Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Mobile, AL

For students who want to land their first jobs as registered nurses, an entry-level training program is the place to begin. These programs prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and provide the coursework and clinical experience opportunities that will prepare them for their first jobs. In the Mobile area, entry-level programs include LPN to RN programs designed to help experienced licensed practical nurses become RNs, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

LPN to RN Programs

LPN to RN programs offer practical nurses a pathway to becoming RNs, and result in an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing depending on the school and curriculum. The LPN to RN “Career Mobility” track at Bishop State Community College is a three-semester program in which practical nurses and paramedics can be trained as RNs through coursework in advanced nursing concepts, microbiology and advanced evidence-based clinical reasoning.

ADN Programs

An ADN program provides a baseline education in nursing for students with no prior nursing training and is generally completed in 4 to 5 semesters of study. Coastal Alabama Community College offers an ADN program that includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, human growth & development, nursing concepts, evidence-based clinical reasoning, among other topics.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

BSN programs are generally offered at colleges and universities and are typically four-year degree programs. Featuring additional coursework in nursing research, community nursing, and leadership topics, BSN programs are becoming more popular entry points to the nursing profession. Spring Hill College in Mobile offers one of the state’s top-ranked BSN programs as ranked by RegisteredNursing.org.

Learn more about Alabama Accelerated BSN Programs.

Mobile RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

 MobileAlabama
NCLEX-RN Students Total730
NCLEX-RN Students Passed730
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate100.0%0.0%

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Mobile

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

  • Coastal Alabama Community College - Bay Minette - #1
  • University of South Alabama - #10
SchoolContact Information

Bishop State Community College

351 N Broad St
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 405-7000

Coastal Alabama Community College - Bay Minette

  • ADN Campus
  • Top Ranked Alabama Program: #1 of 38
1900 Highway 31 South
Bay Minette, AL 36507
(800) 381-3722

Reid State Technical College


, AL

Spring Hill College

4000 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36608
(800) 742-6704

Trenholm State Community College


, AL

University of Mobile

5735 College Pkwy
Eight Mile, AL 36613
(251) 675-5990

University of South Alabama

  • BSN Campus
  • Top Ranked Alabama Program: #10 of 38
5721 USA Dr. N. Room 3083
Mobile, AL 36688
(251) 445-9400

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Mobile, AL

Due to the demand for experienced nurses with a bachelor’s degree or above, many nurses are seeking an RN to BSN or RN to MSN “bridge” program that can help them attain this higher degree in less time. RN to BSN/MSN bridge programs take into account previous coursework and clinical experience to deliver a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an accelerated timeframe.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN bridge programs provide ADN-educated nurses with the additional coursework needed to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Many RN to BSN programs are offered in an online format to allow nurses the flexibility to continue working while they take classes. The University of South Alabama, for example, offers a fully online RN to BSN program that consists of 18 prerequisite courses and 6 professional nursing courses.

Learn more about Alabama RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Some schools also offer RN to MSN programs in which experienced nurses can earn their master’s degree in nursing and enter advanced practice nursing careers. Generally, these programs begin with bachelor’s degree-level coursework and progress to master’s level courses. The RN to MSN program at Spring Hill College prepares nurses for careers as Clinical Nurse Leaders and combines online coursework with clinical practice in a student’s local area.

Jump to City:

Mobile, AL

University of South Alabama

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Pathway

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program for RNs
    • Builds on existing nursing credentials
    • Flexible course scheduling
    • Professional nursing preparation
    • Pathway to advanced education
  • Master's - Executive Nursing Administration

    Concentration: Nurse Administrator - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Nurse Administrator concentration
    • 37 credit hours required
    • Clinical hours in local community
    • Prepares for doctoral study
    • Compliant with ANA standards
    • Focus on healthcare policy
    • Leadership and management skills
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Mobile, AL

Experienced nurses who want additional career opportunities and/or to advance their careers into leadership positions, an advanced practice degree program may be the next step. In the Mobile area, students have the option of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at the University of Mobile, University of South Alabama or Spring Hill College. Doctoral options are also available for interested students.

MSN Programs

MSN programs prepare nurses to be certified in a variety of advanced practice specialties, such as various nurse practitioner roles, clinical nurse leaders, nurse educators, and nurse administrators. MSN programs generally offer career-specific tracks to align with the desired career path and may be offered in online or on-campus formats. The University of South Alabama offers a variety of MSN specialties, such as adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, executive nursing administration, women’s health nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, nursing informatics, among several others.

Learn more about Alabama MSN Programs and Alabama Nurse Practitioner Programs.

DNP Programs

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the terminal nursing degree type, intended for nurses who want to hold the most prestigious nursing titles. This advanced degree is often available to BSN or MSN-educated nurses and is focused on high-level clinical practice. The University of Mobile offers options for both RN degree types, helping students achieve their doctoral goals.

Learn more about Alabama DNP Programs.

Jump to City:

Mobile, AL

Spring Hill College

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible MSN program
    • 36 total credit hours
    • Completed in 1 year
    • $420 per credit
    • Two concentration tracks
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • BSN degree prerequisite

University of Mobile

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Four-semester MSN-FNP program
    • Online with on-campus intensives
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Must hold unencumbered RN license
    • 49 total credit hours
    • 660 clinical hours
    • BSN degree prerequisite

University of South Alabama

  • Master's - Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist

    Concentration: Adult Gerontology - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online MSN program
    • 540 total clinical hours
    • Focus on Adult Gerontology
    • Three-semester clinical component
    • National certification preparation
    • 38 total credit hours
    • Clinical skills intensive included
    • Flexible clinical placement options
  • Master's - Clinical Nurse Leader

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online MSN program
    • Three-semester completion
    • Local clinical placement options
    • 36 total credit hours
    • No certification exam required
    • Multiple healthcare roles training
    • Advanced generalist nursing focus
  • Master's - Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP)

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Dual Nurse Practitioner Specialization
    • Online Core Graduate Courses
    • Clinical Hours: 840 Total
    • Clinical Skills Intensive Training
    • 57 Total Credit Hours
    • Must Complete Within 5 Years
    • ED/ICU Experience Required
    • National Certification Preparation
  • Master's - Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP)

    Concentration: Emergency NP - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 57 total credit hours
    • 840 clinical practicum hours
    • 2-3 on-campus clinical intensives
    • Prepares for FNP/ENP certification
    • Diverse clinical setting opportunities
    • Must complete within 5 years
    • Covers ages across healthcare spectrum
  • Master's - Executive Nursing Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online MSN program
    • 37 total credit hours
    • Nationally aligned leadership competencies
    • Local clinical placement options
    • Prepares for executive nursing roles
    • Flexible clinical experiences
    • No campus travel required
    • Compliant with AONE standards
  • Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online MSN FNP program
    • 45 total credit hours
    • 5-year completion timeframe
    • Clinical hours with local preceptors
    • Mandatory on-campus clinical skills intensive
    • Prepares for national certification
    • 360 total clinical practice hours
    • Diverse employment opportunities
  • Master's - MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 45 total credit hours
    • ANCC Certification Exam preparation
    • 360 clinical practice hours
    • Across lifespan psychiatric training
    • Hybrid program format
    • Virtual clinical skills intensive
    • Prepares APRN certification
    • Multiple clinical practice settings
  • Master's - Nursing Informatics

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program
    • No certification exam required
    • 120 clinical practice hours
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare focus
    • Advanced nursing technology skills
    • Flexible clinical rotation options
    • Comprehensive informatics curriculum
  • Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 45 total credit hours
    • Hybrid program format
    • 600 clinical practice hours
    • Advanced practice nursing focus
    • Comprehensive women's health curriculum
    • Prepares for national certification
    • Supports health promotion skills
  • Doctorate - Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Requires 2 years acute care experience
    • Intensive clinical skills training
    • 180-240 clinical hours required
    • Scholarly project development
    • National certification eligibility
    • Online DNP pathway
    • 69 total credit hours
    • Seven-year program completion
  • Doctorate - Adult-Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 62 total credit hours
    • 360 clinical practice hours
    • No thesis required
    • Evidence-based scholarly project
    • Seven-year program completion window
    • Advanced practice certification preparation
    • Clinical skills intensive training
  • Doctorate - DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP Pediatric Primary Care Track
    • 69 total credit hours
    • Two years nursing experience required
    • Mandatory clinical skills intensive
    • 540 clinical practice hours
    • No thesis, scholarly project required
    • Seven-year program completion timeline
    • National certification preparation
  • Doctorate - DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 69 total credit hours
    • Across lifespan patient care
    • No thesis required
    • Clinical skills intensive training
    • ANCC certification preparation
    • Seven-year program completion
    • 180-240 clinical hours
  • Doctorate - DNP Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP program
    • Total 69 credit hours
    • Three DNP residencies
    • 540 clinical hours total
    • Two years nursing experience recommended
    • No thesis required
    • Scholarly project focus
    • Advanced clinical skills training
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online doctoral nursing program
    • 15+ specialty certification areas
    • No GRE/MAT required
    • Clinical hours in student's region
    • Seven-year completion timeline
    • Three DNP pathway options
    • Two years nursing experience prerequisite
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online DNP program
    • Adult-Gerontological Acute Care specialty
    • No GRE required for admission
    • Flexible clinical placement options
    • Advanced nursing leadership focus
    • Seven-year completion window
    • Minimum two years nursing experience
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Executive Nursing Administration - Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP program
    • 61 total credit hours
    • Fully online classes
    • Clinical hours in student's region
    • No campus visits required
    • Practice immersion experience
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • Prepares for executive roles
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 15 Different Specialty Certifications
    • No GRE Required
    • Seven-Year Completion Window
    • Two Years Nursing Experience Needed
    • Clinical Hours Completed Regionally
    • Web Course Graduate Tuition Rate
    • DNP Project Emphasizes Outcomes
  • Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online DNP Program
    • 69 Total Credit Hours
    • 600 Clinical Practice Hours
    • No Thesis Required
    • Scholarly Project Focus
    • Clinical Skills Intensives
    • Multiple Entry Pathways
    • Seven-Year Completion Window
  • Doctorate - Nursing Informatics

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP Nursing Informatics specialty
    • Total 64 credit hours program
    • 3 specialty clinical residencies
    • No certification exam required
    • Evidence-based scholarly project focus
    • 7-year total program completion
    • Flexible home-region residency options
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2023).