How to Become a Registered Nurse in Alabama

A career in Nursing can be exciting, challenging, and mentally draining. Registered Nurses are expected to carry out several job duties, such as assessing patient’s conditions, recording their symptoms and medical histories, monitoring medical equipment, administering treatments and medicines, and educating patients on how to manage injuries and illnesses.

If you think that you have what it takes to excel in this highly competitive and rewarding field, then make sure you read this article thoroughly. It will explain to you how to become a Nurse in Alabama.

Are you a friendly person who cares deeply about others? If yes, then you might be a great candidate for a Nursing position.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses are required to meet several education and licensing requirements. These requirements are highlighted in the table below.

Sources: O*Net Online and US Bureau of Labor Statistics

The job outlook for the Nursing profession is quite bright. BLS has predicted that the job prospects for Registered Nurses are likely to grow by 12% through 2028. Many factors will contribute to this rapid growth, including an aging baby boomer generation and a rise in technological advances.

The steps mentioned below will help you understand how to become a Nurse in Alabama.

1. 1. Get Admitted to an Approved Nursing Program

The first step of the process is to get admitted to an approved Nursing program, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN). The Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) has approved certain Registered Nursing (RN) and Practical Nursing (PN) programs that adhere to the state’s educational standards. The Board conducts periodical surveys to check whether the approved programs are meeting the nursing program standards, and if not, then the program’s approval status is revoked.

2. 2. Complete the Nursing Degree

If you have enrolled in a BSN program, then it will take you around four years to complete the degree and if you have enrolled in an ADN program, then it will take you approximately two years to graduate. To graduate from nursing school, you will have to study several modules, such as Human Pathophysiology, Nursing Informatics, Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice, Pharmacology for Nursing Practice, and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing.

3. 3. Apply for the License

After completing your nursing education, you will have to appear for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). You must pass this exam to get licensed. The NCLEX score will be mailed to you in approximately three to five days after taking the test. In case you are unable to clear this test on your first attempt, you can re-take the test after 45 days.

Nursing programs are usually long, challenging, and notoriously difficult. Therefore, it takes quite a long time to become a Nurse in Alabama. Those candidates who opt for the BSN track take longer to become a Nurse as compared to those who opt for an ADN track.

After completing the Nursing school, candidates have to register for the NCLEX exam. This is a tough exam, which requires several months of preparation. Licenses are issued to only those candidates who can pass this exam.

To be eligible to work as a Registered Nurse in ‘The Cotton State,’ you will have to:

 

Physicians, Surgeons and Ophthalmologists (Except Pediatric) in Alaska drew $266,200 in annual mean wages in 2020, the fourth highest figure among all US states. This is according to the information made public by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.