Athens State Nursing

Whether you’re ready to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, looking for an accelerated pathway to complete your degree, or planning for graduate study (coming soon), Athens State University offers flexible nursing programs designed for today’s healthcare professionals.

Our nursing programs combine academic excellence, career-focused curriculum, and personalized support to help you reach your goals while balancing work, family, and life commitments. Guided by experienced faculty and informed by industry leaders, Athens State prepares nurses to lead, serve, and make a meaningful impact in healthcare settings across Alabama and beyond.

Available Nursing Programs

Nursing Student with dummy patient

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Designed for licensed registered nurses seeking to advance their education, the BSN program builds upon existing clinical knowledge while preparing graduates for expanded leadership opportunities, professional growth, and graduate study.

Nursing Student study

Fast-Track / Joint Enrollment BSN

The Fast-Track/Joint Enrollment option allows eligible nursing students to begin coursework toward their BSN while completing an associate degree in nursing.

Nursing Student with doctor

Master of Science in Nursing (Coming Soon)

Athens State is expanding opportunities for nursing professionals with the upcoming launch of a Master of Science in Nursing program.

Embark on a Meaningful Career

Demand for nurses is expected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than average. While nurses with a BSN earn a national median wage of over $86,000 per year on average*, this degree also helps prepare you for roles such as:

Nurse Educator

Nurse Recruiter

Compliance Officer

Health Education Specialist

*2023 Median Pay – $86,070 per year – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Scholarships and Financial Support

The goal of the Athens State Nursing Program Scholarship is to celebrate the academic achievements of eligible, newly admitted nursing students as they begin their BSN journey. When funding is available, this one-time award is determined automatically through transcript review at the time of admission — no separate application is required.

  1. Be newly admitted for the upcoming Fall, Spring, or Summer semester in the BSN program
  2. Have a minimum transfer GPA of 3.00
  3. Have no previous bachelor’s or master’s degree

Why Choose Nursing at Athens State?

Flexible for Working Professionals

Our programs are designed with working nurses in mind, offering flexible course delivery options that help students balance education, employment, and family responsibilities.

Career-Focused Education

Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, communication, and evidence-based practice to prepare graduates for success in today’s evolving healthcare environment.

Nursing Student studying

nursing students practical test

Expert Faculty

Learn from experienced nurse educators and healthcare professionals who bring real-world expertise into every course and are committed to student success.

Workforce Ready Graduates

Athens State nursing graduates leave prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare while serving patients, organizations, and communities with excellence.

Nursing Unit Advisory Board

Athens State University’s Nursing Unit and its collaborative partners recognize the value and importance of involving internal and external stakeholders in the development, delivery, and promotion of its campus programs through program advisory boards. These groups provide a critical link between educators, students, and practitioners in the field in order to achieve program quality and relevance.

Dr. Mark Reynolds

Chief Nurse Administrator, Athens State University


Dr. Kaneesha McNeely

Clinical Nursing Practice, Huntsville Hospital


Stacy Powell

Interim Department Chair, Calhoun Community College


Amy Mahone RN, MSN

Director of Health Sciences Drake State Technical and Community College


Brandie Frayne, RN, BSN

Clinical Educator, Decatur-Morgan Hospital


Catherine Brown, MSN, RN, CNS, ACNS-BN

Chief Nursing Officer, Athens-Limestone Hospital


Andrea Bergman, MSN, FNP-C

Hometown Family Medical Urgent Care


Dr. Myrna Williamson

Director of Nursing, Northeast Alabama Community College


S’myjh Sims, RN

Athens State RN to BSN Program Student


Priscilla Martinez

Athens State Fast-Track/Joint Enrollment BSN Program Student


Carrie Wates, RN, BSN, NCSN

Athens State RN to BSN Program Alumni


Amy Shadoin PhD, RN, BSN

Athens State Fast-Track/Joint Enrollment BSN Program Alumni

Head of Division

Dr. Mark Reynolds Photo

Mark Reynolds, DNP

Chief Nurse Administrator and Assistant Professor of Nursing (MSN, RN COI)

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

Learning Partners and Healthcare Connections