Nursing Schools in Alabama

Nursing is one of the most interesting, fulfilling, vibrant, and challenging occupations. Assisting doctors and sometimes working independently to take care of patients, they are an important part of the ever growing US healthcare sector. It would not be an overstatement to say that the healthcare sector would simply collapse without their expertise. The demand for nurses is on the rise, and there are many nursing schools in Alabama to help fill this need. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there were more than 2 million registered nurses (RN) in 2010. Their numbers are expected to grow from 2010 to 2020 at the rate of 26 percent. The BLS also states that the RNs' median annual salary was more than $64,000in 2010. In addition, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned in excess of $40,000 annually, and their job numbers are expected to grow at the rate of 22 percent from 2010 to 2020.

Nursing Responsibilities
The nursing profession is vast with nurses performing more general duties in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes to nurses performing specific duties, sometimes working independently. Take for example the duties performed by RNs on daily basis:

• Give patients medicines and treatments
• Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results
• Operate and monitor medical equipment
• Observe patients and record observations
• Record patients' symptoms and medical histories
• Explain to patients what to do at home after treatment
• Help patients and their families understand the nature of illness and how to cope

RNs usually have more senior positions as compared to licensed practical nurses (LPN) and licensed vocational nurses (LVN). LPNs and LVNs perform the following duties:

• Check patients' blood pressure
• Keep records on patients' health
• Report patients' status to doctors and registered nurses
• Listen to patients' concerns
• Help patients carry out daily tasks like bathing and dressing
• Administer basic nursing care like inserting catheters and changing bandages

How to Become a Nurse
Nurses are academically qualified, trained, and licensed to practice. There are three academic pathways to becoming a registered nurse. RNs either have a diploma, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree in nursing. These academic pathways are offered both in traditional nursing schools and through online nursing programs. Online education is suitable for students who either cannot or do not want to attend nursing classes on campus. Online nursing programs may also be more flexible in terms of class scheduling and completing coursework.

Nursing Schools in Alabama
The state of Alabama is no exception when it comes to offering accredited nursing programs. Nursing programs in Alabama are offered by many technical institutes and public and private colleges and universities.. Students have many nursing program options to choose from and if they wish to continue their education. The profession is in great demand as there is a shortage of nurses all across the country and an increasing aging population. Therefore consider pursuing a career in nursing to help people and earn a decent living.