Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Nursing Review (2026): Programs, NCLEX & Requirements
Serving Rowan and Cabarrus counties (and the Kannapolis research campus area), Rowan-Cabarrus Community College runs competitive-entry nursing pathways—a Practical Nursing diploma, a full ADN (fall, spring, or LPN-to-ADN), and published per-program cost tables on rccc.edu. This guide cites RCCC’s Program Outcome Data PDF and links to the North Carolina Board of Nursing for official NCLEX publications.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Rowan-Cabarrus anchors health workforce training near the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis and maintains multiple campuses across Salisbury and Concord. Nursing programs publish transparent semester-by-semester costs, use a competitive points system for entry, and participate in statewide RN-to-BSN articulation planning for graduates who continue their education after licensure.
Overview & Why Students Choose Rowan-Cabarrus
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) is a North Carolina Community College System school with campuses in Salisbury, Concord, and Kannapolis, among others listed on rccc.edu. Its nursing unit offers both vocational (PN) and RN (ADN) pathways, including an LPN-to-ADN advanced-standing option with a separate application deadline.
Graduates of the ADN tracks take the NCLEX-RN; practical nursing graduates take the NCLEX-PN. RCCC does not grant a BSN on campus—its RN-to-BSN page explains uniform articulation to UNC System RN-to-BSN programs after licensure. Use the RCCC catalog and nursing program information hub for the authoritative curriculum list.
According to Rowan-Cabarrus’s Program Outcome Data (2022–2024) PDF, the May 2024 traditional ADN first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate was 84% (26 of 31) and the May 2024 LPN-to-ADN first-time pass rate was 82% (40 of 49). The same report lists December 2024 traditional ADN as TBD at the time the PDF was compiled. For calendar-year, school-level rates, use the North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX pass-rate publications. Confirm every figure with RCCC and the Board.
Reasons students choose Rowan-Cabarrus
Regional footprint & NCRC ties
RCCC explicitly partners with workforce needs around the North Carolina Research Campus and trains students who plan to work in Rowan, Cabarrus, and nearby metros.
PN and ADN in one college
Students can pursue a Practical Nursing diploma first or enter ADN directly where eligible—and LPNs can apply to the LPN-to-ADN track.
Published program costs
RCCC posts separate per-semester cost worksheets for ADN, PN, and LPN-to-ADN with totals revised on stated dates—helpful for financial planning.
ACEN & board oversight
Program pages state ACEN accreditation for nursing and list student achievement tables used in this guide—pair those disclosures with NCBON approval checks.
UNC RN-to-BSN transfer clarity
The college maintains a dedicated page listing participating UNC System RN-to-BSN partners for ADN graduates who later pursue a bachelor’s.
Nursing Programs Offered
Rowan-Cabarrus groups its nursing offerings into Practical Nursing (PN diploma) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN). Catalog award codes linked from the college include fall ADN (A45110F), spring ADN (A45110S), LPN-to-ADN (A45110T), and the PN diploma (D45660).
Pre-licensure
Practical Nursing Diploma
The Practical Nursing curriculum prepares graduates to take NCLEX-PN. RCCC states the program is ACEN-accredited. Clinical experiences occur across community settings described in college materials (always confirm your term’s clinical plan with the department).
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Generic (traditional) ADN students enter fall or spring cohorts per the information hub, complete the Associate in Applied Science nursing sequence, and become eligible for NCLEX-RN. Competency standards require maintaining at least 80% in nursing courses with remediation expectations if grades fall below that threshold (competency standards policy).
LPN to ADN (advanced standing)
Licensed practical nurses can apply to the LPN-to-ADN pathway with a separate minimum-admission PDF and deadline (February 15 for Fall 2026 in the materials linked below). Expect a compressed timeline versus generic ADN—RCCC’s outcome PDF tracks these cohorts separately for NCLEX reporting.
Post-licensure & graduate
RCCC does not confer MSN, DNP, or an on-campus BSN for nurses. After RN licensure, students rely on articulation agreements with UNC System RN-to-BSN programs (and resources linked there).
Nursing admission is competitive and policies update annually. Verify catalog titles, MAR PDFs, and deadlines on Nursing Education Program Information before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Rowan-Cabarrus publishes multi-year tables in Program Outcome Data (2022–2024). Highlights from that document (not a substitute for regulator tables) include:
- May 2024 traditional ADN: first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate 84% (26 of 31).
- May 2024 LPN-to-ADN: first-time pass rate 82% (40 of 49).
- December 2024 traditional ADN: listed as TBD in the PDF snapshot.
- Three-year context: the same report states a Rowan-Cabarrus ADN three-year (2021–2023) average of 82% compared with a North Carolina three-year ADN average of 80% (use only as high-level benchmark context from that RCCC document).
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing)
The RCCC Program Outcome Data PDF reports an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 95% for the graduating class of 2024 (20 of 21 first-time test takers in the table reviewed). Confirm current PN cohort statistics with RCCC and the Board.
For official, school-level calendar-year summaries, use the North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX pass rates hub and downloadable RN/PN annual tables. NCBON metrics may differ slightly in definition from RCCC’s internal tables—always compare footnotes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (May 2024 traditional ADN, school PDF) | 84% (26/31), per Rowan-Cabarrus Program Outcome Data. |
| NCLEX-RN first-time (May 2024 LPN-to-ADN, school PDF) | 82% (40/49), same source. |
| NCLEX-PN (class of 2024, school PDF) | 95% (20/21), same source. |
| Source | Rowan-Cabarrus Program Outcome Data (2022–2024); North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates. Confirm current cohorts with RCCC and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the school.
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 Rowan-Cabarrus 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 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s admissions and international-student resources and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Rowan-Cabarrus nursing programs use competitive admission with posted Minimum Admission Requirements (MAR) PDFs and a point system scorecard linked from the nursing information hub. You typically apply to the college first, complete prerequisites, then submit the health-program application packet by the published deadline. TEAS scheduling details appear in the Health Sciences Admission Tests LibGuide.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 ADN & PN | February 1, 2026 | Per MAR PDFs linked from the nursing information hub and libguide (confirm for updates). |
| Fall 2026 LPN-to-ADN | February 15, 2026 | Separate MAR PDF for licensed practical nurses. |
| Spring 2027 ADN | May 15, 2026 | Spring-entry MAR PDF on file for this cycle. |
| Information sessions | Seasonal | RCCC promotes First Look — Nursing sessions and Microsoft Forms nursing informational sign-ups linked from program pages. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed. |
| Nursing course performance | Competency standards cite a minimum of 80% in nursing courses with remediation if a student scores below 80% on an exam—read the full policy PDF on rccc.edu. |
| ATI TEAS | Required for nursing applicants per the Health Sciences Admission libguide tags; confirm edition, minimum scores, and retest rules in the current MAR PDF. |
| Clinical clearance | Nursing program fees reference Kaplan, CastleBranch, uniforms, liability insurance, and NCLEX registration—budget for these alongside tuition. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Rowan-Cabarrus maintains separate webpages for Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing, and LPN-to-ADN costs. Each table assumes in-state residency; out-of-state tuition follows the catalog fee schedule. Figures below are copied from those pages on the revision dates noted—your totals may differ if credit loads or fees change.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ADN total estimated cost | $6,768 in-state program total (five-semester worksheet, revised September 2024). |
| Practical Nursing total estimated cost | $4,739 in-state total (three-semester worksheet; page lists September 2019 revision—reconfirm the live table). |
| LPN-to-ADN total estimated cost | $3,425 in-state total (two-semester worksheet, revised September 2024). |
| Tuition & fees policy | General enrollment tuition and fees appear in the college catalog; nursing lines include activity, technology, campus access, nursing program, and graduation fees per the worksheets. |
| Source | RCCC estimated cost pages linked above. Confirm current amounts with the college bursar and health programs office. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The excerpts below come from Rowan-Cabarrus’s Program Outcome Data PDF. Employment percentages combine pinning-time job offers and follow-up surveys—read the footnotes in the original document before comparing cohorts.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Program-completion emphasis | RCCC tracks completion at 100% and 150% of expected time; aggregated ADN completion improved to 70% met for the 2024 graduating group in the report’s completion tables—confirm definitions with the college. |
| Graduate employment (May 2024 traditional ADN, school-reported) | Among survey respondents (25 of 31 graduates, 81% response rate), all 25 indicated employment as an RN; the college also reports timing of job offers separately. Confirm methodology with RCCC. |
| Graduate employment (May 2024 LPN-to-ADN, school-reported) | Survey instruments show high job-offer acceptance with noted NCLEX retest waits for a small number of graduates—see PDF narrative for details. |
| Source | Rowan-Cabarrus Program Outcome Data (2022–2024); verify updates with RCCC and NCBON. |
Is Rowan-Cabarrus the Right Fit for You?
Rowan-Cabarrus fits applicants who thrive in structured, high-expectation health programs, can meet TEAS and prerequisite thresholds, and plan to study near Salisbury, Concord, or Kannapolis while commuting to varied clinical sites.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a PN diploma or ADN (including LPN-to-ADN) from a single community college.
- Appreciate published, semester-level cost worksheets that bundle uniforms, testing, and many fees.
- Plan to pursue a future RN-to-BSN through UNC System partners using statewide articulation after licensure.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect an immediate BSN classroom experience on campus—RCCC stops at the associate/diploma level for pre-licensure nursing.
- Need a fully online lab/clinical experience; pre-licensure nursing remains face-to-face intensive.
- Are uncomfortable with competitive point-based admission—RCCC nursing uses selective scoring per MAR documents.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Rowan and Cabarrus counties sit within the fast-growing Charlotte–Concord combined statistical area. Regional employers include large integrated systems such as Atrium Health and Novant Health, community hospitals, long-term care, clinics tied to the North Carolina Research Campus, and rural health partners toward Winston-Salem and the Piedmont. RCCC does not publish a fixed list of every clinical site on the pages reviewed; expect assignments that require reliable transportation across both counties.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Hospital & acute care | Systems serving Concord, Kannapolis, and Salisbury anchor many rotations; confirm active contracts each semester with the clinical coordinator. |
| Community & workforce innovation | The NC Research Campus supports bioscience and clinical partnerships—useful backdrop for students interested in research-adjacent care settings. |
| Demand | Growth along I-85 continues to support hiring for RNs and LPNs, but verify openings and pay directly with employers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Rowan-Cabarrus operates the North Campus in Salisbury, South Campus in Concord, the Cabarrus Business & Technology Center, the NC Research Campus / Dr. Carol Spalding Advanced Technology Center in Kannapolis, and College Station in Kannapolis per rccc.edu. Nursing skills courses and simulations typically align with the health sciences unit’s facilities—confirm lab locations each term with the department.
Student life resources (clubs, wellness, advising) are described on rccc.edu/studentlife. National student nursing association resources are linked from RCCC’s nursing information hub for students who want professional engagement beyond the classroom.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Salisbury, NC (North Campus — main address below; multiple RCCC campuses)
- Address
- 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd., S., Salisbury, NC 28146, US
- Telephone
- 704-216-7222
- Contact email
- admissions@rccc.edu
- Website
- rccc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the current ADN/PN MAR or LPN-to-ADN MAR that matches your entry term.
- Compare prerequisites in the catalog to your transcripts and plan any missing sciences or general studies.
- Schedule the ATI TEAS using the Health Sciences Admission Tests guide; confirm cut scores in the MAR.
- Register for a First Look — Nursing session or order an informational invite from the nursing office.
- Build a budget from the three cost pages (ADN, PN, LPN-ADN) and file FAFSA if you need aid.
- Bookmark NCBON NCLEX publications for regulator-level pass-rate context.
- If you plan to continue to a BSN after licensure, skim the RN-to-BSN articulation page for UNC System partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offer a BSN on campus?
No. RCCC offers a Practical Nursing diploma and an Associate Degree in Nursing (including LPN-to-ADN). A baccalaureate requires transfer after RN licensure; see the college’s RN-to-BSN articulation page.
What first-time NCLEX-RN data does Rowan-Cabarrus publish?
The Program Outcome Data (2022–2024) PDF shows May 2024 traditional ADN 84% (26/31) and May 2024 LPN-to-ADN 82% (40/49), with December 2024 traditional ADN marked TBD. Confirm the newest tables with RCCC and compare with NCBON calendar-year publications.
What NCLEX-PN outcomes does RCCC report for practical nursing?
The same outcome PDF cites 95% (20/21) for the class of 2024 NCLEX-PN cohort. Confirm methodology, repeat test-takers, and newer cohorts with RCCC and the Board.
Does Rowan-Cabarrus nursing require the ATI TEAS?
Yes—nursing is tagged for ATI TEAS in the Health Sciences Admission Tests LibGuide. Cut scores and timing appear in the MAR PDF for your cycle.
How much do RCCC nursing programs cost?
Official worksheets list roughly $6,768 total for generic ADN (Sep. 2024 rev.), $4,739 for PN (Sep. 2019 rev.—reconfirm), and $3,425 for LPN-to-ADN (Sep. 2024 rev.), all assuming in-state tuition in the tables reviewed.
When are nursing applications due at Rowan-Cabarrus?
Materials posted for the 2026–27 cycle list Feb 1, 2026 for Fall 2026 ADN/PN, Feb 15, 2026 for Fall 2026 LPN-to-ADN, and May 15, 2026 for Spring 2027 ADN—verify annually on rccc.edu.
Where will I attend class and clinicals at RCCC?
RCCC lists multiple campuses (Salisbury, Concord, Kannapolis, etc.). Nursing labs and clinical placements vary by semester; use advisor updates rather than assuming a single campus.
Is Rowan-Cabarrus nursing ACEN-accredited?
College nursing pages state ACEN accreditation. Double-check North Carolina Board of Nursing approval and ACEN status before enrolling because accreditation cycles can change.
References
- Rowan-Cabarrus — Nursing Education Program Informationhttps://www.rccc.edu/healtheducation/nursing-education-program-information/
- Rowan-Cabarrus — Program Outcome Data (2022–2024 PDF)Program Outcome Data PDF
- Rowan-Cabarrus — Estimated ADN costsADN cost worksheet
- Rowan-Cabarrus — Estimated PN costsPN cost worksheet
- Rowan-Cabarrus — Health Sciences Admission Tests LibGuidehttps://libguides.rccc.edu/HSAdmission
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rateshttps://www.ncbon.com/nclex-pass-rates
- RCCC cataloghttps://catalog.rccc.edu/
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 between on-page NCLEX figures and Rowan-Cabarrus’s Program Outcome Data PDF, tuition lines on RCCC cost worksheets, and PN/ADN/LPN-ADN program scope.
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