Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN)

Alabama Board of Nursing – Overview

The Alabama Board of Nursing licenses RNs and LPNs to practice nursing in the state. Alabama is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses who hold a compact license in another state to practice in Alabama without obtaining an additional license.

Depending on your state of licensure, you can request verification directly from the licensing agency or from nursys.com.

An examination is conducted to grant licenses to freshly graduated nurses. This enables the candidates to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exam after they graduate from their respective nursing programs.

LPN Requirements in Alabama

To become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Alabama, you must enroll in an approved, accredited program for at least a year or more.

Visit the official website at http://www.abn.state.al.us/ to access an extensive list of in-state nursing programs and information on NCLEX passing rates.

You will need to consider several factors before choosing an LPN program. Ensure that you learn all the criteria before applying for an LPN program in Alabama.

Application Process for NCLEX

Once you know the specific requirements for individual nursing programs in the state, you can then apply to appear for the NCLEX exam. You will need to fill out two applications for this.

The first is an online licensing application, which you can find at https://www.abn.alabama.gov/licensing/apply/, and the transcripts are sent directly to the nursing board.

The application fee for the NCLEX examination and licensure by examination for LPNs and RNs in Alabama is subject to change. Applicants should refer to the Alabama Board of Nursing’s official website for the most current fee structure.

This application form includes normal questions and requires a clean background check for criminal activities. Make sure to keep all required documents handy when applying.

NCLEX-PN Exam

To register for the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exam, candidates must pay a registration fee to Pearson VUE, and the accurate link for information and registration is https://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/.

Once the Board has determined that you fulfill the eligibility requirements, you will receive two notifications.

The Alabama Board of Nursing will confirm your eligibility first and the Pearson VUE will grant authorization to test.

You can also schedule your own exam, but make sure to do so within the window granted in the Authorization to Test notification.

Remember to bring the ATT letter and your ID to the examination center.

Alabama Board of Nursing – Temporary License

Graduates may be able to apply for a temporary permit pending the results of their first NCLEX examination. The cost and availability of temporary permits should be confirmed directly through the Alabama Board of Nursing’s official resources. A practical nursing graduate working in this status is known as a Nursing Graduate—PN Program (NG-PNP).

This temporary permit is valid for 90 days but can be immediately invalidated if you fail an examination attempt.

You will be allowed to repeat the exam once 45 days have passed. In this case, you must pay US$ 85 to the Alabama Board when you apply for the re-examination.

RN License Requirements in Alabama

Alabama’s RN licensing education requirement requires you to enroll in an accredited, approved professional nursing program. The Alabama Board of Nursing’s website hosts a list of such approved nursing programs, along with the latest NCLEX results of program graduates. The Alabama Board of Nursing monitors nursing programs’ NCLEX pass rates, and actions taken regarding pass rates, including notes of deficiency, are based on the board’s regulations and standards.

For information on choosing a Registered Nursing (RN) program in Alabama, including factors to consider and program listings, refer directly to the Alabama Board of Nursing’s official website or contact the board for the most accurate and up-to-date advice.

NCLEX-RN Exam

You will need to appear for the NCLEX-RN exam before you can get a license. However, you will need authorization from the Alabama Board of Nursing. Remember, NCLEX scheduling and registration are two different steps in the application process.

You must pay $200 as registration fees either online, via mail or by telephone.

Detailed instructions for the NCLEX examination process, including the candidate handbook, are available through the official NCLEX and Pearson VUE website at https://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex/.

Once you receive the ATT, you can schedule your exam at an approved computer-adapted testing center in Alabama or another state.

If you are applying for a license for the first time, the Board can grant you a temporary license (permit), which is available for an additional fee of $50.

You should complete your Nursing Graduate-RN (NG-RNP) program under the supervision of a registered nurse without being allowed to charge duties.

The state requires the supervising nurse to be physically present at the healthcare facility. The Board will then release your examination scores.

If you fail the examination, you can retake it after paying additional fees. However, you cannot work with a temporary permit in these conditions.

Conclusion

The Alabama Board of Nursing issues licenses to practice to registered nurses wishing to work in the state.

This license is mandatory for all nursing graduates who want to practice their nursing skills through employment in Alabama.

Please read the instructions and guidelines provided for submitting an application and preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam hosted by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

See Also

Roles of Stat Nursing Boards

Arizona Board of Nursing

Grants for Single Mothers in Alabama

Georgia Board of Nursing

California Board of Nursing

Virginia Board of Nursing

Current Version
April 2, 2024
Updated By
Tim Bevelacqua, MN, RN
August 15, 2022
Written By
Shubham Grover

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