If you have decided to become a licensed practical nurse in Alabama, congratulations!
LPNs are an incredible asset in any location, and the medical field needs as many caring, compassionate, and skilled people as possible.
To start your journey and get on the road to success, you will need to complete a quality LPN program.
Take a look at some of the top options below.
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5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Alabama
You have many great schools to choose from in Alabama – below are just five to help you get started.
1. Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Chattahoochee Valley Community College provides an LPN program whose students do very well on the NCLEX-PN, according to the Alabama Board of Nursing.
This in-depth program requires a total of 45 credits, which can be completed over three semesters.
Tuition varies per semester.
For in-state residents, semester one is currently $1,148, semester two is $1,312, and semester three is $1,640.
This brings in-state tuition to $4,100.
For non-residents, semester one is $2,079, semester two is $2,376, and semester three is $2,970.
This makes total tuition for non-residents $7,425.
These costs do not include course materials, uniforms, and additional fees.
The estimates for these bring the total for residents to approximately $7,512 and non-residents to approximately $10,837.
The good news is that these prices include a $200 voucher for your NCLEX-PN.
2. Coastal Alabama Community College
Another LPN program that produces high NCLEX-PN results is at Coastal Alabama Community College.
It is provided at both the Bay Minette and Atmore Campuses.
This LPN program is a 45-credit course that can be completed in three semesters and is offered during the day.
Tuition is $162 per credit hour, which brings the tuition total to $7,290 before the cost of books, materials, and additional expenses.
Though the fees can change each year, Coastal Alabama Community College estimates that with all fees, course materials, books, testing fees, and other expenses, the total cost of attendance is about $13,800.
3. Wallace State Community College
Wallace State Community College offers an LPN daytime program during the fall and spring semesters.
It covers a total of 47 credit hours of general education and nursing education, which typically take three semesters to complete.
Tuition is $125 per credit hour, which comes to a total of $5,875 if you do not need to retake any classes.
This tuition total does not include the cost of books, course materials, fees, and additional expenses.
Wallace State Community College does offer payment plans and tuition assistance scholarships to help ease the burden.
4. Northwest-Shoals Community College
Northwest-Shoals Community College is dedicated to helping students who are committed to becoming an LPN succeed.
This school provides an LPN program that is a mix of both general education and nursing education to ensure you have everything you need to succeed.
The program requires 45 credits that are spread out over three semesters.
Tuition is $125 per credit hour for in-state residents, bringing the tuition total to $5,875.
Tuition for out-of-state residents is $250 per credit hour, bringing the tuition total to $11,250.
Though the price of fees, course materials, and additional expenses can vary, students can expect to spend approximately $4,200 on these throughout their program.
5. Reid State Technical College
If you need a bit more of a flexible school schedule, Reid State Technical College might be the solution for you.
RSTC’s LPN program also consists of 45 credits that can be completed in as little as three semesters.
However, if you have other obligations, like a job or a family to take care of, full-time schooling might be a bit challenging.
That’s why Reid State allows you to spread those credits out – you can take up to six semesters to complete them.
Tuition for in-state residents is $125 per credit hour or $5,875 total.
For out-of-state residents, that price increases to $250 per credit hour or $11,250 total.
Keep in mind that these totals do not include course materials, books, fees, or additional expenses – all of which can vary each semester.
Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Alabama – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Alabama
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Chattahoochee Valley Community College | 2602 College Dr, Phenix City, AL 36869 |
| Coastal Alabama Community College | 1900 US-31, Bay Minette, AL 36507 |
| Wallace State Community College | 801 Main St NW, Hanceville, AL 35077 |
| Northwest-Shoals Community College | 800 George Wallace Blvd, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 |
| Reid State Technical College | 100 AL-83, Evergreen, AL 36401 |
Salary Information
If you’re wondering whether becoming an Alabama LPN is a good financial move, let the facts answer that question.
According to statistics, LPNs in Alabama typically earn between $43,057 and $52,746. $47,419 is the average.
And keep in mind that your salary can increase as you gain experience and skills.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Alabama
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $47,915 |
| Montgomery | $45,385 |
| Mobile | $46,846 |
| Huntsville | $47,874 |
| Tuscaloosa | $47,446 |
| Prattville | $45,387 |
| Dothan | $44,711 |
| Decatur | $46,411 |
| Auburn | $45,671 |
| Gadsden | $47,490 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 300 | $43,750 | $21.04 | $58,500 | $29,710 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 110 | $43,850 | $21.08 | $58,500 | $31,250 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 2,340 | $49,680 | $23.89 | $66,480 | $37,730 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 260 | $45,540 | $21.89 | $56,790 | $31,250 |
| Decatur, AL | 190 | $44,160 | $21.23 | $55,620 | $28,910 |
| Dothan, AL | 550 | $40,030 | $19.24 | $50,010 | $27,880 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 300 | $40,660 | $19.55 | $53,120 | $23,980 |
| Gadsden, AL | 270 | $44,210 | $21.26 | $55,490 | $26,680 |
| Huntsville, AL | 910 | $47,310 | $22.75 | $61,310 | $27,940 |
| Mobile, AL | 730 | $44,330 | $21.31 | $56,980 | $29,760 |
| Montgomery, AL | 740 | $44,890 | $21.58 | $54,980 | $36,590 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 760 | $44,790 | $21.53 | $55,670 | $34,970 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to apply for my Alabama LPN license?
The first step is always to complete an Alabama LPN program, as you will need to take your transcripts with you.
In addition to the transcripts, you will need proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident as well as proof that you have registered for the NCLEX-PN.
Is there a demand for LPNs in Alabama?
There is always a demand for medical professionals.
The Alabama Department of Labor reports several hundred openings for LPNs and that number is expected to grow.
What if I work during the day?
If you are unable to complete regular daytime classes, there are other options.
Some Alabama programs offer night classes and others let you complete at least some of your coursework online.
Do not let a day job stop you from pursuing your dream – there is always a program available to work with your schedule.
What if I decide to become an RN later?
Alabama offers several LPN to RN programs that you can finish in a year or less.
If it has been several years since you completed your LPN program, you might need to take some additional refresher courses before you begin your RN program.
How much does it cost to register for the NCLEX-PN in Alabama?
The cost is $200, but you might not need to pay it out-of-pocket.
Many LPN programs, like Chattahoochee Valley Community College, mentioned above, provide a voucher or include the cost of registration in your school fees.
Be sure that you check with the program you attend, as the exam may not be an additional expense.
