The Best LPN Programs in Alabama
Earn Your LPN in Alabama
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic care to patients in hospitals, medical offices, residential care facilities, and other settings. According to the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN), Alabama employs more than 14,000 LPNs.
Still, a nursing shortage persists in the state. A 2023 survey of Alabama nurses revealed that nearly 39,000 nurses in the state planned to leave the profession within the next five years.
While this reality presents a host of challenges, it could create opportunities for aspiring LPNs — and becoming an LPN can be faster than you think.
Below we’ve compiled our top LPN training programs in Alabama, as well as an overview of state licensing requirements and a career and salary outlook.
Top LPN Programs in Alabama
Trenholm State Community College
Montgomery, AL- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,042
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Wallace Community College Selma
- Selma, AL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,529
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Coastal Alabama Community College
- Bay Minette, AL
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,535
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Wallace State Community College
- Hanceville, AL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,985
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Central Alabama Community College
- Alexander City, AL
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,799
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College
- Huntsville, AL
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate41%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled789
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College
- Andalusia, AL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,767
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Gadsden State Community College
- Gadsden, AL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,599
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Reid State Technical College
- Evergreen, AL
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled489
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Northeast Alabama Community College
- Rainsville, AL
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,981
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Wallace Community College
- Dothan, AL
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,478
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Bevill State Community College
- Jasper, AL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,192
- Out-of-state$8,384
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,787
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Union State Community College
- Wadley, AL
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,655
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Shelton State Community College
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,201
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Northwest-Shoals Community College
- Muscle Shoals, AL
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,930
- Out-of-state$7,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,512
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Getting an LPN License in Alabama
To take advantage of the growing LPN job market in Alabama, you first need to get your nursing license. The state board of nursing has its own unique licensing process, and this section outlines that process from beginning to end, so you can get your license as quickly as possible.
Basic Eligibility
To qualify for LPN licensure in Alabama, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have valid legal presence
- Be of good moral character
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete a state-approved LPN program of at least one year in length
- Pass the NCLEX-PN exam
Education and Training Requirements
Eligible LPN candidates must complete a state-approved, accredited practical nursing program to earn a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. For LPNs seeking licensure by endorsement, practical nursing programs must meet the same criteria.
LPN program curricula must:
- Cover the scope of practice for LPNs
- Prepare students to provide safe and effective care to diverse patients
- Educate and expose nurses to treating multiple patient types, such as adults, infants, children, and mental health patients
- Not include clinical simulations exceeding 50% of all clinical experiences
Additional Requirements
Along with the requirements above, LPN candidates must submit the following:
- Application fee of $125, plus a $3.50 transaction fee
- Valid Social Security Number
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check
Renewing Your License
Alabama LPNs are required to renew their licenses on odd-numbered years between September 1 and December 31. To qualify for renewal, LPNs must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education within the two-year license period.
Single-state license renewals cost $103.50 ($100.00 for the license fee and $3.50 for the transaction fee). Multistate renewals cost $203.50 ($200.00 for the license fee and $3.50 for the transaction fee).
LPN Salary in Alabama
Although LPNs in Alabama make a relatively good living and can expect to see job growth in the state, the annual mean wage for Alabama’s LPNs sits lower than the national mean annual wage and the lowest among all states in the country, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Location | Annual LPN Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,090 |
| United States | $60,790 |
Employment Trends for LPNs in Alabama
Employment opportunities for practical nurses in Alabama can vary by location. Not surprisingly, larger cities tend to employ more LPNs than smaller areas.
| Alabama City or Metro Area | Total LPNs Employed |
|---|---|
| Birmingham-Hoover | 2,230 |
| Huntsville | 910 |
| Montgomery | 860 |
| Tuscaloosa | 770 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 720 |
Employment Projections for LPNs in Alabama
2022 (Base): 11,440
2032 (Projected): 11,700
Average Annual Openings: 900
Source: Projections Central
Resources for LPNs in Alabama
Alabama Association of Licensed Practical Nurses: The state chapter of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, this organization provides members with access to industry events, continuing education credits, and networking opportunities.
Alabama Board of Nursing: The Alabama Board of Nursing is responsible for issuing licenses to LPNs and approving LPN programs in Alabama. The agency also ensures that nurses adhere to applicable state laws and reprimands those who do not follow these professional standards.
Alabama Association of Nursing Students: Nursing students in Alabama receive support from the Alabama Association of Nursing Students, the state’s chapter of the National Student Nurses Association. Members can participate in the annual convention and receive discounts on books and NCLEX study materials.
Alabama Association of School Nurses: This association has represented the needs of Alabama’s school nurses since 1970. The organization promotes nursing practice in Alabama and provides continuing education.
Emergency Nurses Association — Alabama State Council: This state chapter provides members with access to a peer community, education opportunities, and the latest research affecting emergency nursing.
Alabama State Nurses Association: Members of the Alabama State Nurses Association can participate in professional events and take continuing education courses through the organization. Additionally, the association provides advocacy services to protect the interests of the state’s nurses.
Alabama Board of Nursing Center for Nursing Excellence: This page connects licensed and aspiring nurses with job boards, workforce data, continuing education opportunities, and other resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs in Alabama
For LPN licensure in Alabama, you need to complete a state-approved LPN program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and submit a completed application to the ABN along with application fees.
