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
Online Learning - Visit Website
Auburn University's RN to BSN program provides registered nurses a seamless pathway to advance their nursing credentials. Designed for associate degree holders, the flexible online track enables professionals to complete their bachelor's degree in just three semesters. Students with an unencumbered RN license can earn up to 37 transfer credits, accelerating their academic journey. The program emphasizes holistic nursing practice, evidence-based care, leadership, and population health, preparing nurses for expanded roles and enhanced career opportunities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Auburn University's RN to BSN program transforms experienced registered nurses into advanced healthcare professionals. This innovative track allows associate degree nurses to elevate their education efficiently, completing the program in just three semesters. Designed for working professionals, the hybrid program offers flexible learning with a comprehensive curriculum focusing on holistic nursing, evidence-based practice, and professional leadership. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA, current RN licensure, and prerequisite course completion. Students can earn up to 37 transfer credits, accelerating their path to a bachelor's degree and expanding career opportunities in healthcare.
Tuscaloosa, AL - Public 4-Year - ua.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Alabama's online RN to BSN program provides registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing education. Designed for working professionals, this program allows RNs with an associate's degree or diploma to earn a bachelor's degree conveniently online. With just 25 credit hours of nursing coursework and a competitive tuition rate of $385 per hour, students can enhance their clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and career opportunities. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program features expert faculty and comprehensive curriculum covering informatics, evidence-based practice, community health, and complex client systems.
Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Alabama's RN to BSN/MSN Nurse Executive program offers a specialized pathway for experienced registered nurses to advance their careers. This accelerated online program allows nurses to seamlessly progress from a BSN to an MSN with a Nurse Executive concentration. Students can earn both degrees in an expedited timeline, with the BSN awarded after four semesters and the MSN following program completion. The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and provides comprehensive leadership training in healthcare management.
Huntsville, AL - Public 4-Year - uah.edu
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The University of Alabama in Huntsville's RN to BSN online program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing education. Designed for working professionals, this program enables licensed RNs with an associate degree or diploma to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students can complete coursework online while maintaining their current nursing position, with a minimum 2.0 GPA requirement. The curriculum focuses on expanding clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and professional development, preparing nurses for enhanced career opportunities in healthcare.
Troy, AL - Public 4-Year - troy.edu
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Troy University's Online RN to BSN Mobility program provides registered nurses a fast-tracked pathway to career advancement, allowing completion in as little as 18 weeks. With over 50 years of nursing education experience, the program prepares nurses for leadership roles through flexible online learning. Designed for working professionals, the program offers full and part-time options, accommodating busy schedules while deepening clinical expertise in areas like population health, leadership, and evidence-based practice.
Jacksonville, AL - Public 4-Year - jsu.edu
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Jacksonville State University's online STEP RN-BSN program offers registered nurses a fast-track pathway to completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Designed for working professionals, this flexible program allows students to earn their degree in just one calendar year. Nurses can leverage their existing experience, potentially earning 35 credit hours, while balancing work and education. The fully online format provides convenience and accessibility, with multiple admission periods and part-time options to accommodate diverse schedules and career goals.
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
