Brian PhilipsChoosing a nursing program is a major decision that can shape your entire career in healthcare. Among the most reputable schools in the South, the University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) stands out for its academic excellence, clinical preparation, and research opportunities. However, many students wonder just how hard it is to get into this competitive program.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the University of Alabama Nursing acceptance rate, explore the requirements for admission, and provide useful insights to help you stand out as an applicant.
University of Alabama Nursing Acceptance Rate
The University of Alabama (UA) is a highly respected public research institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, known for its strong academic standards and commitment to producing skilled nurses. While the university’s overall undergraduate acceptance rate is about 78%, the Capstone College of Nursing is much more selective, especially when it comes to the upper-division nursing program.
Why There’s No Fixed Acceptance Rate
The nursing program doesn’t publish an exact acceptance rate because admission happens in two stages:
- Admission to the University of Alabama (Pre-Nursing)
Students first apply to the university as pre-nursing majors and begin with lower-division (general education) courses. - Promotion to Upper-Division Nursing (Professional Program)
After completing prerequisite courses and meeting GPA requirements, students must apply for promotion to the professional sequence—where competition becomes steep.
Only a limited number of students can advance each year, based on academic performance, test scores, and available spots in clinical training. This makes the effective acceptance rate into the upper-division program significantly lower than the overall university admission rate.
Competitiveness of the Program
While the exact number varies, student discussions and reports suggest that only 50–60% of pre-nursing students are accepted into the upper-division portion. That means students must perform at a high academic level, especially in science and health prerequisites, to secure a seat.
The Capstone College of Nursing is known for maintaining rigorous standards to ensure that graduates are fully prepared for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and real-world nursing practice.
University of Alabama Nursing Requirements
To join the University of Alabama’s Nursing program, you’ll need to meet several academic, testing, and clinical requirements. These depend on whether you’re entering the traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, or graduate nursing pathways.
1. Admission to the University of Alabama (Lower Division/Pre-Nursing)
All nursing students must first be admitted to the University of Alabama before applying to the nursing major. The steps include:
- Submitting an application through Apply.ua.edu
- Meeting the university’s general admission standards (GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and high school coursework)
- Declaring a pre-nursing major
- Beginning coursework in the lower-division of the nursing curriculum
This lower-division phase typically takes two years and includes the core curriculum—English, math, social sciences, and general electives—plus science prerequisites necessary for professional nursing studies.
2. Prerequisite Courses for Nursing
Before applying to the upper-division program, students must complete all required prerequisite courses. These form the foundation for clinical nursing training.
Required Science Courses:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (with labs)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- General or Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Nutrition
- Statistics or Quantitative Reasoning
Required General Education Courses:
- English Composition I & II
- General Psychology
- Human Growth and Development
- Fine Arts or Humanities elective
- History or Social Science courses
Performance Expectations:
- A minimum grade of C or higher in all prerequisite courses
- A strong overall GPA, especially in science courses (competitive applicants often have 3.5 or higher)
- Many successful applicants complete at least 32 credit hours at UA, as in-house students receive priority for upper-division placement
3. Promotion to Upper Division (Professional Nursing Sequence)
Promotion to the upper division—the core of the nursing program—is highly competitive. This phase focuses on nursing theory, lab simulations, and clinical practice in hospitals and community health settings.
To qualify for promotion, students must:
- Complete all lower-division coursework
- Maintain a competitive GPA (minimum 3.0 recommended)
- Pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or similar standardized exam
- Submit a formal application for promotion
- Be in good academic standing and free of disciplinary issues
Since clinical capacity is limited, meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee promotion. The admissions committee ranks students based on GPA, TEAS scores, and the number of completed credits at UA.
Once promoted, students spend five semesters completing the professional component. Courses include:
- Adult Health Nursing
- Maternal and Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Leadership and Community Health Nursing
Clinical rotations take place in real healthcare settings across Alabama, giving students hands-on experience in patient care.
4. RN-to-BSN Program
For registered nurses who already have an associate degree or diploma in nursing, the University of Alabama offers an RN-to-BSN pathway—available online for working professionals.
Admission Requirements:
- Graduation from an ACEN- or CNEA-accredited nursing program
- A current, unencumbered RN license
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 in previous coursework and 2.0 in sciences
- Completion of all lower-division general education requirements
- Residence and licensure in a state authorized for UA’s online programs
This flexible program allows RNs to advance their education without leaving their jobs, providing a fast track to leadership and advanced practice roles.
5. Graduate Nursing Programs
UA’s Capstone College of Nursing also offers master’s (MSN) and doctoral (DNP and PhD) programs for advanced practice nurses, educators, and researchers.
Graduate Admission Requirements:
- A BSN degree from an accredited program
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 undergraduate hours
- An active RN license
- Professional references and a statement of purpose
- Completion of a background check and drug screen
- In some cases, GRE scores or interviews may be required
The graduate programs focus on preparing nurses for leadership, advanced clinical practice, healthcare administration, and academic research.
Additional Considerations for Nursing Applicants
Accreditation and Program Quality
The Capstone College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and consistently ranks among the top nursing schools in Alabama. Its partnerships with healthcare providers ensure that students gain real-world clinical experience and excellent NCLEX pass rates.
Costs and Additional Expenses
In addition to tuition, nursing students should budget for:
- Clinical uniforms and lab equipment (stethoscopes, BP cuffs, etc.)
- Health insurance, immunizations, and background checks
- Transportation to clinical sites
- Licensing exam and application fees (NCLEX-RN)
- Graduation and transcript fees
Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study opportunities are available for qualified students through the UA Office of Financial Aid.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Admission
Because nursing is one of the most competitive majors at UA, applicants must strategically prepare. Here are some proven tips to boost your chances:
- Maintain a Strong GPA: Aim for at least 3.5, particularly in science courses.
- Excel in Prerequisites: A’s in Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology can set you apart.
- Prepare for the TEAS Exam: Review key areas like reading comprehension, math, and science.
- Complete More Credits at UA: Students with more completed hours at the university often receive preference.
- Demonstrate Commitment: Volunteer in healthcare settings to show your passion for nursing.
- Submit a Strong Application: Follow instructions carefully and highlight your academic and leadership strengths.
- Meet All Deadlines: Late or incomplete applications may not be reviewed.
- Stay Informed: Requirements may change, so regularly check the Capstone College of Nursing website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What GPA do I need to get into the University of Alabama nursing program?
While the university requires only a 3.0 minimum for competitive consideration, most accepted students have GPAs above 3.5, particularly in science prerequisites.
2. Does being accepted to the University of Alabama guarantee acceptance into the nursing program?
No. Admission to UA only allows you to start in the pre-nursing track. You must later apply for promotion into the upper-division professional program.
3. Is the TEAS test required for nursing admission?
Yes, the TEAS exam is generally required before applying to the upper-division nursing program.
4. Can transfer students apply?
Yes, transfer students may apply, but they must complete all prerequisites and maintain strong academic records. UA students are often given preference.
5. Is the University of Alabama nursing program accredited?
Yes, it is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring high educational standards and eligibility for the NCLEX exam.
Why Choose the University of Alabama for Nursing?
The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing provides students with a supportive environment, expert faculty, and access to top clinical facilities. Graduates of UA’s nursing programs are highly sought after across the nation due to their rigorous training and leadership potential.
The program emphasizes not just technical skill, but also compassion, ethics, and innovation—qualities that define the best in nursing practice.
Conclusion
The University of Alabama nursing program is an excellent choice for students passionate about healthcare, leadership, and patient advocacy. While getting in is competitive, a strong academic record, solid TEAS score, and genuine commitment to nursing can greatly improve your chances.
From the traditional BSN track to the RN-to-BSN and graduate programs, UA offers a comprehensive path for every level of nursing professional. Whether you’re just starting your journey or advancing your career, the Capstone College of Nursing equips you with the skills, confidence, and compassion to thrive in one of the most rewarding professions in the world.