Alabama, also known as the “Heart of Dixie” is located in the southeastern region of the United States. While industry in the state was primarily agricultural in the 19th century, today banking, health care, aerospace, automotive manufacturing, tourism, sports and education now contribute heavily to the economy.
Alabama has multiple advanced degrees available through 14 public and 17 private colleges and universities. With three medical schools, two veterinary schools, a dental school, two pharmacy schools and an optometry school, the state has become a leader in health care education.
Auburn University at Montgomery, Auburn, AL
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at Auburn University at Montgomery offers programs at all levels to prepare nurses for today’s dynamic health care industry. The primary objective of the School centers on cultivating patient-centered, intelligent nurses who are ready to lead.
Nursing Programs
A Bachelor of Arts (BSN) is available in a traditional campus setting while the Registered Nurse to BSN and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs are offered in traditional campus settings as well as flexible online and hybrid delivery methods.
Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Specialist (MSN) (online): The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration as a Clinical Nurse Specialist is available in a flexible online format. As a Clinical Nurse Specialists, each graduate will be prepared to diagnose and treat illnesses, manage diseases, improve patient care, teach and be a health care advocate.
This graduate degree program is as challenging and demanding as the traditional classroom format but offered as adaptable distance learning for professionals interested in advancing their career.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
101 Moore Hall
PO Box 244023
Montgomery, Al 36124
334-244-3658
[email protected]
http://nursing.aum.edu/
Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL
The Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing and Health Sciences
The Lurleen B. Wallace College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Jacksonville State University offers fully accredited baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing education. Providing exceptional service to the community is a paramount goal, and the College is focused on ensuring that their nursing graduates receive the advanced knowledge and skills they need for today’s challenging and diverse health care environment.
Nursing Programs
Master of Science in Nursing: Community Health Nursing (MSN): The Community Health Nursing master’s program develops direct care and broad community assessment skills. Graduate students are encouraged to select a vulnerable population area and enhance the skills needed to better serve that specialty.
The Master of Science in Nursing degree prepares candidates for a career in community health practice, management, education, consultation or research. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for a Public Health Nurse – Advanced national certification.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602
(256) 782-5781
http://www.jsu.edu/nursing/ms_nursing.html
Samford University, Birmingham, AL
Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing
Established over 90 years ago, the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing has proudly been educating compassionate and caring nurses for Samford University. Many master’s degree options are available for health care professionals with training at state-of-the-art facilities and a broad range of clinical sites.
Nursing Programs
Four specialty tracks are available through the Master of Science in Nursing degree programs including Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse Manager and Nurse Anesthesia. A unique opportunity is also offered with the RN to MSN program that allows students to earn a master’s degree directly from an associate’s degree or diploma.
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN): The Master of Science in Nursing with the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares students to work in a primary care facility and provide comprehensive, lifetime health care to individuals, families and groups of all ages. Learning outcomes include: diagnosis and management of health problems, write prescriptions and order testing, encourage a holistic approach to care, emphasize a preventative methodology for health promotion.
The degree program is designed for flexibility an online delivery and with minimal classroom coursework. Upon completion, graduates will qualify to take the FNP national certification exam.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Anesthesia (MSN): The master’s degree program for the Nurse Anesthesia track is primarily offered online with minimum campus attendance required. Designed for working professionals, this Master of Science in Nursing program prepares students to take the national certification exam and work as a nurse anesthetist.
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator (MSN): The Nurse Educator track of the Master of Science in Nursing program is available with an online option to meet the ever-growing needs of the nursing profession. The degree will prepare candidates to be academic educators or clinical educators in a university or health care setting.
Graduates of the Nurse Educator program will have critical knowledge of educational trends, understand current research findings and be able to provide improved methods for instructional design.
Master of Science in Nursing in Health Systems Management and Leadership (MSN): The online Health Systems Management and Leadership master’s degree prepares students for the role as a health care manager. Concentration in a specific provider organization is available for primary care, geriatric care, acute care or other health-related facility.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229
205-726-2011
http://www.samford.edu/nursing/#&panel1-1
Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL
Graduate Academics
The graduate programs at Spring Hill College are designed for working adults. Small class sizes (evening and weekend classes are available), online programs and strong health care partners allow students to maintain a healthy balance between work and school. The Graduate Academics department offers a choice number of degree selections in a reasonable format to pursue higher education at any stage of life.
Nursing Programs
Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader (MSN-CNL) (online): A Clinical Nurse Leader is a generalist clinician that oversees a nursing team and serves as a resource leader. As CNL responsibilities vary significantly, graduates are required to have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Alabama Board of Nursing
Contact
4000 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36608
(251) 380-4000
https://www.shc.edu/go/nursingprograms/
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Capstone College of Nursing
The Capstone College of Nursing at The University of Alabama is committed to advance the nursing profession by focusing on the core values of excellence, caring, student-centered learning, integrity and professionalism. The College provides excellent health care degree and certificate programs that utilize state-of-the-art technologies with community partnerships. In addition to innovative campus facilities, the CCN extends educational opportunities with online graduate-level programs.
Nursing Programs
Master of Science in Nursing: Clinical Nurse Leader (MSN) (Online): As part of a medical team, the CNL collaborates with other health care professionals by communicating, planning and implementing care. Graduates are eligible to sit for the CNL exam upon completion of the program.
Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Arts in Management (MSN/MA) (Online): This is a duel degree program that provides students with the skills needed for clinical practice in nursing case management and health care management. Candidates complete their programs online through both the Capstone College of Nursing and the Manderson Graduate School of Business.
Master of Science in Nursing/Doctorate of Education: Nurse Educator (MSN/Ed.D.) (online): Prepares candidates to teach nursing at colleges and universities. Students can complete the master’s program and immediately enroll in doctorate-level instruction. Entry directly into the Ed.D. is available for those who have previously earned an MSN degree.
Master of Science in Nursing: Rural Case Management/Leadership (online): Trains students to be leaders in health care organizations. Case managers are trained in the process of assessment, planning, and the promotion of quality cost-effective health care solutions in a rural environment.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
Box 870358
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0358
(205) 348-6639
http://nursing.ua.edu/
The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is a city campus and ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the top five percent of nursing schools in the country. Additionally, the UAB School of Nursing is a world-renowned research facility known for its collaborative work in nursing, medicine and many other health professions.
The UAB School of Nursing offers degree programs at all levels and specialties of health care. Many courses are available through distance-learning formats to accommodate full-time working students.
Nursing Programs
Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Pathway (AMNP) – CNL: While completing the MSN degree requirements, candidates are eligible to work as an RN. Upon completion, students can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Dual PNP to DNP: Nurse Practitioner – Acute and Continuing Care: This is a dual degree program that trains pediatric nurse practitioners to work in primary and acute/continuing care environments.
Adult Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): Role provides and manages patient care to provide the best outcome of cost, quality and access.
Master of Science: Nurse Anesthesia: Prepares registered nurses to practice as nurse anesthetists. Candidates will receive advanced training in health sciences and anesthesia scientific methods. Degree recipients are eligible to take the National Certification Examination.
Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health: This coordinated degree program combines nursing specialties of Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with public health tracks of Health Behavior or Health Care Organization and Policy.
Nurse Practitioner – Adult/Gerontological Primary Care: Prepare students to work independently and with other health professionals to provide primary health care to adults and frail elderly patients. The coursework and clinical practice focuses on identifying risks, education, counseling, and management of acute and chronic illness. A strong emphasis is also placed on practicing prevention techniques for optimum health.
Nurse Practitioner – Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health Primary Care: Prepares Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners to work on a team to provide adult health care to men and women but with specialized knowledge of women’s health. Typical employment opportunities include: primary care clinics, student health clinics and private OB/GYN practices.
Nurse Practitioner – Family Primary Care: Gives the Family Nurse Practitioner the skills needed to provide primary health care to patients of all ages and genders. Graduates are clinical experts in diagnosing and managing common health problems, ordering and interpreting tests, and formulate therapeutic plans to restore health.
Nurse Practitioner – Pediatric Primary Care: Provides the knowledge to diagnose and manage health problems in infants, children and adolescents. Additional skills include using techniques and formulating plans to promote, maintain and restore patient health.
Nurse Practitioner – Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care: Focused on education, counseling, identification and management of acute, episodic mental health problems. They work interdependently with other health providers for complete care.
Nursing and Health Systems Administrator: Prepared for health management at all levels with skills in customer service, finance, quality and strategic management and design of care delivery models for the organization and community.
Nurse Educator: Skilled to teach nursing and patient care in a college or university setting. They design and implement programs for nursing students, patients, families and continuing education.
Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Occupational Health Primary Care: Prepares NP training with a second specialization in adult occupational health. Graduates can work in industrial companies, cities or job-related industry requiring a occupational specialist.
Quality and Outcomes Management in Health Systems Administration: Training for management roles in a health care facility. Training in customer service, finance, strategic management and health care delivery models is included in the program.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
ON Office of Student Affairs
NB 1002
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-1210
(205) 975-7529
http://www.uab.edu/nursing/home/
The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL
College of Nursing
The College of Nursing at The University of Alabama in Huntsville offers nursing degrees at bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and certificate levels. They are committed to providing exceptional health care education in practice, teaching, research and service.
Nursing Programs
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP): Focuses on adult care for patients with acute illnesses. Career opportunities are typically in a hospital, clinic or home settings.
Adult Clinical Nursing Specialist (CNS): Prepares students as expert clinicians specializing in assessing, diagnosing, prescribing non-pharmacologic interventions and creating a plan for adult health.
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL): Handles case management of adult patients. Focus areas include improving patient care delivery and outcomes. Key areas of need include rural and urban communities where the populations are underserved.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Prepares nurses to function as primary care providers. Clients of any age and gender are evaluated and a comprehensive health assessment is performed along with diagnosis and drug or non-drug interventions prescribed. Collaborative work with primary care physicians is integral to positive health care for patients.
Leadership in Health Care Systems (online): Prepares nurses to become leaders in health care systems. Core competencies of the program include communication, information technology, management skills, financial skills and policy analysis.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
301 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35899
(256) 824-1000
http://www.uah.edu/nursing/welcome
Troy University, Troy, AL
College of Health and Human Services
Troy University’s College of Health and Human Services prepares students for career opportunities in athletics, social work, rehabilitation, human services, physical education, exercise physiology, sport and fitness and nursing. Degree and certificate programs are available for associate, bachelor, master or doctorate levels. The College’s primary goal is to produce self-directed graduates who become leaders and advocates for positive change in health care.
Nursing Programs
Adult Health CNS: Prepares students to become advanced practice registered nurses. The primary goal is to improve patient outcomes and care. A practicum field experience is required.
Family Nurse Practitioner: Designed for advanced patient care of common health issues. Skills include examination, diagnosis, prescription of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, test ordering and interpretation.
Maternal-Infant Health CNS: A specialty track with a focus on maternal and infant health. A clinical nurse specialist works closely with other educators and specialists to coordinate and implement education programs to promote prenatal and infant care.
Nursing Informatics Specialist: Prepares students for a career in improving communications and information management in nursing. Enhancing quality patient care, improving efficiency and reducing costs are key areas of focus.
Accreditations
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Contact
University Avenue
Troy, Alabama 36082
334-670-3179
[email protected]
University of Mobile, Mobile, AL
School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at the University of Mobile is committed to preparing nursing professionals to meet the challenging health care needs of today’s society. With that commitment is a desire to guide students to follow Christian ideals and always use compassion when treating patients. Various nursing degree programs and specialties are available for students at all levels of higher education.
Nursing Programs
Nursing Education/Administration: Designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers in administration or education. Major components of the program include theory, research and practice in administration and education. Leadership skills are incorporated into the courses to cultivate critical thinking and decision making skills.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
5735 College Parkway
Mobile, AL 36613
251.675.5990
https://umobile.edu/academics/school-of-nursing/
University of North Alabama, Florence, AL
College of Nursing and Allied Health
The College of Nursing and Allied Health at UNA has designed several online programs for working health care professionals to advance their careers. Bachelor’s, master’s and RN to BSN programs are all available with completely online formats for the convenience of the busy students. All are fully accredited and meet eligibility guidelines to take licensing exams.
Nursing Programs
Master of Science in Nursing – Two learning tracks available in an online format.
Nursing in Teaching – Learning Environments: Provide registered nurses with the tools to educate nursing students, and health care clients and colleagues. Graduates qualify to teach at colleges, universities and clinical environments.
Nursing Leadership in Organizational Environments: Engages students in health care politics and legislation, budgeting and economics and management leadership to create a positive impact on society.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
UNA Box 5054
312B Stevens Hall
Florence, AL 35632
(256) 765-5136
http://www.una.edu/nursing/index.html
University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL
College of Nursing
The College of Nursing has adopted the use of online education technology for many of their graduate programs to assist students in advancing their careers while maintaining their regular work schedule. Many programs are broken down into several tracks to facilitate specialization, and all are offered completely online.
Nursing Programs
Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP)
There are several tracks of the MSN-NP program. All coursework is completed online.
Adult Acute Care NP: Apply advanced knowledge, theories and research to Adult/Gerontological Acute Care in preparation for doctoral study.
Adult Psych NP/Gerontological NP: Provide primary care to adults and elderly patients experiencing acute and chronic illnesses. Use of a biopsychosocial model assists with health maintenance, restoration and rehabilitation.
Emergency NP: Preparation for doctorate and to function as advanced nurse practitioner for adults and families.
Family NP: Apply theories and knowledge to family health care. Core competencies include patient examination, diagnosis, testing, drug and non-drug intervention and preventative practice.
Psychiatric/Mental Health NP: Provide psychiatric mental health care to children, adolescents, adults and elderly patients experiencing symptoms of psychiatric illness.
Pediatric NP: Provide health services with examination, diagnosis and treatment of infants, toddlers, children and adolescents.
Women’s Health NP: Advanced nursing skills with specialization in women’s health issues. Graduates are prepared for future doctoral study.
Master of Science in Nursing: Non-Nurse Practitioner (MSN)
There are several tracks of the MSN program. All coursework is completed online.
Clinical Nurse Leader: Prepares professional nurses as generalists with expert knowledge in patient care, patient advocacy, systems analyst and office management.
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Empower nurses to improve patient outcomes through caring, ethical practice.
Nursing Education: Preparation for entry-level teaching positions in hospitals or college environments. Graduates qualify for national certification.
Executive Nurse Administrator: Professional nurses are qualified to work in a skilled facility, outpatient clinic, or home health agency as a director of nurses, consultant, case manager or supervisor.
Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Contact
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 520
Washington, D.C. 20036-1120
(202) 887-6791
http://www.southalabama.edu/nursing/