Ashland Community and Technical College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Northeast Kentucky’s public KCTCS college offers selective Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing pathways with clinical training in the Tri-State region. This guide summarizes official KBN NCLEX data, KCTCS tuition, and ACTC admissions requirements—always confirm the latest details with ACTC and the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
ACTC publishes selective ADN admission (minimum 2.5 GPA, NLN NEX, March 31 deadline) and offers Northeast Kentucky clinical access at KCTCS’s low per-credit tuition—pair that with official Kentucky Board of Nursing pass-rate tables when comparing cohort outcomes.
Overview & Why Students Choose Ashland Community and Technical College
Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) serves Northeast Kentucky from multiple campuses (College Drive, Roberts Drive, and Technology Drive). As part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), ACTC emphasizes accessible tuition and workforce-aligned health programs. Nursing has been part of the college since the 1970s, and today’s Associate Degree Nursing program combines general education with supervised clinical experiences designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN.
ACTC also lists Practical Nursing (certificate/diploma) options in the KCTCS catalog for students seeking the NCLEX-PN, plus transition routes such as LPN-to-ADN and Military Medic-to-ADN for qualified applicants. The program office highlights skills labs, simulation, and community clinical placements as core parts of the student experience.
According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing Prelicensure Program of Nursing Pass Rates (Pass Rates.pdf, March 2025), for calendar year 2024 ACTC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ASN/ADN) program reported a 83.8% first-time pass rate (62 of 74 first-time testers meeting KBN criteria). For the same document and year, ACTC’s Practical Nursing program reported 85.0% (17 of 20). Confirm the next annual publication on the KBN benchmarks page and verify cohort details with ACTC.
Reasons students choose ACTC
KBN-documented outcomes
State board pass-rate tables let you compare ACTC’s ADN and PN results alongside other Kentucky programs using the same reporting rules.
KCTCS value & aid
Systemwide per-credit tuition is among the lowest in Kentucky; ACTC links to scholarships and Work Ready Kentucky pathways from its nursing hub.
Simulation & skills labs
The ADN student handbook and program pages describe skills labs, simulation coordination, and clinical compliance expectations for real-world readiness.
Multiple entry routes
Beyond traditional ADN progression, ACTC publishes LPN-to-ADN and Military Medic-to-ADN tracks for eligible students who meet selective admission standards.
Tri-State clinical region
Located on the Ohio River, Ashland sits near major regional hospitals, giving students access to diverse community and acute-care experiences.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following list reflects ACTC’s official nursing program page and the KCTCS 2025–2026 catalog: ACTC offers Associate Degree Nursing (Associate in Applied Science; 62–66 credits) leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility, Practical Nursing (certificate and diploma credentials listed for Ashland in the catalog), and documented transition pathways (LPN-to-ADN bridge and Military Medic-to-ADN) for qualified applicants. Kentucky’s Board of Nursing separately lists both an ADN (RN) and a PN program for ACTC in its pass-rate reports.
Pre-licensure
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN / AAS)
Modular pathway ADN aligned with KCTCS NSG coursework; graduates take the NCLEX-RN. ACEN continuing accreditation and KBN approval are stated on ACTC’s nursing page.
Practical Nursing
Certificate and diploma Practical Nursing options appear in the KCTCS catalog for Ashland; graduates sit for NCLEX-PN. Confirm active cohorts and campus delivery with ACTC.
Pathways & transitions
LPN to ADN Transition
Advanced-standing LPN-to-RN track described on ACTC’s ADN bridge page and semester plans for licensed practical nurses who meet prerequisites.
Military Medic to ADN
Dedicated semester plan for eligible military medics transitioning into the ADN curriculum, per ACTC program materials.
Practical Nursing seat availability and campus locations can change. Always confirm the exact credential (certificate vs. diploma), start term, and any conditional approval language directly with ACTC nursing advisors and the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) publishes calendar-year, first-time NCLEX pass rates for each approved program. Figures below come from Pass Rates.pdf (March 2025), which reports Associate Degree Nursing programs under the heading “Associate Degree Nursing (ASN)” consistent with KBN’s coding—even though ACTC and KCTCS describe the credential as an Associate in Applied Science (ADN pathway).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (calendar year 2024) | 83.8% (62 passed / 74 tested), per KBN March 2025 Pass Rates.pdf |
| Five calendar years (2020–2024) aggregate (ADN) | 78.9% (127 passed / 161 tested), same source |
| Source | Kentucky Board of Nursing — Pass Rates.pdf (linked from KBN Program of Nursing Benchmarks). Confirm the latest tables with KBN and ACTC. |
Recent calendar-year history (ADN)
Percentages and counts are taken directly from the March 2025 KBN PDF.
| Year | Tested | Passed | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 41 | 30 | 73.2% |
| 2021 | 51 | 39 | 76.5% |
| 2022 | 35 | 28 | 80.0% |
| 2023 | 52 | 37 | 71.2% |
| 2024 | 74 | 62 | 83.8% |
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing)
KBN publishes PN results separately. For ACTC’s Practical Nursing program, the same March 2025 Pass Rates.pdf lists a 85.0% first-time pass rate for calendar year 2024 (17 passed / 20 tested).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (calendar year 2024) | 85.0% (17 passed / 20 tested), per KBN March 2025 Pass Rates.pdf |
| Source | Same KBN PDF as above. Confirm current cohort data with KBN and ACTC. |
KBN rates are calendar-year snapshots and can move year to year. Always confirm the latest pass-rate tables and any program improvement plans directly with the Kentucky Board of Nursing and ACTC’s nursing administrators.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses depend on ACTC admissions policies, federal visa rules, and Kentucky Board of Nursing licensure pathways. Use the checklist below as a starting point; this is general guidance, not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm whether ACTC or KCTCS requires TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for your program.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow ACTC admissions guidance for foreign transcripts; internationally educated nurses seeking Kentucky licensure may need additional evaluations recognized by KBN.
- Kentucky Board of Nursing: For RN or PN licensure, confirm eligibility, background checks, and NCLEX documentation with KBN.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical courses may have restrictions for certain visa categories; coordinate with ACTC’s admissions office and the international student office (if applicable).
Policies change frequently. Verify with ACTC admissions and the Kentucky Board of Nursing before making decisions.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
ACTC’s Associate Degree Nursing program uses selective admission. Applicants must satisfy college admission, complete prerequisites with required grades, attend advising, submit transcripts, and meet testing deadlines published on the official ADN page. Practical Nursing has a separate application process—confirm requirements with ACTC for the PN track you intend to pursue.
Application timeline (ADN)
| Milestone | Date / window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Program application deadline | March 31 (per ACTC ADN page) | Submit required documents with the nursing application. |
| NLN NEX testing window | August 1–March 31 | Up to two attempts ≥30 days apart; last exam dates posted each cycle. |
| Advising conference | Before applying | In-person meeting or online certificate of completion per ACTC instructions. |
Admissions snapshot (ADN)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed — selective, limited seats |
| Minimum cumulative GPA | 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (global GPA including all college coursework, per ACTC ADN page) |
| Entrance exam | NLN Preadmission Exam (NLN NEX) — not TEAS; scores must be proctored in person and dated within three years of the deadline |
| Nurse aide requirement | Pass NAA 100 or equivalent, pass Kentucky nurse aide exam, maintain active registry before first nursing course |
| Prerequisite grades | “C” or better in math/science prerequisites; maintain ≥2.0 cumulative GPA in program |
| Selective points | Additional points for NLN NEX ≥35th percentile and for strong performance in first 12+ curriculum credits (see ACTC ADN page) |
Practical Nursing applicants
PN prerequisites, exams, and deadlines differ from ADN. Review the Practical Nursing materials in the KCTCS catalog and contact ACTC nursing staff for the current checklist.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
ACTC follows KCTCS systemwide tuition and fee schedules. For 2025–2026, KCTCS lists $195 per credit hour for Kentucky residents, $270 for non-residents, a $8 mandatory fee per credit hour, and additional distance-learning fees when applicable. Online-only courses charge $195 per credit for all students, but mandatory and distance fees may still apply.
| Metric | Value (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Resident tuition | $195 per credit hour (KCTCS Detailed Tuition and Charges) |
| Non-resident tuition | $270 per credit hour |
| Mandatory fee | $8 per credit hour (all students) |
| Full-time direct cost estimate | KCTCS COA table lists $4,680 estimated tuition + $192 fees for 12 credits/semester (two terms) — use as a planning baseline, not a bill |
| ADN program-level estimate | ACTC’s ADN Estimated Program Cost page (revised Spring 2023) lists an approximate total completion range (including books, uniforms, testing, and licensure expenses). Per-credit tuition on that page ($182/hour) predates the 2025–26 KCTCS rate—recalculate with current tuition or ask the bursar. |
| Source | KCTCS — Detailed Tuition and Charges; ACTC Tuition & Costs; ACTC ADN Estimated Program Cost |
ACTC also promotes Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship and other aid programs; review the scholarships page for named opportunities.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Use KBN pass-rate tables for licensure exam performance and ACTC’s published disclosures for program-level metrics. Employment demand for RNs and LPNs in the Tri-State region remains strong, but individual offers depend on credentials, performance, and employer needs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (CY 2024) | 83.8% (62/74), Kentucky Board of Nursing Pass Rates.pdf (March 2025) |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (CY 2024) | 85.0% (17/20), same KBN source |
| Job placement (ADN) | ACTC’s Associate Degree Nursing NCLEX Pass Rates page includes a historical table with school-reported job placement metrics by year. Confirm the latest cohort and methodology with ACTC; do not treat older percentages as guarantees. |
| Source | KBN Pass Rates.pdf; ACTC ADN outcomes table |
Is Ashland Community and Technical College the Right Fit for You?
ACTC fits students who want affordable, public-college tuition, are prepared for selective nursing admission, and plan to study in Northeast Kentucky with clinical experiences spanning the Tri-State area.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ADN or PN credential with transparent KBN outcome reporting.
- Can meet NLN NEX testing, nurse-aide, and GPA requirements on a fixed timeline.
- Prefer a community college price point and potential transfer to a four-year RN-to-BSN later.
- Value hands-on labs and regional clinical placements over large research-university amenities.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a non-selective or open-enrollment nursing program.
- Cannot commit to in-person proctored exams and clinical compliance costs.
- Expect an immediate BSN without transferring—ACTC awards the AAS/ADN pathway, not a BSN.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Ashland anchors the Kentucky–Ohio–West Virginia Tri-State region. Major employers include community hospitals, regional health systems, long-term care networks, and outpatient clinics serving rural and urban patients across the Ohio River corridor. ACTC nursing students routinely encounter diverse clinical environments—from acute care to community health—though exact placement sites rotate by semester.
| Setting | Examples / notes |
|---|---|
| Acute care | Regional medical centers and community hospitals in Ashland, Huntington (WV), and surrounding counties—confirm current contracts with ACTC. |
| Community & post-acute | Home health, long-term care, and rehabilitation providers throughout Boyd County and neighboring communities. |
| Why it matters | Tri-State demand for bedside nurses supports clinical variety and local hiring pipelines; students should still confirm employer requirements independently. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
ACTC operates multiple campuses; nursing courses and labs primarily use the College Drive Campus health sciences facilities. The ADN handbook references skills laboratories, simulation coordination, and professional communication expectations for clinical readiness. Student life at a commuter-focused community college centers on coursework, cohort peers, and regional clinical partnerships rather than on-campus housing.
Support services—advising, financial aid, disability services, and veterans resources—are available through the main college offices listed in the KCTCS catalog. Nursing students should expect compliance-heavy clinical requirements (immunizations, background checks, CPR, liability insurance) outlined in the ADN handbook.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Ashland, KY
- Address
- 1400 College Drive, Ashland, KY 41101, US
- Main telephone
- (606) 326-2000 · Toll-free (800) 928-4256
- Nursing program office
- (606) 326-2012 · deena.howerton@kctcs.edu (Nursing Program Administrator)
- Website
- ashland.kctcs.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the ACTC ADN admission page and download the latest student handbook for policies and deadlines.
- Compare your transcripts to the KCTCS nursing AAS plan and confirm prerequisite sequencing with an ACTC advisor.
- Register for the NLN NEX through ACTC’s testing calendar and complete the advising conference certificate.
- Plan nurse aide training and Kentucky registry steps if you are not already listed as active.
- Review KBN pass-rate tables so you understand how Kentucky reports cohort data.
- Estimate tuition using the KCTCS rate sheet plus ACTC’s ADN cost worksheet (update per-credit math).
- Submit the nursing application before the March 31 deadline if you are targeting the upcoming ADN cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Ashland Community and Technical College offer?
ACTC’s official nursing hub lists Associate Degree Nursing (AAS/ADN), Practical Nursing credentials in the KCTCS catalog, LPN-to-ADN bridge options, and Military Medic-to-ADN pathways. Confirm which PN tracks are actively enrolling.
What is the ACTC ADN NCLEX-RN pass rate according to the Kentucky Board of Nursing?
Per KBN Pass Rates.pdf (March 2025), ACTC’s Associate Degree Nursing program had an 83.8% first-time pass rate in calendar year 2024 (62 of 74 testers meeting KBN criteria). Confirm the next annual update on the KBN benchmarks page.
What is the ACTC Practical Nursing NCLEX-PN pass rate (KBN)?
The same March 2025 KBN document lists an 85.0% first-time pass rate for calendar year 2024 (17 of 20 testers). Confirm current data with KBN and ACTC.
Does ACTC require the TEAS for nursing?
No—ACTC’s ADN page specifies the NLN Preadmission Exam (NLN NEX) with in-person proctoring, not the TEAS. Follow the published testing calendar.
What GPA do you need for Ashland Community and Technical College nursing?
ACTC lists a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA for ADN applicants plus course grades of “C” or better in prerequisites. Additional selective points reward higher academic performance.
When is the ACTC nursing application due?
The ADN page lists a March 31 application deadline and an August–March window for NLN NEX testing. Verify whether dates shift for your entry term.
How much is tuition at ACTC?
KCTCS sets $195 per credit for Kentucky residents in 2025–26 plus an $8 per credit mandatory fee. Use ACTC’s ADN cost worksheet for program-specific expenses, updating tuition math to the current rate.
Is ACTC’s nursing program accredited?
ACTC states ADN holds ACEN Continuing Accreditation and Kentucky Board of Nursing approval. PN applicants should confirm any separate accreditation statements with ACTC.
Can you bridge from LPN to RN at ACTC?
Yes—ACTC publishes an LPN-to-ADN transition plan and bridge coursework for licensed practical nurses who meet admission criteria.
References
- Ashland Community and Technical College — Nursing program hubashland.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/nursing.aspx
- Ashland Community and Technical College — ADN admission requirementsashland.kctcs.edu/education-training/info/adn.aspx
- Ashland Community and Technical College — ADN estimated program costashland.kctcs.edu/education-training/info/adn-cost.aspx
- KCTCS — Detailed Tuition and Charges (2025–2026)kctcs.edu/affording-college/tuition-costs/tuition-charges.aspx
- Kentucky Board of Nursing — Program of Nursing Benchmarks / Pass Rateskbn.ky.gov/Education/Pages/kentucky-program-of-nursing-benchmarks.aspx
- Kentucky Board of Nursing — Pass Rates.pdf (March 2025)kbn.ky.gov/KBN Documents/Pass Rates.pdf
- KCTCS Catalog — Ashland Community and Technical Collegecatalog.kctcs.edu/colleges/ashland-community-technical-college/
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for NCLEX data alignment with Kentucky Board of Nursing publications, KCTCS tuition accuracy, and ACTC program scope.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy