What courses do I have to take before applying for the BSN degree?
See the GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES_Advising Form. In addition to the courses, students applying to the RN-BSN program must have an unencumbered nursing license and be a graduate of an accredited nursing program.
If I need financial assistance or have questions about financial aid, who should I speak with?

All questions regarding financial aid and assistance should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid or by phone at (205) 652-3576.

If I am a licensed practical nurse, do I have to go to the clinical rotations in each nursing course?

The Division of Nursing welcomes all Licensed Practical Nurses who desire to further their education and become Registered Nurses. Due to the nature of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and blending of classroom and clinical content that exists between the practical nurse and associate nurse degree programs, Licensed Practical Nurses may be exempted from clinical hours in certain courses. The LPN must meet certain criteria, including perform skills and critical thinking challenges to be exempted from a clinical rotation. More information regarding this exemption can be found here: LPN Exemption

Where would I have to go to for my clinical experiences?

The Division of Nursing is grateful for its many community partnerships and clinical affiliations. Due to the location of the University, our students must travel to their clinical locations. Clinical facilities are in Demopolis, Northport, Tuscaloosa, Butler, Birmingham, and York, AL, as well as Meridian, MS. 

When do I take the HESI A2 Entrance exam?

The entrance exam is administered by the Division of Nursing in the Spring and Fall semesters. Once the application process is completed, all prospective students are notified, via email, of HESI (Health Education Systems Incorporated) entrance exam dates. 

Why would I want to get an Associate in Science in Nursing degree instead of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree?

The Associate in Science in Nursing is not an alternative to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). It is the first step toward a career of lifelong learning in the field of health care that is evolving daily. The ASN degree allows individuals the opportunity to gain licensure in two years (instead of four) and begin their nursing careers. For those seeking the BSN degree, the ASN nurse can take prerequisites and earn an online BSN degree while earning an income and gaining experience in nursing. At the end of four years, the person who obtains the ASN has the potential to: 1) gain registered nurse experience that will propel her/his career and make patient’s safer; 2) earn a competitive salary and increase her/his market value because of work experience; and 3) earn an online BSN degree. 

Can I get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at UWA?

Yes. UWA offers a traditional on-campus Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree, an online RNBSN degree, and a prelicensure BSN program that is proposed to start in Fall 2024. The ASN degree is a five-semester or two-year program. UWA offers all prerequisite courses needed for the RNBSN degree, which provides a seamless transition from the ASN to the BSN track.  This degree option would require two years toward earning the ASN degree and one year of BSN prerequisite courses.  After completing the ASN degree program, students would apply to sit for the national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students would then apply to the University of West Alabama for admission into the online RNBSN program and complete the online BSN degree in one year.

What is the deadline for application to the nursing program?

The deadline for submission for the Spring semester is July 15 of the prior year.  The Division of Nursing only admits once a year in the Spring semester. 

How do I apply to the nursing program?

All applicants should complete the online application for the University of West Alabama.

How long is the nursing program?

The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program is designed to be completed in five semesters or two years of coursework if the student chooses to take all courses as outlined on the Nursing Program Curriculum.