Nursing Programs in Birmingham, AL

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.

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Birmingham

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Birmingham based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Alabama out of 38 other accredited programs offered in the state:

• Samford University - #6
• University of Alabama at Birmingham - #5

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.

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.