Associate Degree Nursing

Program Overview

The Associate Degree Nursing program teaches you the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, high-quality care to patients. You’ll learn about healthcare, nursing practices, and how to care for the whole person. Classes focus on working as part of a healthcare team, using the latest research, and improving patient care with technology.

Requirements

  • Minimum GPA: ADN and LPN to ADN: 2.5 cumulative college GPA or 2.8 unweighted high school GPA
  • Required High School/College Courses (with grade C or higher): Algebra, Biology (with lab), and Chemistry (with lab)
  • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS): Must score at the Proficient level or higher
  • Completion or enrollment in a state-approved Nurse Aide I course

How To Get Started

  1. Admissions

    Apply Now

    If you are a new student, complete your admissions steps for the college. Once you finish, return to this page to continue to Step 2.

    Current students (enrolled within the last 12 months), you can skip admissions and go directly to Step 2.

  2. Health Science Programs & Policies

    Before you can be accepted into a Health Science program, you’ll need to review the flipbook below. It will explain the acceptance process, program requirements, and what’s expected of you once you’re enrolled.

    Your signature confirms that you’ve reviewed your program information.

    Review the Health Science Programs & Policies Flipbook or
    Download the accessible PDF version of the document.

  3. What's Next

    Now that you’ve completed Steps 1 and 2, check your email for information about your next step — applying to the Associate Degree Nursing program.

100%
2024 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
90.9%
2024 Job Placement at Time of Graduation
100%
2024 Job Placement Within 6 Months of Graduation

Accreditation

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Johnston Community College, located in Smithfield, NC, is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE,
Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

Johnston Community College ADN Program 3-year Average 2021-2023:  92.3%

2025 NCSBN National Average NCLEX-RN for all first time test takers - US Educated:  88.56%

 2025 North Carolina Average (85% of National Avg.; NCBON Requirement): 84% 

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Johnston Community College, located in Smithfield, NC, has Full Approval status from the North Carolina Board of Nursing. 

Career Opportunities

After completing the Associate Degree Nursing program, you’ll be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). This credential opens doors to a wide range of nursing careers in healthcare settings that need skilled, compassionate professionals.

As a graduate, you may work in roles such as:

  • Hospital Staff Nurse – Provide direct patient care in medical-surgical units, emergency rooms, or specialty departments.

  • Long-Term Care Nurse – Support residents in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, focusing on chronic care and daily living needs.

  • Home Health Nurse – Deliver care to patients in their homes, monitoring recovery and providing education on treatment and wellness.

  • Rehabilitation Nurse – Help patients regain independence after injury, surgery, or illness through coordinated recovery plans.

  • Outpatient Clinic Nurse – Assist with preventive care, health education, and minor procedures in clinics and physician offices.

  • Public Health Nurse – Work within the community to promote wellness, prevent disease, and educate on public health issues.

  • Dialysis Nurse – Care for patients with kidney disease, monitoring treatments and managing ongoing therapy.

  • Psychiatric Nurse – Support individuals with mental health challenges, providing care in hospitals, clinics, or community settings.

  • Learn more about potential career paths.

These career paths are available in diverse healthcare environments, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, and public health organizations.

Have Questions?

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Pathway to Advanced Nursing Degrees

An Associate Degree in Nursing can be a stepping stone to higher education. Many graduates choose to continue their studies and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or even a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for greater career advancement. You can advance your degree with the pathway to Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) from Eastern Carolina University.

Degrees and Pathways