Alabama Nursing Licensure Overview

Alabama Board of Nursing Overview

• The mission is to protect public health, safety, and welfare through licensing qualified individuals and enforcing legal standards in nursing education and practice.

ABN Qualifications for Licensure

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Must demonstrate Good Moral Character; specific questions addressed.
• Must graduate from an approved RN or PN program that meets Alabama's educational criteria.
• Valid Social Security Number (SSN) necessary.
• Must be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.

Identification Requirements

• A valid, non-expired ID with a recent photo and signature is mandatory.
• The ID name must exactly match the name used for ABN Licensure by Examination and Pearson Vue.

Licensure by Examination Application Steps

• Graduate from an accredited nursing school.
• Decide where to apply for the first nursing license.
• Visit the ABN website for the NCLEX exam and application information.
• Complete the online application thoroughly to avoid being turned away.

NCLEX PN Eligibility Criteria

• Refer to the ABN website for comprehensive eligibility information.
• Must complete an electronic application and submit required fees.
• Citizenship/legal presence verification is required.
• Graduation date from nursing program must match the transcript.

Application Fees

• Standard application fee is $100.
• Temporary permit costs $50.
• A transaction fee of $3.50 is also applicable.

Nursing Program Transcript Submission

• Request an official transcript from the nursing program in a sealed envelope.
• Transcripts faxed are not accepted, and the graduation date must align with the application.

ABN Registration Requirements

• ABN mandates that certain personal information, including SSN and middle name, be provided for processing NCLEX registrations.
• Ensure consistency in personal information across all documents.

Temporary Permit Guidelines

• First-time applicants can request a temporary permit.
• Listing an employer on the application is not a requirement for permit eligibility.

Application Process and Documentation

• A temporary permit will not be issued until a complete application is submitted, including all documentation.
• Application fees are non-refundable.

Required Disclosure on Application

• Answer regulatory questions concerning criminal history, substance use, mental health, etc.
• If affirmative, provide a detailed explanation and supporting documentation relevant to the disclosures.

Test Result Access

• Test results available on the ABN website, updated each business day by 9 AM.
• Results accessible for 30 days post-exam, with a 24-48 hour wait after exam completion.

License Renewal Information

• LPN licenses must be renewed every two years; odd years for LPN and even for RN.
• LPN renewal period runs from September 1 to December 31, with a renewal fee of $103.50.

Continuing Education Requirements

• Nurses must complete 24 contact hours of Continuing Education for license renewal.

VDAP Overview

• VDAP (Voluntary Disciplinary Alternative Program) offers an alternative to discipline for nurses facing challenges that affect safe nursing practice, such as substance use or mental health struggles.