Best Nursing Schools in Alabama (AL): Online & Campus Programs
Explore online and traditional programs from the best nursing schools in Alabama, plus learn about nursing degree options, licensing requirements, and earnings potential in the state.
The long-term demand for nurses in the U.S. is strong with steeply-rising salaries and hefty signing bonuses becoming the norm. Whether you want to become an RN or are already licensed and want to move into a more advanced nursing role in Alabama, the state has many excellent nursing schools offering dozens of quality degree and certificate programs.
This guide is designed to help you find the right program to meet your professional nursing goals. It explores the many quality, fully-accredited nursing schools in Alabama to help you find a traditional or online nursing program that works for you. In addition to information on nursing degree and certificate options, this guide also discusses how to obtain the licensure you need to work in the state and what you can expect to earn as a working nurse in Alabama.
Best Online Nursing Programs in Alabama
Distance learning is no longer a novelty when it comes to nursing degrees and certificate programs, and that includes those from nursing schools in Alabama. Online course components like lectures, reading assignments, quizzes, and even some labs have become quite common. There are also plenty of schools with full nursing degree and certificate programs that can be accessed and completed entirely online. Below is our list of the best online nursing programs in Alabama for this school year.
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Public
Spring Hill College
Mobile, Alabama
Private
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Public
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama
Public
Troy University
Troy, Alabama
Public
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Public
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama
Public
Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama
Private
Auburn University at Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama
Public
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Public
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Alabama
Can I earn my nursing degree in Alabama completely online?
Whether or not you’ll be able to earn your degree entirely online depends on the specific degree program. Some nursing schools in Alabama offer degree and certificate programs where all requirements are completed 100% online. Other programs, particularly those with in-person clinical hour requirements, may feature fully-online didactic coursework.
Will my online Alabama nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Given that most employers today are well versed in the common use and high quality of distance learning by nursing schools in Alabama, it’s highly unlikely they will think less of a job candidate with an online degree as long as the program is state-approved and properly accredited.
Are online nursing programs in Alabama more affordable than campus programs?
In regard to direct program costs like tuition and programs fees, probably not. Some schools actually charge an additional per-course or per-credit fee for online programs. Overall, though, many online students pay less than their on-campus counterparts after factoring in travel savings.
3 Common Qualities of the Best Nursing Programs in Alabama
The best nursing schools in Alabama all offer a range of degree and certificate programs that meet the academic and professional goals of their students. While each takes its own unique approach, there are several qualities common to all top Alabama nursing programs. Here’s a look at three of the most important.
- Accredited and State Approved Accreditation is the process through which schools and their academic programs are vetted to ensure they meet important standards of quality. Proper accreditation is an absolute must for any nursing programs in Alabama you consider. The two major accrediting bodies for nursing schools and degree programs in the U.S. are the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). You can check program accreditation status using these ACEN and CCNE search engines. State approval is another essential qualification for any nursing program. State approval of nursing programs in Alabama is administered by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
- High NCLEX Pass Rates If you’re intending to become a licensed RN, the nursing program you choose must prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam. An important factor to consider, then, is a program’s NCLEX pass rate. Check the most current pass rate figures for nursing programs in Alabama on the ABN’s approved program webpage.
- Quality Support Services Excellent student support services are also a must when choosing a nursing program. These include academic and career counseling, tutoring services, financial aid and funding assistance, mentorship programs, employment counseling, and job search assistance.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Alabama
The number of undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees and certificates available in Alabama is substantial. The following descriptions for the most common types of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs available in Alabama, along with examples of each, can help you choose the right path for your career goals.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Alabama
ADN Programs
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) program provides the coursework and clinical training needed to qualify to take the NCLEX-RN. ADN programs are typically offered by vocational schools and community colleges in Alabama. Earning an ADN degree usually requires two years of full-time study.
Examples of Alabama Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, prepares students with little or no college or nursing experience to become RNs and provides the general education coursework needed to earn a bachelor’s degree. Traditional BSN programs typically require four years of full-time study and are offered by almost all college and university nursing schools.
Examples of Alabama Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated (or Second Degree) Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offer the fastest route to obtaining a BSN for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees by allowing them to apply general education credits from their previous bachelor’s programs. Accelerated BSN programs are also available from most four-year college and university nursing schools and lead to eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Completion times vary from 15 months to two years.
Examples of Alabama Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Alabama for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
LPN to RN programs are designed to provide time- and cost-efficient pathways for current LPNs to advance their careers by becoming RNs. These programs typically take two forms: LPN to nursing associate degrees (usually three semesters) or LPN to BSN degrees (three to four years).
Examples of Alabama Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs award credits for a student’s RN license as well as apply credit hours earned in the student’s nursing diploma or associate degree program. This cuts down substantially on the number of additional credits needed to earn a BSN degree. RN to BSN programs normally require one year of full-time or two years of part-time study. Many nursing schools in Alabama offer their RN to BSN programs 100% online.
Examples of Alabama Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is for students interested in launching or advancing their nursing careers into advanced nursing practice, teaching, or other leadership roles. One of the most popular pathways is the RN to MSN designed for current RNs without a BSN. Completion times vary from 30 to 36 months for full-time students to four years or more for part-time students. Admission often requires current RN licensure and an ADN. RN to MSN programs may be fully campus based, partially online, or fully online with clinical hour requirements in person. Some programs also award a BSN degree.
Examples of Alabama Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Alabama
MSN Programs
Nursing master’s degree seekers with RN licenses and bachelor’s degrees can opt for a traditional MSN program. The standard MSN pathway is open to students with a nursing BSN while the direct-entry MSN pathway is for those whose bachelor’s degrees are in non-nursing majors. Graduates of direct-entry MSN programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam leading to RN licensure. Degree completion times are 18 months to four years.
Examples of Alabama Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
A DNP is designed for students interested in top-tier leadership positions in advanced nursing practice and healthcare administration. DNP programs are typically offered with specialized courses of study. The PhD in Nursing is for students seeking careers in academics or research. Program lengths vary substantially, but most DNP students complete their degrees in three to four years while PhD in Nursing students typically take four to five and sometimes up to seven years.
Examples of Alabama Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Post-graduate certificates in nursing provide MSN (and sometimes DNP or nursing PhD) degree-holders a time- and cost-efficient way to add a specialization and expand their professional nursing practices. Post-grad nursing certificates come in a range of specializations, including FNP, nurse anesthesia, nurse educator, etc. Completion times vary depending mostly on the chosen area of specialization.
Examples of Alabama Nursing Schools with This Program
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Alabama
Salary trends are extremely positive for nurses in Alabama and throughout the nation. Remember, however, that becoming a fully-licensed RN requires at least a diploma or associate degree from a fully-accredited university. And college at any level can be expensive.
Fortunately, financial aid resources can help you graduate nursing school with less or even no debt. These include nursing scholarships and grants, assistantships and fellowships, the GI Bill for active military and veterans, and employer tuition assistance. Most common of all are student loans, particularly those available from the federal government. The federal government is also a great source for nursing student loan repayment opportunities. Another great source for scholarships and loans for Alabama graduate nursing students is the Alabama Board of Nursing itself.
How to Become an RN in Alabama
Working as a registered nurse in the U.S. requires you to obtain an RN license through your state’s or jurisdiction’s Board of Nursing. Those seeking to work as RNs in Alabama apply for licensure through the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN). Below are the steps to follow and requirements to meet in the Alabama RN licensing process. Familiarize yourself with these to avoid any unpleasant surprises when it comes time for you to apply for your license.
Complete a state-approved and properly-accredited nursing degree or diploma program
Becoming an RN in Alabama requires that you pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Qualifying for the exam requires earning either a nursing diploma or degree through one of several types of nursing degree programs, including nursing associate (ADN, AASN, ASN), LPN to RN, traditional BSN, and accelerated BSN programs. Visit this ABN’s Nursing Education Programs website for a current list of state-approved Alabama and out-of-state pre-RN licensure nursing programs.
Apply for your RN licensure with the ABN
You must complete the ABN electronic license application after graduating from your nursing program. The process includes providing your Social Security Number, proof of citizenship or non-citizen legal presence, and fingerprint card along with answering a series of regulatory questions and paying the application fee. You must also have your nursing school provide the ABN with a copy of your official nursing program transcript. If you answer “yes” to any of the regulatory questions, you’ll need to provide additional information and documentation to explain your answers. Applicants who provide all of the above documentation, answer “no” to all of the regulatory questions, and pay the additional fee may request a Temporary Permit that allows them to begin nursing employment in Alabama as a nursing program graduate.
Sign up for and take the NCLEX-RN exam
You must register with Pearson VUE, the national testing service for the NCLEX-RN exam. This includes payment of the registration fee. Following registration, typically two to three weeks after registration and the determination that your ABN application is complete, you’ll receive authorization to test (ATT) from Pearson VUE. You’ll then schedule and take the exam at one of Person VUE’s testing locations. Visit this NCLEX website for detailed information on preparing for and taking the exam.
Receive your RN license from the ABN
Once you’ve taken the NCLEX-RN exam, your results are automatically forwarded to the ABN. Results are mailed three to five days after taking the exam. You can also view your exam results online approximately 24 to 48 hours after the exam. Your Alabama RN license will be issued to you within 24 to 72 hours after you’ve passed.
Keep your license current
Alabama RN licenses must be renewed online every two years between September 1 and December 31 of each even-numbered year regardless of when the license was first issued. License renewal requirements include completion of 24 continuing education hours every two years and payment of the renewal fee. Renewal fees and required CE hours are prorated for first-time renewals.
Salary and Career Outlook for RNs in Alabama
Now that you know a little more about what to expect when pursuing an RN career in Alabama, what can you expect once that career actually gets started? As far as job outlook, Alabama does sit below the national rate in terms of RN jobs growth, with openings growing at a rate of 4.4% compared to the national rate of 5.6%. However, you can better your chances of snagging one of these available roles via pursuing a specialty or achieving a higher level of education than the minimum necessary. Once you do find an RN role, you can expect a salary somewhere near the statewide median of $65,900 (Alabama RNs in the 10th percentile make around $50,000 or less, while RNs in the 90th percentile can make over $92,000 per year). For the highest salary possible, follow the money to Montgomery or Birmingham, where median salaries are highest, at over $70,000. In contrast, the lowest median salaries are found around Gadsden and Florence, at about $60,000. Find more salary and job outlook details below.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,310 | $65,900 | $92,870 |
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | $44,190 | $66,100 | $84,660 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $51,850 | $63,580 | $99,510 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $57,070 | $71,520 | $98,660 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $48,570 | $69,040 | $83,760 |
| Decatur, AL | $47,800 | $64,420 | $83,250 |
| Dothan, AL | $48,280 | $62,640 | $82,860 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $45,800 | $62,480 | $79,250 |
| Gadsden, AL | $46,240 | $61,360 | $82,800 |
| Huntsville, AL | $50,810 | $63,480 | $86,160 |
| Mobile, AL | $51,200 | $65,190 | $82,050 |
| Montgomery, AL | $48,420 | $74,430 | $115,980 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $51,330 | $66,180 | $97,590 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Alabama | 51,980 | 54,290 | 2,310 | 4.40% | 3,090 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Alabama Nursing Resources
Alabama Association of Nursing Students (AANS)
The AANS is a non-profit organization with over 60,000 members supporting the academic interests and professional goals of pre-nursing, diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and graduate-level students enrolled in nursing schools in Alabama.
Alabama Organization for Nursing Leadership (AlaONL)
The AlaONL is a professional organization of Alabama RN leaders and aspiring leaders who design, facilitate, and manage patient care. Associate membership is available to students enrolled in degree programs with a career path in nursing or healthcare administration.
Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA)
The ASNA is committed to advocating for the rights and interests of RNs throughout the state through legislative initiatives, providing continuing education classes, sponsoring professional events for its members, and more.
Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama (NPAA)
The NPAA is a non-profit professional organization representing the interests of Alabama’s advanced practice nurse community and its patients as well as students enrolled in advanced nurse practitioner education programs throughout the state.
Scholarships and Resources for Nursing Students
This EduMed guide provides information and tips on locating, applying for, and landing nursing scholarships and grants. It also includes links to a range of helpful online academic and professional resources for nurses and nursing students.
