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RN Nursing Programs in Alabama - AL
Becoming an RN in Alabama
There are two common paths to becoming an RN in Alabama: through an Associate Degree, Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BSN). While the former takes half the time, the latter provides greater specialization and opportunity in the work force.
Perhaps the quickest way to become a licensed RN in Alabama short of a hospital-based diploma program, is via a two-year ADN, the route chosen by close to fifty percent of Registered Nurses. AND programs are offered at institutions of higher learning statewide and take around two years to complete. But, around ten courses in math, English, psychology, biology and chemistry, with a minimum of a C average, are required before even applying to a nursing program, which can add another six months to a year to your education. With competitive entry based highly on grades, the minimum will not always guarantee acceptance, so it is advisable to achieve exceptional grades before application.
Prerequisites for an ADN prepare students for the technical, psychological, and emotional aspects that are a large part of everyday work in a health care setting. Still, the main focus is targeted nursing courses that cover everything from emotional support and theory to clinical practice. And once the coursework is completed, students are ready to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Applying for the test carries an $85 fee paid to the Alabama Board of Nursing. Once an application is approved, the NCLEX-RN costs $200 to take through national exam administrator Pearson Vue. It is important to note that this application takes into account criminal record, so, if you have a criminal history, it is advisable to consult with your nursing program prior to entry to see if it is a problem—criminal records are evaluated on a case to case basis as to whether they may stand in the way of RN licensure. After passing the test one is licensed as an RN, and the license must be renewed every two years at a cost of $75 and with proof of 24 credit hours of state-approved continuing education. If a license lapses, the fee is $120.
While half of Registered Nurses become licensed via an ADN program, the other half choose to do so through a BSN—only a very small percentage of RNs obtain their licenses through a diploma program, which are far less common. A BSN can be pursued either from the outset of nursing training, after receiving an ADN, or following training and licensure as a Practical Nurse. The first two years are pretty much the same as an ADN, with electives from general studies and nursing-specific coursework. However, in the final two years, courses go beyond the skills and theories required of an entry-level RN to focus on such specialized topics as pharmacology, hospice care, community health research, advanced nursing theory, nursing in developing countries and more. During a BSN, students do a yearly practicum in order to gain workplace experience to supplement their studies, ensuring they leave the program with working knowledge of a health care setting as well as technical and theoretical understanding of the nursing process.
BSNs in Alabama take the focus beyond the baseline knowledge required to practice as a nurse and require students to take their critical thinking skills to the next level, preparing them for a leadership role in a health care setting. RNs with a BSN are both very well prepared for the NCLEX as well as equipped with research and communication skills, and an array of specialized knowledge that can open doors towards a more dynamic career, and higher earning potential, than what is available to ADN equipped Registered Nurses—something worth thinking about when deciding whether to pursue an ADN or a BSN.
RN Jobs and Salary Information in Alabama
Registered Nurses comprise the largest group of health care professionals in Alabama. In urban centers like Birmingham, they make, on average, more than $59,000* per year plus potential benefits, with wages a little lower in rural areas to reflect the cost of living. Working as an RN in Alabama is not easy money—nurses may have to work irregular hours, such as weekends, nights, and holidays, and bear the weight of great responsibility when it comes to individuals under their care. But it can also be a very rewarding profession—responsibility, complex decision making make for workdays that are rarely monotonous. In hospitals, which employ almost two-thirds of nurses, doctor’s offices, x-ray clinics and more, nurses are a very important part of the health care package. From management of Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nurse Assistants, to complicated decision making procedures and critical patient care, the decisions RNs make can affect dozens of people’s lives on a daily basis, and helping people through difficult times is a very honorable and satisfying pursuit. For those looking for a challenging and rewarding career in health care, working as a Registered Nurse in Alabama is certainly an attractive option.
*Salary information provided by salary.com
Hospitals in Alabama with Active RN (Registered Nursing) Programs
42d Medical Group - Maxwell Air Force Base
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Alabama Department of Mental Health
Bryce Hospital - Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
Greil Memorial Psychiatric Hospital - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center - Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
North Alabama Regional Hospital - Decatur, Morgan County
Searcy Hospital - Mount Vernon, Mobile County
Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility - Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
Andalusia Regional Hospital - Andalusia, Covington County
Athens-Limestone Hospital - Athens, Limestone County
Atmore Community Hospital - Atmore, Escambia County
B
Baptist Cherokee - Centre, Cherokee County
Baptist Citizens - Talladega, Talladega County
Baptist Coosa Valley - Sylacauga, Cherokee County
Baptist Dekalb - Fort Payne, DeKalb County
Baptist Health - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Baptist Medical Center East - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Baptist Medical Center South - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Montgomery Surgical Center - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Prattville Baptist Hospital - Prattville, Autauga County
Baptist Health Care
Atmore Community Hospital - Atmore, Escambia County
D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital - Brewton, Escambia County
Baptist Health System - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Baptist Cherokee - Centre, Cherokee County
Baptist Citizens - Talladega, Talladega County
Baptist Coosa Valley - Sylacauga, Cherokee County
Baptist Dekalb - Fort Payne, DeKalb County
Baptist Lawrence - Moulton, Lawrence County
Baptist Montclair - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Baptist Princeton - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Baptist Shelby - Alabaster, Shelby County
Baptist Walker - Jasper, Walker County
Cullman Regional Medical Center - Cullman, Cullman County
Baptist Lawrence - Moulton, Lawrence County
Baptist Medical Center East - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Baptist Medical Center South - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Baptist Montclair - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Baptist Princeton - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Baptist Shelby - Alabaster, Shelby County
Baptist Walker - Jasper, Walker County
Bibb Medical Center - Centreville, Bibb County
Big Springs Specialty Care Center - Huntsville, Madison County
Birmingham VA Medical Center - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Bradford Health Services - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Brookwood Medical Center - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital - Demopolis, Marengo County
Bryce Hospital - Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
Bullock County Hospital - Union Springs, Bullock County
Burdick-West Medical Center - Haleyville, Winston County
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Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Carraway Burdick West Medical Center - Haleyville, Winston County
Carraway Methodist Health Systems - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Carraway Burdick West Medical Center - Haleyville, Winston County
Carraway Methodist Medical Center - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Carraway Northwest Medical Center - Winfield, Marion County
Carraway Methodist Medical Center - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Carraway Northwest Medical Center - Winfield, Marion County
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System East Campus - Tuskegee, Macon County
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System West Campus - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Cherokee Medical Center - Centre, Cherokee County
Children's Health System - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Chilton Medical Center - Clanton, Chilton County
Clay County Hospital - Ashland, Clay County
Colbert County Northwest Alabama Health Care Authority
Helen Keller Hospital - Sheffield, Colbert County
North Alabama Sleep Disorders Center - Sheffield, Colbert County
Red Bay Hospital - Red Bay, Franklin County
Coffee Health Group - Florence, Lauderdale County
Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital - Florence, Lauderdale County
Shoals Hospital - Muscle Shoals, Colbert County
Community Health Systems
Cherokee Medical Center - Centre, Cherokee County
Crestwood Medical Center - Huntsville, Madison County
DeKalb Regional Medical Center - Fort Payne, DeKalb County
Flowers Hospital - Dothan, Houston County
Gadsden Regional Medical Center - Gadsden, Etowah County
L V Stabler Memorial Hospital - Greenville, Butler County
Medical Center Enterprise - Enterprise, Coffee County
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center - Foley, Baldwin County
Trinity Medical Center - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Community Hospital - Tallassee, Elmore County
Cooper Green Hospital - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Crenshaw Community Hospital - Luverne, Crenshaw County
Crestwood Medical Center - Huntsville, Madison County
Cullman Regional Medical Center - Cullman, Cullman County
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Dale Medical Center - Ozark, Dale County
DCH Health System
DCH Regional Medical Center - Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
Fayette Medical Center - Fayette, Fayette County
Northport Medical Center - Northport, Tuscaloosa County
Pickens County Medical Center - Carrollton, Pickens County
DCH Regional Medical Center - Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
Decatur General Hospital - Decatur, Morgan County
Decatur General West Behavioral Medical Center - Decatur, Morgan County
Decatur General West Behavioral Medical Center - Decatur, Morgan County
DeKalb Regional Medical Center - Fort Payne, DeKalb County
D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital - Brewton, Escambia County
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East Alabama Medical Center - Opelika, Lee County
Eastern Health System - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Medical Center Blount - Oneonta, Blount County
Medical Center East - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Saint Clair Regional Hospital - Pell City, Saint Clair County
Elba General Hospital - Elba, Coffee County
Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital - Florence, Lauderdale County
Elmore Community Hospital - Wetumpka, Elmore County
Evergreen Medical Center - Evergreen, Conecuh County
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Fayette Medical Center - Fayette, Fayette County
Florala Memorial Hospital - Florala, Covington County
Flowers Hospital - Dothan, Houston County
Fox Army Health Center - Redstone Arsenal
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Gadsden Regional Medical Center - Gadsden, Etowah County
Georgiana Hospital - Georgiana, Butler County
Greene County Hospital - Eutaw, Greene County
Greil Memorial Psychiatric Hospital - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Grove Hill Memorial Hospital - Grove Hill, Clarke County
H
Hale County Hospital - Greensboro, Hale County
Hartselle Medical Center - Hartselle, Morgan County
Health Management Associates (HMA)
Riverview Regional Medical Center - Gadsden, Etowah County
Stringfellow Memorial Hospital - Anniston, Calhoun County
HealthSouth Lakeshore Rehab Hospital - Birmingham, Jefferson County
HealthSouth Medical Center - Birmingham, Jefferson County
HealthSouth Metro-West - Fairfield, Jefferson County
HealthSouth Rehab Hospital - Dothan, Houston County
HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Gadsden - Gadsden, Etowah County
HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Montgomery - Montgomery, Montgomery County
HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of North Alabama - Huntsville, Madison County
Helen Keller Hospital - Sheffield, Colbert County
Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Hill Hospital of Sumter County - York, Sumter County
Huntsville Hospital - Huntsville, Madison County
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J
Jackson County Hospital - Scottsboro, Jackson County
Jackson Hospital - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Jackson Medical Center - Jackson, Clarke County
Jacksonville Medical Center - Jacksonville, Calhoun County
John Paul Jones Hospital - Camden, Wilcox County
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Kindred Healthcare
Big Springs Specialty Care Center - Huntsville, Madison County
Kindred HealthCare Center of Mobile - Mobile, Mobile County
Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Birmingham - Birmingham,
Whitesburg Gardens Health Care Center - Huntsville, Madison County
Kindred HealthCare Center of Mobile - Mobile, Mobile County
L
L V Stabler Memorial Hospital - Greenville, Butler County
Lake Martin Community Hospital - Dadeville, Tallapoosa County
Lakeland Community Hospital - Haleyville, Winston County
Lakeview Community Hospital - Eufaula, Barbour County
Lanier Hospital & Health Services - Valley, Chambers County
Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center - Dothan, Houston County
LifePoint Hospitals
Andalusia Regional Hospital - Andalusia, Covington County
Lakeland Community Hospital - Haleyville, Winston County
Northwest Medical Center - Winfield, Winston County
Russellville Hospital - Russellville, Franklin County
Vaughan Regional Medical Center - Selma, Dallas County
Lyster Army Hospital - Fort Rucker
M
Marshall Medical Centers - Guntersville and Boaz
Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center - Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
Medical Center Blount - Oneonta, Blount County
Medical Center East - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Medical Center Enterprise - Enterprise, Coffee County
Mercy Medical - Daphne, Baldwin County
Mizell Memorial Hospital - Opp, Covington County
Mobile Infirmary Medical Center - Mobile, Mobile County
Mobile Mental Health Center - Mobile, Mobile County
Monroe County Hospital - Monroeville, Monroe County
Montgomery Surgical Center - Montgomery, Montgomery County
Mountain View Hospital - Gadsden, Etowah County
N
NMMC Hamilton - Hamilton, Marion County
North Alabama Regional Hospital - Decatur, Morgan County
North Baldwin Infirmary - Bay Minette, Baldwin County
Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center - Anniston,
Northport Medical Center - Northport, Tuscaloosa County
Northwest Medical Center - Winfield, Marion County
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P
Parkway Medical Center - Decatur, Morgan County
Pickens County Medical Center - Carrollton, Pickens County
Prattville Baptist Hospital - Prattville, Autauga County
Providence Hospital - Mobile, Mobile County
Psychiatric Solutions, Inc.
Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Laurel Oaks Behavioral Health Center - Dothan, Houston County
Q
R
Randolph Medical Center - Roanoke, Randolph County
Red Bay Hospital - Red Bay, Franklin County
Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Birmingham - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Riverview Regional Medical Center - Gadsden, Etowah County
Russell Medical Center - Alexander City, Tallapoosa County
Russellville Hospital - Russellville, Franklin County
S
Saint Clair Regional Hospital - Pell City, Saint Clair County
Saint Vincent's Hospital - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Searcy Hospital - Mount Vernon, Mobile County
Shoals Hospital - Muscle Shoals, Colbert County
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center - Foley, Baldwin County
Southeast Alabama Medical Center - Dothan, Houston County
Spain Rehabilitation Center - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Springhill Medical Center - Mobile, Mobile County
Stringfellow Memorial Hospital - Anniston, Calhoun County
Summit Hospital - Phenix City, Russell County
SunLink Health Systems
Chilton Medical Center - Clanton, Chilton County
T
Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility - Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
Thomas Hospital - Fairhope, Baldwin County
Triad Hospitals
Crestwood Medical Center - Huntsville, Madison County
Flowers Hospital - Dothan, Houston County
Gadsden Regional Medical Center - Gadsden, Etowah County
Jacksonville Medical Center - Jacksonville, Calhoun County
Medical Center Enterprise - Enterprise, Coffee County
Trinity Medical Center - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Troy Regional Medical Center - Troy, Pike County
Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center - Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County
U
United States Army Aeromedical Center - Fort Rucker
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Health System - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital - Birmingham, Jefferson County
Spain Rehabilitation Center - Birmingham, Jefferson County
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Center for Psychiatric Medicine - Birmingham, Jefferson County
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital - Birmingham, Jefferson County
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Medical West - Bessemer, Jefferson County
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Center for Psychiatric Medicine - Birmingham, Jefferson County
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital - Birmingham, Jefferson County
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Medical West - Bessemer, Jefferson County
University of South Alabama Children's and Women's Hospital - Mobile, Mobile County
University of South Alabama Health System - Mobile, Mobile County
University of South Alabama Children's and Women's Hospital - Mobile, Mobile County
University of South Alabama Knollwood Long Term Acute Care Hospital - Mobile, Mobile County
University of South Alabama Knollwood Park Hospital - Mobile, Mobile County
USA Knollwood Long Term Acute Care Hospital
University of South Alabama Medical Center - Mobile, Mobile County
University of South Alabama Knollwood Long Term Acute Care Hospital - Mobile, Mobile County
University of South Alabama Knollwood Park Hospital - Mobile, Mobile County
University of South Alabama Medical Center - Mobile, Mobile County
V
Vaughan Regional Medical Center - Selma, Dallas County
W
Washington County Hospital & Nursing Home - Chatom, Washington County
Wedowee Hospital - Wedowee, Randolph County
Whitesburg Gardens Health Care Center - Huntsville, Madison County
Wiregrass Medical Center - Geneva, Geneva County
Woodland Medical Center - Cullman, Cullman County
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