Snead State Community College Nursing Program: A Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
Located in Boaz, northeast Alabama, Snead State offers an ACEN-accredited AAS in Registered Nursing and an LPN-to-RN mobility pathway with high-fidelity simulations and success coaching. This guide covers programs, tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and admissions so you can decide if Snead State is the right fit.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Snead State’s AAS in Registered Nursing combines high-fidelity simulation labs, a hybrid LPN-to-RN option, and close-knit faculty mentoring at community college tuition levels—a strong fit for students in northeast Alabama who want a hands-on path to RN licensure and later RN-to-BSN.
Overview & Why Students Choose Snead State Community College
Snead State Community College is a public two-year college in Boaz, Alabama, serving Marshall County and the Sand Mountain region. Its Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Registered Nursing prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and enter practice as entry-level RNs; the LPN-to-RN mobility pathway offers licensed practical nurses a structured route to the same AAS degree.
The nursing program emphasizes small cohorts, nursing student success coaching, and high-fidelity simulation labs. If you are comparing BSN admission requirements, nursing clinical hours, and nursing school acceptance rates across Alabama, Snead State’s community-college model offers a focused, skills-heavy path that can feed into RN-to-BSN programs at four-year universities.
Five reasons students choose Snead State
Strong NCLEX-RN outcomes
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Snead State reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its ADN program. Snead’s NCLEX-RN chart reports 92.50% in 2023, 100% in 2024, and 96.88% in 2025—above the program’s 85% goal.
High-fidelity simulations
High-fidelity simulation labs let students practice complex scenarios in a safe, coached environment before clinical rotations.
LPN-to-RN mobility
The LPN-to-RN mobility option offers online lectures with on-campus skills, simulation, and testing so LPNs can advance to RN without pausing their careers.
Affordable community-college tuition
As part of the Alabama Community College System, Snead State’s in-state tuition and fees are among the lowest in the state for nursing education.
Regional accessibility
For students in Marshall County and neighboring areas, Boaz offers a practical commute so you can balance school with family and work.
Nursing Programs Offered
Snead State’s nursing options focus on the associate degree level: an AAS in Registered Nursing and an LPN-to-RN mobility pathway. The AAS RN program is ACEN-accredited.
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) · Registered Nursing
The AAS RN pathway is a five-semester program: NUR 112 (Fundamental Concepts of Nursing), NUR 113 (Nursing Concepts I), NUR 114 and NUR 115 (Nursing Concepts II and Evidence-Based Clinical Reasoning), NUR 211 (Advanced Nursing Concepts), and NUR 221 (Advanced Evidence-Based Clinical Reasoning). Students blend classroom learning, skills lab practice, high-fidelity simulation, and nursing clinical hours in local healthcare settings.
LPN-to-RN Mobility Pathway: For licensed practical nurses seeking to become RNs. Hybrid design with online lectures, on-campus skills and simulation days, and precepted clinicals. The sequence uses NUR 209, NUR 211, and NUR 221 to transition into the AAS level and NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Detailed degree plans and the official “Admission Requirements and Program Costs” document are on the Snead State Nursing Pathways page. Always use these official PDFs for current course sequences and estimated expenses.
Snead State nursing materials should be checked against official nursing program page for the latest ADN requirements and campus availability.
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), Snead State Community College reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree (ADN) 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.
For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates for Snead State Community College, use the Alabama Board of Nursing program outcome summaries together with the school’s official nursing or student achievement disclosures. Rates vary by program, campus, and cohort year.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 100% per ABN CY2024 annual report (CY2023: 92.5%). |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2024) (PDF); historical comparison: CY2023 by institutions (PDF). Confirm the row for Snead State Community College and your program type. |
This guide does not substitute for the Board’s official tables. Always verify the latest cohort with the ABN and the nursing program.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Snead State can be part of the journey for international students and internationally educated nurses, but admission to the college and RN/LPN licensure in Alabama each have their own rules. Use this section as a checklist of what to verify—not as official legal or immigration advice.
- English proficiency: Does Snead State (and the Alabama Community College System) currently require TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo, or other proof of English for your program level? What minimum scores apply?
- Transcript / credential evaluation: If you completed secondary school or nursing education outside the United States, do your records need a WES, CGFNS, or similar evaluation before Snead State can accept transfer credit or place you into nursing courses?
- Licensure for foreign-educated nurses: If you already hold a nursing credential abroad, ask the Alabama Board of Nursing what is required for NCLEX eligibility (credential evaluation, English testing, proof of clinical hours, etc.).
- Visa status & clinicals: Which Snead State programs are approved for F-1 or other visas (if any), and how do clinical rotations, background checks, and work restrictions intersect with your immigration status?
Because policies for international and foreign-educated nurses change, always confirm details with Snead State’s admissions/International Office and the Alabama Board of Nursing before relying on any single website or advisor.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to the nursing program is competitive and the number of students admitted is limited by faculty and clinical facilities. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants are selected from high school graduates/GED recipients, current Snead State students, LPN mobility applicants, and transfer students according to established criteria.
What you need
- Unconditional admission to Snead State Community College.
- Minimum composite score of 18 on the ACT (residual or national). ACT scores from residual testing are valid only at Snead State unless an ACCS/ACT waiver applies.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on nursing core courses (per program materials).
- Completion of required prerequisites and all items in the current Nursing Academic Advising Checklist and admission packets.
TEAS is not required for the ADN program; Snead State uses the ACT. GRE is not applicable for associate-level programs.
Application timeline
For Fall 2026: Traditional Nursing and LPN/Paramedic Mobility applications open March 3, 2026 and close May 15, 2026. Evening (Jasper) and other entry terms have separate dates—confirm on the official nursing and Formstack application links.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA Range | Minimum 2.5 on nursing core; range not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS Required | No (ACT required) |
| Clinical Experience Preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Honest tips for applicants: Apply early and ensure your file is complete before the nursing application deadline. Check with admissions on your campus to confirm your file is complete. Strong grades in prerequisite and nursing core courses and a competitive ACT score will strengthen your application. If you are an LPN or paramedic, highlight your licensure and experience in your materials.
By applicant type
High school applicant: Secure unconditional admission to Snead State, take the ACT (aim for at least 18 composite), and complete the nursing prerequisite and core courses with a 2.5+ GPA. Use the Nursing Academic Advising Checklist.
Second-degree / career-change: You will follow the same ADN path; there is no separate accelerated BSN at Snead State. The evening option at Jasper may help if you are working. The Snead State/UAB Joint Enrollment pathway is an option if you are targeting a BSN.
LPN or paramedic: Apply to the LPN/Paramedic-to-RN mobility track at Fayette or Sumiton. Emphasize your license, clinical experience, and readiness for RN-level coursework.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fees are set by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees. Below are 2025–2026 figures from the Snead State catalog.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| In-state (per credit, 1–21+ credits) | From $182 (1 cr) to $3,837 (21 cr) per semester including tuition and fees |
| Out-of-state | Two times the in-state rate; other fees same as in-state |
| Nursing-specific | Nursing testing fee $650/semester; nursing simulation fee $50; nursing liability insurance $13; HESI $47; Health Sciences fees (e.g., background check, drug testing, immunizations) apply |
Fees, housing, and books beyond the figures above are not fully detailed here. For a complete cost of attendance and financial aid, see the official Snead State Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid pages. Students seeking financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Officer on their campus. NURSE Corps Scholarship Program and other state/federal aid may be available to qualifying nursing students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NCLEX-RN pass rate (ADN): According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Snead State reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree program (CY2024, first-time testers). Snead’s NCLEX-RN chart reports 92.50% in 2023, 100% in 2024, and 96.88% in 2025.
Practical Nursing (PN): Snead lists a Practical Nursing Certificate pathway on its site; ABN CY2024 lists Snead under associate-degree nursing, not PN/LPN. Confirm whether NCLEX-PN outcomes are published separately before comparing PN pathways.
Job placement rate: Not publicly disclosed. For outcomes and job placement data, see the school’s institutional effectiveness or career services pages.
Where alumni work: The school does not clearly publish this detail on its public nursing pages. See the school’s outcomes or career services page for more information.
Is Snead State Community College the Right Fit for You?
Snead State is a strong fit for students who want an affordable, ACEN-accredited AAS RN or LPN-to-RN mobility path in northeast Alabama, with the option of evening study (Jasper) or mobility from LPN/paramedic. It may not be ideal if you want a four-year BSN from the start or a fully online pre-licensure program.
Good fit for
- Students seeking low-cost ADN/AAS RN education in Alabama
- Working students who need evening or flexible scheduling (Jasper evening ADN)
- LPNs and paramedics ready to move to RN
- Students planning to complete ADN then RN-to-BSN elsewhere (or via Snead State/UAB joint enrollment)
May not be ideal for
- Students set on a four-year BSN-only path from day one (Snead State offers AAS RN, LPN-to-RN mobility, and joint enrollment—not a standalone BSN)
- Those seeking a fully online pre-licensure nursing program
- Applicants who cannot meet the ACT 18 minimum or 2.5 GPA on nursing core
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Snead State’s campuses sit in the heart of northeast Alabama’s healthcare corridor. Each campus is close to acute-care hospitals and systems that employ RNs and LPNs and offer the kinds of settings where students typically complete clinical hours—medical-surgical, emergency, obstetrics, and community health. The Sumiton and Jasper campuses are roughly 30 minutes from Birmingham, so graduates can pursue jobs in the metro (including UAB Medicine and Baptist Health) or stay in the region.
Major facilities by area
| Facility | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Walker Baptist Medical Center | Jasper | 267-bed acute care hospital; Baptist Health. Emergency, cardiac/vascular, orthopedics, stroke, surgery, OB, behavioral health, rehab. Joint Commission—recognized; 24/7 ER. Serves Walker County and central Alabama. |
| Fayette Medical Center | Fayette | DCH Health System. Surgical suites, 8-bed ICU, full-time ED, MRI/CT, lab, rehab (PT/OT/speech). Swing bed program. Serves Fayette County since 1958. |
| Northwest Medical Center | Winfield | Acute care; ~17 miles from Fayette. Emergency, medical/surgical and cardiac ICU, bariatric and addiction treatment services. |
| Marion Regional Medical Center | Hamilton | 57-bed acute care; North Mississippi Medical Center system. ED, inpatient/outpatient surgery, imaging (CT, MRI, mammography), ICU, cardiac assessment, rehab, home health. Critical access facility for Marion County. |
Birmingham adds a large employer base: UAB Medicine (1,200+ beds, Level I trauma, Magnet-designated) and Baptist Health operate multiple hospitals and clinics and hire ADN and BSN graduates. Alabama’s demand for RNs and LPNs remains strong; Snead State graduates are well positioned for jobs in these regional hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and physician practices.
Clinical rotations in northeast Alabama expose you to smaller community hospitals and rural access care—exactly where many new grads start. If you prefer a larger system, the Birmingham market is within commute range from Sumiton and Jasper. Either way, you’re in a region with real demand and named employers, not just ‘varied agencies.’
Student Experience & Campus Life
The nursing curriculum includes classroom instruction and guided clinical experiences in varied health care agencies. Classes, labs, and clinicals may be scheduled during days, evenings, and/or weekends depending on track and campus. The college provides a Nursing Handbook, Academic Advising Checklist, and program-specific cost and information packets (Traditional, Evening, Mobility, Snead State/UAB Joint Enrollment). Students should check with admissions on their campus to ensure their file is complete before the nursing application deadline. For questions about the nursing program or data, contact the Nursing Program Coordinator (e.g., 800-648-3271 ext. 5877 or 5742).
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Boaz, Alabama
- Address
- 102 Elder Street, Boaz, AL 35957, US
- Telephone
- (256) 593-5120
- Contact email
- nursing@snead.edu (nursing program inquiries)
- Website
- www.snead.edu
Official website: Snead State Nursing
Contact admissions: Use the Apply Now portal and Student Services at Snead State website for admissions and nursing application links.
Your ‘Next 7 Days’ checklist
- Visit the official Snead State Nursing Pathways page and open the AAS RN degree plan and Admission Requirements and Program Costs PDF.
- Review the prerequisite and nursing core course list and compare it to your transcripts.
- Confirm whether the current admission cycle requires ACT, TEAS, or another test and register if needed.
- Draft a list of questions for the admissions or nursing advising office on your campus.
- Reach out to current or former Snead State nursing students on LinkedIn to ask about their experience.
- Begin outlining any personal statement or materials required for your track (e.g., mobility).
- Note the application deadline for your entry term (e.g., May 15 for Fall 2026 Traditional/Mobility) and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Snead State Community College a good school for nursing?
Yes. Snead State’s AAS in Registered Nursing is ACEN-accredited. According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Snead reported a 100.00% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree program. Snead’s own NCLEX chart reports 92.50% in 2023, 100% in 2024, and 96.88% in 2025. The college offers traditional and evening ADN options, LPN-to-RN mobility, and a joint enrollment pathway with UAB. Snead also lists a Practical Nursing Certificate pathway separately—confirm PN outcomes with the school and the Alabama Board of Nursing.
What GPA do you need for Snead State nursing?
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA on nursing core courses. The college does not publish a typical GPA range; meeting the minimum does not guarantee acceptance because admission is competitive.
Does Snead State require the TEAS exam?
No. The ADN program requires the ACT (minimum composite 18), not the TEAS. Confirm current requirements on the official nursing admission packets.
How competitive is admission to Snead State’s nursing program?
Admission is competitive and limited by faculty and clinical space. The acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed. Selection is based on established criteria including ACT score and GPA on nursing core courses.
Does Snead State offer an accelerated BSN?
Snead State does not offer an accelerated BSN. It offers an AAS in Registered Nursing and LPN-to-RN mobility only; graduates often complete RN-to-BSN at a four-year university.
What are the clinical placement sites for Snead State nursing students?
Clinical experiences are conducted in varied health care agencies. Specific site names are not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages; contact the nursing program or see the Nursing Handbook for more detail.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Snead State?
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing CY2024 report, Snead State Community College reported a 100.00% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its Associate Degree Nursing program. Snead’s own NCLEX-RN chart also reports 92.50% in 2023, 100% in 2024, and 96.88% in 2025. Applicants should verify whether Practical Nursing outcomes are available separately before comparing PN/LPN pathways.
References
- Snead State Nursing Pathways (AAS RN and LPN-to-RN)snead.edu/career-technical-education/health_sciences/nursing-programs/
- ACEN · Snead State Community College Associate Degree Nursing Programacenursing.org
- Snead State · RN Class of 2025 pinning ceremonysnead.edu
- All other data as provided in our inputs. Any data point marked ‘Not publicly disclosed’ or ‘not clearly published on the school’s public nursing pages’ = unavailability in official sources reviewed.
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, 2026Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026Nursing Education Review Process · Editorial Policy