Overview
One of the fastest-growing fields in Alabama, healthcare has seen a tremendous rise and change in the past several years which has consequently lead to a massive need for skilled health professionals. Becoming a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse is an excellent way to enter the thriving field and experience the many benefits that come with the worthy profession. Whether you aspire to work in the emergency room, the surgical ward, or a specialty wing, the first step of the exciting journey begins with an LPN or RN education in Alabama. Choosing to pursue a career in nursing in Alabama provides nurses with countless opportunities, security, and a bright future in their chosen career path.
Alabama Board of Nursing – Mission, Values, and Vision
Established in 1915, the Alabama Board of Nursing is guided by its mission to safeguard and promote the health, safety and welfare of the public through licensing and approval of qualified individuals and adopting and enforcing legal standards for nursing education and nursing practice. Emphasizing their value on integrity, fairness, objectivity, quality, collaboration, innovation and diversity, the Alabama Board of Nurses strives to promote and safeguard the health of the public through regulatory excellence.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) & Registered Nursing (RN) Licensure by Examination
In order to become a registered nurse in Alabama, you must have a minimum of an associate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Subsequently, all applicants must complete an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Applicants Must Meet the Following Requirements:
- Apply for licensure with the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN)
- Complete the online application.
- Submit official transcript from an approved and accredited school of nursing.
- Student copies are not acceptable
- Transcripts must be received at the Alabama Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope from your school of nursing.
- Submit legal background questions with detailed explanation if applicable.
- Prove United States Citizenship or Lawful Presence in the United States.
- Register for NCLEX Exam with Pearson VUE (this is in addition to applying with the Alabama Board of Nursing).
- Register online
- Register by phone 1-866-496-2539
- Register and pay $200 with Pearson VUE via the Internet, telephone. Payment via MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
- Receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt of Registration from Pearson VUE by email. Your username and password for the Pearson VUE website is located in this email.
- Receive eligibility from ABN in the Pearson VUE system.
- Receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from Pearson VUE. Take the test within the validity dates (an average of 90 days) on the ATT. There are no extensions.
- Schedule an exam appointment via the Internet (by accessing your online account) or by telephone (telephone only for international scheduling).
- Arrive for exam appointment and provide acceptable identification (ID). The only acceptable forms of ID for test centers in the U.S., American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands are:
- U.S. driver’s license (Department of Motor Vehicle-issued; if expired, a renewal slip that includes a photograph and a signature must be presented as well);
- U.S. state identification (Department of Motor Vehicle-issued);
- U.S. military identification; or
- U.S Passport
Note: The only acceptable form of ID for international test centers is a passport.
- Receive results from the BON up to six weeks after the exam. (In Alabama, keep your confirmation number and check online for official results within 24-48 hours of testing).
- Click here to view some FAQ on Examination.
- Click here for additional information about the NCLEX® from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
- Click here for additional information on testing locations.
Fees
$200.00 Registration Fee
$50.00 Request for Temporary Permit
$85.00 Application to Repeat Examination
More information regarding candidate requirements, the examination process and fees can be found on the Candidate Bulletin and Information page and on the official Alabama Board of Nursing website.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) & Registered Nursing (RN) Licensure by Endorsement
Applicants who have already been licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction will apply by endorsement. The candidate will submit an endorsement application, and then have supplemental materials sent to the Board. The candidate will need official transcripts as well as license verification from the original state of licensure. The candidate will also need to demonstrate 24 hours of continuing education (CE), completed during the previous two year period. CE certificates, unlike official transcripts, may be faxed.
All Applicants Must Provide the Following:
- A completed Endorsement online application.
- Appropriate fees.
- Completed Verification of Licensure form OR Nursys® Verification Request Application if your board of nursing participates in Nursys®.
Note: A copy of your license IS NOT verification. Only an original verification from your original state of licensure is accepted (not facsimile).
- Request that an official transcript from your school of nursing be sent to the Alabama Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope from state-approved school.
Note: Transcripts via fax are NOT acceptable.
- Proof of completion of 24 contact hours of continued education (CE). Contact hours should be no older than 24 months from the date we receive your application. All CE certificates must be mailed or faxed to our office.
- Proof of United States Citizenship or Lawful Presence in the United States.
- If requesting a Temporary Permit (optional), you must mail in a notarized copy of your current/active license card. The license card must reflect the effective dates of the license. A certificate of licensure is not accepted for the issuance of a temporary permit.
- Click here to view some FAQ on Endorsement.
Fees
$85.00 Application Fee
$50.00 Request for Temporary Permit
More information regarding candidate requirements, the examination process and fees can be found on the Candidate Bulletin and Information page and on the official Alabama Board of Nursing website.