Lawson State Community College Nursing Program: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Serving Birmingham and surrounding communities, Lawson State Community College offers ADN and LPN pathways that have earned regional recognition for NCLEX performance and affordability. If you are comparing BSN admission requirements and accelerated nursing programs at universities with ADN and LPN routes at Alabama community colleges, this guide explains where Lawson State fits, how competitive its nursing programs are, and how costs and outcomes look for 2026.
Contents
Quick facts for 2026 applicants
*Approximate in‑state per‑credit total (tuition $131 + $51 in mandatory fees) from Lawson State’s 2025–2026 tuition and fee tables. Always confirm current rates on the official Lawson State website.
Key takeaway
Lawson State is a community‑college option for students who want either a Practical Nursing route or a full ADN in the Birmingham area and who value a strong NCLEX track record—particularly for LPNs, where the program has been ranked #1 in Alabama and among the top 5 in the Southeast. Admission is point‑based and competitive, so the students who thrive here are those prepared to maintain high GPAs, especially in biology and other sciences, and to plan carefully around ACT‑driven application cycles.
Overview & Why Students Choose Lawson State Community College
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1. Recognized LPN program
Independent rankings highlight Lawson State’s Licensed Practical Nursing program as #1 in Alabama for 2021 and among the top 5 LPN programs in the Southeast, based largely on NCLEX‑PN pass rates, academic quality, reputation, and affordability. If your first step into nursing is the PN route, this recognition suggests a high‑performing program relative to peers.
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2. ADN NCLEX‑RN performance above state averages
External NCLEX summaries report that the Birmingham‑campus registered nursing program posts an NCLEX‑RN pass rate of 91.50%, compared with an Alabama Associate Degree Nursing average of 81.98% and a national average of 85.80% over the same period. While you should still confirm current figures with Lawson State and the Alabama Board of Nursing, those numbers indicate strong ADN licensure preparation.
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3. Point‑based admissions that reward strong science performance
Lawson State’s nursing programs use a point system (up to 58 points) that weights GPA, ACT scores, and specific science coursework like BIO 103 and other biology classes. Students who intentionally front‑load and excel in these courses can improve their ranking compared with applicants who focus only on minimum requirements.
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4. Community‑college tuition with Birmingham‑area access
With in‑state tuition listed at $131 per credit hour plus $51 in required per‑credit fees (for a total of about $182), Lawson State offers ADN and LPN training at a cost that is typically lower than four‑year institutions. Being based in Birmingham means clinical placements and employment opportunities in one of Alabama’s major healthcare hubs.
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5. Clear licensure and achievement goals
Lawson State’s student achievement documents specify an institutional licensure goal of at least 80% for NCLEX pass rates and publicly track progress toward that target. For prospective students, those goals provide a transparent benchmark to compare against state standards and other Alabama nursing schools.
Nursing Programs Offered
Lawson State Community College focuses on Associate Degree Nursing and Licensed Practical Nursing pathways rather than BSN or graduate nursing degrees. These programs can serve as standalone credentials or stepping‑stones into RN‑to‑BSN and advanced programs at four‑year institutions.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN/RN)
The ADN program prepares students to become registered nurses through a combination of general‑education courses, nursing theory, skills lab activities, and supervised clinical experiences. While Lawson State provides detailed curriculum outlines and plans of study on its website, those specifics are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; always refer to the official catalog and program pages for course sequences and total nursing clinical hours.
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
The LPN program trains students to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs and physicians and to sit for the NCLEX‑PN exam. Public coverage emphasizes that Lawson State’s LPN outcomes have placed the program among the top in Alabama and the Southeast based on NCLEX‑PN pass rates and related factors. Exact semester‑by‑semester coursework details are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages and should be confirmed with Lawson State’s LPN program pages.
Pre‑Nursing (transfer tracks)
Lawson State also offers pre‑nursing tracks designed for transfer to four‑year RN and BSN programs, but granular transfer‑plan details fall outside the scope of this ADN/LPN‑focused guide. Students who intend to transfer should consult the pre‑nursing advising materials and the admission requirements of their target BSN programs.
BSN and graduate options
Lawson State Community College does not award BSN, MSN, or DNP degrees. ADN and LPN graduates who want a BSN or higher‑level credential typically complete their program at Lawson State, obtain licensure, and then apply to RN‑to‑BSN or other completion programs at universities in Alabama or other states. Admission criteria and transfer policies for those programs must be verified directly with each four‑year institution.
Lawson State does not offer BSN or graduate nursing on this campus. Double-check ADN, LPN, and mobility wording against official nursing program page and the college catalog.
NCLEX‑RN & NCLEX‑PN performance
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), Lawson State Community College reported a 97.22% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree (ADN) program, and a 85.71% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for its practical nursing (PN) 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.
| Program | Reported NCLEX performance |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 97.22% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 95.24%). |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (practical nursing) | 85.71% 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 Lawson State Community College and your program type. |
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Lawson State admits international students and publishes clear English‑language proficiency standards for degree programs, including associate‑degree nursing. Because English thresholds, visa rules, and licensure requirements can change—and may differ between general admission and nursing programs—treat this section as structured guidance to discuss with Lawson State’s international office and the Alabama Board of Nursing, not as immigration or legal advice.
✅ English‑language exams and minimum scores
- TOEFL: Lawson State lists acceptable minimum scores of 61 iBT, 173 CBT, or 500 paper‑based for international students whose first language is not English.
- IELTS: External receiver listings and Lawson State’s international information indicate a minimum IELTS band score of 5.5 for associate‑degree programs.
- Exemptions: Students from designated English‑speaking countries may have the English requirement waived, while other waivers require Chancellor‑level approval with substantial documentation.
⚠️ Visa, transcript evaluation & licensure steps
- Visa & financial support: International applicants must submit a general admissions application, valid passport/visa documentation, proof of financial support (affidavit and bank statements), and any required health and immunization records before Lawson State can issue an I‑20.
- Foreign transcript evaluation: High‑school and college transcripts from outside the U.S. require evaluation by a NACES‑accredited service; Lawson State references Education Perspectives as a recommended evaluator. Ask how those reports are used in determining ADN or LPN prerequisite credit.
- Alabama Board of Nursing: If you already hold a nursing credential outside the U.S., contact the Alabama Board of Nursing for details on credential evaluations, English‑language testing, and NCLEX eligibility—steps that are separate from Lawson State admission.
Exact English‑language thresholds, accepted exams, and document requirements can change and may vary by program. Before you rely on any single summary (including this one), confirm requirements directly with Lawson State’s international student office and the Alabama Board of Nursing so you understand the most current steps for admission, immigration, and licensure.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to Lawson State’s ADN and LPN programs is competitive and point‑based. The college uses a ranking system (with up to 58 points) that considers GPA, ACT scores, and science coursework—particularly biology—rather than a simple “meet the minimum and you’re in” model. As a result, the nursing school acceptance rate is Not publicly disclosed, but it is clear that stronger applicants have a measurable advantage.
Application windows
| Program | Term | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| ADN (RN) | Summer admission | January 15 (11:59 p.m. CST) |
| ADN (RN) | Fall admission | May 15 (11:59 p.m. CST) |
| LPN | Summer admission | January 15 (11:59 p.m. CST) |
| LPN | Fall admission | May 15 (11:59 p.m. CST) |
How the point system works (high level)
✅ Factors that earn you points
- GPA: Overall GPA contributes significantly to your total score; Lawson State advises students to maintain the highest GPA possible, especially in core and science courses.
- ACT: Public materials note that an ACT composite score of 18 or higher earns additional points; higher scores may further strengthen your application, though a full breakdown was not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages.
- Science performance: Grades in biology courses (notably BIO 103) and other science classes are heavily weighted, reflecting their importance in predicting success in nursing coursework and NCLEX preparation.
⚠️ What’s not clearly specified
- Minimum GPA: A formal, published minimum GPA threshold was Not publicly disclosed on the school’s public nursing pages; instead, GPA is treated as a variable that contributes to your ranking.
- TEAS requirement: No TEAS requirement was mentioned in the admission and pre‑nursing materials reviewed; ACT remains the primary standardized test emphasized.
- Other bonus factors: Additional elements of the 58‑point system—such as prior healthcare experience or advanced science coursework—may exist but are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| GPA minimum | Not publicly disclosed (higher GPAs earn more points in the ranking). |
| Standardized test | ACT emphasized; a score of 18 or higher earns additional points in the system. |
| TEAS required | Not published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
| Science emphasis | Strong grades in biology and other sciences are specifically highlighted as critical to ranking. |
Because admission is point‑based, you should think beyond “What is the minimum?” and instead ask “How can I maximize my points?” That usually means repeating or strengthening key biology and other science courses before you apply, aiming for an ACT score above 18, and planning your timeline so you’re not cramming high‑stakes science classes and ACT prep into the same term.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Lawson State’s tuition tables list per‑credit tuition and mandatory fees for the 2025–2026 academic year. These rates apply broadly to associate‑degree coursework, including ADN and LPN classes, although individual nursing courses may carry additional costs (such as uniforms or testing fees) that are not itemized in the inputs used for this guide.
| Category | Published amount |
|---|---|
| In‑state tuition (per credit hour) | $131 (tuition only). |
| Out‑of‑state tuition (per credit hour) | $262 (tuition only). |
| Mandatory fees (per credit hour) | $51 total: Facilities Renewal $15, Technology $15, Special Building $10, ACCS Enhancement $10, Bond Surety $1. |
| Approximate in‑state total per credit | ~$182 (tuition $131 + $51 in fees). |
| Approximate out‑of‑state total per credit | ~$313 (tuition $262 + $51 in fees). |
| Other fees | $10 per term student insurance and a $50 testing fee per online course are noted; additional nursing‑specific fees are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
This guide does not estimate housing, books/supplies, transportation, or program‑specific nursing costs because detailed, program‑level cost sheets are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. For a complete budget, use Lawson State’s official Cost of Attendance resources and any ADN or LPN cost breakdowns provided by the nursing department.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Lawson State’s nursing programs are framed in student achievement materials as key contributors to institutional goals, but specific job‑placement percentages and completion‑rate figures were Not publicly disclosed on the school’s published pages. Given the program’s NCLEX performance and regional rankings, however, ADN and LPN graduates are positioned competitively for entry‑level roles in Birmingham‑area and Alabama healthcare settings.
| Outcome metric | What is known from sources |
|---|---|
| ADN NCLEX‑RN performance | 97.22% first-time NCLEX-RN (ADN) and 85.71% NCLEX-PN per ABN CY2024; regional rankings have cited Lawson State’s LPN program as secondary context. |
| LPN NCLEX‑PN performance | Lawson State’s LPN program has been recognized as #1 in Alabama for 2021 and among the top 5 in the Southeast, based on NCLEX‑PN pass rates and related metrics; exact percentages are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages. |
| Job placement | Not publicly disclosed on the school’s public nursing pages. Ask Lawson State’s nursing department or career services for up‑to‑date job‑placement data. |
| Where alumni work | Not published on the school’s public nursing pages. Contact the college or local hospital systems to learn which facilities commonly hire Lawson State nursing graduates. |
Is Lawson State Community College the Right Fit for You?
Lawson State is a strong fit if you want a community‑college ADN or LPN program in the Birmingham area, are attracted to programs with documented NCLEX success, and are comfortable with a point‑based admissions system that rewards strong science performance. It may not be ideal if you want a four‑year BSN experience from day one, need fully online pre‑licensure coursework, or prefer a smaller program in a non‑metro area.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Lawson State operates in the Birmingham metro, which is anchored by academic medical centers, community hospitals, specialty clinics, and long‑term care facilities. Alabama workforce reports consistently identify nursing among the state’s high‑demand occupations, with many openings concentrated in urban centers like Birmingham.
| Regional context | Implications for Lawson State students |
|---|---|
| Birmingham healthcare hub | Proximity to large health systems and clinics means a wider variety of potential clinical placement sites and entry‑level RN and LPN positions compared with more rural markets. |
| Statewide nurse demand | Alabama’s broader need for RNs and LPNs creates opportunities for graduates who are flexible about unit type, schedule, and geographic area within commuting distance of the city. |
| Path from ADN/LPN to BSN | Because many Birmingham‑area employers offer tuition assistance or partnerships with RN‑to‑BSN programs, Lawson State graduates can often complete a BSN later while working, if that aligns with their long‑term goals. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Lawson State’s public materials focus on program outcomes and admissions rather than day‑to‑day student life, so details about simulation labs, skills‑lab equipment, and nursing‑specific student organizations were not described on the school’s public nursing pages. Prospective students should ask the nursing department about simulation capabilities, tutoring or mentoring services, and any student nurse associations or honors groups that support ADN and LPN learners.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Birmingham, AL
- Address
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide (see www.lawsonstate.edu for official campus addresses).
- Telephone
- Not publicly disclosed in the official sources reviewed for this guide; consult Lawson State’s nursing or admissions contact 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 on the Lawson State website.
- Website
- www.lawsonstate.edu
Official resources
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit Lawson State’s ADN and LPN program pages and download any available degree plans, admissions checklists, and student handbooks.
- Review the pre‑nursing and health professions information to identify which biology and other science courses (such as BIO 103) are most heavily weighted in the point system, then compare them to your transcripts.
- Confirm whether you need to submit or retake the ACT for your target cycle, and if so, register for the exam and build a focused study plan timed to the January 15 or May 15 nursing application deadlines.
- Draft a short list of questions for a Lawson State nursing advisor about the 58‑point system, recent NCLEX performance, and how many points recent successful applicants typically earned.
- Talk to at least one current or recent Lawson State nursing student about workload, clinical placements, and how they balanced work, family, and school.
- If you are an international or ESL applicant, review Lawson State’s international student requirements and plan TOEFL or IELTS testing and transcript evaluations well ahead of nursing deadlines.
- Mark the appropriate nursing application deadline (January 15 or May 15) on your calendar and work backward to schedule transcript requests, test dates, and financial aid steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lawson State Community College a good school for nursing?
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Lawson State reported a 97.22% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for ADN and 85.71% for practical nursing (CY2024, first-time testers). Regional summaries have also highlighted Lawson State’s LPN program, but official ABN data should be your primary benchmark—confirm current rates with the Board and the school.
What GPA do you need for Lawson State nursing?
Lawson State does not publish a single, fixed minimum GPA on the school’s public nursing pages; instead, GPA contributes to a point‑based ranking out of 58 points. Practically, that means higher GPAs—especially in biology and other sciences—will make your application more competitive relative to other applicants, even if a formal minimum is not stated.
Does Lawson State require the TEAS exam for nursing?
The pre‑nursing and nursing program materials reviewed emphasize the ACT and do not mention TEAS as a requirement. Because testing policies can change, you should confirm on Lawson State’s most current ADN and LPN admissions pages before assuming that TEAS is not part of the process.
How competitive is admission to Lawson State’s nursing programs?
The exact nursing school acceptance rate is Not publicly disclosed, but the use of a point‑based ranking system with a cap of 58 points shows that admission is competitive. Applicants with strong GPAs, higher ACT scores, and excellent performance in biology and other sciences will rank higher and are more likely to earn seats.
Does Lawson State offer an accelerated BSN?
No. Lawson State Community College focuses on associate‑degree and practical‑nursing education rather than BSN or accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs. Students who want a BSN typically complete the ADN at Lawson State and then transfer into RN‑to‑BSN programs offered by four‑year institutions.
What are the clinical placement sites for Lawson State nursing students?
Public nursing pages reviewed do not list specific hospital or clinic partners by name. Because clinical affiliations can change, you should contact the Lawson State nursing department to request a current list of clinical sites and the types of units (for example, medical‑surgical, maternal‑child, long‑term care) ADN and LPN students typically experience.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Lawson State nursing?
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Lawson State reported a 97.22% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for ADN and 85.71% for practical nursing (CY2024, first-time testers). External rankings have cited strong LPN performance in Alabama, but year-by-year ABN reports are the authoritative source.
References
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Lawson State Community College — Student Achievement Facts (institutional licensure goals and related achievement measures). lawsonstate.edu/about_us/facts_and_data/student_achievement_facts.aspx
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Lawson State Community College — Registered Nursing (ADN) program overview. lawsonstate.edu/learn_at_lawson/programs_and_divisions/health_professions_programs/registered_nursing.aspx
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Lawson State Community College — Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program overview. lawsonstate.edu/learn_at_lawson/programs_and_divisions/health_professions_programs/licensed_practical_nursing.aspx
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External evaluation of Lawson State’s RN program (NCLEX‑RN pass rate of 91.50% vs. Alabama and U.S. averages). rncareers.org — Lawson State Community College Birmingham Campus
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News and ranking articles highlighting Lawson State’s LPN program (#1 in Alabama; top‑5 in the Southeast). thecutoffnews.com — LPN program ranking
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Lawson State Community College — Tuition and Fees (per‑credit tuition and fee breakdown). lawsonstate.edu/paying_for_college/tuition_and_fees/
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Lawson State Community College — International Students (English‑language requirements, transcript evaluation, and financial documentation). lawsonstate.edu/how_to_apply/international_students/
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IELTS listing for Lawson State Community College (minimum IELTS Academic band score). ielts.org — Lawson State Community College
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Alabama Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass‑rate reports by institution (official NCLEX data and benchmarks for Alabama nursing programs). 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 Lawson State’s student achievement information, tuition tables, and nursing program descriptions.
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, 2026· Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026· Nursing Education Review Process · Editorial Policy