Anne Arundel Community College Nursing: What to Know (2026)
Public community college in Arnold, Maryland, offering ACEN-accredited RN (ADN) and Board-approved Practical Nursing, plus advanced placement for qualified LPNs, paramedics, and veterans. Costs vary by county and state residency; NCLEX outcomes are published by the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
AACC publishes multi-year ACEN accreditation (continuing accreditation through fall 2029 per the Health Sciences nursing page) and detailed, points-based RN selection rules—including ATI TEAS proficiency and prerequisite grades—so you can see exactly how applicants are ranked before clinical placement in the Baltimore–Washington corridor.
Overview & Why Students Choose Anne Arundel Community College
Between Baltimore and Annapolis, Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) runs a large Health Sciences nursing unit with simulation labs and hospital-based clinicals aimed at the Mid-Atlantic workforce. The college awards an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Registered Nursing (we use ADN here as the common degree label); the program is ACEN-accredited and Maryland Board of Nursing–approved. A separate Practical Nursing certificate and an advanced placement track for qualified LPNs, paramedics, and veterans expand entry options.
AACC emphasizes measurable outcomes: the department publishes cohort tables for NCLEX performance and completion, and it states program outcome benchmarks (for example, a goal of at least 92% first-time NCLEX pass rates aggregated over 12 months). Use those disclosures alongside Maryland Board of Nursing pass-rate reports when comparing schools.
First-time NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN percentages below are taken from Maryland Board of Nursing fiscal-year PDFs (FY 2023). Newer fiscal years are published on the Board’s NCLEX statistics hub—confirm the latest cohort there and with the college.
Reasons students choose AACC
Transparent admissions scoring
Registered Nursing uses a published point system (prerequisite grades, ATI TEAS tier, attempts, degree/licensure, and second biology course status) so applicants can estimate competitiveness before applying.
Multiple entry pathways
Traditional ADN, Practical Nursing, and LPN/paramedic/veterans advanced placement let students align timeline and prior credentials with the same regional clinical footprint.
Residency-based affordability
Anne Arundel County residents pay the lowest published per-credit tuition tier; the college also posts full cost-of-attendance estimates including nursing program add-ons.
Transfer bridges
Articulation partners listed by the college include University of Maryland Baltimore, UMGC, Stevenson, Notre Dame of Maryland, and others for RN-to-BSN progression after licensure.
Student support roles
The department highlights a nurse mentor and retention specialist, tutoring, and skills workshops to support progression through rigorous science and nursing sequences.
Nursing Programs Offered
Listings below mirror AACC’s credit nursing offerings and department descriptions. Degree level (ADN vs. practical certificate), program type (pre-licensure), pathway (traditional, LPN-to-RN advanced placement), and delivery (on-site labs/clinicals with possible online general-education courses) should be kept distinct in your planning.
Pre-licensure (RN)
Registered Nursing — A.S. (ADN)
Approximately 70 credits; AACC states full-time students can finish in about three years. Combines campus lab simulation with acute and community clinical experiences. Graduates qualify to sit for NCLEX-RN. ACEN-accredited; Maryland Board of Nursing–approved.
LPN, Paramedic, Veterans to RN Advanced Placement
Select candidates enter advanced placement into the RN curriculum. AACC describes a dual enrollment arrangement with American Public University System (APUS) for part of the pathway; verify current structure, prerequisites, and seat timing with Health Sciences.
Pre-licensure (PN)
Practical Nursing (PN)
41-credit certificate; evening and weekend scheduling; about one academic year. Prepares graduates for NCLEX-PN. Maryland Board of Nursing–approved.
Transfer (not RN at AACC)
Nursing Transfer A.S.
Offered through the Department of Biology for students planning to transfer to a four-year BSN; it is not AACC’s RN licensure program. Direct questions to the science office per the college website.
Continuing education
The Licensed Nurse Refresher (Continuing Education) is Board-approved for eligible RNs/LPNs returning to practice; it is not an entry-to-practice degree.
Names, credits, and approvals can change in the catalog. Before applying, confirm your specific plan (RN, PN, or transfer) on the official Nursing & Practical Nursing page and in the AACC catalog.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN 1st Time Candidate Performance for Maryland Schools report for FY 2023 (July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023), Anne Arundel Community College had 160 first-time RN candidates, 142 passed, for a 88.75% first-time pass rate. In the same report, the aggregate first-time pass rate for all Maryland associate (ADN) programs was 85.86% (1,324 of 1,542). For context, all Maryland RN programs combined in that report were 82.93% first-time.
For the next published fiscal year after FY 2023, use the Board’s index (FY 2024 and forward) at the link below. AACC also posts cohort-level licensure tables on its Health Sciences nursing page; treat those as program disclosures and reconcile timing with Board fiscal-year reporting.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (AACC) | 88.75% (142/160 first-time testers) |
| Reporting period | Maryland BON FY 2023 (July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023) |
| MD associate programs (same report, aggregate) | 85.86% first-time (benchmark from same document) |
| Source | Maryland BON NCLEX-RN FY 2023 PDF. Confirm current rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX hub and AACC. |
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing)
According to the Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX-PN 1st Time Candidate Performance report for FY 2023, Anne Arundel Community College had 19 first-time PN testers and 19 passed (reported as 100% in the official table). Confirm subsequent fiscal years on the Board’s PN statistics page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (AACC) | 100% in FY 2023 report (19 of 19 first-time testers per table) |
| Source | Maryland BON NCLEX-PN FY 2023 PDF. Confirm newer cohorts with the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes vary by cohort. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing and the college’s published outcome tables.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
AACC publishes international admissions and English-proficiency expectations (including TOEFL for certain F-1 applicants). Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency (the college lists evaluators such as ECE, WES, and The Evaluation Company). Clinical placement may require a Social Security number for some sites; the college notes that lack of an SSN can limit rotation options—discuss early with admissions and the program.
- English proficiency: Follow AACC’s international-student TOEFL policy if applicable.
- Credential evaluation: Submit course-by-course evaluation per college requirements.
- Maryland Board of Nursing: For licensure eligibility and NCLEX paperwork, use current Board rules.
- Visa & clinical compliance: Confirm F-1 enrollment rules and any clinical-site restrictions with the college.
Policies change; this section is guidance only—not legal advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Health Sciences programs use a separate selective application after general college admission. Registered Nursing is competitive: the college ranks applicants using prerequisite grades, ATI TEAS performance tier, number of TEAS attempts, prior healthcare licensure or military healthcare documentation, degree status, and completion of the second biology course—details are spelled out in the official RN admission requirements.
Application timeline (published examples)
| Program / cycle | Typical deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing — fall start | April 30 | Application window opens in January (confirm each year). |
| Registered Nursing — spring start | August 30 | Application window opens in May (confirm each year). |
| LPN/Paramedic/Veterans AP — fall / spring | April 30 / August 30 | Parallel cycle to RN per Health Science Applicants page. |
| Practical Nursing — summer start | January 30 | Applications open in October (confirm each year). |
RN academic requirements (summary)
- ATI TEAS: Total score in the Proficient band—58.7% or higher overall; scores within two years of application; unlimited attempts to reach proficiency per college text.
- Prerequisites: Includes ENG-101/101A, MAT-135 or MAT-137 (or accepted substitutes), biology sequence within seven years, and chemistry documentation—grades of C or better where required.
- GPA: Minimum 2.0 adjusted GPA at AACC to be considered if you have AACC credits.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage. |
| TEAS | Required for RN (ATI TEAS Proficient per official requirements). |
| Waitlist | Qualified applicants may be waitlisted; not selected students must reapply for a future term per college policy. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
For 2025–2026, AACC’s Credit Tuition & Fees page lists tuition per credit hour of $130 (Anne Arundel County), $305 (other Maryland counties), and $442 (out-of-state / international). All credit students also pay a $25 registration fee per term and per-credit fees (for example, $22 educational services, $3 athletic, $3 student activity per credit) unless waived under published rules.
The college states that most full-time students should expect roughly $4,500 in annual tuition and fees before books and living costs—your nursing budget will differ by credits, residency, and any clinical/lab fees tied to specific courses.
| Metric | Value (2025–2026, AACC) |
|---|---|
| Tuition per credit | $130 in-county · $305 other MD · $442 out-of-state/international |
| Nursing COA adjustment (example) | 2025–26 student expense budget adds $2,100 for the Nursing AS program line in the published COA tables (living arrangement–specific totals vary). |
| Source | AACC Credit Tuition & Fees and COA tables on the same site. Confirm current amounts before registering. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NCLEX: Use the Maryland Board figures in this guide for FY 2023; newer fiscal years appear on the Board’s hub. Employment: AACC’s program outcomes state a goal that at least 90% of graduates are employed in nursing within 12 months (self-reported data per the department page). Salary: the college’s public nursing page has cited average local starting salaries above $47,000 for new graduates—treat this as institutional context and confirm with current labor data and employers.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (MD BON) | 88.75% FY 2023 (see NCLEX section for citation). |
| Program job-placement benchmark | ≥90% within 12 months (self-reported goal on AACC nursing outcomes; confirm methodology with the college). |
| Source | Maryland BON PDFs; AACC Health Sciences — Nursing program statistics. |
Is Anne Arundel Community College the Right Fit for You?
AACC fits students who want a public, two-year RN or PN pathway with clear published prerequisites and a defined points-based selection process, and who can commute to Arnold and regional clinical sites.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ACEN-accredited ADN with Maryland Board oversight and transparent TEAS rules.
- Plan to work in Baltimore–Washington healthcare systems after licensure.
- Benefit from mentor/tutoring supports embedded in the nursing department.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure RN (clinical hours are in-person).
- Expect guaranteed admission without competitive prerequisite performance.
- Cannot meet clinical clearance or rotation requirements in Maryland sites.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
AACC situates nursing clinical education in the Baltimore–Washington corridor—students commonly encounter acute care, community health, and specialty settings across Anne Arundel County and nearby systems. Major anchors patients and students may recognize include Anne Arundel Medical Center (Luminis Health), MedStar facilities in the region, Johns Hopkins–affiliated sites, and University of Maryland network hospitals, among others; exact placement varies by semester and preceptor availability.
| Theme | Details |
|---|---|
| Clinical variety | Hospital med-surg, specialty units, community and public health rotations per program design. |
| Employer demand | Regional health systems continue to recruit RNs; verify hiring and residency programs directly with employers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses are centered in the Health and Life Sciences Building (HLSB) on the Arnold campus, with high-fidelity simulation and skills labs referenced in college materials. Student life includes broader campus activities and health-sciences–oriented social channels; nursing students can access tutoring, mentor support, and information sessions before applying.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Arnold, MD
- Address
- 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012, US
- Nursing office
- 410-777-7276 (per AACC accreditation disclosure)
- Health Sciences admissions
- healthsciencesadmissions@aacc.edu
- Website
- aacc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the current RN prerequisite list and map it to your transcripts.
- Register for ATI TEAS early enough to hit Proficient (58.7%+) before your target deadline.
- Attend a free nursing information session and note any 2026–2027 cycle changes.
- Build a budget using the tuition & fees and COA tables, including nursing add-ons.
- Bookmark the Maryland BON NCLEX hub for pass-rate updates.
- Email Health Sciences admissions if you need AP or international transcript guidance.
- Plan clinical commuting across Anne Arundel County and adjacent systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maryland Board of Nursing first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Anne Arundel Community College?
According to the Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN report for fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023), Anne Arundel Community College had a first-time pass rate of 88.75% (142 of 160 first-time testers). For newer cohorts, see the Board’s NCLEX statistics index. Confirm current rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing and the college.
Does Anne Arundel Community College require the TEAS for registered nursing?
Yes. The Registered Nursing admission requirements state that applicants need an ATI TEAS total score in the Proficient range (58.7% or higher), with scores valid within two years of application. Selection also uses a published point system for TEAS tier, prerequisite grades, and other factors. Confirm current cutoffs with Health Sciences admissions.
How much is tuition at Anne Arundel Community College for nursing students?
For 2025–2026, AACC lists tuition per credit hour of $130 for Anne Arundel County residents, $305 for other Maryland counties, and $442 for out-of-state or international students, plus general student fees and any course-specific clinical/lab fees. The college also publishes estimated tuition-and-fees totals in its cost-of-attendance tables. Confirm amounts on the official Credit Tuition & Fees page.
When are Anne Arundel Community College nursing applications due?
For the traditional Registered Nursing A.S., AACC lists April 30 for fall start (applications available in January) and August 30 for spring start (applications available in May). Practical Nursing uses a January 30 deadline for a summer start (applications open in October). Advanced placement LPN/paramedic/veterans RN tracks mirror the April 30 and August 30 cycle. Verify open dates on the Health Science Applicants page.
What nursing programs does Anne Arundel Community College offer?
AACC offers a 70-credit Associate of Science in Registered Nursing (ADN pathway) with ACEN accreditation, a 41-credit Practical Nursing certificate, and an LPN/paramedic/veterans advanced placement track into the RN program. A separate Nursing Transfer A.S. (via the Biology department) supports transfer toward a future BSN but is not the RN program. A Licensed Nurse Refresher is offered through Continuing Education.
What NCLEX-PN outcomes does Maryland report for Anne Arundel Community College?
In the Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX-PN report for fiscal year 2023, Anne Arundel Community College had 19 first-time testers and 19 passed—reported as 100% in the official table. Confirm newer fiscal years on the Board’s PN statistics page.
Is Anne Arundel Community College nursing a good fit if I live outside Anne Arundel County?
You can still attend, but tuition is higher for other Maryland counties and for out-of-state students than for Anne Arundel County residents. Review the residency rules in the college catalog, compare total program cost including nursing COA adjustments, and weigh clinical commuting in the Baltimore–Washington region.
Where can I verify Anne Arundel Community College’s job placement and NCLEX program outcomes?
The Health Sciences nursing department page publishes program outcome tables (including licensure exam performance by cohort and self-reported job placement targets). For official first-time NCLEX pass rates by school, use the Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX RN and PN reports. Always confirm the latest figures with both sources.
Does Anne Arundel Community College offer online nursing degrees?
The pre-licensure RN and PN programs are delivered with in-person labs and clinical experiences in the region. The college describes a dual enrollment arrangement with American Public University System for components of the advanced placement pathway; policies still require meeting AACC’s on-campus and clinical requirements. Confirm delivery mode each term with the program.
References
- Anne Arundel Community College — Nursing & Practical Nursingaacc.edu/programs-and-courses/credit-and-degree-seekers/nursing/
- Anne Arundel Community College — Health Sciences Nursing (accreditation & outcomes)aacc.edu/about/schools-of-study/health-sciences/nursing/
- Anne Arundel Community College — Registered Nursing admission requirementsregistered-nursing-admission-requirements
- Anne Arundel Community College — Credit Tuition & Feescredit-tuition-and-fees
- Maryland Board of Nursing — NCLEX exam statistics indexhealth.maryland.gov/mbon/Pages/education-nclex-stats.aspx
- Maryland Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN FY 2023 PDFnclex-rn-stats-fy2023.pdf
- Maryland Board of Nursing — NCLEX-PN FY 2023 PDFnclex-pn-stats-fy2023.pdf
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX citations against Maryland Board of Nursing PDFs, tuition figures against AACC’s published 2025–2026 schedule, and program scope against the college’s nursing and admissions pages.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-24 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy