Becoming a Registered Nurse in Alabama + Requirements & Licensing
If you aspire to obtain your nursing license in Alabama, the application process goes through the Alabama nursing board, which plays a crucial role in regulating the nursing profession in the state.
This governmental agency is responsible for enforcing and implementing all laws related to nurse education, licensure, practice, and discipline.
They ensure that nursing programs meet established standards and that all licensed nurses comply with state regulations to provide safe and effective care to patients throughout Alabama.
Entry Level Practice Nurses
The journey to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in Alabama involves three key stages: acquiring the necessary education, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining licensure from the Alabama Board of Nursing.
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Stage 1 | Complete an Approved Nursing Program
Graduating from an approved and accredited nursing program is a prerequisite for your nursing career in Alabama. Options include:
- Nursing diploma
- Associate degree (ADN)
- Bachelor’s degree (BSN); LPN to BSN
A list of Alabama nursing programs approved and accredited by the Alabama Board of Nursing can be found here, with provisional approval listings available here.
Stage 2 | Pass the NCLEX-RN
Prospective nurses must successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN preparation) before being eligible for licensure. The Board provides instructional videos on its website to guide candidates through the exam process. The multi-step process includes:
- Registration
- Transcript submission
- Fee payment
- Receiving an Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Scheduling
- Presenting proper identification
- Taking the exam
Detailed information is accessible here, and exam authorization registration is available here. Strict adherence to each step is crucial in the nursing licensure process. Detailed information is accessible here and exam authorization registration is available here. Strict adherence to each step is crucial.
Stage 3 | Obtain a License
For those already licensed as RNs in the U.S., applying for endorsement involves submitting an application, accessible here. Supplementary materials, including:
- Transcripts
- License verification
- Proof of continuing education for nurses Alabama, must be mailed to the Board. While awaiting endorsement, RNs may request a temporary nursing permit Alabama.
Becoming a Registered Nurse in Alabama: Requirements & Licensing
RN applicants trained in another country must pursue certification through CGFNS, with the Board possibly requiring additional training before granting licensure. First-time RNs can request a 90-day temporary permit before obtaining full licensure upon passing the exam.
Notification of licensure is provided upon exam success.
Advanced Practice Nurses
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in Alabama earn their licenses after completing a master’s degree in nursing (MS or MSN) or a doctorate (DNSc, DNP, or PhD) and achieving board certification.
All APNs are professional registered nurses (RNs), but only those with advanced degrees and appropriate clinical training hold the title of APN.
Categories and Approval
APNs in Alabama work in four categories:
- Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
The Alabama Board of Nursing is the licensing authority granting approval for each category. To seek approval as an APN, a nurse must possess an active RN license in the state of Alabama.
Three Steps for APN Certification
Upon fulfilling all the prerequisites and obtaining your RN licensure in Alabama, you must progress through three stages to attain certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in the state.
Stage 1 | Attain a Graduate Degree
Your degree should meet the following criteria:
- Recognized by the Alabama Board of Nursing
- Accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation
Specialty accreditation is also necessary from the specific agency certifying the specialty.
If you underwent training in earlier years, there are limited exceptions to the master’s degree requirement. Consult the accrediting agency for your specialty to determine if you qualify.
Stage 2 | National Certification
After obtaining your graduate degree, securing national certification in the chosen Advanced Practice Nursing specialty is essential. Each specialty has distinct certification requirements and exams.
The Alabama Board of Nursing recognizes four categories and their corresponding national certification programs:
-
1. Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses
- National Certification Corporation
- Pediatric Nurse Certification Board
2. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board
3. Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Petitioning for recognition is possible if you become nationally certified in a program outside these four.
Once nationally certified, you can pursue APN certification in Alabama.
Stage 3 | Certificate Application
Before practicing your APN specialty, applying for a certificate is mandatory. Certification renewal is required every two years.
The application process involves:
1. Accessing the Alabama Board of Nursing’s online application program (CRNP, CNM , CRNA, CNS).
2. Paying a $150 approval fee.
3. Completing the online application.
4. Noting the requested documentation based on your specialty.
Documentation Process by Specialty:
- CRNP and CNM (Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife):
- Submit sealed, official college transcripts from all attended graduate degree institutions to the Alabama Board of Nursing.
- Have the national certifying agency send a copy of your national certification to the Board.
- Complete the Application to Add or Change Collaborative Practice, signed by the collaborating physician, and send it with a $50 fee to the Board.
- CRNA and CNS (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and Clinical Nurse Specialist):
- Submit sealed, official college transcripts from all attended graduate degree institutions to the Alabama Board of Nursing.
- Have the national certifying agency send a copy of your current national certification to the Board.
Certificate Renewal
Renewal can be done online every two years, but specific documents must be mailed to the Alabama Board of Nursing for the process to be completed:
- Proof of Active National Certification
- Transcripts and documentation for 24 contact hours of approved continuing education for nurses Alabama
If certification has expired, online reinstatement is possible.
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