations, but it does not publish a detailed public grid of GPA, ACT, or TEAS cutoffs in the sources reviewed. That makes it especially important to speak directly with nursing advisors before assuming you meet or miss a threshold.
| Factor | What is publicly available |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA (ADN / PN) | Not published on the school’s public nursing pages; Shelton State notes only that programs are competitive and academically rigorous. |
| ACT / SAT or placement tests | Shelton State has general placement score information, but ADN/PN‑specific score thresholds are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
| TEAS requirement | External and catalog materials reviewed do not clearly state whether TEAS is required; TEAS policy was not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
| Admission cycles | Program information references fall and/or spring intakes for certain tracks, but a full cycle overview was not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
| Nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed. |
In practice, Shelton State is likely to weigh science grades, pre‑requisite completion, test scores, and prior healthcare experience (especially for mobility applicants). Because these details are not fully laid out online, your best move is to request the current nursing admission packet and scoring rubric directly from the college.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Shelton State publishes per‑credit rates and required fees on its tuition and financial information pages. These apply across programs; nursing students should also ask about any additional course or clinical fees that are specific to ADN, PN, or mobility tracks.
| Cost component | 2025–26 estimate |
|---|---|
| In‑state tuition (per credit) | Approximately $208.00 per credit hour for Alabama residents, based on Shelton State’s financial information. |
| Non‑resident tuition (per credit) | Approximately $339.00 per credit hour for non‑residents. |
| Estimated full‑time term (12 credits) | External summaries list about $2,496 for residents and $4,068 for non‑residents per semester including standard fees; confirm current totals on Shelton State’s tuition page. |
| Additional fees | Student accident insurance, campus access, and multiple institutional fees apply each term. Exact nursing‑specific fees are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
To understand your true cost of attendance, combine per‑credit tuition with expected credit loads each semester and add books, uniforms, clinical requirements, transportation, and living costs. Use Shelton State’s official tuition calculator and talk with financial aid about grants, scholarships, and work‑study options.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
For employment, salary, and licensure outcomes tied to Shelton State Community College, use the program’s official disclosures, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and direct questions to admissions and career services. Results vary by cohort and how “placement” or “employment” is defined.
| Metric | How to verify |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN / NCLEX-PN | Use ABN program data and Shelton State Community College’s published cohort results; confirm reporting year and program track. |
| Job placement / employment | If Shelton State Community College publishes rates, note the source year and methodology; otherwise ask the school for the latest consumer or accreditation disclosures. |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing · Shelton State Community College nursing or institutional research pages. |
Is Shelton State Community College the Right Fit for You?
Good fit if…
- You want an ACEN‑accredited ADN or PN option in Tuscaloosa without paying university‑level tuition and fees.
- You are comfortable with a structured, sequential curriculum that expects significant weekly time in class, skills lab, and clinicals.
- You plan to start as an LPN and later bridge to RN through an LPN‑to‑RN mobility path at the same college or elsewhere.
May not be ideal if…
- You want a BSN from day one; in that case, a four‑year university program in Alabama may align better with your goals.
- You prefer fully online programs, which are not typical for pre‑licensure ADN or PN training.
- You want extremely transparent admissions statistics (for example, published acceptance rate and score grids); Shelton State does not post all of that detail in the sources reviewed.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Shelton State sits in Tuscaloosa, home to the DCH Health System and other regional providers that anchor healthcare for West Alabama. While Shelton State does not publish a public list of clinical partners in the sources reviewed, understanding the broader ecosystem can help you picture where ADN and PN graduates are likely to work and where clinical placements may occur.
Major hospitals and health systems
| Facility | Relevance for nursing students and graduates |
|---|---|
| DCH Regional Medical Center (Tuscaloosa) | Large regional hospital and flagship of the DCH Health System, offering trauma, cardiac, cancer, intensive care, surgical, emergency, women’s, and pediatric services that create strong demand for RNs and LPNs. |
| Northport Medical Center (Northport) | Community hospital within the DCH Health System that provides inpatient and outpatient care, rehabilitation, and behavioral health services—typical employers of community college nursing graduates. |
| Other regional facilities | Additional clinics, long‑term care facilities, and specialty practices in the Tuscaloosa–Northport area contribute to the local job market. Specific clinical placement sites for Shelton State are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages and should be confirmed directly with the program. |
For you as a prospective student, the takeaway is that Tuscaloosa’s mixed hospital, rehab, and long‑term care environment can support a range of early‑career roles after ADN or PN. When you talk with Shelton State advisors, ask how often students rotate through these types of settings and what proportion of recent graduates are hired within the local DCH system.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Shelton State’s nursing programs are offered on its Tuscaloosa campus at 9500 Old Greensboro Road, with nursing coursework built around in‑person lecture, skills and simulation labs, and clinical rotations. While detailed descriptions of specific simulation suites or student organizations are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages, Shelton State positions nursing within a broader set of health‑related programs, which can support interdisciplinary learning and peer networks.
As you plan, ask the nursing department for a tour of labs and typical classroom spaces, and whether there are active student nurse associations, peer‑tutoring options, or mentoring from more advanced students. Understanding how much time you will spend on campus each week—and how easy it is to coordinate class, lab, and clinical schedules with work or family responsibilities—is key to deciding whether Shelton State’s student experience fits your life for the next two to three years.
Resources & Next Steps
Use this section to quickly contact Shelton State, confirm official details, and structure a one‑week plan to move your application forward.
- Campus location
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Address
- 9500 Old Greensboro Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, United States
- Telephone number
- Not published on the school’s public nursing pages (check Shelton State’s nursing or contact pages).
- Contact email
- Not published on the school’s public nursing pages (use Shelton State’s general or program‑specific contact forms).
- Website
- Shelton State Community College Nursing
- Download Shelton State’s current ADN, PN, and LPN‑to‑RN mobility information from the nursing program page and compare the sample plans of study to your previous coursework.
- Review the college’s tuition and fees page and estimate your total cost per semester for your chosen pathway, including any listed nursing or clinical fees.
- Contact a nursing advisor to ask for the latest admission packet and, if available, an overview of how GPA, test scores, and other factors are weighted for ADN, PN, and mobility applicants.
- Request Shelton State’s most recent NCLEX‑RN and NCLEX‑PN outcomes and cross‑check them with Alabama Board of Nursing statistics for context.
- If you are an international or foreign‑educated applicant, confirm current English‑language test expectations and any additional Board of Nursing credential‑evaluation requirements.
- Talk with at least one current Shelton State nursing student or recent graduate about weekly time commitments for class, lab, and clinicals and how they balanced work and school.
- Compare Shelton State with at least one university BSN program and one other community college ADN/PN program in Alabama to see which best matches your budget, commute, and long‑term goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shelton State Community College a good school for nursing?
Shelton State offers ACEN‑accredited ADN and Practical Nursing programs approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing, with ABN CY2024 first-time NCLEX pass rates of 95.40% (ADN), 100.00% (PN), and 92.86% (LPN stand-alone). For a full picture, you should compare Shelton State’s most recent official NCLEX results and graduation data with other Alabama ADN and PN programs.
What GPA do you need for Shelton State nursing?
Specific minimum GPA requirements for admission to ADN, PN, and mobility tracks are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Shelton State notes only that the programs are competitive and academically rigorous, so ask the nursing department directly for its current GPA expectations and how pre‑requisite grades are weighted.
Does Shelton State require the TEAS exam?
The sources reviewed do not clearly state whether TEAS is required for Shelton State’s nursing programs, so TEAS policy was not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Confirm with Shelton State admissions or nursing advisors whether TEAS or other admission exams are part of the current selection process.
How competitive is admission to Shelton State’s ADN and PN programs?
Shelton State describes its nursing programs as competitive, but it does not publish an official acceptance rate or scoring rubric in the public materials reviewed. Space in cohorts is limited, so even strong applicants should treat minimum requirements as a floor and ask about typical admitted profiles, including GPAs and prior healthcare experience.
Does Shelton State offer an LPN-to-RN pathway?
Yes. Shelton State offers an LPN‑to‑RN mobility track for licensed practical nurses seeking advanced placement into the ADN program. The exact length, required work experience, and course sequence are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages, so review the official mobility information and talk with an advisor before planning your timeline.
Where do Shelton State nursing students complete clinicals?
Publicly available materials emphasize supervised clinical experiences but do not list specific partner facilities, so a detailed clinical site list was not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Ask Shelton State for a current list of hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and community sites used for ADN and PN rotations.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Shelton State?
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Shelton State reported a 95.40% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for ADN, 100.00% for practical nursing, and 92.86% for the LPN stand-alone pathway (CY2024, first-time testers). Confirm current rates with the Alabama Board of Nursing and Shelton State before you compare programs.
References
- Shelton State Community College — Nursing program overview (ADN, PN, mobility)sheltonstate.edu/nursing-program
- Shelton State Community College catalog — Healthcare and nursing program listingscatalog.sheltonstate.edu
- Shelton State Community College — Financial information and tuition/fee schedulessheltonstate.edu/admissions-financial-aid/tuition
- Shelton State Community College — International student admissions requirementssheltonstate.edu/international-students
- Alabama Board of Nursing — Program approval listings and NCLEX statisticsabn.alabama.gov
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal writes evidence‑based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift focused on NCLEX outcomes, admissions transparency, and realistic expectations for community college and university pathways.
Medical/fact review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, against publicly available Shelton State, Alabama Board of Nursing, and third‑party summary data. Where specific numbers (for example, exact GPA cutoffs, TEAS requirements, or annual PN NCLEX‑PN rates) were not available, they are marked “Not publicly disclosed” or “Not published on the school’s public nursing pages” instead of being estimated.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, immigration, financial, or admissions advice. Requirements, tuition, policies, and outcomes change; always verify details directly with Shelton State Community College, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and other relevant agencies before making decisions.
Published: Apr 2, 2026· Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026