Catawba Valley Community College Nursing: Programs, Costs & Requirements (2026)
Public community college nursing in Hickory: multiple ADN entry points (day, evening, LPN-RN bridge, Hickory RIBN with Lenoir-Rhyne, and Career & College Promise). Tuition figures below come from IPEDS; first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes are published by the North Carolina Board of Nursing—confirm the latest school row with the Board and CVCC.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
CVCC’s Hickory RIBN track is a formal dual pathway with Lenoir-Rhyne University in the same city: you can progress from the ADN toward a BSN on a defined 10-semester model while staying rooted in the Catawba Valley healthcare market.
Overview & Why Students Choose Catawba Valley Community College
Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) is a public two-year college in Hickory, North Carolina, serving the Catawba Valley region. Its nursing curriculum follows the statewide Associate Degree Nursing model: graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in nursing and are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN. The catalog lists day and evening ADN options, an LPN to RN bridge, the Hickory RIBN dual-enrollment track with Lenoir-Rhyne University, and a Career & College Promise ADN pathway for qualified high school students.
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for North Carolina programs are published by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (see the NCLEX section for the official pass-rate PDF). The same reports include state and national ADN aggregates you can use for context. Confirm CVCC’s program-level row and the latest cohort with the Board and the college.
Reasons students choose Catawba Valley Community College
Regional clinical footprint
CVCC situates nursing education in the Hickory metro and surrounding counties, where students can train close to community and hospital settings used for clinical learning.
Evening ADN option
The evening ADN track (catalog code A45110EV) is delivered in night hours only and lists a seven-semester full-time timeline—useful if you work days.
Hickory RIBN with LRU
The RIBN pathway pairs CVCC’s ADN with Lenoir-Rhyne University coursework so motivated students can continue toward a BSN after RN licensure without leaving the Hickory area.
ACEN-accredited ADN
NCES lists the associate nursing program as ACEN-accredited with a published next review date—confirm current status with ACEN and CVCC.
UNC RN-to-BSN articulation
CVCC’s ADN aligns with the Uniform Articulation Agreement between North Carolina community college ADN programs and UNC-system RN-to-BSN programs for students who later pursue a bachelor’s after licensure.
Nursing Programs Offered
Programs below are taken from the CVCC 2025–2026 General Catalog (curriculum codes shown). CVCC’s catalog describes pre-licensure ADN pathways leading to RN licensure; it does not list a standalone BSN completed entirely at CVCC—the Hickory RIBN track continues at Lenoir-Rhyne for the BSN portion.
Pre-licensure (ADN)
Associate Degree Nursing — Traditional day (A45110)
Day-only courses; minimum five semesters full-time. Total 70 credit hours including NUR 111–114, 211–213 and sciences. Graduates apply for NCLEX-RN.
Associate Degree Nursing — Evening (A45110EV)
Night-only sections; minimum seven semesters full-time. Same 70-credit ADN outcomes as the day track with a night sequence.
LPN to RN Bridge (A45110LP)
For licensed LPNs who completed NUR 101–103 and prerequisite sciences at CVCC with a grade of C or better. Bridge courses include NUR 214, 221, and 223; catalog notes a 2.8 GPA requirement to complete the program.
Dual enrollment / high school
Hickory RIBN (A45110RB)
Dual admission with Lenoir-Rhyne University: earn the A.A.S. at CVCC while taking designated LRU courses, take NCLEX-RN after the A.A.S., then finish the BSN at LRU (catalog lists a 10-semester model and 128 semester hours for the bachelor’s).
Career & College Promise — ADN pathway (P1032C)
For qualified high school juniors and seniors; Block 1 toward the ADN aligned with the UNC RN-to-BSN uniform articulation agreement.
Curricula and codes can change each catalog year. Always verify the active program sheet, prerequisites, and seat availability with CVCC’s School of Health Education / nursing department before you apply.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The North Carolina Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates by program in its annual reports—for example the 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates PDF (released January 2025). In that document, open the ADN program table and locate the row for Catawba Valley CC to read CVCC’s published first-time rate for the reporting year covered.
The same NC BON publication reports aggregate benchmarks for context: for 2024 it lists a North Carolina ADN first-time pass rate of 95% and a national ADN first-time pass rate of 91% (figures shown in the report summary). These aggregates help you compare overall state and national performance; your program’s row is still the authoritative place for CVCC-specific results.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| CVCC ADN — first-time NCLEX-RN | See Catawba Valley CC row in the NC BON 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates PDF (ADN section). |
| NC ADN aggregate (same report) | 95% first-time (2024, as summarized in the NC BON publication). |
| National ADN aggregate (same report) | 91% first-time (2024, as summarized in the NC BON publication). |
| Source | North Carolina Board of Nursing — 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates (PDF) · NCLEX pass rates hub. Confirm current cohort data with the Board and CVCC. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting period. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rate for Catawba Valley CC in the newest NC BON table and with CVCC.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Catawba Valley Community College and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- North Carolina Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Catawba Valley Community College’s international office and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
CVCC has open admission to the college for general enrollment, but the Associate Degree Nursing programs are limited-access: you must complete prerequisite coursework (for example BIO 168 for the traditional track), meet minimum grades (typically C or better in prerequisites, with the catalog noting that grades below C are not accepted for key sciences), and be accepted into the nursing major before starting NUR courses. The LPN-RN bridge catalog lists additional prerequisites (NUR 101–103) and a 2.8 GPA standard for program completion.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing (all tracks) | Not publicly disclosed on this page | Deadlines vary by semester and pathway. Download the current nursing application packet from CVCC and/or apply through CFNC using the college’s published application ID. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Prerequisite grades | Catalog requires C or better in prerequisites; pre-nursing coursework for traditional ADN includes BIO 168 before the application deadline. |
| LPN-RN bridge GPA | Catalog lists maintaining a 2.8 GPA to complete the bridge program. |
| TEAS / HESI | Not publicly disclosed in the catalog excerpts used here; confirm with the current nursing admission packet. |
| Background check | Catalog states a criminal background check is required for some rotations and for NC licensure. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Published tuition and fees for community colleges change with state and local budgets. The figures below come from NCES College Navigator (IPEDS), which reports institution-level estimates for full-time beginning undergraduates.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition & required fees (2024–2025 academic year) | In-state: $2,427 | Out-of-state: $7,803 (estimated for full-time beginning undergraduates per NCES College Navigator). |
| Books & supplies (same IPEDS table) | $1,870 (estimated). |
| Source | NCES College Navigator — Catawba Valley Community College (IPEDS) · CVCC Financial Aid and Net Price Calculator. Confirm current amounts with CVCC. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
After graduation, ADN students seek RN licensure via the NCLEX-RN. Use the North Carolina Board of Nursing pass-rate publications for the official first-time NCLEX-RN percentage for Catawba Valley CC, and follow up with CVCC’s career services for employment resources.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (first-time) | See Catawba Valley CC row in the NC BON annual pass-rate PDF (e.g., 2024 report). NC ADN aggregate 95% and national ADN aggregate 91% (2024) are summarized in the same document for context. |
| Job placement / employment | Not publicly disclosed on this page. Confirm with CVCC career services or consumer information disclosures. |
| Source | NC BON 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates (PDF) |
Is Catawba Valley Community College the Right Fit for You?
CVCC fits a specific profile: a public, affordable ADN path with multiple schedules and a formal bridge to a BSN partner in Hickory for students who qualify.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ADN in the Hickory/Catawba Valley area with day or evening options.
- Are licensed LPNs seeking an LPN-RN bridge with a defined NUR course sequence.
- Plan to pursue RIBN or later RN-to-BSN through UNC-system articulation or Lenoir-Rhyne’s pathway.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a direct four-year BSN without a separate university partner (CVCC awards the ADN first).
- Cannot meet selective nursing prerequisites or competitive seat availability.
- Require a fully online pre-licensure ADN (CVCC’s catalog emphasizes on-campus/clinical sequencing).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Hickory anchors the Catawba Valley region between Charlotte and Asheville. Major hospitals and health systems commonly referenced in the area include Frye Regional Medical Center, Catawba Valley Medical Center, and broader Atrium Health and Novant Health networks serving the region. Clinical assignments rotate by semester and program; confirm current affiliation agreements with CVCC.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Frye Regional Medical Center | Acute-care hospital in Hickory; common destination for regional healthcare employment. |
| Catawba Valley Medical Center | Hickory-area hospital serving Catawba County. |
| Regional systems | Atrium Health and Novant Health operate facilities across western North Carolina. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
CVCC promotes Red Hawk Nation student life and lists a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio on NCES. Nursing students complete substantial clinical hours (the traditional ADN sequence lists more than 50 clinical/work experience hours in the curriculum grid). Student organizations and campus events vary by year; check CVCC’s campus life pages for nursing clubs or honor societies.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Hickory, NC
- Address
- 2550 Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602-0699, US
- Telephone
- (828) 327-7000
- Nursing programs
- Use the Associate Degree Nursing (A45110) catalog page and CVCC admissions for the current packet.
- Website
- cvcc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the Associate Degree Nursing (A45110) catalog page and save the prerequisite list for your track (day, evening, LPN-RN, or RIBN).
- Compare your transcripts to BIO 168/169, microbiology, and general education requirements in the catalog.
- Download the current nursing application packet from CVCC or apply through CFNC (application ID listed on NCES for CVCC).
- Ask admissions whether TEAS, HESI, or another exam applies to your cohort and how nursing seats are awarded for your entry term.
- Call (828) 327-7000 to reach the main switchboard and ask for the School of Health Education / nursing department.
- Bookmark the NC BON pass-rate PDF and locate Catawba Valley CC in the ADN table.
- Set calendar reminders for the next application cycle for your preferred entry term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Catawba Valley Community College offer a BSN on campus?
No. CVCC awards the A.A.S. in nursing for RN preparation. The Hickory RIBN track partners with Lenoir-Rhyne University so you can continue toward a BSN after RN licensure. Confirm RIBN rules with CVCC and LRU.
Where do I find CVCC’s official first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate?
Use the North Carolina Board of Nursing annual pass-rate PDF (for example the 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates) and find Catawba Valley CC in the ADN table. Confirm the latest cohort with the Board and CVCC.
What tuition does IPEDS report for Catawba Valley Community College?
NCES College Navigator lists $2,427 in-state and $7,803 out-of-state tuition and required fees for 2024–2025 (full-time beginning undergraduates). Confirm current charges with CVCC.
What is Hickory RIBN at CVCC?
Hickory RIBN (A45110RB) is a dual pathway with Lenoir-Rhyne University: you pursue the ADN at CVCC while taking designated LRU courses, then complete the BSN at LRU. The catalog lists a 10-semester model.
Is CVCC’s ADN program accredited?
NCES lists ACEN accreditation for the associate nursing program with a next review date; confirm with ACEN and CVCC. The college is institutionally accredited by SACSCOC.
What GPA does the LPN-RN bridge require?
The bridge catalog states students must maintain a 2.8 GPA to complete the program, in addition to prerequisite grades of C or better.
Does CVCC require the TEAS exam for nursing?
The catalog excerpts used for this guide do not specify TEAS; requirements change. Ask CVCC nursing admissions for the current test policy.
How long is the traditional ADN at CVCC?
The day ADN (A45110) lists a minimum of five semesters full-time; the evening ADN (A45110EV) lists seven semesters.
Is CVCC nursing a good fit if I live in Hickory?
CVCC offers multiple ADN schedules, a regional clinical footprint, and a same-city BSN partner through RIBN. Fit still depends on meeting selective nursing admission rules and clinical expectations.
References
- Catawba Valley Community College — Associate Degree Nursing (A45110) catalogmycatalog.cvcc.edu
- Catawba Valley Community College — Programs of Study (catalog)mycatalog.cvcc.edu
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates (PDF)ncbon.com (PDF)
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesncbon.com
- NCES College Navigator — Catawba Valley Community College (IPEDS)nces.ed.gov
- Catawba Valley Community College — Admissionscvcc.edu
- 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 program-list alignment with the CVCC catalog, IPEDS tuition figures, and North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX reporting.
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 North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-30 · Last reviewed: March 30, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy