Southwest Mississippi Community College Nursing: ADN, LPN-RN & Practical Nursing (2026)
SMCC in Summit offers a traditional Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) track, an accelerated LPN-to-RN transition within the same AAS, and a three-semester Practical Nursing program—plus the SPANS entrance exam, ACT rules with a required science section, and tuition figures from the college’s 2025–26 schedule. NCLEX-RN outcomes below come from the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning May 2025 nursing annual report (Mississippi Board of Nursing / NCSBN data).
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
SMCC uses a SPANS proctored entrance exam (not TEAS on the public ADN pages), competitive ranking by score and prerequisite GPA, and a clear LPN-to-RN transition course (NUR 1106) after documented work experience—useful if you are already licensed as an LPN. Practical Nursing runs on its own June deadline and ACT thresholds, so PN applicants should treat it as a separate admissions pipeline from generic ADN.
Overview & Why Students Choose SMCC
Southwest Mississippi Community College sits on 1156 College Drive in Summit (Pike County), serving students from southwest Mississippi who want an affordable public-college pathway into nursing. The Division of Nursing publishes separate public pages for generic ADN, LPN-to-RN transition, and Practical Nursing, each with distinct prerequisite loads, deadlines, and entrance testing.
If you live near McComb, Brookhaven, or Natchez, SMCC can be a practical access point for clinical training close to home, with nursing labs and advisors housed on the main campus rather than spread across distant satellites. The May 2025 Mississippi IHL nursing annual report also shows competitive NCLEX-RN outcomes for SMCC’s associate-level cohorts alongside transparent fall-enrollment and ratio data—helpful when you stack schools side by side.
According to the IHL Annual Report for Mississippi Nursing Degree Programs (May 15, 2025), citing Mississippi Board of Nursing and NCSBN data, Southwest Mississippi Community College’s undergraduate NCLEX-RN pass rates were 98.65% (2022), 100% (2023), and 100% (2024), with a three-year rate of 99.53%. The same table lists a 97.48% three-year aggregate for all Mississippi associate-degree programs, so SMCC’s 99.53% is above that statewide ADN benchmark from the identical source. Confirm subsequent calendar years with the Mississippi Board of Nursing and SMCC’s nursing division.
Reasons students consider SMCC
Defined LPN-to-RN bridge
Licensed LPNs who meet practice documentation rules can apply for the transition track (NUR 1106) after heavier prerequisites than generic ADN, potentially shortening the path to NCLEX-RN compared with starting over as a generic student.
Single-campus nursing hub
Instruction and simulation photos on SMCC’s site center on the Summit campus, which can simplify housing and commute planning versus multi-city community college districts.
Strong board-reported NCLEX-RN trend
The May 2025 IHL report shows a 99.53% three-year undergraduate NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar years 2022–2024, above the Mississippi associate aggregate in the same table.
Stackable PN → ADN ladder
Students can complete the three-semester PN sequence, gain licensure, work locally, then pursue the ADN transition option if they meet SMCC’s experience and GPA rules.
Published 2025–26 tuition examples
The Business Office’s April 9, 2025 tuition PDF spells out full-time packaged examples (tuition, e-book fees, technology and student services fees) for in-state and out-of-state planners.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects only licensure-eligible nursing pathways on SMCC’s public program pages. The college also markets a Pre-B.S. in Nursing transfer track and other allied-health options; those are not standalone RN or LPN programs.
Pre-licensure (RN)
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) — Generic RN
Traditional four-semester nursing sequence after prerequisites. SMCC awards an Associate of Applied Science; graduates who meet Mississippi Board of Nursing requirements become eligible for NCLEX-RN. Admission is competitive with Fall and Spring starts, March 1 and October 1 deadlines, an ACT composite 18+ including the science section, 2.50 prerequisite GPA on required coursework, and the proctored SPANS exam.
LPN-to-RN Transition (within ADN)
Accelerated option for active LPNs with at least one year of documented practice (public pages reference verification via HR or a nursing supervisor). Requires additional prerequisites (18 semester hours including microbiology and English Composition I), the same SPANS and ACT thresholds, and successful completion of NUR 1106 before entering the upper-level ADN courses. Readmission into NUR 1106 is not permitted per public policy language.
Pre-licensure (LPN)
Practical Nursing (PN)
SMCC describes a three-semester, 48 semester-credit sequence aligned with the Mississippi Community College Board framework. Graduates may sit for NCLEX-PN. Public criteria include ACT composite 18 with 17+ in math and reading (science section still required per nursing program statement), a June 15 application deadline, and competitive ranking using GPA, ACT, residency, first-time program entry, and optional science coursework bonus points.
The May 15, 2025 Mississippi IHL nursing annual report lists SMCC with ACEN continuing accreditation and a next evaluation visit in Spring 2028. Confirm the current status for each track you consider (generic ADN, LPN-RN, PN) with SMCC and ACEN before you enroll.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Annual Report for Mississippi Nursing Degree Programs (published May 15, 2025; data attributed to the Mississippi Board of Nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing), Southwest Mississippi Community College’s undergraduate NCLEX-RN pass rates were 98.65% in calendar year 2022, 100% in 2023, and 100% in 2024, yielding a three-year pass rate of 99.53% for 2022–2024. For comparison in the same table, Mississippi’s aggregate three-year NCLEX-RN pass rate for all associate (ADN) programs was 97.48%.
The IHL table is titled for undergraduate associate programs; always read the report’s introductory notes because methodology footnotes may differ from school-published dashboards.
NCLEX-PN: This guide does not quote PN pass rates from the IHL ADN excerpt. For Practical Nursing graduates, use Mississippi Board of Nursing publications and any SMCC PN outcome disclosures.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (2022) | 98.65% |
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (2023) | 100% |
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (2024) | 100% |
| Three-year NCLEX-RN pass rate (2022–2024) | 99.53% |
| Mississippi associate (ADN) three-year aggregate (same report) | 97.48% |
| Source | IHL Nursing Annual Report (May 15, 2025); underlying data credited to MS BON / NCSBN. Confirm newer calendar years with the Board and the college. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting definitions vary by publication. Treat percentages as historical snapshots until you verify the newest Mississippi Board of Nursing release and any SMCC program outcome PDFs.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Southwest Mississippi Community College publishes nursing admissions geared to domestic applicants using ACT-based criteria; international students and internationally educated nurses may face additional transcript evaluations, English-proficiency requirements, visa limits on clinical assignments, and Mississippi Board of Nursing steps that are separate from SMCC’s packet. The checklist below is guidance only and is not legal or licensure advice—verify every item with SMCC admissions, any international-student office, and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm SMCC’s required TOEFL, IELTS, or other scores for your visa category and intended program.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Ask how SMCC treats coursework completed outside the United States and which evaluators it recognizes for science prerequisites.
- Mississippi Board of Nursing: For RN or LPN licensure (including endorsement), request NCLEX eligibility and documentation rules directly from the Board.
- Immigration & visa status: Nursing programs require background checks, drug screens, and contracted clinical sites; confirm that your immigration status supports those obligations.
Policies change frequently. Double-check every requirement with SMCC and the Mississippi Board of Nursing before you pay application, testing, or evaluation fees.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Nursing at SMCC is competitive and selective: completing prerequisites and filing paperwork does not guarantee a seat. Generic ADN and LPN-RN applicants submit a notarized program application to the Associate Degree Nursing Division, take the proctored SPANS exam, and compete on published ranking criteria (exam score, prerequisite GPA, ACT, coursework taken at SMCC, residency, and first-time nursing-program status). Practical Nursing applicants follow the Nursing Administrative Office instructions in the PN packet.
Application deadlines (public program pages)
| Program | Entry term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN / LPN-RN | Fall | March 1 | Download the current ADN application PDF; register for SPANS via Spin Learning. |
| ADN / LPN-RN | Spring | October 1 | Same application pathway; confirm transcript rules (sealed, no in-progress work) before you submit. |
| Practical Nursing | Per catalog | June 15 | Use the PN application packet; ACT rules differ slightly from generic ADN. |
| Source | Registered Nurse (ADN), LPN to RN, Practical Nursing (reviewed March 2026). | ||
Generic ADN requirements (summary)
SMCC requires college admission, official sealed transcripts, ACT composite 18+ with the science section completed, 2.50 GPA on required prerequisite courses (A&P I/II with labs and college algebra or higher), SPANS at a proctored site, and clear background-check processes after conditional approval. Early admission consideration may apply with ACT 21+ and 3.00 prerequisite GPA if all other requirements are met. Accepted students must satisfy drug screening, American Heart Association BLS, physical exam, immunization, and documentation policies listed on the public ADN page.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Generic ADN prerequisite GPA | Minimum 2.50 on listed prerequisite courses; higher GPAs strengthen ranking. |
| Entrance exam | SPANS required for ADN and LPN-RN per public pages; ATI TEAS not described there. |
| LPN-RN extras | Active Mississippi LPN license, documented work experience, and 18 semester hours of prerequisites including microbiology and English Composition I. |
Applicant tips
Schedule SPANS early at an approved proctor site and keep confirmation receipts. Because SMCC awards points for prerequisites taken in-house, advisors may recommend sequencing science courses at SMCC if you can. For PN, optional anatomy/algebra coursework can add selection points even though those classes are not mandatory for admission.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
All amounts below come from SMCC’s Tuition and Fees 2025–2026 PDF (updated April 9, 2025). Nursing students should also budget for uniforms, vaccines, background checks, liability insurance if required, travel to clinicals, and any course-specific lab fees listed in the catalog.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Full-time in-state example (12–19 semester hours) | $2,310 per semester in the published example: $1,780 tuition + $230 course materials (E-Books) + $150 student services fee + $150 technology fee. |
| Full-time out-of-state example (12–19 semester hours) | $3,660 per semester in the published example: $1,780 in-state tuition + $1,350 out-of-state tuition + $230 course materials + $150 student services fee + $150 technology fee. |
| Part-time tuition (<12 hours) | $160 per semester hour in-state tuition; $120 per semester hour out-of-state tuition (per PDF grid). |
| Part-time fees | Course materials (E-Books) $150 flat at 7+ hours ($150 for 6 or fewer noted in PDF); student services $150 at 7+ ($75 if 6 or fewer); technology $150 at 7+ ($75 if 6 or fewer). |
| Other notable fees | Examples in PDF include science lab ($40), vocational lab ($100), distance learning ($30), overload tuition ($160/hour in-state; $250/hour non-resident overload). |
| Housing (if applicable) | PDF lists dorm rates by building ($950–$1,200/sem) plus meal-plan components—confirm availability with Residence Life. |
| Source | Southwest MS CC Tuition & Fees 2025–2026 (PDF). Confirm charges for your exact credit load and term. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The Mississippi IHL nursing annual report bundles NCLEX data with enrollment, faculty counts, completion metrics, and accreditation visit schedules—useful when comparing community colleges statewide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN performance | 98.65% / 100% / 100% by calendar year 2022–2024; 99.53% three-year rate (IHL report, May 2025; MS BON/NCSBN source). |
| Fall 2024 associate enrollment & ratio (IHL report) | 167 students, 17.00 total faculty number (13.80 faculty FTE), 10:1 student/faculty enrollment ratio, clinical ratio requirement met (“Yes”). |
| AY 2023–24 associate completion (“100% time” cohort metric) | IHL completion table lists SMCC with a 121-student cohort: 51.24% graduated within 100% of expected time and 9.09% still enrolled; outcome benchmark met per report flag. |
| NCLEX-PN | Not quoted here; consult MS BON PN statistics and SMCC PN materials. |
| Job placement / salary | Not publicly disclosed on the pages cited for this review; consult SMCC career services and the BLS RN overview for regional context. |
| Source | IHL Nursing Annual Report (2025). |
Is Southwest Mississippi Community College the Right Fit for You?
SMCC fits students who can meet ACT + SPANS requirements, tolerate full-time nursing semesters once accepted, and complete clinical assignments across southwest Mississippi. If you need a fully online pre-licensure RN program or guaranteed placement without competitive ranking, compare other boards of nursing–approved programs before you commit.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ACEN-reviewed associate pathway with strong board-reported NCLEX-RN trends (2022–2024 IHL data).
- Already hold an LPN license and can document work experience for the transition track.
- Prefer a single main campus in Summit over commuting between distant centers.
- Can budget using SMCC’s published tuition PDF plus clinical compliance costs.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing awarded entirely at the same college—SMCC offers the AAS/ADN and PN, not a BSN.
- Cannot test on ACT science requirements or complete SPANS in a proctored environment.
- Expect guaranteed admission after finishing prerequisites without competitive review.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Summit sits in Pike County near the Louisiana border, with regional healthcare demand extending toward McComb, Brookhaven, and Natchez. SMCC’s nursing pages emphasize employers such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health across southwest Mississippi—matching where ADN and PN graduates typically start. Actual clinical affiliates rotate by contract year; request the current site list from the nursing division rather than assuming a specific hospital name.
| Setting | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Community & rural acute care | Small and midsize hospitals remain anchor employers for new associate-prepared RNs across this part of the state. |
| Long-term & post-acute care | PN graduates often begin in skilled nursing and rehabilitation—consistent with SMCC’s PN marketing focus. |
| Outpatient & public health | Immunization clinics, rural health centers, and specialty practices add breadth to clinical rotations when available. |
| Next step | Ask the Associate VP for Nursing or program advisors for the up-to-date clinical partner list before you budget commuting expenses. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing faculty offices, lab photos, and simulation spaces highlighted on SMCC’s website are centered on the Summit campus. The college also operates residence halls, dining, NJCAA “Bears” athletics, marching band, and student organizations typical of a Mississippi community college. Nursing students should expect tightly sequenced full-time semesters, off-site clinical days, and compliance deadlines for immunizations and background checks once admitted.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Summit, MS
- Address
- 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS 39666, US
- Telephone
- (601) 276-2000
- Admissions email
- admissions@smcc.edu
- Website
- smcc.edu · Contact
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the ADN, LPN-RN, or PN page and download the latest application PDF.
- Schedule your SPANS sitting if you are pursuing ADN or LPN-RN.
- Compare your transcripts to SMCC prerequisite lists (including orientation course LLS 1311 where applicable).
- Verify ACT science completion and minimum scores for your pathway (ADN vs PN differ slightly).
- Contact an ADN advisor (emails/phones on the SMCC nursing pages) for file review before notarizing paperwork.
- Budget tuition using the 2025–26 PDF plus uniforms, vaccines, and clinical travel.
- Add deadlines to your calendar: Mar 1 / Oct 1 (ADN/LPN-RN) and Jun 15 (PN).
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing pathways does Southwest Mississippi Community College list online?
SMCC documents a generic ADN program, an LPN-to-RN transition within that ADN, and a three-semester Practical Nursing track leading to NCLEX-PN. Pre-B.S. in Nursing is academic transfer prep, not a standalone RN/LPN license program.
What NCLEX-RN rates does the May 2025 Mississippi IHL report show for SMCC?
For calendar years 2022–2024, the report lists 98.65% (2022), 100% (2023), and 100% (2024), with a 99.53% three-year aggregate. Confirm newer years with the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Does Southwest Mississippi Community College use TEAS or SPANS?
Public ADN and LPN-RN pages require the SPANS entrance exam in a proctored setting. They do not describe ATI TEAS. PN applicants should rely on the PN packet for testing and any updates.
What are the SMCC nursing application deadlines?
ADN and LPN-RN applicants must meet March 1 (fall) and October 1 (spring) deadlines. Practical Nursing lists June 15.
How much is tuition at SMCC for 2025–26?
The April 9, 2025 tuition PDF shows an example of $2,310 per semester for in-state students taking 12–19 hours ($1,780 tuition + e-book fee + student services + technology) and $3,660 for the parallel out-of-state example.
What ACT score does SMCC nursing require?
Generic ADN requires ACT composite 18+ including the science section plus a 2.50 prerequisite GPA. Early admission consideration may apply with ACT 21+ and 3.00 prerequisite GPA. PN requires ACT 18 with math and reading 17+ per the public PN page, also noting the science ACT requirement for nursing programs.
Can I go from LPN to RN at SMCC?
Yes, if you hold an active LPN license, document at least one year of recent practice, finish the 18-hour prerequisite list, pass SPANS, and complete NUR 1106 before the remaining ADN nursing courses.
When is the next ACEN visit listed for SMCC?
The IHL May 2025 nursing annual report lists Spring 2028 for SMCC’s continuing accreditation review. Verify status with ACEN before you enroll.
Where should I look for NCLEX-PN outcomes?
Use Mississippi Board of Nursing PN statistics plus any SMCC PN disclosures; this guide’s cited IHL table focuses on undergraduate NCLEX-RN associate programs.
Who can I call about SMCC nursing advising?
Public ADN pages list multiple advisors with 601-276 numbers and @smcc.edu emails; PN lists separate coordinators. Start with the contact block on the program page that matches your pathway.
References
- Southwest MS CC – Registered Nurse (ADN)smcc.edu/program/registered-nurse
- Southwest MS CC – LPN to RNsmcc.edu/program/lpn-to-rn
- Southwest MS CC – Practical Nursingsmcc.edu/program/practical-nursing
- Southwest MS CC – Tuition & Fees 2025-26 (PDF)Tuition PDF
- SPANS nursing entrance examSpin Learning SPANS
- Mississippi IHL Nursing Annual Report (May 15, 2025)PDF on mississippi.edu
- Mississippi Board of Nursingmsbn.ms.gov
- 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 SMCC program pages, the April 9, 2025 tuition and fees PDF, and the Mississippi IHL May 15, 2025 nursing annual report (including NCLEX tables and enrollment metrics).
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, immigration, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and board rules change; always verify with Southwest Mississippi Community College and the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
Published: March 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy