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If you want to become a registered nurse with an Associate’s Degree in the state of Alabama, you can do it in a relatively short time.
The Healthcare system of Alabama is in higher demand for RNs with an ADN, and the state has come up with multiple ways to finish the education sooner than before and start working in any healthcare facility.
Because there are so many educational programs across the state, you will be able to find the one that meets your expectations and suits your schedule.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Perfect ADN Program in Alabama – Things to Know
The first step toward your career as an RN with an ADN is to choose the program.
Many students feel a bit overwhelmed with different educational pathways and various nursing degree levels.
However, you can narrow the list of programs and include only those accredited by a nationwide evaluation system.
In Alabama, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing maintains the accreditation process of each program.
Accredited programs follow the highest educational standards and their graduates are highly accepted in the labor market.
In Alabama, there is a state regulatory agency – the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, which can help students to find out which programs are accredited and which need to elevate their curriculum and standards.
Also, check whether the state Board of Nursing approves the ADN program you have chosen.
Lastly, many students find it useful to learn more about school statistics to get a bigger picture of programs, challenges, and opportunities.
For example, you can the number of students who start the program and compare it with the number of students who complete it, find out what the NCLEX pass rates are, what the graduate job market statistics are, etc.
Having all this information will help you to decide so you can continue to the admission requirements.
ADN Program Admission Requirements
Program requirements can be slightly different in schools across the country.
Schools can change them, even annually, so you should contact the school for the latest information on admission requirements.
In Alabama, there are is a set of elementary requirements that each student has to meet to be admitted.
For example, you have to meet the general admission requirements and overall minimum overall GPA requirements.
You will have to pass the criminal background and drug check, and pass a health screening test.
Schools require students to submit an Alabama High School diploma or any equivalent document.
Also, students need to have a minimum score of 16 on ACT and 790 on the SAT.
Only students who satisfy all the requirements can be admitted to the nursing programs in Alabama.
The Costs
The program fees can differ across the state.
Sometimes, the program fee includes the costs for the nursing instruments and materials, and sometimes you have to pay additionally.
For example, if you choose to study at the Shelton State Community College, you will have to pay around $13.000.
The price includes instruments and NCLEX materials.
Schools in Alabama
Alabama has a large number of schools with nursing programs.
It means that you will have higher chances to find the one that meets your expectations and schedule.
Let’s have a brief overview of the best RN schools in Alabama.
The graduates from Coastal Alabama Community College in Bay Minette have a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and the program has a 91% completion rate.
Spring Hill College has an outstanding BSN curriculum in the nursing field.
The graduates from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Troy University are in higher demand across the state.
The University of Alabama has a traditional 4-years BSN program.
Auburn University has both traditional and 2nd-degree programs for nursing students.
Coastal Alabama Community College in Monroeville has a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on patient-centered care.
Herzing University has high educational standards for aspiring nurses and is appreciated nation-wide.
The University of South Alabama offers its students a traditional BSN degree program, an early acceptance program, and an accelerated BSN/MSN track.
Wallace State Community College in Hanceville is one of the most popular community colleges due to high-quality education and excellent student support during studies.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Coastal Alabama Community College - Bay Minette | 1900 Highway 31 South, Bay Minette, AL 36507 |
| Spring Hill College | 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 1701 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294 |
| Troy University | 600 University Ave, Troy, AL 36082 |
| The University of Alabama | 650 University Boulevard East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 |
| Auburn University | 710 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36849 |
| Coastal Alabama Community College - Monroeville | 2800 South Alabama Avenue, Monroeville, AL 36460 |
| Herzing University | 280 W Valley Ave, Birmingham, AL 35209 |
| University of South Alabama | 5721 USA Dr. N. Room 3083, Mobile, AL 36688 |
| Wallace State Community College - Hanceville | 801 Main Street Northwest, Hanceville, AL 35077 |
Salary
An average yearly salary of a registered nurse in Alabama is $59320.
The salary is calculated using different factors such as education level, professional experience, and certificates, but city and employer also affect the final paycheck.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $59,940 |
| Montgomery | $56,770 |
| Mobile | $58,600 |
| Huntsville | $59,890 |
| Tuscaloosa | $59,350 |
| Madison | $59,890 |
| Dothan | $56,010 |
| Decatur | $58,060 |
| Auburn | $56,750 |
| Gadsden | $59,410 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 960 | $61,310 | $29.48 | $79,880 | $41,700 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 1,070 | $72,480 | $34.85 | $93,600 | $50,820 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 17,330 | $70,290 | $33.79 | $84,860 | $51,060 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 1,440 | $65,260 | $31.37 | $78,500 | $49,380 |
| Decatur, AL | 760 | $62,920 | $30.25 | $80,710 | $47,690 |
| Dothan, AL | 1,860 | $61,220 | $29.43 | $77,970 | $45,960 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 1,390 | $60,060 | $28.88 | $73,910 | $47,500 |
| Gadsden, AL | 1,120 | $63,860 | $30.7 | $77,590 | $46,370 |
| Huntsville, AL | 5,520 | $66,540 | $31.99 | $85,620 | $49,810 |
| Mobile, AL | 5,180 | $65,340 | $31.41 | $77,420 | $49,320 |
| Montgomery, AL | 3,310 | $70,680 | $33.98 | $92,000 | $49,200 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 2,370 | $64,070 | $30.81 | $81,410 | $48,300 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
ADN Programs by State