Best Alabama LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
In Alabama, LPN to RN bridge programs provide practical nurses with a pathway to advance their education. These programs cover advanced coursework, supervised clinical experiences, and preparation for state licensure. Students learn to expand their scope of practice and gain the qualifications needed to become registered nurses.
2027 Best LPN to RN Programs in Alabama
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL - Public 4-Year - southalabama.edu
Associate - LPN to BSN Pathway
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of South Alabama's LPN to BSN Pathway is a hybrid program that lets LPNs earn a BSN in as few as four semesters. Students receive 14 credits for prior LPN education and complete 48 credit hours across 14 courses. The curriculum covers health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, evidence-based practice, nursing leadership, community health, and vulnerable populations. Clinical rotations occur in Alabama and Mississippi, with weekend shifts available. An on-campus orientation is required. The program offers three start dates per year and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and prerequisites. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and careers in diverse healthcare settings. The university is military-friendly and has an on-campus hospital.
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in minimum of four semesters
- 48 total credit hours
- 14 total courses
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- $50 application fee
- LPN license required
- 14 credits awarded for LPN
Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Pathway
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of South Alabama also offers a flexible LPN to BSN Pathway designed for working LPNs. In addition to the traditional four-semester track, a six-semester online option is available for graduates of non-regionally accredited LPN programs. The curriculum includes obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatric nursing, adult gerontology, clinical nutrition, and leadership, alongside core nursing foundations. Clinical rotations span Alabama and Mississippi, with weekend options starting spring 2027. The program admits students three times a year—spring, summer, and fall—and requires a 3.0 GPA plus 62 prerequisite credit hours. This pathway emphasizes health equity and interprofessional collaboration, preparing nurses for rural and underserved community roles. Graduates may sit for the NCLEX-RN. The school is military-friendly and features an on-campus hospital.
- 4-Semester program
- 48 total credit hours
- 14 total courses
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts spring/summer/fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- $50 application fee
- 14 nursing courses, 48 credits
- Three start terms: Spring, Summer, Fall
Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Andalusia, AL - Public 2-Year - lbwcc.edu
Associate - Mobility Nursing Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lurleen B Wallace Community College’s Mobility Nursing Program gives LPNs and paramedics a direct path to registered nursing. This three-semester campus program builds on existing clinical knowledge through courses like Concepts for Healthcare Transition, Advanced Nursing Concepts, and Advanced Based Clinical Reasoning, plus microbiology and ethics. Clinical rotations at local healthcare settings provide hands-on experience, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Admission uses a point-based system considering ACT scores and GPA (minimum 2.5), and requires an unencumbered Alabama license. Classes meet at Greenville and MacArthur campuses with fall and spring starts. The 52-credit curriculum, including prerequisites, allows up to 15 non-traditional transition credits. No waiting list, with deadlines April–June and August–October. Graduates become eligible for the NCLEX-RN and registered nursing careers.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 3-Semester program
- 52 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 450 clinical hours
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Northeast Alabama Community College
Rainsville, AL - Public 2-Year - nacc.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Mobility Option
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeast Alabama Community College offers an LPN to RN Mobility Option, a three-semester hybrid bridge for licensed practical nurses aiming for RN licensure. Combining online theory with on-campus labs, simulations, and testing, the program accommodates working professionals. Weekend clinical rotations cover medical-surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, and mental health, with a final-semester preceptorship and NCLEX-RN review. Prerequisites include English, math, anatomy, physiology, psychology, and speech. Applicants need an unencumbered Alabama LPN license and must submit ACT scores. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and gain skills in evidence-based decision-making and community-centered care, preparing them to confidently transition into registered nurse practice.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 3-Semester program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Hybrid course format
- Weekend clinical rotations
Bevill State Community College
Jasper, AL - Public 2-Year - bscc.edu
Associate - Nursing Mobility: LPN & Paramedic to ADN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Bevill State Community College's Nursing Mobility program offers a hybrid bridge for licensed LPNs and paramedics to earn an ADN and become RNs. The 52-credit-hour curriculum builds on existing healthcare knowledge, featuring Advanced Nursing Concepts, Evidence-Based Clinical Reasoning, and a transition course (NUR 209) that awards 15 non-traditional credit hours. Applicants must hold an unencumbered LPN or paramedic license; paramedics also need current CNA certification. Prerequisites include anatomy, algebra, and psychology. Small cohorts and faculty support facilitate progression, though two non-progressions require reapplying. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care—ideal for working Alabama healthcare professionals seeking advancement.
- 52 total credit hours
- 15 non-traditional credit hours via NUR 209
- Requires unencumbered LPN or Paramedic license
- Paramedic applicants need current CNA
- Two non-progressions require reapplying
George C Wallace State Community College-Selma
Selma, AL - Public 2-Year - wccs.edu
Associate - LPN to RN Mobility Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Wallace Community College Selma’s LPN to RN Mobility Program fast-tracks licensed practical nurses to an Associate Degree in Nursing in just three semesters. The ACEN-accredited curriculum, approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing, includes medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and mental health, delivered through lectures, simulation labs, and clinical rotations in hospitals and long-term care. Admission is competitive: you need a valid Alabama LPN license, a 2.5 minimum GPA, and ACT scores (the entrance exam), plus prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, algebra, and English. Starting in summer, this hands-on program prepares you for the NCLEX-RN and offers a military-friendly pathway to registered nursing.
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 3-Semester program
- Starts summer
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Bridge from LPN to RN
- Requires valid Alabama LPN license
Alabama LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Alabama LPNs applying to bridge programs generally need to meet state and school-specific criteria that recognize prior practical nursing education while ensuring readiness for RN-level practice.
- Hold a current, unencumbered Alabama LPN license or a multistate LPN license recognized in Alabama. Licensure and education programs are overseen by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
- Graduate of an approved practical nursing program.
- Completion of prerequisite college coursework with a minimum GPA set by the school, commonly including:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs
- Microbiology with lab
- English Composition
- College Algebra or Statistics
- General Psychology and Human Growth and Development
- Speech/Oral Communication and Nutrition
- Chemistry may be required by some programs
- Standardized nursing admission exam as required by the program.
- Current BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.
- Clinical eligibility requirements, typically including immunizations and titers, TB screening, criminal background check, drug screen, health and liability insurance, and fit testing as required by clinical partners.
Advanced standing for LPNs: many Alabama bridge programs award credit for prior nursing knowledge following skills validation, mobility testing, or proof of recent LPN practice. Recent work as an LPN can strengthen applications and scheduling requests, especially for evening or hybrid cohorts.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN bridge curricula in Alabama build on practical nursing foundations and progress to registered nurse competencies. Programs prepare graduates to provide safe, evidence-based care across populations and to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
- Core learning:
- Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing, Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology
- Maternal-Newborn, Pediatric, and Mental Health Nursing
- Transition to Professional Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice, and Interprofessional Communication
- Clinical judgment, prioritization, and patient safety in diverse settings
- Clinical education:
- Supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long-term care, clinics, and community settings
- High-fidelity simulation and skills lab practice to strengthen critical thinking and teamwork
- BSN bridge pathways include additional study in leadership and management, population and community health, research, and informatics.
- Accreditation:
- State approval by the Alabama Board of Nursing is required for eligibility to take the NCLEX-RN and pursue licensure in Alabama.
Many schools also hold national nursing accreditation such as ACEN or CCNE. National accreditation supports credit transfer, graduate school admission, employer preference, and access to certain forms of financial aid.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Alabama offers LPN to ADN and LPN to BSN bridge options through community and technical colleges, public universities, and some private institutions. Programs are offered in urban and rural regions, with daytime, hybrid, and evening-and-weekend cohorts designed for working LPNs.
- Typical coursework for LPN to ADN bridges:
- Transition to RN practice and role development
- Comprehensive Adult Health I and II
- Maternal-Newborn and Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Advanced Health Assessment
- Clinical practicums and simulation-based competencies
- Additional coursework often included for LPN to BSN:
- Community and Population Health
- Nursing Research and Evidence Appraisal
- Nursing Leadership, Quality Improvement, and Health Systems
Informatics and Policy awareness
Career Outlook
Registered nurses in Alabama are employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term and post-acute care, home health, public health, schools, behavioral health, and telehealth. Employers across the state continue to report demand for RNs, with particular need in critical care, medical-surgical units, rural facilities, and community-based services. Shift options vary by setting, ranging from 12-hour hospital shifts to more predictable weekday schedules in ambulatory and community roles.
- Compared with LPN roles, Alabama RNs have a broader scope of practice, care for higher-acuity patients, and are eligible for more clinical specialties and leadership tracks. This typically aligns with higher wages and wider mobility across care settings.
- State and federal workforce data indicate steady RN employment needs driven by population aging, chronic disease burden, and retirements among experienced nurses. New graduates commonly enter nurse residency programs to support transition to practice.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time LPN to ADN: often 12 to 15 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites, with total time of about 18 to 24 months if prerequisites are still needed.
- Part-time LPN to ADN: typically 18 to 24 months of nursing coursework, allowing a reduced course load while maintaining clinical progression.
- Evening and weekend cohorts: commonly 18 to 24 months; lectures and labs may meet evenings with clinicals on weekends or designated weekdays based on clinical site availability.
- LPN to BSN: generally 24 to 36 months after prerequisites, depending on transfer credits and term load.
All formats must meet required clinical and skills hours. Even part-time students should expect some daytime clinical availability tied to partner sites.
2027 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Alabama
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama |
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| Northeast Alabama Community College |
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| Lurleen B Wallace Community College |
|
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Tuition and Costs
- Tuition ranges:
- Public community and technical colleges offering LPN to ADN: in-state tuition for the bridge portion commonly totals about 6,000 to 12,000 dollars, plus program and course fees.
- Public universities offering LPN to BSN: in-state tuition for upper-division nursing coursework commonly totals about 12,000 to 25,000 dollars, varying by credit load and fees.
- Private institutions may be higher.
- Additional expenses:
- Books, e-resources, and supplies: 1,000 to 1,800 dollars
- Uniforms, shoes, lab kit, and stethoscope: 200 to 600 dollars
- Immunizations, titers, BLS certification: 200 to 500 dollars
- Background check and drug screening: 75 to 150 dollars
- Clinical and testing platform fees, liability insurance, and graduation fees as set by the school
- Licensure costs after graduation: NCLEX registration and Alabama application fees; check current amounts with the Alabama Board of Nursing and testing vendor.
- Housing and living costs:
- Federal estimates place Alabama median gross rent around the 1,000 dollar per month range, varying by city and county.
- Transportation, childcare, and reduced work hours during clinical semesters should be included in budgeting.
Financial aid is available at accredited institutions through federal and state programs for eligible students.
2027 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Alabama
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop State Community College |
|
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| Coastal Alabama Community College |
|
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| Gadsden State Community College |
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Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Prelicensure nursing education in Alabama includes required hands-on components. Many schools offer hybrid LPN to RN bridges in which theory courses are delivered online or in a blended format, while skills labs and all direct patient care clinicals are completed in person at approved sites in Alabama. Fully online LPN to RN pathways are not practical because clinical learning must occur in supervised settings. Programs that place students in Alabama clinical sites must comply with Alabama Board of Nursing program rules. Working LPNs often choose hybrid or evening-weekend cohorts to balance employment with clinical scheduling.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Alabama
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
After completing an approved LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in Alabama. Apply for RN licensure by examination through the Alabama Board of Nursing, then register for the NCLEX-RN exam. Typical steps include submitting the online application and fee, requesting an official final transcript sent directly from the school to the Board, completing a state and federal criminal background check, receiving an Authorization to Test, and scheduling the exam. Alabama posts requirements and timelines in its Nurse Portal on the Alabama Board of Nursing website.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Alabama licenses out-of-state RNs by endorsement. Applicants submit an endorsement application and fee, complete a criminal background check, and arrange primary source verification of their current RN license, typically through Nursys. Official education verification may be required if not available through primary source systems. Alabama does not maintain separate bilateral reciprocity agreements outside standard endorsement procedures.
Alabama participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. RNs who hold an active multistate license from another compact state and maintain that state as their primary residence may practice in Alabama under multistate privilege. RNs who move to Alabama and declare it as their primary state of residence must obtain an Alabama RN license, and those who meet multistate eligibility can be issued an Alabama multistate license.
Licensure Requirements
- Graduate from a Board-approved RN program, such as an LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN pathway that meets Alabama standards.
- Apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or by endorsement, as applicable.
- Complete a state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN.
- Provide official transcripts and any required identity or legal presence documentation, and disclose criminal or disciplinary history.
The Alabama Board of Nursing is the state agency that regulates RN licensure, scope of practice, and compliance. The Board communicates application status, exam results, and licensing decisions through its online Nurse Portal.
License Renewal
Alabama RN licenses follow a two-year renewal cycle in even-numbered years. Renewal opens in the fall and must be completed by December 31 of even-numbered years to avoid lapse. RNs are required to complete 24 contact hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period from Board-approved or nationally accredited providers. Keep CE certificates for audit purposes and report activities as directed in the Nurse Portal or the Board’s accepted CE reporting system. Practicing on a lapsed license is not permitted, and reinstatement is required if the renewal deadline is missed.
Average LPN State Salary in Alabama
$50,760
2024 LPN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 1 to 2 years, often structured as three to five semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate in Applied Science (AAS).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Provides the foundational knowledge and clinical skills for entry-level registered nursing roles, building upon the LPN's existing experience. The curriculum focuses on patient care, administration of medications, and assisting physicians.
Average In-State Tuition in Alabama:
Varies by institution, but is generally in the range of $8,000 to $15,000 for the entire program. For example, Gadsden State Community College's mobility program tuition is approximately $11,926 for the full degree credits, and Coastal Alabama Community College's program costs around $9,177.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the quickest and most cost-effective route to becoming an RN and entering the workforce with a broader scope of practice.
School Types:
Community colleges are the primary providers of LPN to ADN bridge programs in Alabama.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Generally 2 to 4 years, depending on the program structure and the student's pace. The University of South Alabama's program can be completed in a minimum of four semesters.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes.
Program Focus:
Offers a more in-depth education in nursing theory, research, leadership, and community health. The curriculum at the University of South Alabama emphasizes health equity, evidence-based practice, and serving rural and underserved populations.
Average In-State Tuition in Alabama:
Higher than ADN programs, often ranging from $15,000 to over $30,000. At the University of South Alabama, the in-state tuition for the College of Nursing is $423 per credit hour, with the professional component consisting of 47 credit hours.
Best For:
LPNs aiming for leadership and advanced nursing roles, as well as those planning to pursue graduate studies in nursing. It is also well-suited for working professionals, with many programs offering flexible hybrid online formats.
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges, with many offering online or hybrid program options.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- Faster Entry into the RN Role: These programs offer a shorter completion time, allowing LPNs to transition to an RN position more quickly.
- Lower Cost: ADN programs at community colleges are generally more affordable than BSN programs at universities.
- Solid Foundation for Practice: Graduates are well-prepared with the essential clinical skills needed for immediate employment as a registered nurse.
- Pathway to Further Education: An ADN serves as a strong foundation for later pursuing a BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- Broader Career Opportunities: A BSN is often required for leadership, management, and specialized nursing roles, and is increasingly preferred by hospitals.
- Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN generally have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers.
- Preparation for Advanced Degrees: The BSN is the necessary foundation for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree in nursing.
- Enhanced Skill Set: The curriculum provides a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and leadership, which are valuable in a complex healthcare environment.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Alabama
Alexander City, AL
Central Alabama Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Mobility
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT, TEAS
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Contact: Cathy Graham at 256-378-2045
- First semester in Childersburg
- Fall deadline Feb 1, spring deadline Sep 1
Andalusia, AL
Lurleen B Wallace Community College
- Associate - Mobility Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 3-Semester program
- 52 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- 450 clinical hours
Bay Minette, AL
Coastal Alabama Community College
- Associate - Mobility LPN & Paramedic to ADN
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, Alabama Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 3-Semester program
- 66 total credit hours
- Starts summer/fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
Dothan, AL
Wallace Community College-Dothan
- Associate - LPN to RN Mobility Track
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Seamless LPN to RN pathway
- Ranking points admission system
Gadsden, AL
Gadsden State Community College
- Associate - Mobility Nursing Program
Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- Apply by 2026-05-18
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Proof of unencumbered Alabama licensure
Huntsville, AL
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College
- Associate - LPN to RN Mobility
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT, HESI
- Starts spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Scholarships available
- Concurrent BSN pathway with Athens State
- RN Launch Program with Huntsville Hospital
Jasper, AL
Bevill State Community College
- Associate - Nursing Mobility: LPN & Paramedic to ADN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 52 total credit hours
- 15 non-traditional credit hours via NUR 209
- Requires unencumbered LPN or Paramedic license
- Paramedic applicants need current CNA
- Two non-progressions require reapplying
Mobile, AL
Bishop State Community College
- Associate - Transfer LPN to RN
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 2-Semester program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- LPN to ADN bridge program
University of South Alabama
- Associate - LPN to BSN Pathway
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- Complete in minimum of four semesters
- 48 total credit hours
- 14 total courses
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- $50 application fee
- Bachelor's - LPN to BSN Pathway
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 4-Semester program
- 48 total credit hours
- 14 total courses
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts spring/summer/fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- $50 application fee
Phenix City, AL
Chattahoochee Valley Community College
- Associate - Mobility (LPN or Paramedic to RN)
Campus Based - Website
- 3-Semester program
- Track options for LPNs and paramedics
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN upon completion
- Open to LPN, paramedic, respiratory therapist, medical assistant technologists
- Application open July 1 through September 30
Rainsville, AL
Northeast Alabama Community College
- Associate - LPN to RN Mobility Option
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 3-Semester program
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Selma, AL
George C Wallace State Community College-Selma
- Associate - LPN to RN Mobility Program
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 3-Semester program
- Starts summer
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Tanner, AL
Calhoun Community College
- Associate - RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 66 total credit hours
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Bridge for LPNs and Paramedics
- Evening classes for working students
Wadley, AL
Southern Union State Community College
- Associate - ADN Mobility
Concentration: LPNs - Online Learning - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: ACT
- 1-Year program
- 66 total credit hours
- Starts spring
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
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