East Mississippi Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
From the Golden Triangle to Scooba, East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) offers an ACEN-accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with generic and LPN-to-RN transition tracks, plus a Practical Nursing certificate. This guide summarizes official admissions deadlines, FY2026 tuition, school-reported first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes by academic year, and Mississippi IHL–published calendar-year rates (MS BON/NCSBN data) for benchmarking—always verify details with EMCC and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
EMCC’s ADN is delivered at the Golden Triangle Campus (Mayhew) with a published LPN-to-RN transition that starts with a primarily online first semester plus campus visits for testing and skills validation—useful if you are already a working LPN in Mississippi and need a structured bridge to the second year of the generic cohort.
Overview & Why Students Choose EMCC
East Mississippi Community College serves east Mississippi from its Scooba main campus and Golden Triangle location in Mayhew, near the Columbus–Starkville healthcare corridor. Nursing is housed in the Division of Nursing and Health Sciences; the Associate Degree Nursing program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level RN practice, while a separate Practical Nursing certificate supports the LPN pathway.
Enrollment is limited and competitive: meeting minimum GPA, ACT, and prerequisite requirements does not guarantee admission. EMCC publishes a detailed Associate Degree Nursing Handbook and term-specific admission packets—use those as your primary checklist alongside advising from Health Sciences.
On its public Associate Degree Nursing page, EMCC reports a 91.16% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated associate-degree graduates in 2023-24 (88.56% in 2022-23; 79.91% in 2021-22). The Mississippi IHL 2025 nursing annual report lists EMCC at 97.06% three-year (2022–2024) for all testers in the associate NCLEX-RN row (MS BON/NCSBN). Confirm the latest cohort with EMCC and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Reasons students choose EMCC for nursing
Regional access in east Mississippi
Dual locations—Scooba and the Golden Triangle—put the program within reach for students across Kemper, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, and surrounding counties who want to stay close to home for prerequisites and many nursing activities.
ACEN-accredited ADN
EMCC states its Associate Degree Nursing program at the Golden Triangle Campus holds ACEN continuing accreditation and IHL continuing accreditation, which matters for transfer, clinical contracts, and licensure eligibility planning. The May 2025 Mississippi IHL Nursing Annual Report “National Accreditation Status” table lists the next ACEN visit for EMCC’s associate program as Fall 2024—that schedule row may reflect a visit that already occurred; confirm the current ACEN program page before you enroll.
LPN-to-RN transition track
Licensed practical nurses can apply to a three-semester transition sequence that begins in the fall, with a first semester that is primarily online with campus visits for testing and skills validation before joining the second year of the generic cohort.
Transparent program outcomes
EMCC publishes multi-year NCLEX-RN, on-time completion, and job placement figures on the ADN page, which helps you compare recent cohort performance (always confirm definitions with the college).
FY2026 tuition structure
Mississippi community college pricing is posted in EMCC’s annual Tuition & Fees PDF, with in-state per-credit rates and block pricing for heavier loads—typically much lower than four-year nursing pathways before transfer.
Nursing Programs Offered
EMCC’s catalog and program pages describe pre-licensure nursing at the associate and practical level. Below is the structure EMCC publishes publicly (spring/fall generic cohort deadlines; LPN-RN intake by campus).
Pre-licensure
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) — Generic option
Traditional entry for students completing prerequisites (College Algebra; Anatomy & Physiology I & II with C or better within five years; cumulative college GPA 2.5+; ACT composite 18+ per EMCC). Awards the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing; satisfies educational requirements to apply for NCLEX-RN. Delivered at the Golden Triangle Campus.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) — LPN to RN transition
For Mississippi LPNs with work experience, IV certification, and additional prerequisites (including English Comp I and General Psychology with C or better). Three-semester sequence; first-semester courses are primarily online with scheduled campus visits; then merges into the second year of the generic cohort. Spring entry at Scooba and summer entry at Mayhew per published packets.
Practical Nursing (career certificate)
EMCC links a one-year career certificate Practical Nursing pathway from the same health sciences division—appropriate if your goal is LPN licensure first. See the dedicated Practical Nursing page for current curriculum and start terms.
Post-licensure & graduate
EMCC does not list RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP programs; graduates typically pursue a BSN at a university after RN licensure if they choose.
Generic ADN, LPN-to-RN, and Practical Nursing use different application packets and deadlines. EMCC states transfer credit is not granted for nursing courses taken at other institutions, and applicants who previously attended nursing school may need a letter of good standing from the prior program director.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the program outcomes table published on EMCC’s Associate Degree Nursing page, the NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated associate-degree graduates was 91.16% in academic year 2023-24, 88.56% in 2022-23, and 79.91% in 2021-22. EMCC also publishes an “aggregated first-time and repeat” pass rate column for each year; the rows above follow the college’s first-time labeling.
According to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Annual Report for Mississippi Nursing Degree Programs (May 15, 2025; NCLEX-RN table citing the Mississippi Board of Nursing and NCSBN), East Mississippi Community College associate-level pass rates were 95.83% (calendar 2022), 94.44% (2023), and 100% (2024), with a three-year rate of 97.06% for all testers (first-time and repeat) per the report.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (MS IHL 2025 report — associate row, all testers) | 95.83% (CY 2022), 94.44% (2023), 100% (2024); three-year 97.06% — IHL Nursing Annual Report (PDF) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2023-24) | 91.16% — U.S.-educated associate cohort (EMCC program outcomes table) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2022-23) | 88.56% (same source) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2021-22) | 79.91% (same source) |
| Source (school) | EMCC Associate Degree Nursing — Program Outcomes. Confirm current figures with EMCC. |
| Source (regulatory / state context) | Mississippi Board of Nursing; Mississippi IHL — 2025 Nursing Annual Report (PDF). |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Mississippi Board of Nursing and EMCC before you rely on any single percentage.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Community college nursing programs often have limited seats and clinical placement requirements tied to state licensure. Treat the list below as a planning checklist only—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: Ask EMCC admissions whether TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other scores are required for degree-seeking or selective Health Sciences admission.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Confirm whether international secondary or college work must be evaluated (and which services EMCC accepts) before nursing prerequisite credit is posted.
- Mississippi Board of Nursing: For RN or LPN licensure eligibility, NCLEX registration, and internationally educated nurse pathways, review current Board rules and forms—not only the college catalog.
- Immigration & visa status: Clinical courses may require background checks, drug screens, and site access policies that interact with visa category; coordinate with EMCC and clinical sites early.
Requirements change. Verify with EMCC admissions, the international student office if applicable, and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
EMCC’s Associate Degree Nursing program is selective. The college states applicants must submit complete packets by posted deadlines; incomplete files are not reviewed. Meeting minimum thresholds does not guarantee acceptance. Entrance testing listed on EMCC’s public ADN page is the ACT (minimum composite 18), not the TEAS—reconfirm in the current handbook if you are applying far in the future.
Generic ADN option — minimum requirements (EMCC)
- Cumulative college GPA 2.5 or higher on all prior coursework.
- Grade of C or better in College Algebra and Anatomy & Physiology I & II (sciences within five years).
- ACT composite 18 or higher.
- Complete packet by October 1 (spring admission) or June 1 (fall admission).
LPN-to-RN transition — additional expectations
In addition to many of the same academic thresholds, EMCC requires an active Mississippi LPN license, 9 months of full-time LPN work in the last three years (employer verification), IV certification, transcripts from the PN program, and successful completion of published prerequisites including English Comp I and General Psychology. Deadlines differ for Scooba spring vs. Mayhew summer starts—download the current LPN-RN packet on the ADN page.
Application timeline (generic ADN)
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring cohort (generic) | October 1 (annual) | All testing and prerequisites complete; packet submitted to Health Sciences office per EMCC instructions. |
| Fall cohort (generic) | June 1 (annual) | Same expectation for a complete file by the deadline. |
| LPN-to-RN transition | See campus-specific packet | Spring (Scooba) and summer (Mayhew) intake; use the PDF application packet links on EMCC’s site for the year you apply. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed — competitive, limited seats. |
| Minimum GPA (published) | 2.5 cumulative on prior college work (generic & transition tracks). |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on EMCC’s public ADN requirements as of the 2025-26 handbook reference; ACT composite 18 required. Confirm if policies change. |
| Prior nursing program attendance | Letter of good standing may be required; more than one unsuccessful attempt may disqualify applicants for five years (per EMCC published rules—verify exact wording in handbook). |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
EMCC publishes an annual Tuition & Fees PDF. The figures below are taken from the 2025-2026 (FY2026) schedule; housing, meals, books, uniforms, and nursing-specific fees are additional.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-state tuition (1-14 credit hours) | $165.00 per semester credit hour (FY2026 PDF) |
| In-state tuition (15-19 credit hours) | $1,800.00 flat block (FY2026 PDF) |
| In-state tuition (20+ credit hours) | $1,800.00 plus $165.00 per credit hour beyond 19 (FY2026 PDF) |
| Out-of-state tuition | $265/credit (1-14); $3,300 block (15-19); $3,300 + $265/credit beyond 19—see PDF for non-resident processing fees |
| Common fees (examples) | Registration fee $120; capital improvements & student admin tech fee $11/credit; health fee $35 (FY2026 PDF highlights) |
| ADN nursing (Golden Triangle) | Program fee schedule lists ADN Nursing (GT) at $3,170 program fee with alternate $1,045 flat-fee pathway—confirm which applies to your cohort |
| Nursing course fee example | NUR 1119 Nursing I: $250 course fee listed in FY2026 PDF |
| Source | EMCC Tuition & Fees page (FY2026 PDF). Confirm amounts each term with the Business Office. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
EMCC’s Associate Degree Nursing page publishes a small program outcomes table with NCLEX, completion, and job placement metrics by academic year. Figures below are copied from that table; confirm definitions (for example, how “job placement” is counted) with the college.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (MS IHL associate row, CY 2022–24, all testers) | 95.83% / 94.44% / 100% by year; 97.06% three-year — IHL 2025 report (MS BON/NCSBN) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (2023-24) | 91.16% — EMCC program outcomes table (U.S.-educated associate-degree column) |
| Program completion in 100% of allotted time (2023-24) | 51% — same EMCC table |
| Job placement rate (2023-24) | EMCC reports 100% on the same outcomes table; confirm methodology and updates with EMCC |
| Source | EMCC Associate Degree Nursing — Program Outcomes |
Is EMCC the Right Fit for You?
EMCC fits applicants who are ready for structured prerequisites, ACT-based screening, and a community college schedule that feeds into the NCLEX-RN—not those looking for an immediate four-year BSN on the same campus.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ACEN-accredited ADN in east Mississippi with clear LPN-to-RN and PN pathways published by the college.
- Can meet GPA, science, and ACT 18 floors and tolerate competitive, limited-seat admission.
- Value published tuition and program-fee transparency in the FY2026 schedule.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a BSN or ABSN without transferring, or expect large-university research nursing resources.
- Cannot relocate or commute to Golden Triangle nursing classes for the generic ADN track.
- Prefer TEAS-only screening or guaranteed admission if minimums are met—EMCC states meeting minimums does not guarantee selection.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
The Golden Triangle (Columbus, Starkville, West Point) and broader east Mississippi region include community hospitals, multispecialty clinics, and long-term care settings that employ new graduate RNs. EMCC arranges clinical learning experiences as part of the nursing curriculum; specific contracted sites rotate and are subject to capacity, policy, and student compliance screening.
| Facility / system (examples) | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden Triangle (Columbus) | Regional acute-care employer near EMCC’s Golden Triangle campus—illustrative of the clinical complexity available in the local market (not an exclusive partnership claim). |
| OCH Regional Medical Center (Starkville) | Nearby hospital serving Oktibbeha County; many nursing graduates seek roles in comparable community hospitals after licensure. |
| Rural health & LTC network | East Mississippi includes nursing homes, home health, and smaller hospitals that hire ADN-prepared nurses—clinical rotations may include varied sites over the program. |
| Next step | Ask EMCC’s nursing office for the current clinical affiliate list for your expected start term; do not assume a single facility. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students use EMCC’s Health Sciences infrastructure—including skills and simulation activities tied to coursework—primarily from the Golden Triangle Campus for the ADN while still belonging to a college that maintains Scooba housing, athletics, and student activities. EMCC lists a Student Success Navigator for nursing and Health Sciences office staff to help with paperwork and progression. Student life will feel more like a regional community college than a residential BSN program; expect significant time in clinical, lab, and study groups once admitted.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Scooba, MS
- ADN campus
- Golden Triangle Campus, Mayhew, MS
- Scooba address
- 1512 Kemper St., Scooba, MS 39358, US
- Golden Triangle address
- 8731 South Frontage Rd., Mayhew, MS 39753, US
- General phone
- 662-476-5000 (Scooba); 662-243-1900 (Golden Triangle)
- Director of Nursing Programs
- Jamonicia R. Johnson, MSN, RN — 662-243-2664, jjohnson2@eastms.edu
- Health Sciences office
- Natasha Hill — 662-243-1910, nhill@eastms.edu
- Website
- eastms.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the Associate Degree Nursing Handbook (2025-26) and the correct admission packet PDF for your track (generic vs. LPN-RN).
- Compare your transcripts to EMCC’s prerequisite list and confirm science recency (five years) where applicable.
- Ensure ACT composite 18 scores are on file or schedule a retest if needed.
- Email alliedhealth@eastms.edu or call the Health Sciences office with questions about packet completeness.
- Complete your FAFSA and review financial aid for the semester you plan to enter nursing courses.
- Add deadline reminders for October 1 (spring generic ADN) and June 1 (fall generic ADN).
- Bookmark the Mississippi Board of Nursing for future licensure steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does East Mississippi Community College offer?
EMCC publishes an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program on the Golden Triangle Campus with generic and LPN-to-RN transition tracks, plus a separate Practical Nursing career certificate. It does not list a BSN or MSN.
Does EMCC nursing require the TEAS exam?
The public ADN requirements emphasize a minimum ACT composite of 18, prerequisite grades, and GPA—not the TEAS. Always double-check the latest handbook in case the college adds or swaps assessments.
What ACT score does EMCC nursing require?
EMCC lists a minimum composite ACT score of 18 for both the generic ADN option and the LPN-to-RN transition track, in addition to other academic requirements.
When are EMCC Associate Degree Nursing application deadlines?
For the generic track, packets are due October 1 for spring admission and June 1 for fall admission. LPN-RN applicants follow the Scooba or Mayhew packet deadlines posted on the ADN page.
What is the NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for EMCC’s ADN?
EMCC’s outcomes table shows 91.16% first-time NCLEX-RN pass for the 2023-24 year (U.S.-educated associate cohort). The Mississippi IHL 2025 Nursing Annual Report lists EMCC at 97.06% three-year (2022–2024) for all testers in the associate row (MS BON/NCSBN data). Confirm newer cohorts with EMCC and the Board.
How much is EMCC tuition per credit in 2025-2026?
The FY2026 PDF lists $165 per semester credit for in-state students taking 1-14 hours, with block pricing at 15-19 and 20+ hours. Out-of-state rates and fees are higher—see the official PDF.
Where is EMCC’s nursing program located?
The ACEN-accredited ADN is delivered at the Golden Triangle Campus in Mayhew. LPN-RN transition cohorts may start from Scooba or Mayhew depending on the term listed in EMCC’s packet.
Is EMCC’s nursing program accredited?
EMCC reports ACEN continuing accreditation and Mississippi IHL continuing accreditation for the Associate Degree Nursing program at Golden Triangle. The May 2025 IHL nursing report lists Fall 2024 as the next ACEN visit on its associate-degree schedule—that date may already have passed; confirm the current ACEN program page and EMCC before you enroll.
Can I transfer nursing courses from another college into EMCC’s ADN?
EMCC states transfer credit is not awarded for nursing courses completed elsewhere; unofficial transfer of general education may differ. Applicants with prior nursing school attendance may need a letter of good standing.
References
- East Mississippi Community College — Associate Degree Nursingassociate-degree-nursing.html
- East Mississippi Community College — Practical Nursingpractical-nursing.html
- East Mississippi Community College — FY2026 Tuition and Fees PDFtuitionfees-fy2026-v6.pdf
- East Mississippi Community College — Tuition and Fees hubtuition-fees.html
- Mississippi Board of Nursingmsbn.ms.gov
- Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learningmississippi.edu/ihl
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)acenursing.org
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
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 outcome sourcing, FY2026 tuition alignment with EMCC’s PDF, and ADN/LPN-RN admission requirement accuracy.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It is not legal, immigration, licensure, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and clinical placement policies change; verify with East Mississippi Community College and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Published: Mar 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy