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Nursing

Registered Nurse | RN Reach Program | Licensed Practical Nurse | LPN Launch Program | LPN to RN

Application deadlines

  • Summer Semester (Registered Nursing) – January 15
  • Fall Semester (Registered Nursing/Practical Nursing) – April 15
  • Spring Semester (LPN to RN Mobility/Practical Nursing) – September 15

Become a Registered Nurse

The associate degree in Registered Nursing at Drake State is a comprehensive program that integrates theory and clinical practice. This seamless curriculum is designed to provide qualified individuals an opportunity to acquire the knowledge, mindset, and skills to become safe and competent practitioners of nursing.

Students have the option of taking the practical nursing licensure examination (NCLEX-PN) upon successful completion of the first three semesters. Continuation of the program for an additional two semesters will lead to graduation with an associate degree in nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the registered nursing licensure examination (NCLEX-RN).

The typical student, who enters the program full-time and whose academic and clinical progress are satisfactory, can complete the PN program in three semesters and the RN program in five semesters provided the necessary courses are offered.

Earn your RN degree

RN FAQs

How do I get started?
Apply for admission to Drake State, get selected. You must be unconditionally accepted to Drake State before you apply to the nursing program.
How do I apply to the nursing program?
  • Complete a nursing program application
  • Complete the Essential Functions form
  • Have all your college transcripts, High School transcript or GED certificate sent to Drake State. Send your ACT score to Drake State. If you don’t have an ACT score, contact nur@drakestate.edu to register to take the HESI examination at the College.
What happens after I apply to the nursing program?
After the application deadline, the application is reviewed and selection is made based on the selection criteria. Once selection is made, applicants will be notified by email whether they were accepted or not. Remember, admission to the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program is competitive and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
What do I do after I am accepted into the program?
You will be notified by email regarding the documentation you need to complete.
Will I have to do a drug screen or background screen?
Applicants accepted to the ADN program will be required to complete a background screen. Students should be aware that a fee will be charged to complete this requirement. Criminal findings may prohibit enrollment into the ADN program. Nothing should be completed prior to notification from the nursing program.
Will a physical examination be required?
Applicants accepted to the nursing program will receive a list of health requirements, to include information about a physical examination and immunizations. Information regarding health requirements will be sent by email to students. Nothing should be done prior to notification from the nursing program.
Will CPR be required?
Applicants accepted to the nursing program must maintain certification in CPR at the health care provider level throughout the program. Drake State accepts only American Heart Association and American Red Cross CPR certification. Please make sure the certification is at the Healthcare Provider level!

Registered Nurse earnings

Successful nurses have a caring and empathetic nature and have a high tolerance for stress. This profession requires keen observational, decision-making, technical, and communication skills.

According to Lightcast Economic Modeling, the median salary for a nursing career is $60,723. 

Note: Salary ranges can vary widely depending on location and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.

All new students must complete a Drake State admission application before applying to the nursing program. Follow our step-by-step Admission Checklist to get started and then apply to the Registered Nursing program. Once you receive your acceptance letter, you may submit your Nursing Application packet. New students are admitted only in the fall and summer semesters.

Become a Practical Nurse (PN)

Practical Nursing is a three-semester comprehensive certificate program of study that integrates theory and clinical practice. The curriculum is designed to provide qualified individuals an opportunity to acquire the knowledge, mindset, and skills to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who work under the supervision of professional registered nurses. Upon successful completion of the program, students take the practical nursing licensure examination (NCLEX-PN).

Upon graduation and licensure, students are eligible to apply for the LPN to RN Mobility program. The mobility program leads to an associate degree in nursing

All new students must complete a Drake State admission application before applying to the Practical Nursing (PN) certificate program. Follow our step-by-step Admission Checklist to get started. New students are admitted only in the fall and spring semesters

Earn your PN certificate

LPN Launch with Huntsville Hospital

Become a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and work at the largest hospital in North Alabama through the LPN Launch Program Powered by Drake State. Huntsville Hospital will cover up to $15,000 in tuition, fees, and some other expenses. In exchange for the assistance, students will commit to work for three years as an LPN at the hospital.

According to Lightcast Economic Modeling, the median salary for a nursing career is $47,781.

LPN to RN Mobility

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) professionals and students can accelerate their studies toward an associate degree in Nursing by enrolling in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nursing (RN) Mobility program. Students who successfully complete the LPN to RN Mobility program are eligible to take the registered nursing licensure examination (NCLEX-RN).

All new students must complete a Drake State admission application before applying to the LPN to RN Mobility program. Follow our step-by-step Admission Checklist to get started.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider

Becoming a Basic life source provider will:

  1. Prepare individuals for basic life support in the event of emergency situations.
  2. Recertify health care providers with basic life support certification.
  3. Raise awareness of life-saving measures in disaster situations.

Cost: 

$99 for new BLS Provider course

$79 for renew BLS Provider course

Register

rebecca.sims@drakestate.edu

256-551-3156

Accreditation

The Nursing Education associate degree program at Drake State is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Associate Degree Nursing Program

The Associate Degree Nursing program at J. F. Drake State Community & Technical College located in Huntsville, Alabama 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 Degree Nursing program is Initial Accreditation.

Practical Nursing Program

The Practical Nursing program at J. F. Drake State Community & Technical College located in Huntsville, Alabama 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 Practical Nursing program is Initial Accreditation.

Student achievement

RATES201920202021
RATES: Completion Rate
2019: RN – 74%
2020: RN – 34%
2021: RN – 34%
RATES: Percentage students who completed:
The 5-semester RN program in 7 semesters or less, or The 3-semester PN program in 4 semesters or less
2019: PN – 78%
2020: PN – 100%
2021: PN – 93%
RATES: Licensure Rate
2019: RN – 27%
2020: RN – 57%
2021: RN – 79%
RATES: The percentage of students who:
passed NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN in their first attempt
2019: PN – 100%
2020: PN – 100%
2021: PN – 86%

QUESTIONS?

Nursing Department

nur@drakestate.edu
256-551-3156