Aiken Technical College Nursing: What to Know (2026)
Located in the Aiken–Augusta corridor, Aiken Technical College offers ACEN-accredited ADN and Practical Nursing programs plus LPN-to-ADN transition options. This guide cites ATC’s 2025–2026 tuition and fee schedule, official nursing pages, and the college’s published ADN program outcomes for first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
ATC emphasizes entry-level RN and PN preparation with TEAS 7 testing through its Test Center, a published 2025–2026 tuition chart that varies by county residency, and articulation to RN-to-BSN partners (for example USC Aiken, MUSC, Claflin) after licensure—useful if you plan to stack credentials without assuming a four-year degree on this campus.
Overview & Why Students Choose Aiken Technical College
Aiken Technical College (ATC) is a public two-year college in Graniteville, South Carolina (Aiken County), within reach of the Augusta, Georgia health care market. The Nursing Department’s mission is to prepare safe, competent, entry-level nurses. Instruction combines classroom theory with supervised clinical experiences at affiliated agencies; specific sites rotate and require reliable transportation.
According to Aiken Technical College’s published Associate Degree Nursing program outcomes, the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for ATC graduates (January 1–December 31 reporting) was 92.06% in 2024 (58 of 63 graduates passed on the first attempt). Earlier years in the same disclosure: 98.08% in 2023 (51 of 52) and 98% in 2022 (49 of 50). Confirm the latest table in ATC’s ADN EOPSLO and Outcomes document and compare with the South Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN ADN pass-rate publication (LLR).
Reasons students choose Aiken Technical College
Dual RN entry points
Students may enter the generic ADN track or pursue a structured LPN-to-ADN transition (including an evening option advertised on ATC’s nursing page) after meeting practical nursing licensure and program rules.
ACEN-accredited ADN and PN
ATC states both the Associate in Applied Science with a major in Nursing and the Practical Nursing diploma carry ACEN continuing accreditation, alongside South Carolina Board of Nursing oversight.
Transparent residency-based tuition
The 2025–2026 Tuition and Fees schedule distinguishes Aiken County, other South Carolina, reciprocal Georgia counties, and out-of-state rates—helpful if you live on the state line.
TEAS 7 on campus
The Test Center administers ATI TEAS 7 ($90), outlines retake spacing, and points applicants back to nursing for score requirements.
RN-to-BSN pipelines after licensure
ATC’s nursing page summarizes articulation with partners such as USC Aiken, MUSC, and Claflin for graduates who complete NCLEX-RN—plan ahead if you want a BSN after your associate degree.
Nursing Programs Offered
ATC does not award a BSN on this campus. Programs below reflect the college’s official Nursing hub and 2025–2026 Academic Catalog links. Always download the current ADN, LPN-to-ADN, or PN application packets before budgeting prerequisites.
Pre-licensure — Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
Associate in Applied Science, Major in Nursing
Prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN and entry-level RN practice. Combines theory with supervised clinical experiences. Competitive admission; applicants complete general education prerequisites and testing as described in the Nursing (ADN) Admissions Information and Application.
LPN to ADN (RN) transition
For licensed practical nurses who meet ATC requirements, including a transition semester/tracks described in LPN to ADN application materials. ATC advertises an evening LPN-to-ADN cohort for working students. Expect additional assessments (for example ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor rules in application documents).
Pre-licensure — Practical Nursing
Diploma in Applied Science, Practical Nursing
Leads to eligibility for NCLEX-PN. Shares the department’s entry-level focus and clinical compliance standards. Follow the LPN Information and Application packet for deadlines and point systems.
Certificate — Pre-Nursing
Pre-Nursing Certificate
Listed in the catalog index referenced on ATC’s nursing page; use it to structure prerequisites—not a license program. Confirm required courses with advising.
Competitive health programs change prerequisites, point sheets, and TEAS policies frequently. Treat the Nursing Program Overview, downloadable applications, and the official catalog as the final authority.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Aiken Technical College’s published Associate Degree Nursing Program Outcomes Data, the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for ATC graduates (January 1–December 31) was 92.06% in calendar year 2024, with 58 of 63 students passing on the first attempt. The document also cites the NCSBN national average for NCLEX test takers in that row (91.16% for 2024) for high-level context—interpret trends cautiously because cohort sizes differ.
For NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing), consult the South Carolina Board of Nursing statistics page on LLR, which links to the NCLEX-PN passing rate PDF, and ATC’s PN outcomes PDF when available.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ATC ADN — first-time NCLEX-RN (2024) | 92.06% (58 of 63 first-time test takers) per ATC program outcomes disclosure. |
| ATC ADN — recent prior years (same source) | 98.08% in 2023 (51 of 52); 98% in 2022 (49 of 50). |
| National benchmark cited in ATC document (2024 row) | 91.16% national average for NCLEX test takers referenced alongside ATC’s 2024 cohort. |
| Source | ATC — ADN EOPSLO and Outcomes (PDF) · South Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX statistics · NCLEX-RN ADN pass rates (LLR PDF). Confirm current cohort data with ATC and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always cross-check the newest ATC outcomes PDF and the South Carolina Board of Nursing tables before you choose a start term.
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 Aiken Technical College and the South Carolina Board of Nursing (LLR).
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other minimums required by ATC for selective health programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators the admissions office names.
- South Carolina Board of Nursing: Confirm NCLEX eligibility, clinical eligibility, and any unique documentation for internationally educated applicants.
- Immigration & visa: Whether ATC’s nursing cohorts accept F-1 students and how visa status affects clinical contracts.
Policies change frequently. Verify with ATC Enrollment Services and the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
General admission to the college is handled through Enrollment Services, but nursing programs are selective: expect prerequisite courses, a competitive GPA or point system, TEAS 7 scores, health and immunization documentation, background checks, drug screening, and clinical clearance as described in the downloadable ADN, LPN-to-ADN, or PN applications.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADN (generic track) | Not publicly disclosed in this guide | Download the current Nursing (ADN) Admissions Information and Application PDF from ATC’s Nursing Program Overview page. |
| LPN to ADN transition | Not publicly disclosed in this guide | Use the LPN to ADN Transition or LPN to ADN Evening Cohort application PDFs linked on atc.edu. |
| Practical Nursing | Not publicly disclosed in this guide | Use the LPN Information and Application packet; confirm priority dates with Enrollment Services. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Prerequisite coursework | Typical health-science prerequisites (for example biology, English composition, math, psychology) appear in nursing advising materials—mirror the official checklist in your application year. |
| TEAS | ATI TEAS 7 administered through the ATC Test Center ($90); limited retakes per academic year with a 30-day wait. Confirm minimum scores and validity windows in the nursing application. |
| Background check & drug screen | Clinical agencies require criminal background checks, drug screening, and additional compliance—budget these before accepting a seat. |
| Immunizations & health clearance | Expect documentation of immunizations, physical exam, TB screening, and Healthcare Provider CPR consistent with program handbooks. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
ATC’s Tuition and Fees page lists the 2025–2026 schedule beginning Fall 2025. Tuition is charged per credit hour; additional technology, Ready for Success Equitable Access, and enrollment/activity fees apply. Nursing courses may carry lab or program fees—see the tuition chart footnotes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition per credit hour (2025–2026) | Aiken County residents: $200 | Other South Carolina residents: $240 | Richmond & Columbia Counties, GA: $200 (plus $30 reciprocal fee) | Out-of-state: $314. |
| Technology fee (per semester) | $100 (Aiken County & reciprocal GA counties) or $126 (other SC and out-of-state) per the published schedule. |
| Ready for Success Equitable Access fee | $24 per credit hour (all students per ATC page). |
| Enrollment / activity fee | $150 non-refundable fee each term (ATC bursar materials). |
| Example — 12 credits, SC resident outside Aiken County | $3,444 subtotal for tuition + technology + access fees shown on ATC’s tuition chart (Fall 2025 figures); add enrollment fee, books, nursing uniforms, immunizations, and clinical compliance costs. |
| Source | ATC Tuition and Fees · 2025–2026 Tuition and Fees Chart (PDF) · Financial Aid. Confirm current figures with the Bursar. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
ADN graduates pursue jobs across acute care, ambulatory, long-term, and public-health settings along the Aiken–Augusta corridor. Use ATC’s disclosures alongside SC Workforce data when you compare offers.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (ADN, first-time) | 92.06% in calendar year 2024 (58 of 63 testers) per ATC Associate Degree Nursing Program Outcomes Data. |
| Employment among survey respondents (ADN) | ATC reports job placement among graduates who respond to its one-year survey—for 2024, 54 of 73 graduates with a 74% survey response rate; all surveyed graduates reported employment in roles aligned with the program. Not every graduate responded—confirm methodology with ATC. |
| NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing) | See the LLR NCLEX-PN PDF and ATC’s PN outcomes document for program-specific rates. |
| Source | ATC ADN outcomes (PDF) · SC Board of Nursing NCLEX statistics |
Is Aiken Technical College the Right Fit for You?
ATC fits students seeking an affordable public technical college route to RN or PN licensure near Aiken and Augusta, with willingness to meet selective admission and clinical compliance standards.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ACEN-accredited ADN or PN diploma from a South Carolina technical college with published tuition tiers.
- Can commute to Graniteville and to clinical assignments that may extend into the wider CSRA.
- Plan to tackle TEAS 7, prerequisites, and nursing application packets methodically.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a BSN entirely on campus without transferring after RN licensure.
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program—clinical attendance is required.
- Cannot travel to rotating clinical affiliates—ATC assigns agencies based on availability.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The CSRA blends Aiken County service networks with the larger Augusta metro, including teaching hospitals, community health centers, long-term care, and specialty clinics. Demand remains strong for bedside nurses, clinic RNs, and workforce pipelines that support population growth and veteran care.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Aiken Regional Medical Centers | Major acute-care provider in Aiken County; common destination for newly licensed RNs in the immediate area. |
| AU Health / Children’s Hospital of Georgia (Augusta) | Academic medical hub across the Savannah River offering high-acuity exposure (not guaranteed as a placement). |
| Community & post-acute partners | Home health, skilled nursing, and ambulatory clinics dot the corridor—exact ATC contracts change annually. |
Clinical assignments come from ATC’s affiliated agencies; request the official site list for your admit term rather than assuming a specific employer partnership.
Student Experience & Campus Life
ATC is a commuter-serving technical college: most nursing students drive to the Graniteville campus for theory, skills labs, and simulation before traveling to clinicals. Student life centers on academic support (including advising and the Academic Success Center referenced on recruitment pages), health-science labs, and regional clinical partnerships rather than on-campus housing.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Graniteville, SC (Aiken County)
- Main campus address
- 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC 29829, US
- General telephone
- (803) 593-9231
- Enrollment Services
- Ashley J. Little Administration Building, Room 152 · (803) 508-7263 · admissions@atc.edu
- Website
- atc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the latest ADN, LPN-to-ADN, and PN application PDFs from the Nursing Program Overview.
- Build a cost model using the 2025–2026 tuition chart PDF plus nursing lab fees.
- Register for TEAS 7 through RegisterBlast after reading ATC’s retake rules.
- Meet with Enrollment Services or a nursing advisor to verify prerequisite pacing and transcripts.
- Gather immunization, CPR, and background-check documents expected before clinical rotations.
- Bookmark ATC’s ADN outcomes PDF and LLR’s NCLEX statistics for future comparisons.
- Submit the free online application at apply.atc.edu if you have not yet gained general college admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aiken Technical College offer a BSN on campus?
No. ATC awards the Associate in Applied Science with a major in Nursing (ADN) and the Practical Nursing diploma. After RN licensure, students may pursue RN-to-BSN pathways with partners ATC lists—confirm current agreements with USC Aiken, MUSC, Claflin, or other universities.
What is the latest first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Aiken Technical College’s ADN program?
ATC’s published ADN outcomes cite 92.06% first-time for calendar year 2024 (58 of 63 test takers). Prior years in the same PDF: 98.08% (2023) and 98% (2022). Cross-check newer cohorts in the PDF and the South Carolina LLR NCLEX-RN ADN table.
Does Aiken Technical College use TEAS 7 for nursing admission?
Yes. The ATC Test Center describes ATI TEAS 7, a $90 fee, roughly four-hour administration, and a limit of two attempts per academic year with a 30-day wait. Minimum scores and validity periods are defined in the nursing application—confirm each cycle.
How much is tuition per credit at Aiken Technical College for 2025–2026?
ATC lists $200 per credit for Aiken County residents, $240 for other South Carolina residents, $200 for Richmond/Columbia County GA residents plus a reciprocal fee, and $314 for out-of-state students. Add technology fees, the $24/credit Ready for Success fee, and the $150 enrollment fee.
Where is Aiken Technical College located?
The main campus is at 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC 29829, serving the Aiken–Augusta region.
Is Aiken Technical College nursing accredited?
ATC’s nursing page states both ADN and Practical Nursing hold ACEN continuing accreditation and list South Carolina Board of Nursing oversight. Verify with ACEN and LLR before you enroll.
Can LPNs bridge to RN at Aiken Technical College?
Yes. ATC offers LPN-to-ADN transition programs, including an evening track. Licensed practical nurses must meet transition admission rules in the application packets.
What job-placement data does Aiken Technical College publish?
The ADN outcomes PDF reports employment among survey respondents one year after graduation—for 2024, 54 of 73 graduates responded (74% response) and those respondents reported employment aligned with the program. Not all graduates responded; confirm details with ATC.
Who can I call about admissions at Aiken Technical College?
Enrollment Services lists (803) 508-7263 and admissions@atc.edu for admissions questions.
References
- Aiken Technical College — Nursing programs hubatc.edu
- Aiken Technical College — Nursing Program Overviewatc.edu
- Aiken Technical College — ADN EOPSLO and Outcomes (PDF)atc.edu (PDF)
- Aiken Technical College — Tuition and Feesatc.edu
- Aiken Technical College — 2025–2026 Tuition and Fees Chart (PDF)atc.edu (PDF)
- Aiken Technical College — TEAS / nursing testingatc.edu
- Aiken Technical College — Enrollment Servicesatc.edu
- South Carolina Board of Nursing (LLR) — NCLEX statisticsllr.sc.gov
- 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 alignment with ATC nursing webpages, the 2025–2026 tuition schedule, ADN program outcomes disclosures, TEAS testing materials, and South Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX resources on LLR.
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 South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-31 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy