2026 Best Nursing Schools in Birmingham

Rankings help nursing students identify quality programs by comparing key metrics. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Birmingham" rankings based solely on NCLEX pass rates, providing objective data for informed decisions. For more details on our approach, visit our methodology page at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

No statistically significant data available for meaningful analysis of yearly pass rate trends in Birmingham.

Top Performing Schools

No statistically significant data available for meaningful analysis of top performing schools in Birmingham.

Pass Rate by Program Size

No statistically significant data available for meaningful analysis of pass rates by program size in Birmingham.

Biggest Improvements

No statistically significant data available for meaningful analysis of biggest improvements in Birmingham nursing schools.

Consistently High Performing Schools

No statistically significant data available for meaningful analysis of consistently high performing schools in Birmingham.

#1

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 provides comprehensive preparation for nursing careers through extensive clinical training. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and ACT or SAT scores for admission. Students complete over 900 clinical hours at top healthcare facilities, benefiting from a low student-to-teacher ratio and state-of-the-art simulation labs. The 2023 NCLEX pass rate was 100%, demonstrating exceptional exam preparation. Graduates achieve high employment rates, with many securing positions before completing the program. The Baptist-affiliated institution emphasizes compassion, critical thinking, and hands-on patient care skills.

  • 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
#2

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's BSN program prepares students for professional nursing through a comprehensive four-year curriculum blending academic coursework with clinical training. This traditional pathway requires a 2.75 GPA for admission and includes foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, with the program achieving a 97.99% pass rate in 2023. Admission requires ACT or SAT scores as part of the undergraduate application process. The program emphasizes clinical competence and informed judgment in patient care, offering fall and spring semester starts.

  • 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

UAB's BSN Traditional Pathway provides a rigorous four-year undergraduate education focused on developing clinical competence through hands-on experiences. The curriculum emphasizes person-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration while maintaining a 2.75 GPA requirement. Students prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam, with the program achieving a 97.99% pass rate in 2023. Admission requires ACT or SAT scores as part of the undergraduate application. This comprehensive program builds a strong healthcare sciences foundation for diverse nursing careers across various clinical settings.

  • 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

UAB's comprehensive BSN program delivers a four-year curriculum combining rigorous academics with extensive clinical training across diverse patient populations. The 66-credit program emphasizes evidence-based practice, technological integration, and professional leadership development while maintaining a 2.75 GPA admission requirement. Graduates prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam, with the program achieving a 97.99% pass rate in 2023. Admission requires ACT or SAT scores as part of the undergraduate application. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities make this an accessible pathway to becoming highly skilled nursing professionals.

  • 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

UAB's RN to BSN Pathway offers registered nurses a flexible hybrid format to complete their bachelor's degree in 3-5 semesters. This distance-accessible program focuses on advanced nursing concepts, leadership development, and evidence-based practice while allowing working professionals to maintain their careers. With affordable tuition at $557 per credit for residents and a 2.5 GPA requirement, the program grants block credit for previous nursing coursework. No entrance exam is required for this pathway, which builds upon existing RN licensure to enhance clinical competence and professional advancement.

  • 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
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#3

Lawson State Community College

Birmingham, AL - Public 2-Year - lawsonstate.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lawson State Community College's campus-based Associate Degree Nursing program prepares students for RN licensure with a rigorous 72-credit curriculum emphasizing hands-on clinical experience. Admission requires an ACT score of 18 and a 2.5 GPA in prerequisites. The program boasts excellent NCLEX-RN outcomes, with a 95.24% pass rate in 2023, demonstrating effective preparation for immediate employment in high-demand nursing roles across Birmingham's healthcare sector.

  • 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.
*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2024 Final Release.

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.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

We provide a list of RN to BSN and MSN programs to help nurses advance their careers. This table shows schools by city and state, with program highlights and links to each school's program page. Explore options to find the right fit for your education and goals.

Montevallo, AL

University of Montevallo

  • Nursing, BSN (RN to BSN)
*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2024.

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.

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Birmingham

We provide a list of APRN programs in Birmingham, including MSN, DNP, and NP options. This table shows schools with their city and state locations, program highlights, and links to program pages. You can find details to help choose the right path for your nursing career. Explore the information to see what fits your goals.

Birmingham, AL

Samford University

  • BSN to MSN - MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online program.
    • 660 clinical hours required.
    • Eligible for national certification.
    • ADN/ASN to MSN pathway.
    • BSN to MSN pathway.
    • 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
    • Unencumbered RN license needed.
    • One to two campus intensives.
  • 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
  • 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

    • COA, CCNE accredited
    • 36-Month program
    • 2000 clinical hours
    • Prepares for National Certification Examination (NCE)
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Nine-semester curriculum plan
    • Online courses first two semesters

University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • BSN to MSN - MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: GRE, GMAT
    • $723 per credit
    • Complete in six or seven successive semesters
    • 45 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-10-08
    • Part-time available
    • Starts summer/fall
  • BSN to MSN - MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with RNFA

    Concentration: RNFA - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • 45 credit hours total.
    • Part-time study option.
    • RNFA concentration available.
    • BSN degree required.
    • 3.0 GPA minimum.
    • Unencumbered RN license needed.
    • GRE may be required.
  • BSN to MSN - MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Exams: GRE, GMAT
    • $723 per credit
    • 45 total credit hours
    • Part-time available
    • Starts summer/fall
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • Prerequisite courses required
  • BSN to MSN - MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 45 credit hours required
    • Part-time program of study
    • Hybrid distance accessible format
    • Online classes with on-campus intensives
    • 6 or 7 semester completion
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Three professional references needed
    • GRE required for GPA below 3.2
  • 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

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: GRE, GMAT
    • $723 per credit
    • Complete in six or seven successive semesters
    • 45 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-10-08
    • Part-time available
    • Starts summer/fall
  • BSN to MSN - MSN Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • 45 credit hours total.
    • Part-time study option.
    • Distance-accessible delivery.
    • Clinical practice included.
    • BSN degree required.
    • 3.0 GPA minimum.
    • Unencumbered license needed.
  • BSN to MSN - MSN Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • MSN Women's Health Care NP.
    • Hybrid program format.
    • 45 credit hours.
    • Six semester program.
    • 10 clinical practicum hours.
    • Distance accessible format.
    • Part-time study option.
    • BSN degree required.
  • BSN to MSN - MSN/MBA Dual Degree

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 66 credit hours total.
    • Three-year program length.
    • Hybrid online and campus format.
    • Requires BSN degree for admission.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
    • GRE or GMAT may be needed.
    • Tuition $723 per credit hour.
    • Additional technology fees apply.
  • 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

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Two-year program length.
    • 36 total credit hours.
    • BSN degree required.
    • 3.0 GPA minimum.
    • Unencumbered nursing license.
    • GRE or GMAT may be needed.
    • Three reference letters.
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Health Systems Administration

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Nationally ranked No. 5 program.
    • Hybrid online and on-campus format.
    • 36 credit hours total.
    • Two-year part-time completion.
    • Requires BSN degree for admission.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
    • Unencumbered nursing license needed.
    • Tuition $723 per credit hour.
  • 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
  • MSN to DNP - DNP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $723 per credit
    • Complete in completed in nine or ten successive semesters
    • 79 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-10-08
    • Part-time available
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts summer/fall
  • MSN to DNP - DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $723 per credit
    • Complete in nine or ten successive semesters
    • 79 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-10-08
    • Part-time available
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
  • MSN to DNP - DNP Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: GRE, GMAT
    • $723 per credit
    • 79 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-10-08
    • Part-time available
    • Starts summer/fall
  • MSN to DNP - DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: GRE, GMAT
    • $723 per credit
    • 9-Semester program
    • Complete in completed in nine or ten successive semesters
    • 79 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-10-08
  • MSN to DNP - DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • $723 per credit
    • Complete in nine or ten successive semesters
    • 79 total credit hours
    • Part-time available
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/summer
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • MSN to DNP - DNP Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: GRE, GMAT
    • $723 per credit
    • Complete in completed in nine or ten successive semesters
    • 79 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-10-08
    • Part-time available
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 12 concentration options
    • Ranked 9th nationally by U.S. News
    • Practice-focused terminal degree
    • Academic Health Science Center setting
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: GRE
    • 3-Year program
    • 114 total credit hours
    • Starts summer
    • 96% licensure pass rate
    • 100% job placement rate
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nurse Practitioners - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 8 concentration options
    • Ranked 9th in the nation
    • Located in Academic Health Science Center
*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2024, NCES.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Birmingham, AL

Finding the right nursing program near Birmingham, AL, can be challenging. We have compiled a comprehensive list of schools in the area to help you explore your options. The table below shows each school's city and state location, highlights of their nursing programs, and direct links to their program pages for more details. This resource aims to simplify your search and connect you with quality education opportunities close to home.

Birmingham, AL

Lawson State Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 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.

Samford University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 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

University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Traditional Pathway

    Campus Based - Website

    • 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 - Website

    • 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
  • Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Pathway

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
*Based on data from: IPEDS 2024, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.