Division of Nursing
Being a registered nurse is one of the most rewarding and challenging of all professional careers. As a registered nurse, you will have the opportunity to promote health, serve humanity and experience the self-satisfaction of a rewarding career. At the University of West Alabama Division of Nursing, we help to prepare students for lifelong success in nursing.
“Everyone there takes you on — like they have a vested interest in your success.”
— Jennifer Collins, RN, UWA Division of Nursing Graduate
Choose the Program That’s Right for You
Choose a nursing degree that meets your needs and your schedule. Choose from a range of programs — on campus or online — all of which are designed to give you the tools and skills you need for a successful career in the healthcare field.
Nursing Matters
The career outlook for nursing is excellent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032. The Bureau reports the current average salary is $81,220. The degree options in the Division of Nursing are designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to seek a career as a registered nurse. Programs in the Division of Nursing are granted approval by the Alabama Board of Nursing and accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
At the UWA Division of Nursing, students can earn the prelicensure Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) degree in just two years (5 semesters). Students can learn hands-on skills in clinical and simulated lab settings from experienced nurse educators. Upon completing this program, students may be eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The Board of Nursing determines eligibility for all candidates who apply. After passing the NCLEX-RN, they can enter the workforce.
Associate degree-prepared nurses may elect to enroll in bachelor’s or accelerated master’s degree programs to prepare for a broader scope of nursing practice including teaching, administration, research, or advanced practice. The UWA Division of Nursing offers an online RN-BSN post licensure degree to allow Associate degree-prepared nurses to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing while working in nursing practice.
For those students who wish to immerse themselves in the extracurricular experiences of campus life, high school graduates and transfer students may consider the prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is a 4-year campus option. This degree option blends campus and online courses of the ASN and BSN curriculum. Following the completion of all requirements, the student may be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and become a Registered Nurse. The Board of Nursing determines eligibility for all candidates who apply.
Alumni and Student Experiences
“I chose UWA because the minute I walked on campus for the first time, it felt just like I was right at home. I instantly fell in love and knew this was exactly where I wanted to further my education. One professor who has made a lasting impact on me during my time at UWA has been Dr. Marsha Cannon. Though she has only been my nursing mentor for two semesters, she has helped me learn to navigate my way through learning to study for nursing exams and how to be a successful nursing student. My absolute favorite part of my major is clinical rotations! I love being able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to the hospital setting. Being able to meet patients and have a hands-on learning experience allows me to learn more about what being a nurse really is! To a prospective student I would be open and honest and tell them that yes, nursing is hard and takes time and lots of effort, but it’s not impossible. Being a nursing student is more than just sitting in a classroom, learning a bunch of material, and taking a test. Being a nursing student means learning skills and applying them to real-life scenarios, building relationships with peers who will ultimately become your best friends, and lastly, being able to feel proud knowing that one day you will be helping make a difference in many patients’ lives! I recently received a very special scholarship in honor of Hadyn O’Cain, a former UWA Marching Band Drum Major. Hadyn’s family allowed her legacy to live on in the UWA Marching Band by every Drum Major now receiving the newly named Hadyn O'Cain Drum Major Scholarship.”
Juliana Hayes, Millry, AL, Nursing
About the Division of Nursing
The Ira D. Pruitt Division of Nursing provides nursing programs designed to meet the growing learning needs of the region and contemporary society. Our mission is to bring about positive change in the field of healthcare through nursing education, service-learning projects, and community outreach. Nursing presents an opportunity to care for, serve, and help others. At its core, nursing provides for the well-being and basic care needs of an individual or community of individuals.
Accreditation
The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees.
Associate in Science in Nursing Program Accreditation
The associate nursing program at The University of West Alabama located in Livingston, AL is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program in Continuing Accreditation.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Accreditation
The baccalaureate nursing program at The University of West Alabama, located in Livingston, AL, is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the baccalaureate in nursing program is Initial Accreditation.
Alabama Board of Nursing Approval
The associate and bachelor of science in nursing programs at The University of West Alabama located in Livingston, AL have been approved by The Alabama Board of Nursing.
The Alabama Board of Nursing
RSA Plaza Suite 250
770 Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 303900
Montgomery, AL 36130
*The UWA Division of Nursing meets all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Alumni Experience
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