Alabama Online LPN Programs: Top Schools & More

Uncovering Alabama’s Online LPN Programs

If you’re wondering how to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Alabama, finding the right program is a vital first step on your academic journey. Considering you’re likely juggling your academic career along with other responsibilities, online classes may be the best fit for your lifestyle. Like most healthcare programs, LPN programs require hands-on training to prepare you to work with healthcare patients in the future. While some schools offer a hybrid program that’s partially online, you’ll still have to do clinical requirements in person.

When looking for the best LPN program, it’s essential to find one that offers flexibility so you can prioritize your practical nursing classes. Even though no school in Alabama provides fully online programs for aspiring LPNs, there are flexible programs that offer hybrid classes or evening and weekend classes. Let’s look at two of the most flexible LPN programs in Alabama.

Student Resources: Answers to Common LPN Program Questions

Now that you know how Alabama’s LPN programs are structured, you may have additional questions about program requirements, career outcomes, and related topics. Below, we’ve answered some commonly asked questions regarding LPN programs.

How long does it take to become an LPN in Alabama?

Generally, it takes about a year to become an LPN in Alabama. There are a variety of different programs that combine general education and practical nursing curriculum. Although many traditional LPN programs take 18 months to complete, there are accelerated LPN programs that allow you to become an LPN in six to 12 months.

The process for becoming an LPN in Alabama includes the completion of an LPN program and background check. You’re also required to pass the NCLEX®-PN. Once you complete all these steps, you’ll be eligible to receive your license.

What’s the difference between a CNA and an LPN?

CNAs and LPNs perform different duties within the healthcare industry. Their main differences are their responsibilities and the type of care they provide their patients. While both roles are important, LPNs typically have more responsibilities and undergo extensive healthcare training.

CNAs work under LPNs in most healthcare settings. They can monitor patients’ vital signs and help with minor procedures, but they also dedicate much of their time to helping patients with routine tasks. LPNs perform more healthcare-related tasks, such as assisting with medical procedures and wound care.

What’s the difference between an RN and an LPN?

The differences between RNs and LPNs are their responsibilities and education. While LPNs can assist patients with basic healthcare needs, such as monitoring vitals or collecting samples, the training to become an LPN isn’t as extensive as the training for RNs.

LPN programs are generally shorter than RN programs. Becoming an RN generally takes at least two years since RNs must have an associate’s degree (at minimum). RNs also typically make more than LPNs, with a median income of $86,070 compared to $59,730 for LPNs.

What are the requirements for an online or hybrid LPN program in Alabama?

Most online or hybrid LPN programs have requirements similar to those of other college programs. In most cases, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Some programs will require you to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS®), especially if you have a low GPA.

If some of your classes are online, you’ll also want to ensure access to the proper technology. You’ll need at least a computer, reliable internet connection, and video conferencing software to be able to participate in your online classes. Some schools may have additional requirements depending on how their LPN program is run.

How much does it cost to become an LPN?

The price of becoming an LPN varies based on factors like program length, residency status, and program mode, with online classes often being more affordable. The programs we found in Alabama ranged between roughly $13,000 and $20,000.

Of course, taking advantage of financial aid and scholarships can help offset the cost of your practical nursing degree and can even help you graduate from nursing school debt-free. Another way to save money is by searching for more affordable LPN programs. When choosing your LPN program, you want to consider more than the tuition costs: books and supplies, commuting costs for onsite clinicals, and lab fees or equipment are other considerations when pricing out the cost of your LPN program.

Alabama’s Path to Practical Nurse Licensure

Before becoming a licensed practical nurse, you’ll have to jump through a few additional hoops. First, you must submit a thorough background check after completing your Alabama LPN program. This essential part of the licensing process ensures that an applicant meets the state’s standards and covers vital elements like criminal history. You can read more about the Alabama Board of Nursing’s background check process here.

After completing your background check, passing the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) exam is typically the final hurdle before securing your license. This comprehensive exam challenges test-takers to utilize nursing knowledge and critical thinking across multiple practice areas.

After becoming licensed, LPNs are required to renew their Alabama license every two years, and the window for renewal is Sept. 1-Dec. 31 in odd-numbered years. Along with a $100 license fee, Alabama LPNs must complete 24 hours of continuing education over a Stwo-year period. Those not securing the required continuing education credits cannot renew their license.

When renewing your Alabama LPN license, allow enough time for any unforeseen administrative hiccups. LPNs failing to renew their license by 4:30 p.m. on December 31st (odd-numbered years) are no longer legally allowed to practice nursing.

What to Expect as a Working LPN in Alabama

Once you've completed your LPN education and training, here’s what you can expect in terms of career outlook. The figures in the first table below indicate solid, if unspectacular, growth in job openings for LPNs in both Alabama and the U.S. generally. The projected long-term (2022-2032) growth of 6.1% in LPN jobs in Alabama aligns with the projected growth of 6.2% for all jobs across all occupations in the state. Moreover, it is more than double the 2.8% estimated increase in openings for all jobs nationwide.

Salary details for LPNs in Alabama and various communities within the state can be found in the second table. The median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in Alabama is $48,330, with relatively small variations (some slightly higher, some slightly lower) in specific communities. The one outlier is Dothan, Alabama, where LPN salaries are substantially lower than elsewhere in the state.