Wallace Community College Dothan Nursing: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Wallace Community College Dothan (WCCD) offers practical nursing, associate degree nursing, and LPN-to-RN mobility pathways that can take you from entry-level bedside roles to registered nurse licensure. This guide covers programs, tuition, admissions, and the Wiregrass region’s healthcare landscape to help you decide if WCCD fits your nursing goals.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
WCCD offers a clear laddered nursing pathway — from LPN to ADN to eventual RN-to-BSN completion — at community-college pricing. Dothan’s role as a regional healthcare hub means clinical opportunities are accessible, making this a practical choice for students who want to train and work in the Wiregrass region.
*Cost estimates based on 2024–25 data; subject to change. NCLEX figures from ABN CY2025 — verify with Alabama Board of Nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose WCCD
Located in Dothan in southeast Alabama, Wallace Community College Dothan serves the Wiregrass region with a focused nursing division offering three entry points: Practical Nursing (LPN), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), and an LPN-to-RN mobility track for practicing LPNs. Programs are accredited by ACEN and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
WCCD’s main appeal is a laddered, affordable pathway into nursing that keeps you close to the regional healthcare market. Dothan is a healthcare hub for southeastern Alabama, and graduating nurses have access to local hospital, long-term care, and clinic employment without having to relocate.
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2025 report, WCCD reported a 96.59% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for ADN and 96.25% for PN (CY2024: ADN 97.95%, PN 100%). Confirm the latest year with ABN and WCCD.
Four reasons students choose Wallace Community College Dothan
💲 Affordable Community-College Pricing
Estimated in-state tuition and fees around $4,980 per year — well below four-year university costs for the same LPN or ADN credential.
📈 Clear LPN → RN Ladder
Start as an LPN and advance to RN through the dedicated mobility track without starting over — a practical path for working healthcare workers.
🏥 Regional Healthcare Hub
Dothan’s hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities create strong local clinical and employment opportunities for graduates.
👥 Community-College Scale
A 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio college-wide means smaller classes and more individual support than many large universities.
Nursing Programs Offered
WCCD’s nursing offerings support multiple entry points — direct entry for new students, an ADN path for future RNs, and a streamlined mobility option for LPNs. Each pathway has different timelines, admission requirements, and licensure outcomes.
Practical Nursing (LPN)
The Practical Nursing program prepares students for direct patient-care roles under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, or dentists. Coursework covers fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical–surgical, maternal–child, and gerontological care, paired with supervised clinical experiences in local healthcare facilities. Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure and sit for the NCLEX-PN, subject to Alabama Board of Nursing requirements.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
The ADN program prepares students for NCLEX-RN eligibility and entry-level registered nurse roles. Students complete general education and science prerequisites before progressing into nursing courses that integrate classroom learning, skills labs, simulation, and clinical practice. The curriculum emphasizes safe, evidence-based care across the lifespan in acute-care and community settings.
LPN-to-RN Mobility Track
The LPN-to-RN mobility track allows licensed practical nurses to receive credit for prior education and clinical experience and complete additional coursework to earn an associate degree in nursing. This option allows practicing LPNs to advance their scope of practice and become eligible for NCLEX-RN without starting over from scratch.
🔄 Already an LPN?
The mobility track recognizes your existing license and clinical experience. You’ll need an active, unencumbered LPN license and to meet prerequisite and GPA requirements — but you’ll complete the program in significantly less time than the Generic ADN track.
Program structures, start dates, and course sequences may change from year to year. Always review the LPN, ADN, and LPN-to-RN mobility program pages on Wallace Community College Dothan’s official website for the most up-to-date information before applying.
Verify Wallace CC’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-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 2025) 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.
Prior year: CY2024 figures are in the CY2024 annual workbook for historical comparison. See ABN NCLEX reports for the latest posted year.
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2025), Wallace Community College-Dothan reported a 96.59% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree (ADN) program, and a 96.25% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for its practical nursing (PN) program (CY2025, first-time testers). CY2024: ADN 97.95%, PN 100%. 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.
| Measure | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 96.59% per ABN CY2025 annual report (CY2024: 97.95%). | |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (practical nursing) | 96.25% per ABN CY2025 annual report (CY2024: 100%). | |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2025) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Wallace Community College-Dothan and your program type. |
Licensure outcomes vary year to year. This guide does not estimate or extrapolate NCLEX results. Confirm the most recent NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN pass rates through the Alabama Board of Nursing and directly from WCCD’s nursing department.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Wallace Community College Dothan serves a primarily regional student population, and detailed nursing-specific guidance for international students and internationally educated nurses is limited in the sources reviewed. If you are coming from outside the United States or completed your nursing education in another country, there are additional steps you will need to take.
- English proficiency: Community colleges typically require proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) for non-native speakers, but exact score requirements for WCCD nursing are not publicly available. Verify with the admissions office.
- Transcript evaluation: If you completed high school or prior college coursework outside the U.S., you will likely need a course-by-course credential evaluation from an approved service.
- Visa and enrollment: Confirm which programs are eligible for F-1 or other student visa categories and how many in-person credits are required each term.
- NCLEX eligibility for internationally educated nurses: If you trained as a nurse outside the U.S. and plan to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN in Alabama, consult the Alabama Board of Nursing for requirements related to foreign education, credential evaluation, and English proficiency.
- Clinical placement requirements: Clinical partners may require additional vaccination, background check, or documentation steps for international students and nurses with foreign credentials.
Always verify requirements directly with WCCD and the Alabama Board of Nursing before making commitments.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to WCCD’s nursing programs is competitive because classroom and clinical seats are limited. The college publishes minimum criteria, but meeting them does not guarantee acceptance.
- Completion (or near-completion) of required prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English, and math.
- Minimum overall and prerequisite GPA thresholds as specified by the nursing department (exact competitive ranges are not publicly disclosed).
- Official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended.
- Proof of an unencumbered LPN license for applicants to the LPN-to-RN mobility track.
- Compliance with health, immunization, and background-check requirements for clinical placement.
- Possible standardized entrance testing; specific requirements must be confirmed with the college as they are not available in the sources reviewed.
Competitiveness snapshot
| Admissions Metric | Status for WCCD Nursing |
|---|---|
| Overall nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical competitive GPA range | Not publicly disclosed; minimums apply — exceed them where possible |
| Entrance exam (e.g., TEAS) | May be required; confirm on WCCD’s nursing admissions pages |
| Clinical/healthcare experience preferred | Particularly relevant for LPN-to-RN mobility; formal thresholds not disclosed |
Strong grades (especially in sciences), timely completion of prerequisites, and careful attention to all application instructions will improve your chances. Treat the posted minimums as a floor — not a target. When in doubt, call the nursing department to clarify current requirements before you apply.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Community colleges are generally more affordable than four-year institutions, and WCCD is no exception. Still, you need a realistic picture of tuition, fees, and living costs before committing to a nursing program.
| Category | Estimated Amount (2024–25) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-state tuition & fees (annual) | ~$4,980 | Based on recent cost summaries for full-time in-state students; confirm current catalog values. |
| Out-of-state tuition & fees (annual) | ~$8,850 | Does not include books, housing, or other living expenses. |
| Books & supplies (annual) | ~$1,200 | Estimate from cost-of-attendance references; actual costs vary by course load and choices. |
| Room & board (off-campus, annual) | ~$9,450 | WCCD does not provide on-campus housing; this reflects typical off-campus living estimates. |
| Transportation & personal expenses | ~$1,000 | Estimate; actual costs depend on commuting distance and personal circumstances. |
Cost figures above are drawn from WCCD cost-of-attendance summaries and third-party sources for 2024–25 and are subject to change. Always use WCCD’s official tuition and fee schedules and financial aid tools for precise, up-to-date estimates.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
WCCD nursing graduates typically pursue bedside roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and other healthcare settings in Dothan and the broader Wiregrass region. The ADN program provides a stepping stone toward RN roles and, for many graduates, later BSN completion.
| Graduate Type | Typical Career Entry |
|---|---|
| LPN graduates | Bedside roles in long-term care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings under RN or physician supervision. |
| ADN RN graduates | Entry-level RN positions in hospitals, home health, and community settings. Many later pursue RN-to-BSN completion programs. |
| LPN-to-RN mobility graduates | RN-level roles, building on existing LPN experience. The “laddered” pathway supports advancement without relocating or taking a full-length ADN program. |
| Job placement metrics | Specific rates and employer lists are not publicly disclosed. Ask WCCD’s nursing department or career services for local outcome data. |
To understand how WCCD’s NCLEX results compare with other programs, rely on the Alabama Board of Nursing’s most recent NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN statistics, which provide school-by-school pass-rate data.
Is Wallace Community College Dothan the Right Fit for You?
WCCD can be an excellent choice for some students and a less ideal fit for others. Consider your financial situation, learning preferences, and long-term goals when evaluating this option.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want an affordable community-college entry point into nursing compared with a four-year university.
- Plan to live and work in or near Dothan and value local clinical placements.
- Are LPNs interested in a laddered pathway to RN through the mobility track.
- Prefer smaller class sizes and a community-focused campus environment.
- Want to work in the Wiregrass region’s growing healthcare sector.
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Are seeking a direct-entry BSN or higher-degree program at their first institution.
- Prefer a large university campus with extensive on-site resources and research opportunities.
- Want fully online pre-licensure nursing coursework (community-college programs are typically in-person or hybrid).
- Expect highly detailed, publicly posted NCLEX and job placement statistics before deciding.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Dothan serves as a healthcare hub for the Wiregrass region of southeast Alabama and parts of neighboring states. That regional role creates demand for nurses in hospitals, long-term care, outpatient clinics, and other settings — giving WCCD graduates a meaningful local employment base.
While this guide does not list individual clinical partners — those details are not publicly available in the sources reviewed — students can generally expect rotations in acute-care and community settings within driving distance of the Dothan campus. These experiences expose learners to a mix of medical–surgical, geriatric, and primary care populations typical of a regional healthcare center.
When you speak with advisors or attend an information session, ask for examples of recent clinical placements and what a typical clinical week looks like for LPN and ADN students. Understanding the local healthcare ecosystem will help you picture your day-to-day experience once you are in the program.
Student Experience & Campus Life
As a community-college student, your time at WCCD will blend classroom learning, skills lab practice, simulation, and clinical rotations with the rhythms of a commuter campus. Nursing students typically spend substantial time in labs and off-campus clinical settings, which can limit participation in broader campus activities during intensive semesters.
Community colleges like WCCD often offer student organizations, tutoring, and support services that nursing students can access between classes and clinicals. Specific nursing clubs or honor societies were not listed in the public sources reviewed — ask current students or advisors what’s active when you apply.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Dothan, AL
- Address
- 1141 Wallace Drive, Dothan, AL 36303, US
- Telephone
- (334) 983-3521
- Website
- www.wallace.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit WCCD’s nursing pages and identify which pathway (LPN, ADN, or LPN-to-RN) best matches your background and goals.
- Print or download the prerequisite and admission requirements for your chosen program and compare them with your transcripts.
- Confirm whether entrance testing (such as TEAS) is required for your intake by checking the latest admissions materials or calling the nursing department.
- Call or email the nursing department with specific questions about clinical placements, NCLEX results, and selection criteria.
- Use WCCD’s tuition and cost-of-attendance information to sketch a basic budget, then explore federal aid, state grants, and scholarships.
- Start drafting your personal statement or application responses, focusing on your understanding of nursing work and your reasons for choosing WCCD.
- Build a checklist of required documents — transcripts, test scores if needed, immunization records — and map out when you will request or gather each item.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Wallace Community College Dothan offer?
WCCD offers a Practical Nursing (LPN) program, an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, and an LPN-to-RN mobility track. These programs prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN depending on the credential earned.
Is Wallace Community College Dothan a good option for nursing?
WCCD is a public community college with ACEN-accredited nursing programs approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. It can be a strong option for students seeking an affordable, local pathway into LPN or RN roles — particularly those planning to live and work in the Wiregrass region.
What GPA do I need for admission to WCCD nursing?
The programs specify minimum GPA and prerequisite grade requirements, but a detailed range for typical admitted students is not publicly disclosed. Aim to exceed the minimums — especially in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and other core sciences — to stay competitive.
What is the NCLEX pass rate at Wallace Community College Dothan?
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2025 report, Wallace Community College-Dothan reported a 96.59% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for ADN and 96.25% for practical nursing (PN). CY2024: ADN 97.95%, PN 100%. Confirm the latest year with ABN and WCCD before applying.
How much does it cost to attend WCCD for nursing?
Recent estimates place in-state tuition and fees around $4,980 per year and out-of-state around $8,850, with additional costs for books (~$1,200), off-campus housing (~$9,450), and personal expenses. These figures can change — confirm with WCCD’s official tuition page and talk with the financial aid office for a personalized estimate.
Can I go from LPN to RN at WCCD?
Yes. The LPN-to-RN mobility track is designed specifically for licensed practical nurses who want to earn an associate degree and become eligible for NCLEX-RN. You’ll need an active, unencumbered LPN license and to meet the program’s prerequisite and GPA standards.
Where do WCCD nursing students complete their clinical hours?
Students typically complete clinical rotations in hospitals and healthcare facilities serving the Dothan area and surrounding communities, but a detailed list of partner sites is not publicly available. During an information session or advising appointment, ask for current examples and what to expect in terms of travel and schedules.
References
- Wallace Community College – Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) catalog pagecatalog.wallace.edu/adn
- Wallace Community College – Practical Nursing catalog pagecatalog.wallace.edu/practical-nursing
- Wallace Community College – LPN-to-RN mobility track informationwallace.edu/lpn-to-rn-mobility-track
- Wallace Community College – Tuition and feeswallace.edu/tuition-and-fees
- Wallace Community College – Detailed fee schedule in catalogcatalog.wallace.edu/fees
- Alabama Board of Nursing – NCLEX pass rates by institutionabn.alabama.gov
NCLEX pass-rate data should be verified with the Alabama Board of Nursing’s official reports. Cost data is based on 2024–25 information from WCCD and third-party cost-of-attendance summaries and may change in future academic years. Any metric labeled “not publicly disclosed” reflects the absence of that information in the official and secondary 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