Meridian Community College Nursing: What to Know About ADN, PN & NCLEX (2026)
On its Meridian campus, Meridian Community College (MCC) runs ACEN-accredited Associate Degree Nursing (including day, evening, and hybrid options), an accelerated ADN for LPNs and paramedics, and a Practical Nursing certificate—plus pathways use ACT thresholds, prerequisites, and the TEAS in a competitive selection process. This guide pulls 2025–26 catalog tuition, MS Board of Nursing–based pass-rate reporting summarized by MCC, and program disclosures; confirm every deadline with MCC.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
MCC’s accelerated Associate Degree Nursing pathway compresses four semesters of nursing into three for qualified LPNs and paramedics after a transition term—distinct from the standard ADN sequenced for new students—while still requiring Mississippi–appropriate licensure, experience, and supervisor documentation. Pair that with published day, evening, and hybrid ADN options if you need scheduling flexibility in east-central Mississippi.
Overview & Why Students Choose MCC
Meridian Community College, founded in 1937 and located on Highway 19 North in Meridian, serves roughly 3,000 students annually with career, technical, and university-transfer options. The Division of Nursing anchors pre-licensure education for the region: a 73 credit-hour Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program with several scheduling modalities, an accelerated ADN route for LPNs and paramedics, and a one-year Practical Nursing certificate that feeds the NCLEX-PN pathway.
Admission to each track is competitive and limited; satisfying ACT, GPA, prerequisite, TEAS, and information-session requirements still does not guarantee selection. MCC publishes priorities that favor in-district students who complete coursework at MCC—review the official ADN and PN pages each cycle.
In February 2026, MCC announced a 92% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for 108 first-time testers, citing the Mississippi Board of Nursing’s 2025 RN Cumulative Report (with 89% statewide and 86.7% national first-time rates noted in the same release). Separately, MCC’s ADN outcomes table lists 91.45% (107 of 117) for calendar year 2024 first-time writers as of August 13, 2025. Confirm newer cohorts with MCC and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Reasons students choose MCC for nursing
Central Mississippi clinical access
Meridian anchors several multi-hospital systems; MCC’s ADN pairs campus labs with affiliated hospitals and agencies so students encounter diverse patient populations without relocating to a major city.
Flexible ADN modalities
MCC states the ADN includes day, evening, and hybrid options—helpful if you are balancing work or family while completing the 73-credit AAS pathway.
Accelerated bridge for LPNs & paramedics
Licensed practical nurses and nationally registered paramedics can pursue the Accelerated ADN, which moves four semesters of nursing coursework into three semesters after a transition block—provided experience, TEAS, ACT, and licensure criteria are met.
Stackable PN credential
The Practical Nursing certificate gives a structured one-year entry to nursing with published NCLEX-PN outcomes; many students use it before considering RN bridge programs.
Documented tuition & fees
The 2025–2026 catalog lists Mississippi resident tuition for full-time and part-time study plus standard college fees—use it alongside the Business Office’s Tuition and Fees PDF for cash-vs.-card pricing notes.
Nursing Programs Offered
MCC’s Division of Nursing describes distinct pathways for RN and LPN preparation. Only list what you intend to enter on the college admissions application—there is no separate nursing application form, but each program has additional requirements beyond general admission.
Pre-licensure
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
73 credit hours culminating in an Associate of Applied Science with planned clinical experiences. Coursework blends general education, nursing theory/lab, and patient care in affiliated agencies. MCC advertises day, evening, and hybrid options and notes full-time enrollment (12+ credits) unless admitted part-time.
Accelerated ADN for LPNs & paramedics
Designed to move students through four semesters of nursing courses in three semesters after a transition term that validates first-year competencies. Requires an unencumbered Mississippi (or compact) LPN license or National Paramedic Registry, one year / 1,040 hours of experience, supervisor recommendation, and the same competitive TEAS/ACT/GPA framework as traditional ADN applicants. Spring admission only with a September 15 application deadline.
Practical Nursing (PN certificate)
46 semester hours of nursing-focused study across three semesters (fall- or spring-start layouts published on the PN page). Graduates apply to the Mississippi Board of Nursing for NCLEX-PN eligibility. Applicants need ACT 16 (or qualifying Accuplacer scores or recent prerequisite coursework), 2.0 GPA, a mandatory information session, and the TEAS.
Health Care Assistant (CNA pathway)
The division also offers a 16 credit-hour Health Care Assistant certificate that prepares students for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program. It is not an RN program, but it may interest students testing the nursing field before applying to PN or ADN.
Post-licensure & graduate
MCC does not award RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP credentials; plan to transfer to a university partner if you pursue a BSN after licensure.
MCC explicitly states that meeting minimums does not guarantee admission. Incomplete files are not reviewed, and convicted offenses may block clinical placement. After acceptance expect CPR, immunizations, background checks, drug screening, fingerprinting, and affiliate-specific vaccine rules prior to clinical participation.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Meridian Community College’s February 13, 2026 news release summarizing the Mississippi Board of Nursing’s 2025 RN Cumulative Report, MCC achieved a 92% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate among 108 graduates who tested for the first time in calendar year 2025 data. The same article notes a 89% statewide first-time pass rate and 86.7% national first-time pass rate for context. MCC’s on-page ADN outcomes (updated August 13, 2025) additionally list 91.45% (107 of 117) for 2024 first-time testers and historical rows back to 2021.
For statewide program benchmarking, the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Annual Report for Mississippi Nursing Degree Programs (May 15, 2025; NCLEX-RN table citing the Mississippi Board of Nursing and NCSBN) lists Meridian Community College at 98.23% (2022), 99.05% (2023), and 98.29% (2024), with a three-year rate of 98.51% for all testers (first-time and repeat)—the latest calendar year in that PDF is 2024, which will not yet reflect MCC’s 2025 first-time headline above.
For NCLEX-PN, MCC’s Practical Nursing page reports 98% (43 of 44) first-time pass among 2024 testers with the outcomes table dated March 3, 2025.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (MS IHL 2025 report — associate row, all testers) | 98.23% (2022), 99.05% (2023), 98.29% (2024); three-year 98.51% — IHL Nursing Annual Report (PDF) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (MS BON 2025 data, per MCC Feb. 2026) | 92% (108 first-time writers) — see MCC news link below |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (MCC outcomes, calendar 2024) | 91.45% (107 of 117) — Associate Degree Nursing page |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (MCC outcomes, 2024) | 98% (43 of 44) — Practical Nursing page (table updated Mar. 3, 2025) |
| Source (school disclosures) | MCC news — NCLEX-RN 2025 summary; Associate Degree Nursing outcomes; Practical Nursing outcomes. |
| Source (regulatory) | Mississippi Board of Nursing; Mississippi IHL — 2025 Nursing Annual Report (PDF) |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Mississippi Board of Nursing and MCC before you rely on any single percentage.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Meridian Community College publishes the same international tuition band as out-of-state students in its catalog, but nursing seats remain competitive and clinical affiliates enforce background and immunization rules. Use the checklist below as guidance only—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm required proof (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) for general admission and for the nursing program with the Registrar or International Office.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Ask which evaluating agencies MCC accepts before Anatomy & Physiology or other prerequisites post to your transcript.
- Mississippi Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses and foreign-applicants must follow Board-specific NCLEX eligibility steps in addition to college admission.
- Immigration & visa status: Clinical practicum sites may restrict learners by visa category; verify with MCC and the affiliate before accepting a seat.
Policies change frequently. Double-check everything with Meridian Community College and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
MCC nursing programs are limited access. Applicants submit transcripts, ACT scores, and the general MCC application with the correct program of interest—there is no separate nursing application, but missing documents disqualify the file. Selection uses published priority rules (in-district MCC coursework first, then other Mississippi residents, then out-of-state). Both ADN and PN require a mandatory information session and the ATI TEAS; scores below 60 trigger Nursing Enhancement coursework.
Associate Degree Nursing — published minimums
- Route A: ACT composite 18 (15 if tested before Oct. 1989), A&P I & II with labs at C or higher, cumulative college GPA 2.00+.
- Route B: ACT 17, A&P I & II at C+, 16 additional general-education hours from the ADN curriculum at C+, GPA 2.50+.
- Route C: Bachelor’s degree or higher (ACT waived) with A&P I & II at C+, GPA 2.50+.
- All routes require the TEAS, information session, fingerprinting after admission, and full-time enrollment unless part-time status is approved.
Practical Nursing — published minimums
Applicants need ACT 16 composite/superscore or qualifying Accuplacer scores or designated biology/psychology courses within five years at C or better, plus cumulative 2.0 GPA, TEAS, and the information session. Deadlines mirror ADN: February 15 (fall start) and September 15 (spring start).
Accelerated ADN — extra requirements
Beyond ACT/TEAS/GPA routes similar to traditional ADN, applicants need an unencumbered MS/compact LPN license or paramedic registry, 1,040 hours of experience, a supervisor recommendation, and must apply by September 15 for spring entry.
Application timeline
| Program | Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN & PN | Fall start | February 15 | Official transcripts, ACT/Accuplacer or qualifying coursework, MCC admission application with correct major. |
| ADN & PN | Spring start | September 15 | Same documentation; confirm TEAS scheduling with the Advising Office after other requirements clear. |
| Accelerated ADN | Spring only | September 15 | Additional employer verification, paramedic or LPN license documentation, and supervisor form. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed — competitive ranking by residency, ACT, GPA, TEAS, and course grades. |
| Minimum GPA | 2.00–2.50 depending on ADN route; 2.00 for PN on all college work. |
| TEAS | Required for ADN and PN after other minimums; used competitively (no published minimum score). |
| ACT | ADN: composite 17–18+ depending on route; PN: 16+ (or alternatives). |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
The 2025–2026 MCC Academic Catalog lists baseline tuition and mandatory fees. Nursing students also pay for uniforms, standardized exams, travel to clinicals, textbooks (ADN uses electronic texts), immunizations, background checks, and fingerprinting. Room and board apply only if you live in campus housing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Mississippi resident tuition (full-time, 15+ credits) | $1,929 per semester |
| Mississippi resident tuition (part-time) | $204 per semester credit hour |
| Out-of-state / international tuition (full-time) | $3,169 per semester |
| Out-of-state / international tuition (part-time) | $294 per semester credit hour |
| Registration fee | $100 per term |
| Technology & infrastructure fee | $20 per credit hour per semester |
| Health & safety fee | $52 per semester |
| Online course fee | $20 per online course per semester |
| Inclusive Access (Cengage) | $30 per credit hour (when applicable) |
| Payment note | The Business Office states posted rates include a 3% cash-payment discount; card payments may be adjusted—read the Tuition and Fees PDF. |
| Source | 2025–2026 MCC Catalog — Financial Information; MCC Business Office (Tuition & Fees PDF). |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
MCC publishes rolling NCLEX-RN, program completion, and placement metrics on its ADN and PN pages. Cite the same sources the college uses (news summaries of Board data plus on-page tables) and confirm definitions—especially for placement surveys—before comparing cohorts.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (MS BON 2025 data, per MCC news Feb. 2026) | 92% among 108 first-time testers |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (MCC ADN table, 2024) | 91.45% (107 of 117) |
| ADN placement (surveyed graduates, MCC table) | MCC reports 98% placement for December 2023 and May 2024 graduates in roles requiring an RN license—confirm response rates and methodology on the ADN page |
| ADN completion (academic-year aggregate, MCC table Aug. 2025) | Example: 49.4% completion within 100% of allotted time for 2024–2025 aggregate row—interpret with advisor context |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass (2024) | 98% (43 of 44) per PN outcomes table updated Mar. 3, 2025 |
| Source | MCC news; ADN outcomes; PN outcomes |
Is Meridian Community College the Right Fit for You?
MCC fits students seeking an affordable Mississippi community college route to RN or LPN licensure with published clinical partnerships around Meridian—not those needing a self-paced online degree or guaranteed admission.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want ACEN-accredited ADN and PN programs on one campus with transparent NCLEX reporting.
- Can meet ACT, GPA, A&P, and TEAS expectations and accept competitive ranking.
- Are LPNs or paramedics seeking MCC’s accelerated ADN model with documented experience.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a BSN or MSN without transferring to a university.
- Need fully online clinical nursing—MCC emphasizes campus labs and in-person clinical rotations.
- Cannot attend full-time (12+ credits) unless granted an exception for part-time progression.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Meridian is the anchor city between Jackson, Miss., and the Alabama line, with several multi-hospital systems, specialty groups, and long-term care employers that hire ADN and PN graduates. MCC’s catalog references rotations at affiliated hospitals and agencies; sites change with contracts, capacity, and student compliance.
| Facility / system (examples) | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Anderson Regional Health System | Large Meridian-area employer providing acute, cardiovascular, and women’s services—representative of complex patients students may encounter regionally. |
| Rush Health Systems / Ochsner affiliate hospitals | Another major regional network offering med-surg, critical care, and community clinics that hire new graduate RNs. |
| Skilled nursing & home health | Practical nursing graduates often move first into long-term care; ADN students still benefit from exposure along the care continuum. |
| Next step | Ask the ADN or PN coordinator for the current affiliate list tied to your admit term—never assume a single facility. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students split time among classrooms, campus laboratories, simulation activities, and off-site hospitals. MCC houses residence halls (Elliott, Thornton, College Crossing) and a full student life program—athletics, clubs, and intramurals—even though nursing schedules are demanding once clinicals begin. Expect electronic textbooks, strict professionalism standards, and student responsibility for transportation between campus and clinical sites. ACEN site-visit notices sometimes reference the Webb Building for public meetings—another clue that faculty emphasize transparent accreditation cycles.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Meridian, MS
- Address
- 910 Highway 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307, US
- Business Office
- 601-484-8706 — mcc_business@meridiancc.edu
- ADN program coordinator
- Dr. Lara Collum — 601-484-8728, lara.collum@meridiancc.edu
- Practical Nursing coordinator
- Bethany Files — 601-484-8711, Bethany.Files@meridiancc.edu
- Pre-Nursing Advisor
- Jimmyia Smith — 601-484-8629, Jimmyia.Smith@meridiancc.edu
- Website
- meridiancc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the ADN and PN pages end-to-end, including TEAS and mandatory information-session rules.
- Request official transcripts and verify you meet the ACT, GPA, and Anatomy & Physiology route you plan to use.
- Create an ATI account and review MCC’s PDFs for TEAS scheduling after the college clears your prerequisites.
- Email Jimmyia.Smith@meridiancc.edu with scenario-specific questions (traditional ADN vs. accelerated vs. PN).
- Complete the FAFSA and explore financial aid plus Mississippi workforce scholarships that apply to health majors.
- Add calendar alerts for February 15 (fall starts) and September 15 (spring starts / accelerated ADN).
- Bookmark the Mississippi Board of Nursing for licensure applications after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Meridian Community College offer?
MCC’s Division of Nursing lists Associate Degree Nursing (73 credit-hour AAS; traditional, evening, and hybrid options), an accelerated ADN pathway for licensed practical nurses and paramedics, a one-year Practical Nursing certificate (NCLEX-PN), and a separate Health Care Assistant certificate for nurse aide training. It does not award a BSN or MSN on campus.
Does Meridian Community College nursing require the TEAS exam?
Yes—MCC states ADN and Practical Nursing applicants must attend a mandatory information session and take the TEAS after other minimum requirements are met. Scores feed a competitive points model (no published minimum). Students scoring below 60 must take Nursing Enhancement coursework.
What ACT score does Meridian Community College ADN require?
MCC publishes multiple routes, including composite 18 (or 15 on legacy tests) with A&P I–II at C+ and 2.0 GPA; composite 17 with extra general-education hours and 2.5 GPA; or a bachelor’s degree or higher without ACT if prerequisites and 2.5 GPA are met. Confirm which route matches your transcript.
When are Meridian Community College nursing application deadlines?
Standard ADN and PN applicants submit materials by February 15 for fall admission and September 15 for spring admission. The accelerated ADN admits in spring only, also with a September 15 deadline.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Meridian Community College?
MCC’s February 2026 news release cites the Mississippi Board of Nursing’s 2025 RN Cumulative Report: 92% first-time NCLEX-RN pass among 108 testers, with 89% statewide and 86.7% national first-time rates noted for comparison. MCC’s ADN page also lists 91.45% (107 of 117) for calendar year 2024. Confirm newer cohorts with MCC and the Board.
How much is tuition at Meridian Community College for 2025-2026?
The catalog lists $1,929 per semester for in-state students taking 15+ credits, $204 per credit part-time, plus registration, technology, health, and other fees. Out-of-state and international students pay $3,169 per semester full-time or $294 per credit part-time.
Is Meridian Community College’s ADN program accredited?
MCC states the ADN holds ACEN continuing accreditation (with a Spring 2026 revisit) and continuing approval from the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. Practical Nursing lists ACEN continuing accreditation and Mississippi Board of Nursing approval.
What NCLEX-PN outcomes does Meridian Community College publish?
The Practical Nursing page reports 98% (43 of 44) first-time NCLEX-PN pass for 2024 with figures updated March 3, 2025. Always verify newer cohorts with MCC and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Where does Meridian Community College hold nursing classes?
Programming is based on the Meridian campus with clinical experiences throughout affiliated agencies. ACEN public notices reference the Webb Building for stakeholder meetings—confirm lab and classroom locations with the program office for your admit term.
References
- Meridian Community College — Division of Nursingdivision_of_nursing/index.html
- Meridian Community College — Associate Degree Nursingnursing/index.html
- Meridian Community College — Practical Nursingpractical_nursing/index.html
- Meridian Community College — NCLEX news (MS BON 2025 summary)associate-degree-nursing-rn-exam-pass-rate_2026.html
- Meridian Community College — 2025-2026 Catalog, Financial Informationcatalog.meridiancc.edu — Financial Information
- Meridian Community College — Business Office / Tuition PDFbusinessoffice/index.html · Tuition-Fees-Schedule.pdf
- Mississippi Board of Nursingmsbn.ms.gov
- Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learningmississippi.edu/ihl
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)acenursing.org
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
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 alignment with MCC’s Mississippi Board of Nursing summary and on-page outcomes tables, 2025–26 catalog tuition figures, and ADN/PN/Accelerated admission criteria.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It is not legal, immigration, licensure, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and clinical placement policies change; verify with Meridian Community College and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Published: Mar 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy