Blue Ridge Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Public community college in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley offering an ACEN-accredited A.A.S. nursing program (traditional ADN and LPN-RN bridge), Kaplan-based clinical admission, and published cost worksheets. Figures below cite BRCC webpages for 2025–26 unless noted.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
BRCC combines Virginia Community College System pricing with a clearly published clinical-competition model: Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam cut scores, early versus traditional application tracks for August starts, and—starting Summer 2026—a three-semester LPN-RN bridge that can finish clinical nursing in about 12 months if the cohort runs.
Overview & Why Students Choose Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College sits along I-81 in Weyers Cave, Virginia, serving the Shenandoah Valley with workforce-oriented programs. Its nursing department offers a single credential—the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing—but splits delivery into a traditional August-start option for new pre-licensure students and an LPN-to-RN bridge with a May clinical entry for licensed practical nurses who want eligibility for the NCLEX-RN.
BRCC markets limited clinical seats, a transparent testing policy (Kaplan, not TEAS), and consumer-style disclosures that include semester-by-semester cost worksheets. Students who live in the college’s service region receive preference in competitive ranking, so local residency can matter beyond tuition.
BRCC’s NCLEX Passing Rates page lists Class of 2024 first-time pass outcomes and cites the NCSBN NCLEX Year End Report. Class of 2025 cells were marked TBD when reviewed. Cross-check cohort detail with the Virginia Board of Nursing Testing Pass Rates hub and the BRCC NCLEX page.
Reasons students choose Blue Ridge Community College
Published nursing cost worksheets
BRCC’s “Nursing Program Estimated Costs 2025-26” breaks out prerequisites, uniforms, Kaplan charges, and licensure exam fees so applicants can budget before clinical admission.
Accelerated LPN-RN bridge option
For Summer 2026 and beyond, BRCC describes a three-semester clinical sequence (Summer–Fall–Spring) that can complete the bridge in roughly 12 months after acceptance, subject to minimum enrollment.
Early vs. traditional clinical review
Traditional-track applicants can pursue early clinical review if prerequisites like BIO 142 finish by December and Kaplan is completed before February, with a March decision date and automatic rollover into the standard pool if not admitted early.
ACEN + Virginia Board oversight
The college states continuing ACEN accreditation for the associate nursing program and Virginia Board of Nursing approval—useful signals for students comparing community-college options in the Commonwealth.
Nursing Programs Offered
The public materials reviewed for this guide describe pre-licensure associate-level nursing only (no BSN, MSN, or DNP taught at BRCC). We group offerings by pathway below; catalog course prefixes (NSG) and NSG 115/200 sequencing differ between traditional and bridge tracks.
Pre-licensure
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing — Traditional ADN
Four-semester clinical progression after acceptance, typically beginning each August. Students complete concept-based curriculum outcomes listed on the main nursing page and sit for the NCLEX-RN after graduation.
LPN to RN bridge (within the same A.A.S.)
Licensed practical nurses bypass the first traditional clinical semester by taking NSG 115 plus NSG 200 in the bridge’s first term, then join upper NSG coursework. BRCC’s 2025–26 cost sheet lists separate semester blocks for “LPN to RN Bridge Students.”
Post-licensure & graduate
Not publicly listed on the BRCC nursing program overview reviewed here. ADN graduates who pursue a BSN should use BRCC’s RN-to-BSN transfer agreements and confirm requirements with four-year partners.
Bridge cohorts may be cancelled if minimum enrollment is not met; BRCC notes applicants could be redirected to the traditional track. Always verify the current catalog, clinical handbook, and nursing program announcements.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to BRCC’s NCLEX Passing Rates page (source noted there as the NCSBN NCLEX Year End Report), Class of 2024 first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes were 91.1% traditional (41/45), eight of eight first-time passes for the LPN-RN track, and 92.45% aggregate (49/53). Class of 2025 cells were listed as TBD when reviewed. BRCC states an end-of-program goal that at least 80% of first-time test takers pass on the initial attempt.
For Virginia-level reporting, download the Board’s RN pass-rate workbooks or quarterly PDFs from the Virginia Board of Nursing — Testing Pass Rates page and match the program name to Blue Ridge Community College.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Traditional track — first-time pass (Class of 2024) | 91.1% (41/45), per BRCC NCLEX table |
| LPN-RN track — first-time pass (Class of 2024) | 8/8 first-time passes, per BRCC NCLEX table (see “100%” row on source page; confirm methodology with BRCC) |
| Aggregate first-time pass (Class of 2024) | 92.45% (49/53), per BRCC NCLEX table / NCSBN YER citation on page |
| Class of 2025 | TBD on BRCC page at last review — confirm updates |
| Source | BRCC NCLEX Passing Rates; Virginia Board of Nursing Testing Pass Rates. Confirm current cohorts with both. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and track. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Virginia Board of Nursing and BRCC nursing office before making decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution, clinical site contracts, and Virginia licensure rules. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Blue Ridge Community College admissions, the international student office (if applicable), and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Ask BRCC whether TOEFL/IELTS or Duolingo scores are required for nursing majors and whether clinical sites impose separate language rules.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Confirm whether non-U.S. coursework must go through a specific evaluator before BIO, ENG, or other prerequisites count.
- Virginia Board of Nursing: Internationally educated nurses seeking licensure by examination or endorsement must follow Board instructions for credentials, English exams, and NCLEX eligibility.
- Immigration & visa: Limited-access clinical programs can restrict F-1 participation; confirm visa eligibility and travel impacts on required clinical days.
Policies change frequently. Verify with BRCC’s admissions team and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
BRCC states that enrollment in the clinical nursing sequence is limited, selective, and competitive. Selection criteria include Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam scores, academic performance in pre-clinical courses, and related work experience. Residents inside BRCC’s service area receive preference. Applicants can submit a clinical application before finishing Kaplan, but must meet minimum scores before matriculation.
Kaplan rules (clinical page): Minimum 45 on each Kaplan section for eligibility; “successful applicants usually score >70.” Only one Kaplan attempt per testing cycle (November–April window described on the site). Scores may not be older than two years from the program start month (traditional August start vs. bridge May start have different look-back examples). Students testing in multiple years must register annually with Kaplan; bring the registration receipt to the Testing Center.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Key deadlines (Fall 2026 / Summer 2026 bridge) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional clinical (August start) | Application & transcripts due Feb 1, 2026, 3 p.m.; early Kaplan closes Jan 30, 2026, 5 p.m.; traditional Kaplan closes Apr 17, 2026, 5 p.m. | Early decision Feb 27, 2026; traditional notification May 1, 2026; both tracks start August 2026 per BRCC. |
| LPN-RN bridge (May 2026 clinical start) | Kaplan due Jan 30, 2026, 5 p.m.; transcripts & application due Feb 1, 2026; notice by Mar 1, 2026 | Three clinical semesters (Summer 2026, Fall 2026, Spring 2027). Minimum enrollment required. |
| Non-BRCC transcripts | Due Feb 1, 2026 to Admissions & Records; transcript evaluation Google Form same date | Align with clinical page; confirm if you have transfer credit. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing clinical) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA / prerequisite grades | Not publicly disclosed on pages reviewed; catalog/clinical handbook may list course grade thresholds—confirm with advising. |
| Entrance exam | Kaplan Nursing Entrance Test (not TEAS/HESI on the reviewed clinical page); $0 listed on nursing estimated-cost sheet for “Nursing Entrance Test” but Kaplan registrations still required. |
| Nursing Entrance Test fee line | $0 on BRCC nursing estimated costs page — still confirm live Kaplan registration fees with BRCC Testing Center. |
Honest tips for applicants
Schedule Kaplan early in the cycle—BRCC warns that Testing Center capacity is finite. Complete BIO 142 and as many general-education courses as possible before February to strengthen ranking. LPN bridge candidates should assemble LPN license documentation and anticipate the May start if admitted. If a bridge cohort cancels, have a Plan B for the traditional route.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
BRCC publishes two complementary resources: a college-wide Tuition and Fees Rate Chart (Fall 2025–Summer 2026) and a Nursing Program Estimated Costs 2025-26 page with NSG line items, course bundles (MyLab, Kaplan, DocuCare), uniforms, background checks, and NCLEX/Pearson fees.
Per-credit tuition (rate chart highlights)
- In-state: $168.30 tuition per credit at the 1-credit row; mandatory student activity + auxiliary fees bring the one-credit total to $193.10 (Fall 2025–Summer 2026 chart).
- Out-of-state: $356.90 tuition per credit at the 1-credit row; with capital, activity, and auxiliary fees the total is $410.20 for one credit.
- Military / veteran benefit rates appear on the same chart—eligible students should verify residency classification with Student Services.
Nursing-specific estimates
The nursing cost sheet lists prerequisite coursework modeled at $183.41 × 28 credits = $5,135.48 (tuition column) before clinical semesters, then semester-by-semester NSG tuition plus bundled instructional materials. Final-semester items include a $190 Virginia RN license application fee and $200 NCLEX fee line (Pearson) on BRCC’s table.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-state per-credit tuition (1 cr) | $168.30 tuition; $193.10 total with published fees (BRCC Tuition and Chart) |
| Out-of-state per-credit tuition (1 cr) | $356.90 tuition; $410.20 total with published fees |
| Nursing prerequisite block (published model) | $5,135.48 tuition estimate for 28 credits (BRCC nursing estimated costs) |
| Books / fees / clinical supplies | See semester tables (MyLab, Kaplan, uniforms, background checks, etc.) |
| Source | Tuition and Fees Rate Chart; Nursing Program Estimated Costs 2025-26. Confirm residency and balances with Student Accounts. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
BRCC publishes both NCLEX outcomes and annual nursing job-placement surveys. Treat placement percentages as self-reported employment among graduates who responded—response rates vary by year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (aggregate, Class of 2024) | 92.45% (49/53), per BRCC NCLEX table citing NCSBN YER |
| Job placement (BRCC nursing survey) | 2025 row: 95% placement with 82% response (37 of 45 graduates reporting); 2024 row: 97% placement with 81% response (42 of 53). Source: BRCC Job Placement Rates page. |
| Program outcome goal (employment) | BRCC lists a goal that ≥75% of graduates report RN employment within six months. |
| Source / next step | BRCC job placement page; confirm current survey methodology with nursing administration. |
Is Blue Ridge Community College the Right Fit for You?
Use the fit checklist below to see whether BRCC’s competitive community-college model matches your timeline, budget, and testing strengths.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a VCCS-priced ADN with ACEN accreditation and clear disclosure pages for tuition and NCLEX.
- Live in or can relocate to BRCC’s service-area preference zone for clinical ranking.
- Are comfortable with Kaplan scoring requirements and limited seating rather than open enrollment.
- Need either a four-semester traditional path or a 12-month clinical bridge as an LPN.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect an immediate fully online pre-licensure program—BRCC’s nursing sequence is campus/clinical intensive.
- Want a BSN or higher without transferring; BRCC awards the A.A.S. only.
- Prefer TEAS-based nursing admissions—BRCC clinical materials emphasize Kaplan.
- Cannot risk cohort cancellation (bridge) or Kaplan scheduling bottlenecks during peak windows.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Weyers Cave anchors the northern Shenandoah Valley labor market between Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Charlottesville. Nursing graduates typically flow into acute-care hospitals, post-acute facilities, community clinics, and public health agencies serving Augusta, Rockingham, and neighboring counties. Demand for bedside RNs, care-coordination roles, and population-health positions remains structurally strong as rural hospitals balance staffing with seasonal patient volume.
BRCC’s clinical page does not enumerate every hospital contract on the marketing page; students receive current affiliate lists after admission. Use the Clinical Nursing Student Handbook for policy details on clinical expectations.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Regional employers (examples) | Large community hospitals and multi-hospital systems across the I-81 corridor (e.g., Augusta Health in Fishersville; Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg). Confirm proximity to your housing plan. |
| Clinical learning mix | Med-surg, specialty units, long-term care, and community rotations commonly appear in Virginia community-college programs—exact rotations depend on semester availability. |
| Regulatory note | Virginia participates in the NLC; BRCC reminds students to check multistate licensing implications, echoing NCSBN guidance linked from the nursing page. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
BRCC emphasizes the Testing Center for Kaplan administration, Student Accessibility resources, and the SOAR student support office—services that matter when juggling prerequisite science labs, clinical shifts, and compliance paperwork. Accepted students navigate immunization, American Heart Association BLS CPR, background checks, and drug screening before clinical entry; requirements mirror what partner hospitals demand across Virginia.
Campus life is commuter-oriented: expect cohort-based nursing courses, Skills / simulation blocks tied to NSG progression, and study groups that form around shared clinical semesters. Student organizations exist college-wide—ask admissions whether nursing-specific clubs or honors societies are active during your entry year.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Weyers Cave, VA
- Address
- One College Lane, Weyers Cave, VA 24486, US (PO Box 80)
- Telephone
- (540) 234-9261
- Contact email
- info@brcc.edu
- Website
- brcc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the clinical admissions page for the exact Kaplan cycle you need and Testing Center hours.
- Download the Clinical Nursing Student Handbook to understand progression and compliance.
- Compare your transcripts to catalog prerequisites and submit external evaluations if needed.
- Build a budget using both the nursing cost sheet and tuition chart.
- Register for Kaplan through BRCC’s process and keep test receipts for the Testing Center.
- Bookmark the Virginia Board Testing Pass Rates page for independent NCLEX verification.
- Add February 1 application deadlines to your calendar if targeting Fall 2026 clinical entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Blue Ridge Community College actually award?
BRCC awards an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that leads to NCLEX-RN eligibility. Public materials describe a traditional pre-licensure track and an LPN-to-RN bridge—both end at the same A.A.S. credential rather than separate degrees.
Does Blue Ridge Community College require TEAS for nursing?
No—BRCC’s clinical admissions documentation highlights the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Test with minimum scores of 45 per section and competitive averages above 70. Confirm seat availability at the BRCC Testing Center because walk-in Kaplan sessions still require time and planning.
What NCLEX data is published for Blue Ridge Community College?
BRCC’s NCLEX Passing Rates page lists yearly traditional, LPN-RN, and aggregate first-time percentages. Class of 2024 showed a 92.45% aggregate first-time rate (49/53) with sourcing attributed to the NCSBN NCLEX Year End Report. Class of 2025 was TBD when reviewed—pair this with the Virginia Board of Nursing pass-rate reports.
How competitive is clinical admission at Blue Ridge Community College?
BRCC describes clinical seats as limited and competitive, with preference for service-area residents and ranking influenced by Kaplan performance, prerequisites, and experience. An exact acceptance rate is not published—plan for strong grades and early Kaplan completion.
How much should I budget for BRCC nursing in 2025–26?
Use the Tuition and Fees Rate Chart for per-credit tuition and fees and the Nursing Program Estimated Costs page for semester-specific NSG charges, uniforms, background checks, Kaplan bundles, and NCLEX fees. Out-of-state totals exceed in-state totals because of additional capital fees.
When is the nursing application due for Fall 2026 at BRCC?
For Fall 2026 traditional clinical entry, BRCC lists February 1, 2026 (3 p.m.) for applications and transcripts, with separate Kaplan close dates for early versus traditional review tracks. Bridge applicants targeting May 2026 use the same February 1 application deadline but different Kaplan timing—see the clinical table.
Is BRCC’s nursing program accredited?
BRCC states Virginia Board of Nursing approval and continuing ACEN accreditation for the associate nursing program. Always verify the latest accreditation action on ACEN’s site and with the college.
Does Blue Ridge Community College help with RN-to-BSN transfer?
BRCC maintains RN-to-BSN articulation resources under advising. Students should download agreement lists and speak with both BRCC advisors and target universities before assuming credits will transfer.
What employment outcomes does BRCC report after graduation?
The Job Placement Rates page shows survey-based placement percentages by graduating class (for example, 95% in the 2025 row with an 82% response rate). Review the table footnotes on BRCC’s site for methodology and confirm with the nursing department.
References
- Blue Ridge Community College — Nursing overviewbrcc.edu/explore-programs/nursing
- BRCC — Clinical admissions & Kaplan timelinebrcc.edu/…/nursing/clinical
- BRCC — NCLEX passing ratesbrcc.edu/…/nclex-passing-rates
- BRCC — Nursing program estimated costs 2025–26brcc.edu/…/nursing-program-estimated-costs-2025-26
- BRCC — Tuition and fees rate chart (Fall 2025–Summer 2026)brcc.edu/tuition-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees-rate-chart
- BRCC — Nursing job placement ratesbrcc.edu/…/job-placement
- BRCC — Contactbrcc.edu/about-us/contact
- Virginia Board of Nursing — Testing Pass Ratesdhp.virginia.gov/…/TestingPassRates
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses
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 BRCC’s Kaplan admissions policy, ACEN accreditation language, 2025–26 tuition charts, and NCLEX/placement tables as published on brcc.edu.
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 Blue Ridge Community College and the Virginia Board of Nursing.
Published: April 1, 2026 · Last reviewed: April 1, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy