Northeast Alabama Community College Nursing Program: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Northeast Alabama Community College’s small nursing program on the Rainsville campus has drawn national attention for NCLEX pass rates that outpace both state and national averages, while keeping community‑college tuition levels. This guide consolidates what NACC and external sources publish about ADN and Practical Nursing pathways, outcomes, costs, and admissions so you can decide whether this high‑performing program is the right fit for your goals.
Contents
Quick facts for 2026 applicants
*Per‑credit tuition estimates are based on NACC tuition and fee schedules around 2025–26; confirm the most current in‑state and out‑of‑state rates on the official business office pages.
Key takeaway
NACC is a strong option if you want a community‑college ADN or LPN route with NCLEX results that have recently exceeded national averages, and you meet ACT‑plus‑GPA thresholds. At the same time, it is a small, rural‑region program with limited seats and no published acceptance rate, so you should confirm how applicants are ranked and how consistently recent NCLEX outcomes have been sustained before committing.
Overview & Why Students Choose Northeast Alabama Community College
Located in Rainsville in northeast Alabama, NACC’s nursing program is intentionally small but academically ambitious. In 2024, the college publicly highlighted that its ADN and LPN graduates achieved NCLEX pass rates above both state and national benchmarks, with 94.23% of ADN graduates and 100% of LPN graduates passing on the first attempt.
For students in the region who prefer a rural campus and personal attention over a large university environment, NACC offers a way to earn an RN or LPN at community‑college tuition levels without sacrificing licensure outcomes. The trade‑off is that admission is competitive, cohort sizes are limited, and you will need to be proactive about understanding how your ACT, GPA, and course history compare with those of typical admits.
Nursing Programs Offered
NACC structures its nursing curriculum so that students can pursue an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) with an embedded option to earn a Practical Nursing certificate along the way. Catalogs and news releases emphasize sequential courses, essential function standards, and a strong focus on NCLEX preparation.
Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (ADN)
The ADN program is a five‑semester plan of study (two academic years) designed to prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX‑RN. Students complete general education and nursing theory, skills lab, and clinical courses that build toward entry‑level registered nursing practice in hospitals, long‑term care, and community settings. NACC’s ADN program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Practical Nursing (PN) certificate
NACC also offers a three‑semester Practical Nursing certificate that leads to NCLEX‑PN eligibility. In addition to the stand‑alone PN option, students in the traditional ADN sequence may be able to earn the PN certificate after successfully completing the first three semesters of the ADN curriculum, then continue toward RN licensure. Public information notes that LPN graduates achieved a 100% NCLEX‑PN pass rate in 2024.
Detailed term‑by‑term course sequences, credit loads, and clinical hour expectations are laid out in NACC’s official nursing catalog pages and should be reviewed directly there before you finalize a plan.
List only programs NACC publishes for nursing applicants (ADN and LPN). Use official nursing program page as the source of truth if anything on this page looks outdated.
NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN results
The Alabama Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX examination pass rates by approved program in the Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) PDF (see also abn.alabama.gov). In that workbook, find this institution and the column for your program type (for example, Practical Nursing, Associate Degree, or Baccalaureate Degree). Rates can differ by pathway and reporting period.
CY2025 annual workbook: During an April 2026 editorial review, a public CY2025 file with the same “approved annual programs” layout was not confirmed on the Board’s site. Always check the Board for the latest posted year before comparing schools.
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024), Northeast Alabama Community College reported a 94.23% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree (ADN) program, and a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for its practical nursing (PN) program, and a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for its LPN stand-alone program (CY2024, first-time testers). Rates can differ by pathway, campus, and reporting year. Confirm the latest outcomes with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school before you compare programs.
A 2024 NACC news release reports that both ADN and LPN graduates outperformed national NCLEX averages. While the article cites specific percentages and comparisons, it is still important to cross‑check these claims with the Alabama Board of Nursing’s official program‑level data.
| Metric | Value / commentary |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 94.23% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 92.11%). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (practical nursing) | 100% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 100%). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (LPN stand-alone) | 100% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 100%). |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Northeast Alabama Community College and your program type. |
How to use NCLEX data in your decision
Strong single‑year pass rates are a positive sign, especially when they exceed national averages. For a complete picture, ask NACC for at least three to five years of NCLEX‑RN and NCLEX‑PN pass rates (including cohort sizes) and compare them to Alabama Board of Nursing data. That will show you whether 2024 was an exceptional year or part of a sustained pattern.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
NACC welcomes international students and has specific requirements for F‑1 visa holders. These apply at the college level and must be met in addition to any nursing program criteria and Alabama Board of Nursing rules for licensure.
| Requirement | Summary from NACC sources |
|---|---|
| English‑language proficiency | NACC accepts IELTS and TOEFL scores; IELTS Academic with a minimum overall band score of 5.5 is listed for associate‑level programs. Specific TOEFL score thresholds are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
| Financial & visa documentation | International students must submit financial affidavits, SEVIS fee receipts, visa documentation, and official transcripts. NACC notes that international students pay out‑of‑state tuition and must arrange private housing. |
| Housing and aid | NACC does not provide on‑campus housing and notes that no institutional financial aid is available for international students in the sources reviewed. |
| Nursing‑specific considerations | Program‑level English score expectations and additional requirements for internationally educated nurses are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; applicants should confirm with NACC admissions and the Alabama Board of Nursing. |
Because immigration and licensure rules change frequently, treat this section as guidance only. Double‑check all requirements with NACC’s international student advisors and the Alabama Board of Nursing before making decisions about visas or relocation.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
NACC’s nursing programs use a structured, point‑based selection process that centers on ACT scores and GPA thresholds. Admission is competitive and seat‑limited; meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance.
| Program | Key published admission requirements |
|---|---|
| Traditional ADN (AAS) | Minimum 18 ACT composite; minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (high school for first‑time, or current/transfer institution for others); minimum 2.5 GPA on required academic core courses; eligibility for ENG 101, BIO 201, and MTH 100; unconditional admission to the college; completion of all application steps by the nursing deadline. |
| Stand-alone Practical Nursing (PN) | ACT score required but no published minimum (used for ranking); minimum 2.5 GPA on specified core courses (ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201, BIO 202, PSY 210, SPH 106 or 107); minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the current or transfer institution; eligibility for required English, math, and science courses. |
| TEAS exam | TEAS is not listed as an admission requirement in the catalog and program materials reviewed; TEAS policy was not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages and should be confirmed directly with NACC. |
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed. |
Because selection is point‑based, applicants with ACT scores above 18 and GPAs noticeably above 2.5 are more likely to be competitive. Ask NACC for the latest admission rubric to see how points are assigned to ACT score, GPA, core course completion, and any additional factors (for example, prior healthcare coursework).
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
NACC’s tuition and fee structure is typical of Alabama community colleges: a per‑credit rate plus required fees that vary with enrollment. External and catalog sources give clear per‑credit figures but do not fully break out program‑specific nursing fees in the materials reviewed.
| Cost component | Approximate 2025–26 value |
|---|---|
| In‑state tuition (per credit) | Approximately $131 per credit hour for Alabama residents. |
| Out‑of‑state tuition (per credit) | Approximately $262 per credit hour for non‑residents. |
| Estimated 12‑credit semester (in‑state) | External summaries cite around $2,184 per semester (tuition plus fees) for full‑time in‑state students; confirm current totals on NACC’s tuition and fees page. |
| Estimated 12‑credit semester (out‑of‑state) | External summaries cite around $3,756 per semester for out‑of‑state students, including mandatory fees; again, verify on the official site. |
| Nursing‑specific costs | Additional costs for uniforms, exams, clinical requirements, immunizations, and insurance are implied but not fully detailed in the official sources reviewed for this guide; ask NACC for a current nursing cost sheet. |
To estimate your full cost of attendance, combine tuition and standard fees with books, supplies, transportation to clinical sites, and living expenses. Use NACC’s net price information and talk with financial aid about federal, state, and local scholarships you may qualify for.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
For employment, salary, and licensure outcomes tied to Northeast Alabama Community College, use the program’s official disclosures, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and direct questions to admissions and career services. Results vary by cohort and how “placement” or “employment” is defined.
| Metric | How to verify |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN / NCLEX-PN | Use ABN program data and Northeast Alabama Community College’s published cohort results; confirm reporting year and program track. |
| Job placement / employment | If Northeast Alabama Community College publishes rates, note the source year and methodology; otherwise ask the school for the latest consumer or accreditation disclosures. |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing · Northeast Alabama Community College nursing or institutional research pages. |
Is Northeast Alabama Community College the Right Fit for You?
Good fit if…
- You want a community‑college ADN or LPN route with NCLEX results that have recently exceeded national averages.
- You are comfortable with ACT‑ and GPA‑based admissions and confident you can meet or exceed an ACT 18 and a 2.5+ GPA on required core courses.
- You prefer a smaller, rural campus environment where faculty know students by name, instead of a large urban university setting.
May not be ideal if…
- You want a four‑year BSN from day one rather than an ADN or LPN‑to‑RN path.
- You are looking for fully online pre‑licensure nursing; NACC’s ADN and PN programs require significant on‑campus and clinical time.
- You want a school that publishes a detailed public acceptance rate and multi‑year NCLEX trend tables; NACC highlights outcomes, but deeper data comes via direct request and Board of Nursing reports.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Clinical partnerships and community sites for Northeast Alabama Community College change over time. Check the school’s nursing pages for current affiliates and use this section as a reminder to compare employer demand where you plan to work.
| Topic | Next step |
|---|---|
| Clinical sites | Confirm with Northeast Alabama Community College which facilities host students for your program and term. |
| Regional employers | Review local health system career pages and state workforce summaries alongside ABN licensure trends. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Campus location, nursing facilities, simulation labs, student groups, and support services are specific to Northeast Alabama Community College. Review the official nursing and student life pages—or visit—before assuming amenities match another school.
- Ask about simulation access, tutoring, and advising for nursing students.
- Confirm housing, transportation, and wellness resources on the main college or university site.
Resources & Next Steps
Use this checklist to contact NACC, verify details, and structure a one‑week plan for deciding whether to apply.
- Campus location
- Rainsville, Alabama
- Address
- 138 Highway 35, Rainsville, AL 35986, United States
- Telephone number
- Not published on the school’s public nursing pages (see NACC’s directory or nursing pages for current phone contacts).
- Contact email
- Not published on the school’s public nursing pages (use general or program‑specific contacts listed on NACC’s site).
- Website
- Northeast Alabama Community College Nursing
- Read NACC’s official nursing catalog pages for ADN and Practical Nursing, paying close attention to essential functions, course sequences, and how the PN certificate can stack into the ADN.
- Compare the required core courses (ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201, BIO 202, PSY 210, SPH 106/107) with your transcript and map out what you still need to complete before or during the nursing program.
- If you have not taken the ACT recently, review whether your existing score meets NACC’s thresholds and, if needed, register for an upcoming ACT date that leaves time for scores to arrive before the nursing deadline.
- Request the most recent NCLEX‑RN and NCLEX‑PN outcome data from NACC and compare it with the Alabama Board of Nursing’s annual report to understand multi‑year trends.
- Use NACC’s tuition and fee information to sketch a budget for at least your first year, including tuition, fees, books, transportation, and any anticipated nursing program charges.
- Talk with at least one current or recent NACC nursing student (through local networks, social media, or college‑hosted sessions) about workload, clinical sites, and how they balanced the program with work or family responsibilities.
- Compare NACC with at least one university BSN option and one other Alabama community college ADN/PN program (for example, Bevill State or Bishop State) to see which mix of cost, location, and outcomes best fits your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northeast Alabama Community College a good school for nursing?
NACC’s ACEN‑accredited ADN and Practical Nursing programs report strong NCLEX results, including a 2024 ADN NCLEX‑RN pass rate of 94.23% and a 100% NCLEX‑PN pass rate for LPN graduates, both above cited national averages. Those outcomes, combined with small class sizes and community‑college tuition, make NACC a compelling option for many applicants in the region.
What GPA do you need for NACC nursing?
For ADN, NACC lists a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 GPA on required core academic courses. For the stand‑alone PN program, applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA on specified core courses and a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the current or transfer institution. The college does not publish a typical GPA range for admitted students, so you should treat 2.5 as a minimum rather than a target.
What ACT score do I need for admission?
For the traditional ADN program, NACC requires a minimum ACT composite score of 18. For the stand‑alone PN program, an ACT score is required and used for ranking, but a specific minimum score is not listed in the materials reviewed. Because admission is point‑based, higher ACT scores will generally strengthen your application.
Does NACC require the TEAS exam?
In the catalog and program pages reviewed, NACC emphasizes ACT requirements and does not list TEAS as an admission requirement for ADN or PN. TEAS policy was not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; always confirm directly with the nursing department in case testing policies change.
How competitive is admission to NACC’s nursing programs?
NACC describes its nursing programs as selective and uses a point‑based system that weighs ACT scores, GPA, and completion of key courses. The exact nursing school acceptance rate is Not publicly disclosed, so applicants should ask how many students typically apply versus how many seats are available in recent cohorts.
Does NACC offer a way to become an LPN on the path to RN?
Yes. NACC offers a three‑semester Practical Nursing certificate and notes that students in the traditional ADN sequence may have the option to earn the PN certificate after three semesters. This can allow you to become an LPN first, then continue toward the ADN and RN licensure.
What is the tuition for NACC nursing students?
Recent estimates place in‑state tuition at about $131 per credit hour and out‑of‑state tuition at about $262 per credit hour, with a 12‑credit in‑state semester costing around $2,184 including standard fees. These are general figures; you should confirm the latest rates and nursing‑specific fees with NACC’s business office and program cost sheets.
References
- Nursing | Northeast Alabama Community College — ADN and PN program descriptions and admission requirementscatalog.nacc.edu/nursing
- NACC news release — Nursing program NCLEX pass rates outpacing national averages (2024)nacc.edu/news
- ACEN program accreditation listing — Northeast Alabama Community Collegeacenursing.org
- NACC tuition and fees — business office and catalog pagesnacc.edu/tuition-and-fees
- NACC international student admissions and English proficiency informationnacc.edu/international-students
- Alabama Board of Nursing — Program approval and NCLEX statistics for Alabama nursing programsabn.alabama.gov
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal writes evidence‑based nursing school guides for NurseOnShift, with a focus on NCLEX outcomes, admissions transparency, and cost awareness across community colleges and universities.
Medical/fact review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, against publicly available NACC, ACEN, tuition, and state‑level data sources. Where precise figures (for example, acceptance rates or complete multi‑year NCLEX tables) were not published, they are labeled “Not publicly disclosed” or “Not published on the school’s public nursing pages” rather than estimated.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, immigration, financial, or admissions advice. Requirements, tuition, policies, and NCLEX outcomes change; always verify details directly with Northeast Alabama Community College, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and other official bodies before making decisions.
Published: Apr 2, 2026· Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026