Alabama Online LPN Programs: Key Details for Students
Alabama is home to a thriving environment for licensed practical nurses. Keep reading to see how you can jump-start your nursing career in the Yellowhammer State.
If you’re considering a career in allied healthcare but don’t want to spend countless years in school, online LPN programs in Alabama might just be for you. Online LPN students have a variety of options for a flexible and affordable education and graduate into a field that is growing faster than most and offers above-average salaries. Graduates of online LPN programs in Alabama also benefit from entering a meaningful field that positively influences the health and wellness of their communities.
To get started, it’s vital to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the LPN world. That’s where we come in. Throughout this guide, we’ll help you explore the academic and training opportunities for LPNs in Alabama. In addition to spotlighting some standout online LPN programs in Alabama, we underscore what it takes to secure and keep your nursing license. We also offer some valuable resources that can provide support on your LPN journey.
Continue reading as we introduce two standout online LPN programs in Alabama and see what these flexible and affordable nursing programs can do for you.
Inside Look at LPN Programs Online in Alabama
Finding — and getting admitted to— the best online LPN program in Alabama is vital to your academic journey. We’ve highlighted two schools to help start your search for the best program for you. Read on to check out two of Alabama’s best LPN programs.
Herzing University
Established in 1965, Herzing University is a private institution with multiple campuses across the United States. Herzing’s Birmingham, Alabama, campus is home to one of the best online LPN programs in Alabama, offering a flexible and affordable pathway for students to begin their healthcare career journey. This 12-month program features experienced instructors, an ACEN-accredited curriculum, and extensive real-world clinical experiences.
Throughout this 48-credit LPN program, students tackle various theoretical and practical classes to prepare them for state licensure. Essential courses include topics such as foundations of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and mental health/geriatric nursing. Before graduation, students complete a four-credit NCLEX-PN review course.
Prospective LPN students must hold a high school diploma or GED. While some applicants may be required to complete the TEAS admissions exam, high-achieving high school students can opt out if their GPA exceeds 3.5. Students with higher education experience can transfer up to 36 approved credits.
Wallace Community College
With campuses in Dothan and Eufaula, Alabama’s Wallace Community College is home to a flexible, three-semester practical nursing program that ranks among the best online LPN programs in Alabama. Leaning on an ACEN-accredited curriculum and a roster of experienced instructors, Wallace Community College LPN students can come away ready to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and begin their healthcare careers.
As students work through this flexible 49-credit practical nursing program, students tackle both the theory of practical nursing as well as the clinical training opportunities that offer vital real-world experiences. Students complete required courses such as Fundamentals of Nursing, Introduction to Pharmacology, Adult Nursing, and Psychosocial Nursing. Before graduation, students also complete a three-credit course designed to prepare them for the transition to professional nursing.
Prospective students must gain unconditional acceptance into Wallace Community College before applying for the practical nursing program. Students must include proof of high school diploma or GED, standardized test scores, and a completed nursing program application.
Alabama LPN Licensing Information and Requirements
Securing and keeping your Alabama LPN license is as practical as it is essential. From background checks and education to testing and renewals, the following section highlights how to secure and maintain your nursing license.
Background Check
After completing your Alabama LPN program, you’ll need to submit to a thorough background check. This essential part of the licensing process ensures that an applicant meets the state’s standards and covers vital elements like criminal history.
In addition to helping maintain patient and co-worker safety, background checks play a role in verifying that prospective LPNs have the professional and ethical standards essential for safe, competent, and effective healthcare. You can read more about the Alabama Board of Nursing’s background check process here.
Education and Training
Education and training are the professional foundation for LPNs in Alabama. Prospective LPNs must complete a certificate or associate degree from an accredited nursing program. Throughout an accredited LPN program, students develop their knowledge and hone the skills that inform compassionate and competent nursing care.
Accredited LPN programs cover vital topics ranging from anatomy to pharmacology. In addition to theoretical work in the classroom, LPN students also train extensively in real-world healthcare settings. The best LPN programs graduate students ready to sit for their licensing exam and jump-start their nursing careers.
Practical Nursing Examination
The National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) is typically the final hurdle LPN students encounter before securing their license. This comprehensive exam challenges test-takers to utilize both nursing knowledge and critical thinking across multiple areas of practice.
This multiple-choice test typically takes about two hours and can include over 200 wide-ranging questions. Students can expect questions to touch on pediatric care, gerontology, health promotion, and safe and effective nursing care. While this test can feel daunting, students graduating with a diploma or associate degree have a pass rate of over 87%.
Renewal of Licensure and Continuing Education
LPNs in Alabama are required to renew their licenses every two years, and the window for renewal is Sept. 1-Dec. 31 in odd-numbered years. Along with a $100 license fee, Alabama LPNs must complete 24 hours of continuing education over the two-year period. Those not securing the required continuing education credits cannot renew their license.
When planning to renew your Alabama LPN license, be sure to allow enough time for any unforeseen administrative hiccups. LPNs failing to renew their license by 4:30 p.m. on December 31st (odd-numbered years) are no longer legally allowed to practice nursing.
Career and Salary Insights for Alabama LPNs
Once you've completed your LPN education and training, here’s what you can expect in terms of career outlook. The figures in the first table below indicate solid, if unspectacular, growth in job openings for LPNs in both Alabama and the U.S. generally. The projected long-term (2022-2032) growth of 6.1% in LPN jobs in Alabama aligns with the projected growth of 6.2% for all jobs across all occupations in the state. Moreover, it is more than double the 2.8% estimated increase in openings for all jobs nationwide.
Salary details for LPNs in Alabama and various communities within the state can be found in the second table. The median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in Alabama is $48,330, with relatively small variations (some slightly higher, some slightly lower) in specific communities. The one outlier is Dothan, Alabama, where LPN salaries are substantially lower than elsewhere in the state.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Alabama | 11,440 | 11,700 | 260 | 2.30% | 900 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $33,710 | $48,330 | $61,530 |
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | $33,390 | $47,420 | $62,170 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $29,820 | $45,330 | $60,130 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $39,530 | $50,460 | $66,120 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $36,150 | $49,450 | $61,340 |
| Decatur, AL | $30,590 | $48,360 | $59,130 |
| Dothan, AL | $31,030 | $38,240 | $51,940 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $26,800 | $46,550 | $57,820 |
| Gadsden, AL | $36,120 | $46,730 | $57,650 |
| Huntsville, AL | $35,360 | $50,370 | $62,350 |
| Mobile, AL | $37,360 | $47,840 | $60,260 |
| Montgomery, AL | $30,030 | $49,110 | $60,860 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $35,740 | $47,670 | $61,240 |
Source: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Alabama LPN Students and Professionals
- Alabama Association of Nursing Students: Part of the National Student Nurses Association, this nonprofit boasts more than 60,000 members and provides training and professional support for nursing students, regardless of degree level. Additionally, this group advocates for affordable and effective healthcare while supporting the next generation of nursing leaders.
- Alabama Board of Nursing: The Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) is the state’s regulatory arm that handles everything from nursing licensure to standards of practice. This is your go-to resource for everything from licensure requirements and healthcare news to renewal procedures and continuing education.
- Alabama Department of Public Health: As part of Alabama’s state government, the public health department strives to improve state health outcomes through various healthcare initiatives. At Alabama Public Health, residents have access to a long list of programs and services, including disease prevention, family planning, and public health nursing.
- Alabama State Nurses Association: For over 100 years, this group has represented nurses in Alabama while advocating for public health issues. Additionally, this group lobbies for healthcare environments that improve patient outcomes while supporting the physical, emotional, and professional needs of Alabama nurses.
- Scholarships & Online Resources for LPN and LVN Students: Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to scholarships and resources for LPN students. In addition to spotlighting multiple degree-specific scholarships, we also dive into how you can fund your degree without getting bogged down by student loans.
- Transitioning to Online School: A Guide for Healthcare Students: Transitioning to an online program can take some adjustment. That’s why we published this practical introduction to online learning. From managing communication and logistics to the pragmatic tools you can use to help navigate the virtual classroom, we’ve got you covered.
