Nursing Programs in Birmingham, AL
With the nursing shortage looming heavy over the nation, more registered nurses will be needed as the population ages. In Birmingham, a number of registered nursing programs exist to help those looking to fill these rewarding open positions in the nursing field.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Birmingham
Lawson State Community College
Birmingham, AL - Public 2-Year - lawsonstate.edu
Associate - Associate Degree Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, AL, offers a prestigious Associate Degree Nursing (RN) program, renowned for its excellence and high NCLEX-RN pass rates. This campus-based program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing, with a curriculum designed to equip graduates for immediate employment. The program requires a 2.5 GPA in select prerequisites and an ACT score of 18 or higher for admission. With a focus on hands-on learning, students gain the skills needed for various nursing roles, including registered nurse and traveling nurse, in a high-demand healthcare field.
- 72 credit hours.
- Campus-based program.
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
- Competitive admission process.
- ACT score of 18 required.
- 2.5 GPA in prerequisites.
- Hands-on learning focus.
- Prepares for immediate employment.
- Various nursing roles post-graduation.
- High demand healthcare field.
Samford University
Birmingham, AL - Private 4-year - samford.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Samford University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Birmingham, AL, prepares students for a fulfilling career in healthcare with hands-on clinical experience. The program boasts NCLEX-RN pass rates above national averages and over 900 clinical hours in top healthcare facilities. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and specific test scores. Graduates enjoy high employment rates, with many securing jobs before graduation. The program emphasizes compassion, critical thinking, and clinical skills, offering a low student-to-teacher ratio and state-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Over 900 clinical hours
- NCLEX-RN pass rates above average
- Low student-to-teacher ratio
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- High employment rates at graduation
- Requires 3.0 GPA for admission
- Hands-on patient care experience
- Located in Birmingham, AL
- Compassion and clinical skills focus
- Opportunities for advanced degrees
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham prepares students for professional nursing practice through a comprehensive curriculum. This program blends academic and professional nursing courses, ensuring clinical competence and informed judgment in patient care. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program requires a pre-nursing foundation GPA of 2.75 or higher and an overall GPA of 2.75. It includes courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nutrition, among others. The BSN pathway is a traditional four-year undergraduate curriculum, offering a solid foundation for a nursing career.
- Four-year undergraduate curriculum
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN exam
- Pre-nursing foundation GPA requirement: 2.75
- Overall GPA requirement: 2.75
- Courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology
- Nutrition course included
- Traditional BSN program
- Prepares for professional nursing practice
- Clinical competence focus
- Informed judgment in patient care
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Traditional Pathway
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Traditional Pathway offers a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program designed to prepare students for professional nursing practice. Students develop clinical competence through a rigorous curriculum that combines academic coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. The program provides a strong foundation in healthcare sciences, emphasizing person-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and launch rewarding nursing careers across diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires maintaining a 2.75 GPA, completing prerequisite courses, and meeting specific academic standards.
- Four-year traditional BSN pathway
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Clinical competence focus
- 2.75 GPA requirement
- Comprehensive prerequisite courses
- Person-centered care approach
- Evidence-based practice training
- Interprofessional collaboration emphasis
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers a comprehensive four-year program designed to prepare highly skilled and compassionate nursing professionals. Students receive a rigorous academic foundation with hands-on clinical training, covering comprehensive healthcare knowledge across various patient populations. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, technological integration, and professional development. Admission requires a 2.75 GPA, specific prerequisite courses, and competitive selection. Total program credits are 66, with tuition ranging from $458-$1,141 per semester hour for residents and non-residents. Financial aid and scholarships are available, making this an accessible pathway to a rewarding nursing career.
- Four-year comprehensive BSN program
- 66 total program credit hours
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN examination
- Multiple admission pathways
- Clinical skills and practicum experiences
- Competitive GPA requirement 2.75
- Diverse clinical training opportunities
- Technological and informatics integration
- Professional leadership development
- Scholarship opportunities available
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Pathway
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The RN to BSN Pathway offers registered nurses a flexible, distance-accessible route to complete their bachelor's degree. With convenient 3-5 semester plans, the program focuses on advanced nursing concepts, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Designed for working professionals, students can earn their BSN while maintaining their current nursing career, with affordable tuition and comprehensive curriculum that enhances clinical competence and professional development.
- Distance-accessible hybrid format
- Flexible 3-5 semester plans
- 30 total upper division credits
- Resident tuition $557 per credit
- Requires active RN license
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Block credit for previous nursing coursework
- Online technology-based delivery
- Focus on leadership and evidence-based practice
Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Birmingham, AL
For those with no prior nursing experience, an entry-level nursing program is a great jumping-off point and can poise RNs for future educational growth. Entry-level options at Birmingham schools include Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
LPN to RN Programs
For licensed practical nurses who want to earn higher salaries and increase their patient care responsibilities, there are LPN to RN bridge programs that build upon their previous coursework and professional experience to prepare them to take the NCLEX licensing exam and become RNs.
ADN Programs
The 2-year ADN program is the most basic registered nursing degree available. Enrolled students learn nursing concepts through theoretical and practical instruction to eventually act as members of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
The traditional 4-year BSN option is excellent for those who want maximum employment options, as BSN-educated nurses are often preferred at hospitals. Samford University's Ida Moffett School of Nursing offers a standard BSN degree and accelerated options. Classes include Foundations for Clinical Nursing Practice, Community Health Nursing, and Childrearing Family.
Find out more about Alabama Accelerated BSN programs.
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Birmingham, AL
For current RNs who hold an ADN or diploma, bridge programs allow them to advance their education in a shortened time-frame. RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs are the most common bridge programs available.
RN to BSN Programs
The RN to BSN pathway is a great way for licensed RNs to earn a coveted baccalaureate nursing degree. The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an online RN to BSN program which requires a total of 125 semester hours. Courses taken include Microbiology, Leadership and Management for RNs, and more.
Learn more about Alabama RN to BSN programs.
RN to MSN Programs
Licensed RNs who want to enter more advanced practice can opt for an RN to MSN program pathway. In addition to their RN to BSN offering, the University of Alabama at Birmingham also offers an RN to MSN program for those who hold an ADN in nursing as well as a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. This program is delivered online, with part-time and full-time schedule options.
Montevallo, AL
University of Montevallo
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid 3-semester format
- 2.5 minimum GPA required
- Active RN license needed
- Clinical practice experiences
- Alabama Board of Nursing approved
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Birmingham, AL
Advanced nursing degrees can catapult RNs into high-level practice in a number of nurse practitioner specialties. Program options in the Birmingham area include Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), post-master's certificates, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and even a Ph.D. in Nursing.
MSN Programs
This traditional graduate nursing degree is designed for BSN-educated nurses and takes around two years to complete. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, for example, offers an MSN degree with numerous specialty options, including Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and many more.
Find out more about Alabama MSN Programs and Alabama Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
For MSN-educated RNs looking to switch specialties, the post-grad certificate pathway is an excellent choice. These programs are typically a fraction of the cost and take much less time to complete versus pursuing an additional nursing degree. Samford University offers a post-master's Family Nurse Practitioner certificate, as well as a post-FNP Emergency Nurse Practitioner certificate.
Find out more about Alabama Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP and Ph.D. Programs
Doctoral nursing programs are the highest degree programs available to RNs. Some choose the DNP, which has a clinical focus, while others opt for the Ph.D., which has an educational/research focus. The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers both post-BSN and post-MSN DNP pathways, as well as a Ph.D. program to give students maximum doctoral options.
Learn more about Alabama DNP Programs.
Birmingham, AL
Samford University
- BSN to MSN - MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online with 1-2 campus intensives
- 660 clinical hours required
- Clinical experiences nationwide
- Two pathway options (ADN/BSN)
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Unencumbered RN licensure needed
- Multiple prerequisite courses
- CCNE accredited program
- BSN to MSN - MSN to DNP Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Emergency Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online 2-year DNP program
- 660 clinical practice hours
- ENP national certification prep
- Minimum 3.5 GPA required
- One on-campus intensive
- Flexible clinical placement
- 100% FNP certification pass rate
- Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Online post-graduate certificate
- 5-semester program length
- 2-3 on-campus intensives
- 100% AANP certification pass rate
- Clinical hours across US
- Requires MSN or DNP
- 3.5 minimum graduate GPA
- Asynchronous online courses
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 1.5-year online certificate program
- Online via Canvas learning platform
- 660 clinical hours required
- Clinical experiences nationwide
- One required on-campus session
- National PMHNP certification eligibility
- Minimum 3.5 graduate GPA
- Current NP certification required
- MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time program
- Fully online with minimal campus visits
- Faith-based learning approach
- Clinicals in local community
- Frequent virtual faculty engagement
- MSN to DNP - DNP Nurse Leader
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- Minimum 1000 practicum hours
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Aligned with AACN competencies
- Master's degree prerequisite
- 3.5 minimum GPA required
- Evidence-based practice project
- Professional nurse leadership focus
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time program
- Fully online with annual campus visit
- Faith-based learning approach
- Community-based clinical training
- Designed for working RNs
- Hybrid program format
- Virtual student engagement
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nine-semester hybrid DNP program
- 2200 total clinical hours
- Advanced clinical training
- Interprofessional education approach
- Accredited by COA
- Multiple clinical rotation sites
- Comprehensive anesthesia preparation
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- BSN to MSN - MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time distance-accessible format
- 45 total credit hours
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensive sessions
- Comprehensive clinical practica
- BSN required for admission
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Unencumbered RN license
- BSN to MSN - MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with RNFA
Concentration: RNFA - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 45-credit hybrid MSN program
- Part-time distance-accessible format
- Optional RNFA subspecialty
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Multiple clinical practica opportunities
- Advanced acute care specialization
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensive sessions
- BSN to MSN - MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time distance-accessible format
- 45 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning model
- Optional RNFA subspecialty
- Advanced acute care specialization
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Unencumbered nursing license required
- Six to seven semester completion
- BSN to MSN - MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 45 total credit hours
- Part-time distance format
- 6-7 semester completion
- Online with on-campus intensives
- 35 didactic, 10 clinical credits
- Advanced primary care focus
- Lifespan patient care
- Per semester tuition: $702
- BSN to MSN - MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time distance accessible format
- 45 total credit hours
- Requires 2+ years NICU experience
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensive sessions
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- BSN from accredited program
- Six semester curriculum
- BSN to MSN - MSN Nurse-Midwifery
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid distance-accessible format
- Pre-accredited ACME program
- 54 credit total program
- 780 clinical training hours
- Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
- Certification exam preparation
- Advanced practice nursing pathway
- Patient-centered care approach
- BSN to MSN - MSN Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time distance-accessible format
- 45 total credit hours
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensive sessions
- Pediatric primary care specialization
- Prepares advanced practice nurses
- Clinical practicum included
- Flexible learning environment
- BSN to MSN - MSN Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid distance-accessible format
- 45 total credit hours
- 10 clinical practice credits
- Part-time study option
- Coursework spans 6-7 semesters
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Must hold unencumbered RN license
- Synchronous online classes
- BSN to MSN - MSN Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time distance-accessible format
- 45 total credit hours
- Six semester program length
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Required BSN from accredited program
- Per semester tuition: $702
- Online and on-campus intensive classes
- Advanced women's health specialization
- BSN to MSN - MSN/MBA Dual Degree
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Dual degree from Nursing and Business Schools
- Hybrid program format
- 66 total credit hours
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Nursing Health Systems Administration specialty
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner and Emergency Nurse Practitioner dual-option specialty
Concentration: Emergency Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Emergency NP subspecialty track
- Hybrid/distance education format
- Interdisciplinary instruction
- Certification exam preparation
- Requires 1+ year emergency experience
- Dual-option MSN specialty
- Expert faculty leadership
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Health Systems Administration - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nationally ranked #5 program
- Part-time, distance-accessible format
- 36 credit hours total
- Two-year program completion
- Hybrid learning model
- Leadership role preparation
- BSN required for admission
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- BSN to MSN - Nursing Health Systems Administration
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nationally ranked #5 specialty
- Part-time distance accessible format
- 36 credit hour curriculum
- Two-year academic program
- Prepares healthcare leadership roles
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensive sessions
- BSN degree requirement
- BSN to MSN - Nursing Informatics
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 40 credit hour program
- Hybrid distance-accessible format
- Part-time study option
- Advanced practice nurse preparation
- Technology-focused curriculum
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensives included
- BSN required for admission
- Graduate Certificate - Nurse Executive Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Multiple nurse practitioner specialties
- Distance-accessible learning format
- 27 total credit hours
- Part-time study option
- Requires prior MSN degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Prepares for certification
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate APRN Certificate
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid distance-accessible format
- 27 total credit hours
- Post-MSN certification pathway
- Specialty focus: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
- Multiple clinical practice courses
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate APRN Certificate
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Distance-accessible program format
- Multiple nurse practitioner specialties
- 27 total credit hours
- Requires existing MSN degree
- Prepares for certification exam
- Focuses on evidence-based practice
- Interprofessional leadership emphasis
- Flexible part-time study options
- MSN to DNP - DNP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time distance-accessible format
- 79 total credit hours
- Synchronous online classes
- Annual on-campus intensives
- 59 didactic credits
- 20 clinical practicum credits
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Unencumbered nursing license required
- MSN to DNP - DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time distance-accessible format
- 79 total credit hours
- Online synchronous classes
- On-campus intensive sessions
- Advanced acute care specialization
- Flexible 9-10 semester program
- Focuses on complex patient care
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- MSN to DNP - DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time distance-accessible format
- 79 total credit hours
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Advanced clinical practica
- Online and on-campus learning
- Synchronous online classes
- Resident tuition: $610/credit hour
- DNP leadership skill development
- MSN to DNP - DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time hybrid distance format
- 79 total credit hours
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensive sessions
- Focuses on pediatric primary care
- Advanced clinical skill development
- Leadership and policy emphasis
- BSN required for admission
- MSN to DNP - DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 79 total credit hours
- Hybrid distance-accessible format
- Part-time program option
- Resident tuition $610/semester hour
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Completed in 9-10 semesters
- Annual on-campus intensive
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- MSN to DNP - DNP Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 79 total credit hours
- Part-time, distance-accessible format
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensive sessions
- Designed for working nurses
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Hybrid program delivery
- Advanced women's health focus
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Ranked 11th in nation
- Five distinct DNP pathways
- Practice-focused terminal degree
- Academic Health Science Center
- Interprofessional faculty training
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Full COA accreditation to 2031
- Hybrid learning format
- 98% NCE pass rate
- 114 total credit hours
- Critical care RN prerequisite
- Requires GRE examination
- Monthly program assessments
- On-campus intensive sessions
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Practitioners - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Ranked 11th nationally
- Five distinct DNP pathways
- Practice-focused terminal degree
- Learn from leading faculty
- Improve population health outcomes
