UAH College of Nursing streamlines BSN program for workforce readiness

Michael Mercier | UAH

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Nursing will transition to a four-semester Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, a change designed to better support student success and align with workforce and industry needs. UAH is part of The University of Alabama System.

“This change reflects our commitment to ensuring that our program structure supports both student success and the evolving needs of the nursing profession,” said Dr. Karen Frith, dean of the UAH College of Nursing. “By refining how and when content is delivered, we are better positioning our students to succeed academically and transition confidently into clinical practice.”

The new program will enable students to maintain a more consistent academic load of approximately 15 credit hours per semester. Additionally, the new schedule aligns more closely with scholarship timelines and the needs of active-duty military students pursuing nursing degrees.

“We took a close look at how students progress through the program and where adjustments could improve their experience,” said Dr. Sheila S. Gentry, associate dean for undergraduate programs. “This structure allows for a more cohesive learning experience, where students are building knowledge and applying it in practice in a more integrated and meaningful way.”

The revised curriculum was developed through a collaborative process that included faculty working groups and direct student feedback. As part of the redesign, courses were adjusted and, in some cases, combined to better align instruction with clinical application, ensuring that students are able to apply concepts in a more timely and practical way.

The updated program will take effect in Fall 2026 for students applying to the nursing major – typically rising juniors and transfer students. Freshmen who apply to UAH as nursing majors will enjoy a shortened program that can be completed in 4 years (8 semesters). This change in the program length makes a BSN degree at UAH more affordable.

Additionally, UAH will continue to offer its accelerated three-semester BSN program for students who already have a bachelor's degree and seek an expedited route into a nursing career.

In this program, students serve as apprentices within units at area hospitals during their course of study. Upon graduation, they continue working in that unit, reducing the orientation period significantly.

Both options showcase the College of Nursing’s commitment to high-quality education that supports the healthcare needs of our community and beyond.

Interested students must first be admitted to UAH and submit a completed nursing application by posted deadlines. Nursing application deadline for Fall 2026 admission is July 1, 2026; the Spring 2027 admission deadline is November 1, 2026.

More information about the program and application process is available at the Nursing Admission Requirements page.