Gadsden State Community College Nursing Program: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Gadsden Stateâs Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Practical Nursing, and LPN/Paramedic-to-ADN mobility pathways sit inside a competitive Alabama community-college systemâyet its 2023 graduating classes reported a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate for both RN and PN. This guide walks through programs, outcomes, costs, admissions requirements, and key questions to ask before you apply.
Contents
Quick Facts
Overview & Why Students Choose Gadsden State Community College
Gadsden State Community College offers ADN and Practical Nursing pathways plus an LPN/Paramedic-to-ADN mobility route, positioning it as a practical choice for students who want to become nurses without starting in a four-year university. Instead of offering a BSN on its own, Gadsden State focuses on entry-level RN and LPN preparation that can be stacked with future RN-to-BSN or graduate study.
For many students in northeast Alabama, the appeal is clear: lower community-college tuition, commuting distance instead of relocation, and the ability to earn an income as an LPN or ADN-level RN before committing to a bachelorâs degree. The tradeoff is competitive, seat-limited admission and the need to plan carefully around ACT scores, GPA requirements, and application windows.
All program, NCLEX, and admissions information here is based on Gadsden Stateâs official program pages, text-only catalog entries, and a 2024 news release about NCLEX outcomes, plus national/state NCLEX data referenced in that release. Any metric not explicitly published is labeled âNot publicly disclosedâ or âNot published on the school’s public nursing pagesâ in line with YMYL best practices.
Nursing Programs Offered
Gadsden Stateâs nursing offerings are organized into three main tracks: a traditional ADN for first-time college students or career changers, a Practical Nursing certificate for those who want to enter the workforce quickly as LPNs, and an LPN/Paramedic-to-ADN mobility option for already-licensed clinicians.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
A five-semester Associate in Applied Science program that prepares you for NCLEX-RN and entry-level RN roles in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care environments.
- Includes general-education prerequisites plus upper-level nursing theory and clinical rotations.
- Clinical experiences take place in regional healthcare facilities serving northeast Alabama.
- Graduates can pursue RN-to-BSN programs at four-year institutions after licensure.
Practical Nursing (LPN)
A three-semester certificate that prepares graduates for NCLEX-PN and employment as Licensed Practical Nurses under RN or provider supervision.
- Focus on bedside skills, medication administration, and long-term care environments.
- Provides a quicker on-ramp into nursing, often with fewer semesters than the ADN.
- Many graduates later transition into ADN programs through mobility pathways.
LPN/Paramedic-to-ADN Mobility
A three-semester pathway that builds on your existing license and clinical experience, granting advanced standing toward the ADN and NCLEX-RN eligibility.
- Requires an unencumbered Alabama or compact LPN/paramedic license.
- Designed for working clinicians who want to expand their scope of practice and earning potential.
- Admission windows and limited seats mean you should confirm timelines early with Gadsden State.
Community college nursing names and admission cycles change. Confirm ADN details for Gadsden State on official nursing program page before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
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), Gadsden State Community College reported a 98.28% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree (ADN) program, and a 96.08% 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 Gadsden State news release reported that the collegeâs nursing programs achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate in 2023 for both ADN (RN) and Practical Nursing (PN) graduates. The same release notes that this performance exceeded national associate-degree RN and PN averages as well as the Alabama state average for that year.
| Metric | Gadsden State (2023) | Benchmarks* | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 98.28% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 97.7%). | ||
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (practical nursing) | 96.08% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 98.28%). | ||
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (LPN stand-alone) | 100% per ABN CY2024 annual report. | ||
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Gadsden State Community College and your program type. |
A standout NCLEX year is encouraging, but ask:
- How many students took NCLEX in each track (ADN and PN)?
- What have pass rates looked like over the last 3â5 years?
- What tutoring, remediation, or NCLEX prep resources are available if you struggle?
These questions help you understand whether 2023 reflects a consistent pattern or a particularly strong cohort.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Gadsden Stateâs nursing pages do not provide detailed guidance for international students or internationally educated nurses. However, as a community college, it may enroll international students under its broader institutional policies, and some internationally educated nurses may use ADN or PN programs as part of their U.S. licensure journey.
Because the specific requirements and options are Not published on the school’s public nursing pages, you should speak directly with both the international student office and the nursing department before applying.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to Gadsden Stateâs ADN, Practical Nursing, and mobility programs is selective and limited by faculty and clinical capacity. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance, but falling short of them will likely keep your application from being considered.
| Requirement | ADN | Practical Nursing | LPN/Paramedic-to-ADN Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| College admission | Unconditional admission to Gadsden State | Unconditional admission to Gadsden State | Unconditional admission to Gadsden State |
| Entrance exam | ACT composite or superscore of 18+ (SAT 960+ as alternative) | ACT composite or superscore of 18+ (SAT 960+ as alternative) | Same ACT/SAT standard as ADN |
| GPA thresholds | â„ 2.0 cumulative GPA; â„ 2.5 GPA in required nursing core courses | Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (program materials reference similar expectations) | Meets ADN GPA standards (2.0 cumulative; 2.5 in core) |
| Prerequisites | Grade C or better in: ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher (MTH 116 not accepted), BIO 201 & 202, plus additional general education coursework specified in the plan of study. | BIO 201 & 202, MTH 100 or higher, and ENG 101 with grade C or better, as outlined in the PN curriculum. | ADN prerequisites completed plus credit for prior nursing/paramedic coursework as defined by the mobility track. |
| Licensure | Not required (pre-licensure) | Not required (pre-licensure) | Current, unencumbered LPN or paramedic license (Alabama or compact including Alabama) |
| Other documentation | Official transcripts; Letter of Good Standing if previously enrolled in another nursing program | Official transcripts; Letter of Good Standing if previously enrolled in another nursing program | License verification and any mobility-specific documentation; transcripts and Good Standing letter if applicable |
| Typical admitted GPA/ACT range | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed |
Like most nursing programs, Gadsden State requires health clearances, immunizations, CPR certification, proof of health insurance, and background/drug screening before you can attend clinicals. Exact vendors, fees, and deadlines are Not published on the school’s public nursing pages, so you should confirm them directly with the nursing department early in your planning.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
As a public community college, Gadsden Stateâs base tuition is generally lower than that of four-year universities, especially for Alabama residents. However, nursing programs also carry extra costs for labs, skills supplies, clinical requirements, and testing.
Gadsden State does not publish one consolidated nursing cost estimate on the pages reviewed here. Use the college’s official tuition and fee schedules and ask the nursing department for a program-level budget (ADN, PN, or mobility) before you enroll.
| Cost category | Whatâs known | What to confirm with Gadsden State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & mandatory fees | In-state vs. out-of-state community-college rates apply; exact per-credit amounts and total program costs should be confirmed on Gadsden State’s official tuition page or with the nursing department. | Ask for a full-program estimate (ADN/PN/mobility) including tuition and required fees across all semesters. |
| Books & supplies | Youâll need textbooks, skills-lab supplies, uniforms, and potentially electronic testing software; exact amounts are Not publicly disclosed. | Whether Gadsden State offers bundled textbooks or inclusive-access packages that change up-front costs. |
| Clinical & compliance costs | Background checks, drug screens, immunization documentation, and physical exams are required; fees for these services should be confirmed on Gadsden State’s official tuition page or with the nursing department. | How much to budget for compliance each year and whether any of those fees can be covered by financial aid. |
| Financial aid & scholarships | Gadsden State participates in federal and state aid programs and may offer institutional scholarships, but nursing-specific scholarship names should be confirmed on Gadsden State’s official tuition page or with the nursing department. | Which scholarships or workforce programs (if any) are targeted to nursing students at your campus. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
For employment, salary, and licensure outcomes tied to Gadsden State Community College, use the programâs official disclosures, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and direct questions to admissions and career services. Results vary by cohort and how âplacementâ or âemploymentâ is defined.
| Metric | How to verify |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN / NCLEX-PN | Use ABN program data and Gadsden State Community Collegeâs published cohort results; confirm reporting year and program track. |
| Job placement / employment | If Gadsden State 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 · Gadsden State Community College nursing or institutional research pages. |
Is Gadsden State Community College the Right Fit for You?
No nursing program is perfect for every applicant. Use the considerations below as a quick way to decide whether Gadsden State belongs on your application list.
Gadsden State may be a strong fit ifâŠ
- You live within commuting distance of Gadsden State campuses and want to avoid relocation or dorm costs.
- You like the idea of stackable credentialsâstarting as an LPN, then bridging to ADN, then possibly to BSN.
- Your ACT is at or above 18 and your grades in biology and math are solid.
- Youâre comfortable with in-person labs and multi-hour clinical shifts.
Gadsden State may not be ideal ifâŠ
- You want a direct-entry BSN with on-campus housing and a four-year university experience.
- You need a fully online pre-licensure program (NCLEX preparation requires in-person clinicals).
- Your GPA is well below the minimums and youâre not prepared to take extra coursework to strengthen it.
- You want guaranteed admission; like other community-college nursing programs, Gadsden State remains competitive.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Gadsden Stateâs public information notes clinical experiences in area healthcare settings but does not list individual partner sites. As with many community colleges, you can expect placements across a mix of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community settings in northeast Alabama.
- Which hospitals and long-term care facilities currently host ADN and PN students?
- How far are typical clinical sites from the campus youâll attend?
- What are typical clinical shift times (early morning, evenings, weekends)?
- How often do students work with the same preceptors or units versus rotating frequently?
Student Experience & Campus Life
Campus location, nursing facilities, simulation labs, student groups, and support services are specific to Gadsden State Community College. Review the official nursing and student life pagesâor visitâbefore 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
If Gadsden State looks like a possible fit, treat this guide as your structured checklist and then verify every important detail with official sources before you submit an application.
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Gadsden, AL
- Address
- Gadsden, AL (see gadsdenstate.edu for campus addresses)
- Telephone
- Not publicly disclosed; see Nursing Programs
- Contact email
- Not publicly disclosed; see gadsdenstate.edu
- Website
- www.gadsdenstate.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions summarize what many applicants want to know based on Gadsden Stateâs official materials and the NCLEX outcomes release.
- Is Gadsden State a good school for nursing? The 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2023 for both ADN and PN is a strong signal, but you should still ask about multi-year trends and cohort sizes.
- What GPA and ACT do I need? Plan for at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, 2.5 in core coursework, and an ACT of 18 or higher (or equivalent SAT).
- Can I bridge from LPN to RN here? Yesâthrough the LPN/Paramedic-to-ADN mobility track if you meet license and academic criteria.
- Can I earn a BSN at Gadsden State? No; you would complete ADN or PN here and then transfer into an RN-to-BSN program elsewhere.
- Are there evening or weekend-only options? The sources reviewed do not list fully evening/weekend programs; schedule flexibility is Not publicly disclosed.
References
The information on this page comes from official Gadsden State documents and reputable external sources. We do not estimate or infer specific numbers that are not published.
- Gadsden State Community College â Nursing Programs overview (ADN, PN, Mobility).gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/nursing.cms
- Gadsden State Community College â Traditional Nursing (ADN) program details and admissions information.gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/traditional.cms
- Gadsden State Community College â Practical Nursing program description and admission criteria (text-only view).gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/practical.cms?contentType=textonly
- Gadsden State Community College â Mobility Nursing (LPN/Paramedic-to-ADN) program information (text-only view).gadsdenstate.edu/programs-of-study/mobility.cms?contentType=textonly
- Gadsden State Community College â News release: âNursing program achieves 100 percent pass rateâ (2023 graduates).gadsdenstate.edu/…/nursing-program-achieves-100-percent-pass-rate
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) â NCLEX data and research (for benchmark context as reported in the Gadsden State release).ncsbn.org/exams/data-and-research.page
All other narrative context is based on our editorial synthesis of the same official sources and general nursing education best practices. Any data point marked âNot publicly disclosedâ or ânot clearly published in the official public sources reviewedâ reflects the absence of that information in the materials reviewed for this guide.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid A. Abdala Balal writes evidence-based nursing education guides focused on licensure outcomes, admissions clarity, and career readiness for NurseOnShift.
Review: Fact-checked and reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN for nursing education accuracy against official ABN, school, and accreditation sources.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Apr 2, 2026· Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026· Nursing Education Review Process · Editorial Policy