Overview of Nursing Schools in Alabama
- There are 41 nursing schools in Alabama. The CCNE accredits 11 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 27 schools in Alabama.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Alabama is between 50.23% and 98.75%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Alabama is between 68.65% and 95.77%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Alabama can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Online Nursing Schools for Alabama
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 27 | 16 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 81.88% | 87.72% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 50.23% to 98.75% | 68.65% to 95.77% |
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
- University of Alabama
- Coastal Alabama CC (Alabama Southern)
- University of North Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of Alabama in Huntsville
- George C Wallace State Community College-Hanceville
- Coastal Alabama CC (James H Faulkner State)
- Samford University
- Lawson State Community College-Birmingham Campus
- Coastal Alabama CC (Jefferson Davis)
- Southern Union State Community College
Auburn University
Pass Rate
- Auburn University, Auburn, AL - 36849
- (334) 844-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.56%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 739 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL - 35487-0100
- (205) 348-6010
- 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
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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)
Pass Rate
- 2800 South Alabama Avenue, , AL - 36460
- 2515753156
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.91%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- One Harrison Plaza, Florence, AL - 35632-0001
- (256) 765-4100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, RN to MSN
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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
Pass Rate
- Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, AL - 35294-0110
- (205) 934-4011
- 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
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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
Pass Rate
- 301 Sparkman Dr, Huntsville, AL - 35899
- (256) 824-6120
- 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
Pass Rate
- 801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL - 35077-2000
- (256) 352-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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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)
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
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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
Pass Rate
- 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL - 35229-2240
- (205) 726-2011
- 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
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 3060 Wilson Rd SW, Birmingham, AL - 35221-1717
- (205) 925-2515
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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)
Pass Rate
- 220 Alco Dr, , AL - 36426
- 2518674832
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.35%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
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
Pass Rate
- 750 Roberts St, Wadley, AL - 36276
- (256) 395-2211
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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
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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.
Online NP Programs Liked by Alabama Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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
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.
Occupation | Employment | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
Nursing Instructors | 1,290 | - | $71,950 |
Registered Nurses | 48,850 | $28.96 | $60,230 |
Nurse Anesthetists | 1,410 | $82.00 | $170,560 |
Nurse Practitioners | 3,930 | $47.98 | $99,790 |
LPN / LVN | 12,000 | $19.56 | $40,680 |
Certified Nursing Assistants | 21,470 | $12.31 | $25,600 |
Nursing Salaries by Experience Level in Alabama
Nursing | Employment | 1 to 4 Years | 5 to 9 Years | 10 to 19 Years | 20+ Years |
Registered Nurses | 48,850 | $43,150 | $49,360 | $68,960 | $80,420 |
Nurse Anesthetists | 1,410 | $93,200 | $129,740 | $198,850 | $208,810 |
Nurse Practitioners | 3,930 | $71,700 | $85,640 | $112,310 | $129,810 |
LPN / LVN | 12,000 | $29,720 | $34,760 | $47,350 | $51,580 |
Projected Nursing Number of Nurses Needed in Alabama Through 2028
Occupation | 2018 | 2028 | Change | %Change | Avg. Annual Openings |
LPN / LVN | 12,690 | 13,360 | 670 | 5.3 | 1,060 |
Nurse Anesthetists | 1,290 | 1,500 | 210 | 16.3 | 90 |
Nurse Practitioners | 3,800 | 4,720 | 920 | 24.2 | 320 |
Nursing Assistants | 23,900 | 25,220 | 1,320 | 5.5 | 2,880 |
Nursing Instructors | 1,290 | 1,560 | 270 | 20.9 | 140 |
Registered Nurses | 52,690 | 58,070 | 5,380 | 10.2 | 3,500 |
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.
Area Name | Employment | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
Anniston | - | $29.42 | $61,190 |
Auburn | 1,040 | $29.01 | $60,330 |
Birmingham | 16,430 | $30.03 | $62,470 |
Daphne | 1,450 | $29.25 | $60,840 |
Decatur | 1,030 | $24.26 | $50,460 |
Dothan | 2,030 | $27.38 | $56,950 |
Florence | 1,400 | $25.54 | $53,130 |
Gadsden | 1,170 | $27.84 | $57,920 |
Huntsville | 5,230 | $28.17 | $58,600 |
Mobile | 5,320 | $28.43 | $59,130 |
Montgomery | 3,660 | $31.43 | $65,380 |
Northeast Alabama Area | 2,300 | $27.81 | $57,850 |
Northwest Alabama Area | 1,330 | $26.19 | $54,470 |
Southeast Alabama Area | 1,280 | $30.37 | $63,170 |
Southwest Alabama Area | 1,120 | $27.10 | $56,360 |
Tuscaloosa | 2,680 | $28.76 | $59,830 |
Alabama Nursing Salaries Compared by Occupation
Occupation | Employment | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
Nursing Instructors | 1,290 | $71,950 | |
Registered Nurses | 48,850 | $28.96 | $60,230 |
Nurse Anesthetists | 1,410 | $82.00 | $170,560 |
Nurse Practitioners | 3,930 | $47.98 | $99,790 |
LPN / LVN | 12,000 | $19.56 | $40,680 |
Certified Nursing Assistants | 21,470 | $12.31 | $25,600 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Alabama
Area Name | Employment | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage | Enery Level | 20+ Years |
Anniston | - | $66 | $136,540 | $32 | - |
Auburn | - | $45 | $93,510 | $34 | $56 |
Birmingham | 1,210 | $48 | $98,930 | $36 | $62 |
Daphne | 130 | $52 | $107,390 | $40 | $64 |
Decatur | 90 | $48 | $98,890 | $38 | $56 |
Dothan | 170 | $45 | $93,500 | $26 | $63 |
Florence | 150 | $46 | $95,780 | $35 | $60 |
Gadsden | 40 | $39 | $81,390 | $22 | $58 |
Huntsville | 630 | $48 | $99,850 | $35 | $63 |
Mobile | 300 | $43 | $90,380 | $30 | $54 |
Montgomery | 230 | $52 | $107,380 | $42 | $64 |
Northeast Alabama | 290 | $49 | $102,020 | $37 | $63 |
Northwest Alabama | 120 | $56 | $116,010 | $35 | - |
Southeast Alabama | 120 | $44 | $91,030 | $31 | $60 |
Southwest Alabama | 130 | $51 | $105,830 | $17 | $68 |
Tuscaloosa | 160 | $48 | $99,180 | $32 | $61 |