As Alabama faces one of the most severe nursing shortages in the nation — driven by looming retirements and rising hospital vacancy rates — The University of Alabama has announced a transformative plan to double enrollment at its Capstone College of Nursing and significantly expand the state’s nurse workforce pipeline.
The UA nursing expansion Alabama officials announced is designed to help close the state’s projected nurse workforce gap.
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, approximately 39,000 nurses plan to retire by 2027, contributing to a projected statewide shortage of about 14,000 nurses. The Alabama Hospital Association reports hospitals across the state are experiencing roughly a 20% nurse vacancy rate.
To help close that gap, UA plans to more than double the size of its nursing program and graduate more than 550 new nurses each year through its on-campus bachelor’s degree pathway.
University leaders say the expansion mobilizes the combined strength of the UA System, UAB Health System, and statewide partners to address what officials describe as Alabama’s most pressing healthcare workforce challenge. When complete, the initiative is expected to position UA among the largest nursing programs in the country.
“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.”
University officials note the Capstone College of Nursing has already experienced rapid growth. Since 2023, graduate enrollment has increased 55%, while bachelor’s enrollment has risen 25%. Current enrollment across undergraduate and graduate clinical courses totals 1,704 students.
Under the new expansion plan, total enrollment is projected to reach 3,436 students 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.”
UA emphasized that expansion efforts are paired with measures designed to maintain student success and program quality. The Capstone College of Nursing reports a 99.6% National Council Licensure Examination pass rate among its 2025 graduates, exceeding national averages.
To support larger enrollment, UA plans to add new faculty positions, expand simulation and clinical training facilities, increase clinical partnerships across the state, and expand in-state student recruitment.
The UA System Board of Trustees has approved a physical expansion of the nursing college to support student and faculty growth. Plans include renovating more than 31,000 square feet of existing space and adding more than 50,100 square feet of new space.
UA will also work with UAB Health System to increase the number of clinical placement opportunities available to UA nursing students. Officials say the model is already proven through existing UAB nursing clinical partnerships.
With retirement projections rising and vacancy rates already elevated, university officials say the Capstone College of Nursing expansion is designed to help lead the charge in supplying highly qualified and compassionate nurses to Alabama’s future workforce.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
