Accredited nursing degree programs in Alabama are available at the bachelor’s level for highly qualified undergraduate students who are seeking the generalist training needed to pursue RN licensure for professional nursing practice. While its position in the Deep South has caused agriculture to contribute heavily to the economy for decades, Alabama has a fast-growing healthcare industry. Since Alabama has been ranked as the 4th least healthy state in America with a high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, infant mortality, air pollution, and violent crime, the state is seeking to add on to 43,600 registered nurses employed here. In order to fulfill the rising demand in healthcare to improve the state’s overall well-being, read on to learn about the different programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Alabama.
Auburn University
School of Nursing
With a total enrollment of over 25,900 students from around the world, Auburn University is a major comprehensive public institution with land, sea, and space-grant status to conduct cutting-edge research on its vast 1,875-acre suburban campus in the vibrant Southern college town of Auburn within western Alabama. Renowned for being the oldest four-year co-educational school in the state, Auburn is currently named the 103rd top national university and 48th best public college in the country by the U.S. News and World Report. With a commitment to patient-centered culturally competent care for diverse populations, the School of Nursing is also highly regarded for being the 193rd best nursing school in the United States.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
At Auburn, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed to provide undergraduate education for students wishing to prepare for taking the NCLEX-RN exam to receive licensure as a professional registered nurse in Alabama. As an upper-division degree, the program requires all students to complete the first two years of coursework as a Pre-Nursing (PNUR) major before obtaining admissions. Then, students will progress into the Professional Nursing curriculum to complete five semesters of study that blends classroom instruction with laboratory simulations and clinical practicum experiences. Within the 127-credit program, students can choose to study abroad by spending the summer in Seville, Spain learning about the Spanish healthcare system.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
102 Miller Hall
Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-5665
parkefm@auburn.edu
http://www.auburn.edu/academic/nursing/academics/bsn.html
Auburn University at Montgomery
School of Nursing
As a fully accredited comprehensive four-year public institution, Auburn University at Montgomery is home to a diverse population of over 5,050 students on a 500-acre suburban campus just outside of the state’s capital city within the Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama. Since becoming an operationally separate university in 1978, AUM has grown dramatically to become the 76th best regional college and 35th top public school in the South as ranked by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the School of Nursing has been nationally acclaimed for being the 332nd best nursing school in America for consistently achieving above average NCLEX-RN exam pass rates in the 90s.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Building upon the solid general education of lower division courses in the humanities, behavioral sciences, and biophysical sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is an upper-division professional degree program available for undergraduate students beginning in their junior year to work towards becoming a registered nurse. After gaining admissions, students will be responsible for completing four semesters of nursing core courses ranging from pathopharmacology and patient-centered assessment to population-based care and clinical immersion for transformative practice. Along with classroom instruction in daytime or evening hours, students will be required to spend up to 30 hours in intensive clinical practice weekly.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
7440 East Drive Suite 107
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 244-3883
KConner4@aum.edu
http://www.nursing.aum.edu/programs-degrees/traditional-bsn
Jacksonville State University
Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing
Initially established in 1883, Jacksonville State University is a comprehensive student-centered public teaching institution on a beautiful 459-acre rural campus in the charming small town of Jacksonville at the foothills of the Appalachians between Birmingham and Atlanta. As home to more than 8,600 students in over 45 academic degree programs, JSU is committed to producing broadly educated graduates with the abilities for employment, good citizenship, service, and lifelong learning. In particular, the Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing has made a significant difference in the quality of practicing nurses in the country’s 425th best nursing school ranked by the U.S. News and World Report.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is offered to allow undergraduate students to receive the fundamental training needed to build the knowledge and skills for entering generalist professional nursing practice with licensure in Alabama. After completing the academic core requirement courses, students file for admissions into the upper-division nursing program in the spring of their sophomore year to begin the clinical portion of their studies. In order to achieve a grand total of 127 semester hours, students must successfully complete courses in pharmacology, health assessment, psychiatric mental health, adult health, clinical intervention, health deviation, gerontology, nursing leadership, health policy, community health, human anatomy, physiology, and nursing practicum.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
(256) 782-5425
killingsworth@jsu.edu
http://www.jsu.edu/nursing/bs_nursing.html
Samford University
Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing
Rooted in a historic Baptist tradition since opening its doors in 1841, Samford University is a top-ranked comprehensive private Christian liberal arts institution nestled on a 318-acre suburban campus in Birmingham within the central region of the state. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Samford is ranked as the 3rd top college and 12th best value school in the South with the region’s 3rd best undergraduate teaching. In addition to being home to the 24th best online graduate nursing degrees, the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing has been distinguished as the 234th best nursing school in the United States.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Intended to prepare professional nurses who are compelled to care for and improve the lives of others in a wide range of clinical settings, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is highly focused on combining a deep knowledge base in nursing theory with exceptional clinical practice skills and a compassionate attitude. For more than 90 years, the bachelor’s program has provided graduates with the professional competencies needed to take the NCLEX-RN exam and achieve a pass rate well above the national average. As a 128-credit program that requires extensive clinical practicum experience in one of the nation’s most advanced healthcare centers, the degree is available for incoming freshmen as well as transfer students.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
(205) 726-2964
gwbeers@samford.edu
https://www.samford.edu/nursing/bsn/
Spring Hill College
Division of Natural Sciences
Renowned for being the oldest private Catholic institution in the Southeast and the third oldest Jesuit college in the United States, Spring Hill College is located on a picturesque 450-acre suburban campus on the edge of Mobile Bay in the Gulf Coast region to serve the academic and spiritual needs of more than 1,440 students. Named as one of the nation’s “A-Plus Colleges for B Students,” Spring Hill is currently ranked as the 18th top regional school and 2nd best university for veterans in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the Division of Natural Sciences is home to the 411th best nursing school in America.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Ideal for undergraduate students who are seeking the training to answer their calling to serve humankind and make a difference in the well-being of diverse patient populations, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program strives to develop the intellectual ability, ethical knowledge, clinical skills, compassion, and stamina needed for beginning a generalist professional nursing career. Boasting small class sizes, the program enables undergraduate nursing majors to receive personalized classroom instruction, obtain hands-on simulation experience, and work alongside partnering medical experts throughout the Gulf Coast. Due to the program’s Jesuit tradition, students also will shape their leadership skills with an emphasis on values, ethics, and global awareness in serving others.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
4000 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36608
(251) 380-4490
dpeace@shc.edu
http://ug.shc.edu/majors/nursing/
University of Alabama
Capstone College of Nursing
Since being established in 1831 as the state’s first public college, the University of Alabama has evolved dramatically to become a major comprehensive student-centered research institution with over 34,000 students from around the world meeting on a spacious 1,000-acre suburban campus in the lively college town of Tuscaloosa. Renowned for ranking 4th among all universities nationwide in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars, UA was recently ranked as the 88th best national university, 38th top public college, and 15th best school for veterans in America by the U.S. News and World Report. The Capstone College of Nursing is also recognized for being the nation’s 127th top nursing school in 2015.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
With a firm commitment to providing accessible educational experiences for undergraduate students who are seeking the credentials needed to pursue licensure as a registered nurse, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is offered in four distinctive tracks to meet all students’ individual career goals. At UA, the program is available for incoming freshmen, community college transfer students, second-degree students with an accredited bachelor’s degree from another field, and diploma nurses advancing their studies. Regardless of the track chosen, the BSN program is dedicated to preparing graduates to function as generalist professional nurses to provide competent care to individuals, families, groups, and communities in an array of healthcare settings with extensive clinical lab components.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
650 University Blvd.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 348-6639
mcarter@ua.edu
http://nursing.ua.edu/undergraduate.htm
University of Alabama at Birmingham
School of Nursing
Sprawling over 88 blocks on a 323-acre urban campus in the heart of the state’s largest city to reward students with enormous opportunities for resume-building experience, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is a nationally ranked comprehensive four-year public research institution of over 11,500 students. As one of only 11 American universities to receive the Beckman Scholars Award for exceptional undergraduate research, UAB is ranked as the 149th best university, 78th top public school, and 14th top up-and-coming school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. In the 22nd best medical school, the School of Nursing is also highly regarded as the 21st best nursing division in the entire country.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Specifically focused on building clinical competence to make well-informed healthcare judgments and positively impact the care of diverse patients, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is available for undergraduate students who are seeking the accredited preparation for gaining entry into professional nursing practice with RN licensure. The program boasts more than 100 experienced faculty members, state-of-the-art clinical simulation centers, multiple clinical sites near campus, and an academically challenging Honors experience. As an upper-division professional program, the BSN requires five semesters of major nursing courses beyond the first two years of general education studies at UAB for traditional freshman students.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1720 Second Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 934-5428
kljerrol@uab.edu
http://www.uab.edu/nursing/home/student-information/acad-prog/bsn
University of Mobile
School of Nursing
Situated on a beautiful wooded 880-acre suburban campus within just 10 minutes north of historic downtown and an hour from the Gulf Coast, the University of Mobile is a comprehensive four-year private Christian institution of over 1,650 students. As the only private university in Alabama to be named as one of “America’s 100 Best College Buys” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, UMobile is currently ranked as the 25th best university and 9th top college for veterans in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. With full CCNE accreditation, the School of Nursing is also distinguished as the 332nd best nursing school in the entire United States for registered nurses.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Founded with the purpose of preparing entry-level professional practitioners with the ability to deliver competent nursing practices based upon appropriate theories, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is focused on building initiators of primary care to meet the complex health needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities in the 21st century. In opening career opportunities in hospitals, physician’s offices, long-term care facilities, schools, insurance companies, home health services, community clinics, and more, the program instills the skills needed to assume leadership roles in delegating and providing nursing care. For admissions, students must have already completed a minimum of 55 hours of lower-division courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
5735 College Parkway
Mobile, AL 36613
(251) 675-5990
jwood@umobile.edu
http://www.umobile.edu/Academics/AcademicAreas/SchoolofNursing/BachelorDegreeinNursing.aspx#.VDLL8fldWAh
University of North Alabama
College of Nursing
As a fully accredited regional public higher learning institution committed to teaching, research, and service to provide educational opportunities for over 7,000 students annually, the University of North Alabama is based on a beautiful 200-acre urban campus in thriving economic hub of Florence within the “Shoals.” Well-known for housing two nine-year-old African lions near the main entrance of campus, UNA is currently ranked as the 81st best regional college and 39th top public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. In addition, the College of Nursing has stood out for being the 357th best nursing school in America.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Consisting of 128 semester hours for traditional incoming freshmen, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed to blend general education and professional core nursing coursework to prepare undergraduate students for participating in today’s evolving healthcare industry to provide competent professional nursing services. While the first two years are focused on building a broad foundation in biological, physical, and behavioral sciences, the last two years will include more advanced nursing courses and electives with clinical rotation requirements for hands-on learning. For individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, there is also an accelerated alternative for speedy completion in just 16 months.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1 Harrison Plaza
Florence, AL 35632
(256) 765-5136
llaustin@una.edu
http://www.una.edu/nursing/traditional-bsn/index.html
University of South Alabama
College of Nursing
Strategically located on a sprawling 1,224-acre suburban campus in Mobile in the upper Gulf Coast region within the state’s oldest city, the University of South Alabama is a high-quality comprehensive public teaching institution of over 15,300 students. According to Forbes magazine, USA is currently ranked as the 224th best research university in the nation and the 162nd top college in the South. Renowned for educating more than 10,400 registered nurses since its inception, the College of Nursing is highly regarded by the U.S. News and World Report for being the 193rd best nursing school with the 56th best online graduate nursing degrees in America.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
In an effort to train undergraduate students to deliver professional nursing service for diverse patient populations across the lifespan to optimize well-being, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is available to meet the academic requirements necessary for taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in Alabama to begin RN practice or continue in further graduate studies. As a tradition pre-licensure program, the BSN will require at least 122 credit hours for completion in eight semesters full-time or twelve semesters part-time. While the program traditionally mandates that students require the freshman year of pre-nursing requisites before admissions, there is a College of Nursing Early Acceptance Program (CONEAP) for highly qualified high school seniors too.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
5721 USA Drive North
Mobile, AL 36688
(251) 445-9400
conbsn@southalabama.edu
http://www.southalabama.edu/nursing/bsn.html
If you are ready to get your professional nursing career off to a great start for opening abundant BSN degree career opportunities in the “Heart of Dixie,” do not forget to include these top-notch accredited nursing degree programs in Alabama that have received the stamp of approval by the CCNE for excellence in RN preparation.
