Nursing FAQs

LPNs wishing to enroll in the Nursing Career Mobility program must have a valid, unencumbered Alabama PN license (printed from ABN website) or a valid, unencumbered multistate license allowing them to practice nursing in the state of Alabama.

Official transcripts from all institutions, including high school transcripts, must be sent to Coastal Alabama Community College’s registrar’s office directly from the college attended. Applications and all supporting materials (such as ACT score) must be received by the application deadline.

There is no expiration or time limit on core academic courses.

The competition for admittance to one of Coastal Alabama’s nursing programs is dependent on the campus location and semester. The higher the points toward admittance, the higher the chances of being admitted to a nursing program.

The job outlook is promising. There are currently more job opportunities than there are nurses to fill the positions. This shortage allows nurses to be more selective in choosing their practice setting.

Registered Nurses may work in a variety of settings with a variety of clients. Examples include:

· Hospital nursing
· Office/Clinic nursing
· Community/Public health nursing
· Home health nursing
· Long-term care facility nursing
· Travel nursing
· Nursing supervisor/manager
· Hospice nursing

Starting pay is often the same for those with either degree. Job functions are typically the same for an entry level RN.

No experience is required.

A flagged background check does not automatically result in denial of admission into Coastal’s nursing programs. Flagged background checks are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by our clinical affiliates. If a clinical facility denies the student admission, then the student is not allowed to admit to or continue in the program.

A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for nursing program entry. A 2.5 GPA in the 8 academic core courses is required. For practical nursing, a 2.5 GPA in the 6 academic core courses is required.

No. The Associate Degree Nursing program is 5 semesters once admitted to the nursing program. Students generally complete 2-3 semesters of general education requirements prior to admittance.

Yes. The Practical Nursing Program admits three times a year. In the spring, summer, and fall, Coastal admits to the Atmore campus. In the spring, Coastal admits to the Thomasville campus.

Students desiring to go into a nursing or health-related degree should select the General Studies degree with a concentration in Health Sciences.

Yes. A minimum composite score of 18 on ACT is required for application to the Career Mobility program. Information for ACT prep courses is available through Coastal Alabama’s Workforce Development Office at www.coastalalabama.edu/cpd or 251-990-0445. 

Coastal Alabama Nursing will accept any of the following:

1. Student score as listed on the student’s OneACCS account.  Students should check the ACT score listed in OneACCS to determine if it is the score the student wishes to submit. Coastal Alabama Nursing will use that score ONLY if it is posted on the student account by the deadline date for the application cycle in which the student wishes to be admitted.

2. Request an official score report from ACT.org (a screen shot will not be accepted).

3. Request an official high school transcript (First ensure the ACT score is recorded on the official high school transcript. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted).

4. ACT Residual Score report emailed to the student’s account from Coastal Alabama Community College

The Associate Degree Nursing program admits three times a year. In the spring, Coastal admits to the Brewton, Bay Minette, and Thomasville campuses. In the fall, Coastal admits to the Bay Minette, Brewton, Fairhope, and Monroeville campuses. In the Summer, Coastal admits to the Fairhope campus.

The Practical Nursing Program admits three times a year. In the spring, summer, and fall, Coastal admits to the Atmore campus. In the spring, Coastal admits to the Thomasville campus.

Schedules vary based on the semester and clinical site availability. Typically, students must commit 3-5 days per week for class, lab, and/or clinical.

Nursing courses must be taken in sequence as posted. Nursing courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better in order to progress to the next semester.

Some credits are accepted from other colleges and universities. Only courses passed with a “C” or higher may transfer.  For questions regarding transfer of classes, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

Many of the academic core courses required for a nursing certificate or degree are offered in the evening or online. Nursing courses are not offered in the evening or online.

12 or more credit hours per semester is considered full-time. 6-11 credit hours per semester is considered part-time. Students taking 6-11 credit hours will not receive a full financial aid award. For questions specific to financial aid eligibility, please contact the financial aid office: financial_aid@coastalalabama.edu

Refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook for details regarding the differences in LPNs and RNs: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm

An ACT score is required for all nursing program applications. TEAS, HESI, and SAT are not accepted in place of ACT.

Yes, all nursing applicants are required to submit proper documentation of an ACT score. No minimum score is required for the practical nursing program application and a minimum composite score of 18 or higher is required for the associate degree program application. There is no expiration on ACT scores for nursing program entry. Acceptable reports for ACT scores include:

1. Student score as listed on the student’s OneACCS account.  Students should check the ACT score listed in OneACCS to determine if it is the score the student wishes to submit. Coastal Alabama Nursing will use that score ONLY if it is posted on the student account by the deadline date for the application cycle in which the student wishes to be admitted.

2. Request an official score report from ACT.org (a screen shot will not be accepted).

3. Request an official high school transcript (First ensure the ACT score is recorded on the official high school transcript. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted).

4. ACT Residual Score report emailed to the student’s account from Coastal Alabama Community College.

The biggest difference between ACT Residual and the National ACT is that scores from ACT Residual taken at Coastal Alabama Community College are only valid for use at Coastal Alabama or another Alabama Community College. 

It generally takes 4-6 weeks after the close of the application cycle to receive notification of acceptance or denial. Applicants not receiving a letter after 6 weeks from the close of the application cycle should contact the nursing department at 251-580-4890.

Students are encouraged to speak with a Nursing and Allied Health advisor to discuss goals/plans: 251-990-0434 or 251-580-2257. Students must submit a complete application again, if applying for a different semester.

Courses must be completed and a grade awarded by the deadline date for the admission cycle in which the student is applying.

You will only be awarded 3 extra points for either ONE higher level math or chemistry course that is successfully completed with a grade of a “C” or higher.

In place of the points for a higher-level math or chemistry, 3 extra points may be awarded for current certification in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Medical Assistant, Licensed Basic or Advanced EMT, Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Veterinary Technician, or Certified Surgical Technologist. PROOF (COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION) MUST BE ATTACHED to the application in order to receive extra points. Students may not receive extra points for a higher-level math or chemistry AND certification. Extra points are awarded for one or the other.

No. There is no waiting list. Students not admitted must complete the entire application process each time they wish to be considered for admission.