Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Nursing Program: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBWCC) is a public community college based in Andalusia, Alabama, offering ACEN-accredited Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing pathways approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. This guide brings together NCLEX outcomes, per‑credit tuition estimates, admissions context, and international student requirements so you can realistically compare LBWCC with other Alabama ADN and community college options.
Contents
Quick facts for 2026 applicants
*NCLEX‑RN 3‑year average from RNCareers.org; see NCLEX section for state and national context. †Per‑credit figures summarize LBWCC’s Fall 2025 tuition and fee chart; always confirm the latest cost tables on the official website.
Key takeaway (who LBWCC fits)
LBWCC’s nursing options are built around the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing and a Practical Nursing certificate that align with regional workforce needs in south‑central Alabama. External NCLEX‑RN data show performance below state and national ADN averages, so LBWCC may work best for students who value a smaller community‑college environment and are prepared to be proactive about study habits, tutoring, and clinical readiness rather than those who are simply chasing the highest reported pass rates.
Overview: how LBWCC approaches nursing education
LBWCC’s nursing page emphasizes nursing as a professional career requiring critical thinking, compassionate care, and the ability to support clients through lifestyle changes and chronic conditions. The Associate Degree Nursing program is positioned as an opportunity for students who are ready to advance or begin a nursing career at the community‑college level, with program locations at the MacArthur Campus in Opp and the Greenville Campus.
Degree plans are organized as Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (Track 1 and Track 2), while the Practical Nursing certificate is tied to the same U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics codes used for Registered Nurses (29‑1141.00) and Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (29‑2061.00). In practice, that means LBWCC prepares students specifically for entry‑level RN and LPN roles rather than for BSN, MSN, or DNP degrees on campus.
Nursing programs offered at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
LBWCC’s nursing offerings are centered on the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (with multiple tracks) and a Practical Nursing certificate. Program documents and the Nursing Student Handbook explain detailed plans of study and any embedded exit points; what follows is a high‑level, non‑promotional summary based on those public materials.
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (Track 1 & Track 2)
LBWCC’s Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing prepares graduates to seek RN licensure. Two degree plans—Track 1 and Track 2—outline slightly different course sequencing while covering the same core outcomes. Students complete general education and nursing courses, meet essential functions, and participate in clinical experiences before becoming eligible to sit for the NCLEX‑RN exam. The program is offered at the MacArthur Campus in Opp and the Greenville Campus and holds continuing accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Practical Nursing Certificate
The Practical Nursing program, offered at the MacArthur Campus in Opp, is also ACEN‑accredited. It prepares students to pursue licensure as Licensed Practical Nurses through the NCLEX‑PN exam and is aligned with U.S. SOC code 29‑2061.00. Public ACEN disclosures confirm that LBWCC’s Practical Nursing program has achieved initial accreditation; specific NCLEX‑PN percentages and completion or job placement data were Not available in the provided inputs/sources and should be confirmed by reviewing LBWCC’s Nursing Program Student Achievement report or contacting the nursing division.
Pathways beyond LBWCC
LBWCC does not offer on‑site BSN, MSN, or DNP programs. Graduates who complete the AAS in Nursing or Practical Nursing certificate typically pursue RN‑to‑BSN or other completion routes at four‑year institutions. Because BSN admission requirements and transfer policies vary widely, applicants should check each university’s prerequisites, GPA expectations, and credit‑transfer rules rather than assuming that all LBWCC nursing coursework will map cleanly into a future BSN or accelerated nursing program.
NCLEX‑RN performance and student outcomes
LBWCC publishes a Nursing Program Student Achievement document, and the ACEN website lists public accreditation information. In addition, RNCareers.org summarizes Board of Nursing data into school‑level NCLEX‑RN averages. Because LBWCC’s own PDF was not parsed in full for this guide, the NCLEX figures below rely on that external summary rather than on granular year‑by‑year institutional statistics.
| Metric | Value / Context |
|---|---|
| NCLEX‑RN 3‑year average (LBWCC) | 71.20% NCLEX‑RN passing rate average reported by RNCareers.org for Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. |
| Alabama ADN average | 81.98% average NCLEX‑RN passing rate for ADN programs in Alabama (RNCareers.org summary). |
| U.S. ADN average | 85.80% average NCLEX‑RN passing rate for ADN programs nationally (RNCareers.org summary). |
| NCLEX‑PN outcomes | Not available in the provided inputs/sources. Applicants should review LBWCC’s Nursing Program Student Achievement document or contact the nursing division for current NCLEX‑PN data. |
A 3‑year NCLEX‑RN average around 71%—below Alabama and U.S. ADN averages—does not automatically mean LBWCC is a poor fit, but it does suggest that you should ask targeted questions about recent cohorts, changes the program has made, and the level of academic and tutoring support offered. For example, you can request LBWCC’s Nursing Program Student Achievement report, look at trend lines over multiple years, and compare them with Alabama Board of Nursing statistics before deciding whether the program’s preparation aligns with your needs.
Job placement rates, on‑time completion, and employer feedback for LBWCC nursing graduates were Not publicly disclosed in the inputs used for this page; any detailed outcome percentages should be obtained directly from LBWCC’s institutional effectiveness or nursing offices.
Admissions: what LBWCC publishes (and what it doesn't)
LBWCC separates general admission to the college from selective admission to the nursing programs. All applicants must first complete the LBWCC admission application and submit required transcripts and documentation. The Nursing Program Information and Application Packet then outlines additional criteria specific to the Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing programs.
✅ What you can expect from public nursing admissions materials
- Separate program packet: LBWCC directs nursing applicants to a Nursing Program Information and Application Packet (for example, a 2026 PDF) that explains current eligibility criteria, required documents, and important dates for each entry term.
- General LBWCC admission: Completion of the college’s admission application and submission of required transcripts and documentation are prerequisites before a nursing application can be fully processed.
- Essential Functions and policies: Public documents such as the Essential Functions statement, Transfer and Progression Policy, and Nursing Student Handbook set expectations around physical, cognitive, and professional requirements for clinical participation.
- Board approval and licensure disclosures: LBWCC links to its Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosure and notes Alabama Board of Nursing approval of the nursing programs.
⚠️ What is not clearly published (or was not in the inputs)
- Exact nursing school acceptance rate: Not publicly disclosed.
- Typical GPA range for admitted cohorts: Not publicly disclosed; only minimums or eligibility thresholds are described in high‑level materials.
- Specific entrance exams and cut scores: The nursing packet and ACT Testing Information documents likely spell out whether ACT, TEAS, or other exams are required and what minimum scores apply; those precise figures were Not available in the provided inputs/sources.
- Detailed ranking formula: If LBWCC uses a point system combining GPA, test scores, and other factors, the exact weighting is not summarized on the general nursing page and should be confirmed inside the current application packet.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | What is known from public sources |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed. |
| Minimum GPA | Nursing packets reference minimum GPA expectations; however, exact GPA thresholds and the typical range of admitted students were Not available in the provided inputs/sources. |
| Entrance testing (ACT, TEAS, etc.) | LBWCC publishes ACT Testing Information and separate nursing application packets; these materials explain any required entrance exams and cut scores. Specific numeric cutoffs and whether TEAS is required were Not available in the provided inputs/sources and must be confirmed with LBWCC. |
| Healthcare experience | Preference for prior healthcare experience, if any, is not clearly detailed in the general nursing overview and was Not available in the provided inputs/sources. |
Before submitting a nursing application, download the most recent Nursing Program Information and Application Packet from LBWCC’s website and read it line by line alongside the Essential Functions, Transfer and Progression Policy, and Nursing Student Handbook. Use those documents to build a checklist of your GPA, completed prerequisites, and any entrance testing so you can see how your file compares to minimum thresholds. Because LBWCC does not publish a nursing acceptance rate, the safest approach is to assume admission is competitive and to treat minimums as baseline requirements rather than as targets.
Tuition and estimated cost of attendance
LBWCC, like other Alabama Community College System institutions, publishes a per‑credit‑hour tuition and fee chart as well as program‑level cost estimates. A Fall 2025 tuition and fee chart referenced in search results shows base tuition and additional standard fees that together determine the total cost per credit hour; separate nursing‑specific costs are detailed in the college’s estimated program cost documents.
| Category | Published or summarized amount |
|---|---|
| In‑state tuition (per credit hour) | $131 per credit hour (tuition only) on LBWCC’s Fall 2025 tuition chart. |
| Out‑of‑state tuition (per credit hour) | $262 per credit hour (tuition only) on the same chart. |
| Estimated in‑state total per credit | Approximately $187 per credit hour once mandatory per‑credit fees are added, based on the Fall 2025 tuition and fees chart. |
| Estimated out‑of‑state total per credit | Approximately $318 per credit hour including tuition and mandatory fees, based on the same chart. |
| Nursing‑specific program costs | Not fully itemized in the sources used for this guide. LBWCC’s estimated program cost documents list line‑item expenses for nursing, including uniforms, testing, background checks, and clinical requirements. |
| Annual cost of attendance | Not publicly disclosed in the specific inputs reviewed; full cost‑of‑attendance estimates (tuition, fees, housing, food, transportation, and books/supplies) are available through LBWCC’s financial aid and cost resources. |
Because tuition and fees can change each academic year, and nursing programs may have additional course‑ or term‑specific expenses, treat any single number (including the estimates above) as a starting point only. Always rely on the latest tuition and fee chart, estimated program cost document, and financial aid information hosted directly on lbwcc.edu when planning your budget.
International students & internationally educated nurses
LBWCC publishes a detailed International Students page that explains what is required before the college can issue an I‑20. That guidance applies to admission to LBWCC as an institution; additional program‑level requirements and Board of Nursing licensure rules may apply before you can enroll in nursing courses or qualify for NCLEX. The points below summarize what LBWCC itself lists for international applicants and how that intersects with nursing pathways, but they are not legal or immigration advice.
✅ LBWCC requirements before an I‑20 is issued
- Application and transcripts: Completion of the LBWCC admission application plus a certified, translated, and evaluated copy of the high school transcript (and any prior college transcripts for transfer students). LBWCC specifies that credential evaluations must be completed by an organization affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
- Identity and documentation: A current and valid passport or other official documentation to verify lawful presence, and a current photo (passport‑style preferred).
-
English‑language proficiency: LBWCC lists several ways to demonstrate English proficiency before an I‑20 can be issued:
- Minimum IELTS score of 5.5.
- Minimum TOEFL iBT total score of 61.
- Minimum TOEFL PBT total score of 500.
- Minimum Duolingo English Test score of 95.
- Step EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency score of 2A.
- Financial and health documentation: A signed, notarized statement verifying adequate financial support; payment of the I‑901 SEVIS fee; completion of LBWCC’s medical health history and immunization form; and proof of adequate health and life insurance (including repatriation) that must be maintained throughout enrollment.
⚠️ Additional questions for nursing & licensure
- Program‑specific English expectations: LBWCC’s international requirements establish baseline English proficiency for college admission. Ask the nursing division whether any higher thresholds or additional language support are recommended for Associate Degree Nursing or Practical Nursing applicants.
- Board of Nursing requirements: Internationally educated nurses should contact the Alabama Board of Nursing about credential evaluations (for example, CGFNS‑type reports), documentation of clinical hours, and whether separate English testing is required for NCLEX eligibility. Those steps are separate from LBWCC’s admission process.
- Visa status and clinical placements: F‑1 or other visa holders should speak with LBWCC’s admissions or designated international student contact about how full‑time enrollment, off‑campus clinical rotations, and any permissible employment (on‑campus or practical training) interact with immigration rules.
- Transfer of international credits: If you have prior nursing education abroad, confirm how NACES‑evaluated credits can or cannot be applied toward LBWCC’s AAS in Nursing or Practical Nursing certificate before you rely on a particular completion timeline.
LBWCC notes that the English‑language exam may be waived for students from certain English‑speaking countries (for example, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and others listed on the International Students page). However, the waiver list and documentation standards can change, and nursing programs and Boards of Nursing may maintain higher or separate expectations. Always confirm the most current rules directly with LBWCC’s admissions office and, where licensure is concerned, with the Alabama Board of Nursing before relying on any summary (including this one).
Is LBWCC the right nursing school fit for you?
LBWCC is best understood as a community‑college entry point into nursing rather than as a destination for students seeking highly selective BSN programs or graduate degrees on campus. Its strengths include ACEN accreditation, Board of Nursing approval, and defined AAS and PN pathways that can connect into the broader Alabama and regional workforce. At the same time, NCLEX‑RN averages below state and national ADN benchmarks mean that students should realistically assess how much structure, peer support, and self‑directed study they will need to thrive.
LBWCC can be a good fit if you:
- Prefer a smaller community‑college environment in south‑central Alabama over a large university campus.
- Plan to start with an AAS or Practical Nursing certificate and then consider RN‑to‑BSN or additional education later.
- Are comfortable taking additional responsibility for NCLEX preparation by using LBWCC resources, third‑party question banks, and structured study plans.
LBWCC may not be ideal if you:
- Are seeking a four‑year residential BSN experience or direct‑entry MSN or DNP on the same campus.
- Want a program whose recent NCLEX‑RN outcomes clearly exceed state and national ADN averages.
- Need an online‑only pre‑licensure nursing option; LBWCC’s nursing programs rely on in‑person clinical and lab experiences.
Resources & your next 7 days
Contact & location
- Main campus location
- Andalusia, Alabama (additional nursing program locations at MacArthur Campus in Opp and Greenville Campus)
- Address
- 1000 Dannelly Blvd., Andalusia, AL 36420 (see lbwcc.edu for campus‑specific directions)
- Telephone
- Not publicly disclosed in the sources used; see LBWCC Nursing or the college directory for current numbers.
- Contact email
- Program faculty and the Nursing Division Chair list emails such as kkelley@lbwcc.edu; verify the correct contact for your campus.
- Website
- www.lbwcc.edu
Key official resources
Your "next 7 days" checklist
- Download the current Nursing Program Information and Application Packet along with the Nursing Student Handbook and Essential Functions document, then map every requirement against your current transcripts and experience.
- If you are an international student or internationally educated nurse, review LBWCC’s International Students page and the Alabama Board of Nursing website, and list specific questions about English scores, credential evaluations, and NCLEX eligibility.
- Look up LBWCC’s Nursing Program Student Achievement PDF and note NCLEX‑RN and (if available) NCLEX‑PN rates for the last several cohorts, plus any program goals, so you can compare trend lines rather than relying on a single number.
- Use the estimated program cost document to build a personal budget that includes tuition, fees, clinical requirements, transportation, and potential lost income while in school.
- Schedule a meeting (phone, email, or in person) with an LBWCC nursing advisor or the Nursing Division Chair to clarify your competitiveness, prerequisites, and timeline.
- Compare LBWCC with at least two other Alabama community‑college ADN or PN programs using similarly sourced NCLEX and tuition data so you can choose based on fit, not just proximity.
- Mark all relevant LBWCC and financial‑aid deadlines on your calendar and work backwards to set dates for transcript requests, entrance testing (if required), and application submission.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lurleen B. Wallace Community College a good school for nursing?
LBWCC’s Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing programs are ACEN‑accredited and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing, which are important baseline quality signals. External NCLEX‑RN data from RNCareers.org show a 3‑year average pass rate of 71.20% for LBWCC, compared with ADN averages above 80% for Alabama and the U.S.; that gap does not exclude LBWCC as an option, but it does suggest that applicants should ask pointed questions about how the program supports students in reaching NCLEX readiness.
What GPA do I need for LBWCC’s nursing program?
LBWCC’s Nursing Program Information and Application Packet describes minimum GPA expectations for eligibility, but the complete packet text and typical GPA range for admitted cohorts were Not available in the provided inputs/sources. Treat any published minimum as a floor, not a target, and confirm current GPA criteria directly with the nursing division before applying.
Does LBWCC require the TEAS or ACT for nursing admission?
LBWCC publishes ACT Testing Information and a separate Nursing Program Information and Application Packet that together explain which entrance exams are required for each program and what minimum scores apply. Specific requirements and cut scores (for example, whether TEAS is used, what composite ACT score is needed, and how long scores remain valid) were Not available in the provided inputs/sources, so you should rely only on the current official documents when planning testing.
What are the English‑language requirements for international nursing applicants at LBWCC?
LBWCC’s International Students page states that international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with one of several exams: a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, a TOEFL iBT total score of 61, a TOEFL PBT score of 500, a Duolingo English Test score of 95, or a Step EIKEN score of 2A. These requirements apply to admission to LBWCC generally; nursing programs and the Alabama Board of Nursing may have additional expectations, so international and foreign‑educated nurses should confirm details with both the college and the Board before proceeding.
How much does LBWCC’s nursing program cost?
A Fall 2025 tuition chart lists in‑state tuition at $131 per credit hour and out‑of‑state tuition at $262 per credit hour, with mandatory fees bringing the estimated total cost to about $187 per credit hour for in‑state students and $318 for out‑of‑state students. LBWCC also publishes estimated program cost documents that break out nursing‑specific expenses such as uniforms, testing, immunizations, and background checks; those detailed estimates, rather than any third‑party averages, should guide your budgeting.
Where do LBWCC nursing graduates work after graduation?
Specific job‑placement rates and lists of common employers for LBWCC nursing graduates were Not publicly disclosed in the inputs used for this guide. Given the college’s location, graduates are likely to consider hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and clinics in Andalusia, Opp, Greenville, and surrounding communities, but you should confirm actual employer patterns with LBWCC’s nursing division or career services.
Data sources & transparency
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Lurleen B. Wallace Community College — Nursing program overview (degree plans, accreditation, program location, faculty, and links to Nursing Program Student Achievement, Handbook, and policies). lbwcc.edu/programs/health-programs/nursing
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Lurleen B. Wallace Community College — International Students admission requirements (I‑20 prerequisites, English‑language scores, transcript evaluation, financial and health documentation, and English‑speaking country waiver list). lbwcc.edu/future-students/admissions/admission-requirements/international-students
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Lurleen B. Wallace Community College — Estimated program cost and tuition/fees charts (per‑credit tuition, mandatory fees, nursing‑specific estimated costs by program). lbwcc.edu/future-students/financial-aid/estimated-program-cost
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Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) — public disclosures for LBWCC Associate Degree Nursing (Traditional and Mobility Tracks) and Practical Nursing programs. acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm
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RNCareers.org — Lurleen B Wallace Community College Nursing Programs, rankings and NCLEX‑RN comparisons (3‑year average, Alabama ADN and U.S. ADN benchmarks). rncareers.org/rn-programs/alabama/lurleen-b-wallace-community-college/
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Any item labeled “Not publicly disclosed” or “Not available in the provided inputs/sources” reflects the absence of that detail in the official LBWCC and ACEN documents, tuition charts, or Board‑linked references reviewed for this page. Those data points may exist elsewhere and should be confirmed directly with LBWCC or the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Editorial standards & review
About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal writes evidence‑based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift focused on NCLEX preparation, admissions clarity, and career readiness.
Medical/fact review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, against publicly available LBWCC, ACEN, and state‑level data sources. Where exact numbers could not be verified (for example, specific acceptance rates or recent PN NCLEX percentages), they are labeled “Not publicly disclosed” or “Not available in the provided inputs/sources” rather than estimated.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, immigration, financial, or admissions advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, policies, and NCLEX outcomes change; always verify details directly with Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and other official bodies before making decisions.
Published: Mar 12, 2026 · Last reviewed: Jun 9, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy