Nursing Schools in Alabama
Alabama offers a variety of pathways for aspiring nurses, with 58 institutions offering nursing programs throughout the state. Prospective students can choose from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs based on their career goals and desired level of education.
For those seeking a BSN, some of Alabama's well-regarded institutions include the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Auburn University, and Samford University. These universities, alongside others in the state, offer traditional BSN programs, accelerated options for those with a prior degree, and RN-to-BSN programs for practicing nurses. While specific costs vary by institution, tuition for in-state students pursuing a BSN can range from approximately $4,000 to $10,000 per year at public universities, and significantly higher at private institutions. ADN programs at community colleges typically offer a more affordable pathway. LPN programs, often lasting 12 months, offer the quickest entry point into nursing, with tuition costs generally lower than ADN or BSN programs.
Although Alabama is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, the state faces a significant nursing shortage, echoing a nationwide trend. The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Alabama is $71,370, with Licensed Practical Nurses earning a median of $48,320. These figures are influenced by location, experience, and employer type.
To learn more about specific nursing programs available in Alabama, explore our comprehensive list of nursing schools in the state. This resource provides detailed information on program offerings, admission requirements, and other essential factors to help you make an informed decision about your nursing education.
Top RN Programs in Alabama
The University of South Alabama (USA) is a public university located in Mobile. Established in 1963, the university now encompasses ten colleges and schools and provides a wide range of undergrad and graduate degree programs. Besides nursing, these colleges provide degrees in medicine, basic medical sciences, and physical therapy. It is one of two state-supported medical schools.
The university has a large student body, with nearly 17,000 students enrolled annually, and a large faculty, making it one of the largest employers in Mobile. However, the school also maintains a quality online learning system for students that want to learn off-campus.
The University of South Alabama College of Nursing offers both online and on-campus learning. When taking online classes, students gain the opportunity to work at local health care facilities within their own communities to complete their clinical requirements. The BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are accredited by the CCNE. For students who have already completed their RN certification, USA College of Nursing offers an RN to BSN pathway and an RN To BSN/MSN pathway. With the online MSN program, students have access to a large selection of Nurse Practitioner specializations, including Family Practitioner, Neonatal NP, Adult-Gerontological Acute NP, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nursing Informatics.
Available Programs
The University of Mobile is a small not-for-profit school located in Mobile, Alabama. It offers both undergraduate and graduates degree programs, including several MSN tracks. While the University of Mobile is a small school, they have a 13:1 student to faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive the attention that they need to excel.
The University of Mobile was established in 1961 as a liberal arts college with a strong Baptist affiliation. In recent years, the university has been recognized as one of the best regional colleges in the South. The campus is located about 10 miles north of Mobile on over 880 acres of wooded land. Students are just about 15 minutes from downtown Mobile and 45 minutes from the beach.
The nursing programs are offered through the School of Nursing. The University of Mobile School of Nursing provides several educational paths for students that want to start a career in nursing. Programs include BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, and two MSN program tracks. The Master’s program includes specializations in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. The small student size and committed professors help create a great learning environment. Students also receive hands-on training at nearby healthcare facilities, including hospitals, health departments, and physician’s offices that the university has partnered with.
The University of North Alabama (UNA) is a public university with both undergrad and graduate degree programs. It is the oldest public university in the state, and most of the campus is in Florence, which is a short drive from Memphis, Nashville, and Birmingham. Established in 1830, the university has grown over the years to accommodate over 10,000 students. The campus facilities are managed by an architectural firm, creating a beautiful campus for students. The area is known for its sprawling green lawns, beautiful fountains and sculptures, and shaded walkways. UNA offers 47 bachelor’s programs and 20 master’s programs through its five colleges, including the Anderson College of Nursing.
The UNA Anderson College of Nursing includes BSN, RN to BSN, and MSN programs. The Master’s program tracks include Nursing Education and Leadership in Healthcare Systems. Many of these programs, including the RN to BSN and master’s tracks, are offered entirely online so that students can learn from home.
The nursing programs are also ranked in the top 10 programs in the South. The college is approved through the Alabama State Board of Nursing and accredited by the CCNE. The college also recently broke ground on a new building to house the Anderson College of Nursing.
Available Programs
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) started off as a medical college, established in 1859. In 1969 it became an independent institution and has expanded to provide a variety of undergrad and graduate programs. While it has gone through many changes, the UAB is now a major university with a nationally recognized academic health center. The UAB is a popular school, with enrollment reaching a record high for the third year in a row. The school also recently formalized a partnership between the UAB health system, school of nursing, and hospital to expand the nursing educational opportunities offered at the UAB. Students have access to the latest technologies and techniques in the healthcare community.
Nursing programs available through the University of Alabama at Birmingham includes a BSN degree, an RN to BSN pathway, and a selection of MSN program tracks. Specializations offered through the MSN programs include Nursing Education, Nurse Practitioner Care, Nursing and Health Systems Management, and Nursing Informatics. MSN applicants must possess a BSN degree with a minimum of 3.0-grade point average. As these programs receive a high number of applicants, the admission process is competitive. However, the UAB gives students the chance to complete their clinical labs at the university-run health center.
The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa offers both undergrad and graduate degree programs for nursing students. It is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama, founded in 1820. The main campus is in the heart of Tuscaloosa, giving students access to the city. While the campus has grown to include 1,970 acres of land, the layout is well-planned and easy to get around. Sports fans will also recognize that the University of Alabama is home to the Crimson Tide, which is the nickname of the NCAA Division I varsity football team at the college. While Alabama has a strong sports tradition, it also offers accredited nursing programs.
The nursing programs offered through the University of Alabama include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, along with several master’s programs. These programs are taught through the Capstone College of Nursing. Students can enroll part-time or full-time to complete the courses at their convenience. The University of Alabama also offers an RN to BSN program for a pathway to the MSN program. Students that prefer a flexible class schedule may enjoy the online enrollment options offered through this college. It should also be noted that certain nursing programs, including the Nurse Practitioner concentration, are only available to residents of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi.
Founded in 1830, Spring Hill is the oldest college in Alabama. Its located six miles west of Mobile and offers a great view of the city and its harbors.
Spring Hill is the first institution in the region to offer MSN degree with a clinical nurse leader track in 2005.
SHC nursing department has around 6 faculties and offers BSN and master's of science in nursing degree programs. The school partners with over 10 medical facilities in the Gulf Coast region which makes it possible for students to gain a hands-on experience by working with various medical experts.
Snead State Community College is located in Boaz, Alabama. This community college began as a private seminary all the way back in 1898. It became a part of the Alabama Community College System in 1967 and has been serving the people of Alabama ever since. This school is capable of awarding associate's degrees in 79 programs and it also offers many certificate programs. With just over 2,400 students, this school offers a versatile education experience to all who enter its doors. The school considers its students to be its greatest asset and strives to offer support to everyone to give them the best environment to learn.
The school offers students the opportunity to earn an associate's degree in nursing. RN courses are designed to help all students achieve their goals and work towards starting their new career successfully. This program is among the most popular in the entire college. During the 2017 school year, 97.6% of all students received a passing rate on the NCLEX exam for RN licensure. The school offers a very high rate of passing in their RN program and gives students all of the necessary tools to succeed in this field. Many different associate's degree programs are also available for students to choose from. This community college can offer prospective students a variety of different choices, making finding a lucrative new career path as simple as possible.
