History & Achievements
The University of Alabama's involvement in nursing education dates back to the mid 1900s. At this time The University of Alabama was the first public institution for higher education in the state to recognize the vital need for a baccalaureate program to prepare graduates for the professional practice of nursing. As a result, an undergraduate program was established by legislative action in 1950. For almost two decades this program resided on the Tuscaloosa campus. However, in 1969, the nursing program moved to the medical center in Birmingham. The void created by the school's move escalated the impending nursing shortage in the West Alabama and surrounding areas. The University of Alabama listened to the needs of the people and responded.
In 1975, a new baccalaureate program was officially established at The University of Alabama in response to validated community need. Since The University of Alabama has historically been referred to as the "Capstone" of learning in Alabama, the name "Capstone" was endearingly given to the newly established nursing program. Thus, this new nursing program was officially named the Capstone College of Nursing and graduated its first class in 1978. Once again The University of Alabama demonstrated its commitment to nursing education, its responsiveness to the needs of the people, and its commitment to foster the health of Alabama's citizens.
The Capstone College of Nursing has continued the University's tradition of responding to the needs of its constituents. Since these first graduates, our undergraduate student enrollment has continued to grow and the number of students promoted to the upper division portion of the curriculum has more than doubled in an effort to help with the nursing shortage. The college continues to incorporate leading edge technology throughout the curriculum. The college’s student computing labs have grown to over 100 workstations to accommodate online testing throughout the undergraduate curriculum. The college’s simulation center houses several high-fidelity simulators, as simulation is used as a highly effective teaching strategy incorporated throughout the undergraduate program.
Flexible educational options are available to registered nurses returning for their baccalaureate degree. The college has established partnerships with community colleges and health care agencies throughout the state in an effort to streamline this option for registered nurses. Following completion of core requirements, RN to BSN students may complete remaining nursing courses online in three semesters of full-time study. Part-time study is available for students needing a slower pace.
In 1998, the Capstone College of Nursing was granted approval for a graduate program in case management with emphasis on rural populations. The college’s commitment to improving the health of the citizens of Alabama and the nation is demonstrated by the variety of graduate programs offered today, including Case Management, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nurse Educator Specialization. All nursing courses are taught online and students may choose to attend on a part-time of full-time basis. The goal of all our degree programs is to produce qualified and caring advanced practice nurses prepared to face the challenges of the future in nursing.
The Capstone College of Nursing has retained approval status by the Alabama Board of Nursing since opening its doors to students in 1976. The College also maintains full accreditation for the BSN and MSN degree programs by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.