Olivia Chen, NP
June 18, 2025
The RN to BSN programs exist for registered nurses who completed their nursing education with an associate degree or diploma to pursue a bachelor’s degree. These programs serve as a necessity for Alabama’s healthcare system because BSN-prepared nurses demonstrate superior leadership, critical thinking abilities and patient care skills. Alabama’s health care demands are increasing as BSN-educated nurses help to improve patient outcomes and staff the state’s hospitals, clinics and public health services.
Auburn, AL - Public 4-Year - auburn.edu
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Auburn University's online RN to BSN program offers a flexible pathway for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree in just three semesters. Designed for associate degree holders with a current RN license, it allows up to 37 transfer credits and emphasizes holistic nursing, evidence-based practice, leadership, and population health. No entrance exam like ACT or SAT is required, making it accessible for working professionals seeking career advancement in nursing.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Auburn University's hybrid RN to BSN program enables registered nurses to advance their education efficiently, completing in three semesters with a hybrid format. It focuses on holistic nursing, evidence-based practice, and leadership, requiring a minimum 2.5 GPA, current RN licensure, and prerequisite courses. Up to 37 transfer credits are possible, and no entrance exam is needed, supporting professionals in expanding their healthcare roles.
Tuscaloosa, AL - Public 4-Year - ua.edu
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The University of Alabama's online RN to BSN program offers a flexible and affordable path for registered nurses to earn a bachelor's degree. With no ACT or SAT scores required, it features a 25-credit nursing curriculum at $385 per hour, accredited by CCNE. Designed for working professionals, it covers key areas like informatics and evidence-based practice, enhancing leadership and clinical skills.
Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Alabama's RN to BSN/MSN Nurse Executive program provides an accelerated online pathway, focusing on the Nurse Executive concentration for career advancement. No entrance exam is needed, and it allows nurses to earn both degrees with leadership training in healthcare management. Accredited by CCNE, it requires a 3.0 GPA and includes clinical hours for comprehensive preparation.
Huntsville, AL - Public 4-Year - uah.edu
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The University of Alabama in Huntsville's RN to BSN online program provides a flexible and accessible pathway for registered nurses to advance their education. Designed for working professionals, it allows licensed RNs with an associate degree or diploma to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing entirely online. With a minimum 2.0 GPA requirement and no specified entrance exam like ACT or SAT, the program focuses on enhancing clinical knowledge, leadership abilities, and professional growth. Students must maintain an unencumbered nursing license and achieve at least a 'C' in nursing courses, with the final 12 of 18 credits completed at UAH, preparing them for expanded career opportunities in healthcare.
Troy, AL - Public 4-Year - troy.edu
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Troy University's Online RN to BSN Mobility program offers a fast-tracked pathway for registered nurses to advance their careers, with completion possible in just 18 weeks. This fully online program, accredited by ACEN, provides flexible full and part-time options tailored for working professionals. It emphasizes leadership development, evidence-based practice, and population health, preparing nurses for enhanced roles without requiring an ACT or SAT entrance exam. With over 50 years of nursing education experience, the program is military-friendly and features multiple enrollment terms for convenience.
Jacksonville, AL - Public 4-Year - jsu.edu
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Jacksonville State University's STEP RN-BSN Program is a fully online, accelerated option for registered nurses seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Designed for working professionals, it can be completed in just one calendar year with flexible full-time or part-time schedules. The program awards up to 35 credit hours for prior RN experience, has no waiting list, and offers multiple admission periods in spring, summer, and fall. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required, making it accessible and convenient for advancing nursing careers.
Multiple RN to BSN programs in Alabama exist online so nursing professionals can earn their degree while continuing to work. The flexibility of these online programs includes completely online courses alongside programs that blend online learning with minimal in-person attendance. Online programs use asynchronous class arrangements to let students work on their coursework independently through time. Some educational programs need students to attend occasional on-campus orientations along with clinical requirements. The online learning format suits nurses who work in rural settings or prefer studying from their home environment. Specific programs offer educational programs during evenings and weekends. RNs who need to earn their BSN fast can choose accelerated tracks as their educational path.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn University |
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| Troy University |
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| University of West Alabama |
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| Certifying Board | Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate from an ABN‑approved BSN program and pass the NCLEX‑RN |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal from Sept 1–Dec 31 in even years for RNs/APRNs |
| Continuing Education | 24 contact hours every two years, including a four‑hour Board course for new licenses and six pharmacology hours for APNs |
| License Application Fee | $125 application plus $3.50 transaction fee |
| Clinical Hours | Completion of all required didactic, skills and clinical practicum per ABN standards |
| Application Processing Time | First‑come, first‑served, license issued once all requirements are met |
| License by Endorsement | Apply within 30 days of relocating, fees are $125 single‑state or $225 multistate plus $3.50 transaction, submit approved transcripts and CE proof |
The salary range for BSN-prepared nurses working in Alabama averages at $75,000 per year. The salary amount depends on nurse-specific factors such as work location and experience level as well as the healthcare organization they work for. The annual salaries for nurses in Birmingham cities range from $60,000 to $85,000. RN job growth in Alabama remains strong because the state will add more than 4,000 RN positions before 2030. The demand for BSN-prepared nurses runs high because hospitals are searching for Magnet status and nurses with leadership and specialized skills. The demand for BSN nurses in rural primary care clinics together with public health settings continues to grow throughout the state.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Alabama | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $72,500 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $34.85 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$85,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $72,500 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$54,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 12% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,200 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of West Alabama |
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| The University of Alabama |
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| Auburn University at Montgomery |
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The BSN degree enables nurses to access various career advancement options. Alabama nurses can also pursue nurse manager and clinical nurse leadership roles with a BSN. The BSN allows for certification in pediatric care, critical care, and oncology specialties in addition to the basic RN license. Nurses with BSN degrees may attend master’s program to become nurse practitioners or nurse educators. The BSN degree prepares nurses to collaborate in various health care teams by managing patient care with greater independence and contributing to the formulation of health care policies within their institutions.
Additional Nursing Programs in Alabama
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Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online Learning - Website
