Northwest Mississippi Community College Nursing: Pathways, Costs & Requirements (2026)
Spanning Senatobia, Southaven, Oxford, and additional teaching sites, Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) runs an ACEN-recognized Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program with Traditional and LPN-RN Transition tracks plus a multi-campus Practical Nursing certificate. This profile pairs 2025-2026 tuition and fee disclosures with NCLEX-RN pass rates published in the Mississippi IHL 2025 nursing annual report—confirm every deadline and policy on NWCC’s nursing pages and with the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
NWCC publishes high-occupancy nursing enrollment statewide and locates ADN instruction on multiple campuses: Traditional ADN runs at Senatobia and Southaven, while LPN-RN Transition stays on the Senatobia campus per the department’s overview. Combined with clinical experiences that—per the catalog—can extend into Memphis-area hospitals and northwest Mississippi agencies, the program is built for students who want a public, multi-site community college route to the NCLEX-RN.
Overview & Why Students Choose NWCC
Northwest Mississippi Community College anchors its main campus in Senatobia and operates additional centers—including Southaven (DeSoto) and Oxford—across an 11-county district. Health-sciences programming pairs immersive labs and Student Navigator supports with clinical experiences that NWCC notes can extend into Memphis and regional Mississippi providers, giving ADN students exposure to both community and urban care settings.
Admission to nursing is selective: the catalog emphasizes a competitive point system, minimum grades in algebra and Anatomy & Physiology I, an Enhanced ACT composite of 18+ with a science sub-score, and TEAS scoring for Associate Degree Nursing. Meeting those thresholds still does not guarantee a seat, so treat the posted checklists, handbooks, and announcement banners as your single source of truth.
According to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Nursing Annual Report (May 15, 2025), which cites the Mississippi Board of Nursing and NCSBN, Northwest Mississippi Community College’s associate-level undergraduate NCLEX-RN pass rates were 99.07% (2022), 97.50% (2023), and 99.20% (2024), with a three-calendar-year aggregate of 98.58%. That same report lists the Mississippi associate-degree aggregate three-year pass rate at 97.48%, providing an official in-state benchmark from the identical table. Confirm newer publications through the Board and updated IHL releases.
Reasons students choose NWCC for nursing
Multi-campus delivery
Traditional ADN classes convene on Senatobia and Southaven, while Practical Nursing runs day, evening, and weekend formats across Senatobia, DeSoto, Oxford, and the Ashland career-technical site—helpful if you need a commutable option inside the district.
ACEN + IHL oversight
NWCC publicly ties its ADN program to ACEN and Mississippi IHL accreditation language; the 2025 IHL annual report shows continuing ACEN accreditation with a Fall 2026 site visit window.
Accelerated path for LPNs
Licensed practical nurses may enter through a summer NUR 1316 LPN-RN Transition course on the Senatobia campus and then finish the final two semesters of the traditional plan, shaving calendar time versus restarting a generic cohort from semester one.
Documented board-level outcomes
State reports place NWCC among Mississippi associate programs with year-after-year NCLEX-RN performance near the top of the published table—use those figures alongside any college marketing claims.
Published 2025-26 pricing
Tuition, registration, technology, career-tech, health-science, and ADN-specific fees appear directly on NWCC’s Tuition and Fees page, making it easier to budget before you accept a seat.
Nursing Programs Offered
NWCC publishes pre-licensure nursing pathways at both the RN and LPN level. The college catalog awards an Associate of Arts upon completion of the Associate Degree Nursing curriculum and describes a four-semester Traditional plan with fall and spring starts. Clinical practice, per the catalog, may occur in Memphis, northwest Mississippi hospitals, and other agencies. The public nursing department page specifies which campuses host each track.
Pre-licensure (RN)
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) — Traditional track
NWCC’s nursing department lists Traditional ADN on the Senatobia and Southaven campuses. The catalog requires a minimum grade of C in every nursing course, enforces withdrawal and repeat rules, and notes immunization, background-check, and drug-screen expectations before clinicals.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) — LPN-RN transition
Active LPNs complete the summer NUR 1316 LPN-RN Transition course in Senatobia, then enter the final two semesters of the Traditional plan. The department states LPN-RN Transition is Senatobia-only, distinct from Southaven Traditional programming.
Practical Nursing (certificate)
The Practical Nursing catalog page describes certificate-level study across Senatobia, Ashland, DeSoto, and Oxford, uses ACT 16+ screening, and schedules HESI testing only after applicants complete the online PN application and baseline criteria.
Post-licensure & graduate
NWCC does not list RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP programs; ADN graduates transfer to universities or online BSN completion routes if they pursue a bachelor’s next.
Traditional ADN, LPN-RN Transition, and Practical Nursing each publish different application windows. When NWCC’s landing page and the archived catalog dates differ, adhere to the date range currently posted for your entry term.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Nursing Annual Report (May 15, 2025), NCLEX-RN pass rate data for Mississippi undergraduate nursing programs cite the Mississippi Board of Nursing and NCSBN. In the associate-degree section of that report, Northwest Mississippi Community College is listed at 99.07% (calendar year 2022), 97.50% (2023), and 99.20% (2024), with a three-year rate of 98.58%. For context from the same table, the overall Mississippi associate-degree three-year pass rate is 97.48%. The published standard text discusses annual monitoring for all test takers (first and repeat); confirm the exact cohort definition with the Board when newer tables post.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (CY 2022) | 99.07% — NWCC (MS IHL Nursing Annual Report, 2025) |
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (CY 2023) | 97.50% — NWCC (same source) |
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (CY 2024) | 99.20% — NWCC (same source) |
| Three-calendar-year aggregate (2022-2024) | 98.58% — NWCC associate section (same source) |
| Mississippi associate benchmark (3-yr, same table) | 97.48% — aggregate of Mississippi associate programs (same report) |
| Source | MS IHL — 2025 Nursing Annual Report (PDF) (NCLEX-RN table). For updates, see newer IHL publications and the Mississippi Board of Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Confirm the newest percentages, cohort sizes, and methodology with NWCC’s outcomes disclosures and the Mississippi Board of Nursing before relying on published rates for a go/no-go decision.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
NWCC’s Associate Degree Nursing page notes the program has not determined whether the degree satisfies every other state’s RN prerequisites—students targeting non-Mississippi licensure should review NCSBN’s Nurse Licensure Guidance and each board. The bullets below are planning items only—not legal, immigration, or licensure advice.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other scores with NWCC admissions or the international office ahead of Health Sciences selection.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Ask which evaluation vendors NWCC accepts before prerequisites post toward nursing admission points.
- Mississippi Board of Nursing: Internationally educated applicants must follow MSBON-specific NCLEX eligibility, criminal history, and fingerprint workflows—not only NWCC paperwork.
- Immigration & visa status: NWCC publishes international per-credit and full-time surcharges on its tuition page; clinical sites may impose additional clearance rules.
Requirements change. Verify with NWCC and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
NWCC’s catalog describes Associate Degree Nursing as competitive, with admissions points derived from ACT performance, TEAS results, and required course grades. Minimum criteria must be met before the committee ranks applicants, and meeting minimums does not guarantee selection. The public nursing site also announced a December 1–March 1 application period for Summer 2026 LPN-RN and Fall 2026 Traditional programs—compare that banner to legacy January–March / August–October windows in the catalog and follow whichever document matches your entry year.
Traditional ADN — minimum requirements (2025-2026 catalog)
- Enhanced ACT composite 18 or higher with an ACT science sub-score (SAT conversion not accepted).
- College Algebra (MAT 1313) or approved higher math, grade C or better.
- Anatomy & Physiology I with lab, grade C or better, completed within seven years.
- GPA 2.0 on the prerequisites above (2.5 preferred).
- TEAS completed during the application period (one attempt per cycle; scores honored one year).
- Students must be 18 before entering NUR 1109.
LPN-RN transition
LPNs who meet catalog standards may enroll in the accelerated summer NUR 1316 transition course and, if successful, join the final two semesters of the Traditional ADN plan. An active, unencumbered PN license is required while enrolled. Review the LPN-RN packet for document checks and deadlines.
Application timeline references
| Focus | Published window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 cycle announcement (department site) | December 1–March 1 | Covers Summer 2026 LPN-RN Transition and Fall 2026 Traditional; states applications accepted for Mississippi and non-Mississippi residents. |
| Traditional ADN (catalog) | January 1–March 1 (fall starts); August 1–October 1 (spring starts) | Files must be complete at Admissions & Records by March 1 (fall) or October 1 (spring); letters in April/November respectively. |
| Practical Nursing | January–April 30 (fall cohorts); June–September 30 (spring cohort) | Includes HESI scheduling after online PN application steps per catalog. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed — limited seats. |
| TEAS (ADN) | Required for Associate Degree Nursing competitive scoring. |
| HESI (PN) | Required after Practical Nursing application milestones. |
| Progression rules | Catalog enforces strict nursing course repeat, withdrawal, background, and drug-screen policies—review before you apply. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
The following figures are taken verbatim from NWCC’s Tuition and Fees page (2025-2026 cost-of-attendance tables appear on the same document). Housing, meal plans, Ranger Bucks charges, books, uniforms, travel, and clinical incidentals are additional.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-state tuition (1-14 credits, part-time/summer) | $180 per credit hour |
| In-state tuition (15-21 credits, fall/spring full-time) | $1,800 per semester flat rate |
| Credits beyond 21 | $1,800 base + $180 per credit over 21 |
| Registration fee | $75 per semester (all students) |
| Technology fee | $75 per semester (all students) |
| Career-technical program fee | $350 per semester |
| Health science program fee | $400 per semester |
| Nursing program fee (ADN students only) | $1,300 per semester |
| Out-of-state add-ons (selected) | Part-time: $100/credit; full-time fall/spring: $1,200/semester (in addition to tuition) |
| International add-ons (selected) | Part-time: $115/credit + $350 international admin fee; full-time fall/spring: $2,000/semester (in addition to tuition) |
| COA example (dependent, in-state, full-time) | Tuition & fees $4,980; books & supplies $2,250; see page for full budget |
| Source | NWCC Tuition and Fees — confirm with Business Office 662-562-3207 / businessoffice@northwestms.edu |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Nursing Annual Report aggregates NCLEX-RN data, completion metrics, and faculty ratios for every public associate program—NWCC is included in those tables.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rates (NWCC) | 99.07% (CY 2022), 97.50% (2023), 99.20% (2024); three-year 98.58% — MS IHL 2025 report |
| Graduated within 100% of allotted time (AY 2023-24 cohort) | 52.63% of NWCC associate nursing students; 14.29% still enrolled — same report |
| Student-to-faculty (Fall 2024 associate program) | Approximately 7:1 (236 students / 25.20 faculty FTE) |
| Employment / placement | Not publicly disclosed from a NWCC outcomes table on this page—ask the program office for graduate surveys. |
| Source | MS IHL — 2025 Nursing Annual Report (PDF) |
Is NWCC the Right Fit for You?
NWCC fits applicants who want multi-site access across northwest Mississippi, can satisfy ACT + TEAS + science prerequisites, and appreciate clinical opportunities that can reach into the Memphis metro.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Need Senatobia, Southaven, Oxford, or DeSoto options for ADN or PN classes.
- Value board-reported NCLEX-RN performance that has recently exceeded the Mississippi associate aggregate in official tables.
- Prefer transparent per-semester nursing fees listed on the college website.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a four-year BSN without transferring to a university partner.
- Cannot travel to Southaven or Senatobia for Traditional ADN—or to Senatobia-only LPN-RN Transition.
- Want guaranteed admission once a minimum GPA is met—the catalog uses competitive ranking.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
NWCC’s catalog specifically references clinical experiences in Memphis, northwest Mississippi hospitals, and other healthcare agencies. That geography pairs community hospitals and rural health partners in DeSoto, Tate, Panola, Lafayette, and Yalobusha counties with the larger Memphis medical district across the Tennessee line.
| Facility / system (examples) | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Memphis metropolitan hospitals | Major referral centers provide high-acuity rotations consistent with NWCC’s published clinical geography (not an exclusive affiliation). |
| Baptist Memorial Health Care and other Mid-South systems | Large multi-hospital networks operate in Memphis and north Mississippi—common destinations for new graduate hiring and clinical exposure. |
| Community hospitals near Southaven & Oxford | Serve rapidly growing suburbs and support med-surg, perioperative, obstetric, and emergency experiences closer to home. |
| Next step | Request NWCC nursing’s current clinical partner list for your cohort year; contracts change with capacity. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Senatobia campus combines nursing skills labs, simulation suites, and on-campus housing for more than 1,000 residents, while centers in Southaven and Oxford extend health sciences closer to population centers. NWCC promotes Student Navigator support, Alpha Delta Nu, and Student Nurses Association involvement alongside athletics and fine-arts programming such as the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts. Expect a workload heavy on labs, simulations, and clinical shifts once admitted.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Senatobia, MS
- Main campus address
- 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, US
- General phone
- 662-562-3200
- Business Office
- 662-562-3207 — businessoffice@northwestms.edu
- ADN director (catalog listing)
- Lesley Thweatt — 662-562-3981, lthweatt@northwestms.edu
- ADN site
- northwestms.edu/programs/healthsciences/nursing-department
- Practical Nursing site
- northwestms.edu/programs/healthsciences/practical-nursing
- Website
- northwestms.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the Associate Degree Nursing page, download the current Nursing Student Handbook, and save the application PDF for Traditional or LPN-RN Transition.
- Map your transcripts to catalog prerequisites (College Algebra, A&P I, GPA thresholds, seven-year science rule) and schedule TEAS if you are chasing an ADN seat.
- Confirm Enhanced ACT 18+ with science sub-score is reported to Admissions & Records before ranking deadlines.
- Email lthweatt@northwestms.edu or the nursing office alias listed on NWCC’s site with packet-specific questions.
- For Practical Nursing, complete the PN application and prepare for HESI scheduling instructions.
- File FAFSA early and review NWCC financial aid plus scholarship notices from the nursing department.
- Add calendar alerts for both the department banner dates and the catalog admissions windows, then monitor msbn.ms.gov for licensure prerequisites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing tracks does Northwest Mississippi Community College advertise for RNs?
NWCC lists Traditional Associate Degree Nursing on the Senatobia and Southaven campuses and LPN-RN Transition on Senatobia. A separate Practical Nursing certificate operates at multiple teaching sites; no BSN or MSN is awarded at NWCC.
Does NWCC ADN require TEAS and ACT together?
The 2025-2026 catalog requires both an Enhanced ACT composite of 18+ with a science sub-score and a completed TEAS exam that is scored for competitive admission points.
What Practical Nursing testing does NWCC use?
After the online PN application and eligibility steps, applicants schedule the HESI exam and must hold a 16+ ACT composite per the Practical Nursing catalog page.
Where can I verify NWCC’s latest NCLEX-RN percentages?
Use the Mississippi IHL Nursing Annual Report table that cites the Board of Nursing and NCSBN—this guide cites the 2025 PDF row for Northwest Mississippi Community College.
How much is NWCC tuition for community college nursing students in 2025-2026?
NWCC lists $180 per credit (1-14 hours), $1,800 flat tuition for 15-21 fall/spring hours, plus $1,300 ADN nursing fees and other mandatory charges each semester.
Which application deadlines should I trust if the website and catalog disagree?
Compare the department’s dated banner (for example December 1–March 1, 2026) with catalog January–March windows and follow instructions on the application PDF for your cohort year, confirming with the nursing office.
Does Northwest Mississippi CC offer clinical rotations in Memphis?
The nursing catalog states clinical experiences may occur in Memphis hospitals and northwest Mississippi facilities—always confirm current contracts with NWCC.
Is NWCC’s ADN accredited?
NWCC publicly cites ACEN and Mississippi IHL accreditation; the IHL 2025 annual report shows continuing ACEN status with a Fall 2026 site visit on the accreditation schedule.
References
- Northwest Mississippi Community College — Associate Degree Nursingnursing-department
- Northwest Mississippi Community College — Practical Nursingpractical-nursing
- Northwest Mississippi Community College — Tuition and Feestuition-and-fees
- Northwest Mississippi Community College — Senatobia campussenatobia campus
- NWCC Catalog — Nursing Associate Degree (RN)catalog preview (ADN)
- NWCC Catalog — Practical Nursing (LPN)catalog preview (PN)
- Mississippi IHL — 2025 Nursing Annual Report (PDF)2025 Nursing Annual Report.pdf
- Mississippi Board of Nursingmsbn.ms.gov
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
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 alignment with the Mississippi IHL 2025 nursing annual report, tuition alignment with NWCC’s published schedule, and ADN/PN admission criteria alignment with the 2025-2026 catalog.
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 Northwest Mississippi Community College and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Published: Mar 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy