Last Updated/Verified: November 15th, 2024

Many people are interested in a career as an LPN because it is the perfect way to get started on your nursing path with minimum education.

In Alabama, there’s high demand for these nurses. If you’re interested in this career, you only need one to two years of training before you can start working as an LPN.

LPNs in Alabama Quick Facts

• LPN school typically takes one to two years to complete
• The average LPN salary in Alabama is $23.65/hour and has an annual income of $42,463
• With a competitive job market for nurses, the outlook is even better for licensed practical nurses. These jobs are expected to grow 9% over the next decade.
• Licensed practical nurses comprise 16.2% of Alabama’s nursing workforce.
• According to salary information in Tuscaloosa, AL, the average annual income for an LPN is $47,813 per year.

Nursing is an exhilarating profession that allows you to make a significant difference in your community and have the potential for great pay. Birmingham, Alabama has some of the best LPN programs available.

Overview of LPN Schools in Alabama

Choosing the right school to get your license is crucial. The 18 schools in Alabama vary from community colleges to private, and each one can help you earn a diploma or certificate so that you are ready for licensure upon finishing an accredited program.

LPN programs cover the following topics:

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Psychosocial Nursing
• Introduction to Pharmacology

LPN Accreditation

Finding the right LPN program can be a daunting task because there are so many options. It’s important to find out if your school has state and national accreditation as well as approval by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Accredited schools have certain requirements to maintain their status, so make sure you find this information before deciding which school best suits your needs. Before you embark on a journey to study for your LPN degree, make sure the school is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

LPN Admissions Requirements

There are many different paths you can take when considering a career in the medical field. You’ll need to do your research and find out which programs will be best for you, but it’s important to note that some requirements remain universal. At a minimum, most schools require:

• The ACT or equivalent
• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Students must complete all prerequisites
• Application to the school and application fee

LPN Tuition & Costs

The cost of attending nursing school can be a difficult hurdle to overcome. Trenholm State Community College, for example, has LPN program tuition at $7000 alone. You’ll also need textbooks, which could be thousands more.

Financial aid options are available for those who meet requirements and need financial assistance. Scholarship opportunities are also available.

LPN Licensing Requirements in Alabama

There are several steps to become an LPN in Alabama. First, you need to complete an approved nursing program course and successfully pass your NCLEX-PN exam.

Checklist to become an Alabama LPN:

• Finish your licensed LPN Program
• Apply for licensure
• Complete the NCLEX-PN examination
• Provide evidence of citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. at the time of application.

The Alabama Department of Nursing regulates how to get licensed as a practical nurse. You can renew licenses every two years without penalty if you’ve completed 24+ contact hours worth of board-approved continuing education within that same time period between September 1st and November 30th.

NCLEX-PN Exam

Once you graduate from an Alabama LPN program, the NCLEX-PN is your first step on the path to licensure. Passing this exam will give you a chance at becoming one of our most important healthcare professionals.

LPN Reciprocity

Nurses in Alabama can work confidently knowing that they are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This means that nurses moving from other states may retain their LPN status if their home state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If you’re a nurse from out-of-state, your licensure is transferable to an endorsement license for working here with no additional paperwork or training requirements.

LPN Salaries in Alabama

The median annual salary for LPNs in Alabama is $42,463 — or 13% lower than the national average of $52,116.

According to the BLS, the average salaries of LPNs in Alabama’s major metropolitan areas are:

• Tusclaloosa, AL ($47,813)
• Mobile, AL ($45,905)
• Birmingham, AL ($43,970)
• Northport, AL ($42,198)
• Huntsville, AL ($42,116)

Nurses are in high demand for aging populations. Experienced LPNs will have higher salaries than entry-level nurses. A nurse who works at a hospital will probably earn more money than one who works at an office or clinic.

Job Outlook for LPNs in Alabama

The U.S. has a large demand for nurses, but because of an increase in patients and retiring nurses the country is facing a decrease in its nurse population. That’s why LPNs are such an attractive option now. They can provide many services similar to RNs or ADNs without spending as much time in school. LPNs provide quick relief for nursing shortages because of their broad range of responsibilities.

The opportunities to work in healthcare are plentiful. The Occupational Profile states that by 2026, Alabama will have openings of 1,070 LPN jobs annually with both regular turnover and new job growth.

Top LPN Schools in Alabama

Lawson State Community College

3060 Wilson Rd. SW
Birmingham, AL 35221
(205) 925-2515

Lawson State Community College is a beautiful institution, nestled in the hills of Bessemer. The campus offers an atmosphere for lifelong learning and enrichment—to promote quality opportunities so that LSCC students can enjoy their college experience as much as possible.

Wallace State Community College

801 Main Street NW
Hanceville, AL 35077-2000
(356) 352-8198

With a commitment to teaching excellence and forging strategic partnerships, WSCC has provided innovative learning opportunities for its students. With classes offered daily throughout the week as well as online courses, this community college is committed to bettering itself so it might better serve you.

Bevill State Community College

101 State St.
Sumiton, AL 35148
(205) 648-3271

Bevill State Community College’s program for military medics is a unique transition to practical nursing. With evidence-based courses, Bevill trains veterans with previous medical experience how to become nurses and serve in the healthcare industry with a high level of nursing care.

Calhoun Community College

6250 U.S. 31
Tanner, AL 35671
(256) 890-4700

Calhoun Community College is the only open-admission, comprehensive two-year institution in Alabama. It’s dedicated to providing a quality education that will meet your needs and be affordable, too.

Shelton State Community College

9500 Old Greensboro Rd.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
(205) 391-2211

Tuscaloosa’s Shelton State Community College has the perfect program if you’re looking to get a practical nursing certificate in just one year. Enrollment in the full-time program combines school theory with clinical experience so that practical nursing program graduates are knowledgeable with strong academics as well as patient care skills.

Herzing University

280 West Valley Avenue
Birmingham, Alabama 35209
(205) 791-5860

HU’s nursing program will get you on your way to pursuing a career in the field. They offer flexible coursework schedules, affordable tuition, and well-trained professors that make it easy for students to attend school while juggling other obligations like family or work.

Central Alabama Community College

1675 Cherokee Road
Alexander City, Alabama 35010
(256) 234-6346

Central Alabama Community College (CACC) is the perfect place to find your future as a practical nursing professional. The constant encouragement from instructors and fellow students along with access to cutting-edge technology in every classroom will equip you for success.

Northwest-Shoals Community College

800 George Wallace Boulevard
Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35661
(256) 331-5200

Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) is a community college located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, that strives to provide exceptional skills and knowledge so students can contribute to the welfare of society.

Trenholm State Technical College

1225 Air Base Boulevard
Montgomery, Alabama 36108
(334) 420-4200

Trenholm State Technical College is the place to go if you want a quality nursing education. Not only will TSTC provide an excellent classroom experience, but it also gives students the best of clinical learning experiences.

Bishop State Community College

351 North Broad Street
Mobile, Alabama 36603
(251) 405-7000

Bishop State Community College offers low-cost education and grant programs. Its faculty are experienced, friendly people who strive to help students succeed academically no matter what their background may be.

Additional Resources

To explore LPN programs in Alabama, consult the following resources:

Alabama Board of Nursing

The Alabama Board of Nursing is the state board and the chief authority on issuing licenses to LPNs in the state. It also enforces rules and laws that help maintain a professional standard for nurses in Alabama.

Alabama State Nurses Association

The Alabama State Nurses Association is committed to the protection and promotion of registered nurses in the state of Alabama, which means they advocate for nurses like you. Take advantage of their professional events or continuing education courses.