Panola College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
In Carthage, Panola College runs selective, face-to-face ADN, LVN-to-RN transition, and Vocational Nursing (LVN) tracks with clinical sites inside about 70 miles of campus. This guide pulls 2024 NCLEX-RN outcomes and completion metrics from Panola’s published Program Measurement Outcomes, HESI A2 thresholds from the catalog, and estimated ADN program costs from the college’s cost worksheet—always confirm live details with Panola and the Texas Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Panola combines small cohorts (about 30 traditional ADN seats) with a defined East Texas clinical radius, published NCLEX outcome tables, and optional concurrent ADN–BSN partnerships with Stephen F. Austin State University and UT Tyler for students who want the bachelor’s alongside the associate pathway.
Overview & Why Students Choose Panola College
Panola College is a public community college headquartered in Carthage, Texas, with additional centers in Marshall and Center. Its Department of Associate Degree Nursing emphasizes cohort-based, face-to-face instruction and clinical experiences within about 70 miles of Carthage—a footprint that keeps students tied to community hospitals and rural–suburban agencies across the Piney Woods region while remaining close to home.
Panola does not offer a standalone BSN on campus; instead it prepares NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN candidates through the A.A.S. ADN, transition ADN, and Vocational Nursing certificate, with optional concurrent ADN–BSN arrangements through partner universities for students who meet separate university requirements.
Panola publishes multi-year NCLEX-RN and completion statistics in its Program Measurement Outcomes PDF, with the 2024 total-program row matching the 95% rate highlighted on the public ADN page. Always confirm the newest cohort with Panola’s outcomes file and cross-check against the Texas Board of Nursing Education Dashboard.
Reasons students choose Panola College
Documented NCLEX tables
Program Measurement Outcomes break out total program, traditional ADN, and LVN–RN hybrid rows so applicants can see recent cohort performance alongside completion data.
LVN & paramedic progression
A formal Transition ADN offers summer hybrid or spring face-to-face entry points for licensed vocational nurses and paramedics who finish required non-nursing courses first.
Dual-campus VN pathway
Vocational Nursing runs Carthage (fall start) and Center (spring start), extending access across Panola’s service area.
Concurrent BSN partners
Admitted ADN students who qualify can pursue SFASU or UT Tyler concurrent BSN coursework online while completing the associate.
Predictable scheduling
Traditional ADN students plan for on-campus or clinical days three to four times weekly, aligning part-time work around a structured weekday model.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following pathways are summarized from Panola’s 2025–2026 academic catalog (hosted on pccatalog.panola.edu) and the live ADN and Vocational Nursing department pages. Panola separates pre-licensure ADN, LVN/paramedic transition, and VN certificate programming; concurrent BSN work is delivered through partner universities, not as a Panola awarded bachelor’s.
Pre-licensure (RN track)
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), A.A.S. — Traditional
Four nursing semesters (24 months with summers off) after biology/math prerequisites; face-to-face weekdays; graduates take NCLEX-RN. Cohorts begin each fall and spring.
Transition ADN (LVN to RN & Paramedic to RN)
Three consecutive nursing semesters once non-nursing degree requirements are done. Summer hybrid entry blends online classwork with weekly simulation/lab on campus; spring entry is fully face-to-face per Panola’s ADN website.
Pre-licensure (PN track)
Vocational Nursing (LVN)
Three-semester certificate on Carthage (fall) or Center (spring); clinical rotations may occur days, evenings, nights, or weekends within ~70 miles. Graduates sit for NCLEX-PN.
Transfer & progression pathways (non-licensure at Panola unless noted)
Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing)
Suggested core completion for students planning to transfer into a Texas BSN; does not confer RN licensure at Panola.
ADN–BSN Concurrent enrollment
Separate admissions to Panola ADN and either Stephen F. Austin State University or University of Texas at Tyler nursing departments; degrees are awarded by each institution per Panola’s ADN page.
Each nursing track is a closed program: general admission to Panola does not guarantee seat placement. Applicants must complete mentoring appointments and separate checklists published by the department.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Panola College’s Program Measurement Outcomes document, the total program NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar year 2024 (labeled as data posted on the Texas Board of Nursing calendar year table) was reported as 95% with 57 of 60 candidates passing. The same PDF lists the traditional 2-year track NCLEX-RN pass rate for the 2023–24 academic-year cohort as 94.11% (32 of 34).
For the LVN–RN one-year hybrid track, the 2024 row shows reported NCLEX-RN pass rate of 100% (18 of 18) among first-time testers who completed the program within 100% of program length—always confirm how Panola defines denominators in the PDF and verify newer BON postings.
NCLEX-PN (Vocational Nursing): Panola confirms graduates are eligible for NCLEX-PN; use the Texas BON dashboard and any Panola VN outcome PDFs for PN-specific pass-rate rows.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN total program pass rate (CY 2024) | Reported 95% (57/60) per Panola Program Measurement Outcomes PDF |
| NCLEX-RN traditional ADN cohort (2023–24 AY) | Reported 94.11% (32/34) per same document |
| NCLEX-RN LVN–RN hybrid track (2024) | Reported 100% (18/18 first-time testers in 100% time) per same document—confirm definitions with Panola |
| Source | Panola College — Program Measurement Outcomes; Texas Board of Nursing Education Dashboard. Confirm current cohorts with the school and BON. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and definition (first-time vs. repeat testers, program length rules). Always confirm the latest tables with Panola and the Texas Board of Nursing before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International and foreign-educated applicants must coordinate admissions, clinical clearance, and Texas Board of Nursing eligibility independently—policies differ for F-1 students, prior nursing education overseas, and English proficiency. Use this as a checklist, then verify each item with Panola’s admissions and international offices.
- English-language proficiency: Request current TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent thresholds from Panola admissions—nursing programs often require higher scores than general college minimums.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Confirm whether Panola requires a specific evaluator for international coursework and how prerequisites map to Texas nursing prerequisites.
- Texas Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses seeking licensure by examination or endorsement should review BON guidance on CGFNS, jurisprudence, and fingerprinting timelines.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical courses may limit online status; ask whether your visa category supports weekday clinical assignments and background-check requirements.
This information is guidance, not legal advice. Confirm policies with Panola College and the Texas Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Panola’s nursing programs are selective and closed. Applicants first earn general admission, then complete track-specific prerequisites, HESI A2 testing, immunizations, mentoring appointments, and background screening steps before a cohort seat is awarded.
Application timeline
| Program / entry | Window (per Panola pages) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADN traditional — fall | Feb 1 – Mar 1 (website); catalog lists Mar 1 deadline | Schedule mentoring via Panola ADN site before packets are finalized |
| ADN traditional — spring | Sep 1 – Oct 1 (website); catalog lists Oct 1 deadline | Confirm whether Center/Marshall options affect seat counts |
| Transition ADN — summer | Feb 1 – Mar 1 | Hybrid model with weekly on-campus simulation/lab |
| Transition ADN — spring | Sep 1 – Oct 1 | Fully face-to-face track |
| Vocational Nursing — Carthage (fall) | Applications distributed Feb 1 – Mar 1; deadline Mar 1 | In-person pickup per catalog instructions |
| Vocational Nursing — Center (spring) | Applications Sep 1 – Oct 1; deadline Oct 1 | Call departmental numbers for Center logistics |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed — cohort sizes (~30 traditional ADN) suggest competition |
| Prerequisite GPA (ADN traditional) | ≥2.5 GPA across four prerequisite sciences/math plus grade of C or better in each; ≤2 courses in progress at application |
| HESI A2 (ADN traditional) | ≥80 Reading & Math; ≥75 Grammar; $60 fee; max two attempts within 12 months |
| HESI A2 (Vocational Nursing) | ≥75 Reading, Math, and Grammar per catalog |
| TEAS | Not listed in materials reviewed—Panola emphasizes HESI A2 |
| Clinical clearance | Criminal background check, drug screen, immunizations/titers, Hepatitis B proof prior to deadlines |
Honest tips: Complete transcript evaluation early through Panola’s Student Success office, schedule HESI appointments at 903-693-2036, and download the ADN or VN student handbook for essay or mentoring expectations. Because clinical sites operate under HIPAA, resolve any background concerns before you invest in prerequisite coursework.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Panola’s Cost of ADN Program worksheet itemizes nursing fees, equipment, uniforms, testing, and liability expenses separate from baseline tuition. The catalog’s older “≈$11,000” figure is superseded on that worksheet by detailed totals below—still treat every line as an estimate.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Traditional ADN estimated tuition (in-district) | $6,100 (Panola cost sheet) + $7,165 additional nursing costs/fees ≈ $13,265 total estimate |
| Traditional ADN estimated tuition (out-of-district) | $10,500 estimated tuition + $7,165 additional costs ≈ $17,665 total estimate |
| Non-RNSG coursework | Prerequisites and general education credits add cost beyond the worksheet totals |
| Vocational Nursing (approximate) | Catalog cites ≈$9,800 total program expenses—request the dedicated VN cost PDF for a line-item view |
| Source | Panola College — Cost of ADN Program; Financial Aid; Catalog — ADN. Confirm current tuition rates with the Business Office. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Panola publishes completion rate tables alongside NCLEX metrics. For example, the 2024 total-program completion (100% expected time) row in the Program Measurement Outcomes PDF lists 52.8% (47 of 89) for the combined entry cohorts noted there—interpret these figures with Panola’s footnotes on cohort definitions.
Employment: Panola’s ADN job placement handout shows, for May and December 2023 graduate groups, placement rates of 87.5% (21 of 24) and 89.47% (17 of 19) among graduates responding to the survey—review the PDF for response-rate context and confirm methodology with Career Services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (CY 2024 total program) | Reported 95% (57/60) — Panola Program Measurement Outcomes |
| Program completion (example) | 2024 total-program completion (100% time): 52.8% (47/89) per same PDF |
| Job placement (ADN, survey-based) | 87.5% (21/24) May 2023 grads & 89.47% (17/19) Dec 2023 grads among respondents — Panola job placement PDF |
| Source | Program Measurement Outcomes; Job Placement Rates (ADN) |
Is Panola College the Right Fit for You?
Panola fits learners seeking an affordable, public nursing education anchored in East Texas with tightly structured clinical logistics; it is less suited for students who need a fully online pre-licensure program or an immediate on-campus BSN without partnering universities.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Can attend face-to-face classes and weekday clinical blocks within ~70 miles of Carthage.
- Want transparent NCLEX spreadsheets and detailed cost worksheets before enrolling.
- Are LVNs or paramedics looking for an organized transition track with defined entry terms.
- Plan to work in rural/community East Texas hospitals or pursue a concurrent BSN through SFASU or UT Tyler.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Cannot relocate or commute for multi-day clinical obligations each week.
- Expect guaranteed admission after completing prerequisites—seats remain competitive.
- Need a bachelor’s-only nursing program without completing an ADN first.
- Prefer entrance exams other than HESI A2 (TEAS is not emphasized in Panola materials reviewed).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Clinical education radiates from Carthage into neighboring counties, pairing students with community hospitals, long-term care, and outpatient networks that serve a largely rural–micropolitan population. Panola explicitly warns that schedules may span days, evenings, or weekends—especially in Vocational Nursing—so flexibility is essential.
| Facility / system | Relevance to Panola students |
|---|---|
| UT Health Carthage | Acute-care hospital in Carthage and part of the broader UT Health East Texas system—an example of the local employer base serving Panola County. |
| Regional hospitals & clinics (varies by term) | Panola assigns clinical sites within about 70 miles of Carthage; the exact hospital or agency list changes each semester—ask the program for the current affiliation roster rather than assuming a static site list. |
| Long-term care, home health, & rural sites | VN and ADN materials describe mixed shifts (days/evenings/nights/weekends for VN), which usually includes skilled nursing and community providers across the service area. |
Why it matters: Graduates often stay within the same ecosystem, supporting public health needs in aging, underserved counties while benefiting from mentorship at facilities accustomed to training associate-level nurses.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing instruction is centered in Panola’s Health and Natural Sciences facilities on the Carthage campus (with Vocational Nursing extending to the Shelby College Center in Center). Students rotate through skills labs and simulation before community clinicals, mirroring the “concepts” sequencing outlined in the RNSG course progression.
Beyond nursing, Panola promotes residence life on the Carthage campus, student organizations, and advising scripts designed for workforce programs—expect nursing cohorts, however, to prioritize clinical readiness over extracurricular time.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Carthage, TX (centers in Marshall & Center)
- Main address
- 1109 W. Panola Street, Carthage, TX 75633, US
- Main telephone
- 903-693-1100
- ADN department
- adn@panola.edu · 903-694-4019 (Health Science Specialist listed on panola.edu/adn)
- Vocational Nursing
- lvn@panola.edu · 903-694-4026 / Center 936-598-9543
- HESI testing
- 903-693-2036 — Panola Testing Services
- Website
- panola.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download the ADN Student Handbook (or VN handbook) and the Program Measurement Outcomes PDF.
- Map your transcripts to ADN prerequisites (BIOL 2401/2402/2420 and MATH 1342) or VN prerequisites (BIOL 2404 or 2401).
- Schedule HESI A2 seating through Testing Services and budget for the $60 attempt fee.
- Submit a mentoring appointment request before attempting a nursing application packet.
- Plan finances using the Cost of ADN Program worksheet plus general tuition tables.
- Identify clinical transportation, childcare, and weekday availability for 3–4 on-site days weekly.
- Bookmark the Texas BON dashboard to monitor future NCLEX disclosures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Panola College offer?
Panola offers a traditional ADN (A.A.S.), a Transition ADN for LVNs and paramedics, and a Vocational Nursing certificate leading to NCLEX-PN. It also describes Pre-Nursing Health Science transfer plans and optional concurrent ADN–BSN partnerships with SFASU and UT Tyler for students admitted to both institutions.
What is Panola College’s latest published NCLEX-RN pass rate?
The Program Measurement Outcomes PDF lists a 95% (57/60) total-program NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar year 2024 data tied to Texas BON reporting, plus a 94.11% (32/34) rate for the 2023–24 traditional-track academic cohort. Confirm newer rows on the same document and via the Texas BON dashboard.
Does Panola College require TEAS or HESI?
Published admissions materials emphasize the HESI A2 (minimum 80 Reading/Math and 75 Grammar for traditional ADN; 75 across sections for VN). We did not see ATI TEAS referenced. Verify retake policies with Testing Services.
How much does Panola College’s ADN program cost?
The Cost of ADN Program worksheet estimates about $13,265 all-in for in-district students and $17,665 for out-of-district students, combining tuition with nursing fees, supplies, and testing—not counting non-RNSG prerequisites.
When are Panola College nursing application deadlines?
The ADN website lists February 1–March 1 for fall/summer transition starts and September 1–October 1 for spring transition/traditional spring entry. Catalog deadlines (March 1/October 1) may align by the final day—use the live site and mentoring staff for the authoritative calendar.
Is Panola College nursing accredited?
The ADN program cites ACEN Continuing Accreditation and Texas Board of Nursing full approval; the VN program cites BON full approval. Confirm status before enrolling.
What GPA do I need for Panola College ADN prerequisites?
Applicants need at least a 2.5 GPA across the four prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better in each and no more than two prerequisites still in progress at the application snapshot.
Does Panola College offer a BSN?
Panola awards the ADN and VN certificate locally. BSN completion happens via transfer or documented concurrent enrollment with partner universities—not as a standalone Panola bachelor’s.
Where will I complete clinicals at Panola College?
ADN students should expect sites within about 70 miles of Carthage, three to four weekdays weekly. VN clinicals may include nights or weekends. Exact hospitals change by semester—ask the clinical coordinator for current contracts.
References
- Panola College — Associate Degree Nursinghttps://www.panola.edu/adn
- Panola College — Vocational Nursinghttps://www.panola.edu/vocationalnursing
- Panola College Catalog — ADN Traditionalpccatalog.panola.edu — Associate Degree Nursing, Traditional
- Panola College Catalog — Vocational Nursingpccatalog.panola.edu — Vocational Nursing Certificate
- Panola College — Program Measurement Outcomes (NCLEX tables)https://www.panola.edu/media/2889/download?attachment
- Panola College — Cost of ADN Program worksheethttps://www.panola.edu/media/387/download?attachment
- Panola College — ADN Job Placement Rateshttps://www.panola.edu/media/2851/download?attachment
- Panola College — Testing Services (HESI)https://www.panola.edu/student-services/student-support/testing-services
- Texas Board of Nursing — Education Dashboardhttps://www.bon.texas.gov/education_school_resultsDashboard.asp.html
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
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 NCLEX, tuition, and admissions statements and Panola College’s public catalog, cost worksheets, and Program Measurement Outcomes PDF.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, immigration, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and clinical contracts change; always verify with Panola College and the Texas Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy