Durham Technical Community College Nursing: What to Know (2026)
In the Research Triangle, Durham Technical Community College offers a Practical Nursing diploma and an Associate Degree in Nursing (including an LPN-to-RN advanced-standing track)—with ACEN-accredited programs, published NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN outcomes, and estimated program costs on durhamtech.edu. Figures below come from the college’s student-achievement tables; confirm each cohort with Durham Tech and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Durham Tech situates nursing students in a dense clinical market with sites such as Duke University Medical Center, Durham Regional Hospital, and Lincoln Community Health Center named on the Practical Nursing outcomes page—alongside rotating acute, community, and specialty placements for ADN students. Programs publish transparent NCLEX tables and completion data required by ACEN.
Overview & Why Students Choose Durham Tech
Durham Technical Community College is a public two-year college in Durham, North Carolina, with nursing offered primarily on Main Campus. The college operates two ACEN-accredited pre-licensure pathways reviewed here: a Practical Nursing diploma (44 credit hours; NCLEX-PN) and an Associate Degree in Nursing (70 credit hours; Associate in Applied Science; NCLEX-RN), including an LPN-to-RN advanced-standing route for licensed practical nurses.
Durham Tech does not confer a BSN; its nursing website includes an RN-to-BSN baccalaureate transfer option for planning university completion after licensure. Nurse Aide and other health offerings are separate from the PN/ADN degrees—see the catalog for prerequisites and career ladders.
Per the Associate Degree Nursing Program Information page, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for the generic ADN cohort were 98% in 2024 (39 of 40), 95% in 2023 (40 of 42), and 90% in 2022 (35 of 39), alongside Durham Tech’s comparison columns for state and national rates. The LPN-RN table on the same page lists 100% in 2024 (12 of 12). For NCLEX-PN, the Practical Nursing student outcomes page shows 100% in 2024 (13 of 13). Compare school-year reporting with North Carolina Board of Nursing annual publications.
Reasons students choose Durham Tech
Triangle clinical access
Practical Nursing disclosures name major Durham anchors—Duke University Medical Center, Durham Regional, and Lincoln Community Health Center—among rotation sites.
Stacked pathways
Students can progress LPN → ADN through the advanced-standing track after earning a license and meeting prerequisites.
Published outcomes
ACEN-required tables list annual NCLEX pass rates, completion, and employment metrics so you can judge trends before you apply.
Transparent cost blocks
Program landing pages display estimated tuition, books, and fees for PN and ADN—use them as a starting point alongside residency rules.
Day program, structured clinicals
ADN classroom work is daytime; clinicals may include evenings, weekends, or 12-hour shifts depending on site availability.
Nursing Programs Offered
Use the official Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing pages plus the LPN-to-ADN track for the latest plans of study.
Pre-licensure
Practical Nursing Diploma
Day program that may be completed in three semesters when general-education prerequisites are finished before the nursing sequence; blends Main Campus, Orange County campus, and online theory per the Practical Nursing program information page. Graduates take NCLEX-PN. ACEN lists the program as accredited with stipulations (“For Good Cause”) as of the notice on durhamtech.edu—confirm current status with ACEN and the college.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Generic fall-start cohort: requires CNA I and CPR before the first nursing course; uses in-person ATI TEAS only. Awards the Associate in Applied Science and prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN. Per program information, Durham Tech lists multiple cohorts (e.g., generic ADN vs. LPN-RN) with separate achievement tables.
Advanced standing
ADN — LPN to ADN track
Licensed practical nurses with one year of LPN work experience, CPR certification, and completed prerequisites may enter the LPN to ADN track. It is a day program that starts in the summer term (applications November 1 – February 1), merges with the traditional ADN cohort after the transition course, and lists an estimated $5,131 for tuition, books, and fees (minimum 50 credit hours on the program page). Outcomes appear in the LPN-RN NCLEX table on the ADN program-information page.
Post-licensure / transfer (not a Durham Tech degree)
The college’s website includes an RN-to-BSN baccalaureate transfer option for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s at a university after RN licensure.
Admission is competitive for both PN and ADN. Deadlines, TEAS rules, and checklists change—download the current ADN Admissions Checklist, Practical Nursing Checklist, and catalog before you apply.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Durham Technical Community College posts calendar-year, first-time tester tables for both generic ADN and LPN-RN cohorts on its ADN Program Information page. According to that disclosure, generic ADN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates were 98% (2024, 39/40), 95% (2023, 40/42), and 90% (2022, 35/39), with comparison columns for North Carolina and national percentages. The LPN-RN rows show 100% (2024, 12/12), 75% (2023, 6/8), and 92% (2022, 11/12).
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing)
The Practical Nursing student outcomes page lists first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates of 100% (2024, 13/13), 96% (2023, 26/27), and 81% (2022, 17/21), with national comparison percentages in the same table.
For regulator-published school lists, use the North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX pass rates hub and download the latest RN and PN annual reports. Confirm every figure with Durham Tech and the Board before making application decisions.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (generic ADN, 2024) | 98% (39 of 40), per Durham Tech ADN Program Information table. |
| NCLEX-RN first-time (LPN-RN track, 2024) | 100% (12 of 12), same source. |
| NCLEX-PN first-time (2024) | 100% (13 of 13), per Practical Nursing student outcomes. |
| Source | Durham Tech — ADN program information / outcomes; Practical Nursing student outcomes; NCBON NCLEX pass rates. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and reporting window. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the North Carolina Board of Nursing and Durham Technical Community College.
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 Durham Technical Community College and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for Durham Tech health programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required for admission or licensure.
- North Carolina Board of Nursing: For RN or PN licensure, confirm NCLEX eligibility and any extra steps for internationally educated applicants.
- Immigration & visa: Limited-access clinical programs may restrict F-1 participation or placement options; confirm with the college international office.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Durham Tech’s admissions or international office and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Durham Tech’s PN and ADN tracks are selective. You apply to the college first, complete prerequisites, attend a required nursing information session, then submit the Health and Wellness Admissions Application during the published window. Both the generic and LPN-to-ADN associate-degree pages state that ATI TEAS scores must come from an in-person testing site (online TEAS scores are not accepted).
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall — generic ADN & Practical Nursing | November 1 – February 1 | Dates published on those program pages; confirm annually. |
| Summer — LPN to ADN track | November 1 – February 1 | LPN-to-ADN page lists Summer entry after the transition course students join the traditional ADN cohort. |
| Information session | Required before application | Register via Durham Tech’s events / visit portal linked from the nursing program pages. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed. |
| CNA / prerequisites (generic ADN) | Nursing Assistant I and CPR before the first nursing course. |
| LPN to ADN track | CPR, active LPN license, one year of practical nursing work experience, and prerequisites per the LPN-to-ADN checklist PDF. |
| TEAS | Required for generic ADN and LPN-to-ADN tracks; scores must be from an in-person administration (online TEAS not accepted). Confirm whether Practical Nursing uses TEAS via the PN checklist. |
| Clinical clearance | Plan for immunizations, background checks, drug screens, and other clinical requirements listed on program checklists. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Durham Technical Community College lists estimated tuition, books, and fees directly on each nursing program page. These totals are planning figures only—actual charges depend on residency (in-state, out-of-state, in-district), course load, and fee updates each academic year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree Nursing (70 semester hours) | $7,251 estimated tuition, books, and fees (figure shown on the ADN program page reviewed March 2026). |
| Practical Nursing diploma (44 semester hours) | $5,502 estimated tuition, books, and fees (figure shown on the Practical Nursing program page). |
| LPN to ADN track (minimum 50 semester hours) | $5,131 estimated tuition, books, and fees (figure shown on the LPN-to-ADN track page). |
| Other costs | Budget separately for uniforms, clinical supplies, ATI or other vendor materials, travel to clinical sites, and living expenses. The college highlights merit-based state programs such as the Nurse Education Scholarship-Loan Program (NESLP) on the ADN program-information page. |
| Source | Associate Degree Nursing; LPN to ADN track; Practical Nursing Diploma; Admissions & financial aid. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Durham Tech publishes completion, NCLEX, and employment tables for ACEN accountability. The snapshots below are taken from those disclosures; methodology and response rates vary by metric.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ADN on-time completion (program total) | 63% (2024 cohort), 61% (2023), 56% (2022) per ADN Program Information completion table. |
| ADN graduate employment (within 6–12 months) | 2023: Durham Tech reports 90% employed (42 graduates). 2024: listed as pending in the same table. Confirm updated figures with the college. |
| Practical Nursing employment (survey-based) | July 2024: Durham Tech reports 70% employed among survey respondents (7 of 10); three graduates noted they did not seek employment. July 2023: 100% of responding graduates employed (20 of 20). See Practical Nursing student outcomes. |
| Source | ADN Program Information; Practical Nursing student outcomes. |
Is Durham Technical Community College the Right Fit for You?
Durham Tech suits learners who want an affordable public-college pathway to PN or RN licensure in the Research Triangle, can meet CNA, CPR, and TEAS requirements (for ADN), and accept day classes plus variable clinical shifts.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a PN diploma or ADN with published NCLEX outcomes before committing.
- Already hold (or will earn) Nursing Assistant I credentials needed for generic ADN entry.
- Plan to work locally around Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh hospitals and clinics after graduation.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a BSN from the same two-year college—Durham Tech awards the PN diploma and A.A.S. in nursing only.
- Cannot test in person for the TEAS (ADN requirement) or attend required information sessions.
- Need a fully online pre-licensure pathway; nursing labs and clinicals are in person.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Durham sits inside North Carolina’s Research Triangle, home to academic medical centers, community hospitals, county health departments, and specialty clinics. Practical Nursing disclosures name Duke University Medical Center, Durham Regional Hospital, and Lincoln Community Health Center, among other partners. ADN clinical rotations likewise draw from the wider Triangle—assignment depends on capacity, preceptor availability, and course objectives each term.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic & tertiary care | Major teaching hospitals and Level I trauma centers in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh supply complex patient experiences. |
| Community & public health | Federally qualified health centers, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities support primary-care-focused rotations. |
| Regional demand | Triangle counties continue to add residents and aged caregivers; verify hiring, shift pay, and sign-on incentives directly with employers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing theory for ADN is delivered during daytime hours on Main Campus, with clinical experiences scheduled days, nights, weekends, or 12-hour blocks as sites require. Practical Nursing adds some coursework at the Orange County campus and online components, per program information.
Student life follows the broader Durham Tech experience—advising, libraries, wellness services, and engagement events described on durhamtech.edu. Ask the nursing office about any nursing-specific student organizations during your information session.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Durham, NC (Main Campus)
- Address
- 1637 Lawson Street, Durham, NC 27703, US
- Telephone
- 919-686-3300 (main college)
- Nursing inquiries
- Request information (Durham Tech nursing)
- Website
- durhamtech.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the current ADN and/or PN admissions checklist PDFs from durhamtech.edu and compare them to your transcripts.
- Register for a required nursing information session and note the Health & Wellness application window (Nov 1 – Feb 1 for Fall).
- Schedule an in-person ATI TEAS if you are applying to ADN; gather CNA I and CPR documentation.
- Review the student achievement tables for NCLEX, completion, and employment trends.
- Estimate expenses using the program-page totals ($7,251 ADN / $5,502 PN) plus living and clinical commute costs.
- Submit FAFSA and explore Durham Tech financial aid; research NESLP if you plan to work in North Carolina after graduation.
- Bookmark the NCBON NCLEX hub for regulator-published pass-rate PDFs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Durham Technical Community College offer a BSN?
No. Durham Tech awards a Practical Nursing diploma and an Associate in Applied Science in Associate Degree Nursing, plus an LPN-to-RN track. RN-to-BSN completion is typically done after licensure at a university; Durham Tech lists a baccalaureate transfer option page for planning.
What NCLEX-RN pass rate does Durham Tech report for its ADN program?
According to Durham Tech’s Associate Degree Nursing Program Information, the generic ADN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 98% in 2024 (39 of 40), 95% in 2023 (40 of 42), and 90% in 2022 (35 of 39). The LPN-RN table shows 100% in 2024 (12 of 12). Confirm the latest cohort with Durham Tech and NCBON.
What is Durham Tech’s NCLEX-PN pass rate for Practical Nursing?
Per the Practical Nursing student outcomes page, first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates were 100% (2024, 13 of 13), 96% (2023, 26 of 27), and 81% (2022, 17 of 21). Confirm current data with the college.
Does Durham Tech nursing require the TEAS?
Yes for generic ADN and the LPN-to-ADN track: Durham Tech states ATI TEAS must be taken in person; online TEAS scores are not accepted. Check the Practical Nursing admissions checklist for whether TEAS applies to PN.
How much do Durham Tech nursing programs cost?
Program pages list estimated tuition, books, and fees of $7,251 (generic ADN, 70 credits), $5,131 (LPN-to-ADN track, minimum 50 credits), and $5,502 (PN diploma, 44 credits) as shown on durhamtech.edu. Confirm residency tiers and fee updates with the college.
When are Durham Tech nursing applications due?
Both ADN and PN list Fall-semester applications from November 1 through February 1. An information session is required before you apply; verify any changes on the program pages.
What are prerequisites for Durham Tech ADN?
Before the first nursing course you need CPR certification and Nursing Assistant I. Licensed practical nurses follow the LPN advanced-standing checklist. Download the ADN admissions checklist PDF for the full course list.
Is Durham Tech nursing ACEN-accredited?
Program pages state ACEN accreditation: ADN has continuing accreditation; Practical Nursing is accredited with stipulations (“For Good Cause”) per the disclosure on durhamtech.edu. Stipulations mean you should confirm the exact ACEN status and any improvement plan before enrolling.
References
- Durham Technical Community College — Associate Degree Nursinghttps://www.durhamtech.edu/programs-pathways/associate-degree-nursing
- Durham Technical Community College — ADN Program Information / Outcomeshttps://www.durhamtech.edu/academic-programs/associate-degree-nursing/program-information
- Durham Technical Community College — LPN to ADN trackhttps://www.durhamtech.edu/programs-pathways/associate-degree-nursing-lpn-adn-track
- Durham Technical Community College — Practical Nursing diplomahttps://www.durhamtech.edu/programs-pathways/practical-nursing-diploma
- Durham Technical Community College — Practical Nursing student outcomeshttps://www.durhamtech.edu/programs-pathways/practical-nursing-diploma/student-outcomes
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rateshttps://www.ncbon.com/nclex-pass-rates
- 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
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 scope (PN diploma + ADN tracks), NCLEX tables, and tuition estimates with Durham Technical Community College pages dated March 2026.
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