Three Rivers College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Three Rivers College serves southeast Missouri from Poplar Bluff and the Sikeston location with ACEN-accredited ADN and Practical Nursing approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. This guide uses trcc.edu for pathways (traditional RN, LPN-to-RN and Paramedic-to-RN bridge, and LPN certificate), HESI and TEAS entrance testing, tiered tuition where NURS maps to Tier Four, and Missouri Board of Nursing NCLEX statistics (NCSBN program summaries, 2025 Quarter 3) for first-time NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN figures. Confirm every detail with the college and the Board.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Three Rivers uses a tiered tuition model: Nursing (NURS) courses map to Tier Four (base tuition + $205/credit) plus common fee and resource fee—see Tuition & Fees and the tiered tuition PDF. RN applicants complete HESI A2 (and bridge applicants add HESI specialty exams per trcc.edu); Practical Nurse applicants use TEAS. For exam outcomes, prioritize Missouri Board of Nursing NCLEX statistics (NCSBN quarterly PDFs).
Overview & Why Students Choose Three Rivers College
Along the Black River corridor and into the Bootheel, Three Rivers College trains nurses who feed clinics and hospitals serving southeast Missouri, northern Arkansas, and western Kentucky—with clinical rotations described as occurring in local healthcare facilities under RN faculty. The college layers a Practical Nurse certificate, a full Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) track at Poplar Bluff, and an RN Bridge for Missouri LPNs and paramedics that also runs at Sikeston on published cycles.
The RN program names ACEN accreditation and full Missouri State Board of Nursing approval for Poplar Bluff ADN and the Sikeston RN Bridge; Practical Nursing is described as fully Board-approved. Nursing leadership publishes outcome callouts (for example 75% on-time completion) alongside marketing lines about licensure exams—see the Outcomes section and verify definitions with the program.
According to the Missouri Board of Nursing NCLEX statistics (NCSBN program summary, 2025 Quarter 3, RN Report 4), MO – Three Rivers College – ADN (Poplar Bluff) shows an aggregate first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 95.38% (62 of 65 first-time candidates across the intervals summarized in that PDF). PN Report 4 for the same quarter lists 31 first-time NCLEX-PN tests with 31 passes (100%) in the totals printed for MO – Three Rivers College. Download updated PDFs from pr.mo.gov/nursing-education-nclex.asp; cohorts change each quarter.
Reasons students consider Three Rivers College
Stackable LPN and ADN on campuses students already commute to
Practical Nursing runs in Poplar Bluff and Sikeston; the traditional ADN centers on Poplar Bluff while RN Bridge cohorts also admit at Sikeston on the deadlines published on trcc.edu.
Bridge options for LPNs and paramedics
Licensed LPNs and paramedics who meet Missouri licensure rules can pursue the RN Bridge with additional HESI screening exams described on the nursing page.
ACEN-accredited ADN curriculum
The college advertises ACEN accreditation for the degree nursing program along with Missouri State Board of Nursing approval—confirm both before you deposit.
HESI-guided RN admissions
RN applicants take the HESI Admission Assessment A2 (minimum 75% overall on the screening table) rather than TEAS, with extra exams for bridge candidates.
Predictable Tier Four nursing tuition
NURS prefixes align with Tier Four on the published tier chart; pair the rate with common and resource fees from the Tuition & Fees page.
Nursing Programs Offered
The list tracks the official Associate of Applied Science in Nursing page and the Practical Nurse page. Three Rivers awards an AAS for RN-bound students; we use ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) in parallel wording for clarity because it describes the same pre-licensure RN credential commonly discussed in admissions forums. The college does not grant a BSN—plan articulation to a four-year school after licensure if you need a bachelor’s.
Pre-licensure — Practical Nurse (LPN)
Practical Nurse certificate
Selective-admission certificate with November 1 deadlines (per trcc.edu), TEAS minimums (58% composite and 60% reading on the bullet list), and full Missouri State Board of Nursing approval language. Offered at Poplar Bluff and Sikeston; graduates qualify to apply for NCLEX-PN.
Pre-licensure — Traditional RN (ADN / AAS)
Traditional Associate Degree Nursing track
For students without an LPN/paramedic license: complete general education and nursing coursework that trcc.edu says leads to an AAS and NCLEX-RN eligibility. Application deadlines are March 1 each year for Poplar Bluff; Sikeston lists March 1, 2026 and March 1, 2028 on the nursing landing page. Uses HESI A2 (minimum 75% overall composite on the screening grid) plus ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer placement rules referenced in admissions bullets.
RN Bridge (LPN or Paramedic)
LPN-to-RN Bridge
Requires an active Missouri LPN license (authorization-to-test applicants may apply pending passing NCLEX-PN). After the HESI A2, bridge students must complete the HESI RN Bridge ADN Entrance Examination with a minimum 700 composite score per the selection table.
Paramedic-to-RN Bridge
Requires an active Missouri Paramedic license, satisfactory HESI A2, and the EMS HESI ADN Entrance Examination (minimum 700). Poplar Bluff bridge deadline remains March 1 annually; the nursing page lists Sikeston RN Bridge applications for March 1, 2027 and March 1, 2029.
Three Rivers requires B grades in anatomy & physiology and math support courses, C or better in each nursing course (with clinical satisfactoriness), and limits on failing/withdrawing from nursing courses—read the Progression and Retention accordion on trcc.edu and the catalog before you commit.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Missouri Division of Professional Registration NCLEX publications (NCSBN Jurisdiction Program Summary — Report 4 PDFs linked from NCLEX Statistics), the most recent file reviewed for this page was 2025 Quarter 3 RN Report 4 (posted on the Board index at time of research, March 2026).
NCLEX-RN (ADN, Poplar Bluff)
For MO – Three Rivers College – ADN (US17406200), the report lists Poplar Bluff and summarizes first-time U.S.-educated candidates across quarterly graduation windows that fall inside that publication. The PDF’s Total line shows 65 first-time candidates tested with 62 passing and 3 failing, producing an aggregate 95.38% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the intervals captured in that document. Compare your cohort to the exact lines inside the PDF rather than relying on this summary alone.
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse)
In 2025 Quarter 3 PN Report 4, MO – Three Rivers College (US17106900) shows Poplar Bluff totals of 31 first-time candidates, 31 passed, 0 failed (100%) for the period summarized in that row—again, confirm subsequent quarters on the Board site.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate | 95.38% (62/65), MO – Three Rivers College – ADN, Poplar Bluff — 2025 Q3 RN Report 4 (NCSBN data via Missouri Board) |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate | 100% (31/31), MO – Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff — 2025 Q3 PN Report 4 |
| Source | 2025 Quarter 3 RN Report 4 (PDF); 2025 Quarter 3 PN Report 4 (PDF); index at pr.mo.gov/nursing-education-nclex.asp. Confirm current cohorts with the Board and Three Rivers College. |
Quarterly PDFs lag real-time testing; graduation cohorts can be small, which swings percentages. Always re-check the newest Board PDF before you choose a program.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Three Rivers’ Requirements for Licensure block on the nursing pages notes that non-English speaking candidates may need to document English proficiency and that licensure questions cover criminal/adjudication history that can affect NCLEX seating. Treat international and foreign-educated pathways as highly individualized.
- English-language proficiency: Ask Admissions and the Nursing Department whether TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other exams apply to your entry type.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Determine if international prerequisites require WES, CGFNS, or other Missouri-approved evaluators before you apply.
- Missouri Board of Nursing: For NCLEX eligibility, endorsement, or foreign-educated nurse petitions, follow pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp.
- Clinical placements & visas: Many programs cannot guarantee clinical slots for every visa status—confirm with the International Office and the Nursing Chair.
This section is guidance only—not legal, immigration, or licensure advice. Policies change; confirm with the school and the Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Three Rivers nursing programs are limited enrollment. Completing the general college application does not guarantee a seat in NURS coursework. Requirements below come from trcc.edu accordions at time of review—download the current PDF nursing applications and catalog before you submit.
RN and RN Bridge (HESI-focused)
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Application materials | College application, transcripts, HESI A2 with 75% minimum overall score, ACT/SAT/Accuplacer placement, current nursing PDF (RN or RN Bridge). |
| Deadlines | March 1 every year for Poplar Bluff RN and RN Bridge. Sikeston RN lists March 1, 2026 and March 1, 2028. Sikeston RN Bridge lists March 1, 2027 and March 1, 2029 on trcc.edu at time of review—re-check the landing page for the next cycle. |
| Bridge extras | Active MO LPN or Paramedic license; LPN bridge adds HESI RN Bridge ADN exam (≥700). Paramedic bridge adds EMS HESI ADN exam (≥700). |
| Alternates | Selected alternates keep a 2.0 cumulative GPA in pre-nursing courses but are not guaranteed future admission. |
Practical Nurse (TEAS-focused)
The Practical Nurse page specifies November 1 deadlines, GNST 100 completion expectations, TEAS composite minimum 58% and reading 60%, age 18 at program start, and other checklist items. Resolve any conflicting bullets on the live page with Nursing Admissions before testing.
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Entrance exams | HESI A2 (RN/Bridge); TEAS (Practical Nurse) per trcc.edu |
| Minimum GPA (screening) | 2.0 cumulative or upper-third high school rank if no college GPA; nursing courses and science support courses have higher grade rules once admitted. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Three Rivers College publishes a tiered billing table on Tuition & Fees. Non-nursing courses may fall in Tier One–Three, but Nursing (NURS) subject codes align with Tier Four on the tier explainer PDF. Add the published common fee and resource fee per credit hour to your instructional subtotal. Figures below use the 2026 column shown on the Tuition & Fees page at time of review ($111 in-district base, $158 out-of-district base, +$205 Tier Four differential, $59 common fee, $26 resource fee).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-district nursing (NURS) approximate total | $401/credit ($111 base + $205 Tier Four + $59 common + $26 resource), before books, housing, or clinical fees |
| Out-of-district nursing (NURS) approximate total | $448/credit ($158 base + $205 Tier Four + $59 + $26) |
| General education example | Lower tiers apply to many non-NURS prerequisites—use the tier list matching each course prefix. |
| Cost of attendance | TRCC publishes a Cost of Attendance PDF for budget planning beyond per-credit charges. |
| Source | trcc.edu/pay-for-college/tuition-fees; Tiered Tuition PDF. Confirm amounts with the Business Office. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The nursing landing page highlights three headline metrics—75% on-time completion, a 100% pass rate callout, and 100% employment—without always defining cohort years or whether those figures combine PN and ADN candidates. Treat them as internal marketing summaries until you receive audited documentation from the program.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (Board-reported snapshot) | 95.38% first-time (62/65) in 2025 Q3 RN Report 4 for MO – Three Rivers College – ADN |
| NCLEX-PN (Board-reported snapshot) | 100% first-time (31/31) in 2025 Q3 PN Report 4 |
| On-time completion (school page) | 75% per trcc.edu nursing marketing tiles—confirm which program/cohort that statistic describes. |
| Employment (school page) | Trcc.edu cites 100% employment in the same tile row; ask the department for the supporting survey methodology and year before treating it as a guarantee. |
| Source | Three Rivers nursing page; Missouri Board NCLEX PDFs linked in the NCLEX section; Consumer Information for additional disclosures. |
Confirm current licensure exam outcomes with the Missouri Board of Nursing and Three Rivers College.
Is Three Rivers College the Right Fit for You?
Three Rivers fits students anchored in southeast Missouri or northeast Arkansas who want public-college tuition, can meet HESI/TEAS thresholds, and are comfortable with hands-on clinical rotations that may include early-morning or weekend shifts.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Can commute to Poplar Bluff (ADN) or Sikeston (PN / RN Bridge cycles).
- Want a Board-approved LPN program with a defined TEAS benchmark.
- Already work as an LPN or paramedic in Missouri and seek an RN Bridge without repeating a four-year campus experience.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a fully online pre-licensure RN—coursework remains face-to-face with local clinical contracts.
- Need a BSN immediately—plan for transfer or completion programs after NCLEX-RN.
- Cannot sustain the B-grade science expectations and one repeat policy spelled out in progression rules.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Poplar Bluff sits along major routes (US 60 / US 67) connecting to Cape Girardeau, Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Memphis, placing graduates within reach of both rural critical access hospitals and larger referral centers. TRCC states that clinical laboratory experiences occur in local healthcare facilities under faculty supervision—confirm the active affiliate list each semester because contracts evolve.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Acute care | Poplar Bluff and nearby communities host hospitals and specialty practices that commonly partner with associate-degree programs; ask Nursing for the current rotation roster rather than relying on third-party lists. |
| Extended care & clinics | Long-term care, school health, federally qualified health centers, and home health agencies across Butler, Ripley, and surrounding counties supply clinical diversity. |
| Demand signal | Track job postings, Missouri workforce dashboards, and Missouri Hospital Association workforce commentaries to validate hiring trends—never assume placement from a headline statistic. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Three Rivers emphasizes hands-on labs and clinical experiences that mirror the marketing copy on trcc.edu (“high-tech simulation,” community clinical sites). Student activities largely follow a commuter college rhythm centered on Poplar Bluff, with additional services scheduled at Sikeston and other locations listed on the college’s locations page.
Download the current catalog and any nursing handbook PDFs referenced on the nursing or admissions portals for dress codes, clinical readiness, and professional conduct expectations prior to your first NURS course.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & nursing office
- Main campus
- Poplar Bluff, MO
- Address
- 2080 Three Rivers Blvd, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, US
- General information
- 877-879-8722
- Director of Nursing
- 573-840-9672 · lmcelroy@trcc.edu (Laura McElroy — verify current contact on trcc.edu)
- Website
- trcc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the RN application or RN Bridge application plus the Practical Nurse checklist linked from trcc.edu.
- Map prerequisites (e.g., ACAD 101, BIOL 231, ENGL 111, MATH 161 for bridge deadlines) against your transcripts.
- Register for HESI A2 (RN/Bridge) or TEAS (PN) through Testing Services.
- Build a budget using Tuition & Fees Tier Four for NURS credits plus the cost-of-attendance PDF.
- Complete FAFSA using TRCC’s federal school code from the Financial Aid office and explore institutional scholarships.
- Open the newest Missouri BON NCLEX PDFs and search for Three Rivers College.
- Email nursing leadership with questions on Sikeston seat timing, clinical caps, and bridge testing windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Three Rivers College offer a BSN in Poplar Bluff?
No. Three Rivers offers a Practical Nurse certificate, an AAS Nursing (ADN) track, and LPN/Paramedic RN Bridge options—not a four-year BSN. Plan transfer or RN-to-BSN completion elsewhere after licensure if needed.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for Three Rivers College ADN?
Per the Missouri Board of Nursing file 2025 Quarter 3 RN Report 4 (NCSBN program summary), MO – Three Rivers College – ADN reported a 95.38% first-time pass rate (62/65) in the totals line. Confirm newer quarters on pr.mo.gov.
Does Three Rivers College use HESI or TEAS for nursing?
HESI A2 (and extra HESI exams for bridge applicants) applies to the RN pathways described on trcc.edu, while the Practical Nurse page lists TEAS minimums. Always verify cut scores with Testing Services.
When are nursing applications due at Three Rivers College?
The nursing page lists March 1 deadlines for Poplar Bluff RN and RN Bridge, alternating March 1 dates for Sikeston RN Bridge cohorts, and the Practical Nurse page uses November 1.
How much is Three Rivers nursing tuition per credit?
Using the 2026 figures on the Tuition & Fees page, NURS courses in Tier Four total roughly $401/credit in-district (base + tier + common + resource) or $448/credit out-of-district before books—see the Cost section for the arithmetic.
Where is Three Rivers College nursing offered?
Poplar Bluff hosts the traditional ADN track; Practical Nursing is offered in Poplar Bluff and Sikeston; RN Bridge cycles include both communities depending on the year published on the nursing program page.
Is Three Rivers College’s ADN ACEN-accredited?
The nursing program page states ACEN accreditation and Missouri State Board of Nursing approval for the degree nursing program, with Practical Nursing fully Board-approved. Re-check ACEN and Board listings before you enroll.
What is Three Rivers College RN Bridge?
It is an AAS nursing completion path for Missouri LPNs or paramedics who pass supplemental HESI exams (≥700 composites on the bridge-specific tests) after the HESI A2.
What NCLEX-PN data exists for Three Rivers College?
2025 Quarter 3 PN Report 4 lists 31 first-time testers with 31 passes (100%) for MO – Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff—verify newer PDFs for subsequent cohorts.
What GPA does Three Rivers nursing require?
Screening requires at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (or top-third high school rank without college GPA). Once admitted, supporting sciences require B grades and nursing courses require C or better with satisfactory clinical performance.
References
- Three Rivers College — AAS Nursingtrcc.edu/academics/degrees-programs/nursing
- Three Rivers College — Practical Nursetrcc.edu/academics/degrees-programs/practical-nurse
- Three Rivers College — Tuition & Feestrcc.edu/pay-for-college/tuition-fees
- Three Rivers College — Tiered Tuition (PDF)Tiered_Tuition_2025.pdf
- Missouri Division of Professional Registration — NCLEX Statisticspr.mo.gov/nursing-education-nclex.asp
- Missouri BON — 2025 Q3 RN Report 4 (PDF)2025 Quarter 3 RN Report 4
- Missouri BON — 2025 Q3 PN Report 4 (PDF)2025 Quarter 3 PN Report 4
- Missouri Board of Nursing — main portalpr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
- 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 alignment of program names, HESI/TEAS language, and Poplar Bluff/Sikeston site notes with trcc.edu; tiered tuition arithmetic against the published 2026 rate table; and NCLEX figures against Missouri Board of Nursing 2025 Quarter 3 RN/PN Report 4 PDFs.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and Board rules change; verify with Three Rivers College and the Missouri Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy