LPN to RN Online Programs in AL: Discovering Top Degrees
If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you have a pivotal role in patient healthcare. But you may be seeking professional growth and enhanced skills to provide a higher level of care. One of the quickest ways to achieve these goals is to become a registered nurse (RN). To make your transition to RN stress-free, we’ve compiled a list of the best hybrid LPN to RN programs in Alabama.
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Inside Online LPN to RN Degrees in Alabama
There are many benefits to heading back to school to become an RN. For one, RNs often have more autonomy at work and better access to leadership opportunities. Another benefit is that you can make more money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs in Alabama average $45,260 per year, while RNs average $66,910.
The process to become a RN is also relatively easy, thanks to LPN to RN bridge programs. Most LPN to RN programs in Alabama are traditional, meaning in-person learning on a college campus.
Though “online” options do exist, they typically involve a mix of both online and in-person learning experiences, termed hybrid learning.
Review the three hybrid LPN to RN programs in Alabama below to give you an idea of what to expect from this type of program.
Herzing University
Herzing University’s LPN to RN Bridge program is accredited by the ACEN and available through their Birmingham campus. Most students can complete the 72 credit hours and earn their associate degree in nursing in just 16 months.
While most of the nursing-related coursework must be completed on campus or in person, all general education course requirements (a minimum of 21 credits) are available online.
Upon completion of this bridge program, Herzing University has special degree pathways allowing graduates to seamlessly transition into a program offering a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. The school also offers professional development resources throughout the associate’s degree.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $12,750 per academic year
Admissions Requirements:
- Current LPN license
- GPA of 3.0 or higher for all previous coursework
- Completion of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS)
- Successful completion of prerequisite courses
Curriculum:
- 72 credit hours of nursing and general education coursework
Wallace Community College
If you’re looking for a flexible program that lets you work while completing coursework, the bridge program offered by Wallace Community College may be a good option. This program culminates in an associate’s degree, and many classes are offered at various times to accommodate work schedules.
While Wallace Community College’s bridge program is designed to be flexible, only prerequisite and general education courses are offered online. All nursing courses must be completed on-campus, making this a better option for students who live near the Dothan, Alabama campus.
The program also includes an in-person apprenticeship, providing students with real-world RN experience.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $129 per credit hour in state; $258 per credit hour out of state
Admissions Requirements:
- Current LPN license
- GPA of 2.5 or higher for all previous coursework
- Completion of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS)
- Successful completion of prerequisite courses
Curriculum:
- LPN Role Transition to Associate Degree Nurse (RN) (5 credits)
- Nursing Through the Lifespan I (5 credits)
- Nursing Through the Lifespan II (6 credits)
- Nursing Through the Lifespan III (6 credits)
- Role Transition for the Registered Nurse (5 credits)
- LPN Mobility coursework (16 credits)
- General education coursework (29 credits)
Coastal Alabama Community College
The Nursing Mobility Program from Coastal Alabama Community College is an excellent option, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It is a traditional program, meaning you’ll mostly attend in-person classes and clinicals.
Students are required to complete a humanities and fine arts elective course during their final semester. Some electives can be completed 100% online.
To make learning as convenient as possible, there are five campuses offering this program throughout the state of Alabama, with locations in Bay Minette, Thomasville, Monroeville, Fairhope, and Brewton.
Duration: Two to three semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $9,177 if in three semesters, $5,857 if in two semesters
Admissions Requirements:
- Current LPN or paramedic license
- GPA of 2.5 or higher for all previous coursework
- Completion of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS)
- Submit transcript for any previous coursework
Curriculum:
- Concepts for Healthcare Transition Students (10 credits)
- General Microbiology (4 credits)
- Advanced Nursing Concepts (7 credits)
- Advanced Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning (7 credits)
FAQs About LPN to RN Online Programs in Alabama
Before investing your time and money in an Alabama LPN to RN bridge program, you’ll want answers to a few questions. Below are some common questions prospective LPN to RN students should consider, along with answers and resources to help you decide.
How long are LPN-RN bridge programs?
Most programs take about three to four semesters to complete. There are some accelerated programs that take less time, but may require a more intensive course load. However, program length depends on the LPN to RN curriculum, as well as your prior educational background.
The more college courses you’ve completed before applying (especially classes that meet the general education and prerequisite requirements), the less time it’ll take to earn your associate in nursing degree.
Expert Insight
Unless you’re an LPN with a prior degree in another field, you’ll need to take the general education courses required to earn a degree. If you’d rather focus entirely on nursing coursework in your LPN to RN program, consider completing all general education courses before beginning the program. Just know that this strategy will lengthen your educational journey.
What are the admission requirements for LPN to RN programs in Alabama?
Each school has a unique admissions process, but you should expect to complete two stages in the admissions process. The first stage requires you to apply to the school, then once you’ve started your classes, you’ll apply to the LPN to RN program, which is the second stage.
To apply to an online LPN to RN program in Alabama, you will usually need to provide the following:
- LPN license in good standing
- Official transcripts of all college courses completed
- Nursing school application
- Minimum GPA for courses taken at the school or any school
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA (often a “C” or higher)
- Completion of the Essential Functions form
What is the cost for LPN to RN programs?
Cost depends on several variables, although the single most important factor will be your residency status. In-state students can expect to pay the lower, in-state tuition. Many schools also offer nursing scholarships to help lower costs.
What should I look for in an LPN to RN program in Alabama?
What you look for depends on your personal preferences, including your budget, how much time you have to complete the program, learning preferences, and location. There are a few program characteristics you should confirm before applying to any Alabama LPN to RN online or on-campus program:
- Accreditation: First, you want the program to be accredited, preferably by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA).
- Board approval: Second, you want to confirm that the program you’re interested in has been approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
- NCLEX passage rates: Third, you should look for LPN to RN bridge programs with NCLEX-RN passage rates that are at least on par with the state average for first-time test takers.
Can I get my LPN to RN online in Alabama?
If an LPN to RN Alabama nursing program is accredited and/or approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing, it cannot be completed 100% online. So if you find an LPN to RN program that claims to be fully online, it’s probably referring to the fact that the classroom course requirements can be completed online, while clinicals will need to be completed in person.
However, many LPN to RN programs in Alabama are hybrid programs with both online and in-person learning. At some schools, like Herzing University, general education classes can be completed online, while nursing courses are taught on campus.
Alabama LPN vs. RN Salary & Career Comparison
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses | Alabama | $39,880 | $57,030 | $69,120 |
| Registered Nurses | Alabama | $58,150 | $77,080 | $98,910 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Alabama | 51,980 | 54,290 | 2,310 | 4.40% | 3,090 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Alabama | 11,440 | 11,700 | 260 | 2.30% | 900 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
