Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Alabama

With the recent national upswing in the demand for advanced registered nursing, Alabama has increased opportunities for current registered nurses (RNs) to further their careers with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, via the popular RN to BSN route. This will enable current RNs in the state to increase their career options as well as their earning potential. With online options, working RNs in the state can advance their education in an accelerated and cost-effective manner.

2024 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Alabama

Deciding to earn a BSN is a big step for an RN. Online RN to BSN programs can make the choice a lot easier. Alabama is home to many great options, and we have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in the state for your convenience. Why trust our rankings? We source objective data from trusted organizations such as The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE), among others. We also use a detailed points system to rank our schools, incorporating factors such as:

• If the school is accredited
• If the program offers online options
• Acceptance and graduation rates
• Tuition and fees (adjusted for cost of living)

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL

Created for working RNs with patient experience, the University of South Alabama or simply South offers an online RN to BSN. The pathway program includes at least six, entirely online nursing courses that can be finished at the student's own pace (within five years).

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• The program has an MSN bridge option
• Rolling, year-round admissions for busy nurses
• Recognized for educating healthcare professionals

2.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL

Students can gain proficiencies to work as a nursing generalist when they complete the online RN to BSN program from The University of Alabama in Huntsville. By studying healthcare policy and delivery models as well as evidence-based practice, students increase their confidence and competencies in nursing.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Affordable tuition for quality education
• Online courses are 7-weeks in length
• Aligns with the American Nurses Assn Code of Ethics

3.

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL

Made to move quickly, the online RN to BSN degree or STEP program at Jacksonville State University in Alabama can be completed in one full year. From Health Assessment and Pharmacology to Emergency Nursing, the program provides RNs with an education they can apply right away.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Quick Facts:

• Students can earn credit for their nursing experience
• Flexible scheduling with part- and full-time options
• No waiting list

Fast & Affordable Program Options

Those pursuing an advanced nursing degree may intend to do so while currently employed as a registered nurse. Because of this, many schools in Alabama are now offering fully accredited online RN to BSN programs to offer maximum flexibility for students who want to complete their degree quickly, cheaply, and easily.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

Looking to complete your RN to BSN program in the shortest amount of time? While many programs can take up to four semesters if taken part-time, motivated students may wish to complete their degree more quickly. Many full-time RN to BSN programs in Alabama can be completed in just two semesters. Popular online options in the state include:

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

While rare, it is technically possible to complete your RN to BSN in 6 months, provided you have the applicable prior credits and your school lets you transfer them all. You will be hard-pressed to find a program in Alabama advertised as such, but if you are trying to complete your RN to BSN degree in an accelerated 6 months, you should have a personal talk with each of the schools you are considering to determine if this is an option for you. As stated, this will generally require a high number of prior credits and some professional nursing experience, and even then, it will be at the program’s discretion.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

Tuition and costs of RN to BSN programs can vary depending on which school you choose, but there are many affordable options based out of Alabama. Most programs offer online tuition rates, in-state tuition rates, and out-of-state tuition rates, so be mindful of those categories. Online and full-time options often turn out cheaper in the long run, but it’s always a good idea to price out any program you are considering. Be sure to factor in things like mandatory fees (technology fee, etc.) as well as textbook expenses, as these are often not included in the tuition price. If you are looking to complete your RN to BSN as cheaply as possible, consider some of the following Alabama schools:

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Once you've decided to continue your nursing education with a BSN, you'll need to look at the different schools in the state that offer the program, and the requirements necessary to gain admission. It's wise to check with the Alabama Board of Nursing to see which schools offer approved programs. While requirements may differ depending on the school, the following is a general guide to what you might encounter:

• Submission of a completed RN-BSN Nursing Application Packet along with any application fees
• Minimum GPA of 2.50 for all prerequisite courses
• Minimum overall GPA of 2.0
• Submission of all required medical information and evidence of health insurance
• Completion of an accredited diploma or associate's degree in nursing, and a current unrestricted registered nursing license

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Most RN to BSN programs in the state are comprised of two components: the first is the pre-professional component, which consists of prerequisite general education courses, which may include English Composition, Statistics, General Psychology, and others. The second is the professional component, in which specific nursing courses are completed. These nursing courses may include Nursing Informatics for Registered Nurses, Role Transition in Baccalaureate Nursing, Complex Client Systems for Registered Nurses, and more. In general, anywhere from roughly 25-31 credit hours in professional nursing courses will be required to graduate, and students are typically admitted starting in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.

The RN to BSN curriculum consists of a variety of specialized nursing courses, some of which involve practice-based clinical assignments. For example, the University of South Alabama College of Nursing offers the following courses as part of their RN to BSN program:

• Concepts of Professional Nursing
• Healthcare Leadership/Collaboration
• Pathophysiology and Trends
• Community Health

Aside from the curriculum, prospective RN to BSN students in Alabama should ensure that any program they consider is properly accredited. An accredited program has undergone rigorous academic evaluation, and most employers and graduate-level nursing programs require graduation from an accredited nursing school. Learn more about nursing program accreditation.

2024 List of RN to BSN Programs in Alabama

Find the best accredited RN to BSN degree program near you in Alabama by browsing our listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Birmingham RN to BSN Programs
• Mobile RN to BSN Programs
• Montgomery RN to BSN Programs

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.