Accelerated BSN Programs in Alabama

Program Length & Format

• 5 semesters
• Clinical training location: Birmingham, Alabama
• Clinical training hours: over 900 hours

Admission Requirements

• Minimum baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing from an accredited institution at time degree awarded
• Admission to Samford University; apply as an Undergraduate Transfer
• Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
• Minimum science GPA: 2.3 on a 4.0 scale in required courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry)
• Science courses must have been completed within the last seven years
• No more than one required science course may have been repeated; each repeated course may be repeated only once
• No ACT or SAT scores required

Entrance Exams

• ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) required: minimum overall score 72% and minimum proficiency 58.7% in all four areas
• ATI TEAS may be taken a maximum of three times per calendar year

Prerequisites

• Required science courses: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry
• Required science courses must meet the program's recency and repetition rules (completed within seven years; no more than one repeat)

Deadlines

• Application deadline: June 1 (Fall admission only)

Application

• Two-step application: apply to Samford University first, then complete Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing application via link sent after Samford application
• Submit nursing application and any related materials as instructed after receiving the School of Nursing application link

Selection Process

• Admission to Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing is competitive; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical education includes over 900 hours of clinical experience in a variety of health care settings in Birmingham
• Program includes an accredited experiential learning and simulation center

Credit Transfer

• To receive credit for Samford Biol 217 (Human Anatomy-Allied Health Sci) and Biol 218 (Human Physiology-Allied Health Sci), Anatomy and Physiology I and II courses must be completed
• Online science labs are not accepted for required science courses

International Students

• TOEFL requirement for international applicants or U.S. citizens who learned English as a second language: minimum 550 (paper), 213 (computer) or 80 (internet)

Program Length & Format

• 3 semesters: Spring, Summer, Fall
• Total program hours: 126
• Total upper-division hours: 61
• Total clinical hours: 810
• Cohort capacity: 20 students
• Mandatory orientation for ABSN students

Admission Requirements

• Earned bachelor’s degree or higher in a field other than nursing required
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all prior coursework
• Minimum grade of C in all nursing prerequisite courses
• Submission of completed nursing application with TEAS score by posted deadline
• Submission of health data forms, evidence of health insurance, negative drug screen, and acceptable background check by deadlines

Entrance Exams

• ATI TEAS exam required
• Competitive TEAS score required (no numeric threshold published)

Prerequisites

• BYS 215: Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4 credit hours)
• BYS 216: Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4 credit hours)
• BYS 214: Infection & Immunity (Microbiology) with lab (4 credit hours)
• Statistics: PY 300, MSC 287, or SOC 303 (3 credit hours; lab not required)
• NUR 220: Health Promotions for Nursing Majors (3 credit hours; UAH-only course)

Deadlines

• Application deadline for Spring 2026: August 1, 2025

Application

• Must be admitted to University of Alabama in Huntsville before applying to College of Nursing
• Complete online College of Nursing ABSN application and submit TEAS score
• Official transcripts documenting bachelor’s degree and prerequisite courses
• Health data forms, proof of health insurance, drug screen, background check required by deadlines
• Recommendation to meet with a UAH College of Nursing advisor when applying

Selection Process

• Holistic admission review process used for applicant selection
• Factors considered include bachelor’s degree, GPA, prerequisite grades, TEAS score, application materials
• Interview with ABSN Admission Committee required; interview determines final acceptance
• Admission may be forfeited if any admission criteria are not met

Cost & Financial Aid

• Selected ABSN-APP students: employer-paid tuition using "Last Dollar" scholarship (employer-dependent)
• Selected ABSN-APP students: paid clinical hours
• Selected ABSN-APP students: guaranteed job placement with partner employer

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical component: 810 total clinical hours
• Clinical model: Student Nurse Apprentice program approved by Alabama Board of Nursing and Alabama Office of Apprenticeship
• One-on-one clinical mentoring by a practicing nurse for ABSN-APP participants

Contacts

• Savannah Stewart; phone: 256.824.6447; office: NUR 227
• University of Alabama in Huntsville; address: 301 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35899

Program Length & Format

• 4 consecutive semesters
• Program start: spring semester, classes begin in January
• Course and clinical sessions delivered on campus and at local clinical sites
• Program includes attendance during the summer semester

Admission Requirements

• Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 on last 60 hours of academic coursework
• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or be 23 years of age with at least 62 credit hours of college work
• Submission of official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Clear background check required; clear drug screen when requested; submission of health history and required immunizations; current personal health insurance required
• Personal interview with the Undergraduate Admissions Committee may be required

Prerequisites

• For applicants with a bachelor’s degree: PSY 301 Human Growth and Development (3 cr); BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 cr); BIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 cr); BIO 301 Microbiology (4 cr); total 15 credit hours
• For applicants without a bachelor’s degree: university core requirements including English (6 cr), Literature (3 cr), Christian Studies (6 cr), COM 101 or PY 101 (3 cr), History (3 cr), MA 110 Immediate Algebra (3 cr), MA 211 Elementary Statistics (3 cr), PSY 201 Intro to Psychology (3 cr), PSY 301 Human Growth and Development (3 cr), BIO 201 (4 cr), BIO 202 (4 cr), BIO 301 (credit hours listed for microbiology in other section); other electives to reach 62 total credit hours
• Grade requirement: grade of C or higher required for all prerequisites
• Repeat policy: each prerequisite may be repeated only once

Deadlines

• Applications accepted until class is filled
• Program intake occurs each spring semester (classes begin in January)

Application

• Online application (submission until class is filled)
• Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
• Evidence of clear background check and drug screen when requested
• Health history and record of required immunizations
• Proof of current personal health insurance

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical sessions at local clinical sites
• Center for Excellence in Healthcare Practice (CEHP) uses simulators and augmented reality for clinical and laboratory experience
• Course and clinical delivery occur on campus and at local clinical sites

International Students

• International transcripts for prior nursing coursework must include an evaluation from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
• International transcripts for non-nursing coursework must include an evaluation from World Education Services (WES)
• Proof of English proficiency required; official TOEFL scores must be sent directly to Enrollment Services

Program Length & Format

• 15 months
• online didactic courses with in-person skills, simulations, and clinical rotations in Northwest Alabama
• clinical schedule: two weekends per month (Friday–Sunday) with occasional Thursday
• Total nursing credit hours: 60

Admission Requirements

• baccalaureate degree in any discipline other than Nursing from a regionally accredited institution
• Admission to the University of North Alabama required prior to program admission
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in either the first degree or on completed prerequisite courses
• Grade of C or higher required in all prerequisite courses
• Eligibility to participate in rotations in all clinical facilities and availability for clinical at designated times and locations in Northwest Alabama
• Submit formal application to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions
• criminal background check and negative drug screen; must be in good standing with university student conduct
• Letter of eligibility required for applicants previously enrolled in another nursing program

Prerequisites

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with laboratory
• Microbiology or Clinical Microbiology (BI 302 or BI 307)
• Introductory/Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory (CH 101)
• Nutrition (CNH 342)
• Human Growth and Development (ED 299)
• General Psychology (PY 201) or Introductory Sociology (SO 221)
• Elementary Statistics (MA 147)
• Nursing Concepts (NU 203W or NU 203WR)
• Pathophysiology for the Healthcare Professional (NU 238 or NU 238R)
• All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to admission to the accelerated option
• No time limit on prerequisite course completion

Deadlines

• Program application available February 1 each year
• Application due March 1 each year
• Admission decisions notified by April 1 each year
• Admitted students must enroll in the May intersession

Application

• Submit formal online application to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Pay application fee as specified on ACONHP application
• All official college transcripts must be submitted to the University Admissions Office by the application deadline
• Letter of eligibility required for applicants previously enrolled in another nursing program
• Complete background check and drug screen as specified on the application

Selection Process

• Admission determined by an admission cumulative index based on admission assessment exam scores, GPA, and completed coursework at UNA
• Initial eligibility requires meeting University admission requirements; University admission does not assure program admission
• Admission decisions issued by April 1 following application review

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition: $340 per credit hour (in-state)
• Out-of-state tuition: $680 per credit hour plus additional fees
• Accelerated BSN eligible for UNA New Start Scholarship (waived application fee and complimentary first course when enrolled in two or more courses for qualifying new online students)

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical rotations and onsite skills/simulations held in Northwest Alabama
• Face-to-face clinical component scheduled two weekends per month (Friday–Sunday) with occasional Thursday
• Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program available only to Accelerated BSN students: paid clinical hours, paid tuition, paid books and supplies, semester mentor assignment, guaranteed job placement upon graduation with a two-year work agreement at sponsoring hospital
• Ability to participate in clinical rotations at designated facilities required for admission and retention

Credit Transfer

• Baccalaureate degrees earned outside the United States require a WES evaluation to be deemed acceptable for credit
• Credit for foreign baccalaureate degrees granted through the University Office of Admissions following evaluation

International Students

• International applicants must meet University TOEFL or English proficiency requirements by the application deadline
• Foreign baccalaureate degrees acceptable if WES evaluation deems courses acceptable and Office of Admissions grants credit

Program Length & Format

• Professional Component: 22 courses, 62 credit hours
• Total degree when entering with prior baccalaureate: 88 credit hours (26 credit hours general education + 62 professional)
• Program schedule: accelerated format not tied to university academic calendar; professional component can be completed in a minimum of 3 semesters and typically over 5 semesters
• Cohort start months: January (Spring cohort) and July (Fall cohort); Spring cohorts begin first week of January, Fall cohorts begin mid-July

Admission Requirements

• Prior non-nursing baccalaureate degree required with degree posted on official transcript
• All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to admission to the professional component
• Minimum prerequisite GPA 2.90
• Minimum grade of C required in all prerequisite courses
• Applicants must be in good academic standing at all previously attended institutions

Prerequisites

• Total prerequisite credits: 26
• Required courses (examples): Life Science w/lab (BLY 101 & 101L or higher), Microbiology w/lab (BLY 213 & 214 or BMD 210 & 210L), Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II w/labs (BMD 251, BMD 252), Chemistry w/lab (CH 101 & 101L or higher), Introduction to Psychology (PSY 120), one Statistics course (ST 305 / ST 210 / BUS 245 / PSY 220)
• All prerequisites must be completed before applying the professional component

Deadlines

• Spring admission application deadline: July 15
• Fall admission application deadline: March 15
• Attendance on first day of classes for cohort is required to begin the Accelerated BSN professional component

Application

• Application fee: $50 non-refundable
• Application components: University application, College of Nursing application
• Transcripts: submission of official transcripts to the University; submission of unofficial transcripts to College of Nursing via email for prerequisite review
• Pre-registration contingencies: completion of acceptance packet, negative drug screen, acceptable background check, and completion of Medical Documents Manager health requirements (all health requirements to be completed no later than one month prior to first day of professional component)

Selection Process

• Applicants reviewed by College of Nursing Admissions Committee and the Dean; enrollment to professional component is limited and selection is made by the committee and Dean
• Students must be in good standing with all prior academic institutions
• Students dismissed from prior nursing programs may only be considered for the Traditional BSN and must compete with other applicants
• Conditional offers require completion of health, background, and drug-screen clearances before initial registration

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical schedule: clinical rotations may include weekdays and weekends (Saturday and Sunday); students may be required to complete more than 20 clinical hours per week during clinical courses
• Clinical practicum course: NU 460 Practicum (6 credit hours)
• Simulation facilities (Baldwin County Campus): three computerized human patient simulators specified as child, adult male (iStan), and pregnant female
• Clinical skills courses: examples include Clinical Nursing Skills, Foundations Professional Nursing Clinical, Psych/Mental Health Nursing Clinical, Community Health Nursing Clinical, and specialty clinical courses listed in professional component

Credit Transfer

• Upper-division nursing courses taken at another institution will not transfer or apply toward the 62 credit hours required for the professional component at USA
• Transfer credit articulation is completed by the Office of Admissions at time of acceptance
• An unofficial transfer equivalency tool is available for initial assessment of transferable credits

Contacts

• USA College of Nursing main phone: (251) 445-9400; fax: (251) 445-9416
• College address: 5721 USA Dr. N., Room 3083, Mobile, AL 36688-0002
• Accelerated BSN Professional Component Academic Advisor: Kayla Young (email listed on College of Nursing pages)