Associate Degree Nursing

Find Your Wings

This 73 credit-hour program prepares graduates for beginning staff level positions as registered nurses. Graduates  receives an Associate of Applied Science degree and are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensure as a registered nurse. 

The Associate Degree Nursing Program includes a balance of general education and nursing courses, along with planned experiences in patient care. Students learn basic nursing techniques in the college laboratory and care for patients in affiliated hospitals and other clinical agencies.

In addition to regular college tuition and fees, students will have additional expenses for clinical apparel, standardized tests, background checks, drug screening, organizational dues, books and insurance. A detailed cost sheet is available from the program coordinator. Students are responsible for their own transportation between the college and clinical agencies.

A grade of “C” for each nursing course listed in the nursing curriculum (NUR courses plus general education courses) and a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (“C” average) or higher on all college courses are necessary to progress and to graduate from the Associate Degree Nursing Program. In addition, students must demonstrate a satisfactory pattern of behavior according to the “Criteria for Responsible Behavior,” published in the Associate Degree Nursing Student Handbook.

Minimum admission requirements (in addition to general admission requirements):

  • Attain an 18 composite score on the national ACT (if taken prior to October 1989, a composite score of 15 is acceptable); complete the prerequisite courses of Anatomy and Physiology I &  II with labs with a "C" or higher; have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 (“C” average) or higher on all previous college coursework and a grade of “C” or higher on all ADN curriculum courses;

OR

  • Attain a 17 composite score on the national ACT; complete Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs with a “C” or higher and 16 additional hours of general education courses as listed in the ADN curriculum; have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher on all previous college coursework and a grade of “C” or higher on all ADN curriculum courses;

OR

  • A student with a bachelor’s degree or higher may be admitted without an ACT score, but must have completed at a minimum, Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs with a “C” or higher, have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher on all previous college coursework and a grade of “C” or higher on all ADN curriculum courses;

AND

  • Participate in a mandatory ADN information session and take the TEAS exam. The mandatory information session will be scheduled for the prospective students only after all other requirements have been met. Students will receive notice from the Registrar’s Office about scheduling their information session and the TEAS exam 

The ADN Admissions Committee will select each semester's class from the pool of applicants who meet minimum admission requirements.  Any application with incomplete records will not be considered for admission.  The admission process is competitive, and completion of minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission.  Priority consideration for admission will be given as follows: 

  1. In-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC;
  2. Out-of-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC;
  3. Mississippi residents who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework elsewhere;
  4. Out-of-state students.  


In addition to residency points, an applicant’s competitiveness is determined by national ACT score, GPA, TEAS score, and grades in courses completed. See the ADN website or nursing advisor for additional details. Please be aware that there is no minimal TEAS score that must be earned for admission consideration; these scores are converted to points and used in the competitive process. Students scoring less than 68 on the TEAS will be required to enroll in Nursing Enhancement courses and pass the Enhancement courses with a "C" or better each semester.

After program admission and prior to the first day of class, students must obtain American Heart Association CPR certification.  Students must provide proof of immunization for MMR and Varicella.  A Mantoux Two-Step TB Skin Test is required prior to the first day of class. Drug screening will be scheduled after enrollment. Students must comply with influenza vaccination requirements of clinical agencies. Electronic textbooks are used for the nursing program.  Software requirements and other information will be provided in the admissions notification.

All students admitted into the program will be required to pay for fingerprinting and background checks, which will be performed after admission and prior to clinical laboratories. These fees will be attached as registration fees. There are certain convictions that will prevent an individual being eligible to participate in clinical experiences.  If a student is unable to participate in clinical experiences, he/she will be dismissed from the program. For additional information, contact the program coordinator.

Deadline for application is March 1 for Fall admission and September 1st for Spring admission. (Beginning Fall 2025, the deadline will be January 15th for Fall admission).

The application information which must be submitted by the deadline includes submission of all official transcripts, national ACT score, and MCC admission application.  There is not a separate application for the nursing program.  On the MCC admission application, applicants should mark Associate Degree Nursing as the program of interest.  The admission application should also be marked for the term admission is being sought.

Admission requirements, curriculum, and other program information are subject to change.  See your program advisor/counselor for additional information.

Students in the Associate Degree Nursing Program must attend MCC full-time (12 or more semester credit hours) unless admitted into the part-time program.

PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT IN NUR 1110
Course Number Course Description Hours
BIO 2513 Anatomy and Physiology I 3
BIO 2511 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 1
BIO 2523 Anatomy and Physiology II 3
BIO 2521 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab 1
Total Credit Hours 8
FIRST YEAR  |  FIRST SEMESTER
Course Number Course Description Hours
NUR 1012 Nursing Readiness 2
EPY 2533 Human Growth and  Development 3
NUR 1110 Nursing I 10
BIO 2923 Microbiology 3
BIO 2921 Microbiology Lab 1
  Semester Hours 19
FIRST YEAR | SECOND SEMESTER
Course Number Course Description Hours
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
NUR 1210 Nursing II 10
PSY 1513 General Psychology 3
  Semester Hours 16
SECOND YEAR  |  FIRST SEMESTER
Course Number Course Description Hours
ENG 1123 English Composition II 3
NUR 2110 Nursing III 10
SPT 1113 Public Speaking 3
  Semester Hours 16
SECOND YEAR | SECOND SEMESTER
Course Number Course Description Hours
NUR 2210 Nursing IV 10
  Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
NUR 2201 Nursing IV Seminar 1
  Semester Hours 14
Total Semester Hours 73
  • All courses must be completed in, or prior to, the semester listed.

  • There is no expiration date for general education coursework, including sciences.

  • Please be aware that in the management/preceptor rotation in the 4th semester, student schedules may vary.

This program is accredited by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning with Full Accreditation. The Associate Degree Nursing program at Meridian Community College located in Meridian, MS is accredited by the:
 
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
 
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing program is continuing accreditation (revisit in Spring 2026). View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at acenursing.org/search-programs/entry/2782/
 
Legal limitations for licensure as a registered nurse:
Information related to applying for licensure to practice as a registered nurse, upon completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, is contained in the Mississippi Nursing Practice Law and Rules and Regulations. Graduates must apply to the Mississippi Board of Nursing to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Applicants to the Associate Degree Nursing Program should be aware of the following restriction regarding who may qualify to write for the NCLEX-RN®:

“The Board may, in its discretion, refuse to accept the application of any person who has been convicted of a criminal offense under any provision of Title 97 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as now or hereafter amended, or any provision of this chapter.”* *Mississippi Nursing Practice Law
 

Mississippi Law now requires health care professionals or Workforce Education students enrolled in programs whose primary purpose is to prepare professionals to render patient care services to submit to criminal background checks and fingerprinting prior to beginning any clinical rotation in a licensed health care entity. If such fingerprinting or criminal background check of the student discloses a felony conviction, guilty plea or non contendere to a felony of possession or sale of drugs, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, sexual battery, sex offense listed in Section 45-33-23 (g), child abuse, arson, grand larceny, burglary, gratification of lust, aggravated assault or felonious abuse and/or battery of a vulnerable adult which has not been reversed on appeal or for which a pardon has not been granted, the student shall not be eligible to be admitted to such health program of study, nor will he/she be eligible to participate in clinical training in a licensed entity. In addition, clinical affiliates have identified “other exclusions” or other criminal offenses that will preclude a student from participating in the clinical practicum. The student’s eligibility to participate in the clinical training phase of his/her health care program shall be voided if the student receives a disqualifying criminal record check; therefore, the student will be dismissed from the nursing program.

If a student currently enrolled in the nursing program is prohibited from participating in clinical experiences by any clinical affiliate of Meridian Community College (e.g., positive drug screen, egregious behavior, violation of patient safety, non-compliance with the College’s “Student Behavior Code,” etc.), then the student will be dismissed from the program of study. The student is not eligible for program readmission until the clinical restriction is removed.

Program Outcomes: A.D.N.
Updated: February 28, 2023
NCLEX-RN®
1st time testers
Completion Rate in 100% of Allotted Time Placement Rate (Number Respondents Reporting Working 1 year Post Graduation in Position Requiring RN License)

2022: MCC: 87% (n=98/113) National Average: 79.97%

2021-2022: 26% Aggregate

98% (graduates from Dec. 2021 and May 2022)

2021 MCC: 83.3%
(n=115/138)
National Average:
78.78%

2020-2021: 36% Aggregate

98% (graduates from Dec. 2020 and May 2021)

2020 MCC: 85%
(n=116/137)
National Average:
86.5%

2019-2020: 41% Aggregate

98% 

 

MCC’s Associate Degree Nursing program is a program that meets the education requirements for a Registered Nursing license in MS, and qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN®, a national examination for licensure. 

Determinations about whether the Associate Degree Nursing program at MCC meets the state education requirements for US States, Territories, and the District of Columbia can be found here:  Professional Licensure & State Authorization Program Determination Disclosure. Outbound Link


ACCELERATED PROGRAM FOR LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES & PARAMEDICS

The Associate Degree Nursing Accelerated Program for Licensed Practical Nurses and Paramedics is designed to move LPNs and Paramedics through four semesters of nursing in three semesters of study. A student’s success is based upon two factors: completion of some of the required general education courses before admission and faculty of the College effectively measuring the student’s beginning abilities and knowledge. The transition semester is designed to assist students in mastering first-year nursing objectives that have not been previously achieved. Successful completion of the transition semester allows students to begin the second year of the ADN program.

A grade of “C” for each nursing course listed in the nursing curriculum (NUR courses plus general education courses) and a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (“C” average) or higher on all college courses are necessary to progress and to graduate from the Associate Degree Nursing Program. In addition, students must demonstrate a satisfactory pattern of behavior according to the “Criteria for Responsible Behavior,” published in the Associate Degree Nursing Student Handbook.   

Minimum admission requirements (in addition to general admission requirements):

  • Attain an 18 composite score on the national ACT (if taken prior to October 1989, a composite score of 15 is acceptable); complete all prerequisite courses listed in the course of study; have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 (“C” average) or higher on all previous college coursework and a grade of “C” or higher on all ADN curriculum courses;


OR

  • Attain a 17 composite score on the national ACT; complete 3 additional hours as listed in the ADN curriculum plus all prerequisite courses listed in the course of study; have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher on all previous college coursework and a grade of “C” or higher on all ADN curriculum courses;


O
R

  • A student with a bachelor’s degree or higher may be admitted without an ACT score, but must have completed at a minimum, Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs with a “C” or higher, have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher on all previous college coursework and a grade of “C” or higher on all ADN curriculum courses;

AND

  • Participate in a mandatory ADN information session and take the TEAS exam. The mandatory information session will be scheduled for the prospective students only after all other requirements have been met. Students will receive notice from the Registrar’s Office about scheduling their information session and the TEAS exam 

AND

  • Have an unencumbered MS or Interstate Compact License as an LPN or a “Paramedic Registry” with no history of disciplinary actions;

AND

  • Have one year of experience or 1040 documented hours as a Licensed Practical Nurse or Paramedic.  This requirement must be validated with a form that will be mailed to the student by the Registrar’s Office;

AND

  • Have a written recommendation from a current or former immediate supervisor. This requirement must be validated with a form that will be mailed to the student by the Registrar's office;


The ADN Admissions Committee will select each year’s class from the pool of applicants who meet minimum admission requirements.  Any application with incomplete records will not be considered for admission.  The admission process is competitive, and completion of minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission.  Priority consideration for admission will be given as follows:

  1. In-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC;
  2. Out-of-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC;
  3. Mississippi residents who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework elsewhere;
  4. Out-of-state students.   

 

In addition to residency points, an applicant’s competitiveness is determined by national ACT score, GPA, TEAS score, and grades in courses completed.  See the ADN website or nursing advisor for additional details.  Please be aware that there is no minimal TEAS score that must be earned for admission consideration; these scores are converted to points and used in the competitive process.  Students scoring less than 68 on the TEAS will be required to enroll in Nursing Enhancement courses and pass the Enhancement courses with a "C" or better each semester.

After program admission and prior to the first day of class, students must obtain American Heart Association CPR certification.  Students must provide proof of immunization for MMR and Varicella. A Mantoux Two-Step TB Skin Test is required prior to the first day of class.  Drug screening will be scheduled after enrollment. Students must comply with influenza vaccination requirements of clinical agencies. Electronic textbooks are used for the nursing program.  Software requirements and other information will be provided in the admissions notification.

All students admitted into the program will be required to pay for fingerprinting and background checks, which will be performed after admission and prior to clinical laboratories. These fees will be attached as registration fees. There are certain convictions that will prevent an individual being eligible to participate in clinical experiences. If a student is unable to participate in clinical experiences, he/she will be dismissed from the program. For additional information, contact the program coordinator.

Deadline for application is September 1st for Spring admission. The ADN Accelerated Program will admit students in the Spring of each year. The application information which must be submitted by the deadline includes submission of all official transcripts, national ACT score, and MCC admission application. There is not a separate application for the nursing program. On the MCC admission application, applicants should mark ADN Accelerated as the program of interest. The admission application should also be marked for the term admission is being sought.

Admission requirements, curriculum, and other program information are subject to change. See your program advisor/counselor for additional information.

Students in the Associate Degree Nursing Accelerated Program must attend MCC full-time (12 or more semester credit hours).

Prior to enrollment in NUR 1320
Course Number Course Description Hours
BIO 2513 Anatomy and Physiology I 3
BIO 2511 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 1
ENG 1113 English Composition I 3
BIO 2923 Microbiology 3
BIO 2921 Microbiology Lab 1
BIO 2523 Anatomy and Physiology II 3
BIO 2521 Anatomy and Physiology Lab 1
EPY 2533 Human Growth & Development 3
PSY 1513 General Psychology 3
  Semester Hours 21
Transition Semester
Course Number Course Description Hours
NUR 1320    Nursing I and II 20
  Semester Hours 20
Second Semester
Course Number Course Description Hours
ENG 1123 English Composition II 3
NUR 2110 Nursing III 10
SPT 1113 Public Speaking 3
  Semester Hours 16
Third Semester
Course Number Course Description Hours
NUR 2210 Nursing IV 10
  Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
NUR 2201 Nursing IV Seminar 1
  Semester Hours 14
Total Semester Hours 71

All courses must be completed in or prior to the semester listed.

There is no expiration date for general education coursework, including sciences.

Please be aware that in the management/preceptor rotation in the semester, student schedules may vary.

This program is accredited by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning with Full Accreditation. The Associate Degree Nursing program at Meridian Community College located in Meridian, MS is accredited by the:
 
Accreditation Commission for Education on Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
 
The most recent accreditation decision by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing program is continuing accreditation (revisit in Spring 2026). View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at acenursing.org/search-programs/entry/2782/


Legal limitations for licensure as a registered nurse:
Information related to applying for licensure to practice as a registered nurse, upon completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, is contained in the Mississippi Nursing Practice Law and Rules and Regulations. Graduates must apply to the Mississippi Board of Nursing to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Applicants to the Associate Degree Nursing Program should be aware of the following restriction regarding who may qualify to write for the NCLEX-RN®:

“The Board may, in its discretion, refuse to accept the application of any person who has been convicted of a criminal offense under any provision of Title 97 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as now or hereafter amended, or any provision of this chapter.”* *Mississippi Nursing Practice Law

Mississippi Law now requires health care professionals or Workforce Education students enrolled in programs whose primary purpose is to prepare professionals to render patient care services to submit to criminal background checks and fingerprinting prior to beginning any clinical rotation in a licensed health care entity. If such fingerprinting or criminal background check of the student discloses a felony conviction, guilty plea or non contendere to a felony of possession or sale of drugs, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, sexual battery, sex offense listed in Section 45-33-23 (g), child abuse, arson, grand larceny, burglary, gratification of lust, aggravated assault or felonious abuse and/or battery of a vulnerable adult which has not been reversed on appeal or for which a pardon has not been granted, the student shall not be eligible to be admitted to such health program of study, nor will he/she be eligible to participate in clinical training in a licensed entity. In addition, clinical affiliates have identified “other exclusions” or other criminal offenses that will preclude a student from participating in the clinical practicum. The student’s eligibility to participate in the clinical training phase of his/her health care program shall be voided if the student receives a disqualifying criminal record check; therefore, the student will be dismissed from the nursing program.

If a student currently enrolled in the nursing program is prohibited from participating in clinical experiences by any clinical affiliate of Meridian Community College (e.g., positive drug screen, egregious behavior, violation of patient safety, non-compliance with the College’s “Student Behavior Code,” etc.), then the student will be dismissed from the program of study. The student is not eligible for program readmission until the clinical restriction is removed.

 

 

For more information:
Dr. Lara Collum, Coordinator
lara.collum@meridiancc.edu
601.484.8728

For more information:
Karsten Taylor, Advisor 
karsten.taylor@meridiancc.edu
601.481.1351