Alabama LPN to RN Bridge Programs
The state of Alabama, much like many other states in the United States, has a growing shortage of health care workers. As an experienced licensed practical nurse, you are probably well aware of the shortages facing employers all over Alabama. There is good news, however— as an LPN, you may be in a great position to take the next step in your education and become a registered nurse in Alabama.
Contact the schools below offering LPN to RN programs in Alabama to learn more.
Alabama’s dependence on nursing staff is clear. AL.com notes that registered nursing has been in the top 10 statewide professions since 1997, with an almost $20,000 increase in average salary since then.
Leave your legacy in the nursing field of Alabama. Keep reading to learn more about LPN to RN programs in Alabama.
Why Should I Enter an LPN to RN Program in Alabama?
You may enjoy a whole range of benefits when you begin your career as a registered nurse in Alabama. Since you already have plenty of clinical experience, your transition to this level of nursing may be easier than the transition of someone who has never worked in health care before. In addition, since you already have professional contacts in your local health care community, you may find it easier to apply for new RN jobs or advance at your current place of employment. OANow reports that nurses are some of the most in-demand professionals in different parts of Alabama.
There is a fairly substantial difference between average salaries in these fields in Alabama. Licensed practical nurses earn an average of $35,500 per year, while registered nurses claim a median income of $54,900 per year (O*Net, 2014).
Curriculum of LPN to RN Programs in Alabama
As a LPN to RN Alabama student, you may develop the skills and extensive knowledge you need to become a leader in different health care settings. This is an especially beneficial skill in Alabama, where many rural communities have little access to health care. Nurses who can provide a greater array of services are often in high demand in these areas.
The amount of credits you must earn to become an RN depends on whether you want to earn an Associate’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree. You should anticipate earning 30 credits to get an Associate’s degree in nursing or 90 credits to complete your Bachelor’s degree in nursing.
The courses you take at this level build on your previous nursing education and clinical experience. You may take a general education courses as well as specialized nursing courses. Some of the specialized nursing courses you may enroll in include Health Promotion, Care Management and Leadership, Complex Nursing in Med-Surg Wards, Family Nursing, and Advanced Nursing Skills.
Clinical experience is also very important to the Alabama Board of Nursing. LPN to RN programs Alabama require you to complete clinical practice in your new areas of study and with the new scope of practice you can enjoy as a registered nurse.
To become licensed as a registered nurse upon graduation, you must take the NCLEX-RN. This is administered by the same organization that gives the practical nursing licensure exam, but it covers the broader set of skills and extensive knowledge you can gain as a registered nursing student.
Alabama’s need for experienced registered nurses is not expected to drop anytime soon. Get involved now by contacting the Alabama LPN to RN programs listed on this page for program details.
