Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing

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“Caring is the shining thread of gold that holds together the tapestry of life.”
Mrs. Ida V. Moffett

Administration

Nena F. Sanders, Ralph W. Beeson Dean and Professor
Jane S. Martin, Associate Dean, Graduate Program, Professor
Joy H. Whatley, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Program, Professor
Mary C. Karlet, Chair, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Professor
Jill L. Cunningham, Chair, Family Nurse Practitioner Program, Associate Professor
Gretchen S. McDaniel, Director, NurCE, Professor
Amy C. Snow, Director, Clinical Services, Nurse Anesthesia, Instructor

Faculty

Janet G. Alexander, Professor
Geri W. Beers, Professor
Margaret P. Findlay, Professor
Arlene N. Hayne, Professor
Sharron P. Schlosser, Professor
Mary Sue Baldwin, Associate Professor
Cynthia G. Berry, Associate Professor
Jennifer J. Coleman, Associate Professor
Cynthia G. Cortes, Associate Professor
Nina E. McLain, Associate Professor
Debra P. Whisenant, Associate Professor
Terri M. Cahoon, Assistant Professor
Andrea W. Collins, Assistant Professor
Lisa E. Gurley, Assistant Professor
Eva A. Hardy, Assistant Professor
Julie A. Head, Assistant Professor
Jane Holston, Assistant Professor
Belinda A. Isley, Assistant Professor
John D. Lundeen, Assistant Professor
Elaine M. Marshall, Assistant Professor
Jillyn N. Pence, Assistant Professor
Vicki W. Rochester, Assistant Professor
Susan G. Sheffield, Assistant Professor
Lora R. Shelton, Assistant Professor
Jennifer Bondurant Steele, Assistant Professor
Rebecca Warr, Assistant Professor
Tracey K. Dick, Instructor
Jill B. Hightower, Instructor
Erin E. Killingsworth, Instructor
Hilary E. Senter, Instructor

History

The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing was founded as a hospital diploma program in 1922. In 1955, it was the first program in the state of Alabama accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN). The program transferred to Samford University in 1973 following a merger agreement with Baptist Medical Centers to offer associate and baccalaureate degrees. In 1988, the school moved into new facilities on the Samford campus. The school began a master of science in nursing degree program in 1995 and a doctor of nursing practice degree program in 2008. Currently, the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing offers programs that meet the requirements for the bachelor of science in nursing degree, the master of science in nursing degree, and the doctor of nursing practice degree.

Accreditation and Approval

The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing’s baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs are accredited by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036- 1120; phone (202) 887-6791. In addition, the nurse anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 222 South Prospect Avenue, Suite 304, Park Ridge, Illinois, 60068-4010; phone (847) 692-7050. The School of Nursing is also approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

Curricular Options

The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing offers a unique curricular approach that allows students several choices in pursuing their nursing education. These options are:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.): The goal of nursing is directing, maintaining, and reinforcing the adaptation of individuals, families, and groups toward optimal health. Students enrolled in the B.S.N. program in the School of Nursing are prepared to meet this goal as they use knowledge, critical thinking skills and practice skills obtained from both nursing and liberal arts to provide professional care in a variety of settings. Upon completion of this program, the student is eligible to write the licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Accelerated Second Degree B.S.N: The accelerated second degree B.S.N. is a 15 month program for individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a field of study other than nursing. Upon graduation with the B.S.N. degree, the graduate is eligible to write the licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Second Degree B.S.N.: The second degree B.S.N. program is a five-semester program for individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a field of study other than nursing. Upon graduation with the B.S.N. degree, the graduate is eligible to write the licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.): The M.S.N. program prepares advanced practice nurses in a variety of specialty areas. Graduates are prepared as family nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, nurse managers, and nurse managers.

RN to M.S.N.: The RN-M.S.N. option provides an opportunity for associate degree and diploma-prepared nurses to obtain the M.S.N. online within one program of study.

Post-Master of Science in Nursing Certificate: The post master’s certificate is available to those who already possess the M.S.N. degree but who wish to receive additional graduate level instruction.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.): The online D.N.P. program will prepare clinicians (nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists) and nurse administrators for leadership roles, evidence-based practice, and to fully implement the emerging science and practice innovations in health care.

Program Goals

The goals of the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing are as follows:

1. Recruit qualified nurse educators and staff who are committed to the mission and philosophy of Samford University and the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing.
2. Promote professional development of faculty through mentoring and collegial relationships and administrative support.
3. Recruit and retain qualified students who have demonstrated high standards of scholarship, outstanding personal character, and serious educational aims.
4. Maintain a qualified and diversified student body by mentoring students and providing financial aid support.
5. Provide an environment that promotes scholarship, critical thinking, and responsiveness to community needs.
6. Create a Christian environment in which diverse student populations may develop an academic and social network that supports their uniqueness and promotes professionalism and lifelong learning.
7. Integrate the liberal arts, sciences, and professional nursing education in order for graduates to make positive contributions to society.
8. Develop individuals who are competent in the application of knowledge and skills and who possess values and attitudes consistent with the nursing profession.
9. Prepare graduates to contribute to the advancement of professional nursing and the improvement of the health care system.

Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct

Students in the School of Nursing must adhere to standards of conduct specified in the Samford University Student Handbook as well as the Samford University Student Guide to Academic Integrity, and certain standards of behavior appropriate for all health professionals. Students shall comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards that determine acceptable behavior of the nurse. Noncompliance may be cause for suspension/dismissal from the nursing school and denial of permission by individual state board’s of nursing to take the NCLEX-RN examination or be approved as an advanced practice nurse.

Students documented to have demonstrated unethical, unprofessional, or unsafe conduct merit immediate probation or dismissal from the nursing school. Grievances, which result from students failing to adhere to appropriate personal and professional conduct, will be considered by utilizing the grievance process in the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing Student Handbook and the University Catalog.

School of Nursing Expenses

In addition to tuition, fees, and room and board costs (as described in this catalog), undergraduate students are responsible for other costs associated with beginning nursing courses. Costs include uniforms, books, medical equipment, yearly physical examinations, required immunizations, required drug testing, background checks, a personal laptop computer (preferably a PC), software for electronic medical records, and required health insurance. Additional expenses for undergraduates include costs associated with application for licensure, and may include costs for the School of Nursing pin. Students are responsible for providing transportation to and from clinical experiences.

Graduate students who are enrolled in specialty tracks can expect additional expenses. Costs include lab coat, books, medical equipment, Remote Proctor (FNP and Educator students), yearly physical examinations, required immunizations, required drug testing, background checks, a personal laptop with a webcam and microphone, software for electronic medical records, and required health insurance.

Liability/Personal Health Insurance

Personal health insurance is provided by Samford University for both undergraduate and graduate students; evidence of coverage must be presented. Personal liability insurance for clinical practice, while not required, is highly recommended for all undergraduate nursing students. Professional liability insurance is required for all graduate students.

Clinical Resources

Clinical experiences for the School of Nursing are provided in the following facilities: Baptist Health System, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, Brookwood Medical Center, other area hospitals, and selected community health clinics. All clinical facilities are accredited by the appropriate agencies. In addition, a wide variety of agencies are utilized for graduate student experiences including, but not limited to primary care facilities, schools of nursing, acute care facilities, and managed care organizations.

Required Health Data

The student must have completed and submitted all necessary documentation required by the University, the School of Nursing, and all clinical agencies before registering for clinical courses. The following health data must be currently on file:

1. Health Form: Prior to registering for clinical courses, the undergraduate student must have a health form (updated yearly) on file in the School of Nursing. Graduate students must also have this form on file to register for classes.
2. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: BLS is a requirement for all clinical nursing courses. The School of Nursing does not accept online courses. Certification must be updated every two years. This certification must be obtained through the American Heart Association. This certification must include one-rescuer and two-rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of adult, child, and infant. Evidence of a current card issued by the American Heart Association is required for the student’s permanent file in the School of Nursing.
3. Rubella immunity: Each student must submit evidence of rubella immunity.
4. Varicella (Chicken Pox): Students who have not had the chicken pox must complete the two-step varicella vaccine prior to completing the first clinical course in order to progress to the second clinical nursing course. If a student refuses the vaccine, a waiver must be completed, signed, and a copy filed in the School of Nursing.
5. Hepatitis B: The School of Nursing requires each student to take the Hepatitis B vaccine. University Health Services offers the vaccine, or the student may consult a physician or local health department for the vaccination. If a student refuses the vaccination series, a waiver form must be completed, signed, and a copy filed in the nursing school.
6. Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test: The School of Nursing requires each student to have a Mantoux tuberculin skin test annually. Students who test positive must meet current CDC guidelines regarding annual chest x-rays.
7. Drug Testing and Background Checks: All students are required to submit to drug testing and a background check prior to beginning clinical experiences. Nurse anesthesia students are required to submit to a drug test and a background check prior to admission. Additionally, students may be tested for cause or clinical affiliation requirements. Students are responsible for all costs associated with the drug test and background check. (See School of Nursing Student Handbook for Substance Abuse Policy and Procedure.)
8. Additional Requirements: Clinical agencies may place additional health requirements on students affiliating with that agency. Clinical instructors will notify students when applicable.

Undergraduate Programs and Requirements

Majors

Nursing Major, B.S.N. 
Nursing Major (15-Month Accelerated Second Degree), B.S.N. 
Nursing Major (Five-Semester Second Degree), B.S.N. 

The goal of nursing is directing, maintaining, and reinforcing the adaptation of individuals, families, and groups toward optimal health. Students enrolled in the bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) program in the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing are prepared to meet this goal as they use knowledge, critical thinking skills, and practice skills obtained from both nursing and liberal arts to provide professional care in a variety of settings. Upon completion of this program, the student is eligible to write the licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The accelerated 15-month second degree B.S.N. or the five-semester second degree B.S.N. is an opportunity for individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a field of study other than nursing. Upon graduation with a B.S.N. degree, the student is eligible to write the licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Admission Policies

All prospective undergraduate students who desire to enter the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing (IVMSON) must:

1. Be accepted for admission to Samford University prior to making application to the IVMSON.
2. Upon your acceptance to Samford University, you will receive a letter directing you to a Web site where you will make application to the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing through the Nursing Centralized Application Process (NursingCAS). (Denial of admission to the nursing school does not affect an applicant’s status at Samford.)
3. Freshman applicants must meet the following academic requirements:
   
   1. Achieve a minimum composite score of 21 on the ACT or 1000 on the SAT.
   2. High school graduates must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, have completed four units of English, two units of math, and two units of lab sciences with a grade of C (2.00) or better.
4. Transfer students with less than 24 semester credits or 36 quarter credits in total at other institutions must also meet the requirements of entering freshmen.
5. Transfer students with 24 credits or more must meet one of the following admission requirements:
   
   1. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or above in all coursework and a 21 ACT or 1000 SAT within the last five years. OR
   2. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above in all coursework.
6. Transfer students who have previously attended schools of nursing must submit a letter of recommendation from the dean or program director of all nursing schools attended. The letter must include a statement regarding the individual’s eligibility to continue and/or to be readmitted to the nursing program for which the administrator is responsible. A student who received a D or F in a nursing course from another institution will not be considered for admission.
7. Five-semester second degree students must meet the following admission requirements:
   
   1. Hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in another discipline/field.
   2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale in courses required for prior bachelors and/or graduate degree(s).
8. Accelerated second degree students (15-month program) must meet the following admission requirements:
   
   1. Hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in another discipline/field.
   2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale on in courses required for prior bachelor and/or graduate degree(s).
   3. Have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all required science courses (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry).
   4. Submit three letters of recommendation speaking to the applicant’s ability to successfully complete a rigorous academic load.
   5. Be interviewed by School of Nursing faculty.
9. Be recommended by the School of Nursing BSN Council. The committee reviews all completed admission folders and makes recommendations to the dean regarding applicant’s admission to the School of Nursing.

Transfer Credit and Placement

1. Credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is available. Contact the Office of Student Records for information.
2. A student wishing to transfer to the nursing school from another division within Samford University must file a completed application with the School of Nursing and follow the same procedure as other applicants. Appropriate forms, obtained from the Office of Student Records, for change of major and change of advisor, must be completed and submitted.
3. The student who voluntarily withdraws from the School of Nursing and remains out for 12 months or longer must apply for readmission. The student who left in good standing may be readmitted but must meet all current criteria for admission and adhere to current progression and graduation requirements. All other applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

Progression Policies

In order to progress in the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing, the student must:

1. Have a completed Health Data Record (with all required immunizations) updated annually and on file in the School of Nursing.
2. Submit negative results on drug screen and background check.
3. Have a signed Confidentiality Statement on file.
4. Make a grade of C (2.00) or better in each required or prescribed course in the School of Nursing curriculum. Note: a grade of D or F constitutes failure in any required or prescribed course in the curriculum. The nursing school accepts a C- in any required general education course in the nursing curriculum.
5. Maintain a Samford cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 for progression in nursing. This policy applies to students attempting to enroll in the first clinical nursing course after the student’s first semester at Samford. A Samford GPA of 2.00 is required for graduation from Samford University.
6. All undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students, (except the accelerated second degree students), must achieve at least an overall, cumulative 2.30 GPA on all required science courses.
7. Students may repeat up to 16 credits in which they earned a C- or lower grade, but only in core and general education courses.
8. Satisfy all prerequisites as prescribed in this catalog.
9. Adhere to the following policies regarding course failure:
   
   1. A traditional or non-accelerated second degree student who fails one nursing course in which a grade of D or F was received may repeat the course the following semester, if space is available. If the student fails a clinical nursing course the student may not enroll in another clinical nursing course until the failed course is successfully completed.
   2. A student who fails one nursing course in the accelerated second degree program (ASDP) may apply to the BSN Council to transfer to the nonaccelerated program or wait until the following year when the ASDP course is offered again. If the ASDP student fails a clinical nursing course the student may not enroll in another clinical nursing course until the failed course is successfully completed.
   3. A student who fails two nursing courses with grades of D or F will be terminated from the School of Nursing.
   4. A student who fails three or more nursing courses with grades of D or F will be permanently terminated from the School of Nursing and is not eligible to be considered for readmission.
   5. A student who fails the same nursing course twice is permanently terminated from the School of Nursing and is not eligible to be considered for readmission.
   6. A student who fails two courses in the ASDP is not eligible to apply for consideration for readmission to the ASDP. If the student wishes to be considered for readmission to the IVMSON, he/she may apply to the BSN Council for consideration for readmission to the non-accelerated BSN program.
   7. Any student who is terminated from the School of Nursing due to failure of two nursing courses with grades of D or F is responsible for petitioning the BSN Council for an individualized plan of remediation which must be completed before application for readmission will be considered.
      
      1. Any student terminated from the School of Nursing must remain out of the program for a minimum of one full semester (summer not included) during which time remediation is being completed. After completion of required remediation, the student may make reapplication. The BSN Council will review the application for consideration for readmission.
      2. Students seeking readmission must meet current admission criteria and readmission is contingent upon approval from the BSN Council and the dean.
      3. Those readmitted must enroll in and successfully complete all clinical nursing courses.
      4. After readmission due to academic failure, one failure in a required nursing course results in permanent termination from the School of Nursing. Termination from the School of Nursing does not change the status of the student’s admission or progression at Samford University.
10. The student must adhere to the Code of Ethical/Professional Conduct as specified in this catalog, School of Nursing section.
11. A student who fails to maintain progression standards may continue as a Samford student but will be terminated from the School of Nursing.
12. The student with an incomplete (INC) in any nursing course may not progress in the nursing curriculum until the incomplete is removed. All prerequisites must be satisfied as prescribed in this catalog.
13. In order to progress in the accelerated second degree and the five-semester second degree B.S.N. programs, the student must meet all progression policies listed above.
14. A student may not enroll in the same nursing course more than twice.

Graduate Programs and Requirements

Degrees/Majors

Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)
	Nurse Anesthesia, M.S.N.
	Nursing
		Family Nurse Practitioner Track, M.S.N.  Nurse Educator Track, M.S.N.  Nurse Manager Track, M.S.N.
RN to M.S.N. Option
	Nursing
		Family Nurse Practitioner Track, Post-M.S.N.  Nurse Educator Track  Nurse Manager Track
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
	Administration, D.N.P.  Advanced Practice, D.N.P.

Joint-Degree

Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (M.S.N./M.B.A.)

Nursing (Nurse Executive Track)

Certificate Programs

Post-Master of Science in Nursing Certificate

Education Track, Post-M.S.N. 
Family Nurse Practitioner Track, Post-M.S.N. 
Management Track, Post-M.S.N. 

The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing offers flexible, innovative tracks in a program leading to a master of science in nursing degree. Graduates are prepared to practice in an advanced role to meet and/or manage health care needs of families across the life span. The graduate will be prepared to practice in a variety of settings with a functional focus in one of the following areas: family nurse practitioner practice, nursing education, nursing management, nurse anesthesia, or administration with a joint degree (M.S.N./M.B.A.).

Through the RN to M.S.N. option, the School of Nursing provides experienced registered nurses, who currently hold an associate of science in nursing or a hospital diploma, the opportunity to earn an M.S.N. through a nontraditional path. As in the main M.S.N. program, the same tracks are available, with the exception of nurse anesthesia.

A post-master of science in nursing certificate is available in education, family nurse practitioner (FNP), management, and nurse anesthesia. Students completing the post-M.S.N./FNP track will have fulfilled the educational requirements to take the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification examinations.

M.S.N. Outcomes

Graduates with a master of science in nursing from the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing will be prepared to:

1. Integrate multidisciplinary scientific findings for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
2. Demonstrate leadership skills that emphasize ethical and critical decision making, effective working relationships, and a systems perspective to promote high quality and safe patient care.
3. Articulate and apply quality methods, tools, performance measures, and standards within organizations.
4. Apply research outcomes within the practice setting to resolve practice problems, work as a change agent, and disseminate results.
5. Utilize patient-care and communications technologies to deliver, enhance, integrate, and coordinate care.
6. Intervene at the system level by developing and advocating policy to influence health and health care.
7. Demonstrate effective collaborative, communicating, and consulting skills as a leader and as a member of inter-professional teams to manage and coordinate care.
8. Provide evidenced-based clinical prevention and health promotion care and services in a client-centered manner to individuals, families, and populations.
9. Synthesize an advance level of understanding of nursing and relevant sciences to integrate this knowledge for direct or indirect care.

Joint-Degree Program

Joint-Degree Program Admissions

Students pursuing the nurse executive track joint M.S.N./M.B.A. degree must be admitted on an independent basis by both the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing and the Brock School of Business. M.S.N./M.B.A. applicants will be required to take the GMAT for consideration for admission to both the nursing school and the business school. This joint degree program is currently under review. Contact the School of Nursing for more information.

Post-Master of Science in Nursing Program

Admissions

Applications for the Post-M.S.N. certificate program are considered on a competitive basis by the School of Nursing; thus, applicants’ admission profiles are evaluated according to stated admission criteria. The applicant will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing graduate program upon submission of the following required materials:

1. Completion of application through www.nursingcas.org. For complete admission instructions, visit www.samford.edu/nursing.
2. Complete the Supplemental Application form for the Post-M.S.N. program, found at: www.samford.edu/nursing/supplemental-application-forms.aspx.
3. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
4. Master of science in nursing degree from a NLN or CCNE accredited program.
5. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
6. The MAT or GRE is waived if the applicant has successfully completed a graduate program with a 3.00 GPA or higher.
7. International applicants or American citizens who learned English as a second language must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer), or 80 (Internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
8. Computer proficiency.
9. Video conference interview.

Doctoral Programs and Requirements

Degrees/Majors

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Administration, D.N.P. 
Advanced Practice, D.N.P. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

The doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) is a terminal degree in nursing that can be completed in one calendar year of full-time study or in two years of part-time study. The D.N.P. program will fulfill a need within the profession for advanced practice nurses who can provide leadership in the healthcare system of the 21st century. The D.N.P. will be a visionary leader for the practice of nursing and the delivery of health care in all settings. This program prepares graduates to demonstrate competencies, including organizational and systems leadership, advanced clinical skills, the ability to mobilize interdisciplinary teams, the ability to establish collaborative relationships to solve complex clinical problems, and to initiate policy and programmatic changes. The D.N.P. program will prepare clinicians (nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists) and nurse administrators for leadership roles, evidence-based practice, and to fully implement the emerging science and practice innovations in health care.

D.N.P. Outcomes

Graduates with a doctor of nursing practice from the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing will be prepared to:

1. Practice at the highest level of nursing by integrating nursing science and the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, organizational and public health sciences to improve health, nursing and education outcomes;
2. Integrate advanced critical reasoning and judgment in the management of complex clinical situations and systems;
3. Assimilate ethical principles, personal beliefs, and Christian values to provide a framework for advanced nursing practice;
4. Engage in scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice to effect optimal outcomes;
5. Apply information systems and technology for the provision and/or transformation of health care delivery and nursing practice;
6. Participate in interdisciplinary collaboration for the improvement of individual and population health outcomes;
7. Advocate change in health care practice through policy development, implementation and evaluation.

Admissions

Applications for the D.N.P. program are considered on a competitive basis by the School of Nursing; thus, applicants’ admission profiles are evaluated according to stated admission criteria. The applicant will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing graduate program upon submission of the following required materials:

1. Completion of application through www.nursingcas.org. For complete admission instructions, visit www.samford.edu/nursing.
2. Complete the Supplemental Application Form for the D.N.P. program, found at www.samford.edu/nursing/supplemental-application-forms.aspx.
3. Complete the Verification of Clinical Hours form.
4. Attach a CV/resume to your NursingCAS application.
5. Complete a 1-2 page paper identifying an evidence-based practice project that you are interested in. This could be a practice improvement issue, a clinical management problem, or an area of clinical research that the applicant will address while in the D.N.P. program. The paper should cite appropriate sources and follow APA format. In addition, the applicant must be able to identify key resources (personnel, preceptors, institutions) necessary to complete the project. Email this document to gradnurs@samford.edu.
6. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
7. Master of science in nursing from an NLN or CCNE accredited program.
8. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
9. No GRE or MAT required.
10. International applicants or American citizens who learned English as a second language must score at least 550 (paper), 213 (computer), or 80 (Internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
11. Computer proficiency.
12. Video conference interview.

Academic Policy and Progression

Transfer Credit

Graduate students are permitted to transfer a maximum of twelve hours of graduate credit from an accredited college or university. To do so, students should complete a course substitution form and attach a copy of the syllabus. Transfer credits will be evaluated by the associate dean of the graduate program for applicability to the program.

Progression Policies

In order to progress in the doctoral program in the School of Nursing, the student must:

1. Have a completed Health Data Record (with all required immunizations) updated annually and on file in University Health Services and the School of Nursing.
2. Document and keep current the following requirements:
   1. Personal health insurance
   2. BLS certification
3. Adhere to the Code of Ethical/Professional Conduct as specified in the School of Nursing section.
4. Completion of Verification of Clinical Hours Form.
5. Possess a current unencumbered registered nursing license.
6. Submit to drug testing and background check prior to entering the first clinical or specialty course in each doctoral nursing track.
7. Students in the D.N.P. program must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher throughout the program. The GPA in any one semester may fall below 3.00, but if the cumulative GPA remains 3.00 or higher, the student will be considered in good academic standing. If the cumulative GPA falls below a 3.00 the student will be placed on “academic probation.” To be removed from academic probation, a student’s cumulative GPA must be at least 3.00 after the completion of twelve additional credits. Students must have a 3.00 cumulative GPA to graduate.

Dismissal/Termination Policy

The doctoral student will be dismissed from the school if:

1. His/her cumulative GPA remains below 3.00 after the completion of twelve additional credits after being placed on academic probation.
2. His/her cumulative GPA falls below 3.00 after completion of twelve credits if admitted on conditional status.
3. He/she earns an unacceptable grade as defined in the syllabus of that course for a second time in any course.
4. He/she earns an unacceptable grade as defined in the syllabus of that course in two or more courses.
5. He/she does not adhere to the Code of Ethical/Professional Conduct as specified in this catalog, School of Nursing section.

Program Interruptions and Readmissions

Students who need more than five years to complete the program may petition the School of Nursing doctoral program to request an additional year for completion (a total of six years for completion).

 

Departments and Program Offerings

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