What Courses Are Part Of An Online Nursing Degree Program In Alabama
Each nursing program establishes distinct curriculum and clinical requirements, with coursework geared toward licensure preparation. Bachelor’s-level nursing programs require foundational classes in areas such as anatomy and biology, followed by coursework in core nursing skills and practice. Graduate programs focus on specialized advanced practice areas. Students enrolled in undergraduate online nursing programs in Alabama often encounter the following classes:
Community Health Nursing
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Nursing Care for Adults with Acute/Chronic Health Problems
List Of Accredited Nursing Schools In Birmingham Alabama
To become a nurse, your first step is earning a degree or certificate from an accredited nursing program. A full-term bachelor of science in nursing degree, or BSN, is a solid choice if youre interested in a long and financially rewarding nursing career. However, this path is expensive and requires at least a four-year time commitment. If time or money will impact your choice, you might want to consider other options that involve lower costs and less time to finish. Earning certification as a nursing aide is the fastest and least expensive way to launch a nursing career, taking an average of six weeks of classroom instruction and clinical training. If you have more time, then you should consider becoming a licensed practical nurse . These programs last 12-18 months, including the time to review and prepare for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.
Rn Salaries In Alabama
According to the Alabama Department of Labor, nursing is a high demand career field. It was listed as the industry with the largest necessity to fill, on average 1,525 jobs annually. When you obtain your RN degree, you will have a better chance of getting a job because you will have shown initiative in furthering your education. BSN nurses are commonly hired over nurses with an Associates degree. The average yearly nursing salary for an Alabama RN is over $55,000.
Hospitals are the largest employers in Alabama’s health care industry. As of this moment, there are twenty-six licensed hospitals within twenty Alabama communities. Many other hospitals and health care networks are among the top employers in Alabama. As of 2013, Alabama has 4,860 registered nurses. Approximately half of the nurses in Alabama work in hospitals and ambulatory care. Forty-two percent of new RNs in Alabama graduate with a bachelors degree in nursing.
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What Are The Disadvantages Of Online School
1. Online courses require more time than on-campus classes.2. Online courses require good time-management skills.3. Online courses require you to be an active learner.4. Online courses give you more freedom, perhaps, more than you can handle!5. Online courses require you to be responsible for your own learning.
Jefferson State Community College

The Registered Nursing Program at Jefferson State Community College leads to an Associate of Science in Nursing and can be completed in two years. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. accredited program is also approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing so graduates will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX for registered nurses. The curriculum requires completion of 66 credit hours of general education and nursing courses in a specified sequence. New students are admitted every semester. Selection of candidates is based on an evaluation of GPA, selected coursework, ACT scores, and math scores. The application deadline for Fall is May 12, for Spring is October 6, and for Summer is February 6.
Program Outline
Duration: 5 semesters
Course titles:
Courses Fundamental Concepts of Nursing, Intermediate Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology I, Nursing Concepts I, English Composition I, Human Growth and Development, Anatomy and Physiology II, Nursing Concepts II, Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning, Public Speaking, Advanced Nursing Concepts, Microbiology, Advanced Evidence Based Clinical, Humanities Elective
Admission criteria:
- Provide proof of liability insurance
Program Cost
The estimated cost of the tuition, fees, books, uniforms, physical exam, insurance, and CPR is $12,700. Additional costs include, Kaplan fee, State Board Application fee, NCLEX RN test fee, and Temporary Permit fee.
Address: 2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35215
Phone: 853-1200
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Getting A License In Alabama
On January 1, 2020, Alabama will become part of the Enhanced Nursing License Compact . eNLC members accept RNs from other eNLC states, so a nursing license in Alabama will also work in most states.
Alabama follows eNLC standards, meaning youll be required to:
- Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
- Pass a criminal background check
- Submit fingerprints and verify your identity
- Apply through the Alabama Board of Nursing
Nursing Licensure In Alabama
The Alabama State Board of Nursing establishes standards and regulations for nursing licenses, certification, and renewals. In 2020, Alabama joined the enhanced nurse licensure compact , a reciprocal agreement that allows RNs licensed in a member state to practice in another member state without applying for a new license.
Alabama requires each CNA to pass a national competency exam, and LPNs and RNs must pass the appropriate NCLEX. However, unlike many states, Alabama operates under restricted practice. Each NP must practice under the direction of a physician, and the state does not recognize NPs as primary care providers.
Read on to learn more about state requirements and the steps needed to enter each nursing field.
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Benefits Of Having A Career In Nursing
- Nurses are in high demand in different parts of the world, hence, job security is assured.
- Nursing as a career is one of the professionally fulfilling jobs that is personally rewarding.
- In nursing, there is room for advancement. This advancement gives rise to professional development.
- Being a qualified nurse leaves you with the chance of getting employed internationally, just as in Australia, there are many visas offered to emigrate nurses.
- Nurses enjoy flexibility in work as they dont work always, instead they make use of shifting.
- It is a respected career recognized all over the globe.
- The option of overtime can come in too when you feel like working for more hours to earn more.
- There are many varieties where nurses can work depending on the interest, choice, and experience one has.
Now, accelerated programs are programs that allow students to fasten up in their proposed course of study instead of undergoing the normal duration.
Accelerated nursing programs entail nursing degree options that fast-track the duration of the students to earn their bachelors in nursing or Masters in nursing quicker than usual. These programs are designed in such a way to takes a lesser period to achieve your aim as a nurse.
If you are among the students that wish to enroll in any of the accelerated nursing programs in Alabama, kindly read till the very last dot of this content.
University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Annual In-State Tuition: $8,040 | NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.9%
Traditional: Yes
Accelerated: Yes
Bridge: Yes
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is one of the youngest schools on this list. However, UAB is also ranked as one of the best young schools in the nation, so in its 50 years, UAB has become one of the top institutions in Alabama. UABs traditional BSN is a four-year degree with a high NCLEX pass rate, something sure to get the attention of applicants. A second degree program is also available, and transfer students can bring in credits to cut the program time. Alabama residents also get to take advantage of low in-state tuition.
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How Do I Become A Nurse In Alabama
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Alabama, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your Alabama practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Alabama Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Registered Nurse in the state of Alabama, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your Alabama registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Registered Nurse Job Functions
Registered nurses are the primary occupation in the medical delivery system. RNs practice in a large number of different medical environments, such as Birmingham AL hospitals, family practices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and even schools. Their basic job is to assist doctors in the care of their patients. However, the particular duties of a registered nurse will depend on their job or specialization as well as where they work. A portion of the duties of an RN may include:
- Providing medications
- Managing LPNs, LVNs and nurse aides
- Informing patients and their families
- Managing health records and charts
Nurses with a higher degree may have more complex job duties and responsibilities. Nurse practitioners , for example, must hold a Masters Degree and typically work more independently than their RN counterparts. They can deliver primary or specialty care services, prescribe medications, and diagnose and treat common illnesses or injuries.
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Become An Advance Practice Registered Nurse In Alabama
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
How To Choose A Nursing School Near Birmingham Alabama

Choosing the best nursing college near Birmingham AL may seem like a difficult endeavor, especially if you dont know what to search for in a good degree program. As you may presently know, to practice as a registered nurse, you need to acquire the necessary education and training to become licensed. So it is vitally important that you study and assess the qualifications of each school you are thinking about before enrolling in your ultimate selection. Regrettably, too many potential students base their selection exclusively on the cost of tuition and the nearness of the school. Going with the least costly school or the one that is closest to your residence is most likely not the most ideal way to choose a nursing program. There are many key additional things to check into before you make a decision where to enroll in classes. But before we delve into that checklist, lets first review what the role of a registered nurse is in our health system, as well as the nursing degree choices that are offered.
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Birmingham Asn Program Classes & Curriculum Details
Required coursework for the program includes nursing support courses in healthcare and science, hands-on clinical and laboratory training, general education classes , and personal and professional development courses.
Can I take any courses online? Yes, you may complete general education courses online. However, your required nursing classes must be completed on campus, as there is crucial hands-on instructional training necessary to help you become a registered nurse.
Program | |
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Associate of Science in Nursing | 24 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete program
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:
- Herzing University – #9
- Lawson State Community College – #10
- University of Alabama at Birmingham – #3
School | |
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280 W Valley Ave |
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3060 Wilson Rd SW |
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1701 University Blvd 934-5428 |
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University Of Alabama School Of Nursing Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Nursing Competency SuiteThe Nursing Competency Suite replicates real-life emergencies in safe, controlled environments, using extraordinarily life-like mannequins. An operating room, nurse station, pediatric and hospital competency labs prepare both undergraduate and graduate nursing students for every possible situation. In the labs, the mannequins are monitored for real-time information, such as heart rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure readings. Instructors control the mannequins symptoms and observe the students from control rooms adjacent to each lab. The competency labs allow students to choose among possible solutions and practice their skills through an entire scenario.
Serendipitous Connection and CommunicationCollaboration and communication between students, faculty and visitors are at their most spontaneous at the synapse, where an open stair bridges between the new and existing buildings. The adjacent student lounge, with openings looking both up to the research levels and down to the primary teaching level, forms its center.
Architect-of-Record: Williams Blackstock Architects
Is It Hard To Get Into A Alabama Nursing School
We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each Alabama nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in Alabama provided below, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 50% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.
If you are having trouble getting accepted into a Alabama nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.
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Alabama Rn Licensing Requirements
RN State A future nurse must pass the NCLEX-RN exam through Pearson VUE while applying to the Alabama Board of Nursing. Nurses need to submit documentation to prove their U.S. citizenship and pay an $85 application fee. They must also complete twenty-four contact hours of continuing education every two years.
Each state requires an examination or endorsement in order to obtain licensure. In some cases, nurses can be trained abroad and do a number of things in order to attain licensure.
How Do Online Nursing Degree Programs Work
Online nursing programs offered at regionally accredited institutions deliver the same quality education as on-campus programs. Graduates acquire the knowledge needed for licensure exams and the competencies required for their intended practice roles.
Although program content differs by degree level, students can expect to finish their online degrees in the same length of time as their campus-based counterparts. While some schools offer classes entirely online, many nursing programs require face-to-face attendance for hybrid courses, orientations, and exams. All programs require supervised clinical experiences that students must complete on-site.
Online nursing programs in Alabama commonly offer more affordable and convenient alternatives to traditional degrees, appealing to students with family or work responsibilities. An online BSN works well for RNs who already hold nursing diplomas or associate degrees, or for bachelor’s degree-holders in other fields who want to transition into nursing. Graduate programs attract nurses who need to maintain their employment while acquiring the advanced training required to advance in their profession.
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How To Become A Nurse In Alabama
While nurses around the country study similar subjects in on-campus and online nursing programs, Alabama nurses must specifically meet state licensure standards. The cost and procedure for becoming licensed depend on the type of online nursing degree you receive. Here’s a look at how to become a nurse in Alabama.
What To Ask Nursing Programs

Now that you have decided on which nursing program to pursue, and whether to attend your classes on campus near Birmingham AL or online, you can use the following pointers to begin narrowing down your choices. As you no doubt realize, there are numerous nursing schools and colleges throughout Alabama and the United States. So it is essential to lower the number of schools to select from in order that you will have a workable list. As we previously discussed, the site of the school as well as the cost of tuition are undoubtedly going to be the first two points that you will take into consideration. But as we also stressed, they should not be your only qualifiers. So before making your ultimate selection, use the following questions to evaluate how your selection compares to the field.
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Alabama Southern Community College
The Alabama Southern Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing program which is designed to equip the students to deliver quality nursing care in different clinical settings. Graduates of the program will be able to give appropriate nursing care in hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, community health and other healthcare facilities. Once the program is completed, students will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree and may apply for the National Council Licensing Exam RN. The Alabama Southern Community College is one of the best nursing schools in Birmingham, Alabama for an ADN degree. Students can take advantage on the small class sizes provided by the qualified instructors, and they can make use of the best-equipped laboratories in the state. Interested students for the profession should ensure to meet the criteria of the college before they can undergo their desired nursing education.