The Best Alabama Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements
Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in treating individuals with various illnesses, providing a profound sense of professional accomplishment. This page offers insights into the process of becoming a nurse practitioner in Alabama.
The Alabama Board of Nursing is the regulatory authority overseeing nursing licensure in the state. Attaining higher credentials, such as the certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP), involves meeting advanced criteria, including national certifications and obtaining a graduate degree. These requirements ensure that individuals possess a comprehensive understanding of healthcare concepts, enabling them to deliver expert care.
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Prospective CRNP candidates are expected to graduate from master’s nurse practitioner programs in Alabama. 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 not obligatory for certification, earning a doctorate in nursing can enhance career opportunities by signaling a more profound knowledge base.
Alabama Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are authorized to provide more advanced services compared to registered nurses (RNs). However, they operate under collaborative agreements with physicians in Alabama, delineating the scope of services they can offer. Typical responsibilities for NPs include patient examinations, requesting lab tests, and making referrals to specialists, often specializing in areas such as geriatrics or pediatrics.
Continue reading to delve into CRNP criteria, salary and employment trends, and the top nurse practitioner programs available in Alabama.
Top Online NP Programs in Alabama
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samford University | Birmingham, AL |
| 2 | University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL |
| 3 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL |
| 4 | University of Mobile | Mobile, AL |
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.
| Registered Nurse | Nurse Practitioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Mean Salary | $59,470 | $95,970 |
| U.S. Mean Salary | $75,510 | $110,030 |
| Alabama Job Growth | 12.9% | 30.4% |
| U.S. Job Growth | 14.8% | 36.1% |
Source: BLS, Projections Central
| Salary | Employment | |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, Georgia – Alabama | $111,400 | 100 |
| Montgomery, Alabama | $105,140 | 200 |
| Anniston – Oxford – Jacksonville, Alabama | $103,870 | 120 |
| Decatur, Alabama | $103,000 | 80 |
| Gadsden, Alabama | $101,180 | 60 |
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
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