Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 19, 2025
Alabama offers diverse pathways for aspiring and practicing nurses to advance their careers, from entry-level certifications to advanced practice degrees. Whether you’re starting your healthcare journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), transitioning from an RN to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification, or advancing to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Alabama’s nursing programs provide comprehensive training tailored to each career level. These programs vary in length and curriculum focus, but all are designed to prepare graduates for rewarding careers in healthcare while offering competitive salary potential across the state’s growing medical sector.
Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu
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University of Alabama at Birmingham's BSN program equips students with comprehensive nursing skills through a rigorous four-year curriculum. Students develop critical clinical competencies, focusing on anatomy, physiology, and professional nursing practice. The program requires a pre-nursing foundation GPA of 2.75, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN examination. With an emphasis on informed patient care and professional judgment, students benefit from a blend of academic coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. The program offers admission twice yearly, providing flexibility for aspiring nursing professionals seeking a robust educational pathway.
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UAB's BSN Traditional Pathway provides a comprehensive four-year undergraduate nursing education emphasizing person-centered care and evidence-based practice. Students engage in rigorous academic coursework complemented by extensive clinical experiences, developing interprofessional collaboration skills. The program prepares students for diverse healthcare environments, with a strong focus on clinical competence and professional development. Maintaining a 2.75 GPA is required, ensuring high academic standards. Graduates emerge well-equipped to take the NCLEX-RN and launch successful nursing careers across various healthcare settings.
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University of Alabama at Birmingham's BSN program delivers a comprehensive 66-credit nursing education integrating technological innovations with professional skill development. Students receive extensive clinical training across diverse patient populations, emphasizing evidence-based practice and leadership skills. The competitive program requires a 2.75 GPA and offers multiple admission pathways. With flexible tuition ranging from $458-$1,141 per semester hour and available financial aid, students can access a high-quality nursing education. The curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and positions them for successful healthcare careers.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UAB's RN to BSN Pathway offers registered nurses a flexible, distance-accessible route to complete their bachelor's degree. Designed for working professionals, the program provides a convenient 3-5 semester plan focusing on advanced nursing concepts, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Requiring an active RN license and minimum 2.5 GPA, students can earn 30 upper-division credits through an online, technology-based platform. The program enables nurses to enhance their clinical competence and professional development while maintaining their current nursing career.
Mobile, AL - Private 4-year - umobile.edu
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University of Mobile's Associate Degree in Nursing provides an efficient five-semester pathway into professional nursing practice. Emphasizing hands-on learning within state-of-the-art facilities, the program prepares students comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN examination. Admission requirements include a minimum 19 ACT score, 2.5 GPA, and clear background checks. The curriculum cultivates compassionate, skilled nursing professionals ready to excel in critical care, pediatric, and diverse healthcare environments. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities enhance accessibility, making this program attractive for aspiring nurses at various career stages.
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University of Mobile's Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing transforms aspiring healthcare professionals through a rigorous 123-credit-hour program. Students engage in advanced clinical simulations and personalized faculty mentorship, preparing for diverse nursing specialties like Critical Care and Pediatric Nursing. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 GPA, comprehensive prerequisites, and background clearance. The curriculum strategically balances theoretical foundations with hands-on practical experiences, ensuring graduates are comprehensively equipped for dynamic healthcare environments and NCLEX-RN licensing examination success.
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The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of Mobile offers a streamlined pathway for career changers and mature students. Designed for bachelor's degree holders or individuals over 23 with 62 college credits, this intensive four-semester program provides a comprehensive nursing education. Students benefit from robust on-campus learning and community clinical experiences, covering specialized nursing domains like pediatric and mental health. Admission demands a competitive 3.0 GPA, with the curriculum strategically preparing graduates for high-demand nursing roles across diverse healthcare settings.
Troy, AL - Public 4-Year - troy.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Troy University's BSN program delivers a robust nursing education emphasizing practical, real-world skills through comprehensive clinical rotations and advanced simulations. Designed to cultivate exceptional nursing professionals, the program boasts impressive NCLEX-RN exam pass rates and prepares students for diverse healthcare environments. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for immediate professional practice. The military-friendly institution offers strategic admission pathways, requiring applicants to submit transcripts and pay a modest $20 application fee. Aspiring nurses can anticipate a transformative educational experience that opens multiple career opportunities across critical care, public health, and specialized nursing fields.
Mobile, AL - Public 4-Year - southalabama.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Alabama's BSN program offers a comprehensive nursing education that prepares students for successful healthcare careers. With robust clinical experiences and team-based learning strategies, students develop critical professional skills. The program features multiple entry pathways, including traditional, accelerated, and RN to BSN tracks, accommodating diverse student backgrounds. Prospective students should be prepared for ACT or SAT entrance exams. High employment rates exceeding 90% demonstrate the program's effectiveness. State-of-the-art simulation labs and distinguished faculty provide exceptional learning environments. Students gain hands-on experience through varied clinical placements, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to pass the NCLEX-RN and excel in professional nursing roles.
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University of South Alabama's Accelerated BSN offers an intensive 12-month nursing pathway for individuals holding a prior bachelor's degree. Designed for highly motivated candidates, the program requires a minimum 2.90 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses. Admission occurs twice annually in January and July. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, covering specialized nursing areas like pediatric and obstetric care. Rigorous clinical experiences prepare students for comprehensive healthcare challenges. The program demands full-time commitment, with weekend clinical rotations possible. Applicants must complete health requirements, background checks, and drug screenings. Graduates are strategically positioned to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue advanced nursing opportunities.
Huntsville, AL - Public 4-Year - uah.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama in Huntsville's BSN program delivers a comprehensive five-semester pre-licensure nursing pathway tailored for students aspiring to enter healthcare. Strategically designed for those without prior nursing credentials, the program provides a robust academic foundation emphasizing clinical skills and patient care principles. Students with 30+ credit hours receive priority consideration, with opportunities for Dean's Scholar Program and Honors College participation. The curriculum prepares graduates comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN examination, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to navigate complex healthcare environments. Entrance requirements include a competitive academic record, with specific focus on students demonstrating strong scholastic potential in nursing science.
Alabama’s LPN programs equip students with hands‑on training in patient assessment, medication administration and basic nursing procedures, readying them for roles in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, home health agencies and rural clinics. By graduating competent practical nurses, these programs help alleviate staffing shortages and bolster the work of registered nurses statewide. In many underserved and rural communities, LPNs serve as primary caregivers, broadening access to essential healthcare services and reinforcing the resilience of Alabama’s healthcare system.
Alabama’s CNA programs equip students with essential skills in patient care, vital signs, infection control and basic nursing procedures through a 75–120‑hour curriculum, typically completed in 4–12 weeks, that blends classroom learning with supervised clinical rotations. Approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health and meeting federal OBRA standards, these programs prepare graduates to pass the state competency exam and join the Nurse Aide Registry. As frontline caregivers in hospitals, long‑term care facilities and home health settings, CNAs provide vital support to nursing teams, enhancing patient comfort and helping to alleviate staffing shortages across Alabama’s healthcare system.
Alabama’s RN to BSN programs enable licensed registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas to earn their bachelor’s degree through flexible one‑ to two‑year online or hybrid pathways offered by universities and community‑college partnerships. By deepening expertise in leadership, community and public health, and evidence‑based practice, graduates move into roles in hospital units, health departments and rural clinics with greater autonomy and impact. Increasing the share of BSN‑prepared nurses helps meet statewide quality benchmarks, supports Magnet recognition goals and ultimately improves patient outcomes across Alabama.
Alabama’s Nurse Practitioner programs build on a BSN by offering advanced clinical coursework and supervised residencies over two to four years in specialties such as family, pediatric, and psychiatric mental health. These MSN or DNP pathways, available online, hybrid, and on campus, prepare graduates for APRN certification and licensure. As primary care providers, chronic disease managers, and telehealth clinicians in hospitals, community clinics, and rural practices, NPs expand access to high‑level care. By addressing provider shortages and driving improvements in patient outcomes, NP programs play a critical role in strengthening Alabama’s healthcare system.
Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | 2 years | High school diploma or GED | Common entry point, especially important in rural/underserved regions |
RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | Rare today, mostly replaced by ADN programs |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years | High school diploma or ADN transfer | Strong employer preference for BSN-prepared nurses; widespread RN-to-BSN programs |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles, NP practice requires physician collaboration |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree, NP practice remains physician-dependent in Alabama |
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