Student Life
Beyond the Bedside.
At the UAB School of Nursing, we believe that a well-rounded student is a successful nurse. Our vibrant student life program fosters a supportive and vibrant community where you can connect with peers, explore your passions and develop essential leadership skills.
From academic support services and social events to volunteer opportunities and career development, we offer a range of resources and activities designed to enrich your nursing journey.
On this page:
Activities
Kickball
Each semester, the UAB School of Nursing hosts a spirited kickball game that brings together faculty, staff and students for friendly competition and community building. This fun-filled event fosters camaraderie, encourages wellness and strengthens the bonds that make our school a supportive environment. Whether you're playing or cheering from the sidelines, it's a great way to connect and unwind outside the classroom.
Activities
Welcome Back Cookout
Held at the start of each term, the Welcome Back Cookout is a cherished School of Nursing tradition that brings together new and returning students. It’s the perfect way to kick off the semester—enjoying delicious food, games and music in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. This event offers a fun opportunity to connect with classmates, meet faculty and staff and learn about student life at UAB.
Traditions
Homecoming
Homecoming Week at UAB is a vibrant celebration of school spirit, tradition and community. Nursing students join the festivities through themed events, competitions and campus-wide activities that highlight Blazer pride. It’s a time to reconnect with peers and showcase the energy and excellence of the School of Nursing. From parades to pep rallies, Homecoming is a highlight of the academic year.
Traditions
Lamp of Learning
The Lamp of Learning Ceremony is a cherished tradition at the UAB School of Nursing, symbolizing the beginning of a student’s journey into the nursing profession. During this ceremony, students receive their Lamp of Learning pins, which serve as daily reminder of their commitment to excellence and the vital roles they will play in their patients’ lives. The Lamp of Learning Ceremony not only marks the start of their educational journey but also instills the values and dedication required to succeed in the nursing profession.
Interested in Learning More
Discover the many ways the UAB School of Nursing is shaping the future of healthcare. Learn more about our programs, connect with expert faculty, and explore how our clinical practice and research are making a real-world impact. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at our cutting-edge simulation spaces that prepare students for hands-on success. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to advance your career, there's something here for you.
Opportunities
Nursing Honors Program
The Nursing Honors Program provides unique experiential learning opportunities in research where students are introduced to basic research concepts and provided the opportunity to complete defined research activities as part of a faculty research team. Students have the opportunity to explore the role and career path of a nurse scientist. All undergraduate nursing students are eligible to apply for admission to the Nursing Honors Program.
Opportunities
Dinner with the Dean
Dinner with the Dean offers students in the Dean’s Nursing Scholars Program a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation with the School of Nursing’s leadership. This intimate evening celebrates academic excellence and provides a welcoming space for students to share their experiences, goals and ideas. With engaging activities and thoughtful dialogue, the event fosters mentorship, recognition and a deeper connection to the school’s mission and community.
Opportunities
Student Organizations
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Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate programs are offered in three distinct pathways: the traditional, four-year BSN Pathway, the RN to BSN Pathway for working registered nurses who want to further their education and the Joint Enrollment Pathway that allows students to simultaneously earn their ADN and BSN at the same time.
Master's Programs
Master's programs are offered in four distinct pathways: one for nurse midwives, one for nurse practitioners, one for health systems leaders, and an accelerated master’s in nursing pathway for entry into professional nursing practice for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
Doctoral Programs
The UAB School of Nursing offers two distinct types of doctoral degrees: a practice–focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and a research-focused Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degree. The DNP and PhD lead to different career paths, both of which make highly important contributions to nursing and health care.
Non-Degree Options
The UAB School of Nursing offers several post-graduate certificates for nurses who have already completed an MSN or DNP degree and Subspecialty Options that may be completed as part of the Graduate degree or as a non-degree option by practicing nurse practitioners who have already completed the graduate degree.