South Piedmont Community College Nursing Program Review (2026): Programs, Requirements & Outcomes
Serving Anson and Union counties, South Piedmont Community College offers an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) (AAS) pathway, a Practical Nursing diploma, and an LPN-to-RN bridge, with in-person labs, simulation, and clinicals at regional partner sites. This guide pulls tuition figures from spcc.edu (2025–26), NCLEX-RN outcomes from the North Carolina Board of Nursing annual table, and admissions rules from the college’s nursing options page.
Contents
Quick Facts
* Application windows for PN, bridge, and refresher cohorts differ—verify every date on the live nursing options page before planning.
Key Takeaway
South Piedmont highlights a longstanding practical nursing tradition (dating to 1962 on its nursing page) and high-fidelity simulation before students rotate to clinical partners in Anson and Union counties. The ADN and Practical Nursing programs are approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing per the college’s consumer information; bachelor’s completion typically happens after licensure at a university.
Overview & Why Students Choose South Piedmont
South Piedmont Community College is a public two-year college in the North Carolina Community College System, serving Anson and Union counties from campuses including Polkton and Monroe. Its nursing options hub describes in-person Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), a Practical Nursing diploma, an LPN-to-RN bridge, an LPN refresher certificate, and dual-enrollment Nurse Aide pathways—each with separate application steps.
Pre-licensure ADN and bridge graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN; Practical Nursing graduates sit for the NCLEX-PN. The college does not award a BSN on campus—RN-to-BSN is typically completed later at a four-year school. For exact course titles and program-of-study links, use the health program requirement booklet and the catalog maps referenced on spcc.edu.
According to the North Carolina Board of Nursing publication 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates, South Piedmont Community College is listed with a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its ADN program in 2024. That same table reports aggregate North Carolina ADN and national ADN first-time pass rates for 2024 (shown on the board’s document—compare only to figures taken from the same table). South Piedmont news (May 5, 2025) also reports all 17 members of the 2024 ADN class passed NCLEX-RN. Confirm the next cohort with the NCBON pass-rate hub and the college.
Reasons students choose South Piedmont
Regional clinical partners
The program page states clinical training occurs at partner sites in Anson and Union counties—close to home for many students in the college’s service area.
Stacked pathways
Students can progress from Practical Nursing to an LPN-to-RN bridge (or enter the traditional ADN track) using the pathways described on spcc.edu.
Simulation before clinicals
Marketing materials on the nursing page reference high-fidelity mannequins and hands-on lab practice prior to rotations.
Transparent calendar-year NCLEX context
2024 first-time NCLEX-RN results for the college appear in the NCBON annual RN table—use it alongside school communications when comparing cohorts.
Affordable NCCCS tuition
The Tuition & Fees page publishes per-credit rates and 2025–26 fee schedules used below.
Nursing Programs Offered
The Nursing area on spcc.edu groups pre-licensure (ADN, Practical Nursing), post-LPN progression (LPN-to-RN bridge), and re-entry (LPN refresher). Nurse Aide and high-school CTE options are listed separately as entry-level workforce pathways. Below reflects program summaries and credit totals published on that page in 2026—always confirm the live catalog.
Pre-licensure (RN and LPN)
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
72 credit hours, in-person, traditional ADN leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility. Prerequisites on the program page include eligibility for ENG 111 and BIO 168, chemistry with a C or better, at least 3.0 GPA on all general education coursework used for admission, active Nurse Aide certification, and ATI TEAS ≥ 65 within two years (TEAS cannot be taken remotely per the college).
Practical Nursing diploma
44 credit hours, in-person diploma preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN. The page lists prerequisites including ENG 111 and BIO 168 eligibility, 2.5+ GPA on general education requirements, Nurse Assistant I certification, and TEAS ≥ 65 within two years.
Post-LPN and re-entry pathways
LPN-to-RN bridge
46 credit hours, in-person track for currently licensed North Carolina LPNs. Requires completed general education (including BIO 168/169 and BIO 275), 3.0+ GPA on those courses, and an ATI PN Predictor score within two years (not remote).
Licensed Practical Nurse Refresher certificate
12 credit hours for formerly licensed LPNs working toward reinstatement, with online coursework plus a weekly clinical day scheduled in Union County. Confirm the curriculum meets North Carolina Board of Nursing reinstatement rules before enrolling.
Other entry routes
South Piedmont also lists a Nurse Aide CTE pathway for high school students (minimum 2.8 unweighted GPA per the program page) alongside other health programs. Those credentials are not the ADN; they can satisfy prerequisites such as Nurse Aide I certification for competitive nursing applicants.
Health programs are selective and dates change. After you submit the Microsoft Forms Request Form for your cohort, South Piedmont emails the Phase II packet; completed packets go to healthadmissions@spcc.edu. Verify every deadline (ADN fall, PN fall, bridge summer) on the official nursing options page and the requirement booklet.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The North Carolina Board of Nursing publishes calendar-year, first-time NCLEX pass rates for each approved program. For 2024, the Board’s RN annual table lists South Piedmont Community College with a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the ADN cohort (see excerpt in the PDF below). The same publication includes North Carolina and national ADN aggregate lines for benchmark context—use only the numbers printed in that document. South Piedmont’s May 2025 news story also notes 17 of 17 ADN graduates from the 2024 class passed NCLEX-RN.
For NCLEX-PN outcomes tied to the Practical Nursing diploma, use the Board’s practical-nursing pass-rate publications linked from the NCBON NCLEX pass rates page. This guide does not restate PN percentages without citing the matching Board table.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN, calendar year 2024) | 100% per NCBON 2024 NCLEX-RN First-Time Testing Pass Rates (South Piedmont CC row). |
| State / national ADN benchmark (same document) | The 2024 board table lists aggregate NC ADN and national ADN first-time pass rates—quote those figures only from the PDF to keep comparisons valid. |
| NCLEX-PN | Look up South Piedmont’s Practical Nursing program in the Board’s PN pass-rate publications; confirm eligibility with NCBON and the college. |
| Source | North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates; South Piedmont news (May 5, 2025). Confirm current cohort data with the Board and the school. |
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 South Piedmont 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 South Piedmont Community College’s international office and the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
South Piedmont nursing tracks are limited access. During each posted window, submit the online Request Form on the nursing options page, complete the Phase II Application you receive by email, and return the packet to healthadmissions@spcc.edu. The program page states TEAS and ATI PN Predictor exams cannot be taken virtually.
Application timeline (published on spcc.edu)
| Program | Window (as listed online) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADN (traditional, fall 2027) | Jan 11, 2027 – Mar 12, 2027 | Includes TEAS 65+, Nurse Aide certification, and 3.0 GPA on applicable general education courses per program page. |
| LPN-to-RN bridge (summer 2027) | Sep 7, 2026 – Nov 13, 2026 | Requires active NC LPN license, prerequisite courses, 3.0 GPA on gen eds, and ATI PN Predictor within two years. |
| Practical Nursing (fall 2026 / 2027) | Feb 2 – Apr 2, 2026 / Feb 8 – Apr 9, 2027 | Requires TEAS 65+, Nurse Assistant I certification, and 2.5 GPA on gen eds. |
| LPN refresher (fall cohorts) | Apr 13 – Jun 18, 2026 / Apr 12 – Jun 11, 2027 | For previously licensed LPNs; confirm NCBON reinstatement requirements first. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed. |
| TEAS / ATI | TEAS 65 or higher within two years (ADN and PN); ATI PN Predictor within two years (LPN-RN bridge); must be in person per college policy. |
| Science & general education | ADN and PN tracks list Biology 168 readiness and chemistry with C or better; bridge listings include BIO 168/169/275 and English/psychology courses—see the official prerequisite bullets. |
| Clinical clearance | Budget for immunizations, background checks, drug screens, uniforms, and travel to Anson/Union clinical sites—the health sciences requirement booklet describes typical costs. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
South Piedmont posts curriculum tuition and student fees on Tuition & Fees. The college also links downloadable 2025–2026 charts for detailed fee categories (technology, activities, insurance, parking, etc.). Use your program’s credit map to estimate totals; remember the college caps tuition when you enroll in 16 or more credit hours in a term.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-state tuition | $76 per credit hour; maximum $1,216 when enrolled in 16+ credit hours in a term (per Tuition & Fees page). |
| Out-of-state tuition | $268 per credit hour; maximum $4,288 for 16+ credits in a term. |
| Student fees (credit-bearing courses) | $99.40 per credit hour for technology, activities, insurance, and parking. |
| Illustrative combined rate | In-state tuition + mandatory fees ≈ $175.40 per credit before course/supply-specific charges (76 + 99.40). |
| Program-specific costs | Budget separately for books, uniforms, ATI products, clinical travel, and entrance exams—the nursing options page references requirement booklets with itemized expectations. |
| Source | South Piedmont Tuition & Fees; Tuition and Fees Chart 2025–2026 (PDF). Confirm current amounts with the college. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Combine regulatory NCLEX tables with college communications when evaluating outcomes. Always confirm the latest cohort directly with the North Carolina Board of Nursing and South Piedmont.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN, 2024) | 100% per NCBON 2024 RN pass-rate publication. |
| Graduate employment (2024 cohort, school-reported) | South Piedmont news (May 5, 2025) states all 17 ADN graduates from 2024 passed NCLEX-RN and were hired, including employers such as Atrium and Novant. Confirm how the college defines “hired” and whether figures cover every graduate or responding alumni. |
| NCLEX-PN | Look up Practical Nursing in the Board’s PN publications before relying on any third-party ranking. |
| Source | North Carolina Board of Nursing NCLEX hub; South Piedmont news release. |
Is South Piedmont the Right Fit for You?
South Piedmont fits students who want in-person ADN or PN training in the Anson–Union region, can meet TEAS/ATI thresholds, and plan to complete clinical rotations locally before joining employers across the greater Charlotte market.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a North Carolina community college price point with transparent per-credit tuition and fee tables.
- Value stacked options: PN diploma, ADN, or LPN-RN bridge on one campus system.
- Prefer clinical experiences anchored in Anson and Union counties before exploring employers regionally.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a BSN or MSN at the same college—South Piedmont awards associate-level nursing credentials.
- Require fully remote pre-licensure coursework (labs, simulation, and clinicals are on site).
- Cannot travel to Polkton, Monroe, or assigned clinical sites several days each week.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
South Piedmont situates lab and lecture work on its Polkton and Monroe campuses while sending students to contracted partners in Anson and Union counties for direct patient care. A short drive connects graduates to the Charlotte metro, where systems such as Atrium Health and Novant Health employ large nursing workforces—South Piedmont’s May 2025 news release specifically mentions graduates working with those organizations.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Community hospitals & clinics | Rotations emphasize providers serving Anson and Union residents—confirm your cohort’s contracts with the clinical coordinator. |
| Regional employers | Metro Charlotte hospitals and post-acute networks remain major employers for alumni who choose to commute. |
| Rural & suburban exposure | Experience across community settings can strengthen versatility before specializing in tertiary centers. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing marketing materials highlight high-fidelity simulation (the college references eight advanced mannequins) and hands-on skills labs before students transition to community clinicals. Instruction is in-person for ADN, PN, and bridge tracks; the LPN refresher blends online coursework with weekly clinical days in Union County.
Beyond nursing, South Piedmont offers student success services, libraries, and clubs listed in the general student resources area; confirm whether a nursing student organization is active during your entry term.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Primary campus (Polkton)
- Polkton, NC
- Address
- 680 Highway 74, Polkton, NC 28135, US
- Monroe campus
- 4209 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, NC 28110 (additional location)
- Telephone
- 704-272-5300 (main)
- Health program email
- healthadmissions@spcc.edu
- Website
- spcc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the Nursing options page for your track and note the correct Request Form.
- Download the health program requirement booklet and compare prerequisites to your transcripts.
- Schedule the TEAS or ATI PN Predictor at an approved in-person site within the two-year window.
- Estimate costs using the Tuition & Fees page plus the nursing supply list (if provided).
- File FAFSA and explore financial aid, including Next NC Scholarship eligibility if applicable.
- Email clarifying questions to healthadmissions@spcc.edu before the Phase II packet is due.
- Download the latest NCBON RN pass-rate PDF (or newer replacement) for benchmarking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Piedmont Community College offer a BSN on campus?
No. The RN pathway is the Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS). South Piedmont also offers Practical (LPN) and LPN-RN bridge programs, but bachelor’s degrees are completed elsewhere after licensure. Confirm articulation options with a transfer advisor.
What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for South Piedmont’s ADN program?
The North Carolina Board of Nursing 2024 RN pass-rate table lists South Piedmont Community College with a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its ADN program in calendar year 2024. South Piedmont’s May 2025 news article notes 17 of 17 ADN graduates passed. Confirm the newest publication on the NCBON NCLEX hub.
Does South Piedmont require the ATI TEAS for every nursing applicant?
The college requires TEAS scores of 65 or higher (within two years) for traditional ADN and Practical Nursing applicants, and specifies the exam cannot be taken virtually. The LPN-to-RN bridge instead requires the ATI PN Predictor under similar timing rules. Always verify cut scores in the latest requirement booklet.
How much is tuition at South Piedmont for nursing pre-licensure students?
The Tuition & Fees page lists $76 per in-state credit ($1,216 max for 16+ credits), $268 per out-of-state credit ($4,288 max for 16+ credits), and $99.40 per credit in bundled student fees. Multiply by your plan’s credits (e.g., 72 for ADN) and add books, uniforms, ATI, and clinical travel.
Where will I complete South Piedmont nursing clinicals?
The official nursing page states clinical experiences occur at partner facilities in Anson and Union counties, while classes and labs use South Piedmont’s campuses (including Polkton and Monroe). The LPN refresher adds a weekly clinical day in Union County.
Is South Piedmont’s nursing program approved or ACEN accredited?
South Piedmont’s consumer information states both Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing are approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (not described as ACEN programs there). The institution itself is accredited by SACSCOC. Confirm with the college if program-specific accreditation changes.
How competitive is admission to South Piedmont nursing?
The college does not publish an acceptance percentage. Expect competitive GPA thresholds (for example, 3.0 on applicable general education courses for ADN), entrance exams, certifications, and strict deadlines. Missing paperwork or expired test scores are common reasons applications stall.
How do I apply to South Piedmont’s ADN or PN cohort?
During the published window, complete the Microsoft Forms Request Form linked from the nursing page; South Piedmont then emails the Phase II Application. Submit the finished packet to healthadmissions@spcc.edu. Dates differ for ADN fall, PN fall, bridge summer, and refresher cohorts.
What does South Piedmont say about job placement after the ADN program?
A May 5, 2025 college news story reports that all 17 graduates from the 2024 ADN class passed NCLEX-RN and were employed (mentioning Atrium and Novant). Treat that as a school-reported cohort snapshot and confirm definitions with career services.
References
- South Piedmont — Nursing programs (official page)spcc.edu nursing options
- South Piedmont — Tuition & Fees (2025–26 figures)spcc.edu/tuition-fees
- South Piedmont — Consumer Information (accreditation & approvals)spcc.edu/consumer-information
- South Piedmont — News (May 5, 2025 NCLEX story)spcc.edu news release
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — 2024 RN first-time pass rates (PDF)ncbon.com PDF
- North Carolina Board of Nursing — NCLEX pass rates hubncbon.com/nclex-pass-rates
- South Piedmont catalog — health program requirementscatalog.spcc.edu health requirements
- 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 between on-page programs (ADN, PN, bridge) and spcc.edu, tuition figures from the official Tuition & Fees page, and NCLEX citations tied to the North Carolina Board of Nursing 2024 RN table.
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