2026 Alabama Guide

Top LPN Programs & Schools in Alabama

Alabama's community college system trains more LPNs per capita than most Southern states — with tuition averaging just $5,000 across 20+ campuses. The Birmingham medical corridor anchored by UAB Health System is the state's largest healthcare employer, while rural Alabama facilities along the Black Belt corridor offer NHSC loan repayment for graduates willing to serve underserved communities.

$50,760 Avg. Annual Salary
$24.40 Avg. Hourly Wage
3% Job Growth (10-yr)
~1,200 Annual Openings

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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Alabama

Alabama's LPN pipeline runs through the Alabama Community College System, with practical nursing programs at Bevill State, Bishop State, Gadsden State, and a dozen more campuses. Tuition is standardized in the $5,000–$5,500 range — among the most affordable in the Southeast. Most programs complete in 12 months with clinical rotations at regional hospitals and long-term care facilities. The Alabama Board of Nursing approves all programs.

School City Type Program Length Approx. Tuition
Bevill State Community College Jasper Community College 12 months $5,200
Bishop State Community College Mobile Community College 12 months $5,100
Gadsden State Community College Gadsden Community College 12 months $5,400
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Andalusia Community College 12 months $5,000
Shelton State Community College Tuscaloosa Community College 12 months $5,300

Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Alabama

No Alabama LPN program is fully online — the Alabama Board of Nursing requires in-person clinical hours at approved healthcare facilities. Several schools now offer hybrid formats blending online didactic coursework with on-site clinicals. Bevill State and Shelton State lead the hybrid options, letting working adults complete lectures remotely while attending clinicals locally.

Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.

For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Alabama residents, visit our dedicated guide:

View Online LPN Programs in Alabama →

Requirements to Enroll in a Alabama LPN Program

Alabama LPN programs share common prerequisites, but individual schools vary on specifics — always check your target program. The TEAS entrance exam is required at most campuses, and UAB-affiliated programs tend to have higher minimum score requirements than rural community colleges.

Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Alabama

Licensing Exam NCLEX-PN
Regulatory Board Alabama Board of Nursing
Min. Education State-approved LPN program (typically 12 months)
Background Check Required

After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Alabama Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.

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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Alabama

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Alabama earn an average of $50,760 per year ($24.40/hour). This places Alabama below the national LPN average of $62,340.

Salaries in Alabama typically range from $38,200 for entry-level positions to $62,500 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.

LPN Salary by City in Alabama

City / Metro Area Average Annual Salary
Birmingham $52,400
Huntsville $51,800
Mobile $49,600
Montgomery $50,200

Job Outlook

Employment of LPNs in Alabama is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,200 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.

Where LPNs Work in Alabama

The majority of LPNs in Alabama work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.

First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates

Landing your first LPN position in Alabama is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.

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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Alabama

Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:

LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →
Advance from LPN to Registered Nurse with bridge programs in Alabama
Online LPN Programs →
Hybrid and online-friendly LPN programs for Alabama residents
CNA Classes in Alabama →
Fast-track Certified Nursing Assistant programs — a great stepping stone to LPN
Medical Coding Programs →
Fast-track medical coding and billing certification in Alabama

Alabama

Alabama LPN Scope

Alabama LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do

Alabama LPNs practice under the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) Administrative Code. Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state.

You Can Direct Patient Care

Alabama LPNs provide direct nursing care under the supervision of an RN, physician, or other authorized provider. Core duties include:

  • Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
  • Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
  • Wound care, dressing changes, and wound vac management
  • Vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, and point-of-care testing
  • Foley catheter insertion and management
  • Tracheostomy care and suctioning
  • Contributing to the nursing care plan
  • Supervising and delegating to CNAs/UAPs

Conditional IV Therapy

Alabama has detailed IV therapy rules under Administrative Code Rule 610-X-6-.14. LPNs can perform IV therapy only through a facility-approved standardized procedure.

  • LPNs may perform peripheral IV therapy (start IVs, administer IV fluids and meds) after completing an approved IV therapy course and when the facility has an approved standardized procedure on file with the ABN
  • An RN must be physically present in the facility when an LPN performs IV push medications
  • LPNs may administer IV fluids and approved IV piggyback medications under indirect RN supervision
  • LPNs CANNOT push IV insulin or chemotherapeutic agents
  • LPNs CANNOT directly access central venous route devices (implanted ports, hemodynamic lines, central venous catheters)
  • LPNs CANNOT perform therapeutic phlebotomy or repair central venous access devices
⚠️ Key rule: Alabama LPNs are prohibited from administering any medications via IV push unless the facility has applied for and received an approved standardized procedure from the ABN (Rule 610-X-6-.14). If your facility doesn't have one on file, you cannot push IV meds — period. Ask your charge nurse before your first shift.

You Cannot RN-Only Functions

  • Initial comprehensive patient assessments
  • Creating, modifying, or signing off on nursing care plans
  • Triage in emergency departments
  • Initiating blood product transfusions
  • Accessing or programming implanted IV infusion pumps
  • Administering anesthetics or conscious sedation medications
  • Independent practice without RN/physician supervision

Alabama LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs

SchoolFormatTimelineDetails
Central Alabama Community CollegeOn-campus + clinical12–16 monthsACEN-accredited LPN-to-ADN mobility program (Coosa Valley School of Nursing)
Herzing University (Birmingham)Hybrid16 monthsLPN-to-ASN bridge, 72 credits, ACEN-accredited
University of South AlabamaOnline + clinicalsSelf-pacedLPN-to-BSN, clinicals in AL or MS, CCNE-accredited, three pathway options
Excelsior University100% OnlineSelf-pacedOnline + local clinicals, no waitlist, nationwide

Alabama Board of Nursing Contact

  • Website: abn.alabama.gov
  • Phone: (334) 293-5200
  • Address: RSA Plaza, 770 Washington Ave, Suite 250, Montgomery, AL 36104

Ready for the Next Step?

Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck

Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.

Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →