According to the Alabama Office of Healthcare Workforce, 57 of 78 population centers identified as primary care service points in the state have documented shortages. This, among many other reasons, showcases Alabama’s need for DNP holders.
In response, the state has launched many action plans, including a Loan-Repayment Program for Advanced Practice Nurses in areas with critical needs. Through this, CRNPs, CRNAs, and CNMs may avail themselves of the maximum annual loan limit amount of $15,000. Although full practice is restricted for Alabama NPs, many are calling for legislative changes given the healthcare shortages the state faces.
Whether you’re an Alabama-based nurse or one who prefers online programs (which the majority of Alabama universities offer), here are DNP programs from the ‘Yellowhammer State’ that you should consider.
Table of Contents
DNP Programs in Alabama
DNP programs prepare nurses for advanced clinical and leadership roles. In Alabama, BSN-educated nurses may choose from eight programs, while MSN-educated nurses may select from 11 options. Most of them are distance-based.
Alabama BSN to DNP Programs
There are no fully campus-based BSN-DNP programs in Alabama. However, there is one hybrid option for BSN-educated nurses:
University of Alabama-Birmingham
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Online + Campus + Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid (synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives)
Credit Hours: 43-114
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Waived if GPA 3.2 and above
Tuition: $610-$702 per credit for 43 credits — starting at $26,230 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UA-B’s part-time DNP program is for BSN-educated nurses who wish to become AGACNPs, AGPCNPs, FNPs, NNPs, PNPs (Acute or Primary Care), PMHNPs, or WHNPs. Tracks in Nurse Leadership, Nurse Executive, and Nurse Anesthesia are offered as well. The program may be completed in three years.
Alabama MSN to DNP Programs
Similarly, there is only one MSN-DNP program offered via hybrid modality:
University of Alabama-Birmingham
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Campus
Modality: Hybrid (synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives)
Credit Hours: 43
GRE/GMAT Requirement: None
Tuition: $610-$702 per credit for 43 credits — starting at $26,230 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The post-MSN DNP program is designed to help nurses achieve the highest level of practice in clinical areas, nursing administration, nursing education, or nursing informatics. The school also offers an RN-DNP bridge option for nurses with a non-APRN master’s degree. The program may be completed in seven semesters.
Online DNP Programs in Alabama
There are a total of 17 online DNP programs in Alabama that offer convenience and flexibility to their students:
Alabama Online BSN to DNP Programs
There are seven universities in Alabama that offer BSN-DNP online. They are:
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 69
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $35,880
Program Overview:
JSU offers two BSN-DNP pathways: FNP, which is for nurses who wish to provide care to individuals and families across the lifespan; and AGACNP, which is for nurses who wish to provide direct care in acute care facilities and specialty institutions. Both require the completion of 69 credit units, primarily done through distance education and 700+ practicum hours. Both programs may be completed in four years.
Samford University
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $961 per credit for 76 credits — $73,036 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Samford’s BSN-DNP is open to aspiring FNPs who prefer the convenience of distance education with minimal on-campus visits (three in total). Courses are offered online via Canvas, while clinical hours may be completed in primary and urgent care locations across the country. Graduates of the program, which may be completed in three years, are rendered eligible to sit in the ANCC and/or AANPCB certification exam.
Troy University
- Troy, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 62-74
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $550 per credit for 62 credits — starting at $34,100 plus other fees
Program Overview:
BSN-educated nurses may achieve their dreams of becoming an FNP or nurse leader through Troy’s DNP program. They also have the option to pursue a no-MSN or non-clinical MSN track along the way. The curriculum covers key subjects, including Healthcare Informatics, Policy in Healthcare, Nursing Theories, and Organizational Leadership.
University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus intensive conference
Credit Hours: 59-99
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $440 per credit for 59 credits — starting at $25,960 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UA’s DNP program is open to nurses who wish to complete their MSN in either Nurse Administration, FNP, PMHNP, or dual FNP-PMHNP alongside their DNP degree. On top of the required coursework, students need to submit a DNP project that synthesizes specialty advanced practice or healthcare leadership areas. UA’s BSN-DNP tracks may be completed in 9–12 semesters.
University of Alabama-Huntsville
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40 minimum
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $695 per credit for 40 credits — starting at $27,800 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UA-Huntsville’s BSN-DNP program provides advanced practice specialty education through courses in health system improvement, health policy, leadership, population-based care, and evidence-based practice. Admitted students must possess certain certifications, such as BLS, ACLS, OSHA certification, and HIPAA certification, as part of the requirements.
University of Mobile
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with three on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: 87
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $735 per credit for 87 credits — $63,945 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The University of Mobile’s BSN-DNP program is designed to help nurse leaders advance their knowledge and skills through a Christian worldview focus. Available as a full-time or part-time pursuit, the program may be completed in 9 and 12 semesters, respectively. Scholarship is also available through the AHEC Scholars program.
University of South Alabama
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 69-87
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $594 per credit for 69 credits — starting at $40,986 plus other fees
Program Overview:
South Alabama offers a handful of specialization tracks for BSN-DNP students. Options include AGACNP, AGPCNP, dual specialization (FNP + AGACNP or FNP + ENP), CNS-AG, Executive Nurse Administration, FNP, NNP, Nursing Informatics, PNP (acute and primary care), PMHNP, and WHNP. Full-time students may obtain their degree in 10 semesters; part-timers may achieve so in 12.
Alabama Online MSN to DNP Programs
There are 10 MSN-DNP programs offered by universities in Alabama:
Auburn University
- Auburn, Alabama
- Online + Campus
Modality: Primarily Online with 1-2 campus visits per semester
Credit Hours: 40
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $612 per credit for 40 credits — $24,480 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Auburn’s DNP program is for MSN-educated nurse practitioners who want to be academically prepared for nursing practice. It offers a combination of coursework and practical experience, providing students with the evidence-based knowledge needed to improve health outcomes. Full-time students may complete the program in five semesters (including summer).
Auburn University at Montgomery
- Montgomery, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident tuition: $469 per credit for 40 credits — $18,760 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $516 per credit for 40 credits — $20,640 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Building upon the knowledge and skills obtained from an MSN program, AU-M’s DNP combines theories, research, and other related disciplines into nursing practice. Practicum experiences are tailored to the student’s preference (education, leadership, or advanced practice). The program may be completed in six semesters.
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $18,432
Program Overview:
JSU’s MSN-DNP program is a leadership track that focuses on leadership, informatics, advanced practice, outcome improvement, and quality indicators. Applicants must have completed 500 clinical hours from their MSN degree; those who have not achieved such will be subject to a gap analysis before admission. The program may be completed in six semesters (including summer semesters) or two years.
Samford University
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 42 minimum
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $961 per credit for 42 credits — starting at $40,362 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Samford offers three DNP pathways for MSN-educated nurses: FNP, Emergency NP, and PMHNP. The FNP track may be completed in 2.5-3 years, while the latter two may be completed in two years. Similar to the BSN-DNP program, courses are delivered online (synchronously and asynchronously). Campus visit requirements range from two to three.
Troy University
- Troy, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 35-39
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $550 per credit for 35 credits — starting at $19,800 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Troy’s MSN-DNP program features an extensive curriculum with advanced nursing core, scholarly inquiry methods for evidence-based care, practice synthesis, and synthesis & evaluation courses. Degree requirements include an overall GPA of 3.0, completion of 1000 clinical hours at the graduate level, and completion of a DNP synthesis project.
University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus intensive conference
Credit Hours: 35
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $440 per credit for 35 credits — starting at $15,400 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The MSN-DNP pathway is open to MSN degree holders, as well as those who hold another Masters degree (subject to completion of additional courses). With the completion of several courses, students can also graduate with a focus on education or executive administration. The program may be completed in six semesters. Classes start every summer, fall, and spring.
University of Alabama-Huntsville
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40 minimum
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $695 per credit for 40 credits — starting at $27,800 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The post-master DNP deepens the student’s competencies by building upon the knowledge and skills gained from their master’s degree. With the completion of the program, the graduate is expected to be more effective in leading improvement activities, creating healthcare strategies, and advocating for social justice and equity.
University of Mobile
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with three on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: 38
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $735 per credit for 38 credits — $27,930 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The MSN-DNP pathway is designed to help APRNs further their clinical expertise through intensive coursework and 540 hours of clinical experience. The program, which promotes the advancement of nursing with the use of new care delivery methods, may be completed in five semesters.
University of North Alabama
- Florence, Alabama
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with three on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: 42
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $550 per credit for 42 credits — $23,100 plus other fees
Program Overview:
MSN degree holders may choose from any of North Alabama’s three DNP tracks: Educational Leadership and Simulation, Population Health and Simulation, Advanced Practice (for those with APRN certification). Full-time students may obtain their degree in 18 months, while part-timers may do so in 30 months.
University of South Alabama
- Mobile, Alabama
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $594 per credit for 36 credits — $21,384 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Open to MSN-educated nurses (except for CRNAs and Midwives), South Alabama’s DNP program offers tracks similar to its BSN-DNP program. It also requires the completion of a synthesis project that promotes improved healthcare outcomes. Full-time students may obtain their DNP in five semesters, while part-timers must complete the program within seven years of matriculation.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Alabama
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The University of Alabama-Birmingham and Samford University’s BSN-DNP programs are considered the shortest at three years (when completed on a full-time basis).
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The University of North Alabama’s MSN-DNP program is deemed the shortest option as full-time students may complete it in 18 months.
Best DNP Programs in Alabama
The University of Alabama-Birmingham’s DNP program, which is ranked 11th nationally, is named the best in the state by US News & World Report. Coming in second is the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, which is ranked 66th in the country. In third place is Samford University, which is 74th in the country.
Other Alabama DNP schools that were included in the rankings are:
- University of Alabama-Huntsville — #110
- Jacksonville State University — #117
Cheapest DNP Programs in Alabama
The most affordable DNP programs are offered by the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The BSN-DNP starts at $25,960 plus other fees, while the MSN-DNP program starts at $15,400 plus other fees.
Alabama Direct Entry RN to DNP Programs
Currently, there are no direct entry RN-DNP programs in Alabama. That said, students have the option to complete an RN-BSN followed by a BSN-DNP program, or an RN-MSN followed by a MSN-DNP program.