University of West Alabama School of Nursing: The Complete Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
The University of West Alabama (UWA) School of Nursing offers a hybrid pre-licensure BSN and an online RN to BSN program designed to serve both traditional students and working nurses in a rural university setting. This guide walks through the programs, how UWA prepares students for the NCLEX-RN, what to expect for tuition and admissions, and whether this smaller public institution fits your goals.
Contents
The University of West Alabama School of Nursing pairs a small-campus experience in rural Livingston with a hybrid BSN and a fully online RN to BSN designed for working nurses. If you are seeking a more intimate public university setting with a clear path to your RN license and an affordable online option to complete your BSN, UWA is worth a close look.
Overview & Why Students Choose University of West Alabama
See the quick facts and key takeaway above for a snapshot of University of West Alabama’s nursing programs. The sections below cover programs, NCLEX outcomes, admissions, costs, and fit in detail.
Nursing Programs Offered
UWA focuses on building a strong foundation at the bachelor’s level, with a hybrid pre-licensure BSN for future RNs and an online RN to BSN pathway for working nurses. Both programs emphasize evidence-based practice, community-focused care, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN.
Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The pre-licensure BSN at UWA is a 125-credit-hour program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing practice. The curriculum is delivered in a roughly 80% on-campus and 20% online hybrid format, combining face-to-face instruction, online learning, skills labs, and clinical experiences. Students progress through foundational science and general education courses before moving into upper-division nursing coursework that includes adult health, mental health, maternal–child, and community health nursing.
Clinical experiences take place in healthcare facilities within UWA’s service region, giving students exposure to rural and regional patient populations. The program’s design is structured to help graduates meet state Board of Nursing eligibility requirements for the NCLEX-RN, though licensure ultimately depends on individual Board determinations.
RN to BSN online completion program
UWA’s RN to BSN program is delivered fully online and is intended for registered nurses who already hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing and a current, unencumbered RN license. The program can typically be completed in about one year of full-time study, with nursing-major courses priced at approximately $325 per credit hour. Coursework focuses on leadership, research, population health, and evidence-based practice, allowing working nurses to deepen their skills without relocating.
Because the RN to BSN builds on previous nursing education and experience, students bring real-world clinical scenarios into the virtual classroom. The flexible format is particularly attractive for nurses who live and work in rural areas or who balance professional and family responsibilities alongside school.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2025), University of West Alabama reported a 85.71% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for its associate-degree program (CY2025, first-time testers). The Board’s baccalaureate (BSN) column for UWA is N/A in CY2025 even though UWA markets a hybrid pre-licensure BSN—confirm how your pathway is classified in ABN reports with the School of Nursing. CY2024 associate-degree rate: 96.97%. Rates can differ by pathway, campus, and reporting year. Confirm the latest outcomes with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school before you compare programs.
| Measure | Status based on available data | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (Associate Degree) | 85.71% per ABN CY2025 annual report (CY2024: 96.97%). | |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (Baccalaureate Degree) | N/A in ABN CY2025 annual report (confirm program-type classification with UWA). | |
| Source | Alabama Board of Nursing — Approved Nursing Programs — Annual Data (Calendar Year 2025) (PDF); CY2024 workbook: CY2024 annual data (PDF). Confirm the row for University of West Alabama and your program type. |
Figures above are first-time pass rates from the Alabama Board of Nursing calendar year 2025 annual report unless another source and year are labeled. Confirm the latest NCLEX outcomes with the Alabama Board of Nursing and the school before you compare programs.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
The University of West Alabama may admit international students and support internationally educated nurses pursuing RN licensure in Alabama, but specific English, credential, and visa requirements can differ by program. Use this section as a checklist—not as legal or immigration advice.
Checklist for international applicants
- English-language proficiency: UWA requires evidence of English proficiency (for example, TOEFL or IELTS) for most international applicants, but exact test options and minimum scores for nursing are Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. Verify them on the official international admissions pages.
- Transcript and credential evaluation: If you completed high school or college coursework outside the U.S., you may need a course-by-course credential evaluation from a recognized organization so UWA can assess U.S.-equivalent credit.
- RN licensure for internationally educated nurses: If you trained as a nurse outside the U.S. and plan to sit for the NCLEX-RN in Alabama, consult the Alabama Board of Nursing for requirements around credential evaluation, English proficiency, and exam eligibility.
- Visa and enrollment status: Students on F-1 or J-1 visas must meet full-time enrollment and residency rules that may interact with hybrid or online formats. Clarify how UWA’s hybrid BSN and online RN to BSN options work with your visa category.
- Clinical placement requirements: Clinical partners may require additional screenings, immunizations, or background checks. Ask how these processes work for international students before you enroll.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UWA’s nursing admissions process looks at academic preparation, prerequisite performance, and readiness for a rigorous clinical program. While the school publishes baseline requirements, there is limited public data on how competitive admission is in practice.
Pre-licensure BSN admissions basics
- Completion or near-completion of required prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, and related subjects.
- A minimum overall and prerequisite GPA as specified by the School of Nursing (exact competitive ranges are Not publicly disclosed).
- Submission of official transcripts from all prior colleges and universities.
- Evidence of good academic standing and the ability to meet clinical placement requirements (background checks, immunizations, etc.).
- Potential standardized test scores, essays, or recommendations, depending on UWA’s current admissions policy (specific details are Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide).
RN to BSN admissions basics
- An active, unencumbered RN license.
- Graduation from an accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program.
- Minimum GPA requirements as posted on the RN to BSN admissions pages (exact threshold Not publicly disclosed here).
- Official transcripts covering all previous college-level coursework.
Competitiveness snapshot
| Admissions metric | Status for UWA School of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Overall nursing acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Typical GPA range for admitted BSN students | Not publicly disclosed |
| Entrance exam (e.g., TEAS) requirement | Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide; confirm for your intake term. |
| Clinical experience preferred (RN to BSN) | Current RN practice is expected; specific experience thresholds are Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UWA publishes clear tuition and fee tables for undergraduate students, with different pricing for in-state and out-of-state residents. Nursing tuition is part of the broader undergraduate structure, though individual courses may carry additional fees.
| Category | Estimated amount (2025–26) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate in-state tuition (15 credits/semester) | $4,875 per semester | Based on $325 per credit hour for 15 credit hours. |
| Undergraduate out-of-state tuition (15 credits/semester) | $9,750 per semester | Based on $650 per credit hour for 15 credit hours. |
| Tiger One fee | $605 per semester | Standard university fee for full-time undergraduates. |
| Estimated annual tuition & fees (in-state) | Approx. $10,990 per year | Includes tuition and required fees; excludes housing, meals, and books. |
| Estimated annual tuition & fees (out-of-state) | Approx. $20,090 per year | Also excludes housing, meals, and books. |
| Online RN to BSN per-credit tuition | $325 per credit hour | For program courses; additional costs may apply. |
| Housing, meal plans, books, and other costs | Not publicly disclosed | Use UWA’s Cost of Attendance tools for personalized estimates. |
Tuition and fee numbers are drawn from UWA’s published tuition tables and third-party cost summaries for the 2025–26 academic year. They can change, so always confirm amounts on the university’s official tuition and Cost of Attendance pages before making financial commitments.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
UWA’s School of Nursing prepares graduates to work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community settings across Alabama and the broader region. However, specific job placement rates and detailed alumni employer lists were Not publicly disclosed in the sources used for this guide.
- Entry-level roles: BSN graduates typically pursue staff nurse positions in medical–surgical units, critical care, emergency departments, and maternal–child or mental health settings, depending on regional demand.
- Advancing as an RN: RN to BSN graduates may be better positioned for charge nurse roles, specialty units, or future graduate study, especially in systems that prefer or require a BSN.
- Rural healthcare impact: Given UWA’s location, some graduates serve rural communities where access to nursing care is especially important.
- Alumni employers: Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. Ask UWA’s career services or School of Nursing for recent examples of employer partners and placement trends.
To understand how UWA’s NCLEX-RN performance compares to other nursing programs in Alabama, consult the Alabama Board of Nursing’s annual statistics. Those official reports remain the best source for side-by-side comparisons across schools.
Is University of West Alabama the Right Fit for You?
Deciding if UWA is the right choice depends on whether you value a smaller campus environment, hybrid and online formats, and a rural community setting.
UWA might be a good fit if you…
- Prefer a smaller public university with a quieter, rural campus instead of a large urban setting.
- Want a hybrid BSN that keeps you closely connected to faculty and peers while still using some online learning.
- Are a working RN looking for an affordable, fully online RN to BSN program.
- Plan to live and work in Alabama or nearby states after graduation.
UWA may not be ideal if you…
- Are looking for a large, research-intensive academic medical center environment.
- Prefer a campus in a major metropolitan area with extensive hospital networks immediately nearby.
- Want a program that publishes very detailed NCLEX and job placement statistics online.
- Need extensive in-person services for an RN to BSN degree instead of a primarily online format.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Livingston is a small community, and UWA serves a largely rural region of west Alabama and neighboring areas. Nursing students gain experience in facilities that care for diverse patient populations within smaller communities, often traveling to regional hospitals and clinics for clinical rotations.
While specific clinical sites were Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide, the rural context means students may see a broad mix of primary care, chronic disease management, and acute-care cases in smaller hospital settings. These experiences can be especially valuable for nurses planning to work in rural or underserved regions after graduation.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students at UWA balance academic work, skills labs, simulation experiences, and clinical rotations with campus life in a small university community.
The School of Nursing uses labs and simulated scenarios to help students practice clinical skills and decision-making before they provide hands-on care in clinical sites. Nursing-focused student organizations and honor societies give students ways to connect, lead, and serve, though specific group names are Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide. Outside the classroom, UWA’s rural campus setting offers a quieter environment that may appeal to students who prefer a slower pace than a large city.
Resources & Next Steps
Use the official UWA resources below to confirm the details in this guide and start planning your application.
Official UWA nursing program page
Visit the BSN program page for curriculum overviews, admissions criteria, and application steps.
RN to BSN online
See RN to BSN details including tuition, admission requirements, and course structure.
Sample plan of study
Review the sample BSN plan of study to understand semester-by-semester course sequencing.
Tuition & cost of attendance
Check current tuition & fees and Cost of Attendance estimates for a full financial picture.
Campus location & contact
- Campus location: Livingston, Alabama, United States
- Address: University of West Alabama, 100 UWA Drive, Livingston, AL 35470, USA
- Telephone number: (205) 652-3400 (main university line; ask for the School of Nursing)
- Contact email: Not publicly disclosed (use contact forms or emails provided on the UWA nursing pages)
- Website: https://www.uwa.edu/programs/nursing-bsn/
Your “next 7 days” checklist
- Day 1: Read the UWA BSN or RN to BSN program pages and download any brochures or sample plans of study.
- Day 2: Compare UWA’s prerequisite list with your transcripts and note missing courses.
- Day 3: Confirm whether your program requires an entrance exam such as TEAS by checking UWA’s admissions pages before registering.
- Day 4: Draft questions about clinical placements, NCLEX outcomes, and scheduling, then email or call the School of Nursing.
- Day 5: Connect with current or former UWA nursing students via social media or professional networks to learn about their experiences.
- Day 6: Begin outlining your personal statement, focusing on why a smaller, rural campus and UWA’s program structure fit your goals.
- Day 7: Note all relevant application deadlines and create a checklist for transcripts, recommendations, financial aid, and housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
This guide relies on information published by the University of West Alabama and reputable cost and program-summary sources at the time of writing. Because policies and data can change, always confirm details with official channels before you decide where to apply or enroll.
- University of West Alabama – Nursing BSN program: https://www.uwa.edu/programs/nursing-bsn/
- University of West Alabama – Nursing RN to BSN: https://uwa.edu/programs/nursing-rn-to-bsn
- University of West Alabama – Sample pre-licensure BSN plan of study: https://www.uwa.edu/sample-pre-licensure-bsn-program-of-study/
- University of West Alabama – Tuition & fees: https://www.uwa.edu/tuition-expenses/
- University of West Alabama – Cost of Attendance: http://www.uwa.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance/
- Independent cost summaries for University of West Alabama tuition and fees (e.g., CollegeTuitionCompare and similar sites).
Tuition data is sourced from UWA’s official tuition and Cost of Attendance pages accessed in 2026. Any metric labeled “Not publicly disclosed” or “Not found in the official sources reviewed for this guide” reflects the absence of that information in the official or secondary sources reviewed. NCLEX pass-rate data should always be confirmed with the Alabama Board of Nursing.
Editorial Standards & Review
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Apr 2, 2026· Last reviewed: Apr 2, 2026· Nursing Education Review Process · Editorial Policy