Jefferson State ADN (RN) Nursing: What to Know (2026)
This guide focuses on Jefferson State’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)—pre-licensure RN—across its campuses, including the UAB/JSCC Joint Admissions Program for students who qualify for that concurrent pathway. Jeff State has produced thousands of RNs since the 1960s and reports strong long-term NCLEX-RN outcomes. If you are comparing community-college ADN routes, joint/university options, and later RN-to-BSN plans, use this page as a starting point and confirm every requirement on official JSCC nursing pages for 2026.
Contents
Quick facts for 2026 applicants
*In-state per-credit tuition and fee total from Jefferson State’s 2025–2026 tuition tables (tuition + required fees). Always confirm the most current rates on the college website.
Key takeaway
Jefferson State’s ADN is built around long-term NCLEX-RN success and large graduate cohorts; the college notes a 10-year average first-time pass rate of about 96% and multiple graduating classes with 100% success. If your goal is to become an RN through a community-college route—with the option to bridge later into RN-to-BSN or other completion programs’Jeff State offers a competitive, outcomes-focused alternative to four-year BSN or accelerated nursing programs, provided you can navigate its point-based admissions and evolving shift from ACT to TEAS testing.
Overview & Why Students Choose Jefferson State Community College
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1. Long-term NCLEX-RN track record
Jeff State reports that its graduate first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate has averaged around 96% over the past 10 years, with the program achieving a 100% pass rate 10 times in that period. Although one recent year (2020–2021) saw an 84.1% rate—slightly below the national mean of 86.57%—the longer-term trend suggests strong overall preparation for licensure.
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2. ACEN accreditation and ABN approval
The Associate Degree Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. For you, that means the curriculum and outcomes are regularly reviewed against recognized standards for ADN education.
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3. A high-volume producer of new RNs
State data cited in public sources indicate that Jeff State is a leading producer of associate-degree RNs in Alabama, graduating more than 250 nursing students per year. Larger cohort sizes can translate into more peer support, alumni networks, and employer familiarity with the program’s strengths.
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4. Evolving admissions testing (ACT to TEAS)
Currently, the program uses the ACT as part of its selection process, but Jeff State notes that the TEAS exam will replace the ACT beginning in Fall 2026. If you are planning ahead for 2026–2027 entry, you can prepare strategically for TEAS while also watching for updated scoring and point-system details on the college website.
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5. Birmingham-area location and community-college pricing
With campuses in the Birmingham metro area and in-state tuition of $184 per credit hour (tuition plus required fees), Jeff State lets many students complete ADN-level nursing clinical hours close to home and at a lower per-credit cost than many four-year institutions. For ADN-to-BSN planners, that cost structure can be a meaningful advantage.
Nursing Programs Offered
Jefferson State Community College focuses on Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) pathways rather than BSN or graduate nursing degrees. Many graduates later complete RN-to-BSN or advanced programs at four-year institutions.
UAB/JSCC Joint Admissions Program
Jefferson State’s official nursing materials also describe a joint admissions / concurrent pathway with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for eligible students (sometimes referred to as the UAB/JSCC Joint Admissions Program). This is a distinct application and progression model from the standard ADN-only route; seat counts, prerequisites, and how coursework lines up with UAB differ from the general ADN track. If you are interested in that option, review Jefferson State’s current nursing program information and UAB’s joint-program communications, then confirm eligibility and deadlines with both institutions.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN/RN)
The ADN program prepares students to practice as registered nurses through a blend of general-education coursework, nursing theory, skills lab, and supervised clinical experiences. The program dates back to the mid-1960s and was the first associate-degree nursing program of its kind in Alabama, admitting its first class in 1965 and graduating in 1967. Exact semester-by-semester curriculum details and total nursing clinical hours are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; consult Jeff State’s nursing program information and student handbook for that level of detail.
Mobility and other options
Public materials indicate that Jeff State offers mobility options for some applicants (for example, licensed practical nurses seeking advanced standing), but the specific LPN-to-RN or paramedic-to-RN pathways and their admission criteria are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. Applicants interested in mobility should review the current nursing education pages and contact the nursing department for up-to-date program lists.
BSN and graduate pathways
Jefferson State Community College does not award BSN, MSN, or DNP degrees. Graduates who want a bachelor’s or higher-level nursing credential typically complete the ADN, become licensed RNs, and then transfer into RN-to-BSN or other completion programs offered by universities in Alabama or other states. Admission criteria and transfer policies for those programs vary and must be verified directly with each institution.
This page covers Jeff State’s ADN and mobility tracks pathways. The college does not confer university-level BSN, MSN, or DNP degrees; use official nursing program page for the authoritative program list.
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), Jefferson State Community College reported a 97.4% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree (ADN) program (CY2024, first-time testers). Jefferson State’s nursing pages report a 97.4% NCLEX-RN rate for Spring 2024–Fall 2024 and 100% NCLEX-PN for 2024 (school-reported); confirm methodology on the college site. 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.
Jefferson State highlights its NCLEX-RN results as a core strength. On Jefferson State’s “About JSCC Nursing” page, the college reported a 97.4% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for the Spring 2024–Fall 2024 ADN/RN reporting window, alongside a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate for 2024 practical nursing; confirm current figures on the same source. Separately, college materials summarize a multi-year approximately 96% average first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate over the past decade, with 10 graduating classes at 100%, and note an 84.1% first-time rate for 2020–2021 compared with a national mean of 86.57% in that period.
| Metric | Value / context |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 97.4% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 98.92%). |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Jefferson State Community College and your program type. |
The figures above are drawn from Jefferson State’s student achievement and nursing communications summarizing multi-year NCLEX-RN performance and references to state and national means. For official, year-by-year data—and to see Jeff State’s most recent NCLEX-RN rate in the context of other Alabama nursing schools—consult the Alabama Board of Nursing’s annual pass-rate reports.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Jefferson State admits international students at the college level and sets English-language benchmarks for associate-degree study that also apply to prospective ADN students. Because immigration, English requirements, and nursing licensure steps can change, use this section as a planning checklist to discuss with Jeff State’s international office and the Alabama Board of Nursing—never as legal or immigration advice.
💡 English-language proficiency for international applicants
- Accepted exams: Public materials state that Jeff State accepts TOEFL iBT and IELTS (and may consider other exams, such as PTE or LangCert, on a case-by-case basis via the Chancellor’s office).
- IELTS minimums: External test-receiver listings indicate a minimum IELTS Academic score of 5.5 for associate-degree programs at Jefferson State, with slightly different ranges for some certificate options.
- Alternative proof: Earning a grade of ‘C’ or higher in English 101 at Jeff State can also satisfy the English-language requirement in some cases.
💡 transcript evaluation, and nursing licensure
- Visa and financial documentation: F-1 and other visa holders must follow Jeff State’s international application process, which includes submitting the appropriate online application sections, passport and I-20 documentation (if already in the U.S.), and an Affidavit of Financial Support with recent bank statements.
- Foreign transcript evaluation: High-school and college transcripts from outside the U.S. require evaluation by a NACES-accredited agency, with Education Perspectives mentioned as a recommended evaluator. Ask how those evaluations are used when determining ADN prerequisite and transfer credit.
- Alabama licensure: If you already hold a nursing credential outside the U.S., contact the Alabama Board of Nursing about credential evaluation, English-language testing, and NCLEX eligibility. These licensure steps are separate from Jeff State’s admissions decisions.
Exact score thresholds, accepted exams, and transcript-evaluation rules can change, and ADN programs may have additional expectations beyond general admission. Before you rely on any summary (including this one), confirm English-language, transcript, and visa requirements directly with Jefferson State’s international office and the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Jefferson State describes nursing admissions as selective, using a point-based ranking system that considers standardized test scores, GPA, selected coursework, and other factors. While a precise nursing school acceptance rate is Not publicly disclosed, the presence of structured application windows and points suggests that meeting minimums alone may not secure a seat.
Application windows for 2026–2027
| Term | Deadline (2026–27 cycle) |
|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | February 23, 2026 (by 4:30 p.m.) |
| Fall 2026 | May 10, 2026 (by 4:30 p.m.) |
| Spring 2027 | September 27, 2026 (by 4:30 p.m.) |
Current and future testing requirements
💡 need before you apply
- College admission: You must be fully admitted to Jefferson State, with the nursing education major selected as directed in the admissions instructions.
- Transcripts: All required high-school (if applicable) and college transcripts must be on file with admissions and marked as final before you apply to nursing.
- Standardized test (current): Nursing materials emphasize that a valid ACT score is required and must be on file with the college at the time you apply.
- Point-based ranking: Applications are scored using GPA, selected coursework (especially math and sciences), standardized test scores, and other factors; higher total points improve your chance of selection.
💡 TEAS transition (beginning Fall 2026)
- TEAS replacing ACT: Jeff State notes that the TEAS exam will replace ACT as part of the nursing application requirements beginning in Fall 2026.
- Prep & testing: The college provides TEAS prep and testing information on its website; however, detailed scoring bands and how TEAS will be weighted in the point system are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages.
- One application per cycle: The online application cannot be saved and completed later, and only one nursing application is allowed per cycle.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | Not publicly disclosed in the sources used; GPA is part of the point-based ranking. |
| Standardized test (current) | ACT required and must be on file; TEAS will replace ACT beginning in Fall 2026. |
| TEAS required (future) | Yes, starting with Fall 2026 applications; specific cut scores are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
| Clinical experience preferred | Not publicly disclosed (some information sessions may award bonus points). |
Because Jeff State uses a ranking system rather than simple minimum cutoffs, you should focus on maximizing points in every category available to you. That usually means repeating or strengthening key prerequisites before you apply, preparing thoroughly for ACT or TEAS depending on your target cycle, and attending any recommended information or ‘Are You Ready for Nursing School?’ sessions that the college uses to award bonus points.
Guidance by student type
If you’re coming straight from high school
Work toward a competitive ACT score and prioritize math, biology, and chemistry so your early college transcripts show readiness for anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Use shadowing or entry-level healthcare jobs to confirm your interest before committing to the ADN clinical schedule.
If you already hold a degree
Jeff State does not offer an accelerated BSN, but its ADN can be a stepping-stone if you later complete an RN-to-BSN elsewhere. Map your prior coursework against Jeff State’s ADN requirements and focus on achieving strong grades in any remaining sciences; then, build a concise narrative about your transition into nursing for use in conversations with advisors and future BSN programs.
If you’re balancing work and school
Ask specifically about typical course and clinical schedules at the campus you plan to attend so you can decide whether to reduce work hours or adjust shifts. Build a multi-semester plan that sequences your prerequisites and target application window (for example, Fall 2026 with TEAS) so you are not rushing both test prep and science courses at the same time.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Jefferson State publishes tuition and fees on a per-credit-hour basis. For the 2025–2026 year, the combined in-state tuition and required fees total $184 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $315 per credit hour. These rates apply to most credit-bearing coursework, including ADN prerequisites and nursing courses, though some students may see additional program-specific costs.
| Category | Published amount |
|---|---|
| In-state per credit hour | $184 (tuition + required fees) |
| Out-of-state per credit hour | $315 (tuition + required fees) |
| Senior adult per credit hour | $53 per credit hour (as listed in tuition tables) |
| Pioneer Pack fee | Additional $24–$25 per credit hour in 2025–2026 for students in the Pioneer Pack program. |
| Estimated annual ADN cost | Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide; use Jeff State’s cost-of-attendance and ADN cost sheets for full estimates. |
This guide does not estimate housing, books/supplies, transportation, or course-specific nursing fees because detailed breakdowns are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. For a realistic budget, rely on Jefferson State’s official Cost of Attendance documents and any ADN-specific cost lists rather than generic calculators.
Financial aid & scholarships
Jefferson State participates in federal and state financial aid programs and may offer internal scholarships that ADN students can apply for, but named nursing-specific awards are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. ADN students should explore Pell Grants, state grants, work-study, and external nursing scholarships (including programs like the NURSE Corps Scholarship Program) and ask the financial aid office about any Jeff State-specific opportunities.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Jefferson State’s published nursing statistics (same disclosure as NCLEX) also list a 100% job placement rate for RN graduates for Spring 2024–Fall 2024, but methodology and time-to-employment definitions are not summarized on that page. Treat the figure as school-reported and confirm how placement is defined with the nursing department.
| Outcome metric | What we know from sources |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (Spring 2024–Fall 2024, JSCC) | 97.4% first-time pass rate disclosed on JSCC’s About Nursing page. |
| NCLEX-RN (10-year average, school summary) | Approximately 96%, with 10 classes at 100% pass, from historical program materials. |
| Recent single-year NCLEX-RN (2020–2021) | 84.1%, slightly below the national mean of 86.57% cited in the same context. |
| RN job placement (Spring 2024–Fall 2024, JSCC-reported) | 100% as listed alongside NCLEX on JSCC’s nursing statistics; confirm methodology with the program. |
| Source | Jefferson State — About JSCC Nursing. |
| Where alumni work | Not published on the school’s public nursing pages. Contact Jeff State or local hospital systems for examples of common employers. |
Is Jefferson State Community College the Right Fit for You?
Jeff State is generally a good fit if you are looking for a community-college ADN route with a long track record of NCLEX-RN success and you are comfortable being evaluated through a point-based admissions process using ACT or TEAS scores, GPA, and specific prerequisites. It may not be ideal if you want a four-year residential BSN, prefer very small cohorts, or need fully online pre-licensure coursework.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Jefferson State serves the Birmingham metro and surrounding counties—an area anchored by major health systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals, and long-term care facilities. State workforce reports consistently identify RNs and LPNs among Alabama’s high-demand occupations, and Birmingham’s role as a healthcare hub strengthens the regional need for nursing staff.
| Regional context | What it means for ADN students |
|---|---|
| Birmingham metro | Multiple hospitals, academic centers, and outpatient facilities create a dense clinical environment, increasing opportunities for varied nursing student clinical placements and early employment. |
| Statewide nurse demand | Alabama workforce documents highlight sustained demand for RNs and LPNs across the state, including urban centers like Birmingham and rural areas within commuting distance. |
| ADN as a first step | Because many employers accept ADN-prepared RNs and support RN-to-BSN education later, Jeff State graduates can enter the workforce relatively quickly and then consider BSN completion once they are established. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Jeff State’s nursing students divide their time between classroom instruction, skills and simulation experiences, and clinical rotations, but the school’s public pages reviewed here did not include detailed descriptions of simulation labs, named skills centers, or nursing-specific student organizations. To understand what day-to-day life looks like—class sizes, lab facilities, tutoring, and peer support—ask the nursing department about current simulation resources, student nurse associations, and any mentoring or success-coaching services for ADN students.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Birmingham, AL (multiple campuses; see website)
- Address
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide (see www.jeffersonstate.edu for campus addresses).
- Telephone
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide; consult Jeff State’s nursing program or admissions pages for current phone numbers.
- Contact email
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide; use the contact forms or departmental emails listed on the college website.
- Website
- www.jeffersonstate.edu
Official resources
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Jeff State nursing pages (About Nursing and Admission Requirements) and download any available ADN curriculum plans, point-system descriptions, and student handbooks.
- List all ADN prerequisites and recommended courses from the Jeff State catalog, then compare them to your transcripts to see which classes you still need and how your GPA looks in key math and science courses.
- Confirm whether your target entry term falls before or after the switch from ACT to TEAS, then register and begin structured prep for the exam that will count for your application.
- Sign up for an ‘Are You Ready for Nursing School?’ or similar information session if Jeff State continues to offer bonus points for attendance, and prepare questions about NCLEX performance and the point system.
- Reach out to at least one current or recent Jeff State ADN student—through local networks or social media—to ask about workload, clinical sites, and how they balanced work or family obligations.
- Outline a brief personal statement or talking points that explain why you are choosing a community-college ADN route now and how you might pursue RN-to-BSN or other education later.
- Mark your relevant application deadline (Feb 23, May 10, or Sep 27) and work backwards to set firm dates for completing prerequisites, test prep, transcripts, and financial aid forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jefferson State Community College a good school for nursing?
Jeff State’s ADN program has a long history, dating back to the 1960s, and college materials report an approximate 96% first-time NCLEX-RN pass-rate average over the past 10 years, with 10 graduating classes achieving 100% success. That record, combined with ACEN accreditation and Alabama Board of Nursing approval, suggests that many students are well prepared for entry-level RN roles.
What GPA do you need for Jefferson State nursing?
Specific GPA minimums were Not publicly disclosed on the school’s public nursing pages; instead, Jeff State describes a point-based selection process that weighs GPA alongside standardized test scores and selected coursework. In practice, higher GPAs in anatomy, physiology, and other science courses will strengthen your standing relative to other applicants.
Does Jefferson State require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Currently, Jeff State uses the ACT as part of nursing admissions, but the college notes that the TEAS exam will replace ACT beginning Fall 2026. TEAS score thresholds and how they fit into the point system are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages, so you should confirm current requirements on the nursing admission pages before you prepare.
How competitive is admission to Jefferson State’s nursing program?
The exact nursing school acceptance rate is Not publicly disclosed, but the college’s use of a point-based ranking system and limited cohort sizes indicate a competitive process. Applicants with stronger ACT or TEAS scores, higher GPAs in key courses, and complete application files submitted well before the deadline generally have better odds.
Does Jefferson State offer an accelerated BSN?
No. Jefferson State Community College focuses on associate-degree nursing education rather than BSN, accelerated BSN, or graduate nursing programs. Students who want a BSN typically complete the ADN at Jeff State, become licensed RNs, and then transfer into RN-to-BSN completion programs at four-year institutions.
What are the clinical placement sites for Jeff State nursing students?
Public sources indicate that Jeff State partners with healthcare facilities in the Birmingham area for clinical rotations, but specific facility names and unit types were not described on the school’s public nursing pages. For the most accurate and current list of clinical partners, contact the nursing program directly.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Jefferson State?
College and external summaries report that the graduate first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate has averaged about 96% over the past decade, with 10 classes reaching 100% success, and a single reported annual rate of 84.1% in 2020–2021 relative to a national mean of 86.57%. For official, up-to-date NCLEX data and year-by-year results, consult the Alabama Board of Nursing and Jeff State’s student achievement reports.
References
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Jefferson State Community College · About JSCC Nursing (program history, ACEN accreditation, and NCLEX performance highlights). jeffersonstate.edu/academics/programs/nursing-education/about-jscc-nursing/
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Jefferson State Community College · Nursing admission requirements and application windows (ACT/TEAS details and deadlines). jeffersonstate.edu/traditional-nursing-program/admission-requirements-nur/
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Jefferson State Community College · TEAS/ACT prep and testing information for nursing applicants. jeffersonstate.edu/academics/programs/nursing-education/act-prep-testing/
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Jefferson State Community College · Student achievement and NCLEX summary data (including references to 10-year pass-rate averages and 2020–2021 results). jeffersonstate.edu/student-achievement/
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Jefferson State Community College · Tuition and fees tables (per-credit in-state, out-of-state, and Pioneer Pack information). jeffersonstate.edu/financial-services/tuition-fees/tuition-fees/
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Jefferson State Community College · International students and F-1 visa information (English-language exams, transcript evaluation, and financial documentation). jeffersonstate.edu/admissions/international-students/
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IELTS receiving-organisation listing for Jefferson State Community College (minimum IELTS band score for associate-level study). ielts.org · Jefferson State Community College
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Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs, Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024, PDF) and board home. ABN CY2024 approved-programs PDF abn.alabama.gov
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All other narrative context is based on editorial synthesis of the same official sources. Figures marked “Not publicly disclosed” or “Not published on the school’s public nursing pages” were not located in official sources at review time.
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.
Medical review: This page was medically and fact-checked by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data, including Jeff State’s student achievement reports and nursing admission information.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, immigration, 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, 2026Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026Nursing Education Review Process · Editorial Policy