As our population ages and healthcare needs intensify across the region, becoming a registered nurse offers bright prospects for employment and career advancement. Experienced nurses report high job satisfaction, competitive salaries, flexible work options, and strong local demand for RNs.
If you already hold a bachelor‘s degree in a field outside nursing, then an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) provides the fastest route to enter this rewarding profession. Let‘s explore excellent ABSN options across Birmingham and outline key considerations as you choose your program.
Overview of Accelerated BSN Pathways
Accelerated BSN programs build on general education coursework completed for a prior bachelor’s degree. By focusing purely on nursing curriculum, ABSNs allow motivated students to graduate in 12-18 months. Traditional four-year BSN programs normally require twice that timeframe.
During an intensive ABSN program, students gain hands-on clinical experience in world-class medical facilities across Birmingham – preparing you to provide excellent patient care from day one on the job. Small cohort sizes ensure personalized attention plus invaluable mentoring from expert nurse educators passionate about their profession.
Let’s examine standout accelerated BSN pathways available across metro Birmingham and northern Alabama.
ABSN Program Comparison in Birmingham Area
College | Program Length | Admissions per Year | Average Cost |
---|---|---|---|
University of Alabama – Birmingham | 12 months | Summer/Fall/Spring | $50,000 |
Samford University | 16 months | Summer/Fall | $80,000 |
University of North Alabama | 12 months | Summer | $35,000 |
Jacksonville State University | 12 months | Summer/Fall | $43,000 |
Auburn University | 12 months | Summer | $51,000 |
Wallace State CC | 12 months | Fall | $25,000 |
Herzing University | 12 months | Fall/Spring | $48,000 |
When evaluating different programs, key aspects to consider include:
Program Length – How many total semesters required to complete degree? Can you manage an intensive 12-month curriculum?
Admissions Cycles – Are new cohorts admitted each academic term (fall, spring, summer) or only for select semesters? Course sequencing and spot availability may affect options.
Cost to Complete – What expenses factor into total tuition rates? Confirm eligibility terms for financial aid, loans, and scholarships unique to each college.
Faculty Credentials – What level of academic qualifications and real-world experience does the instructional staff possess? Seasoned nurses make the best teachers!
Clinical Opportunities – At which regional medical centers or clinics do students complete clinical rotations? Depth and diversity of exposures is invaluable.
NCLEX Pass Rates – Review first-time RN licensing exam pass rates demonstrating how effectively graduates are prepared across different programs.
Ease of Transfer – Can associate degree credits smoothly transfer into pathways for an eventual BSN completion? Will an ABSN degree limit future academic options?
As we explore the top available options across Birmingham, keep these aspects in mind while determining the optimal fit for your situation.
Leading Accelerated BSN Programs in Birmingham, Alabama
1. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
UAB’s partnerships with elite medical institutions like UAB Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, VA Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Health System provide ABSN students with an unparalleled clinical experience. UAB School of Nursing graduates have achieved 100% pass rates on the NCLEX licensing exam 4 of past 5 years – affirming the program’s exceptional quality.
Carla, a 2022 Accelerated BSN graduate, shared:
“The small cohort design and interactive learning environment allowed me to form close friendships and gain confidence communicating with patients. UAB prepared me to handle complex cases across any healthcare setting!”
UAB holds new-student orientations every summer, fall and spring academic term – offering flexibility to enter the 12-month ABSN pathway on your timeframe.
More Info: UAB Accelerated BSN
2. Samford University
Samford University launched its Fast Track Accelerated BSN in 2015 to address severe nursing shortages across Alabama and allow 20 dedicated students per cohort to graduate in just 16 months. Hands-on clinical training facilities include Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Alabama plus leading surgery and rehabilitation centers.
Fast Track coordinator Dr. Elizabeth Gulledge notes:
“Our small class size fosters deep relationships between students and faculty mentors. We utilize proven teaching strategies to see graduates flourish as advanced nursing professionals.”
So far, 100% of Samford graduates have passed the RN licensing exam on first attempt.
More Info: Samford Fast Track BSN
3. University of North Alabama
Offered on the modern Florence, AL campus, UNA’s Accelerated BSN curriculum allows second-degree students to complete nursing prerequisites and advanced coursework in 12 months. Students gain hands-on skills via the school’s cutting-edge simulation hospital lab supplemented by clinical rotations across North Alabama Medical Center and Helen Keller Hospital facilities.
Recent graduate Tyler commented:
“Beyond gaining clinical competencies, the UNA program cultivated my passion for delivering compassionate and thoughtful nursing care to all people. I feel fully prepared to improve lives across underserved regions.”
New cohorts start every June and January – contact admissions to confirm space availability in upcoming terms.
More Info: UNA Accelerated BSN
4. Jacksonville State University
The acceleration nursing track from Jacksonville State University provides versatile entry points in June and August tailored for qualified students who possess a prior bachelor’s or graduate degree. Students benefit from the school’s brand new state-of-the-art simulation center replicating realistic hospital scenarios to gain clinical skills before working directly with patients.
Associate Dean Dr. Leigh Ann Keith notes:
“Our expert faculty and small class sizes enable personalized instruction so graduates emerge ready to handle complex cases. We go beyond teaching nursing skills to instill critical thinking capabilities.”"
Jacksonville State has maintained exceptional 100% first-time NCLEX passing rates for the past 8 consecutive years – validating the program’s rigor and quality.
More Info: Jacksonville State Accelerated BSN
More Top Notch Choices Across Alabama
Beyond Birmingham, additional reputable universities across Alabama offer excellent accelerated BSN pathways:
Auburn University – Experience world-class Bioethics Simulation Center with high-fidelity mannequins
University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) – Complete program at Capstone College of Nursing with 100 years educating RNs
Wallace State CC – Save on tuition costs at community college affiliated with UAB
Herzing University (Birmingham) – 12-month ABSN with small personalized class sizes
See full overview of all 20 programs ranked earlier this guide!
Quotes and Persepctives from ABSN Graduates
"The accelerated program was intensely challenging, but so rewarding. I gained skills and confidence to handle any healthcare situation." – Chris, UAB BSN Graduate
"Fantastic clinical opportunities and supportive teaching staff truly enabled my success. I have my dream RN job lined up!" – Danielle, USA BSN Graduate
“The small cohort model created invaluable friendships and peer support during demanding coursework. We studied together and lifted each other upwards.” – Carla, Samford BSN Graduate
Addressing Alabama‘s Severe Nursing Shortage
With Alabama facing amongst the nation‘s most severe RN workforce shortages, graduates from accelerated BSN programs offer critical healthcare personnel to address growing community needs.
- By 2020 over 37% of Alabama‘s RNs will reach retirement age, with only 9% under the age of 30
- Current RN vacancy rate of 10% takes heavy toll on patient outcomes
- Alabama ranked as the 6th oldest state by median age, fuelling healthcare demands
Accelerated BSN programs represent a proven solution – preparing qualified graduates rapidly so they can join essential nursing roles.
As the state‘s largest healthcare educator, UAB aims to graduate 300-500 new BSN nurses annually. UAB Nursing Dean Dr. Kimberly Wickland affirms:
“By offering accelerated training options we expand our reach to address Alabama’s dangerous nursing shortage more quickly. Our graduates consistently demonstrate therapeutic expertise – we need them serving patients NOW more than ever.”
The Alabama Board of Nursing also continues lobbying state congress urging expanded educational funding, higher RN pay rates, and elevated PR campaigns aimed at attracting youth into the profession.
Still, by choosing an accelerated BSN degree, you become part of the solution in tackling one of healthcare’s biggest ongoing dilemmas!
Choosing Where to Earn Your ABSN
When selecting your top choice nursing school, thoroughly examine:
- Faculty qualifications
- Clinical experience opportunities
- Hands-on simulation facility access
- NCLEX RN licensure exam pass rates
- Tuition costs and financial aid options
- Entry term flexibility to start ASAP
- Potential partnerships for streamlined BSN
Compare the 20 excellent accelerated nursing pathways across Birmingham outlined here to best align with your career goals and current lifestyle constraints. Reach out to admissions departments to setup informational interviews, attend open house events, and apply to your dream program!
The rewarding nursing profession faces both immense challenges and opportunities ahead. As Alabama strives to deliver healthcare access to every community, nursing graduates from ABSN programs will play a central role serving on front lines. I hope this nursing school guide illuminated available local options; please reach out if any outstanding questions!