University of North Alabama College of Nursing & Allied Health

Program Length & Format

• 15 months
• online didactic courses with in-person skills, simulations, and clinical rotations in Northwest Alabama
• clinical schedule: two weekends per month (Friday–Sunday) with occasional Thursday
• Total nursing credit hours: 60

Admission Requirements

• baccalaureate degree in any discipline other than Nursing from a regionally accredited institution
• Admission to the University of North Alabama required prior to program admission
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in either the first degree or on completed prerequisite courses
• Grade of C or higher required in all prerequisite courses
• Eligibility to participate in rotations in all clinical facilities and availability for clinical at designated times and locations in Northwest Alabama
• Submit formal application to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions
• criminal background check and negative drug screen; must be in good standing with university student conduct
• Letter of eligibility required for applicants previously enrolled in another nursing program

Prerequisites

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with laboratory
• Microbiology or Clinical Microbiology (BI 302 or BI 307)
• Introductory/Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory (CH 101)
• Nutrition (CNH 342)
• Human Growth and Development (ED 299)
• General Psychology (PY 201) or Introductory Sociology (SO 221)
• Elementary Statistics (MA 147)
• Nursing Concepts (NU 203W or NU 203WR)
• Pathophysiology for the Healthcare Professional (NU 238 or NU 238R)
• All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to admission to the accelerated option
• No time limit on prerequisite course completion

Deadlines

• Program application available February 1 each year
• Application due March 1 each year
• Admission decisions notified by April 1 each year
• Admitted students must enroll in the May intersession

Application

• Submit formal online application to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Pay application fee as specified on ACONHP application
• All official college transcripts must be submitted to the University Admissions Office by the application deadline
• Letter of eligibility required for applicants previously enrolled in another nursing program
• Complete background check and drug screen as specified on the application

Selection Process

• Admission determined by an admission cumulative index based on admission assessment exam scores, GPA, and completed coursework at UNA
• Initial eligibility requires meeting University admission requirements; University admission does not assure program admission
• Admission decisions issued by April 1 following application review

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition: $340 per credit hour (in-state)
• Out-of-state tuition: $680 per credit hour plus additional fees
• Accelerated BSN eligible for UNA New Start Scholarship (waived application fee and complimentary first course when enrolled in two or more courses for qualifying new online students)

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical rotations and onsite skills/simulations held in Northwest Alabama
• Face-to-face clinical component scheduled two weekends per month (Friday–Sunday) with occasional Thursday
• Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program available only to Accelerated BSN students: paid clinical hours, paid tuition, paid books and supplies, semester mentor assignment, guaranteed job placement upon graduation with a two-year work agreement at sponsoring hospital
• Ability to participate in clinical rotations at designated facilities required for admission and retention

Credit Transfer

• Baccalaureate degrees earned outside the United States require a WES evaluation to be deemed acceptable for credit
• Credit for foreign baccalaureate degrees granted through the University Office of Admissions following evaluation

International Students

• International applicants must meet University TOEFL or English proficiency requirements by the application deadline
• Foreign baccalaureate degrees acceptable if WES evaluation deems courses acceptable and Office of Admissions grants credit

The University of North Alabama RN to MSN program is accredited by the CCNE. The program is offered in two tracks in Nursing education and Nursing Leadership.

The first track (educator) is designed to prepare students with the tools to educate nursing students, health care personnel, and clients as well as being able to serve as part of the faculty of institutions of higher education and in the clinical environment.

The second track (leadership) is designed to prepare RN’s to offer advanced level health care administration and management. These programs is intended for applicants engaged or seeking to engage in the administrative or management elements of health care.

The program, both tracks, is offered completely online in an asynchronous format.

Admission Requirements

• BSN Degree from an accredited college or University(for MSN)
• Current and unencumbered license
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.0
• A year of practical experience as an RN (for the educators track only)
• Three professional references
• Personal Statement on professional goals

Applications for the MSN program are primarily accepted in the fall semester although a very small number of applicants are accepted in the spring and summer semesters.

For RN to MSN program students both BSN and MSN degree is awarded.