Wilkes Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Northwest North Carolina ADN at WCC: one selective fall cohort on the Wilkes Campus and a smaller cohort on the Ashe Campus, with published TEAS, GPA, and CNA I requirements. Tuition below is from IPEDS; the first-time NCLEX-RN figure is taken from the North Carolina Board of Nursing’s 2024 annual pass-rate publication—confirm the latest cohort with the Board and WCC.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
WCC publishes a transparent points-based ranking for ADN admission (program GPA, sciences, TEAS, CNA completion) and runs separate selection pools for the Wilkes and Ashe campus cohorts. After the ADN, Appalachian State University advertises a 3+1 pathway to an online BSN for eligible students—verify requirements with App State and WCC.
Overview & Why Students Choose Wilkes Community College
Wilkes Community College (WCC) is a public two-year institution in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, serving Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties under the North Carolina Community College System. Its Associate Degree Nursing program prepares graduates to apply for the NCLEX-RN. WCC states the program operates with full approval of the North Carolina Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), with institutional accreditation through SACSCOC (per NCES).
According to the North Carolina Board of Nursing’s 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates PDF, Wilkes CC’s ADN program is listed with a reported first-time pass rate of 98% for that reporting cycle. The same document summarizes a North Carolina ADN aggregate of 95% and a national ADN aggregate of 91%. Confirm the latest cohort with the NC BON pass-rate hub and WCC.
Reasons students consider Wilkes Community College
Transparent admissions scoring
WCC publishes minimum admission requirements and a point ranking system tied to biology/chemistry grades, general education in the ADN plan, A&P completion, TEAS performance, and CNA I—so you can see how applicants are ordered for limited seats.
Dual campus cohorts
You choose Wilkes Campus or Ashe Campus on the application; cohorts are ranked separately, with WCC advertising roughly 30–40 seats (Wilkes) and about 10 (Ashe) for fall entry.
App State 3+1 BSN pathway
Appalachian State University documents a Wilkes CC → App State Online BSN 3+1 option after the ADN; it is not a degree awarded by WCC—confirm prerequisites and deadlines on App State’s pathway page.
NLN CNEA–accredited ADN
The nursing program identifies NLN CNEA accreditation on its official page; NCES lists a next programmatic review date—verify current status with NLN CNEA and WCC.
Foothills clinical region
Students train in a multi-county area between the Piedmont Triad and the mountains, with clinical compliance requirements (immunizations, background checks, drug screening) set by each agency.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program scope is drawn from WCC’s Associate Degree Nursing page, ADN handbook, and IPEDS program completions (Registered Nursing associate). WCC does not advertise a separate Practical Nursing or LPN-to-RN bridge track alongside this ADN page. Licensed LPNs are noted for case-by-case review by the Director of Nursing regarding the CNA-related admission factor—confirm how that applies to your file with health sciences admissions.
Pre-licensure
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Fall-start, limited enrollment program. Curriculum emphasizes safety, evidence-based practice, informatics, and interdisciplinary care; graduates are eligible to apply for NCLEX-RN. Students must be at least 18 at program start. Delivery details and credit totals are in the WCC catalog.
Wilkes Campus cohort vs. Ashe Campus cohort
Admission criteria and ranking are the same, but you apply to one campus only; alternates and seat offers are managed within that campus pool.
Post-licensure / transfer (not awarded by WCC)
Appalachian State University 3+1 (ADN → online BSN)
App State describes completing the ADN at WCC then finishing a BSN online in as little as one year for qualified students. See WCC pathway details at App State.
Catalog codes, deadlines, and seat counts change. Always confirm the active ADN handbook, CFNC application, and health sciences advisement materials before you apply.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the North Carolina Board of Nursing publication 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates (PDF dated January 2025), the Wilkes CC row in the ADN section lists a reported first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 98% for that reporting cycle.
For context from the same NC BON report, the summary lists a North Carolina ADN first-time pass rate of 95% and a national ADN first-time pass rate of 91% (2024 reporting period as presented in that document). Benchmark comparison is appropriate here because the aggregates appear in the same official publication as the school row.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| WCC ADN — first-time NCLEX-RN (NC BON publication) | Reported 98% in the 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates PDF, Wilkes CC row (ADN table). |
| NC ADN aggregate (same report) | 95% first-time (2024, as summarized in the NC BON publication). |
| National ADN aggregate (same report) | 91% first-time (2024, as summarized in the NC BON publication). |
| Source | North Carolina Board of Nursing — 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates (PDF) · NCLEX pass rates hub. Confirm current cohort data with the Board and WCC. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting period. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rate for Wilkes CC in the newest NC BON table and with WCC.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Wilkes Community College and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- North Carolina Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
WCC’s public nursing page references undocumented immigrant restrictions tied to professional licensure under North Carolina Community College System policy; policies change frequently. Verify with WCC’s admissions office and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
WCC has open admission to the college for many programs, but Associate Degree Nursing is limited enrollment with one fall start per year. Applicants choose Wilkes Campus or Ashe Campus; you may not apply to both in the same cycle. WCC posts a multi-step process: CFNC application, college-readiness placement rules for ENG 111 and developmental math, mandatory online information session, official transcripts, one year of high school or college biology and chemistry (C or better, no credit-by-exam), ATI TEAS at Proficient or higher, CNA I completion or enrollment by the MAR review date, and a minimum program GPA of 2.8 for consideration.
Application timeline (verify current cycle)
| Milestone | Example dates on WCC nursing page | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| College application (CFNC) | December 3, 2026 (listed for the cycle on the ADN page) | Use WCC’s linked CFNC application; confirm the active year. |
| Information session completed | December 10, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (listed) | Mandatory online session after applying. |
| TEAS scores to WCC | January 29, 2027 (listed) | Version 7 referenced; $90 per attempt at WCC if testing on site. |
| MAR review window | February 1–26, 2027 (listed) | Scheduled with the health sciences admissions advisor after steps 1–6 are met. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (ADN) | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage; seats are competitive with published point ranking. |
| Minimum program GPA | 2.8 on required entry and completed general education courses in the ADN curriculum (per WCC ADN admissions). |
| TEAS | Required—must score Proficient, Advanced, or Exemplary (ATI TEAS; version 7 content outline on WCC page). |
| CNA I | Required completion or enrollment by MAR review; active NC CNA registry by a stated deadline after acceptance. |
| Age | Must be at least 18 at ADN program start. |
| Clinical compliance | CastleBranch documentation, BLS CPR, immunizations, background checks, and drug screening per clinical agency contracts. |
Tip: WCC awards ranking points for grades in biology, chemistry, BIO 168/169, and other specified general education courses, plus TEAS performance and CNA completion. Anatomy & physiology older than five years may not count—align your timeline with the handbook.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Community college charges can differ by residency, credit load, and program fees. The table below uses NCES College Navigator (IPEDS) institution-level estimates for full-time beginning undergraduates in 2024–2025, alongside book and living-expense lines from the same disclosure.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition & required fees (2024–2025) | In-state: $2,572 | Out-of-state: $8,716 (IPEDS estimated for full-time beginning undergraduates). |
| Books & supplies (same IPEDS table) | $702 (estimated). |
| Total COA, in-state, off-campus (2024–2025) | $20,781 (includes tuition, fees, books, food/housing, other expenses per IPEDS). |
| Source | NCES College Navigator — Wilkes Community College (IPEDS) · WCC Financial Aid · Net Price Calculator. Confirm current amounts with WCC. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
After graduation, ADN students apply to take the NCLEX-RN. The North Carolina Board of Nursing publishes first-time pass rates that help you benchmark program outcomes; WCC’s most recent figure in the 2024 annual publication is summarized in the NCLEX section above. For employment and salary, use WCC career services and official consumer information rather than unofficial estimates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (first-time, NC BON publication) | Reported 98% for Wilkes CC in the 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates PDF; NC ADN aggregate 95% and national ADN aggregate 91% (same document). |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on this page. Confirm methodology and cohort year with WCC consumer information or career services. |
| Source | NC BON 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates (PDF) · WCC consumer information |
Is Wilkes Community College the Right Fit for You?
WCC fits applicants who want a public, in-state-priced ADN in northwest North Carolina, can meet TEAS, GPA, and CNA requirements, and accept a single annual fall cohort with separate pools for Wilkes vs. Ashe.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Live in or near Wilkes, Ashe, or Alleghany counties (or will relocate) and want an ADN close to the Blue Ridge foothills.
- Perform well in biology, chemistry, and A&P and can reach TEAS Proficient+ and a 2.8 program GPA.
- Plan for RN-to-BSN later—e.g., Appalachian State’s published 3+1 route or another UNC-system or private completion program after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a spring or rolling start (ADN is fall-only at WCC).
- Want a four-year BSN on the same campus without transferring to a university partner.
- Cannot meet CNA registry, immunization, or clinical agency requirements.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Wilkes County sits along the NC 421 corridor northwest of Winston-Salem, with clinical opportunities typically spanning community hospitals, long-term care, and larger referral centers in the region. Facilities often discussed by job seekers in the area include Novant Health Wilkes Medical Center (North Wilkesboro), Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital (Elkin), and broader Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Appalachian Regional Healthcare networks accessible within driving distance. Your actual rotation sites are assigned by WCC; confirm current contracts with the program.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Novant Health Wilkes Medical Center | County hospital in North Wilkesboro; anchor acute-care employer for many local nurses. |
| Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital | Elkin-area hospital serving Surry/Wilkes adjacent communities. |
| Regional referral centers | Winston-Salem and the Triad host Level I trauma, academic medicine, and specialty centers within regional commute range for some graduates. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
WCC students are nicknamed Prowlers; the college hosts cultural staples such as performances at the John A. Walker Center and the annual MerleFest adjacent to campus programming. NCES reports an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio (fall 2024). Nursing students should expect intensive clinical schedules, simulation and skills lab work, and compliance deadlines managed through CastleBranch. Check student activities for active clubs.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Wilkesboro, NC (Ashe Campus in Jefferson for nursing cohort)
- Address
- 1328 South Collegiate Dr, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, US
- Main telephone
- (336) 838-6100
- Health sciences admissions
- Andrea Smith, MA — (336) 838-6459 · adsmith365@wilkescc.edu
- Director of Nursing
- Emily Orr, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE — (336) 838-6573 · edorr738@wilkescc.edu
- Nursing programs
- Associate Degree Nursing and ADN handbook (PDF)
- Website
- wilkescc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the ADN admissions page and download the ADN handbook.
- Create or update your CFNC application for Wilkes CC and pick Wilkes or Ashe campus.
- Complete the mandatory online information session linked from the nursing page.
- Schedule TEAS (Proficient or higher required) and plan transcript submission for MAR review.
- Enroll in or finish an approved CNA I program if you have not already.
- Call (336) 838-6459 for health sciences admissions questions after you have reviewed the posted steps.
- Bookmark the NC BON pass-rate PDF and verify the Wilkes CC row for the newest reporting year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wilkes Community College offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing on campus?
No. Wilkes CC awards the associate nursing degree that prepares you for RN licensure (NCLEX-RN). Appalachian State University describes a 3+1 pathway where you finish the ADN at WCC then complete an online BSN at App State; confirm eligibility with both schools.
What first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate did the North Carolina Board of Nursing publish for Wilkes CC?
In the North Carolina Board of Nursing 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates publication (PDF, January 2025), Wilkes CC is listed with a reported first-time pass rate of 98% in the ADN table. Confirm the latest cohort year and methodology with the Board and WCC.
What tuition and fees does IPEDS report for Wilkes Community College?
NCES College Navigator lists $2,572 in-state and $8,716 out-of-state tuition and required fees for 2024–2025 for full-time beginning undergraduates. Program-specific fees may differ; confirm with WCC.
Does Wilkes Community College require TEAS for nursing admission?
Yes, per WCC’s published ADN admissions steps: applicants must achieve Proficient, Advanced, or Exemplary on the ATI TEAS (Version 7 referenced on the nursing page). Final score submission deadlines and testing fees are listed on the official nursing admissions page.
What is the difference between the Wilkes Campus and Ashe Campus nursing cohorts at WCC?
WCC publishes one ADN cohort at the Wilkes Campus (approximately 30–40 students) and a smaller cohort at the Ashe Campus (approximately 10 students) each fall. You apply to one campus only; ranking and selection pools are separate. Confirm current seat counts with WCC.
Is Nurse Aide (CNA I) required before Wilkes CC nursing?
WCC requires completion of—or enrollment in—an approved CNA I course by the MAR review date, and accepted students must be listed as a CNA I in North Carolina by a published deadline. Use WCC’s nursing page and ADN handbook for exact dates.
Who accredits Wilkes Community College’s nursing program?
WCC states the Associate Degree Nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). NCES College Navigator also lists NLN CNEA for the associate nursing program with a next review date; confirm status with NLN CNEA and WCC. The college is institutionally accredited by SACSCOC.
What minimum GPA does Wilkes CC use for Associate Degree Nursing admission?
WCC publishes a minimum program GPA of 2.8 or higher for admission consideration, calculated from required entry coursework and completed general education in the ADN curriculum. See the official ranking and selection materials for how grades convert to points.
References
- Wilkes Community College — Associate Degree Nursingwilkescc.edu
- Wilkes Community College — ADN Handbook 2025–2026 (PDF)wilkescc.edu (PDF)
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates (PDF)ncbon.com (PDF)
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesncbon.com
- NCES College Navigator — Wilkes Community College (IPEDS, unit ID 199926)nces.ed.gov
- Appalachian State University — Wilkes CC to App State BSN 3+1 pathwaynursing.appstate.edu
- National League for Nursing — Commission for Nurse Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)cnea.nln.org
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
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 ADN admissions details and program scope on Wilkes CC’s official nursing pages, IPEDS tuition (unit ID 199926), NLN CNEA/SACSCOC references on NCES, and North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX pass-rate tables.
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 North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-30 · Last reviewed: March 30, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy