An ADN, or Associate Degree in Nursing, is a two-year college degree that prepares students to become licensed Registered Nurses (RNs). At MCC, graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at McLennan Community College is a two-year degree program that prepares students to become licensed Registered Nurses (RNs). Students complete classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, then take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed in Texas.
NOTICE:
The Associate Degree Nursing Program at McLennan Community College, located in Waco, Texas, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The ACEN Board of Commissioners has given this program Continuing Accreditation. View public information at acenursing.com.
This program is also approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
ACEN Contact Information
3390 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000
Texas Board of Nursing Contact Information
1801 Congress Avenue
Suites 10-200
Austin, Texas 74701
Phone: 512-305-7200
Program Effectiveness Data
- NCLEX Pass Rate (2025): 95.35% overall (Generic: 91.84% | LVN to ADN Transition: 83.33%)
- Program Completion (Spring 2024 cohort): 65% (Traditional/Generic ADN)
- Job Placement (2022–2023): 99% (71/72)
Note: Completion and job placement data are reported by the State of Texas with a two-year delay.
Important Requirements
- The College will send all student messages to your MCC student email. It will not use your personal email.
- Students applying to the ADN Program (Spring 2027) and the LVN to RN Transition Program (Summer 2027) must take the HESI A2 RN Entrance Exam.
- All applicants must complete the TSI in reading, writing, and math before the application deadline.
- Turn in all completed nursing applications for ADN or VN to the drop box in the Health Professions Building, by Room 222.
Application Deadlines:
Spring 2027 - Due October 19, 2026, by 4 p.m.
Fall 2027 - Due May 10, 2027 by 4 p.m.
LVN-to-RN Transition - Summer 2027 - Due March 15, 2027, by 4 p.m.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Check the Application Procedure page for required documents and rules. If you have questions, call MCC Advising and Career Services at 254-299-8614.
About the Program
Welcome to MCC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program!
This two-year program prepares you to become a registered nurse (RN). You will learn how to care for patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
The program accepts new students each fall and spring. Class sizes are small, so spots fill quickly. The program takes about two years to complete, not including required courses taken before admission.
You will learn in the classroom and gain real clinical experience. After you finish, you can take the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing this exam is required to become a licensed RN in Texas.
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) may apply for advanced placement. Extra requirements apply.
Fall 2026 ADN Student Handbook.pdf
Mission
The ADN Program prepares students to work safely and effectively as entry-level members of a healthcare team.
When you complete all courses, you will earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. After that, you can start working or continue your education to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. MCC faculty support continued learning and career growth.
Next Steps & Support
If you are interested in nursing, contact Advising & Career Services on the second floor of the Student Services Center. You can also meet with an advisor online through Zoom. Visit mclennan.edu/advising/ for hours.
Students already in the program will get course approval after final grades are posted each semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an ADN degree?
- How long does the ADN program take to complete?
The ADN Program at MCC takes about two years to complete, not including required prerequisite courses taken before admission.
- How long does it take to become an RN at a community college?
At McLennan Community College, it takes about two years to become a Registered Nurse (RN) through the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program, not including required prerequisite courses completed before admission. Graduates earn an A.A.S. degree and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
- What can I do with an ADN degree?
After completing the ADN Program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, graduates can work as licensed Registered Nurses. Many graduates continue their education to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) while working in the field.
Criminal Background Notice
A criminal background check may prevent you from getting a nursing license in Texas. If you have questions, talk to your instructor or program director. You can also request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing agency.
Licensing in Other States
MCC's ADN and LVN-Transition programs meet the education requirements for a Registered Nurse License in Texas. MCC has not confirmed whether these programs meet the requirements in other states, U.S. territories, or Washington, D.C.
Allow approximately 90 days to process out-of-state licensure documents.
Contact
Dr. Shelley Blackwood
Program Director/Professor
Associate Degree Nursing
254-299-8354
sblackwood@mclennan.edu
Links & Resources
