LPN Programs Alexander City, AL

There’s no stopping the demand for nurses as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an employment change of 438,100 by 2026. If you’re convinced that nursing is a right fit for you but don’t want to commit several years for nursing school, you should consider a licensed practical nursing program. LPN programs in Alabama are offered as part of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) mobility path, which provide an excellent opportunity to earn a Practical Nursing Certificate with the option complete the two final semesters for an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The time to complete the practical nursing certificate is typically one year, which will help you to dive into the profession as soon as possible.

LPNs care for the sick or injured under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. They collect, record, and report information related to the patient, assist RNs with tests, procedures, and treatment plans, assist RNs with patient care plans, care for wounds and insert catheters, collect and maintain documentation on patient histories, and communicate with members of the health care team. Practical nurses can perform many of the same duties as a registered nurse. However, RNs have greater responsibilities and a wider scope of practice. Due to stricter educational requirements and hiring practices, practical nurses typically work in nursing homes and similar settings while registered nurses (especially those with a BSN degree) may work in hospitals.

Central Alabama Community College

The Division of Nursing at Central Alabama Community College offers a registered nursing program with a point of exit for practical nurses. Students will receive a Practical Nursing Certificate after completing the first three semesters. At this point they may apply to the State Board of Nursing for the NCLEX-PN for licensure as an LPN. They have the option to complete the final two semesters to earn the Associate in Applied Science-Associate Degree Nursing and apply for licensure as a registered nurse. The practical nursing curriculum will include theory and practical instruction in nursing concepts. Course modules include English Composition, Fundamentals of Oral Communication or Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Intermediate Algebra, Human Growth and Development, and Microbiology. Admission to the program is competitive. Meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be able to meet the essential functions of a nurse
  • Secure admission to Central Alabama Community College
  • Submit a completed application for admission to the nursing program
  • Request official high school transcripts and transcripts from all colleges attended to be sent directly to the college
  • Have a minimum 2.5 high school GPA for applicants with no prior college coursework
  • Have an ACT composite score of 18
  • Have a minimum 2.5 GPA for the nursing required academic core courses
  • Must be eligible for ENG101, BIO201, MTH110
  • Maintain active health insurance and nursing student liability insurance for the duration of the program
  • Submit the completed medical forms indicating up-to-date immunizations
  • Undergo drug and alcohol testing before commencing the clinical experience
  • Submit evidence of American Heart Association Basic Life Support Provider CPR certification

Tuition costs $7,252 for in-state students.

Website: https://www.cacc.edu/

Address: 1675 Cherokee Rd Alexander City, AL 35010

Phone: (256) 234-6346

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%

Southern Union State Community College

The Practical Nursing program at Southern Union State Community College leads to a Practical Nursing Certificate. Graduates will be eligible to carry the Licensed Practical Nursing credential after passing the NCLEX. The curriculum will cover 1035 hours of theory and practical instruction. It includes 360 hours of supervised patient care experiences in a skilled nursing facility. Course topics include Intermediate College Algebra, Anatomy and Physiology I, Fundamental Concepts of Nursing, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition I, Human Growth and Development, Nursing Concepts I, Fundamentals of Oral Communication or Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Nursing Concepts I, and Evidence Based Clinical Reasoning. Students will complete the required 45 credit hours in one year – three semesters. Admission to the program is competitive. The limit on enrollment is determined by the number of clinical facilities available. A point-based system will be used in the selection process. Program graduates may apply for admission to the LPN to RN class.

Admission criteria:

  • Have unconditional admission to Southern Union 
  • Submit a completed application by the deadline – February 1
  • Attend a Health Sciences Information Session – attendance verification required
  • Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA
  • Official transcripts of all postsecondary education
  • Official high school transcripts
  • Must be eligible for English 101, Math 100 and satisfy the College reading requirement
  • Have an official score on ACT National or ACT Residual with a minimum composite score of 18
  • Provide information on current health status – complete the physical health form
  • Provide documentation of immunization
  • Complete a background check and drug screen – students who do not pass the drug screen will be withdrawn from the program

The total cost of attendance is $11,117.60. It includes tuition, books, CPR certification, malpractice insurance, criminal background check, drug screen, uniform, health insurance, and immunization.

Website: https://www.suscc.edu/programs/nursing-lpn-program-information.cms

Address: 750 Roberts Street, Wadley, AL 36276

Phone: 256-395-2211

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%

Chattahoochee Valley Community College

The Practical Nursing program at Chattahoochee Valley Community College is offered as part of the ADN mobility program. Students will be awarded the practical nursing certificate after completing the first 3 semesters of the curriculum. During this period, students will complete 45 credit hours, which includes 20 credit hours for general education courses and 25 credit hours of core nursing courses. At this point in the program, students become eligible to apply to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses and opt of the program. Alternatively, they may continue the final two semesters to obtain the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Course modules include English Composition, Fundamentals of Oral Communication or Fundamentals of Public Speaking, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Intermediate Algebra, Human Growth and Development, and Microbiology. Candidates must utilize the ADN application and submit by the deadline for entry in the Fall semester. Admission to the program is competitive. The number of students admitted is determined by the availability of clinical spots.

 Admission criteria:

  • Secure unconditional admission to the college
  • Submit a completed application to the nursing program by the published deadline
  • Have a minimum of 18 ACT composite score National or Residual
  • Have a minimum 2.5 GPA for nursing required academic core courses
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher – ENG101, MTH100, BIO201, BIO202, PSY210, SPH106 or 107
  • Submit a completed physical conducted by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner – must be completed on the school’s approved Physical Form
  • Provide documentation of immunization – MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, negative TB test results, Influenza
  • Copy of current health insurance
  • Copy of a current American Health Association Healthcare Provider or BLS Provider CPR certification
  • Obtain a negative drug test
  • Obtain criminal background clearance – conducted by Clinical Backgrounds
  • Must complete the Essential Functions form – must be completed by the student and physician or nurse practitioner

The approximate cost of tuition is $3,840 for resident students. Additional costs include textbooks, uniforms, supplies, fees, admission costs, licensure exam, and CPR certification.

Website: http://www.cv.edu/

Address: 2602 College Drive, Phenix City, AL 36869

Phone: (334) 291-4900

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.