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College of Nursing
Dean: Dr. C. Fay Raines Associate Dean: Dr. Marsha Dowell From the Dean The UAH College of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing. UAH is the only institution offering both nursing programs in north Alabama and is a regional center for nursing research activities. The Baccalaureate and Master's programs are designed to give the student the theoretical and experiential base for current and future practice. Programs in the College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and are approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. The UAH College of Nursing offers a flexible schedule and a wide variety of educational opportunities. The graduate program in nursing leads to the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) degree. This program focuses on preparation for advanced nursing practice. It prepares graduates to assume leadership roles in the direct delivery of care as nurse practitioners in primary care (Family Nurse Practitioner) and in acute care (Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner). Advanced nursing study is also available in the Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist program as well as in Nursing Administration with an emphasis in case management. Nurses prepared at the graduate level are in high demand in clinical practice and as middle and top level administrators. The M.S.N. program can be completed in sixteen months while attending class one day a week. Opportunities are also available for students who prefer a slower pace. Students are accepted into the program once a year in the fall. The priority deadline for application is April 15th of each year preceding the fall semester for which enrollment is sought. Upon completing requirements for the M.S.N., all graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations in their respective fields. UAH also offers a Post-M.S.N. Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program and a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education. Each of the certificate programs can be completed in three semesters. The Post- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program provides nurses who already hold Master's degrees in Nursing with the skills and knowledge to become nurse practitioners. After completing coursework, students are eligible to sit for national certification examinations. The Graduate Certificate Program in Nursing Education provides study opportunities in nursing education for those enrolled in the graduate program at UAH, or for those nurses with master’s degrees wishing to teach at any level of nursing education. Although nursing is becoming highly specialized, it remains, fundamentally, a caring profession. UAH took both of these aspects into consideration when designing its curriculum in nursing. Classrooms and the Learning Resource Center are equipped with modern technology that allows for courses offered via distance learning and CD-ROM. In addition, our professors have an ongoing concern with some of the most significant issues in nursing today, including AIDS research, nursing ethics and opportunities for nurses in space research. Current areas of faculty research include self concepts of children with chronic diseases, breast cancer studies, cost models for Type 2 diabetes, pain management, specialized care for children with asthma, and health care of the elderly. The UAH College of Nursing Graduate program helps students expand their education in areas that allow for excellent job opportunities. Traditional and innovative opportunities will continue to expand for nurses with advanced preparation. While the majority of nurses are still employed in acute care settings, this is rapidly changing with more and more Master's prepared nurses finding advanced clinical and management opportunities in home health care agencies, managed health care organizations, outpatient care facilities, and community-based primary care sites. Also, many nurses with graduate education are becoming entrepreneurs, running their own health care agencies or health care related businesses. Future health care promises greater opportunity and increased autonomy for advanced practice nurses. Admission Requirements In addition to the Graduate Studies requirements of
1) a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all baccalaureate course work or on the last
60 semester hours of course work completed and 2) an acceptable score
of 1500 or better on the GRE or 50 or better on the MAT, the College
of Nursing has additional requirements which are specified on their
web site (see address above). |
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