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The Best Alabama Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Requirements

NurseJournal Staff
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Updated August 30, 2023
Nurse practitioners treat individuals with a variety of illnesses, which can provide a sense of professional accomplishment. Read this page to learn how to become a nurse practitioner in Alabama.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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The Alabama Board of Nursing oversees nursing licensure in the state. Higher credentials, such as the certified registered nurse practitioner (CRNP), require advanced criteria, including national certifications and a graduate degree. These criteria verify that individuals understand healthcare concepts and can deliver expert care.

CRNP candidates should graduate from master’s nurse practitioner programs in Alabama. These programs train learners to assess, diagnose, and treat patients for different issues and may also include clinical experiences. Candidates can also earn a doctorate in nursing. While not required for certification, these degrees may increase career opportunities by indicating more in-depth knowledge.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) can deliver more advanced services than registered nurses (RNs), but cannot act as independent physicians. In fact, Alabama NPs enter collaborative agreements with physicians which outline the services they can perform. Common responsibilities for NPs include examining patients, requesting lab tests, and referring patients to specialists. NPs often work within a specialization, such as geriatrics or pediatrics.

Keep reading to explore CRNP criteria, salary and employment trends, and the best nurse practitioner programs in Alabama.

Read about our ranking methodology here.
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Requirements to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Alabama

Aspiring NPs in Alabama can fulfill the requirements to become an NP in the state by completing the steps below.

In-Demand Nursing Specialty Eligibility Requirements in Alabama

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

Years of Experience: Candidates need an RN license.Clinical Hours Required: The AGPCNP-BC requires 500 clinical hours. Faculty must supervise this experience.Continuing Education: Renewal occurs after five years and calls for 75 CE hours. For NPs, one-third of these hours must relate to pharmacotherapeutics.Other: Applicants must complete an exam, earn an advanced degree, and complete courses in pharmacology and assessment.
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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (ACNPC-AG)

Years of Experience: Certification calls for an RN license.Clinical Hours Required: Qualifying educational programs require at least 500 clinical, supervised hours of fieldwork.Continuing Education: Individuals can renew their certifications through a combination of fieldwork, CE points, or examination. All options, however, require at least 25 CE points.Other: Candidates must take a 175-question exam.
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Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC)

Years of Experience: The NNP-BC mandates an RN license.Clinical Hours Required: During academic programs, candidates must complete didactic and clinical fieldwork. Clinical hours must total a minimum of 600.Continuing Education: Candidates must renew these certifications after three years by earning CE hours.Other: Individuals have eight years after earning their degrees to obtain this certification.

Salary and Career Information

RNs in Alabama earn more than $36,000 less, on average, than NPs in the state. This difference reflects national salaries as well, with NPs throughout the U.S. averaging over $34,000 more than RNs. Growth projections are also higher for NPs in the state and nation. In fact, jobs for Alabama NPs are projected to grow 17.5% more than jobs for RNs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Alabama averages for RN and NP salaries remain lower than national averages. In particular, NPs average $95,970. The national average surpasses this amount by around $14,000. However, candidates can increase their earning potential by pursuing jobs in high-paying metropolitan areas, such as Montgomery and Jacksonville. They can also specialize in areas that generally offer higher pay, such as mental health. Candidates should consider these specializations before enrolling in NP programs in Alabama.

 Registered NurseNurse Practitioner
Alabama Mean Salary$59,470$95,970
U.S. Mean Salary$75,510$110,030
Alabama Job Growth12.9%30.4%
U.S. Job Growth14.8%36.1%

Source: BLS, Projections Central

 SalaryEmployment
Columbus, Georgia – Alabama$111,400100
Montgomery, Alabama$105,140200
Anniston – Oxford – Jacksonville, Alabama$103,870120
Decatur, Alabama$103,00080
Gadsden, Alabama$101,18060

Source: BLS

1
Samford University
LocationBirmingham, AL

Founded in Birmingham in 1841, Samford embraces Christian traditions. Today, the school educates over 5,600 learners and holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The university's master of science in nursing for family nurse practitioners consists of 42 credits. Coursework deals with ethical care for adults and children by highlighting assessment and diagnosis strategies. Degree-seekers must complete practicum experiences assisting children, women, and adults for a total 660 hours.

Graduates may take certification exams through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses' Credentialing Center. The certification test pass rate for the university's MSN graduates approaches 100%.

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

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

2
University of Alabama
LocationTuscaloosa, AL

Located in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama welcomed its first students in 1831. As of Fall 2019, the institution boasted more than 38,000 students. The school ranks among U.S. News & World Report's top 100 public schools and holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Candidates can earn a master of science in nursing with a family nurse practitioner concentration by completing 45-51 credits of nursing courses and practicums. Students may also declare a dual concentration by adding a psychiatric mental health focus and completing 66-72 credits and 1,080 hours of clinical experience. The U.S. News & World Report ranks this program at #9 among family nurse practitioner programs in the nation.

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

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

3
University of Alabama at Birmingham
LocationBirmingham, AL

While UAB's history reaches back to 1859, the university earned independent status in 1969. As of fall 2017, more than 20,000 students attended UAB, and the institution conferred nearly 5,000 degrees during the 2016-2017 school year. UAB 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. Consisting of 45 credit hours, the program combines clinical experiences with synchronous classes that address topics like pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment. The curriculum also includes several 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

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

4
University of Mobile
LocationMobile, AL

The University of Mobile was chartered in 1961. Known for a low, 13-to-1 student-faculty ratio, this private institution prioritizes Christian values and serves more than 1,800 learners. U.S. News & World Report ranks the school at #4 for best colleges for veterans, #11 for regional colleges in the South, and #25 for best value schools. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits this university.

The institution's master of science in nursing with a family nurse practitioner focus requires 46 credits. Coursework surveys topics such as health policy, ethics, nursing statistics, and pharmacology. Students must also complete 560 hours of clinical experience. Learners from New York, Louisiana, and Colorado are not eligible 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

School Site: Tuition | Financial aid