2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Alabama

Overview of Nursing Schools in Alabama

About Nursing Schools in Alabama

In our Alabama RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Alabama RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Alabama, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Nursing Programs Offered by Alabama Nursing Schools

• Registered Nursing: 41
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 9
• CNL: 4
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 3
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
• Nursing Informatics: 2
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Nurse Educator: 2
• Nursing Administration: 2
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 2
• Nursing Leadership: 1
• Nurse Anesthetist: 1
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1

Alabama Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

• University of Alabama at Birmingham: 11
• University of South Alabama: 10
• South University-Montgomery: 6
• Samford University: 6
• Troy University – Troy: 5
• University of Alabama: 3
• University of Alabama in Huntsville: 3
• Auburn University: 2
• Spring Hill College: 2
• Auburn University at Montgomery: 2

Alabama RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Best Ranked RN Programs in Alabama

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Alabama and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 26 ADN degree programs and 15 BSN degree programs in Alabama. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Alabama to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.

Auburn University

School of Nursing

98.56% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  Auburn University, Auburn, AL - 36849
• 
  (334) 844-4000

Nurse Admin: Gregg Newschwander, PhD, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.56%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

Its BSN program was formed in 1979, graduating its first group of students in 1981.  Per their website, admission into their nursing program is extremely competitive; it does require a minimum GPA of 2.5 but in reality, the minimum GPA is most likely much higher.  In addition, applicants must undergo

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 1699
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,826
• Book and Supplies: $1,200
• Percent Received Aid: 74%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,809
• Percent Admitted: 85%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 32%
• Graduation Rate: 79%

University of Alabama

Capstone College of Nursing

97.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  739 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL - 35487-0100
• 
  (205) 348-6010

Nurse Admin: Suzanne S. Prevost, PhD, RN, FAAN

Title: Dean and Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.70%
• Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to MSN

Another strong option for nurses seeking quality education in online format is the University of Alabama. Located in Tuscaloosa, this is the first public college of Alabama. They boast that they were the first public college of Alabama, founded in 1831.  They are also proud to say that their NCLEX-RN pass

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 1517
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,620
• Book and Supplies: $800
• Percent Received Aid: 85%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,788
• Percent Admitted: 80%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
• Graduation Rate: 72%

Coastal Alabama CC (Alabama Southern)

94.91% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  2800 South Alabama Avenue, , AL - 36460
• 
  2515753156

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.91%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Coastal Alabama CC (Southern State) provides ADN, LPN, and a Mobility (LPN and paramedic to ADN) degrees similar to its brethren in James H Faulkner State.  Ranking as one of the top nursing colleges in the state, Coastal Alabama CC aims to provide quality, patient-centered nursing education to produce nurses

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

University of North Alabama

Anderson College of Nursing

94.67% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  One Harrison Plaza, Florence, AL - 35632-0001
• 
  (256) 765-4100

Nurse Admin: Vicki Pierce, EdD, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.67%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, RN to MSN

Another high-ranking nursing school, University of North Alabama, has been a leading institution in providing quality and accessible education to nurses since 1973. The University offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and MSN degrees via both on-campus and online classes.  The courses at University of North Alabama include biology, humanities, and

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 272
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,620
• Book and Supplies: $1,500
• Percent Received Aid: 96%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,265
• Percent Admitted: 83%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 41%
• Graduation Rate: 50%

University of Alabama at Birmingham

School of Nursing

94.52% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, AL - 35294-0110
• 
  (205) 934-4011

Nurse Admin: Doreen C. Harper, PhD, RN, FAAN

Title: Dean and Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.52%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
• Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP

The UAB School of Nursing is located in Birmingham, Alabama, is one of the best options for aspiring nurses who cannot afford to attend college full time. The school allows the students to opt for a decelerated program which enables them to complete the course in as long as five

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 2544
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,568
• Book and Supplies: $1,200
• Percent Received Aid: 96%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,344
• Percent Admitted: 81%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
• Graduation Rate: 61%

University of Alabama in Huntsville

College of Nursing

93.60% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  301 Sparkman Dr, Huntsville, AL - 35899
• 
  (256) 824-6120

Nurse Admin: Karen H. Frith, PhD, RN, CNE, NEA-BC

Title: Dean and Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.60%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate

University Information

• Total Faculty: 353
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $11,488
• Book and Supplies: $2,300
• Percent Received Aid: 96%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,188
• Percent Admitted: 77%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
• Graduation Rate: 57%

George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville

93.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL - 35077-2000
• 
  (256) 352-8000

Nurse Admin: Jackie Spivey,

Title: Program Director, Associate Degree Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.50%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Wallace State Community College is located in Hanceville, Alabama, and they offer both an LPN and an RN program. The Wallace State Department of Nursing's goal is to produce nursing graduates "who are dedicated and exceptional healthcare providers committed to transforming the lives of patients, families, and the community."  Wallace

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 123
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,860
• Book and Supplies: $1,600
• Percent Received Aid: 80%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,976
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 45%

Coastal Alabama CC (James H Faulkner State)

92.90% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1900 U S Highway 31 South, Bay Minette, AL - 36507-2698
• 
  (251) 580-2100

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.90%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Coastal Alabama Community College is located in Bay Minette, Alabama and is known to have one of the lowest tuition rates in Alabama. It is a is a public community college with nine campuses across southern Alabama. The current nursing school was established in 2017 through the consolidation of Alabama

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 169
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,860
• Book and Supplies: $1,500
• Percent Received Aid: 86%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,217
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 19%

Samford University

Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing

92.57% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL - 35229-2240
• 
  (205) 726-2011

Nurse Admin: Melondie R. Carter, PhD, RN

Title: Dean and Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.57%
• Programs: Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing Administration, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN

Samford University’s nursing program was the first nursing program in Alabama to be accredited by the National League of Nursing. Since then, it has been striving to instruct its students in a Christian environment that prepares caring, competent, and compassionate graduates who are committed to providing service, scholarship, lifelong learning,

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 362
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: 100%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $17,676
• Percent Admitted: 84%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
• Graduation Rate: 77%

Lawson State Community College-Birmingham Campus

91.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL - 35221-1717
• 
  (205) 925-2515

Nurse Admin: LaSharron Harris,

Title: Student Support Services - Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.50%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Lawson State Community College is located in Birmingham, Alabama; there is also a campus in Bessemer, Alabama for an evening RN program.  The school boasts that their nursing program is competitive and prestigious - and difficult to gain entrance.  Although their is a minimum GPA requirement, it is recommended to

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 79
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,860
• Book and Supplies: $2,300
• Percent Received Aid: 97%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,130
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 21%

Coastal Alabama CC (Jefferson Davis)

91.35% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  220 Alco Dr, , AL - 36426
• 
  2518674832

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.35%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Coastal Alabama CC (Jefferson Davis) is passionate when it comes to developing quality nursing professionals who provide compassionate, patient-centered care and can lead the way when it comes to developing nursing practice. The educational programs here are supportive of the students, inclusive, and affordable. The high-fidelity simulation labs help students

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Southern Union State Community College

91.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  750 Roberts St, Wadley, AL - 36276
• 
  (256) 395-2211

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.10%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Southern Union State Community College has multiple campuses in Alabama- Wadley, Opelika, and Valley.  The RN school is housed on the Opelika campus.  Their RN program is unique in that it offers mobility programs for not just LPNs seeking to become RNs, but also paramedics seeking to become RNs.

University Information

• Total Faculty: 93
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,860
• Book and Supplies: $1,400
• Percent Received Aid: 95%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,831
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 24%

Additional Listings of Alabama Nursing Schools

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Alabama

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Alabama offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Alabama

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Alabama  RN Licensing Requirements

RN State A future nurse must pass the NCLEX-RN exam through Pearson VUE while applying to the Alabama Board of Nursing. Nurses need to submit documentation to prove their U.S. citizenship and pay an $85 application fee. They must also complete twenty-four contact hours of continuing education every two years.

Each state requires an examination or endorsement in order to obtain licensure. In some cases, nurses can be trained abroad and do a number of things in order to attain licensure.

NCLEX-RN Licensing Information

The state of Alabama has strict requirements set for becoming an RN. The most important requirement is attending a State Board-approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX exam.

In addition to the completed application, the applicant must also submit:

• Official transcript from the state-approved nursing program.
• Proof of US citizenship or lawful presence.
• Receipt of NCLEX exam registration.

RN License by Endorsement

Applicants who hold a license in one of the other 50 states can apply for an Alabama license by endorsement. With the application and fee, the applicant must also provide:

• Proof (verification) of license from another state.
• Official school transcripts in a sealed envelope from a state-approved school.
• Proof of completion of 24 contact hours of continued education.
• Proof of US citizenship or lawful presence.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Applicants educated abroad can apply for a license in Alabama and must not only have passed the NCLEX, but he or she must also submit his or her official school transcripts for the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to perform a full course-by-course review and evaluate credentials. The applicant must also be a graduate from an approved nursing program that is equivalent to the state of Alabama, the applicate must have a social security number.

RN License Renewal

Applicants who are looking to renew a relapsed license must submit the following documentation:

• A completed application for reinstatement
• Payment of the reinstatement fee
• Applicants have 24 contact hours in order to reinstate. Contact hours can be obtained in a variety of ways: workshops, seminars, classrooms, webcasts, internet, intranet, home study, continuing education journals, and podcasts. All contact hours must be more recent than 24 months from the date of the application. CE certificates can be faxed to 334-293-5201.

Prepare for to pass the NCLEX-RN exam with our NCLEX practice questions with rationales.

Alabama Board of Nursing

770 Washington Avenue
RSA Plaza, Suite 250
Montgomery, AL 36130-3900
Phone: (334) 242-4060
Fax: (334) 242-4360

• Alabama State Nurses Association

Nursing School Accreditation in Alabama

Nursing school accreditation is one of the most important aspects to consider at when deciding which RN program to attend. If you ever plan to continue your education, academic credits from an accredited program are more easily accepted or transferred between accredited programs. Some employers will prefer to hire nurses from an accredited program.

Not all nursing programs in Arkansas are accredited by either Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the two primary accrediting agencies for nursing programs.

RN Salaries in Alabama

According to the Alabama Department of Labor, nursing is a “high demand” career field. It was listed as the industry with the largest necessity to fill, on average 1,525 jobs annually. When you obtain your RN degree, you will have a better chance of getting a job because you will have shown initiative in furthering your education. BSN nurses are commonly hired over nurses with an Associates degree. The average yearly nursing salary for an Alabama RN is over $55,000.

Hospitals are the largest employers in Alabama's health care industry. As of this moment, there are twenty-six licensed hospitals within twenty Alabama communities. Many other hospitals and health care networks are among the top employers in Alabama. As of 2013, Alabama has 4,860 registered nurses. Approximately half of the nurses in Alabama work in hospitals and ambulatory care. Forty-two percent of new RNs in Alabama graduate with a bachelors degree in nursing.

Nursing Salaries and Employment Outlook for Alabama

Compare LPN to RN Salaries in Alabama in the following tables. Learn more in our LPN Salary Guide and RN Salary Guide.

Nursing Salaries by Experience Level in Alabama

Projected Nursing Number of Nurses Needed in Alabama Through 2028

Nursing (RN) Salaries in Alabama

Where in Alabama can you earn the highest RN Salary? Montgomery has the highest annual median wage and hourly median wage across the state of Alabama. However, the Birmingham  has the highest number of registered nursing RN Salaries in Alabama.

Alabama Nursing Salaries Compared by Occupation

Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Alabama