College Of Nursing

COLLEGE OF NURSING

Dean: Debra C. Davis (251) 434-3410
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs: Rosemary Rhodes (251) 434-3410
Associate Dean for Research and Development: M. Candice Ross (251) 434-3410
Associate Dean Baldwin County: Barbara Broome (251) 929-1746
Professors: Chilton, Davis, Dearman, Rhodes, Ross
Associate Professors: Broome, McGuinness, Roussel, Ryan, Vande Waa
Assistant Professors: Bydalek, Fruh, Godfrey, Jacobs, K. Williams
Clinical Assistant Professors: Azok, Farmer, Fogger, Gilligan, Hall, Hamilton, Hill, Holloway, Lawson, Love, King, Majors, McHaney, Meyer, Myers, Peters, Pharez, Raber, Rattie, C. Robinson, Surline, Varner, Wagner, Walls, White
Instructors: Bertolla, Brown, Carlisle, Denmark, Hyatt, L. Jones, S. Jones, Lollar, Nadler, B. Robinson, Rodgers, Shamburger, Thompson, Whitworth, S.G. Williams, S.H. Williams, Wright

Department Chair, Adult Health Nursing: Mike Jacobs
Department Chair, Community/Mental Health Nursing: Barbara Broome
Department Chair, Maternal/Child Health Nursing: Catherine Dearman
Director of Student Services: Martha Surline
Director of RN-BSN: Bettye Odom
Academic Advisor: Nancy Howell

College of Nursing web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/nursing

MISSION

The mission of the College of Nursing is to provide quality innovative education programs to a diverse student body, to participate in research and scholarly activities, and to provide service to the University, the profession, and the public. The College accomplishes this by providing a caring, engaging environment for the empowerment of student learning potential, the professional development of faculty, and the promotion of the nursing profession.

GOALS

1.	Cultivate a caring and engaging environment to facilitate teaching, learning, scholarship, and service.
2.	Deliver innovative quality nursing programs that meet the needs of a diverse student body and other communities of interest.
3.	Promote the discovery, communication, and preservation of knowledge through scholarly activities and leadership.
4.	Provide service to the University, the profession, and the public.
5.	Develop community partnerships to promote nursing and the enhancement of the health care delivery system.

UNDERGRADUATE

The College of Nursing is dedicated to the education of professional nurses who provide the highest quality health care to the communities they serve. The practice of nursing is both an art and a science; the focus of nursing is the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems.

Upon completion of the Baccalaureate Program, graduates should be able to:

1.	Deliver professional nursing care that assists individuals, families, and communities with changing needs across the life span for health promotion and maintenance, illness care, and rehabilitation.
2.	Use theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing and related disciplines to think critically, communicate effectively, and provide professional nursing care in a variety of health care settings with diverse populations.
3.	Assume responsibility and accountability for one’s own nursing practice.
4.	Evaluate research findings for use in nursing practice.
5.	Participate in the improvement of the nursing profession, the health care delivery system, and the formulation of health policy through leadership, management, and teaching skills.
6.	Collaborate with health care providers and consumers in promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities.
7.	Incorporate ethical, moral, legal, and economic values into professional nursing roles designed to meet current and emerging health needs of a changing society.

The College of Nursing has two locations. One is at USA Springhill on the corner of Springhill Avenue and Catherine Street in Mobile. The other is on the USA Baldwin County campus in downtown Fairhope. The resources of the University, the USA Hospitals and clinics, and numerous clinical agencies provide excellent opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge and skills essential for professional nursing.

The program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036-1120: Telephone 202-887-6791). Upon completion of requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, the graduate is eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse (RN) and for licensure to practice in the State of Alabama and U.S.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

Enrollment into the pre-professional component as a nursing major does not assure the student admission to the Professional Component. Enrollment in the Professional Component is limited and competitive. Students are admitted without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, or qualified disablement. Students must be in good standing with all academic institutions/nursing programs that they have attended in order to be admitted to the BSN program.

Application forms are available in the Office of Student Services in the College of Nursing. A $50.00 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with your application. Money orders or personal checks ($20.00 fee on returned checks) are acceptable.

For fall admission applications should be submitted semester by April 1.

For spring admission applications should be submitted semester by September 1.

Applications for admission to summer semester should be submitted by February 1.

Applications received at other times will be considered on a space available basis.

Students are selected for admission to the Professional Component based on the following factors:

1.	Submission of a completed application.
2.	Minimum GPA of 2.50 on all prerequisite courses and in good standing within the University. (When the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number that can be accommodated, students are admitted according to GPA ranking.)
3.	Minimum University GPA of 2.0.
4.	Minimum grade of “C” in all pre-professional courses.
5.	Submission of health data forms and evidence of health insurance.
6.	Evidence of CPR certification.
7.	Admission will be contingent on a negative drug screen and results of a background check.

Students are expected to have basic computer skills. The College of Nursing Admissions Committee and the Dean of the College reserves the right to select applicants best qualified for and most likely to succeed in the study of nursing. In keeping with dynamic changes in health care and nursing, the baccalaureate curriculum may undergo change. Changes in curricula and/or admission requirements will be published as far in advance as possible. Advisors are available to assist students in adapting to those changes and planning their course of study accordingly.

PROMOTION/PROGRESSION

Students will progress in clinical nursing courses according to the established sequence. The College will recommend for promotion only those students who, in the judgment of the faculty, satisfy the requirements of health, conduct, scholastic achievement, and aptitude for nursing. Students continually in adjustment difficulties may be dismissed from the nursing program. Those students accepted into the Professional Component must provide a negative drug test before beginning classes. Random drug screens or testing for reasonable suspicion are conducted. Students must submit to drug testing for controlled substances and background checks. Failure to submit to testing or a positive drug test and/or unsuitable background checks will result in the student's dismissal from clinical courses.

If a student’s progression is interrupted for any reason, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office of Student Services and apply for readmission. Any alteration in usual progression may lengthen the student’s program .

A grade of “C” or higher is required for all professional nursing courses. A student may repeat only one professional nursing course in the curriculum. A second “D”, “F”, or “U” will result in academic dismissal from the nursing program. The number of times a student may withdraw failing is limited to two. A third withdrawal failing will result in academic dismissal from the College of Nursing. A student achieving a grade of less than "C" in a course in combination with two withdrawal failings from the College of Nursing will also be dismissed. Successful completion of a math exam is required each term prior to promotion in clinical courses. All students are required to take a Midcurricular Exam. Students who do not successfully pass this exam are required to complete a 3 hour directed study, prior to progressing in the curriculum. Students are also required to complete an exit exam as part of the NU 460 course requirements. If the student is unsuccessful on the exit exam, a grade of "I" will be given for the course and the student must complete additional remedial requirements the next term. Students failing to complete the remedial work will receive an "F" for NU 460. A minimum GPA of 2.0 at the University of South Alabama is required to continue in the program and for graduation. Failure to comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards required for licensure to practice as a registered nurse merits immediate dismissal from the program.

EXPENSES

Students enrolled in clinical courses must maintain current CPR certification and must keep all immunizations current. Students are responsible for all personal health care expenses including expenses resulting from injury or accident, etc. while the student is engaged in learning experiences required by the College of Nursing. Therefore, all students are required to have adequate health care insurance. All students are charged once a year for professional liability insurance. Students are responsible for all travel expenses to clinical sites.

Students are responsible for purchase of uniforms and required clinical equipment and supplies. Students may also be responsible for costs related to drug testing and criminal background checks.

TRANSIENT COURSE CREDIT

Any courses taken at another institution to meet degree requirements must have prior approval of the College of Nursing Dean. Failure to obtain prior approval may result in loss of transfer credit for the course work.

TRANSFER CREDIT FOR PROFESSIONAL NURSING COURSES

Nursing course work taken at other institutions prior to admission to the University of South Alabama will be evaluated on an individual basis. Courses determined by the appropriate department chairs to be equivalent to USA courses will be accepted based on the following data:

1.	Only course work taken at accredited programs will be considered.
2.	Only courses with grades of “C” or above will transfer.

CURRICULUM MODEL FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN NURSING

FRESHMAN YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
EH 101	3	EH 102	3
BLY 101 & BLY 101L	4	CH 101 & CH 101L	4
CIS 150	3	HY/Soc/Beh Sc Elective	3
History Elective*	3	Humanities Elective	3
Total	13	MA 110 or MA 112	3
		Total	16

SOPHOMORE YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
CLS 114	4	CLS 115	4
BMD 210 or BLY 213	3	ST 210 or BUS 245	3
Literature Elective*	3	PSY 120	3
Economics	3	2nd HY or 2nd LIT	3
Fine Arts	3	HUM or HY Elective depending on sequence	3
Total	16	Total	16

*Must have a 2 semester sequence in either History or Literature.

JUNIOR YEAR (Clinicals Begin)
1st Semester		2nd Semester
NU 325	4	CMN 350	3
NU 327	3	CMN 351	3
HSC 343	3	AHN 347	3
HSC 342	1	AHN 348	3
NU 300	3	HSC 332	3
NU 301	2		15
	16

3rd Semester
NU 304	3
MCN 340	3
MCN 341	3
	9

SENIOR YEAR
1st Semester		2nd Semester
MCN 345	3	NU 412	3
MCN 346	3	NU 413	3
AHN 447	3	CMN 411	3
AHN 448	3	NU 460	5
NU 409	3		14
	15

Total Credits	130

ACCELERTED BSN TRACK

The College of Nursing has a special Accelerated BSN track for highly academically qualified and motivated individuals. The professional component of the curriculum which normally takes 5 semesters to complete can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. The curriculum and contact hours are the same as required for the traditionally taught BSN degree offered by the College, except that the course schedule is accelerated and is not confined by the traditional academic calendar. At the end of the 12-months of study, students are awarded the BSN degree and are prepared for the RN licensure (NCLEX) examination. Students are admitted based on prerequisite GPA and space available. Admission is competitive and limited. Admission criteria and application deadlines are the same for all undergraduate students.

Students in the Accelerated BSN follow the same promotion/progression policies as the students in the traditionally taught BSN. Students having difficulty maintaining the pace of the program may request a transfer to the traditional program if they are in good academic standing.

ADMISSION OF REGISTERED NURSES - RN - BSN TRACK

The College of Nursing has a track designed especially for registered nurses pursuing the baccalaureate in nursing degree. Once prerequisites are completed (see previous curriculum model) the nursing curriculum can be completed in one calendar year. Courses are offered online and clinical requirements can be completed in the student's home community if approved by faculty. Each applicant’s educational credentials are individually evaluated and a program of study is designed. Upon completion of the bridge course (NU 410), 36 hours of nursing credit will be awarded.

ADMISSION CRITERIA
1.	Submission of completed application
2.	Minimum GPA of 2.50 in all prerequisite courses
3.	Minimum University GPA of 2.0
4.	Minimum of "C" in all prerequisites
5.	Submission of health data forms and evidence of health insurance
6.	Evidence of CPR certification
7.	Completion of an accredited diploma or associate degree in nursing and a current unencumbered RN license
8.	Admission will be contingent on a negative drug screen and results of a background check.

PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT FOR RN - BSN TRACK

1st Semester
NU 410	6
NU 325	4
NU 327	3
	13

2nd Semester
NU 409	3
CMN 411	3
NU 304	3
	9

3rd Semester
NU 460	5
NU 412	3
NU 413	3
	11
Total Nursing credits: 33

GRADUATE STUDIES

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates for advanced nursing practice and doctoral study. Graduates of the program are able to synthesize and apply advanced knowledge, theories, and research to a specialized area of nursing practice and function as leaders in practice and to contribute to the advancement of the profession. The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120: Telephone (202) 887-6791). The program outcomes are:

1.	Integrate advanced knowledge and theories from nursing and related disciplines into a specialized area of advanced nursing practice.
2.	Demonstrate competence in selected advanced nursing roles to meet current and emerging health needs of a changing society.
3.	Use scientific inquiry to identify researchable problems and participate in nursing research.
4.	Apply advanced knowledge of leadership, management, and teaching to improve nursing practice.
5.	Influence the improvement of health care delivery and the formulation of health policy.
6.	Contribute to the focus and direction of the nursing profession.

A common core of courses includes concepts, theory, research, and issues related to advanced nursing practice is required of all students. Several concentration areas are offered to meet the career goals of students. Students may prepare for advanced nursing practice in one of seven nurse practitioner specialist roles. Available NP include Advanced Family Nursing, Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Advanced Child Health Nursing, Advanced Neonatal Nursing, Advanced Women’s Health Nursing, Advanced Gerontological Nursing, and Advanced Adult Acute Care Nursing. Concentrations are also available for students pursuing careers in Executive Nursing Administration, Public Health Nursing Administration, Clinical Nurse Leader, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nursing Education. The Nursing Education tracks prepares students as clinical specialists in Maternal Child, Adult-Health, or Community Mental Health. All requirements for a master's degree must be completed within five calendar years from admission as a graduate student at the University of South Alabama College of Nursing.

The College of Nursing is responsive to the unique needs of nurses and has developed strategies to facilitate students achieving the MSN. Full-time or part-time study is available with most classes offered exclusively online. Check web site for current listing of courses: http://usaonline.southalabama.edu. The college offers a special track for registered nurses who have bachelors degrees in a field other than nursing and on accelerated track for individuals with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. Individualized programs of study are also developed for BSN prepared nurses who hold national certification as a nurse practitioner and for MSN prepared nurses who are interested in returning for preparation in a new speciality area.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO REGULAR M.S.N. PROGRAM

Admission to the graduate program is limited and selective. Students are admitted each semester as space is available in the selected speciality track. Applications should be submitted by April 1 for consideration for fall admission, by September 1 for spring semester admission, and by February 1 for summer semester admission. A $50.00 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with your application. Money orders or personal checks ($20.00 fee on returned checks) are acceptable. Applications received at other times will be considered on a space available basis. It is recommended that prospective students contact the Director of Graduate Studies for more information. Students are admitted to a speciality track and may not change their track without prior permission. Students must be in good standing with all academic institutions/nursing programs that they have attended in order to be admitted to the MSN program. The following criteria supplement the Graduate School admission criteria (see Categories of Admission).

REGULAR ADMISSION

1.	Graduate of an approved bachelor’s program with major in nursing.
2.	Verification of a course or equivalent in research and health assessment.
3.	Current unencumbered registered nurse licensure.
4.	Submission of Health Data Forms.
5.	A grade-point average of 3.0 on all undergraduate work (A=4.00).
6.	Submission of a resume which documents clinical experience.
	(Note: Prior to enrolling in nurse practitioner clinical course, students are required to have at least 2 years experience in an area appropriate to the Speciality track.)
7.	Negative drug screen.
8.	Acceptable background check.

Note: An earned graduate degree from any accredited institution of higher education may qualify the applicant for regular standing.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

1.	Graduate of an approved bachelor’s program with a major in nursing.
2.	Verification of a course or equivalent in research and health assessment.
3.	Current unencumbered registered nurse licensure.
4.	Submission of Health Data Forms.
5.	A minimal grade-point average of 2.50 on all undergraduate work (A=4.00).
6.	Submission of a resume which documents clinical experience.
	(Note: Prior to enrolling in nurse practitioner clinical course, students are required to have at least 2 years experience in an area appropriate to the Speciality track.)
7.	Negative drug screen.
8.	Acceptable background check.

NON-DEGREE ADMISSION

1.	Hold bachelor’s degree from accredited institution.
2.	Current unencumbered registered nurse licensure.
3.	A minimal grade-point of 2.50 on all undergraduate work ("A"=4.00)

Enrollment in selective courses may not be available to non-degree students due to class size or required prerequisite.

PROGRESSION FOR THE REGULAR M.S.N.

A maximum of two (2) courses with a grade "C" can be counted towards a degree or post master's completion program, however, only one (1) "C" is permitted in support or specialization courses. If a second "C" or lower is earned in a support or specialization course, the course in which the second "C" or lower is obtained must be repeated. Any combination of three (3) courses with grades "C" or less (C, D, U, F) including "C" grades which have been repeated, will result in academic dismissal from the graduate program. Two courses with a grade "D" or "F" will result in academic dismissal from the graduate program. Failure to comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards required for licensure to practice as a registered nurse merits immediate dismissal from the program.

If a student's progression is interrupted for any reason, it is student's responsibility to contact the Director of Graduate Studies. Because of limited spaces in the advanced clinical courses, any alteration in progression may lengthen the student's program.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE REGULAR M.S.N.

A minimum of 45 semester credits are required for the M.S.N. degree with preparation in a nurse practitioner track. Preparation in Public Health Nursing Administration or executive nursing administration requires 35 or 34 respectively semester credits for the M.S.N. degree. Individualized programs of study are developed for baccalaureate prepared nurses with national certification as a nurse practitioner and post M.S.N. students.

The program offers a thesis or non-thesis option. Students selecting the thesis option earn up to six credits for the thesis. Students selecting the non-thesis option earn one credit for a evidence based practice project. Students who do not complete the thesis in the allocated time must register for additional thesis hours until such work is completed. These additional hours will not apply towards the degree.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION POST M.S.N.

1.	Graduate of master's program with a major in nursing.
2.	Verification of an undergraduate course or equivalent in health assessment.
3.	Current unencumbered registered nurse license.
4.	Submission of health data forms.
5.	Submission of a resume which documents clinical experience. (Note: Prior to enrolling in a nurse practitioner clinical course, students are required to have at least two years experience in an area appropriate to the Speciality track.)
6.	Admission is contingent upon a negative drug screen and results of a background check.

PROGRESSION POST M.S.N.

Students follow the progression policies for regular M.S.N. program.

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS FOR POST M.S.N.

Students follow the four semester curriculum plan for post M.S.N. students. Program plans are designed to fulfill certification requirements as appropriate to assist students achieve their professional goals.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO R.N. - M.S.N. TRACK

A RN-MSN Track for entering the Master of Science in Nursing degree program is available to persons who are registered nurses and have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in a discipline other than nursing. Students are admitted to this track as Provisional Admission; the admissions criteria are the same as for Provisional Admission to the Regular M.S.N. Program (above) except for #1 (bachelor’s degree in nursing).

PROGRESSION FOR R.N. - M.S.N. TRACK

The following undergraduate nursing and specific prerequisite courses must be completed with a GPA of at least 2.5 prior to enrolling in graduate nursing clinical courses. Students who have earned a GPA of less than 2.5 on all undergraduate nursing and prerequisite courses will be academically dismissed from the Graduate School. Students in the R.N. to M.S.N. track follow the same progression as students in the regular M.S.N. program.

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS FOR R.N. - M.S.N.

Students in the R.N. - M.S.N. track follow the same degree requirements and progression policies as students in the regular M.S.N. program with the addition of the following courses.

Prerequisite Courses
Social Science	4 courses
Biological or Physical Science	4 courses
(Including Anatomy/Physiology)
Humanities/Fine Arts	2 courses
Research	1 course

Undergraduate Nursing Courses
NU 410 CMN 411 NU 413 NU 325

ACCELERATED MSN TRACK

The graduation program in the College of Nursing has a special 101 credit accelerated track for individuals with non-nursing baccalaureate degrees. The curriculum can be completed in 24 months of full-time study and prepares the student for licensure as a registered nurse and for a career as a nurse educator or nurse administrator. In the first 12 months student complete undergraduate nursing foundation courses and five graduate "bridge" courses. These five graduate courses "bridge" undergraduate and graduate knowledge in pharmacology, pathophysiology, nursing research, health assessment, and nursing roles and leadership. Courses in the nursing foundation component of the curriculum are equivalent to the curriculum and contact hours required for the traditionally taught BSN degree offered by the College, except that the course schedule is accelerated and is not confined by the traditional academic calendar.

At the end of the 12-month foundation component of the curriculum, students are awarded the BSN degree and are prepared for the RN licensure (NCLEX) examination. Students then begin the 3-semester specialty component of the curriculum to prepare for a career in nursing education or nursing administration. Within the nurse educator track students further select one of the following clinical concentration areas: adult health nursing, maternal-infant nursing, community health nursing, child heath nursing, or psychiatric/mental health nursing. Courses for the specialty component of the curriculum are offered online. Clinical requirements are completed in faculty-facilitated preceptorships.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE ACCELERATED MSN TRACK

Admission is selective and competitive. The curriculum is intensive and fast paced. The College of Nursing reserve the right to select students determined to be the best qualified and most likely to succeed in this challenging graduate program in nursing.

1.	Graduate of an accredited baccalaureate program with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. In accordance with graduate school policy provisional admission may be granted to selected students who do not meet this standard.
2.	Completion of all prerequisite course work as listed below with a minimum GPA of 3.0 ("A"=4.0) and no grade less than a "C".

Prerequisite Courses

EH 101

EH 102

Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab

Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab

Microbiology or Infectious Disease

Statistics

Precalculus algebra (or higher)

Chemistry and Lab

General Psychology

3.	Submission of completed application by April 1
4.	Payment of $50.00 non-refundable application fee
5.	Submission of health data form
6.	Submission of a negative drug test and results of a background check.
7.	Submission of resume
8.	Interview - after initial review of applications a limited number of applicants will be invited for a personal interview. Verbal and written communication skills will be assessed during the interview.

PROGRESSION FOR THE ACCELERATED M.S.N. TRACK

Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 on all work attempted in the program. A maximum of two(2) courses with a grade of "C" can be counted toward a degree, however, only one "C" is permitted in the specialization courses for the clinical nurse educator or clinical nurse manager or in the following bridge courses; NU 530 Health Assessment, NU 531 Advanced Pathophysiology, and NU 532 Advanced Pharmacology. If a second C is earned in these courses the course in which the second "C" is obtained must be repeated. Any combination of three (3) courses with grades of "C" or less including "C" grades of repeated courses will result in dismissal from the program. During the foundation component of the curriculum, all students are required to pass a midcurricular exam. Students not successful in passing the exam are required to complete a 3 hour directed study course prior to progressing in the curriculum. Students are also required to complete an exit exam as part of NU 460 course requirements. If the student is unsuccessful on the exit exam a grade of "I" will be given for the course and the student must complete additional remedial requirements the next term. Students failing to complete the remedial work will receive an "F" for the NU 460.

A student may withdraw failing from only two courses, the third withdrawal failing results in dismissal. Students are required to apply for registered nurse licensure upon completion of the nursing foundation component of the curriculum and bridge courses. Prior to enrolling in the specialty component of the curriculum, students must possess their RN license or hold a temporary registered nurse license. Any student failing the licensure examination or allowing their temporary permit to expire will be withdrawn from the program.

CURRICULUM FOR ACCELERATED M.S.N.

FOUNDATION COURSES

HSC 342

MCN 341

NU 300

MCN 345

NU 301

MCN 346

HSC 332

AHN 447

CMN 350

AHN 448

CMN 351

CMN 420

AHN 347

NU 412

AHN 348

NU 413

MCN 340

NU 460

BRIDGE AND CORE COURSES

NU 506

NU 534

NU 507

AHN 514 Or CMN 514 Or MCN 514

NU 530

NU 531

NU 532

NU 533

NURSING EDUCATION COURSES

NU 522

MCN 525

NU 527

CMN 525

NU 528

AHN 525

NU 524

NU 526

NU 529

NURSE ADMINISTRATION COURSES

NU 561

NU 567

NU 562

NU 568

NU 565

HSC 571

NU 566

CLINICAL NURSE LEADER

NU 535

NU 536

NU 537

NU 538

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACCELERATED MSN

Students are admitted as undergraduates for a second bachelors degree during the foundation component of the curriculum (first 12 months). During the first twelve months of the program, tuition is charged at the undergraduate rate for undergraduate courses and at the graduate rate for the five graduate level bridge courses. Financial aid is restricted to the types and amounts for which an undergraduate student is eligible.

Upon satisfactory completion of the foundation component of the curriculum, the student will complete all necessary paperwork for reclassification as a graduate student and will continue through the remainder of the program. During this phase of the curriculum. Financial aid is restricted to the types and amounts for which a graduate student is eligible.

REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS IN PRACTICUM COURSES

All students must submit a completed health data form and provide evidence of required immunizations upon admission. Immunizations must be kept current. Students must also maintain current CPR certification, and RN licensure while enrolled in the program. Students must provide a negative drug test before beginning classes. Random drug screens or testing for reasonable suspicion are conducted. Students must submit to drug testing for controlled substances and background checks. Failure to submit to testing or a positive drug test and/or unsuitable background checks will result in the student's dismissal from clinical courses.

Clinical activities for the graduate program maybe completed in the student's home community if acceptable clinical sites and preceptors are available. The student is responsible for identifying potential clinical sites and preceptors and for following the College of Nursing's procedure for the establishment of clinical affiliation agreements. The faculty are responsible for approving clinical sites and preceptors. Clinical sites are available in the Mobile, Alabama area for students who can not locate an appropriate site or preceptor in their home community.

EXPENSES

Students are responsible for purchasing equipment and supplies to be used in the clinical courses. Transportation costs to the clinical sites is the responsibility of the student. Students are charged a fee for professional liability insurance each semester. Students are responsible for all personal health care expenses including expenses resulting from injury or accident while the student is engaged in learning experiences required by the College of Nursing. Therefore, all students are required to have adequate health care insurance.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

A limited number of graduate assistantships is available to students of full standing. Additional information and an application can be obtained by contacting the College of Nursing graduate office.

PROGRAM OF STUDIES

Students choose from the following options:

OPTION I Public Health Nursing Administration

OPTION II Executive Nursing Administration

OPTION III Nursing Education

OPTION IV Clinical Nurse Leader

OPTION V Clinical Nurse Specialist

OPTION VI Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Gerontological Nursing

Advanced Adult Acute Care Nursing

Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Nursing

Advanced Family Nursing

Advanced Women’s Health Nursing

Advanced Child Health Nursing

Advanced Neonatal Nursing

CURRICULUM

OPTION I Public Health Nursing Administration

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
NU 507	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	AHN 514	1
or		or
NU 599	3	CMN 514	1
		or
		MCN 514	1

Support Courses (3 credits)

NU 562

Speciality Courses (19 credits)

HSC 540	2	HSC 541	2
HSC 542	3	CMN 543	3
CMN 544	3	CMN 545	4
CMN 546	2
Total Credits	35

OPTION II Executive Nursing Administration

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
NU 507	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	AHN 514	1
or		or
NU 599	3	CMN 514	1
		or
		MCN 514	1

Support Courses (3 credits)

NU 562

Speciality Courses (18 credits)

NU 565	3	NU 566	3
NU 561	3	NU 567	4
NU 568	2	HSC 571	3
Total Credits	34

OPTION III Nursing Education

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
NU 507	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	AHN 514	1
or		or
NU 599	3	CMN 514	1
		or
		MCN 514	1

Support Courses (6 credits)

NU 545	3
NU 578	3

Speciality Courses (26 credits)

NU 518	3	NU 519	1
NU 522	3	NU 526	4
NU 524	3	NU 527	3
AHN 525 or	4	NU 528	3
CMN 525 or		NU 529	2
MCN 525 or

Total Credits	45

OPTION IV Clinical Nurse Leader

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
NU 507	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	AHN 514	1
NU 599		or
	3	CMN 514	1
		or
		MCN 514	1

Support Courses (6 credits)

NU 545	3
NU 578	3

Speciality Courses (18 credits)

NU 518	3	NU 536	5
NU 519	1	NU 537	2
NU 535	3	NU 538	4
Total Credits	37

OPTION V Clinical Nurse Specialist

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
NU 507	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	AHN 514	1
or		or
NU 599	3	CMN 514	1
		or
		MCN 514	1

Support Courses (6 credits)

NU 545	3
NU 578	3

Speciality Courses (13 credits)

NU 520	4	AHN 525	4
NU 521	2	or
NU 524	3	CMN 525	4
		or
		MCN 525	5
Total Credits	32

OPTION VI Nurse Practitioner

Core Courses (9 credits)

NU 506	3	NU 508	3
NU 507	3

Research Courses (4 to 6 credits)

NU 513	3	AHN 514	1
NU 599	3	or
		CMN 514	1
		or
		MCN 514	1

Support Courses (6 credits)

NU 545

NU 578

Speciality Courses (26 credits)

Advanced Gerontological Nursing
AHN 548	3	AHN 549	1
AHN 551	3	AHN 552	3
AHN 553	3	AHN 554	3
AHN 555	3	AHN 556	4
AHN 557	3

Advanced Adult Acute Care Nursing
AHN 568	3	AHN 569	1
AHN 571	3	AHN 572	3
AHN 573	3	AHN 574	3
AHN 575	3	AHN 576	4
AHN 577	3

Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
CMN 548	3	CMN 549	1
CMN 551	3	CMN 552	3
CMN 553	3	CMN 554	3
CMN 555	3	CMN 556	4
CMN 557	3

Advanced Family Nursing
CMN 568	3	CMN 569	1
CMN 571	3	CMN 572	3
CMN 573	3	CMN 574	3
CMN 575	3	CMN 576	4
CMN 577	3

Advanced Women’s Health Nursing
MCN 538	3	MCN 539	1
MCN 541	3	MCN 542	3
MCN 543	3	MCN 544	3
MCN 545	3	MCN 546	4
MCN 547	3

Advanced Child Health Nursing
MCN 548	3	MCN 549	1
MCN 551	3	MCN 552	3
MCN 553	3	MCN 554	3
MCN 555	3	MCN 556	4
MCN 557	3

Advanced Neonatal Nursing
MCN 568	3	MCN 569	1
MCN 571	3	MCN 572	3
MCN 573	3	MCN 574	3
MCN 575	3	MCN 576	4
MCN 577	3
Total Credits	45

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL NURSING COURSES:

Nursing (NU)

Adult Health Nursing (AHN)

Community/Mental Health Nursing (CMN)

Maternal/Child Nursing (MCN)

Health Sciences (HSC)