Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Alabama: Find State-Approved Schools

Yes. Nurses in Alabama will find several RN to BSN programs that deliver all coursework online. Many also utilize an asynchronous format, allowing you to fit schoolwork around your nursing job, even if you’re working full-time.

As with all accredited programs, a leadership capstone or practicum is still required. However, Alabama’s RN to BSN programs consistently allow students to complete these at healthcare facilities in their own community or their current workplace.

Most RN to BSN programs are relatively affordable, especially compared to the cost of a four-year degree. Alabama’s programs range from $400/credit hour on the lower end to nearly $600/credit hour at the higher end.

Regardless of which program you choose, many nurses qualify for some form of tuition reimbursement through their employer. This can help make paying for your BSN easier if you plan to keep working alongside your studies.

Timelines vary by school and pace. However, most RN to BSN programs in Alabama can be completed in under two years. Some allow ambitious students to move faster and complete the program in just two semesters.

If you’re prepared to put in enough hours of study time, it’s possible to finish an online RN to BSN degree in under a year while still working full-time as a nurse.

Across Alabama’s RN to BSN programs, the admissions requirements are pretty standard. You’ll need to have either an ADN or comparable nursing diploma from an accredited institution, as well as a current, unencumbered RN license. Beyond this, many schools post a minimum GPA requirement in the 2.5 to 2.75 range.

Some programs also require students to complete a number of prerequisite credits before applying. This can be done at a community college or the institution you plan on applying to.

In either case, it’s important to check with a university advisor before applying to ensure you’ve completed all the necessary courses to qualify for admission.

For most working RNs in Alabama, yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for RNs in the U.S. is $93,600 per year. However, BSN-prepared nurses often make between $10,000 to $20,000 more than their ADN counterparts. Alabama’s median nursing salary is below the national average, so the BSN wage bump can be an especially significant increase.

In addition, a BSN is also increasingly favored by employers when hiring new nurses, particularly if the health system is seeking Magnet designation. It’s also the first step toward graduate-level nursing programs like an MSN or DNP if you want to continue advancing your career.