Alabama’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
The need for nurses continues to grow, making now the right time to pursue a career in nursing in the state of Alabama. Nurses have a wide range of employment opportunities that continue to grow as people retire. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, there is a growth rate of 1.36% in Alabama, with 1,750 total registered nurse (RN) openings.
Alabama’s average NCLEX-RN pass rate is 87.5%, which is above the national average. Alabama is also a compact state, which means that if you are a resident of Alabama and have an Alabama nursing license, you can apply for a compact license which allows you to practice nursing in other compact states without having to get another state license. Compact nursing licenses are valid in 39 participating states.
Alabama is desirable to live in with its low cost of living and wealth of white sandy beaches. With the RN workforce being projected to grow 6% nationwide between 2021-2031, there will be no shortage of nursing jobs to choose from.
The Best Nursing Schools in Alabama
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Alabama to help you determine which college may be the best fit for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Alabama based on the NCLEX pass rate as posted on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Alabama ADN Nursing Program
Southern Union State Community College
Southern Union State Community College is located in Opelika, AL, and provides a quality ADN program that is affordable, accessible, equitable, and responsible for the diverse needs of students. The ADN program admits students three times per year.
offers a concurrent BSN program with Auburn University that is designed to allow qualified ADN students to complete their BSN simultaneously. The concurrent BSN program takes 6-semesters to complete.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,450 per semester
Out-of-State: $6,425 per semester
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,450 per semester |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,425 per semester |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.64% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
72% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
90% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,475 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
69% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation
Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Alabama ADN Nursing Program
Wallace Community College-Dothan
Wallace Community College-Dothan located in Dothan, AL, offers a competitive ADN program, allowing entrance into the program twice per year. The program can be completed in 5 semesters for its generic track. Wallace Community College also offers a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to ADN mobility track for LPNs who are seeking advancement to an RN degree.
In addition to this, the college also has articulation agreements with four-year colleges that offer BSN and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs for advancement opportunities that allow graduates to work in healthcare facilities.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,860 per year
Out-of-State: $8,550
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,860 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,550 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.39% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
56.7% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
99% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,681 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Alabama ADN Nursing Program
Northeast Alabama Community College
Northeast Alabama Community College is located in Rainsville, AL. Their ADN program is designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to be entry-level professional nurses.
It is their mission to prepare graduates to practice safe, competent, patient-centered care in complex and rapidly changing healthcare environments. This program takes 5 semesters to complete when attending full-time
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,860 per year
Out-of-State: $8,850 per year
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,860 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,850 per year |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95.24% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019-2021 |
88% |
| Job Placement 2019-2021 |
95.12% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,883 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Alabama BSN Nursing Program
University of Mobile
The University of Mobile offers several career paths to earn your nursing degree. You can attend their traditional BSN program, earn your ADN, enroll in their accelerated BSN program, or complete their RN to BSN program.
Their facility offers a state-of-the-art clinical simulation center to provide real-life scenarios that allow students to understand concepts they’ve learned in the classroom. They offer small class sizes to allow for personal attention and 1:1 faculty mentoring. The University of Mobile emphasizes a face-to-face NCLEX review, integrated specialty testing into their program, and added test-taking strategies to their curriculum to achieve a 100% pass rate of their graduates on their NCLEX-RN exam..
Average Tuition
In-State: $24,855 per year
Out-of-State: $24,855 per year
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$24,855 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$24,855 per year |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
64.1% |
| Retention Rate |
64% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,750 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
47% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Alabama BSN Nursing Program
Auburn University
Auburn University offers two tracks to complete your nursing degree. They have a traditional RN to BSN track which you can complete to obtain your degree in nursing.
They also offer a concurrent BSN track which allows students that are enrolled in an ADN program complete courses for their BSN while they are still earning their ADN. Admission to the traditional program occurs twice a year, in the summer and in the fall. Their nursing curriculum prepares nurses to function as a member of the healthcare team while functioning in a diverse setting.
Average Tuition
In-State: $11,826 per year
Out-of-State: $31,986 per year
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$11,826 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$31,986 per year |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
99.51% |
| Admission Rate |
71.21% |
| Retention Rate |
90% |
| Students Enrolled |
31,764 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
21.17% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#3 Alabama BSN Nursing Program
University of Alabama
University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, AL, offers a BSN and RN to BSN program. Offered through the Capstone College of Nursing, their BSN program can be completed within 5 semesters and gives students opportunities to learn and practice nursing skills in both simulated environments on campus and at clinical facilities.
Their RN-to-BSN program option allows ADN-prepared nurses to pursue their BSN in an online format. There is also an option to complete the RN to BSN/MSN program, which allows students to complete both their BSN and MSN in only 2 years.
Average Tuition
In-State: $11,826 per year
Out-of-State: $31,986 per year
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$11,826 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$31,986 per year |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
99.51% |
| Admission Rate |
71.21% |
| Retention Rate |
90% |
| Students Enrolled |
31,764 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
21.17% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Alabama
When choosing a nursing program, it is important to find a program that fits your professional and career goals. You should look for a program that is accredited, as this is something many employers require. You should also consider factors like the program’s NCLEX-RN pass rate, tuition, and retention rate.
Why Become a Nurse in Alabama
Alabama is a great place to live. Having a border on the Gulf Coast, there are 60 miles of white sandy beaches to enjoy. The cost of living is affordable, being 12% lower than the national average.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alabama currently employs 49,780 registered nurses and has an annual mean wage of $61,920. The Alabama Department of Labor projects a growth rate of 1.36% in Alabama for nurses, with 1,750 current total RN openings.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Alabama
The average salary for RNs is lower than the national average of $82,750. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alabama’s annual mean wage is $61,920. However, the cost of living is 12% lower than the national average, which helps offset the lower wage. Advanced practice nurses made an annual mean wage of $102,410.
The employment of registered nurses nationwide is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with a projected growth rate of 1.36% for nurses in Alabama. About 203,200 openings for registered nurses are projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Alabama Cities for RNs |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL |
$63,610 |
| Huntsville, AL |
$63,530 |
| Montgomery, AL |
$63,210 |
| Mobile, AL |
$62,870 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Alabama
There are multiple steps and paths candidates can take to become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
Each candidate will be required to complete a program approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. A list of the approved nursing programs with NCLEX pass rates can be found on the Alabama Board of Nursing website. Upon successful completion of an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses decide to go back to school to obtain their APRN. After you have successfully completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure.
To become a nurse in Alabama, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Alabama:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes 2 years to complete, while a BSN program usually takes 4 years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. Both programs may offer a part-time track which will take longer to complete.
- After successfully completing your chosen nursing program, you
will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. You will need to
submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and complete a criminal
background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Alabama, you will need
to complete 24 hours of continuing education credits related to nursing to maintain your license.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Alabama:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in the state of Alabama.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs need to enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or
Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass a certification exam for one of the following roles:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Midwife
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
- The licensing fee is $175.
- APRNs are required to complete six hours of continuing education in pharmacology for each biennial renewal in addition to the 24 hours of continuing education credits for their RN license.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Alabama
Is Alabama a good place for nurses to work?
Nurses are in demand across the nation, and this is no different in Alabama. While the median average salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living is also lower than the national average. The white sandy beaches and southern charm make this state a desirable place to practice nursing.
Is Alabama a compact state for nursing?
Yes. Nurses who live in Alabama and who meet the licensure requirements may apply for a compact license on the Alabama Board of Nursing website. Having a multistate license allows nurses to practice in their home state and other compact states.
If you move to a different state that is also a compact state, you will need to apply for that state license and apply for the compact license through that state.
What are the requirements for RNs in Alabama?
To become an RN in Alabama, first, you need to complete an approved and accredited nursing program. The Alabama Board of Nursing lists the approved ADN and BSN programs on its website. Next, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to receive your license. Once you have been issued your RN license, you are able to practice as a nurse. Your RN license will need to be renewed every 2 years, and you are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education credits prior to renewal.
How much does an Alabama RN license cost?
The cost to take the NCLEX-RN exam in Alabama is $100. Once you have your license, you are required to renew your license every 2 years, and the cost of renewal is $100.
