Athens State Hospital

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

Nurse and 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.

Nurse on computer

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.

Nurses

Master of Science in Nursing Education

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

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.

Nurse on computer

Nurse

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.

The mission of the Athens State University Nursing Unit is to educate and empower nurses to become compassionate, evidence-based practitioners, leaders, and educators who advance the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. We are committed to student-centered learning, professional excellence, lifelong development, and innovative educational experiences that prepare nurses to lead change, improve healthcare outcomes, and serve the evolving needs of the nursing profession.

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, RN, COI
Chief Nurse Administrator and Associate Professor of Nursing
Nursing
Brown Hall 218

Jodie Gray, BSN Alumna

“It’s because of Athens State that I have my position at Terrace Manor,” she said. “And I really love it. Getting my degree was a self-esteem booster because I didn’t realize I could make good grades and do well on my own. I also didn’t realize all of the doors that would open for me with a BSN.” -Jodie Gray | BSN Alumna

Recent News

Founders Hall
ACHE Approves New Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Education

Athens State is pleased to announce that the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) has approved a new Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Education (MSN-NE) degree program that is […]

Founders Hall
Athens State Establishes Fast-Track/Joint Enrollment BSN Program with Northeast Alabama Community College

Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) located in Rainsville, Alabama and Athens State University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new Fast-Track/Joint Enrollment BSN program that will allow […]

Founders Hall
Athens State Accepted as Member of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing

Athens State University has been accepted as a new member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) as its Beta Phi At-Large chapter, which is in conjunction […]

Athens State University
Athens State Establishes Joint Enrollment BSN Program with Wallace State – Hanceville

Wallace State Community College in Hanceville and Athens State University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new Joint Enrollment BSN program that will allow students to receive […]

Founders Hall
Athens State Establishes Fast-Track BSN Program with Drake State

Two Institutions. Two Degrees. One Curriculum. Drake State Community and Technical College and Athens State University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new Fast-Track BSN program that […]

Athens State’s BSN program receives CCNE Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has announced that Athens State University’s Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing has been accredited by the CCNE Board of Commissioners for five years, […]

Fast-Track BSN Program Signing
Athens State and Calhoun Community College Establish Fast-Track BSN Program

Calhoun Community College and Athens State University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new fast-track BSN program that will allow students to receive their Associate Degree in […]

Athens State graduate Carrie Trousdale became nurse to show compassion

Her mother’s illness inspired Carrie Trousdale to pursue a nursing degree at Athens State University and go into the medical field, determined to be a nurse who shows her patients […]

Huntsville Hospital partners with Athens State University to train more nurses

A new partnership between Athens State University and Huntsville Hospital could help combat the nursing shortage. It started Friday, when the president of Huntsville Hospital and the president of Athens […]

More students in Athens State’s new program for nursing bachelor’s degrees

Amberly Taylor fell in love with caring for others as a child, and it led to her becoming a nurse and the first person in her family to attend college.

Nursing Unit Faculty & Staff Directory

Dr. Mark Reynolds Photo
Mark Reynolds, DNP, RN, COI
Chief Nurse Administrator and Associate Professor of Nursing
Nursing
Brown Hall 218
Maria Steele Photo
Maria Steele, DNP
Assistant Professor of Nursing (CRNP, RN, PMHNP-BC, PHNA-BC, CNE)
Nursing
Brown Hall 217
Tammy Clemmons
Tammy Clemmons, DNP
Assistant Professor of Nursing (MSN, CRNP, CNE-cl)
Nursing
Brown Hall 215
Lynn Hogan Photo
Lynn Hogan
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Nursing
Brown Hall 215
Hiatt Headshot
Meredith Hiatt
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Nursing
DJ Doorenbos Photo
DJ Doorenbos
Student Success Coach Primary focus: College of Business
Student Success Center
Sandridge Student Center G03