5 Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in Alabama 2025

Getting a degree in nursing can help you begin a rewarding and lucrative healthcare career. If you're thinking about becoming a nurse in your home state of Alabama, you may be curious about the programs available to you. In particular, you'd like to learn more about the easiest nursing schools to get into in your state.

Keep reading as we look at some top programs to consider for a smooth and seamless enrollment process. We'll also look at answers for some common questions you may be asking.

How Competitive Are Nursing Schools in Alabama?

Different nursing schools have different levels of competitiveness. Some of the large public and private schools in the state, such as Tuskegee University and Auburn University, have strict admissions standards and challenging nursing schools to get into.

On the other hand, community colleges offer some of the easiest nursing degrees in terms of admission requirements and acceptance rates. We'll take a closer look at some good programs to consider a little later in this article.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Alabama Nursing Schools?

Each college or university has its own set of nursing school requirements that students must meet to qualify for admission. Common requirements include:

• submitting separate applications to the college and its school of nursing
• meeting minimum GPA requirements (often 3.0 or above)
• submitting standardized test scores (ACT, TEAS, and/or HESI A2)
• passing a background check
• being up to date on required immunizations
• completing prerequisite courses

Exact requirements can vary from school to school. It's important to check with your desired college of nursing to find out exactly what the admissions process is and which requirements you'll need to meet.

Nursing Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates in Alabama

Various schools in Alabama offer nursing programs with relatively easy admissions requirements. Let's take a closer look at some of the easiest nursing programs to get into in the state.

1. Central Alabama Community College

Central Alabama Community College is a public school headquartered in Alexander City, AL. Students at this school can pursue enrollment in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.

The admissions process is fairly straightforward; students must complete a handful of prerequisite courses and have an ACT score of at least 18 or a TEAS score of at least 58. Students complete the program in person at either the Alexander City or Childersburg campus.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,110 (in-state); $8,980 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. Calhoun Community College

John C. Calhoun State Community College, commonly known simply as Calhoun Community College, is a public school in Decatur, AL. It offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing degree.

Students entering this program must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 GPA in the school's core nursing prerequisites. They must submit valid ACT or HESI A2 scores, but no minimum scores are required for acceptance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,120 (in-state); $8,990 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: ACEN

3. Coastal Alabama Community College

Coastal Alabama Community College is a public school system with locations throughout the southern part of the state. Students can pursue traditional and licensed practical nurse (LPN) to ADN bridge programs.

Students learn essential methodologies to succeed in their future nursing careers. They must have at least a 2.0 overall GPA and a 2.5 GPA in nursing prerequisites or high school courses (if they have no previous college experience). A minimum ACT score of 18 and completion of prerequisite courses with a C grade or better are also required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,040 (in-state); $8,910 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: ACEN

4. Northeast Alabama Community College

Northeast Alabama Community College is located near Rainville, AL. This public school provides an ADN program consisting of 69 total credit hours.

Learners seeking admission to the program must submit an ACT score of 18 or better, have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and complete all required prerequisites. The school features affordable tuition rates and financial aid opportunities to help students pay for school.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,040 (in-state); $8,910 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: ACEN

5. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a public university providing various Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) tracks for students. A traditional BSN, a second-degree BSN, and an RN to BSN are all available.

These programs prepare students to work in nursing specialties and to pursue advanced degrees such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Admission requirements vary by program but generally include having a 2.5 to 2.75 cumulative GPA. Students in the second-degree program can opt to submit GRE scores for consideration if they don't meet minimum GPA requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,098 (in-state); $22,562 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 88%
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

How We Rank Schools

We strive to choose only top programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when selecting the best nursing schools outlined above:

• Accreditation: All of the schools are institutionally accredited, approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing, and maintain specialized accreditation from the ACEN or CCNE.
• Acceptance rates: Each school features high overall acceptance rates.
• Program reputation: Each college is known for providing high-quality in-person and/or online programs to prepare students for their future careers.

What Can I Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

Most prelicensure nursing degrees are either ADN or BSN programs. Students in ADN programs typically graduate within two years; BSN programs require four years of full-time study. Both degrees prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain RN licensure.

Depending on the program, students may complete coursework either online or on campus. Many schools offer self-paced nursing prerequisites online to help give students added flexibility.

Programs cover various essential nursing care topics like pharmacology, evidence-based practice, pediatric nursing, mental health, and more. Bachelor's degrees may include more advanced coursework in nursing research, leadership, and healthcare policy.

In addition to courses, students will complete hands-on skills practice in simulation labs and real-world clinical rotations in healthcare facilities. These live practice opportunities help students practice what they have learned and gain clinical experience under the guidance of nurse practitioners or other experienced healthcare providers.

FAQs About the Easiest Nursing Programs To Get Into

If you still have questions about getting into an easy nursing program, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

Is Nursing School Hard?

Many students consider nursing programs to be quite challenging. Not only can clinical experiences prove to be mentally and emotionally exhausting, but the nursing courses themselves often cover difficult topics and require a lot of time and commitment. Many students especially struggle with the math requirements.

6. Read More: Can I Be a Nurse If I Am Bad at Math?

What Is the Easiest RN Program To Get Into in Alabama?

There is no one ''easiest nursing school'' in Alabama; however, several schools provide ADN programs that have fairly relaxed admissions standards. Students who already have an ADN can enroll in some of the easiest RN to BSN programs online, which provide flexible or part-time coursework options ideal for working nurses. Many RN to BSN programs are relatively easy to get into.

What Is the Hardest Nursing School To Get Into in Alabama?

The hardest nursing schools to get into are the ones with the strictest admission standards and lowest acceptance rates. Tuskegee University has one of the lowest overall acceptance rates in Alabama at 31%, making it arguably one of the hardest nursing schools to get into.

That said, regardless of the program you enroll in, your program will likely include some of the hardest nursing classes like medical terminology and pathophysiology.

What GPA Do You Need To Get Into Alabama Nursing?

Different nursing schools in Alabama have different GPA requirements; prospective students should check with their college's admissions department to find out specifics. Generally speaking, many nursing schools require a GPA of at least 3.0 from general education or high school courses. Many community colleges, including those featured in this article, only require a GPA of 2.5 for nursing school entry.

What Is the Career Outlook for Nurses in Alabama?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 50,000 registered nurses working in Alabama. They earn a median salary of $71,370 per year, which is much less than the national average of $93,600. That said, the nursing career outlook in Alabama and beyond is good, as the demand for nurses is expected to increase at a faster than average rate by 2033.

Is It Hard To Get Into UAB Nursing School?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has one of the best nursing programs in the state. Though its admission requirements are stringent, they are also somewhat flexible, especially for second-degree BSN students. Also, the minimum GPA requirement is only 2.75, less than the typical minimum of 3.0. Considering these factors, the UAB nursing program is relatively easy to get into.

Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into Near You

If you're ready to begin a rewarding career in patient care, explore some of the easiest nursing schools to get into, along with other nursing schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools for more information about their programs and choose the right one for you.