Carroll Community College Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
In Westminster, Maryland, Carroll Community College runs a selective Associate of Science in Registered Nursing (we use ADN for the pre-licensure pathway) with simulation labs and clinical rotations across Carroll, Frederick, and Baltimore counties and Baltimore City. This guide cites Carroll’s official pages for NLN-NEX admission, Summer 2025 tuition tiers, and NCLEX-RN figures published on Carroll’s nursing FAQ, with verification steps for the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Carroll’s nursing program is NLN CNEA–accredited (continuing accreditation per the college), uses county-based tuition tiers (in-county, out-of-county, out-of-state on the official chart), and admits one fall cohort per year with a published NLN-NEX composite threshold. Confirm current accreditation with Carroll and NLN CNEA.
Overview & Why Students Choose Carroll Community College
Carroll Community College sits on an 80-acre campus in Westminster, between the Baltimore and Frederick metro areas. Its Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S. program combines classroom instruction, high-fidelity simulation, and clinical experiences at hospitals and agencies mainly in Carroll, Frederick, and Baltimore counties and Baltimore City—giving students exposure to varied patient populations within central Maryland.
Carroll awards an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing; throughout this guide we use Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) as the standard pre-licensure label. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN. Carroll also promotes Associate-to-Bachelor (ATB) partnerships for students who want to progress toward a BSN while in the RN program—those agreements are separate from the associate credential itself.
Carroll publishes NCLEX-RN pass-rate information on its nursing FAQ. For regulatory reporting, the Maryland Board of Nursing hosts education and NCLEX statistics. Confirm the latest cohort data with Carroll CC and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Carroll CC
Regional clinical variety
Clinical rotations emphasize sites across Carroll, Frederick, and Baltimore counties and Baltimore City, so students see community and acute-care settings typical of the I-83/I-70 corridor.
Transparent entrance testing
Carroll uses the NLN-NEX with a published composite score threshold and on-site testing—applicants know the exam rules before applying.
Published cohort size
Carroll’s FAQ notes about 80 seats per fall class and roughly 130 applications per cycle, which helps applicants understand selectivity.
NLN CNEA–accredited nursing
The program lists continuing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)—confirm status with Carroll and NLN CNEA.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects Carroll’s public Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S. page, Practical Nursing Certificate catalog entry, and Associate-to-Bachelor materials. Use the Nursing Program Handbook for progression rules.
Pre-licensure (RN)
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN pathway)
Carroll’s 70-credit Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S. combines general education, nursing theory and labs, simulation, and clinical rotations. Graduates qualify to take the NCLEX-RN. We use ADN as the pathway label; Carroll’s official degree name is Associate of Science in Registered Nursing.
Practical Nursing Certificate (pathway)
Students who complete the first year of the RN program may take a practical nursing summer course to pursue NCLEX-PN eligibility. Carroll states there is no standalone Practical Nursing program—this certificate sits inside the RN curriculum.
Transition to RN (LPN, Paramedic, Military Medic)
Licensed LPNs, NRPs, and qualified military medics may apply to a competitive transition track. Per Carroll’s FAQ, after prerequisites, RN coursework can be completed in about three semesters.
Post-licensure & transfer (not the A.S. credential)
Carroll promotes Associate-to-Bachelor (ATB) partnerships so accepted RN students can take concurrent upper-level courses toward a BSN at partner universities. ATB is not a separate pre-licensure program at Carroll; eligibility and partners are described on the Associate-to-Bachelor page.
Carroll does not list a traditional four-year BSN or MSN on its public nursing page reviewed for this guide. If you need a first professional BSN without an ADN, use Maryland’s university nursing programs. Always confirm pathways in the current catalog.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Carroll Community College’s nursing FAQ (school-reported data), for the annual period July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024, the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 94.5%. The same FAQ lists a three-year average of 92.9% against a 90% benchmark reference line stated on that page.
For official state aggregation, the Maryland Board of Nursing publishes NCLEX education statistics for Maryland programs. Board tables may use slightly different periods or definitions than Carroll’s FAQ—confirm the latest school-level row with the Board and Carroll.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (Jul 2023–Jun 2024) | 94.5% (school-reported on Carroll nursing FAQ) |
| Three-year average (school-reported) | 92.9% (Carroll nursing FAQ) |
| Source (school) | Carroll CC — Nursing FAQ (NCLEX-RN). |
| Source (regulatory) | Maryland Board of Nursing — Education / NCLEX statistics. Confirm current rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing and Carroll CC. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing and Carroll CC.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and by Maryland licensure rules. Use the checklist below as guidance only; verify with Carroll’s admissions / international office and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other scores required for Carroll admission.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluations if required for your file.
- Maryland Board of Nursing: RN licensure by examination or endorsement, NCLEX eligibility, and any additional steps for internationally educated nurses.
- Immigration & visa: Whether the nursing program’s schedule and clinical placements support F-1 or other visa types.
Policies change frequently. This section is not legal advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Carroll’s Nursing Admission & Registration page states that all applicants must take the NLN-NEX entrance examination in person at Carroll’s Testing Center. For Fall 2026, Carroll published a required composite score of 138, with exams available through March 13, 2026. Re-testing is allowed every 30 days, with an additional $25 re-test fee paid to the Testing Center. Always confirm the active thresholds and dates for your entry term on the admissions page.
For Fall 2026 RN and Summer 2026 Transition programs, Carroll extended the application deadline through March 16, 2026 (as published on the same page when this guide was reviewed). The nursing FAQ notes that Fall classes admit 80 students with about 130 applications per cycle and that Carroll County residents receive preference over applicants from other counties or states.
Prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C in listed English, psychology, sociology, biology, statistics, and other courses (see FAQ). MATH-115 (Introduction to Statistical Methods) is required.
Application timeline (Carroll nursing)
| Program | Typical application window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RN (annual start) | November–February (per program page) | One start per year; confirm Fall 2026 extension on Nursing Admission & Registration. |
| Transition to RN | Parallel to RN cycle; Summer 2026 materials on admissions page | For LPNs, paramedics, and military medics meeting prerequisites. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrance exam | NLN-NEX required; composite 138 for Fall 2026 (example on admissions page) |
| TEAS | Not used for Carroll’s published nursing entrance requirement (Carroll uses NLN-NEX) |
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage; FAQ cites ~130 applications for 80 seats |
| Typical GPA range | Not publicly disclosed |
| County preference | Carroll County residents receive preference over other counties/states (per FAQ) |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Carroll charges tuition, college service fee, and activity fee by billable credit hour and uses in-county, out-of-county, and out-of-state tiers (not simply “Maryland resident” vs. non-resident). Per the official Tuition & Fees chart effective Summer 2025, for one billable hour the total charges are approximately $182 (in-county), $308.25 (out-of-county), and $423.25 (out-of-state), including tuition, college service fee, and activity fee.
The Registered Nursing A.S. is 70 credits total per Carroll’s program page. Nursing, Tuition & Fees lists clinical billable hours by term and additional per-course nursing fees (for example, NURS 131–NURS 242) plus estimated expenses for books, uniforms, background checks, and NCLEX review. Allied health and nursing lab fees may also apply per the general fees table.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total charges per billable hour (1 hr example) | $182 in-county · $308.25 out-of-county · $423.25 out-of-state (Summer 2025 tuition & fees chart) |
| Program length (credit) | 70 credits (Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S.) |
| Nursing-specific fees | Per-course clinical and nursing fees listed on Nursing, Tuition & Fees; nursing course fee $25/credit on general fees list |
| Source | Carroll CC — Tuition & Fees; Nursing, Tuition & Fees; Financial Aid. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Carroll’s nursing FAQ publishes NCLEX-RN pass-rate information (see the NCLEX section above). The college’s program page references strong employer demand for RNs using Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook language; for school-specific job placement percentages, see whether Carroll posts consumer disclosures or outcomes dashboards and confirm methodology with the college.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (Jul 2023–Jun 2024) | 94.5% (school-reported on Carroll nursing FAQ). Confirm current rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing and Carroll CC. |
| Three-year average (school-reported) | 92.9% (Carroll nursing FAQ) |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed on the Carroll pages reviewed for this guide; confirm with Carroll career services or consumer information. |
| Source | Carroll CC — Nursing FAQ; Maryland Board of Nursing. |
Is Carroll Community College the Right Fit for You?
Carroll fits students who want a public community college ADN in the Baltimore–Westminster–Frederick corridor, can meet NLN-NEX thresholds, and accept county-based tuition rules (Carroll County residents receive admission preference).
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an NLN CNEA-accredited associate RN program with simulation labs and regional hospital clinicals.
- Live in Carroll County or can commute for on-campus testing and clinical travel.
- Can sustain the program’s workload (Carroll suggests working fewer than 20 hours per week while in nursing).
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a first BSN without an ADN—Carroll’s pre-licensure pathway is the A.S. Registered Nursing (ADN pathway).
- Cannot test in person for NLN-NEX or attend on-site labs and clinicals.
- Expect guaranteed admission—Carroll admits about 80 students per class with more applicants than seats.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Carroll’s nursing FAQ states most clinical sites are in Carroll County, Frederick County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City. That footprint connects students to community hospitals, urban acute-care centers, and ambulatory settings along the I-83 and I-70 corridors—useful exposure if you plan to work in central Maryland or the Baltimore metro area.
Representative regional systems and facilities students may encounter include LifeBridge Health (including Carroll Hospital in Westminster), Frederick Health, and Baltimore-area networks such as MedStar Health, University of Maryland Medical System, and Johns Hopkins Medicine—specific rotations vary by semester and program assignment.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Clinical placements | Carroll, Frederick, Baltimore counties and Baltimore City (per Carroll FAQ); exact agencies vary by term. |
| Next step | Ask Carroll nursing for the current clinical partner list for your admitted cohort. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Carroll highlights state-of-the-art simulation labs, small clinical groups, and on-campus networking with healthcare employers on its nursing program page. The Westminster campus supports student life through athletics, clubs, and support services; nursing students should expect a busy schedule of classes, labs, and clinicals (Carroll suggests limiting work to under 20 hours per week).
Compliance items—immunizations, background checks, CPR, and clinical attire—are budgeted on the Nursing, Tuition & Fees page. Connect with nursingprogram@carrollcc.edu for program-specific orientation details.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Westminster, MD
- Address
- 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, MD 21157, US
- Telephone
- (410) 386-8000 (main)
- Nursing program
- nursingprogram@carrollcc.edu
- Website
- carrollcc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read Carroll’s Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S. page and download the Nursing Program Handbook.
- Review prerequisite and grading rules on the nursing FAQ and compare transcripts.
- Create your NLN-NEX account, select institution code 424080-02 (on-site testing), and schedule before published deadlines.
- Build a budget using the Tuition & Fees chart and Nursing, Tuition & Fees course fees.
- Check the Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX publications alongside Carroll’s FAQ.
- Email nursingprogram@carrollcc.edu if you are applying to the Transition track.
- Add Carroll’s application and testing deadlines to your calendar and confirm they match the current admissions page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carroll Community College a good school for nursing?
Carroll offers a selective A.S. Registered Nursing program (ADN pathway) with NLN CNEA accreditation per the college, simulation labs, and regional clinicals. Carroll’s FAQ reports a 94.5% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Jul 2023–Jun 2024 (school-reported). Confirm current outcomes with Carroll CC and the Maryland Board of Nursing.
What nursing programs does Carroll Community College offer?
Carroll’s main pre-licensure track is the Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S. (we use ADN for clarity). Students may pursue a Practical Nursing Certificate after the first year plus a summer course (no standalone PN program). A Transition track serves LPNs, paramedics, and military medics.
Does Carroll CC require TEAS for nursing?
Carroll’s published entrance exam is the NLN-NEX (not TEAS). For Fall 2026, Carroll listed a 138 composite requirement—confirm current rules on Nursing Admission & Registration.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Carroll Community College?
According to Carroll’s nursing FAQ, the first-time pass rate was 94.5% for Jul 1, 2023–Jun 30, 2024, with a three-year average of 92.9% (school-reported). Confirm current rates with the Maryland Board of Nursing and Carroll CC.
How much is tuition at Carroll Community College?
Per the Summer 2025 tuition chart, total charges are about $182 per billable hour in-county, $308.25 out-of-county, and $423.25 out-of-state (tuition plus college service and activity fees for one hour). Nursing courses add separate clinical fees—see Nursing, Tuition & Fees.
When are Carroll CC nursing applications due?
Carroll states applications open November through February for the annual start. For Fall 2026 RN and Summer 2026 Transition, the college extended deadlines through March 16, 2026 on the admissions page—verify active dates for your cycle.
How competitive is Carroll Community College nursing?
Carroll’s FAQ cites about 130 applications for 80 fall seats and notes preference for Carroll County residents. Admission is selective based on academics and aptitude.
Where are clinical sites for Carroll CC nursing students?
Most sites are in Carroll, Frederick, and Baltimore counties and Baltimore City, per Carroll’s FAQ—exact units rotate by term.
Is Carroll CC nursing accredited?
Carroll states continuing accreditation from NLN CNEA for the Associate Degree in Nursing Program. Confirm status with Carroll and NLN CNEA.
References
- Carroll Community College — Nursing, Registered Nurse A.S.carrollcc.edu/…/nursing-registered-nurse-a-s
- Carroll CC — Nursing Admission & Registrationcarrollcc.edu/nursing-admission-and-registration
- Carroll CC — Nursing FAQ (NCLEX)carrollcc.edu/nursing-frequently-asked-questions
- Carroll CC — Tuition & Fees (Summer 2025)carrollcc.edu/…/tuition-fees
- Carroll CC — Nursing, Tuition & Feescarrollcc.edu/nursing-tuition-fees
- Carroll CC — Contactcarrollcc.edu/contact
- Maryland Board of Nursing — Education / NCLEX statisticshealth.maryland.gov/mbon
- 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 alignment with Carroll CC’s public nursing pages, Summer 2025 tuition charts, NLN-NEX admission rules, and Maryland Board of Nursing NCLEX resources.
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 Maryland Board of Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy