Jackson State Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Jackson State Community College (JSCC), a Tennessee Board of Regents school in Jackson, offers a competitive A.A.S. nursing major (ADN pathway) plus an LPN-RN Career Mobility track. This guide summarizes official admissions language, 2025-2026 tuition from JSCC’s published fee schedule, and NCLEX-RN figures disclosed by JSCC—always confirm current cohort data with JSCC and the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
JSCC anchors nursing education in Jackson’s Jim Moss Center for Nursing, runs twice-yearly traditional cohorts plus a summer-entry LPN-RN bridge, and publishes competitive, points-based selection that favors Tennessee residents—ideal if you want a Board of Regents price point with hands-on clinicals across West Tennessee.
Overview & Why Students Choose JSCC
West Tennessee residents often look to Jackson State Community College when they want a public, open-access college that still admits nursing students through a competitive, limited-seat process. JSCC’s catalog-style description emphasizes clinical judgment, communication, and management-of-care competencies that mirror employers’ expectations for new graduate nurses.
The college articulates clearly that clinical experiences occur in hospitals, clinics, and extended-care settings—and that affiliates, not the college, make the final call on student clearance. Plan budgeting for background checks, immunizations, travel to clinical sites, and the comprehensive exit exam referenced in JSCC policy statements.
An October 9, 2023 JSCC news release reported a 100% first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rate among 45 graduates who tested in that cycle—label it as school-reported for a single cohort, not a guarantee. For regulator-level pass-rate tables, use the Tennessee Board of Nursing educational program resources and confirm the newest publication year with both the Board and JSCC Nursing.
Reasons students choose Jackson State
Two pre-licensure entry plans
Pursue the traditional A.A.S. track with fall/spring starts or accelerate via the LPN-RN Career Mobility sequence that compresses RN coursework into three semesters once prerequisites are complete.
Transparent selection rubric
JSCC publishes GPA minimums, ACT/placement expectations, and a point-based ranking system so applicants understand how ACT scores, GPA, assessments, coursework, and service-area residency influence seat offers.
Documented NCLEX tradition
JSCC’s 2023 news story notes the program has averaged a 96% first-time pass rate across ten years and hit 100% in ten separate classes over that span—use it as context, then verify the newest Board data.
West Tennessee clinical network
Official copy references varied hospitals, clinics, and long-term care partners so students see multiple care environments before NCLEX eligibility.
Jim Moss Center for Nursing
Dedicated nursing division space on campus supports skills labs, faculty office hours, and the student supports described in the Nursing Student Handbook (available through the program).
Nursing Programs Offered
JSCC does not list standalone BSN, MSN, or DNP majors on its public nursing program pages—this is a community-college, pre-licensure RN environment. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) credential aligns with how we discuss an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) pathway in NurseOnShift guides.
Pre-licensure RN programs
Traditional A.A.S. Nursing (ADN)
Full-time sequencing across four semesters after prerequisites. JSCC requires 14 semester hours of general education prerequisites, a nursing admission exam, and formal acceptance. Application deadlines: March 1 for fall and September 1 for spring (per the JSCC nursing program page).
LPN-RN Career Mobility
Licensed practical nurses with a Tennessee or multistate LPN license complete 20 prerequisite hours (grades of C or better) including refreshed science rules for BIOL 2020 and HSC 190. The bridge runs summer through spring across three semesters; applications are due February 1 for summer entry.
JSCC enforces C-or-better grading, limits on repeating clinical courses, comprehensive exam clearance, immunizations, drug screens, and affiliate-specific policies. Clinical agencies may deny placement even if you are academically qualified, so read the Nursing Student Handbook before committing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to a Jackson State news article dated October 9, 2023, the most recent publicly highlighted cohort achieved a 100% first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rate among 45 graduates who tested at that time. The same release notes Tennessee’s regulatory expectation of an 85% first-time pass benchmark for programs and summarizes JSCC’s longer-term performance claims.
Because automated tools could not retrieve a Tennessee Board of Nursing PDF during this review, treat the Board’s posted program reports as the authority for regulator-formatted rates by academic year. Use the links below and download the newest table for “Jackson State Community College.”
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (school-reported cohort) | 100% (45 first-time test takers cited in JSCC news, Oct 9, 2023) |
| Regulatory / official program report | Consult the Tennessee Board of Nursing educational program publications for the reporting year you need. |
| Source | JSCC news (2023); Tennessee Board of Nursing — Educational Programs. Confirm current cohorts with JSCC Nursing and the Board. |
First-time pass percentages swing with each graduating class. A school news release describes one cohort; the Board’s spreadsheet may use different cutoff dates or combine programs—always reconcile both sources before deciding.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
JSCC’s public nursing pages focus on Tennessee licensure eligibility after completing the curriculum, but community-college nursing programs often have additional requirements for international applicants (English proficiency, transcript evaluation, visa eligibility for clinical courses). Treat the checklist below as guidance, not legal advice.
- English proficiency: Confirm whether JSCC’s International Programs office or Admissions requires TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for nursing majors.
- Credential evaluation: Gather course-by-course evaluations if you completed prerequisites outside the United States.
- Tennessee Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses seeking licensure by examination or endorsement must follow Board instructions separate from college admission.
- Clinical clearance: Affiliates may impose immigration-related restrictions; verify early with JSCC clinical coordinators.
Ask both JSCC Admissions and the Tennessee Board of Nursing for rules in effect for your target term.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Jackson State nursing is limited access: you must first apply to the college, complete prerequisite coursework, then submit the separate nursing application through JSCC’s LAMP portal. Applicants are ranked by a published point system combining ACT performance, cumulative GPA, additional assessments, coursework bonuses, and service-area residency preference.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (traditional ADN) | March 1 | Program application due per JSCC nursing program page. |
| Spring (traditional ADN) | September 1 | Program application due per JSCC nursing program page. |
| Summer (LPN-RN Mobility) | February 1 | Separate track; valid LPN license required. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum college GPA | 2.5 cumulative on a 4.0 scale (JSCC nursing additional information page). |
| ACT / placement | National ACT minimums: Writing 18, Reading 19, Math 19—or acceptable placement scores or completion of learning support. |
| Admission exam | Required; JSCC refers to a nursing admission exam—confirm the current vendor (ATI, HESI, etc.) with the Nursing Office at (731) 425-2622. |
| Prerequisites (traditional) | 14 hours including ENGL 1010, BIOL 2010, BIOL 2020, HSC 190 per JSCC sample schedule. |
| Prerequisites (LPN-RN) | 20 hours with grades of C or better; BIOL 2020 & HSC 190 within five years of enrollment where applicable. |
| Repeat-course policy | Applicants with two or more nursing D/F grades across multiple terms at other programs may be ineligible unless Academic Fresh Start applies. |
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed (seat numbers vary; alternate list up to ~20 students cited on JSCC nursing info). |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Jackson State publishes Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) tuition bands each academic year. The figures below come directly from the Fall and Spring 2025-2026 Fee Schedule PDF linked on JSCC’s tuition page; multiply by your planned credit load, then add books, uniforms, testing fees, travel, and clinical compliance costs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-state program tuition | $191 per credit hour for hours 1-12; tiered total for 13+ hours (see formula in PDF). |
| Out-of-state program tuition | $331 per credit hour for hours 1-12; tiered total for 13+ hours. |
| Mandatory fees (examples) | Technology, activity, program services, and international education fees per credit block—e.g., $240 total in-state charge for a single credit hour inclusive of tuition + listed fees in the table. |
| Online / eCampus | Separate 2025-26 schedules exist for eCampus and eRates; nursing courses may include online fees—use the schedule matching your delivery mode. |
| Source | JSCC Tuition & Fees → 2025-2026 Fall & Spring Fee Schedule (PDF). Confirm with the Bursar before registering. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
After licensure, RN graduates typically staff hospitals, home health, clinics, and long-term care employers across West Tennessee. Use JSCC’s consumer information pages and state workforce tools when evaluating salary ranges—treat marketing statistics as snapshots, not guarantees.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass | 100% among 45 testers (JSCC news release, Oct 9, 2023). Confirm newer cohorts via Tennessee Board releases. |
| Program completion (website snapshot) | JSCC’s nursing page statistics block lists a 57% graduation metric—confirm definition with Institutional Research. |
| Job placement | JSCC highlights placement on the nursing landing page; ask the Nursing Office for the cohort year and methodology backing any percentage. |
| Source | JSCC Nursing program page; JSCC news (2023). |
Is Jackson State the Right Fit for You?
JSCC works best for applicants who thrive in structured, face-to-face clinical programs and can meet strict deadlines for applications, vaccines, and compliance documentation.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an affordable Tennessee public ADN with documented NCLEX preparation.
- Already live in or near the college’s service region and can travel to West Tennessee clinical affiliates.
- Are comfortable with competitive, points-based admission rather than open enrollment into nursing courses.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a fully online pre-licensure RN program (JSCC emphasizes onsite clinical immersion).
- Cannot commit to daytime/weekday clinical blocks or unpredictable travel distances.
- Expect immediate BSN conferral without transferring after the A.A.S.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Jackson serves as a regional hub between west Tennessee and the Mississippi River corridor, hosting tertiary services, community hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and long-term care networks. That concentration supports diverse clinical rotations—med-surg, community health, and continuing care—though JSCC assigns specific sites by term.
| Organization / context | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| West Tennessee referral care | Patients travel to Jackson for specialty care, so students may see higher-acuity cases than in purely rural rotations. |
| Community & rural health | Mobile clinics and smaller hospitals reinforce primary-care competencies required of new grads. |
| Employer demand | Long-standing nursing shortages in the Mid-South sustain hiring activity—confirm local sign-on incentives directly with recruiters. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students primarily gather at the Jim Moss Center for Nursing, which houses faculty offices, skills laboratories, and simulation spaces referenced in JSCC photography and recruiting content. The wider campus offers mainstream community-college supports—tutoring via the Academic Assistance Center, library reserves for the Nursing Student Handbook, athletics as the Green Jays, and student clubs for broader involvement.
Expect a commuter-heavy culture: many students balance work and family, so time management and early planning for clinical shifts are essential.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Jackson, TN
- Address
- 2046 North Parkway, Jackson, TN 38301, US
- Main telephone
- (731) 424-3520
- Nursing Division
- (731) 425-2622 · Jim Moss Center for Nursing
- Website
- jscc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the JSCC nursing program page and download or request the Nursing Student Handbook.
- Compare your transcripts to ENGL 1010, BIOL 2010/2020, and HSC 190 requirements (traditional) or the 20-hour LPN-RN list.
- Submit national ACT scores or complete learning support; call (731) 425-2622 to confirm the current admission assessment.
- Build a spreadsheet of deadlines: March 1 / September 1 for traditional, February 1 for LPN-RN summer.
- Estimate cost using the 2025-2026 fee PDF plus clinical extras.
- Bookmark the Tennessee Board of Nursing resource hub for pass-rate publications.
- Complete the general JSCC application early so you are eligible to file the nursing application on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jackson State Community College offer an ADN program?
Yes. The A.A.S. nursing major at JSCC is the college’s primary pre-licensure RN track, plus an LPN-RN Career Mobility option. Both prepare for NCLEX-RN eligibility after Tennessee Board approval requirements are met.
What are the JSCC nursing application deadlines?
Traditional cohorts use March 1 (fall) and September 1 (spring). The LPN-RN track uses February 1 for summer entry. Deadlines published on jscc.edu can change—verify with the Nursing Division.
What GPA and test scores does JSCC nursing need?
JSCC lists a 2.5 cumulative college GPA, ACT minimums (Writing 18, Reading 19, Math 19) or approved placement, and a nursing admissions exam. Points are awarded for GPA, ACT, residency, and other factors outlined by the Nursing Office.
What is Jackson State’s NCLEX-RN pass rate?
According to an October 9, 2023 JSCC article, graduates in that news cycle achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate among 45 first-time test takers. Always pair school news with the newest Tennessee Board of Nursing program table for regulator-format data.
How much is JSCC tuition in 2025-2026?
The Fall/Spring 2025-2026 fee schedule shows $191 per in-state credit (hours 1-12) and $331 per out-of-state credit, plus mandatory per-credit fees. Download the PDF on JSCC’s tuition page for your exact semester load.
Is Jackson State nursing accredited?
JSCC states ACEN accreditation and Tennessee Board of Nursing approval on its public pages. Reconfirm statuses before applying because accreditation actions can update between catalog years.
Does JSCC nursing require the TEAS?
Official pages refer to a “nursing admission exam” without consistently naming TEAS in the crawled text. Call (731) 425-2622 to learn which assessment is live for your application cycle.
Can LPNs bridge to RN at JSCC?
Yes, via the LPN-RN Career Mobility track: valid Tennessee or multistate LPN license, 20 hours of prerequisites, February 1 application, and summer start if accepted.
Where will I complete clinical rotations?
JSCC assigns affiliates such as hospitals, clinics, and extended-care facilities in the region. Exact agencies rotate; expect background checks, drug screens, and vaccine documentation before placement.
References
- Jackson State Community College — Nursing programjscc.edu/academics/programs/nursing/
- JSCC — LPN-RN Career Mobilityjscc.edu/…/lpn-rn-career-mobility-track/
- JSCC — Nursing additional information / admissions detailsjscc.edu/…/nursing-info/
- JSCC News — NCLEX first-time pass (Oct 9, 2023)jscc.edu/news/2023/…
- Tennessee Board of Nursing — Educational programs / resourcestn.gov nursing educational programs
- 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 sourcing, Tennessee Board alignment, JSCC admissions wording, and 2025-2026 tuition figures from the published fee schedule.
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 Jackson State Community College and the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy