Registered nursing programs that lead to the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing are the most common point of entry for prospective nurses. Graduates, like those of the Bachelor of Science Degree, will be eligible to sit for the Nursing Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to practice as Registered Nurses. Through didactic and hands-on instruction, students will acquire knowledge and skills to develop and manage patient care plans, perform diagnostic tests, support patient comfort and stability, counsel individuals, families, and communities, and function as competent liaisons between physicians and patients.
Registered nurse graduates may assume entry-level positions as staff nurses in hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities. Registered nurses with an ADN degree are encouraged to continue their education through the BSN as more hospitals are requiring this degree as the minimum educational requirement for staff nurses. Masters and doctoral degree programs are available for nurses who plan to practice in advanced nursing positions such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, administrators, and educators. Preparation in pediatric oncology, geriatric care, mental health, pre-operative care, and dermatology are just some areas for further specialization.
The wide demand for registered nurses and financial rewards are just two of many factors that attract candidates to the profession. Apart from a solid educational background, nurses must possess sound judgment, communication, tact, professionalism, compassion, and a sincere interest in people to succeed.
Lawson State Community College
The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Lawson State Community College holds the highest NCLEX pass rate in Alabama. It educates both men and women with the skills and knowledge to successfully write the NCLEX for Registered Nurses and function as skilled professionals in various healthcare settings. The curriculum will include general education and nursing courses in the classroom and planned learning experiences in approved healthcare facilities. Experiences progress from the simple to the complex to help students acquire and apply principles used in the care of individuals, families, and communities. Graduates will be self-directed, accountable, and professional and will understand the necessity of pursuing advanced degrees in nursing. The program facilitates entry for Licensed Practical Nurses through the bridge option. Candidates must have completed an accredited LPN program and have a current license to practice as an LPN. The program is available in the daytime only at the Birmingham campus. The application deadline is June 1 for the Fall semester and March 15 for the Summer semester.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72
General education hours: 30
Nursing hours: 42
Total contact hours: 1680
Duration: 5 semesters
Course titles:
General education courses – Math 100 or higher, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Psychology, Microbiology, Speech 106, Humanities Elective
Core courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Health Assessment, Introduction to Pharmacology, Adult Nursing, Maternal and Child Nursing, Nursing Through the Lifespan I, Human Growth and Development, Nursing Through the Lifespan II, Nursing Through the Lifespan III, Role Transition for the Registered Nurse
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to the College – requires college transcripts and official ACT score
- Read and complete the Nursing Application Packet – incomplete applications will not be accepted
- Attached unofficial transcripts to the nursing application
- Attach ACT score of 18 or higher to the application
- Have a Lawson State cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrate eligibility for English 101, Biology 201, and Math 100 or higher
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Ability to carry out all the required Essential Functions
Program Cost
The estimated cost of the program is $14,282. It includes fees, student insurance, liability insurance, background and drug screening fee, books and instructional packets, uniforms, lab coat, name pin, and tuition. Additional costs include CPR course, immunizations and medical exam, watch, nursing shoes, State Board Application fee, NCLEX RN test fee, and Temporary Permit fee.
Address: 3060 Wilson Road, SW, Birmingham, AL 35221
Phone: 205-925-2515
Fax: 205-925-3716
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.2%
Jefferson State Community College
The Registered Nursing Program at Jefferson State Community College leads to an Associate of Science in Nursing and can be completed in two years. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) accredited program is also approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing so graduates will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX for registered nurses. The curriculum requires completion of 66 credit hours of general education and nursing courses in a specified sequence. New students are admitted every semester. Selection of candidates is based on an evaluation of GPA, selected coursework, ACT scores, and math scores. The application deadline for Fall is May 12, for Spring is October 6, and for Summer is February 6.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 66
Duration: 5 semesters
Course titles:
Courses – Fundamental Concepts of Nursing, Intermediate Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology I, Nursing Concepts I, English Composition I, Human Growth and Development, Anatomy and Physiology II, Nursing Concepts II, Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning, Public Speaking, Advanced Nursing Concepts, Microbiology, Advanced Evidence Based Clinical, Humanities Elective
Admission criteria:
- Unconditional admission to the college
- Completed nursing application – incomplete applications will be rejected
- Have a minimum composite score of 18 on the National or Residual ACT test
- Have a minimum 2.5 GPA on core college courses – ENG101, MTH100 or higher, BIO201, BIO220, PSY210, SPH106 or 107, and Humanities elective
- Have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5
- Pass a background check by the mandatory deadline
- Pass a drug screen before attending the clinical rotations
- Attend a mandatory orientation conference
- Provide proof of CPR certification for the health care provider from the American Heart Association
- Provide proof hospitalization insurance
- Provide proof of liability insurance
Program Cost
The estimated cost of the tuition, fees, books, uniforms, physical exam, insurance, and CPR is $12,700. Additional costs include, Kaplan fee, State Board Application fee, NCLEX RN test fee, and Temporary Permit fee.
Website: http://www.jeffersonstate.edu/programs/nursing-education/
Address: 2601 Carson Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35215
Phone: (205) 853-1200
Toll-Free: (800) 239-5900
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.9%
Wallace State Community College
Wallace State’s Associate Degree in Nursing program offers several benefits including outstanding pass rates and job placement rates, experienced instructors, small class sizes and modern facilities. The curriculum delivers theory and practical coursework that will enable graduates to assume entry-level nursing positions in a variety of health care settings. They will be eligible to apply to the Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Full-time employment is not recommended due to the program’s vigorous requirements. The coursework is delivered in a traditional format. However, a hybrid format is also available for the nursing courses. The hybrid option requires that students be present on campus or appointed facilities for the lab and clinical experiences. The program admits persons who are new to nursing as well as existing professionals who can use their experience and training to transition to the to Associate Degree. The mobility program is open to licensed practical nurses, respiratory therapists, paramedics, and radiologic technicians and admits students once a year in the Fall. The application period is June 15 through July 15 for Fall entry, October 15 through November 15 for Spring entry, and March 15 through April 15 for Summer entry.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 67
General education hours: 28
Nursing hours: 39
Total contact hours: 1605
Duration: 20 months
Course titles:
Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Intermediate College Algebra, Freshman Seminar, Fundamentals of Nursing, English Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Growth and Development, Nursing Concepts I, Fundamentals of Oral Communications or Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Nursing Concepts II, Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning, General Microbiology, Advanced Nursing Concepts, Introduction to Humanities, Advanced Based Clinical Reasoning
Admission criteria:
- Be unconditionally accepted to Wallace State and be in good standing
- Submit a completed nursing application by the specified deadline
- Have a minimum ACT composite score of 18
- Have a grade C or better on all courses
- Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or GED
- Must meet the essential functions for nursing
- Demonstrate eligibility for ENG 101 and MTH 100
- Provide official college transcripts for each college attended – if applicable
Program Cost
The estimated cost of tuition and expenses is $14,726. The cost covers drug testing, immunizations, ATI testing fee, insurance, uniforms, nursing kit, TB skin test, background check, and flu immunizations.
Website: https://www.wallacestate.edu/programs/health-division/nursing
Address: 801 Main Street NW, Hanceville AL, 35077-2000
Phone: 256-352-8000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.5%
Central Alabama Community College
The Nursing Program at Central Alabama Community College offers two points of exit for students. The Practical Nursing Certificate will be awarded after successful completion of third semester of the nursing curriculum. At this point, students have the option to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses for licensure as an LPN. The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing will be awarded after completion of the fifth semester. The curriculum includes theory and practical training. Clinical rotations at various health care facilities will provide students with opportunities to acquire the skills necessary to function as professional nurses. Students must arrange transportation to the clinical facilities. There is an LPN to RN Mobility option for Licensed Practical Nurses to obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree. LPNs will complete the requirements for the degree in two semesters after admission to NUR211. Candidates must complete NUR 209 as a prerequisite to the program.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 66
Duration: 5 semesters
Course titles:
Courses – Fundamentals Concepts of Nursing, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Finite Mathematics, Nursing Concepts I, Human Growth and Development, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition I, Nursing Concepts II, Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning, Fundamentals of Oral Communication or Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Advanced Nursing Concepts, General Microbiology, Advanced Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning, Humanities and Fine Arts Elective
Admission criteria:
- Must be admitted to the Central Alabama Community College
- Submit a completed Application to the Nursing Program by the required date
- Submit official high school transcript or GED certificate
- Submit official transcript from all colleges attended
- Submit official ACT composite score – a minimum score of 18 National or Residual
- Provide letter of good standing if previously enrolled in another school’s nursing program
- A minimum of 2.5 high school GPA for those without prior college work
- Meet the essential functions for nursing
- Demonstrate eligibility for ENG 101, BIO 201, and MTH 110
- Undergo drug and alcohol testing and a criminal background check prior to clinicals
- Submit proof of health insurance
- Submit evidence of American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider CPR certification
Program Cost
Tuition at Central Alabama Community College is $150 per credit inclusive of technology, facility, bond, and special building fee. The cost for full-time, in-state students is $1,800 (12 credits). Additional costs include textbooks, uniforms, nursing kit, graduation fee, CPR certification, immunization, criminal background check, and insurance.
Website: https://www.cacc.edu/admissions/programs/associate-in-applied-science/
Address: 1675 Cherokee Rd Alexander City, AL 35010
Phone: (256) 234-6346
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.4%
Bevill State Community College
The Nursing program at Bevill State Community College leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Theory and practical instruction prepares adults to provide safe and competent care in the complex health environment. The curriculum will include general education and nursing courses. The nursing courses will include classroom lectures and seminars reinforced with supervised patient care experiences in various health facilities. Graduates will be eligible to practice after successful passage of the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Admission to the program is competitive.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 66
Total contact hours: 1,590
Duration: 5 semesters
Course titles:
Courses – Human Anatomy & Physiology I, Intermediate College Algebra, Student Survival Skills, Fundamentals Concepts of Nursing, English Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Growth and Development, Nursing Concepts I, Speech, Nursing Concepts II, Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning, General Microbiology, Advanced Nursing Concepts, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective, Advanced Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning
Admission criteria:
- Have unconditional admission to Bevill State
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Submit a completed application to the nursing program
- Have a minimum 2.5 GPA on academic core courses o English Composition I, Intermediate College Algebra, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Human Growth and Development, Speech and a Humanities Elective
- A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA for high school candidates who have not completed college coursework
- Meet the Essential Functions for nursing
- Have a minimum ACT composite score of 18 on residual or national
- Be a high school graduate or GED recipient
Program Cost
The estimated cost of attendance is $16,913.71. It includes tuition, CPR, textbooks, nursing kit, BP cuff, stethoscope, shoes, liability insurance, ATI testing, uniforms, and State Board license fee.
Website: https://bscc.edu/programs/health-sciences/nursing
Address: 2631 Temple Avenue N, Fayette, Alabama 35555
Phone: 800-648-3271
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.8%