Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Alabama
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 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.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Alabama
| Detail | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Alabama Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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 |
| 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
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in Alabama
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Alabama is $50,100 per year, which is 19.6% below the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,470 |
| 25th | $43,320 |
| 50th (median) | $50,100 |
| 75th | $58,850 |
| 90th (experienced) | $63,170 |
Alabama employs approximately 10,840 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook
AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.51/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alabama Worth It?
Factors to consider: Alabama's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.