The DNP is a practice doctorate in nursing that prepares graduates to function at the highest level of nursing practice. Entry into the program is available in spring, summer, and fall. Graduates of the DNP program focus on providing care with an emphasis on improving quality and access to underserved and diverse populations. Graduates employ abilities and skills in these areas to (a) advocate for reasonable, rational, and data-driven health regulations, standards, and practices; (b) sustain collaborative and strategic relationships; (c) promote innovative, effective health care programs; and (d) form partnerships with diverse groups to address health disparities.
Two pathways to the DNP degree are available, post-baccalaureate to DNP (BSN to DNP) and post-masters to DNP (MSN to DNP). The BSN to DNP pathway admits BSN-prepared nurses. The MSN degree will be awarded en route at the start of the DNP project courses. The following MSN concentrations are available: Nurse Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), or dual nurse Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner.
The MSN to DNP pathway admits those with a minimum of a Master's in Nursing or Bachelor's in Nursing in Nursing or another relevant field. Those with a Master's in a field other than nursing may be required to complete additional courses. The program of study offers the opportunity for a focus in education or executive administration through additional elective coursework if desired.
The DNP curriculum includes the development of a clinical practice DNP project. "The DNP project" is designed to synthesize scholarship in an advanced practice specialty or an area of health care leadership. Practice immersion experiences provide the context within which the project is completed. Students develop the project under the direction of a team, including program faculty, the student, the clinical advisor, and the faculty advisor. All courses are offered in a distance accessible format, with one on-campus intensive conference attended during the DNP project courses.
Note: This program requires a clinical component (post-baccalaureate range from 1320-2100 clinical hours depending on the concentration; post-master's clinical hours are 540). The student’s responsibility is to identify a site and an appropriate clinical advisor. No clinical practice will take place until the student has been notified by CCN of the site and clinical advisor approval.
Click Here to view the states from which the College of Nursing currently accepts applications for admission.
Admissions
Post-Baccalaureate to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) Pathway
Applicants for the Post-Baccalaureate to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway will be considered on a competitive basis. In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing.
- Reside and hold a current unencumbered RN licensure in a state-approved for admission. Click Here to view the states from which the College of Nursing currently accepts applications for admission.
Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results that are deemed acceptable by appropriate University officials.
Post-Master's to Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) Pathway
Applicants for the Post-Baccalaureate to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway will be considered on a competitive basis. In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:
- Master's degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLN accredited school of nursing or a Master's degree in another relevant field. Those with Master's in a field other than Nursing may be required to complete additional courses.
- Reside and hold a current unencumbered RN licensure in a state approved for admission. Click Here to view the states from which the College of Nursing accepts applications for admission.
Final admission is contingent upon drug and background screen results that are deemed acceptable by appropriate University officials.
Curricular Requirements
BSN to DNP Program of Study - Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner Focused Areas of Study
| Sample Program of Study | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| NUR 505 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 521 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 706 | Introduction to Writing * | 1 |
| NUR 737 | Interdisc Leader Role Dev ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 10 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| NUR 529 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 701 | Writing for Publication | 3 |
| NUR 740 | Health Policy & Politics ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| NUR 567 | FNP Role & Issues | 3 |
| NUR 568 | Clinical Readiness | 3 |
| NUR 735 | Pop Health APN ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| NUR 569 | Family Nurse Practitioner I | 3 |
| NUR 570 | FNP Clinical I (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 733 | Informatics APN ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| NUR 571 | Family Nurse Practitioner II | 3 |
| NUR 572 | FNP Clinical II (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 727 | Foundations of Implementation ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| NUR 573 | Family Nurse Practitioner III | 3 |
| NUR 574 | FNP Clinical III (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 591 | PMHNP Roles and Issues | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| NUR 575 | FNP IV Review and Clinical (240 Clinical Hours) | 5 |
| NUR 595 | PMHNP II | 3 |
| NUR 596 | PMHNP II Clinical (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 11 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| NUR 593 | PMHNP I | 3 |
| NUR 594 | PMHNP Clinical I (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 728 | EBP Methods and Evaluation | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 9 | ||
| NUR 597 | PMHNP III | 3 |
| NUR 598 | PMHNP Clinical III (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Semester 10 | ||
| NUR 592 | PMHNP IV Review and Clinical (240 Clinical Hours) | 5 |
| NUR 796 | DNP Project Immersion I (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 8 | |
| Semester 11 | ||
| NUR 700 | Clinical Data Mgt & Analysis | 3 |
| NUR 795 | DNP Project Seminar *** | 1 |
| NUR 797 | DNP Project Immersion II (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 7 | |
| Semester 12 | ||
| NUR 798 | DNP Project Immersion III (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 99 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | May test out through the writing competency assessment.. |
| ** | Courses count toward the MSN and DNP. |
| *** | Only eligible in the last 3 semesters of coursework NUR 796, NUR 797, and NUR 798 must be in sequence. NUR 795 may be taken with NUR 796 or NUR 797. |
BSN to DNP Program of Study - Family Nurse Practitioner Focused Areas of Study
| Sample Program of Study | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| NUR 505 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 521 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 706 | Introduction to Writing * | 1 |
| NUR 737 | Interdisc Leader Role Dev ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 10 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| NUR 529 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 701 | Writing for Publication | 3 |
| NUR 727 | Foundations of Implementation ** | 3 |
| NUR 740 | Health Policy & Politics ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| NUR 567 | FNP Role & Issues | 3 |
| NUR 568 | Clinical Readiness | 3 |
| NUR 735 | Pop Health APN ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| NUR 569 | Family Nurse Practitioner I | 3 |
| NUR 570 | FNP Clinical I (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 733 | Informatics APN ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| NUR 571 | Family Nurse Practitioner II | 3 |
| NUR 572 | FNP Clinical II (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 728 | EBP Methods and Evaluation | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| NUR 573 | Family Nurse Practitioner III | 3 |
| NUR 574 | FNP Clinical III (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| NUR 575 | FNP IV Review and Clinical (240 Clinical Hours) | 5 |
| NUR 796 | DNP Project Immersion I (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 8 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| NUR 700 | Clinical Data Mgt & Analysis | 3 |
| NUR 795 | DNP Project Seminar *** | 1 |
| NUR 797 | DNP Project Immersion II (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 7 | |
| Semester 9 | ||
| NUR 798 | DNP Project Immersion III (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 73 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | May test out through the writing competency assessment. |
| ** | Courses count toward MSN and DNP |
| *** | Only eligible in the last 3 semesters of coursework NUR 796, NUR 797, and NUR 798 must be in sequence. NUR 795 may be taken with NUR 796 or NUR 797. |
BSN to DNP Program of Study - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Focused Areas of Study
| Sample Program of Study | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| NUR 505 | Advanced Health Assessment | 3 |
| NUR 521 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUR 706 | Introduction to Writing * | 1 |
| NUR 737 | Interdisc Leader Role Dev ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 10 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| NUR 529 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 701 | Writing for Publication | 3 |
| NUR 740 | Health Policy & Politics ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| NUR 568 | Clinical Readiness | 3 |
| NUR 591 | PMHNP Roles and Issues | 3 |
| NUR 735 | Pop Health APN ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| NUR 595 | PMHNP II | 3 |
| NUR 596 | PMHNP II Clinical (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 733 | Informatics APN ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| NUR 593 | PMHNP I | 3 |
| NUR 594 | PMHNP Clinical I (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 727 | Foundations of Implementation ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| NUR 597 | PMHNP III | 3 |
| NUR 598 | PMHNP Clinical III (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 728 | EBP Methods and Evaluation | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| NUR 592 | PMHNP IV Review and Clinical (240 Clinical Hours) | 5 |
| NUR 796 | DNP Project Immersion I (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 8 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| NUR 700 | Clinical Data Mgt & Analysis | 3 |
| NUR 795 | DNP Project Seminar *** | 1 |
| NUR 797 | DNP Project Immersion II (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 7 | |
| Semester 9 | ||
| NUR 798 | DNP Project Immersion III (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 73 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | May test out through the writing competency assessment. |
| ** | Courses count toward MSN and DNP. |
| *** | Only eligible in the last 3 semester of coursework NUR 796, NUR 797, NUR 798 must be in sequence. NUR 795 may be taken with NUR 796 or NUR 797. |
BSN to DNP Program of Study - Nurse Administrator
| Sample Program of Study | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| NUR 706 | Introduction to Writing * | 1 |
| NUR 737 | Interdisc Leader Role Dev ** | 3 |
| Elective **** | 3 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 7 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| NUR 701 | Writing for Publication | 3 |
| NUR 740 | Health Policy & Politics ** | 3 |
| Elective **** | 3 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| NUR 700 | Clinical Data Mgt & Analysis | 3 |
| NUR 735 | Pop Health APN ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| NUR 549 | Roles&Leadership Nursing Admin | 3 |
| NUR 550 | Roles&Lead Nur Admin Practicum (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 733 | Informatics APN ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| NUR 551 | US Healthcare Quality & Safety | 3 |
| NUR 552 | US Health Care Qual&Safe Pract (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 727 | Foundations of Implementation ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| NUR 553 | Adv Fin & Strategic Plan in HC | 3 |
| NUR 554 | Adv Fin&Strat Plan in HC Pract (180 Clinical Hours) | 3 |
| NUR 728 | EBP Methods and Evaluation | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| NUR 795 | DNP Project Seminar *** | 1 |
| NUR 796 | DNP Project Immersion I (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 4 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| NUR 797 | DNP Project Immersion II (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Semester 9 | ||
| NUR 798 | DNP Project Immersion III (180 Clinical Hours) *** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 59 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | May test out through the writing competency assessment. |
| ** | Courses count toward MSN and DNP. |
| *** | Only eligible in the last 3 semesters of coursework NUR 796, NUR 797, and NUR 798 must be in sequence. NUR 795 may be taken with NUR 796 or NUR 797. |
| **** | Required electives at the Graduate level may be chosen in any college to satisfy the minimum required hours for the degree. |
Post-Master's to Doctor of Nursing Practice Pathway (MSN to DNP)
| Sample Full-time Program of Study | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| NUR 706 | Introduction to Writing * | 1 |
| NUR 727 | Foundations of Implementation | 3 |
| NUR 728 | EBP Methods and Evaluation | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 7 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| NUR 700 | Clinical Data Mgt & Analysis | 3 |
| NUR 701 | Writing for Publication | 3 |
| NUR 737 | Interdisc Leader Role Dev | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| NUR 735 | Pop Health APN | 3 |
| NUR 795 | DNP Project Seminar ** | 1 |
| NUR 796 | DNP Project Immersion I (180 Clinical Hours) ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 7 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| NUR 733 | Informatics APN | 3 |
| NUR 740 | Health Policy & Politics | 3 |
| NUR 797 | DNP Project Immersion II (180 Clinical Hours) ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| NUR 798 | DNP Project Immersion III (180 Clinical Hours) ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 35 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | May test out through the writing competency assessment. |
| ** | Only eligible in the last 3 semester of coursework NUR 796, NUR 797, NUR 798 must be in sequence. NUR 795 may be taken with NUR 796 or NUR 797. |
| Sample Part-time Program of Study | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| NUR 706 | Introduction to Writing * | 1 |
| NUR 727 | Foundations of Implementation | 3 |
| NUR 728 | EBP Methods and Evaluation | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 7 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| NUR 701 | Writing for Publication | 3 |
| NUR 740 | Health Policy & Politics | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| NUR 700 | Clinical Data Mgt & Analysis | 3 |
| NUR 735 | Pop Health APN | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| NUR 733 | Informatics APN | 3 |
| NUR 796 | DNP Project Immersion I (180 Clinical Hours) ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| NUR 795 | DNP Project Seminar ** | 1 |
| NUR 797 | DNP Project Immersion II (180 Clinical Hours) ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 4 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| NUR 737 | Interdisc Leader Role Dev | 3 |
| NUR 798 | DNP Project Immersion III (180 Clinical Hours) ** | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 35 | |
| Footnotes | |
|---|---|
| * | May test out through the writing competency assessment. |
| ** | Only eligible in the last 3 semesters of coursework NUR 796, NUR 797, and NUR 798 must be in sequence. NUR 795 may be taken with NUR 796 or NUR 797. |
Transfer Credit
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Doctoral Plan of Study Requirement
Graduate School information on the Doctoral Plan of Study.
Clinical Hours
A minimum of 1000 post-baccalaureate practice hours are required for completion of the DNP degree. Students who do not have sufficient clinical hours will be required to complete additional clinical hours as determined by the Assistant Dean of the Graduate Programs prior to the beginning of DNP courses. In such cases, 60 clinical hours are the equivalent of 1 semester credit hour.
Graduate Student Clinical Placements
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The Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) will initiate a Clinical Affiliation Agreement (CAA) for all clinical experiences involving direct or indirect patient care by graduate students.
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Students will not be permitted to start clinical experiences involving direct or indirect patient care until either a CAA (along with a Letter of Notification [LON]).
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Faculty are responsible for sending written notification to the student that he/she is approved to begin the clinical experience.
Banking of Clinical Hours for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Student
The purpose of this policy is to outline the requirements for allowing Doctor of Nursing Practice students to utilize clinical hours from one semester to the next for the DNP Project. “Banking” refers to the ability to accrue clinical hours during the time period between semesters and credit those hours toward their cumulative clinical hours or required hours in the term following the break between semesters. The policy only applies to the DNP Practice courses. All Nurse Practitioner clinical courses are excluded from this policy. The following requirements must be met to bank clinical hours:
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Students will follow the policy for approval of clinical sites.
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Students must be enrolled in the upcoming and applicable DNP project clinical course to bank clinical hours.
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The student must successfully complete the applicable clinical course that following semester in order for the banked clinical hours to be applied.
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The student must be an active student and in good standing (overall average GPA of 3.0) to progress.
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All prior semester course work must be completed, and all Incompletes satisfied.
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The assigned instructor for the upcoming and applicable course MUST approve in writing any requests for banking before the last day of the prior term.
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Clinical hours must be entered in Typhon and verified by the DNP clinical advisor and approved by the DNP faculty advisor.
Admission to Candidacy Requirements
The Coordinator of Graduate Student Services will initiate the Admission to Candidacy when core coursework is completed.
Comprehensive Exam
DNP students do not take comprehensive exams. Successfully securing a clinical site and completing all prerequisites is needed for enrollment into NUR 796-798 (DNP Immersion courses).
DNP Project
Immersion course series requirements.
NUR 796 - Approved proposal, portfolio initiation, 180 clinical hours
- < 75% complete: course failure
- >75% but not 100%: Incomplete with 1 hour of NUR 717 Independent Study for the next semester. If the incomplete is fulfilled prior to the start of the next semester, the student may progress.
NUR 797: IRB approval and project implementation, continued portfolio, 180 clinical hours
- < 75% complete: course failure
- >75% but not 100%: Incomplete with 1 hour of NUR 717 Independent Study for the next semester. If the incomplete is fulfilled prior to the start of the next semester, the student may progress.
NUR 798: Project evaluation DNP part II approval, portfolio completion, dissemination, 180 clinical hours.
- < 75% complete: course failure
- >75% but not 100%: Incomplete with 1 hour of NUR 717 Independent Study for the next semester. If the incomplete is fulfilled prior to the start of the next semester, the student may progress.
The immersion course series cannot have a gap other than summer. NUR 717 (Independent Study) fills the gap for a student to stay in sequence. Any other gap requires the student to begin the series over. If the student will gap the summer but wishes to complete incomplete work from the spring, the student will need to take NUR 717 for 1 credit hour. Any failure during the sequence can allow for a repeat of the failed course IF the project and clinical site remain the same. If the clinical site or the project changes the student will be required to restart the sequence at NUR 796.
Extreme circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Time Limits for Degree Completion Requirements
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Student Progression Requirement
Student progression is monitored and evaluated each semester. Please contact the Coordinator of Graduate Student Services for the Graduate Retention and Progression Policy.
Additional Academic Requirements
The Doctor of Nursing Practice will be awarded to the student who has met the following requirements:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Good standing at the time of graduation
- Successful completion of the DNP project
- Successful completion of the required coursework and DNP project hours
- Recorded participation in DNP orientation
- Attendance at one (1) DNP Intensive during the DNP Project courses (last three semesters of the program)
- BSN to DNP students are required to attend the NP Clinical Intensive during the concentration unique clinical courses
Annual Graduate Student Background Checks and Drug Screening
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Students accepted to the graduate nursing programs are required to have an annual background screen and drug screen.
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Students accepted to the graduate nursing programs are required to pass a background screen and have a negative drug screen.
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The College of Nursing must certify to clinical agencies where students practice that each student has had an acceptable background screen and negative drug screen.
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The background screen and drug testing screen will be conducted by a qualified agency using established methods and procedures. Confidentiality of the student will be protected. All costs associated with screenings are the responsibility of the student.
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Initial acceptance to graduate nursing courses will be withdrawn for students who have a positive drug screen.
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A student who has a positive drug screen while taking graduate nursing courses will follow the CCN Substance Abuse Policy/Drug/Alcohol Testing Policy. Any readmission consideration will be based on the CCN Substance Abuse Policy/Drug/Alcohol Testing Policy.
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Initial acceptance to graduate nursing courses will be withdrawn for students who have been convicted of or have pending a charge that would not be acceptable for clinical practice.
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A student whose acceptance to graduate nursing courses is withdrawn or is dismissed from the College of Nursing due to findings from a background screen will be considered for readmission on a case-by-case basis depending upon the situation.
HEALTH, IMMUNIZATION, AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS: POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Once admitted to a clinical graduate program, new students will receive instructions in their admission packets outlining health requirements and other required documents and verifications. In addition, each incoming student must complete a drug and background screening by the Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) specified provider. Those documents will be uploaded by the CCN directly from the website.
Proof of compliance must be submitted before the removal of the initial registration hold and during progression through the program. Failure to comply with updating required documents will result in a registration hold or an administrative block to course access.
Incoming students enrolling in MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate programs must upload the following into the document management system:
- Completion of BLS Provider (must be valid and updated prior to expiration as long as you are attending).
- Completion of the program on OSHA Standards.
- Advanced Practice Certification (if applicable and must be valid or updated as long as attending).
- Proof of Health Insurance.
- Graduate Nursing Student Health & Physical Exam Form signed by a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP), DO, or MD.
- Initial Graduate Nursing Student TB Test and Immunization Form. New students with a history of TB or a history of a positive TB skin test must submit documentation of a clear chest x-ray completed within the month immediately prior to document submission.
- Completion of HIPAA Training in the UA Learning Management System that can be accessed through the MyBama Student Tab.
All graduate students (e.g., MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate programs) must upload the following into the document management system:
- Current unencumbered RN licensure for state of legal residence.
Annually, students continuing in the MSN, DNP and Post-Graduate programs must:
- Complete and upload the Continuing Graduate Nursing Student TB Status Form into the document management system verifying that the student has an up-to-date negative TB skin test.
- Continuing students with a history of a positive TB skin test must submit an annual chest x-ray to document a negative standing or an annual Quantiferon laboratory test. No exceptions will be allowed.
- Continuing students with a newly positive TB skin test must provide documentation of clearance to attend clinical learning experiences by an appropriate practitioner prior to enrolling in any clinical course or attending any clinical site.
- Upload into the document management system the Continuing Graduate Nursing Student Statement of Health Status Form indicating that no change in health status has occurred. If health status has changed, the student uploads an updated Graduate Student Health & Physical Exam Form signed by CRNP, DO, or MD.
- No later than October 31st of each year, upload into the document management system the Continuing Graduate Nursing Student Annual Influenza Vaccine Form. Exceptions for allergies only. This vaccine cannot be declined.
- Completion of HIPAA Training in the UA Learning Management System that can be accessed through the MyBama Student Tab.
Annually, all graduate students, EXCEPT EdD and PhD students, must complete a drug and background screening by the CCN specified provider. Those documents will be uploaded by the CCN directly from the provider website.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Upon admission, students must upload into the document management system proof of immunization or a titer that shows adequate antibody protection as noted on the Initial Graduate Nursing Student TB Test and Immunization Form for the vaccines listed below. Vaccination or titer testing are available at the UA Student Health Center (corner of University Blvd. and 5th Avenue), most County Health Departments in most states, private healthcare provider offices, and clinics such as the University Medical Center. A plan for all injections should be discussed with the healthcare provider. IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PLAN A TIME SCHEDULE WITH THE SELECTED HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO ASSURE THE COMPLETION OF IMMUNIZATIONS TO COINCIDE WITH THE DATES SPECIFIED. Students are responsible for making all arrangements for receipt of and payment for vaccines. Failure to submit documentation of immunization will result in the inability to continue attendance and/or progression courses in the college of nursing.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Upon admission, students must upload into the document management system proof of immunization for hepatitis B or a hepatitis B titer that shows adequate antibody protection as noted on the Initial Graduate Nursing Student TB Test and Immunization Form. In the event that a titer is performed, or after the first series of immunizations, antibodies are insufficient to offer immunity a repeat of the complete hepatitis B series is required. Students who have completed the hepatitis B series prior to enrolling in any graduate program must provide documentation to satisfy this requirement. If a student has not already completed the hepatitis B series, adherence to the following information is required. It is highly desirable that the series of 3 injections be completed prior to beginning courses. However, the minimum expectation, and proof of immunization injections for hepatitis B are as follows:
- Injections 1 and 2 -- documented on the Graduate Student Health & Physical Exam form.
- Injection 3 -- documented either on the Graduate Student Health & Physical Exam form or by official documentation from the healthcare provider who administered the vaccine. This documentation must be uploaded into the document management system by the date specified on the letter. FAILURE TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION OF THE THIRD INJECTION WILL RESULT IN THE INABILTY TO CONTINUE ATTENDANCE AND/OR PROGRESSION COURSES IN THE COLLEGE OF NURSING.
Tetanus Vaccination
TD/Tdap booster or basic series within the past ten years is required, prior to entering graduate programs.
Influenza Vaccination
An influenza vaccine is required annually no later than October 31st, unless contraindicated by allergy or prior reaction. This must be demonstrated by official documentation by a healthcare provider.
Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
Upon admission, students must upload into the document management system proof of immunization for MMR or an MMR titer that shows adequate antibody protection as noted on the Immunization Form. However, students can either submit using the form, an official immunization records or other official documentation from their provider.
If a student has not already completed the MMR series or cannot provide history of vaccination documentation to satisfy this requirement, adherence to one of the following is required:
- 2 Vaccinations OR
- Positive antibody titer (lab report required)
If the titer submitted was negative or equivocal, the student will need to receive 1 MMR Booster vaccine (administered after titer).
Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine
Upon admission, students must upload into the document management system proof of immunization for Varicella or a Varicella titer that shows adequate antibody protection as noted on the Immunization Form. However, students can either submit using the form, an official immunization records or other official documentation from their provider.
If a student has not already completed the Varicella series or cannot provide history of vaccination documentation to satisfy this requirement, adherence to one of the following is required:
- 2 Vaccinations OR
- Positive antibody titer (lab report required)
If the titer submitted was negative or equivocal, the student will need to receive 1 Varicella Booster vaccine (administered after titer).
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Please contact the Coordinator of Graduate Student Services for assistance with the Leave of Absence process.
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence.
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines Information
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation Information
Information on the Application for Graduation.