Licensed Practical Nurse in Alabama
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.
Jobs (AL)
10-yr job growth
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route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Alabama
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Alabama, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Alabama Board of Nursing. A criminal background check, including fingerprinting, is required, and applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, allowing LPNs with multistate licenses from other compact states to practice, though those establishing residency in Alabama must apply for an Alabama multistate license within 30 days.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Alabama requirements
| Licensing body | Alabama Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application fee | $128 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Alabama is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-NLC licensees require endorsement with educational review.Reciprocal states: Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Alabama. LPNs moving to Alabama from another NLC state must apply for an Alabama multistate license within 30 days. For non-NLC states, verification of licensure from the original state is required, and the nursing program must substantially meet Alabama's educational criteria. |
| Notes | A criminal background check is required, including fingerprinting. Applicants must have a valid Social Security Number and provide proof of citizenship/legal presence. There is a one-time 4-hour continuing education requirement on the Alabama Nurse Practice Act for first-time renewals. Minimum age is not specified for LPNs, but for Medication Assistants it is 17. |
Source: Alabama Board of Nursing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Alabama? See whether Alabama recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleAlabama license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse head-to-head
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