Helene Fuld School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Coppin State University’s Helene Fuld School of Nursing in Baltimore offers Traditional BSN, Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner), DNP pathways, and a post-master’s FNP certificate—grounded in CCNE-accredited programming and community-focused clinical learning. First-time NCLEX-RN data below are cited from the Maryland Board of Nursing FY 2023 RN PDF; tuition figures come from Coppin’s published 2025–2026 cost of attendance tables.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Coppin anchors nursing education in West Baltimore’s Henrietta Lacks Health & Human Services Building, runs community clinics (Coppin Clinic at St. Frances and the CSU Community Health Center), and publishes clear TEAS and GPA rules for pre-licensure applicants. Use the Maryland Board NCLEX PDF for cohort-level testing results, then confirm progression policies and any regulatory follow-up directly with HFSON and the Board.
Overview & Why Students Choose the Helene Fuld School of Nursing
Coppin State University’s Helene Fuld School of Nursing (HFSON) sits in the College of Health Professions and focuses on urban, underserved, and culturally diverse communities. Since 1974 the school has offered baccalaureate preparation and, today, stacks graduate pathways for RNs who want FNP or DNP credentials. Campus materials highlight the Henrietta Lacks Health & Human Services Building, community health centers staffed by Coppin nurse practitioners, and CCNE accreditation extending through 2033 for the undergraduate program.
Undergraduate admissions are competitive and Fall-only: you must be admitted to Coppin and complete pre-nursing advising before the separate baccalaureate nursing application. TEAS scores are required for Traditional and Accelerated 2nd Degree applicants, not for RN-to-BSN. Graduate applicants route materials through the School of Graduate Studies with the checklist published on the Graduate Nursing page.
According to the Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN statistics for FY 2023 (July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023), Coppin State University’s BSN program reported 54 first-time candidates with 24 passing, for a 44.44% first-time pass rate. The table footnote marks this program as having fallen below the required Maryland passing rate threshold for the third time—confirm current regulatory status with the Maryland Board of Nursing and HFSON.
Within the same FY 2023 PDF, the aggregate first-time pass rate for Maryland BSN programs was 77.51% (796 of 1,027 testers). Use this only as context from the identical official report; confirm newer fiscal years on the Board’s site.
Reasons students choose Coppin HFSON
Urban & community-integrated clinical learning
HFSON emphasizes vulnerable and underserved populations and operates Coppin Clinic at St. Frances and the CSU Community Health Center for primary-care exposure.
Full-stack nursing progression
Students can move from pre-licensure BSN tracks into MSN-FNP or DNP programs without leaving the institution—verify prerequisites and sequencing in the catalog.
CCNE accreditation visibility
Public accreditation statements cover BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs; the nursing homepage lists CCNE reaccreditation through December 31, 2033 for the baccalaureate program.
Transparent admissions rules
Prospective nursing students page lists minimum GPA (3.0), TEAS requirements for Traditional and Accelerated tracks, and HFSON decision dates (Early December 1, Final March 1; RN-to-BSN July 15).
Published cost of attendance
Coppin’s Cost to Attend page breaks out 2025–2026 tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and indirect costs for undergraduates and graduate students—use it before building a budget.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program scope below reflects Coppin’s Prospective Nursing Students, Undergraduate Nursing, Graduate Nursing, Nursing, Master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Nursing Accreditation Information pages as reviewed March 2026.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligible)
Traditional BSN
Four-year pre-licensure pathway for first-degree students; competitive Fall-only admission after university acceptance and pre-nursing advising. Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0; TEAS required; three letters of recommendation and essay per prospective nursing students page.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at Coppin the program is called Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN. Same 3.0 GPA floor and TEAS requirement as Traditional; additional essay elements and possible interview per prospective nursing students page.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN-to-BSN
Completion program for licensed RNs; TEAS not required. Final decision date listed as July 15. Essay requirements for Accelerated and RN-to-BSN applicants are spelled out on the prospective nursing students page.
Graduate nursing
MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner
The Nursing, Master’s page describes the FNP track with primary-care coursework (adult, women’s, pediatric family practica). Fall application deadline April 15 is listed on that page; confirm with the School of Graduate Studies.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The DNP page describes BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s DNP pathways, hybrid/traditional options, executive-format weekend courses, and 1,000 total clinical hours (with transfer rules for post-master’s entrants). BSN-to-DNP includes FNP preparation per program description.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate (FNP)
Accreditation information lists a post-graduate APRN Family Nurse Practitioner certificate alongside CCNE-accredited graduate programs; apply through Graduate Nursing / School of Graduate Studies with APRN licensure prerequisites.
All graduate applications go through the School of Graduate Studies with the materials listed on Graduate Nursing (license, recommendations, statistics/research coursework, physical assessment within five years, statement of intent).
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), Coppin State University’s BSN program had 54 first-time testers and 24 passing, for a 44.44% first-time pass rate. The table includes a footnote indicating this program had fallen below the required Maryland passing rate threshold for the third time—readers should confirm any follow-up or monitoring status with the Board and the school.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| First-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (BSN, FY 2023) | 44.44% (24 of 54 first-time testers)—per Maryland Board of Nursing PDF |
| Maryland BSN aggregate (same FY 2023 table) | 77.51% (796 of 1,027 first-time testers)—context only, same official report |
| Newer fiscal years | Download FY 2024, FY 2025, or later RN PDFs from the Maryland Board of Nursing education NCLEX statistics page for updated Coppin rows. |
| Source | Maryland BON — NCLEX-RN FY 2023 PDF. Confirm current rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing and Coppin HFSON. |
Footnotes on Maryland’s NCLEX tables refer to programs under Board review when pass rates fall below required thresholds. This is not legal advice—consult the Board and the school for current approval status and improvement plans.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Coppin’s Graduate Nursing page states that international students must submit official English proficiency scores (minimum 550 listed on that page—confirm whether this refers to paper-based TOEFL or updated equivalents). Undergraduate international applicants should follow the International Student Admission requirements, including transcript evaluations for coursework completed outside the United States.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm current minimum scores and accepted tests with Coppin International Admissions and the School of Graduate Studies.
- Credential evaluation: Use evaluators approved for Coppin and Maryland Board of Nursing licensure pathways (WES, CGFNS, or Board-directed processes).
- Clinical clearance & visas: Clinical courses require immunizations, background checks, and U.S. licensure where applicable; F-1 students must verify CPT/OPT rules with International Programs.
- Maryland Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses seeking Maryland licensure should follow the Board’s current eligibility checklist for NCLEX and endorsement.
This section is guidance, not legal advice. Verify policies with Coppin and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Coppin nursing uses a competitive, Fall-only process for pre-licensure tracks: university admission does not guarantee admission to HFSON. Applicants complete the Coppin application, submit transcripts to Admissions and the CHP Academic Success Center, supply three recommendation forms, personal essay, and (for Traditional and Accelerated applicants) official TEAS scores. RN-to-BSN applicants skip TEAS but must meet GPA and essay rules outlined on the prospective nursing students page.
Application timeline
| Applicant type | Deadlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN & Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN | Early decision December 1; final decision March 1 (HFSON table) | Complete the Admission to Baccalaureate process after Pre-Nursing advisement. |
| RN-to-BSN | Final decision July 15 | No TEAS; interview may be required. |
| MSN (FNP) | April 15 fall deadline on Nursing, Master’s page | Also see Graduate Nursing banner deadlines (March 1 Fall / December 1 Spring) for graduate programs—confirm with School of Graduate Studies. |
| DNP | Follow School of Graduate Studies deadlines | See DNP admission requirements (GPA, Maryland RN license for post-master’s pathway, etc.). |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific %) | Not publicly disclosed |
| GPA minimum (undergraduate nursing) | Minimum cumulative GPA 3.00 for Traditional BSN, Accelerated 2nd Degree, and RN-to-BSN (prospective nursing students page) |
| TEAS | Required for Traditional and Accelerated 2nd Degree; not for RN-to-BSN |
| MSN GPA | BSN GPA 3.0; provisional acceptance possible below 3.0 per Nursing, Master’s page—confirm with graduate faculty |
Use the First Year Experience and CHP Academic Success Center contacts on the prospective nursing students page for advising before you submit TEAS scores or nursing application materials.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Coppin publishes estimated direct and indirect cost components for Maryland residents, non-residents, and commuters on its Cost to Attend page. Nursing students should also budget for uniforms, clinical compliance (immunizations, background checks), and transportation to clinical sites—listed as additional considerations on the prospective nursing students page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition & mandatory fees (2025–2026, MD resident, 24 semester hours) | Tuition $5,130 + mandatory fees $2,288 (direct costs only, before housing/meals) |
| Undergraduate tuition (2024–2025, non-Maryland resident, 24 semester hours) | Tuition $11,956 + mandatory fees $2,068 per COA table—confirm whether Expand Eagle Nation in-state incentive applies to you |
| Graduate tuition (2024–2025 example, MD resident, 18 semester hours) | Tuition $6,930 + mandatory fees $1,616 (doctoral rows higher—see COA page) |
| Source | Coppin State University — Cost to Attend; Graduate Tuition and Aid. Confirm residency classification with the Bursar. |
Coppin advertises in-state tuition for many out-of-state first-year and transfer students who meet published criteria. Read the official policy on the Office of Admissions page before relying on non-resident estimates.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The most recent official, program-level NCLEX-RN figure cited on this page comes from the Maryland Board of Nursing FY 2023 PDF (44.44% first-time pass rate, 54 testers). Coppin’s marketing pages discuss job placement and community service, but this guide does not repeat employment percentages without a clearly cited, dated school report—confirm outcomes disclosures directly with HFSON.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (BSN, FY 2023) | 44.44% (Maryland Board of Nursing, 54 first-time testers)—see NCLEX section |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not broken out with methodology on this page; follow Coppin career services or consumer information if published |
| Source | Maryland BON FY 2023 NCLEX-RN PDF; Helene Fuld School of Nursing. Confirm current rates with the Board and the school. |
Is Coppin’s Helene Fuld School of Nursing Right for You?
Coppin fits students who want an urban-serving Maryland public university with CCNE-accredited pathways from BSN through DNP and a explicit mission toward underserved communities.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a Baltimore-based program with community clinics and graduate pathways on the same campus.
- Are prepared for competitive TEAS-based admission to Traditional or Accelerated BSN tracks.
- Value CCNE-accredited FNP and DNP options with published clinical hour expectations.
- Will read both Coppin disclosures and Maryland Board NCLEX tables when evaluating outcomes.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Are uncomfortable with the most recent MBON-reported first-time NCLEX pass rate—confirm improvement plans with the school.
- Need rolling Spring entry for pre-licensure BSN (HFSON uses Fall-only competitive admission).
- Expect a rural or suburban campus environment—Coppin is embedded in West Baltimore.
- Want a program without graduate nursing offerings—Coppin emphasizes progression to MSN/DNP.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Baltimore anchors MedStar, LifeBridge, Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical System, VA Maryland facilities, and numerous federally qualified health centers. Coppin nursing students rotate through regional hospitals and community agencies while HFSON also staffs Coppin-operated primary-care clinics serving nearby neighborhoods—pairing acute-care exposure with safety-net population health.
| Theme | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic medical centers & trauma | Metro Baltimore offers Level I trauma centers, pediatric quaternary care, and oncology hubs—rotation mix depends on Coppin contracts each year. |
| Community & public health | CSU Community Health Center and Coppin Clinic at St. Frances illustrate the school’s community-embedded model. |
| Placement verification | Request the current clinical agency list from HFSON—do not assume specific hospitals remain contracted. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
HFSON offices and undergraduate resources reference the Henrietta Lacks Health & Human Services Building, placing nursing alongside other health professions. Graduate Nursing highlights simulation and skills space for undergraduate and graduate learners and ties learning to Coppin-run community clinics.
Coppin’s NCAA Division I athletics, marching band, student government, and Baltimore location give nursing students access to campus traditions plus city internships and service opportunities. Confirm active student organizations through Student Life and the School of Nursing each academic year.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- School
- Helene Fuld School of Nursing — College of Health Professions
- Building
- Henrietta Lacks Health & Human Services Building, 1st Floor
- Campus address
- 2500 West North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216, US
- Phone
- (410) 951-3970 · healthprofessions@coppin.edu
- Admissions
- (410) 951-3600 · admissions@coppin.edu
- Website
- coppin.edu — Helene Fuld School of Nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the Prospective Nursing Students page and note TEAS, GPA, and HFSON decision dates.
- Schedule TEAS testing if you are applying to Traditional or Accelerated BSN and send scores to the CHP Academic Success Center.
- Download Coppin’s Cost to Attend tables and verify whether Expand Eagle Nation in-state tuition applies to you.
- Open the latest Maryland Board RN NCLEX PDF for your target fiscal year and locate Coppin State University in the BSN section.
- Contact the School of Graduate Studies if you plan to apply to MSN or DNP pathways.
- List clinical compliance costs (uniforms, immunizations, background checks) using Coppin’s nursing student resources.
- Book a campus tour or virtual visit through Coppin admissions to see the Henrietta Lacks Health & Human Services Building.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Coppin State University in Maryland Board data?
The Maryland Board of Nursing FY 2023 PDF lists Coppin’s BSN program at a 44.44% first-time pass rate with 54 testers (July 2022–June 2023). Confirm newer FY PDFs on the Board’s education NCLEX page and ask HFSON about improvement initiatives.
Does Coppin’s Helene Fuld School of Nursing require TEAS?
Yes for Traditional BSN and Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN applicants; TEAS scores go to the CHP Academic Success Center. RN-to-BSN applicants do not submit TEAS per the prospective nursing students page.
What GPA do I need for Coppin nursing?
Coppin lists a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for Traditional BSN, Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN, and RN-to-BSN applicants. MSN applicants need a 3.0 nursing degree GPA unless granted provisional admission.
When are Helene Fuld School of Nursing application deadlines?
Undergraduate nursing uses Early December 1 and Final March 1 decision dates for pre-licensure tracks and July 15 for RN-to-BSN. The MSN page lists April 15 for fall semester—cross-check with Graduate Nursing.
Is Coppin nursing CCNE-accredited?
Coppin’s accreditation page states CCNE accreditation for BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. The nursing homepage notes CCNE baccalaureate accreditation through December 31, 2033.
How much is tuition at Coppin State University?
The 2025–2026 Cost to Attend page lists $2,565 tuition per 12 semester hours ($5,130 for 24 hours) plus $1,144 mandatory fees per 12 hours ($2,288 for 24 hours) for Maryland residents before housing. Non-resident rows and Expand Eagle Nation policies should be confirmed on coppin.edu.
What graduate programs does HFSON offer?
MSN (FNP track per catalog), DNP (BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s pathways), and a post-graduate APRN FNP certificate—see Graduate Nursing and the DNP page.
Where is Coppin nursing located?
Helene Fuld School of Nursing offices and student support reference the Henrietta Lacks Health & Human Services Building on Coppin’s Baltimore campus at 2500 West North Avenue.
How do international students apply to Coppin nursing?
Follow International Student Admission for transcript evaluations; Graduate Nursing lists minimum English proficiency scores. Verify visa and clinical requirements with International Programs and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
References
- Coppin State University — Helene Fuld School of Nursinghttps://www.coppin.edu/nursing
- Coppin — Prospective Nursing Studentshttps://www.coppin.edu/prospective-nursing-students
- Coppin — Nursing Accreditation Informationhttps://www.coppin.edu/node/2142
- Coppin — Nursing, Master’s (MSN)https://www.coppin.edu/academics/master-science-nursing/nursing-masters
- Coppin — Doctor of Nursing Practicehttps://www.coppin.edu/academics/doctor-nursing-practice
- Coppin — Cost to Attendhttps://www.coppin.edu/node/126
- Maryland Board of Nursing — NCLEX statistics indexhttps://health.maryland.gov/mbon/Pages/education-nclex-stats.aspx
- Maryland Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN FY 2023 PDFhttps://health.maryland.gov/mbon/Documents/nclex-rn-stats-fy2023.pdf
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)CCNE (AACN)
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 alignment between Coppin’s published Helene Fuld School of Nursing pages (programs, TEAS, deadlines), the Maryland Board of Nursing FY 2023 NCLEX-RN PDF, and Coppin’s 2025–2026 cost of attendance tables.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, accreditation status, tuition, and policies change; always verify with Coppin State University Helene Fuld School of Nursing and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-24 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy