Those interested in becoming nurses in Alabama, need to know a few things not only about the job but also about the licensing board.
Through this article, you’ll learn more about Alabama’s Board of Nursing, including licensing and contact information.
Should you be curious about this subject read on!
Table of Contents
Getting Approval to Take the NCLEX
Getting approval to take the NCLEX also means how to become a nurse.
NCLEX stands for the National Council Licensure Examination.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the NCSBN is the body governing this exam.
Those who pass this exam become licensed nurses.
This exam can be taken across the US, Canada, and Australia.
In the US, nurses can be licensed for just one state or for more states, that may or may not include the one the individual is in.
Through this exam, candidates can become either:
- Registered nurses
- Practical nurses
Those who want to sit through this test in the US need to register with Pearson Vue.
You’ll first have to graduate from a nursing training program and then apply for licensure.
The application for a license and signing up with Pearson Vue are done at the same time.
Application for licensure means having to pay some fees.
These include:
- Application: $100
- Temporary Permit: $50
- Transaction Fee: $3.50
Registrations are valid only for 1 year.
Two registrations open for the same type of credential, at the same time, are not allowed.
Candidates need to wait for their Authorization to Test (ATT) before they can actually take the exam.
Individuals can also become licensed in Alabama by endorsement.
For this option, you’ll have to pay the same fees mentioned earlier.
You’ll have to also prove you completed a training program that has the same criteria as those in Alabama.
Furthermore, candidates must also prove they completed a minimum of 24 hours of contact hours of continuing education in the previous 24 months.
Renewing Your License
Licensed nurses must renew their credentials.
Renewing the license means keeping it current.
There’s a renewal period between September 1st and December 31st.
To renew your license, you’ll need to complete 24 hours of contact hours of continuing education.
Additionally, there’s a renewal fee that you have to pay, based on the type of license you have.
The fees are:
- LPN Single State License: $103.50
- RN or LPN Multistate License $203.50
- Non-Alabama Multistate APRN $78.50
These fees include a credit or debit card processing fee which is $3.50.
Individuals must receive a confirmation number if their renewal application is accepted.
How To Do A License Lookup
There are several reasons for a person to want or need to look up the license of a nurse.
Those who need to look up the license of a nurse can access the Board’s website, which can be seen below.
The option to verify the credential can be found by following this route:
- Homepage
- Licensing – this is the first link or item in the menu at the top of the page
- Access the “Verification (Nursys)” option – this is the second option in the drop-down menu
- Access the “License verification” option – this is the last choice in the new drop-down menu
- Access the “Verification (Nursys)” option – this is the second option in the drop-down menu
- Licensing – this is the first link or item in the menu at the top of the page
The new page that appears has several links to choose from, depending on what you need or want to do.
This page also explains how to perform each operation, through a video as well as a frequently asked questions section.
Alabama Board of Nursing Contact Information
It’s important to know where the Board is located and how can it be contacted, should you ever need to do this.
The Alabama Board of Nursing can be found at the following address:
- RSA Plaza, Suite 250, 770 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104
Additionally, You can check out their website at this address:
- www.abn.alabama.gov
The website is available both in English and in Spanish.
If you want to contact the Board, you have several options.
For instance, physical mail can be sent to this address:
- Alabama Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 303900
Montgomery, AL 36130-3900
Electronic email is expected at the following address:
- abn@abn.alabama.gov
If you need to call the Board, you can use this phone number: 1-800-656-5318.
Faxes are to be sent to this number: 1-334-293-5201.
Conclusion
Remember that the healthcare industry is in constant need of personnel.
Nurses are among the most needed when it comes to the specialization of the staff.