The Best Alabama Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements

Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a crucial role in treating individuals with various illnesses, offering a profound sense of professional accomplishment. This page offers insights into the process of becoming a nurse practitioner in Alabama, including the requirements for certification, education, and licensure.
Alabama Nurse Practitioner Licensing and Certification Requirements:
The Alabama Board of Nursing is the regulatory authority overseeing nursing licensure in the state. To become a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) in Alabama, prospective candidates must meet advanced criteria, including national certifications and the completion of an accredited nurse practitioner program. These requirements ensure that nurse practitioners in Alabama possess a comprehensive understanding of healthcare concepts, enabling them to deliver expert care across a range of settings.

Education and Training for Nurse Practitioners in Alabama

Prospective CRNP candidates are expected to graduate from nurse practitioner programs in Alabama, typically at the master’s level. These programs equip learners with the skills to assess, diagnose, and treat patients for a range of health issues, often incorporating valuable clinical experiences. While a master’s degree is the minimum educational requirement, earning a Doctorate in Nursing (DNP) can enhance career opportunities by signaling a more profound knowledge base and opening doors to leadership and teaching roles.

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Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Alabama

For those interested in flexible learning options, online nurse practitioner programs in Alabama are available. These programs provide the same rigorous training as traditional programs, with the added convenience of completing coursework remotely. Many of these programs also offer clinical placements to ensure students gain practical experience.

Roles and Responsibilities of Nurse Practitioners in Alabama

Nurse practitioners in Alabama are authorized to provide more advanced services compared to registered nurses (RNs). They operate under collaborative agreements with physicians in the state, which delineate the scope of services they can provide. Typical responsibilities for Nurse Practitioners include:

• Performing patient examinations
• Requesting lab tests and interpreting results
• Prescribing medications and treatments
• Making referrals to specialists

In Alabama, nurse practitioners often specialize in areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or family practice, allowing them to focus on particular populations and healthcare needs.

Nurse Practitioner Salary and Job Outlook in Alabama

The demand for nurse practitioners in Alabama is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by the state’s aging population and increasing need for healthcare services. According to recent data, nurse practitioners in Alabama can earn a competitive salary, with the exact figure varying based on experience, education level, and geographic location. To stay competitive in the field, pursuing advanced certifications or a Doctorate in Nursing can improve job prospects and salary potential.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) vs. Nurse Practitioner

It’s important to note that in some contexts, the term Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is used interchangeably with nurse practitioner. In Alabama, APRN certification is another advanced credential that allows nurses to practice at a higher level, often in specialized fields. While nurse practitioners are a subset of APRNs, the two terms can sometimes overlap depending on the scope of practice.

Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice in Alabama

Nurse practitioners in Alabama enjoy an expanded scope of practice compared to other types of nurses, but they must work under collaborative agreements with physicians. The Alabama Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice allows NPs to perform various functions, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and managing patient care independently in certain settings. Understanding the scope of practice is essential for nurse practitioners as they advance in their careers and provide comprehensive care.

Conclusion: Become a Nurse Practitioner in Alabama

Becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) in Alabama requires a strong educational foundation, including the completion of a nurse practitioner program and the attainment of national certifications. Whether you choose a traditional or online nurse practitioner program, Alabama offers multiple avenues to achieve your goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. With opportunities for specialization in areas like geriatrics and pediatrics, and a competitive salary outlook, a career as a nurse practitioner in Alabama is both rewarding and impactful.

Continue reading to explore more about the top nurse practitioner programs in Alabama, job opportunities, and specific nurse practitioner certification requirements in the state.

Top Online NP Programs in Alabama

Requirements to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Alabama

Individuals aspiring to become NPs in Alabama can fulfill the necessary requirements by following the steps outlined below.

• Before embarking on the Nursing Practitioner journey, candidates must obtain an RN license, a process involving an application, a $100 fee, and a $3.50 transaction fee. Temporary permits are available at a cost of $50.
• RN applicants must successfully complete a nursing program aligned with the state’s nursing standards. Final transcripts from the school must be sent to the Alabama Board of Nursing via mail.
• Additional prerequisites for an RN license encompass proof of citizenship or legal residency, which may include a driver’s license, birth certificate, re-entry permit, or permanent resident card. A social security number is also required.
• Candidates must register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), with the board determining exam eligibility. Eligible candidates receive an authorization to test, while ineligible ones must re-register after one year. The exam incurs a $200 registration fee.
• Preparation for the NCLEX involves reviewing site information and completing practice exams. The exam itself, depending on structure, may consist of over 200 questions within a six-hour timeframe. Exam scores are typically available within six weeks.
• Successful applicants meeting Alabama’s RN criteria are granted an RN license, subject to renewal every two years through the completion of 24 continuing education (CE) hours.
• To attain the CRNP designation, candidates must pursue at least a master’s degree in nursing. Alabama’s nurse practitioner schools enforce minimum admission criteria, including recommendation letters, standardized test scores, and personal statements.
• When selecting nurse practitioner programs in Alabama, applicants should consider specializations impacting career options. For instance, those aspiring to work in pediatrics should opt for programs emphasizing child health over gerontology.
• High-demand specializations in the state encompass primary care, geriatrics, and neonatal care.
• CRNP designation necessitates national certification from organizations like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Each certification entails unique criteria, incorporating fieldwork, exams, degrees, and associated fees.
• Applicants must complete the CRNP application and pay the $175 fee. Alabama mandates the submission of two documents for the CRNP: the Quality Assurance Plan and the Standard Protocol, outlining the NP’s specialization and responsibilities, including the collaborating physician.
• Candidates establish a professional agreement with a physician and submit the Collaborative Practice Commencement Form, providing details on the partnered physician and expected working hours. This agreement incurs a $200 fee.
• Advanced nursing credential holders must accumulate 6 CE hours every two years, specifically addressing pharmacology, for renewal.

In-Demand Nursing Specialty Eligibility Requirements in Alabama

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC)

• Years of Experience: An RN license is a prerequisite.
• Clinical Hours Required: AGPCNP-BC mandates 500 clinical hours supervised by faculty.
• Continuing Education: Renewal occurs after five years, necessitating 75 CE hours, with one-third focused on pharmacotherapeutics.
• Other: Applicants must pass an exam, hold an advanced degree, and complete courses in pharmacology and assessment.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNPC-AG)

• Years of Experience: Certification requires an RN license.
• Clinical Hours Required: Qualifying educational programs demand at least 500 clinical, supervised hours.
• Continuing Education: Certification renewal options include fieldwork, CE points, or examination, all requiring a minimum of 25 CE points.
• Other: Candidates must take a 175-question exam.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC)

• Years of Experience: The NNP-BC mandates an RN license.
• Clinical Hours Required: Candidates must complete a minimum of 600 didactic and clinical fieldwork hours during academic programs.
• Continuing Education: Certification renewal occurs every three years, necessitating CE hours.
• Other: Individuals have eight years post-degree to obtain this certification.

Salary and Career Information

In Alabama, Registered Nurses (RNs) earn, on average, more than $36,000 less than Nurse Practitioners (NPs). This salary disparity mirrors the national trend, with NPs across the United States averaging over $34,000 more than their RN counterparts. Additionally, the growth projections for NPs in both Alabama and the nation are higher compared to RNs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for NPs in Alabama are expected to grow 17.5% more than jobs for RNs.

While Alabama’s average salaries for both RNs and NPs are lower than the national averages, there are opportunities for individuals to enhance their earning potential. This can be achieved by pursuing positions in high-paying metropolitan areas like Montgomery and Jacksonville or by specializing in areas that typically offer higher remuneration, such as mental health. Prospective candidates should carefully consider these specializations before enrolling in Nurse Practitioner programs in Alabama.

Source: BLS, Projections Central

Source: BLS

Find the Best Alabama Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools

1. Samford University

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Location: Birmingham, AL
Established in Birmingham in 1841 with a commitment to Christian traditions, Samford University now educates over 5,600 learners. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Samford offers a Master of Science in Nursing for Family Nurse Practitioners, consisting of 42 credits. The program emphasizes ethical care for adults and children, including assessment and diagnosis strategies. Graduates are well-prepared for certification exams through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center.

• Campus: Birmingham, Alabama
• Type: Private
• Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Tuition: $862 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: RN license; bachelor of science in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; prerequisite coursework in research and health assessment
• Minimum Time Commitment: Five semesters
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

2. University of Alabama

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Founded in 1831, the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa boasts more than 38,000 students and holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school ranks among top 100 public schools according to News & World Report. Offering a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, the program requires 45-51 credits of nursing courses and practicums. Students can also opt for a dual concentration by adding a psychiatric mental health focus, involving 66-72 credits and 1,080 hours of clinical experience. The program is ranked #9 among family nurse practitioner programs in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report.

• Campus: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
• Type: Public
• Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Tuition: $420 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license
• Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• Program: Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration

3. University of Alabama at Birmingham

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Location: Birmingham, AL
With a history dating back to 1859, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) achieved independent status in 1969. UAB, with over 20,000 students by Fall of 2017, holds accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university offers a part-time Master of Science in Nursing for Family Nurse Practitioners, comprising 45 credit hours. The program combines clinical experiences with synchronous classes covering topics like pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment. The curriculum includes on-campus components such as simulations and laboratories.

• Campus: Birmingham, Alabama
• Type: Public
• Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Tuition: $656 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; nursing license; minimum 3.0 GPA; three references
• Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

4. University of Mobile

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Location: Mobile, AL
Chartered in 1961, the University of Mobile emphasizes Christian values and maintains a low 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio. Serving more than 1,800 learners, the private institution is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as #4 for best colleges for veterans, #11 for regional colleges in the South, and #25 for best value schools. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the university offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus, requiring 46 credits. The curriculum covers topics such as health policy, ethics, nursing statistics, and pharmacology, supplemented by 560 hours of clinical experience. Please note that learners from New York, Louisiana, and Colorado are ineligible for admission.

• Campus: Mobile, Alabama
• Type: Private
• Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Tuition: $555 per credit for in-state and out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license; background check; delivery of health records; American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider Certification; health insurance; references; resume or CV; personal statement
• Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

5. University of Alabama at Birmingham – Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Location: Birmingham, AL
Campus: Birmingham, AL
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $650 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
Online Available: Yes

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers one of the top Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs in Alabama. UAB’s MSN program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who want to pursue advanced practice roles as Nurse Practitioners. Students can choose from several specialty tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP).

The program is highly respected for its comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical learning with practical, clinical experience. As an online student, you will engage in live and recorded lectures, participate in virtual simulations, and complete clinical hours in your local area under preceptorship. The program prepares students for national certification exams specific to their chosen specialty.

Admission requires a current RN license, a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), and relevant work experience. The program is accredited by the CCNE, ensuring it adheres to the highest standards of nursing education. Graduates of UAB’s program are eligible for certification exams through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANP).

UAB’s online NP programs offer flexibility, with both full-time and part-time options available. This flexibility is ideal for working professionals who need to balance their education with personal and professional commitments.

6. Auburn University – Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Location: Auburn, AL
Campus: Auburn, AL
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $450 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
Online Available: Yes

Auburn University offers a robust Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Program with tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP). Auburn’s program is designed to provide students with the clinical and theoretical expertise needed to deliver high-quality healthcare in various settings, from primary care to specialty clinics.

The program features a combination of online coursework and in-person clinical rotations, which are arranged in the student’s local community. Auburn’s online NP program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to continue working while pursuing their education. The curriculum includes courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health policy, and evidence-based practice.

Applicants must have a BSN from an accredited institution, a current RN license, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program is accredited by the CCNE, ensuring that it meets rigorous academic standards. Graduates are well-prepared to sit for national certification exams from the ANCC or the AANP.

With Auburn’s emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, graduates are equipped to assume leadership roles in healthcare teams and provide expert care to diverse populations.

7. Samford University – Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Practitioner Program

Location: Birmingham, AL
Campus: Birmingham, AL
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,200 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 36-48 months
Online Available: Yes

Samford University’s Online DNP Nurse Practitioner Program offers advanced practice nurse education at the doctoral level. The program prepares students for leadership roles in nursing practice, healthcare policy, and clinical practice. This program is designed for RNs who want to advance their knowledge beyond the MSN and take on a more strategic role in healthcare delivery.

The DNP program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses in advanced clinical practice, leadership, healthcare policy, and evidence-based research. Students will engage in virtual coursework and complete clinical hours in their local area, under the guidance of preceptors.

Samford’s DNP program is accredited by the CCNE and is known for its strong focus on leadership and innovation in nursing practice. Admission to the program requires a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), a current RN license, and relevant clinical experience. The program’s flexible format allows students to complete their coursework online while continuing to work in their clinical roles.

Graduates of Samford’s DNP program are well-equipped to serve as nurse leaders, practitioners, and advocates in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

8. University of South Alabama – Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Location: Mobile, AL
Campus: Mobile, AL
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $435 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
Online Available: Yes

The University of South Alabama (USA) offers an exceptional Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Program, providing advanced training in both Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) tracks. The program’s flexible online format allows students to complete most of their coursework remotely while completing clinical rotations in their local communities.

USA’s program emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and interprofessional collaboration. Students will learn to assess, diagnose, and manage patients across the lifespan, preparing them for a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum includes advanced coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, healthcare policy, and professional role development.

Admission to the program requires a BSN from an accredited school, a current RN license, and work experience in a healthcare setting. USA’s MSN Nurse Practitioner Program is accredited by the CCNE, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of nursing education.

Graduates of USA’s program are eligible for certification exams through the ANCC or the AANP. With a focus on practical experience and patient care, the program prepares students to deliver high-quality care in a variety of clinical settings.

9. University of Alabama – Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Program

Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Campus: Tuscaloosa, AL
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $600 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
Online Available: Yes

The University of Alabama’s Online MSN Nurse Practitioner Program is designed for registered nurses who wish to advance their careers by becoming nurse practitioners. The program offers several specialty tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP). The University of Alabama’s program provides a strong foundation in nursing theory, advanced clinical practice, and leadership, making it ideal for nurses who aspire to work in advanced practice roles.

The program is delivered primarily online, with on-site clinical hours arranged locally. Students will engage in coursework focused on advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice. The program’s flexibility allows students to balance their education with work and personal commitments.

Admission requires a BSN from an accredited institution, a current RN license, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program is accredited by the CCNE, ensuring it meets high educational standards. Graduates of the program are eligible to take certification exams from the ANCC or AANP.

The University of Alabama’s online NP program provides a rigorous, flexible, and clinically-focused education, making it an excellent choice for those seeking advanced practice roles in nursing.

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