UA Aims to Double Nursing Enrollment to Address Statewide Shortage

Expansion Plan Will Place UA Among Largest Nursing Programs in the Nation

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama faces one of the most severe nursing shortages in the nation. According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, approximately 39,000 nurses indicated retirement plans by 2027, leaving a projected statewide shortage of 14,000 nurses.

To combat the urgent and growing need, The University of Alabama has unveiled a transformative plan to double the enrollment of the Capstone College of Nursing and graduate more than 550 new nurses every year through its on-campus bachelor's program. The expansion, developed in close partnership with The University of Alabama System and the UAB Health System, mobilizes the combined strength of these institutions and statewide leaders to address the state's most pressing health care workforce challenge. When complete, this strategic growth initiative will position UA as one of the nation's largest nursing programs.

"This announcement reflects The University of Alabama's commitment to all 67 counties of Alabama," UA President Peter J. Mohler said. "Every community in our state - rural and urban - depends on a strong, stable nursing workforce. This expansion is possible because of our deep partnerships with our public leaders across Alabama who share our vision for improving health outcomes and strengthening the future of our state."

A College on the Rise

Since 2023, Capstone College of Nursing has seen a 55% increase in enrollment across graduate programs and a 25% increase across bachelor's programs. The College currently enrolls 1,704 students in undergraduate and graduate clinical courses.

Under the new expansion plan, Capstone College of Nursing will grow to a total enrollment of 3,436 by 2030, effectively doubling the number of practice ready nurses graduating from UA.

"We're proud of our graduates and the exemplary programs that prepare them to make a difference in health care," said Dr. Julie Sanford, dean of the Capstone College of Nursing. "This bold vision for enrollment growth is essential to addressing Alabama's pressing workforce shortage and will transform health care in our state."

Commitment to Statewide Success

According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, the Capstone College of Nursing boasts a 99.6% National Council Licensure Examination pass rate among its 2025 graduates, far exceeding national averages. To support growth while maintaining student success, UA will add new faculty positions, expand simulation and clinical training facilities, and increase clinical partnerships across the state. In-state recruitment for the College will also expand.

The UA System Board of Trustees recently approved plans for a physical expansion of the College to aid in student and faculty growth. The expansion will renovate more than 31,000 square feet of existing space and add 50,100 more. It includes research space, classrooms, state-of-the-science simulation labs, offices and other support services to develop future nurses.

Current plans also include a pedestrian bridge over University Boulevard connecting the College with DCH Regional Medical Center where many students earn valuable clinical experiences.

UA will also work with UAB Health System to increase the number of clinical placement opportunities for UA students.

"This initiative reflects the strength of The University of Alabama System and our commitment to improving the lives of Alabamians," UA System Chancellor Sid Trant said. "This partnership between UA's Capstone College of Nursing and UAB Medicine, home to one of the nation's leading academic medical centers, expands opportunities for students and addresses a critical workforce shortage with a unified and strategic approach that will benefit the entire state."

UAB Health System Chief Nursing Executive Terri Poe says this model for clinical placements is already proven.

"We have seen for many years how the clinical placements of UAB School of Nursing students and graduates benefit UAB Medicine, the students and our patients, as well as communities across the state," Poe said. "With the nursing shortage we are facing, bringing in more students to work and learn alongside some of the best healthcare professionals in the state will increase those mutually beneficial outcomes."

While Alabama is in the midst of a roughly 20% nurse vacancy in hospitals across the state, according to the Alabama Hospital Association, Capstone College of Nursing plans to lead the charge in supplying highly qualified and compassionate nurses to the state's workforce.

More information on UA's Capstone College of Nursing is available at nursing.ua.edu.