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Alabama Online NP Programs

“In a state like Alabama…online programs play a crucial role in addressing the accessibility needs of both students and the broader community.”

Amy S. D. Lee, DNP, Clinical Professor and the Associate Dean, University of Alabama

Pursuing a nurse practitioner (NP) degree online in Alabama offers aspiring healthcare professionals a flexible and accessible pathway to advance their careers in one of the most rewarding fields. Online NP programs allow students to balance personal and professional commitments while gaining the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to deliver high-quality patient care. Many of these programs are accredited and designed to meet the needs of working nurses, providing coursework and hands-on clinical experience aligned with Alabama’s healthcare challenges and opportunities.

The demand for nurse practitioners in Alabama is growing significantly, reflecting the vital role they play in the healthcare system. According to 2022 data, there were 4,540 nurse practitioners employed across the state. However, this number is projected to increase to 6,770 by 2032, representing a remarkable 49 percent growth in just a decade, as estimated by CareerOneStop.org (2025).

This dramatic rise underscores the expanding opportunities for NPs, driven by an increasing need for primary care providers and the ongoing commitment to improve healthcare access for Alabama’s diverse population.

Meet the Expert: Amy Lee, DNP, ARNP, WHNP-BC, FAAN

Dr. Amy (Davis) Lee is a clinical professor and the associate dean of graduate programs at the Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama. She received her BSN from the Capstone College of Nursing and her MS as a women’s health nurse practitioner from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

From 2002 until 2018, Dr. Lee was at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, with a primary job assignment to support the education of the gynecology/obstetrics (GYN/OB) residents while holding a joint appointment at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. In 2013, she completed her DNP at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Lee returned to her home state of Alabama and her alma mater in 2018. Dr. Lee was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2024.

NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Alabama?

Dr. Lee: Data indicates that online education can achieve outcomes comparable to traditional in-person coursework. In a state like Alabama, where a significant portion of the population resides in rural areas with limited access to healthcare, online programs play a crucial role in addressing the accessibility needs of both students and the broader community. These programs not only provide flexible learning opportunities but also help bridge the gap in healthcare access.

NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?

Dr. Lee: Online nurse practitioner programs demand the same level of time and effort as traditional in-person programs. In addition to didactic course work, our program includes 780 clinical hours with a community preceptor. While the online format provides the flexibility to balance work and family commitments, it is essential for students to prioritize their coursework and clinical experiences to manage their time effectively.

Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Alabama (Ranked by In-State Tuition)

School

Degrees

Specializations

Programs & Tuition

Programs

Tuition
(in-state)

Samford University

FNP
PMHNP

Post-Graduate Emergency NP Certificate (for FNPs) – $12,000
Post-Graduate Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Certificate (for NPs) – $19,000
Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate – $30,000
Show More Programs (+)
MSN to DNP – Emergency NP (for FNPs) – $42,000
MSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (for NPs) – $43,000
MSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner – $64,000
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner – $76,000
Show Fewer Programs (-)

Post-Graduate Emergency NP Certificate (for FNPs)	$12,000
Post-Graduate Psychiatric-Mental Health NP Certificate (for NPs)	$19,000
Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate	$30,000
Show More Programs (+)
MSN to DNP – Emergency NP (for FNPs)	$42,000
MSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (for NPs)	$43,000
MSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner	$64,000
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner	$76,000
Show Fewer Programs (-)

University of South Alabama

AGNP
CNS
FNP
FNP,AGNP
NNP
PMHNP
PNP
WHNP

Post Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology CNS – $15,444
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP – $19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP – $19,602
Show More Programs (+)
Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner – $19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Pediatric Acute Care NP – $19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – $19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – $19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner – $19,602
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist – $22,572
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (post-BSN pathway) – $26,730
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (post-BSN pathway) – $26,730
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway) – $26,730
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway) – $26,730
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway) – $26,730
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway) – $26,730
MSN – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN) – $26,730
MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway) – $26,730
Post-Graduate Certificate – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP) – $26,730
Post-Graduate Certificate – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP) – $26,730
MSN – Adult-Gerontology CNS (RN with non-nursing Bachelor's to MSN) – $29,700
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (MSN to DNP) – $31,482
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree) – $33,858
MSN – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP) – post-BSN pathway – $33,858
MSN – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP) – post-BSN pathway – $33,858
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP) – $35,640
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (MSN to DNP) – $35,640
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner – MSN to DNP – $35,640
DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP) – $35,640
DNP – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP) – $35,640
DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP) – $35,640
DNP – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP) – $35,640
DNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP) – $35,640
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (BSN to DNP) – $36,828
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree) – $36,828
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (RN-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree) – $36,828
MSN – Neonatal NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree) – $36,828
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree) – $36,828
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree) – $36,828
MSN – Psychiatric NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree) – $36,828
MSN – Women's Health NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree) – $36,828
MSN – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP) – RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree – $40,392
MSN – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP) – RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree – $40,392
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (BSN to DNP) – $40,986
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (BSN to DNP) – $40,986
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner – BSN to DNP – $40,986
DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) – $40,986
DNP – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) – $40,986
DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) – $40,986
DNP – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) – $40,986
DNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) – $40,986
DNP – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP) – MSN to DNP – $42,768
DNP – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP) – MSN to DNP – $42,768
DNP – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP) – BSN to DNP – $48,114
DNP – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP) – BSN to DNP – $48,114
Show Fewer Programs (-)

Post Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology CNS	$15,444
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP	$19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP	$19,602
Show More Programs (+)
Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner	$19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner	$19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Pediatric Acute Care NP	$19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner	$19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner	$19,602
Post-Graduate Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner	$19,602
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist	$22,572
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (post-BSN pathway)	$26,730
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (post-BSN pathway)	$26,730
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway)	$26,730
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway)	$26,730
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway)	$26,730
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway)	$26,730
MSN – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN)	$26,730
MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (post-BSN pathway)	$26,730
Post-Graduate Certificate – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP)	$26,730
Post-Graduate Certificate – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP)	$26,730
MSN – Adult-Gerontology CNS (RN with non-nursing Bachelor's to MSN)	$29,700
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (MSN to DNP)	$31,482
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree)	$33,858
MSN – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP) – post-BSN pathway	$33,858
MSN – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP) – post-BSN pathway	$33,858
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP)	$35,640
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (MSN to DNP)	$35,640
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner – MSN to DNP	$35,640
DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP)	$35,640
DNP – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP)	$35,640
DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP)	$35,640
DNP – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP)	$35,640
DNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN to DNP)	$35,640
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (BSN to DNP)	$36,828
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree)	$36,828
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (RN-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree)	$36,828
MSN – Neonatal NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree)	$36,828
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree)	$36,828
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree)	$36,828
MSN – Psychiatric NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree)	$36,828
MSN – Women's Health NP (RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree)	$36,828
MSN – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP) – RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree	$40,392
MSN – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP) – RN-to-MSN for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree	$40,392
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (BSN to DNP)	$40,986
DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (BSN to DNP)	$40,986
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner – BSN to DNP	$40,986
DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)	$40,986
DNP – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)	$40,986
DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)	$40,986
DNP – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)	$40,986
DNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)	$40,986
DNP – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP) – MSN to DNP	$42,768
DNP – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP) – MSN to DNP	$42,768
DNP – Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP) – BSN to DNP	$48,114
DNP – Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP) – BSN to DNP	$48,114
Show Fewer Programs (-)

Troy University

Post-Master's FNP Certificate – $15,675
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – $22,325
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Post-MSN track – $35,750
Show More Programs (+)
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – $38,500
Show Fewer Programs (-)

Post-Master's FNP Certificate	$15,675
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)	$22,325
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Post-MSN track	$35,750
Show More Programs (+)
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)	$38,500
Show Fewer Programs (-)

University of Alabama at Birmingham

AGNP
FNP
NNP
PMHNP
PNP
WHNP

Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – $17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – $17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – $17,352
Show More Programs (+)
Post-Graduate Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Pediatric Acute Care NP – $17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care NP – $17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care NP – $17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner – $17,352
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – $32,535
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – $32,535
MSN – Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – $32,535
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $32,535
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care NP – $32,535
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP – $32,535
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care NP – $32,535
MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner – $32,535
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge) – $40,488
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge) – $40,488
MSN – Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge) – $40,488
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge) – $40,488
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care NP (RN to MSN Bridge) – $40,488
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP (RN to MSN Bridge) – $40,488
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care NP (RN to MSN Bridge) – $40,488
MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge) – $40,488
BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – $57,117
BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – $57,117
BSN to DNP – Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – $57,117
BSN to DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $57,117
BSN to DNP – Pediatric Acute Care NP – $57,117
BSN to DNP – Pediatric Primary Care NP – $57,117
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care NP – $57,117
BSN to DNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner – $57,117
Show Fewer Programs (-)

Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner	$17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner	$17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner	$17,352
Show More Programs (+)
Post-Graduate Certificate – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner	$17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Pediatric Acute Care NP	$17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care NP	$17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care NP	$17,352
Post-Graduate Certificate – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner	$17,352
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner	$32,535
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner	$32,535
MSN – Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner	$32,535
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner	$32,535
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care NP	$32,535
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP	$32,535
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care NP	$32,535
MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner	$32,535
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge)	$40,488
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge)	$40,488
MSN – Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge)	$40,488
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge)	$40,488
MSN – Pediatric Acute Care NP (RN to MSN Bridge)	$40,488
MSN – Pediatric Primary Care NP (RN to MSN Bridge)	$40,488
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care NP (RN to MSN Bridge)	$40,488
MSN – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (RN to MSN Bridge)	$40,488
BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner	$57,117
BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner	$57,117
BSN to DNP – Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner	$57,117
BSN to DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner	$57,117
BSN to DNP – Pediatric Acute Care NP	$57,117
BSN to DNP – Pediatric Primary Care NP	$57,117
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care NP	$57,117
BSN to DNP – Women's Health Nurse Practitioner	$57,117
Show Fewer Programs (-)

University of Alabama

FNP
PMHNP

Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner – $13,920
Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – $13,920
MSN to DNP – Dual FNP-PMHNP – $16,800
Show More Programs (+)
MSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner – $16,800
MSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – $16,800
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner – $28,320
MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – $28,320
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner – $30,240
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP – $30,240
MSN – Dual FNP-PMHNP – $37,920
BSN to DNP – Dual FNP-PMHNP – $40,320
Show Fewer Programs (-)

Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner	$13,920
Post-Graduate Certificate – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP	$13,920
MSN to DNP – Dual FNP-PMHNP	$16,800
Show More Programs (+)
MSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner	$16,800
MSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP	$16,800
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner	$28,320
MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner	$28,320
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner	$30,240
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP	$30,240
MSN – Dual FNP-PMHNP	$37,920
BSN to DNP – Dual FNP-PMHNP	$40,320
Show Fewer Programs (-)

NP Practice Authority in Alabama

State	Board of Nursing	Practice Act	Prescriptive Authority	Details & Resources
Alabama	Alabama Board of Nursing	Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code	Must have a collaborative practice with a supervising physician	Must be in a collaborative practice with a supervising physician. Collaborative practice is regulated by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners.

How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Alabama?

	United States	Alabama
Number of NPs Employed	307,390	4,730
Average Salary	$132,000	$109,650
10th Percentile	$97,960	$85,410
25th Percentile	$109,940	$98,940
50th Percentile (Median)	$129,210	$106,930
75th Percentile	$149,570	$121,170
90th Percentile	$169,950	$132,860
Source: BLS May (2024)—the latest data available as of June 2025

Nearby States with Affordable Online NP Programs

Kimmy Gustafson

Writer

Among her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.

Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.