Midlands Technical College Nursing Review (2026): ADN, Practical Nursing & LPN Transition
Serving the Columbia metro from the Airport Campus in West Columbia, Midlands Technical College (MTC) offers a Practical Nursing diploma, a competitive Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) sequence with simulation and regional clinicals, and an LPN-to-ADN Transition track. This guide pulls tuition, prerequisite, and NCLEX figures directly from MTC’s official nursing pages—confirm deadlines and policies with MTC and the South Carolina LLR Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
MTC stacks affordable tiered tuition (including lower rates for Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties) with hands-on learning in the Health Sciences Building and Lexington Hall on the Airport Campus—skills labs plus a simulation environment—and clinical rotations arranged through affiliations with area providers. Published Program Outcomes tables on the ADN and PN pages give calendar-year NCLEX benchmarks you can compare with state and national figures as printed in the same MTC tables before you commit to prerequisites.
Overview & Why Students Choose Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College is a public two-year college in the South Carolina Technical College System with the main health-sciences footprint on the Airport Campus in West Columbia—minutes from downtown Columbia. Nursing students complete general education and nursing theory locally, practice in on-campus skills and simulation labs, then transition to clinical assignments coordinated with regional healthcare partners. MTC markets monthly Zoom information sessions for anyone exploring the ADN, PN, or Transition options.
Unlike university-based BSN programs, MTC focuses on accessible pre-licensure credentials: a Practical Nursing diploma (NCLEX-PN), a full ADN leading to NCLEX-RN, and a formal LPN-to-ADN Transition that begins in Fall for qualified licensees. The college publishes first-time NCLEX pass rates by calendar year on each program page alongside SC and national percentages exactly as MTC tabulates them—always reconcile those school tables with board disclosures before deciding.
Midlands Technical College lists 95.4% first-time NCLEX-RN pass for 2024 and 95.8% for 2025, with companion columns for South Carolina (93.0% in 2024; 91.6% in 2025) and national means in the same table. Cross-check licensure reporting and newer cohorts through the South Carolina LLR Board of Nursing and MTC nursing advisors.
Reasons students choose Midlands Technical College
Transparent outcome tables
ADN and PN pages embed NCLEX, completion, and placement metrics—so you can read MTC’s methodology notes and year labels without relying on unofficial aggregators.
Defined LPN ladder
Licensed practical nurses who meet ACEN-accredited PN education and licensure requirements can apply to the Fall-only Transition sequence rather than repeating every fundamentals course.
Tiered tuition clarity
MTC publishes per-credit tuition for in-district (three Midlands counties), other in-state, and out-of-state/international students—with separate fee schedules you can download as PDFs.
Simulation-forward labs
Official copy highlights state-of-the-art simulation alongside supervised skills labs before students enter high-acuity clinical environments.
Metro clinical opportunities
The Columbia metropolitan area concentrates academic medical centers, community hospitals, and long-term care employers—useful for clinical breadth and post-licensure job shopping (placement not guaranteed).
Nursing Programs Offered
The list below reflects Midlands Technical College’s ADN page and Practical Nursing page. MTC does not award a BSN, MSN, or DNP—plan university partnerships after RN licensure if you need a bachelor’s.
Pre-licensure: Practical Nursing (LPN)
Practical Nursing — Diploma
Diploma pathway that blends classroom instruction with skills labs, simulation, and clinical experiences on the Airport Campus. Graduates are eligible for NCLEX-PN. MTC states approval by the South Carolina Board of Nursing and ACEN continuing accreditation for both PN and ADN programs (confirm current ACEN letters). See also the PN Program Outcomes PDF.
Pre-licensure: Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
Registered Nurse (ADN) — Associate in Applied Science
MTC’s sample full-time plan totals 68 semester hours across six nursing semesters (approximately 28 months) after prerequisites. Instruction occurs on the Airport Campus with clinical assignments coordinated through affiliate agreements. Graduates may sit for NCLEX-RN. Estimated tuition-only total for that sample plan is $13,872 at the in-district rate, explicitly excluding fees and equipment—budget separately for uniforms, testing, liability insurance, and books.
Pathway: LPN to ADN Transition
Transition Nursing for Advanced Placement LPNs
Fall-start track for LPNs who hold an active South Carolina or compact PN license and who graduated from an ACEN-accredited practical program, plus other MTC admission standards in effect when you apply. Curriculum tables on the ADN page show graduation totals around 50 credit hours for Transition students—confirm the live sequence with advising.
Completion of any MTC nursing curriculum does not guarantee licensure. Candidates with criminal records may need South Carolina Board of Nursing review before NCLEX authorization. Clinical participation requires background checks, drug screening, immunizations, CPR certification, and other items detailed in MTC’s special requirements.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Program Outcomes Data accordion on Midlands Technical College’s Registered Nurse (ADN) page, first-time NCLEX-RN pass percentages (calendar years Jan. 1–Dec. 31) were:
- 2024: 95.4% (MTC) · 93.0% (SC column) · 90.6% (national column)
- 2025: 95.8% (MTC) · 91.6% (SC column) · 86.1% (national column)
Those state and national figures appear only as MTC lists them beside its ADN outcomes; confirm independently with the South Carolina LLR Board of Nursing and NCSBN publications.
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing)
The Practical Nursing page includes a parallel table: 2024 first-time pass 100% (school-reported, with SC 97.1% and national 88.4% shown in the same row), 2025 89.7%, and 2023 96.2%. Because strong percentages demand context, treat them as MTC’s disclosed cohort statistics—not guarantees—and confirm methodology with the college.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (MTC ADN) | 95.4% (2024); 95.8% (2025) per MTC Program Outcomes Data |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass (MTC PN) | 100% (2024, MTC table); 89.7% (2025); 96.2% (2023) |
| Source | MTC ADN program page · MTC PN program page · SC LLR Board of Nursing. Confirm current cohorts with MTC and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by graduating class. Use MTC’s published tables as a starting point, then verify the latest board-reported data and testing eligibility rules before you budget time or tuition around a target start date.
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 Midlands Technical College and the South 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.
- South 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 Midlands Technical College’s admissions and international-student resources and the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Midlands Technical College treats nursing as a competitive, limited-access pathway: you must complete prerequisite coursework, achieve the published GPA threshold, satisfy health and background requirements, and submit your application inside the published open-application windows. Meeting minimums does not guarantee acceptance—plan backups and ask advising how Waitlist or re-application policies work if you are not selected.
Competitive application windows (MTC nursing pages)
| Start term | Open dates | Programs accepted | Notification (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Jan. 15 – May 15 | ADN, LPN, Transition | By June 15 |
| Spring | May 25 – Aug. 25 | Spring ADN and LPN only | By Sept. 15 |
| Summer | Sept. 15 – Dec. 15 | Summer ADN and LPN only | By Jan. 25 |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| GPA for progression | Cumulative 2.0 GPA on all Midlands Technical College coursework for entry and progression unless policies change. |
| Standardized nursing exams | Approximately $195 per semester for required standardized testing; confirm exam names, vendors, and minimum scores in the Nursing Student Handbook. |
| TEAS specifically | Not spelled out on the public ADN overview reviewed here—do not assume TEAS vs other proprietary exams without handbook confirmation. |
| Prerequisite examples (ADN) | ENG 101, PSY 201, PSY 203, BIO 210/211/225 within five years of starting NUR-134, MAT 110 or higher, approved humanities; note policy that “W” grades may not count as attempts beginning Summer 2025 cohort. |
| Transition LPN extras | Active unrestricted SC or compact PN license; graduation from an ACEN-accredited PN program; meet nursing admission criteria in force when you apply. |
Applicant tip: Attend a nursing information session (Zoom on most first/second Wednesdays, except January and May, per MTC) so you understand orientation, standardized testing, and clinical compliance before you pay for prerequisites.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Midlands Technical College posts academic tuition by residency tier on its Tuition, Fees, and Payment page. Figures below come directly from that table; nursing students must also budget uniforms (~$350 first semester per MTC), liability insurance (~$5/semester), standardized exams (~$195/semester), NCLEX registration (~$350), books, and clinical travel.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-district (Richland, Lexington, Fairfield Counties) | $204 per credit hour |
| Out of county (other SC) | $255 per credit hour |
| Out of state / International | $612 per credit hour |
| Sample fees (academic) | Application $35 · Enrollment $50 · Student fee $150 · General course fee $55/cr · Technical course fee $32/cr · Late registration $150 |
| ADN tuition-only illustration | Sample 68-credit plan lists $13,872 tuition at the in-district rate, noted as not including fees or equipment. |
| Source | MTC Tuition, Fees, and Payment · TuitionRateForms.pdf · MTC ADN costs accordion |
Lottery Tuition Assistance and other aid programs are described under MTC’s Financial Aid and Tuition hub—complete the FAFSA early because competitive nursing cohorts fill quickly.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
MTC’s ADN and PN pages pair NCLEX outcomes with program completion and job placement metrics. Read each table carefully—MTC defines “on-time” completion (for example, ADN within five semesters) separately from employment among graduates who sought nursing work.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass | 95.4% (2024) · 95.8% (2025) — MTC ADN Program Outcomes Data |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass | 100% (2024, MTC-reported) · 89.7% (2025) · 96.2% (2023) |
| ADN on-time completion | 25.5% (2021-22), 27.2% (2022-23), 25.7% (2023-24) per MTC table |
| ADN job placement (seeking employment) | MTC reports 98.85% (2024) and 97.17% (2025) for ADN graduates seeking employment—confirm definitions and response counts on the official page. |
| PN job placement (seeking employment) | Reported 88.46% (2024) and 96.15% (2025) per MTC PN outcomes table. |
| Source | MTC ADN — Program Outcomes Data · MTC PN — Program Outcomes Data |
Salary projections on MTC career tiles (for example EMSI figures on the ADN page) are third-party estimates—use them as directional context, not promises of what you will earn.
Is Midlands Technical College the Right Fit for You?
MTC fits students who thrive in structured, campus-based nursing sequences with frequent standardized testing and rigid clinical compliance. If you need a fully online clinical program or guaranteed admission after prerequisites, compare several schools before depositing.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Live in Richland, Lexington, or Fairfield counties and want lower in-district tuition while training in Columbia.
- Value published NCLEX tables and placement metrics on the program website.
- Are already LPNs seeking a credible Fall-start transition to RN licensure.
- Are prepared for multi-semester clinical schedules with screening, immunization, and professionalism requirements.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need an immediate, guaranteed nursing seat—MTC uses competitive application cycles.
- Cannot commute to the Airport Campus region regularly for labs and clinicals.
- Expect a BSN or MSN on this campus without transferring after licensure.
- Want to avoid recurring standardized exams and skills check-offs each semester.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Midlands Technical College places students in clinical internships coordinated through contractual affiliates across the greater Columbia, South Carolina region. MTC’s public pages emphasize partnerships with “local healthcare facilities” without listing every contracted agency—request the current affiliate roster from the nursing department rather than assuming a specific hospital assignment.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Prisma Health | Large South Carolina system with Columbia-area hospitals; common destination for RN and LPN graduates across the Midlands. |
| Lexington Medical Center | Major community hospital network serving Lexington County—adjacent to MTC’s in-district service area. |
| VA & specialty providers | Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center and numerous outpatient clinics add breadth for adult-med and chronic-care exposure (availability varies by semester). |
Use SC Works, hospital HR portals, and professional networking to gauge hiring demand; clinical placement does not equal automatic employment.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing lecture, laboratory, and simulation work occur on the Airport Campus in the Health Sciences Building and Lexington Hall, with additional MTC campuses around the Midlands for general education or support services you might need outside nursing. Expect rigid attendance, professionalism standards, and compliance documentation before you ever touch a hospital unit.
Student life includes broader MTC clubs and athletics elsewhere in the catalog, but nursing cohorts often socialize through study groups and skills lab practice. Download the Nursing Student Handbook for the authoritative policies on progression, clinical attire, and professional conduct.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Nursing instruction site
- Airport Campus — Health Sciences Building & Lexington Hall, West Columbia, SC
- General mailing
- P.O. Box 2408, Columbia, SC 29202 (per MTC footer)
- Main telephone
- 803-738-8324
- Toll-free
- 800-922-8038
- Contact
- Contact form & FAQs
- Bursar / cashier
- 803-732-5200 · bccashier@midlandstech.edu
- Website
- midlandstech.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Register for an MTC nursing information session (Zoom link on the program page).
- Download the Nursing Student Handbook and highlight testing, uniform, and clinical policies.
- Compare your transcripts to ADN or PN prerequisite lists and note BIO recency rules (five years before NUR-134 or NUR-203).
- Build a budget using TuitionRateForms.pdf plus the special-requirements cost notes ($195 testing, uniforms, liability insurance, NCLEX fee).
- File or refresh your FAFSA and ask financial aid about Lottery Tuition Assistance.
- Create calendar reminders for the competitive application window that matches your intended start term.
- Bookmark the South Carolina LLR Board of Nursing for future licensure questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Midlands Technical College offer a BSN degree on campus?
No. MTC educates pre-licensure students through the Practical Nursing diploma, the ADN, and the LPN-to-ADN Transition. Bachelor’s nursing degrees require transfer or RN-to-BSN completion after you pass NCLEX-RN—confirm articulation agreements with MTC and your target university.
What first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate does Midlands Technical College report?
According to the Program Outcomes Data table on MTC’s ADN page, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates were 95.4% (2024) and 95.8% (2025), with state and national percentages printed beside them. Confirm newer cohorts with MTC and verify board data via the South Carolina LLR Board of Nursing.
What NCLEX-PN rates does Midlands Technical College publish?
MTC’s Practical Nursing outcomes table lists 100% first-time pass for 2024 (with SC and national columns shown in the same row), 89.7% for 2025, and 96.2% for 2023. Treat these as school-disclosed statistics and confirm cohort size and methodology with MTC.
How much is tuition per credit at Midlands Technical College?
MTC lists $204/credit for students in Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield Counties, $255/credit for other South Carolina residents, and $612/credit for out-of-state and international students, plus additional per-credit and one-time fees described on the Tuition, Fees, and Payment page.
Does Midlands Technical College require the TEAS for nursing?
The ADN and PN pages emphasize required standardized assessments (~$195 per semester) but do not name TEAS in the sections we reviewed. Open the Nursing Student Handbook or ask health sciences advising for the exact exam, minimum scores, and retake policy.
When are Midlands Technical College nursing application windows?
Fall applications typically open Jan. 15–May 15 (ADN, LPN, Transition); spring May 25–Aug. 25 (ADN/LPN); summer Sept. 15–Dec. 15 (ADN/LPN). Notifications are targeted for June 15, Sept. 15, or Jan. 25 depending on the cycle—verify active dates on midlandstech.edu before submitting.
What prerequisites does Midlands Technical College list for ADN?
Common requirements include ENG 101; PSY 201/203; BIO 210, 211, and 225 within five years of starting NUR-134; MAT 110 or higher; and an approved humanities elective. Policies on withdrawal grades in prerequisites changed for Summer 2025 cohort entrants—read the Special Requirements accordion carefully.
How does the LPN-to-ADN Transition program work at Midlands Technical College?
Licensed practical nurses who meet MTC’s standards (including an active SC or multi-state PN license and graduation from an ACEN-accredited PN program) may enter the Fall Transition cohort, complete transition nursing courses, and finish ADN requirements toward NCLEX-RN eligibility. Curriculum tables appear on the ADN program page.
Where should international students verify requirements related to Midlands Technical College nursing?
Work with MTC admissions and international-student services for visa, English proficiency, and clinical eligibility. Separately confirm RN/PN licensure pathways, credential evaluations, and NCLEX authorization with the South Carolina LLR Board of Nursing.
References
- Midlands Technical College — Registered Nurse (ADN)midlandstech.edu/programs-and-courses/health-care/registered-nurse-adn
- Midlands Technical College — Practical Nursing (LPN)midlandstech.edu/…/practical-nursing-lpn
- Midlands Technical College — Tuition, Fees, and Paymentmidlandstech.edu/financial-aid-and-tuition/tuition-fees-and-payment
- Midlands Technical College — Nursing Student Handbook (PDF)NursingStudentHandbook.pdf
- Midlands Technical College — PN Program Outcomes (PDF)PN Program Outcomes.pdf
- South Carolina LLR — Board of Nursingllr.sc.gov/nurse
- 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, with emphasis on alignment between on-page claims and Midlands Technical College’s published ADN/PN program pages, tuition disclosures, and NCLEX outcome tables.
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 South Carolina Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-31 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy