Best Nursing Schools in Alabama

Best RN Programs in Alabama

Alabama Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

Are you interested in becoming a registered nurse but not sure where to start? The specific degree that future nurses choose to aim for heavily relies on their specific professional and educational goals. By and large, many nurses choose to go with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) due to their low cost and fast timeline. Learn the differences between these, and many other types below.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

If you’re looking for the quickest way to get licensed as an RN, an ADN is likely your safest bet at only 2 years of full-time study. Nursing diplomas are a similar option, but these are usually offered at hospitals and nursing schools and can be completed in 1-2 years. If you’re hoping to move on to higher-level degrees, many nurses suggest going with the ADN as they usually require more core classes with transferable credits to accredited schools, while nursing diplomas focus more on professional training. If you’re working as an LPN, you may be interested in leveraging your experience and enrolling in an LPN to RN bridge program, which can result in either an ADN or a BSN.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Alabama include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Alabama.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN to BSN vs. Accelerated BSN Programs

If you’re planning on eventually moving on to advanced practice, or if you simply want to gain more experience and training, a BSN is a great option. A bachelor’s degree in nursing can also give an edge when it comes to applying for nursing positions in Alabama as many employers prefer them to ADN-educated nurses or LPNs. BSN programs take about four years to complete, and many programs are available online or with hybrid, and self-paced options, meaning you may be able to finish even faster, especially if you take care of bridge programs such as RN to BSN programs or Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing programs.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Alabama typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

As mentioned, an Alabama RN to BSN is a bridge program that allows you to achieve your BSN degree in a shorter amount of time. While a traditional BSN requires at least 4 years of study, an RN to BSN can allow you to graduate in only 2 years! Of course, this will depend on whether you already have an ADN and whether you are licensed as an RN, both requirements of these types of programs.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, but you would like to receive a BSN in under four years, Alabama ABSN programs are a viable option. This type of bridge program allows you to complete your BSN degree program in only a year and will build off of your existing education.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you’re looking for more than just entry-level nursing education and training and are considering upper-level nursing careers, you’ll need a graduate degree, such as a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to do so. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners, have competitive salaries and a great deal of independence, but they also require many years of education before accessing these roles. Fortunately, if you already have experience as a nurse, you’re sure to find bridge programs that meet your required graduation timeline.

Read more about advanced practice nursing programs in Alabama here:

• Alabama Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Alabama MSN Program
• Alabama Accelerated MSN Program
• Alabama RN to MSN Programs
• Alabama Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• Alabama DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in Alabama

Arguably the most important part of the process (after graduation from an accredited school) is getting licensed as an RN. The Alabama Nursing Board requires all nurses to apply for licensure and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon passing the exam, you’ll be required to pay a fee and take any required continuing education courses.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Alabama

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the Alabama Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

If an RN program isn’t accredited, it’s not going to meet the standards required by the Alabama Nursing Board, which means you won’t be able to be licensed after graduation. RN program accreditation in the US is provided by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). As you research RN programs, check the website or which the prospective school’s nursing program directly to make sure it is accredited by one of these two institutions.

Continued List of All RN Programs in Alabama

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