Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Alabama

Keith E. Sax, BSN, RN
Last Updated On Sep 30, 2024
Expert Verified: Keith E. Sax, BSN, RN
12 Min Read
Alabama

Nurse practitioners are some of the highest-paid medical professionals working in the field. With the recent nursing shortage opening up the job market, it’s never been a better time to explore this rewarding career option. From Birmingham to Montgomery, if you’re based in Alabama, becoming a nurse practitioner is especially lucrative and there are plenty of options to choose from in terms of nurse practitioner degree programs. Learn how you can get started on your journey to becoming a nurse practitioner in the sections below. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Alabama

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 rankings of the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Alabama! These rankings are designed to guide prospective nurse practitioners in selecting the top online programs in the state. Our comprehensive methodology evaluates various factors to ensure you find the program that best fits your needs. Key ranking criteria include completion rates, cost of living, institutional competitiveness, program diversity, and the years of faculty experience. These elements combined provide a well-rounded assessment of each program's strengths and potential for student success. For more detailed information on how we rank schools, please visit our methodology page.

1.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers highly regarded nurse practitioner programs that cater to a variety of learning preferences, including online, hybrid, and on-campus formats. UAB's programs are known for their rigorous curriculum and experienced faculty, providing students with the flexibility to advance their nursing careers while balancing other commitments.

BSN to DNP ProgramsMSN Programs
2.

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL

The University of South Alabama offers highly respected Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs, with flexible learning formats including online and hybrid options. The school is known for its strong focus on practical experience, cutting-edge research, and a supportive learning environment. Students benefit from a diverse range of specializations, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art clinical training, making it an excellent choice for advancing in the nursing field.

MSN Programs
3.

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL

The University of Alabama in Huntsville offers highly regarded nurse practitioner programs, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP) tracks. These programs are available in both online and hybrid formats, providing flexibility for working professionals to advance their education.

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Whether you’re already working in the nursing field and looking for a cheap and quick way to level up your career or you’re a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduate just beginning your journey as a future nurse practitioner, there are plenty of budget-friendly and timely nurse practitioner programs options available nationwide.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

To become a nurse practitioner, you’ll need a graduate degree in nursing. The two most common degrees associated with nurse practitioners are the master’s degree in nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). With only typically only two years of required study, a master’s degree program is usually the fastest option. In some cases, you may even be able to graduate from a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in as little as a year if you have the right amount of credits and take advantage of summer programs and flexible online learning options. Here are the fastest MSN programs currently available in the State of Alabama:

NP ProgramLengthOnline/Campus
University of North Alabama12 – 24 MonthsOnline
University of Alabama1 – 2 YearsOnline or Campus
University of Alabama Birmingham3 Semesters or moreCampus

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

While getting your nursing degree is rarely considered “cheap” Alabama is one of the cheapest states to get your MSN. On average, you can expect to find MSN programs that cost around $20,000 or less. You’ll save even more money when getting your MSN in Alabama if you are already an established resident and if you decide to go to school in a more affordable area such as Birmingham or Selma. Below is a breakdown of the most affordable schools in Alabama that offer MSN degrees:

School NameTuition RangeEstimated Credits
University of Alabama$11,380 – $33,37250 – 56
University of North Alabama$10,000 – $20,00041
University of Alabama, Huntsville$12,000 – $24,00060

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Nurse practitioner programs usually offer a number of specialized courses that allow students to narrow their focus in a particular practice area such as cardiology or pediatrics. These types of curriculums often lead to certification in a field you are passionate about and may even help to increase your salary once you begin working. Here are a few nurse practitioner programs in Alabama that offer such specialization:

School NameNP SpecialtyCredits Required
University of South AlabamaFamily Nurse Practitioner (MSN)57
University of Alabama, BirminghamNeonatal Nurse Practitoner (MSN)45
University of Alabama, HuntsvilleAdult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner60

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Nursing programs are unique in that they incorporate many different educational routes to reach your goals. Depending on which degree you currently have, or even if you don’t have a degree at all, you can find a nurse practitioner program that allows you to enroll based on your specific background. See the various types below.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

MSN programs are typically the most common option for students looking to become nurse practitioners. In most cases, these programs take about two years to complete and come in a variety of specializations. Here just a few examples of MSN programs in Alabama:

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs are another common option for students looking to become nurse practitioners. If you have an ADN or ASN, you will qualify for this bridge program which will allow you to complete your BSN and your MSN in a much shorter timeframe than if you were to complete them individually. Examples in Alabama include:

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

For students who want to invest more time into their education, a DNP is a great option. These programs take between four and six years to complete following an MSN program. Though a DNP program will take much longer to complete, you can easily assume that graduating from one will allow you to access much higher-paying jobs. Here are a few DNP programs available in Alabama:

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

A post-master’s certificate in nursing is not a nursing degree per se, but it does allow licensed nurse practitioners to get their specialization or dual-specialize in a particular area. These programs are usually a year or less in length. Here are a few available in Alabama:

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Some students may have completed their bachelor’s degree and decided later that they would like to get their master’s degree in nursing. An accelerated MSN program, or a direct or master’s entry to nursing practice, is a quicker route to becoming a graduate-level nurse or nurse practitioner by combining a BSN and MSN into one challenging nursing program. There are two available in Alabama:

General Admissions Requirements

Here are a list of general admission requirements that are typically expected to enroll in a nurse practitioner program in Alabama. Keep in mind that these may vary from school to school:

  • BSN from an accredited school
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
  • Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
  • Resume or CV

Alabama NP License and Certification Requirements

An important step in the process to becoming a nurse practitioner is getting licensed and certified. To get your NP licensure, you’ll need to have a current RN license and an MSN or higher. To apply, you’ll need to have documentation of both, pay the $200 application fee, and submit an application form to the Alabama Nursing Board. More information can be found here.

Certification is often done by specialization through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and you’ll need to have training in the applicable area of study to be eligible. For example, if you specialized in cardiology during your master’s program, you will be eligible to apply to get certified as a cardiology nurse practitioner.

For more information, visit the Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama (NPAA).

List of NP Programs in Alabama

Birmingham, AL

Huntsville, AL

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
301 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35899
(256) 824-1000

Mobile, AL

Troy, AL

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
Troy University School of Nursing, Pell Ave
Troy, AL 36081
(334) 834-2320

Tuscaloosa, AL

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