Nursing Schools in Alabama, AL
The Alabama Board of Nursing maintains a list of currently approved nursing programs, from LPN all the way up to graduate studies. With 24 campuses offering LPN programs and 42 campuses offering RN programs, there are many options to choose from and it is advisable to explore options both within and outside of your area of residence as cost and quality vary by program. However, it is interesting to note that NCLEX pass rates are unusually high for LPNs Alabama, with close to 95 percent of Alabama LPN graduates passing the NCLEX-PN in 2009—almost ten percent higher than the national average—and close to 90 percent of RNs passing the NCLEX-RN, a full percentage and a half above the national average.
Nursing Schools Through Online Programs In Alabama
The boom of technology has enabled the population to do many things online, including receiving an advanced degree. Perhaps one of the most convenient ways to earn a nursing degree is to do so by enrolling in an online program.
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There are several benefits to applying to an online education programs. First, without the constraint of classroom hours, it is possible to study and take exams at almost any time of day. Online education also lends itself to some freedom of where to study and at what pace. It also makes for excellent, direct one-on-one communication between the instructor and student.
Keep in mind that earning a degree isn’t easy. The distraction of day-to-day life means that it will likely take a significant amount of self-discipline and perseverance to successfully study and complete exams. It is quite difficult to play catch-up in a class that will move quickly. Also, many online courses are offered at an accelerated pace. This means that more information is executed in a much shorter amount of time than a traditional classroom. This also makes self-discipline an essential factor to success in this type of learning environment.
Before applying to a desired program, research several different programs. Ensure that the program utilizes courses that offer certification in the state of Alabama. Keep in mind that although most coursework will be completed online, there will be some hands-on training. Therefore, it is helpful to select an online program that has a campus branch nearby.
Many online nursing programs are offered for those wishing to achieve their RN certification. Several also offer advanced degrees including Bachelors of Science (BSN) in Nursing, Masters of Science in Nursing and even Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Final certification and testing follows successful completion of the program. The specific test depends on the level of nursing that is being pursued. For example, RNs and LPNs in Alabama will take the NCLEX exam, but they will vary from one another.
Career Expectations for Nurses in Alabama
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a steady increase in registered nursing jobs throughout the United States. In fact, the BLS asserts that “Employment of RNs is expected to grow much faster than the average and, because the occupation is very large, 581,500 new jobs will result.” In addition, there will be a steady need for RNs as nurses leave the occupation for retirement or to pursue more experienced nursing positions.
Alabama isn’t exempt from this statistic. According to statehealthfacts.org, Alabama utilizes 927 RNs per 100,000 population, compared to 860 throughout the US. This statistic illustrates the need for RNs in Alabama currently, and in the future.
The income of nurses in Alabama varies on the location within the state. It is important to note, however, that certain areas of the state also have a higher cost of living to take into account. The BLS lists that the annual median wage for registered nurses in Alabama ranges from $45,840 in Decatur, AL to $61,140 in the Columbus, GA/Alabama metropolitan. These wages are significantly higher than the $42,652 median income of all occupations in the state of Alabama. (Salary information provided by salary.com)
It helps to consider that the BLS doesn’t differentiate between registered nurses and nurse practitioners in Alabama. Because of the higher education and certification required to become a nurse practitioner, the wage is significantly higher. Therefore, it is helpful to look at the wages of registered nurses in Alabama whose annual wages fell in the 90th percentile. These individuals earned between $67,360 and $82,600 throughout the state of Alabama.
The state of Alabama features 108 hospitals, 230 nursing facilities, 73 rural healthcare clinics, and numerous other schools and healthcare facilities that depend on its nurses to provide efficient, quality nursing care. Coupled with the comparable wage of nurses in Alabama, it is certainly beneficial to earn a degree from an Alabama nursing school.
Cities in Alabama, AL Most Likely To Have Nursing School Programs: Looking for a nursing school program or course in your area? Chances are there is a campus close by. If not, don’t give up too soon. Nursing Degrees and Schools in Alabama can be available via online programs, which are accredited and very useful to enter the health care sectors in Alabama, AL. Commonly nursing schools are available from or in the following cities:
Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan, Decatur, Auburn, Madison, Florence, Gadsden, Vestavia Hills, Prattville, Phenix City, Alabaster, Bessemer, Enterprise, Opelika, Homewood, Northport
Cities in Alabama, AL with Nursing School Campuses in Close Locations: In smaller populated cities Nursing School Programs are not as widespread, therefore you may have to research nearby locations to find a acourse or be open to an online programs. Online classes have been found to be a convenient route to attaining a nursing degree. The following cities in Alabama, AL may have a near campus: Anniston, Prichard, Athens, Daphne, Pelham, Oxford, Albertville, Selma, Mountain Brooke, Trussville, Troy, Tillmans Corner, Center Pointe, Helena, Hueytown, Talladega, Fairhope, Alexander City, Cullman, Scottsboro, Millbrook
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