Mission and Vision

The Department of Graduate Nursing at the University of North Alabama warmly welcomes registered nurses to elevate their careers with our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, designed for those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree who are eager to advance their skills. We offer four specialized concentrations to help you grow professionally. For nurses who already hold a MSN, our Post-Master’s Certificate program provides a seamless way to expand your expertise in these same areas. Our programs are delivered through flexible, asynchronous online courses, making balancing your education with your busy schedule easy. Graduates of the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentrations are eligible to pursue national certification, opening doors to new opportunities in their nursing careers.

For master’s prepared nurses looking to lead and innovate, our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree offers dynamic pathways in education and leadership, with a focus in healthcare simulation. We encourage you to visit the UNA Graduate Catalog to explore our graduate nursing programs further. We are excited to support you as you take the next step in your nursing journey!

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master’s degree program in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at the University of North Alabama is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education  (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

A Message from the Dean

Dr. Tera Kirkman

Welcome to the University of North Alabama, Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions.

In 1973, a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program was established at the University of North Alabama. Since that time, the college has expanded its academic offerings to include master's, post-master's certificate, and doctoral degrees in nursing, along with baccalaureate and master's degrees in the health professions. The college has a history of consistently achieving national licensure and certification rates above accreditation and board of nursing requirements. Instruction and experiential learning experiences such as simulation takes place in Laura M. Harrison Hall, a state-of-the-art facility. Other clinical practice opportunities are conducted in Northwest Alabama and throughout the region. The mission of the ACONHP is to graduate nurses and other health care professionals who are prepared to assume professional roles in diverse health care environments.

It is an important time in the history of health care to become a registered nurse or health care professional. Nurses and other members of the health care team are the backbone of the healthcare delivery system. Advance practice nurses, nurse educators, nurse leaders, and nurse researchers are leading the way to assist in meeting the challenges of today’s complex healthcare environment.   According to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics nurse practitioners and respiratory therapist are among the fastest growing occupations through 2030. Registered nurses and nurse practitioners are among the occupations with the most job growth through 2030. These health care providers deliver safe quality care in various settings that include but are not limited to hospitals, clinics, long term care facilities, and homes.

I encourage you to take a few moments to navigate our website. As you browse, you will learn more about our outstanding programs, exceptional students, highly qualified faculty, and incredible staff. We look forward to meeting you.  

ROAR LIONS!!

Tera R. Kirkman, EdD, MSN, RN

Dean & Professor

Degree Programs

The Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions (ACONHP) offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with three options for nurses currently holding a Master of Science or higher degree in nursing:  

1. Advanced Practice DNP: With a focus on innovative, evidence-based practice, this track will provide advanced practice nurses with the competencies to provide transformational care in diverse health care environments. The DNP degree will provide advanced practice nurses with an educational background that is comparable to those of providers in other health care fields. 
2. Population Health Leadership and Simulation DNP Track:  The DNP in Population Health Leadership with a concentration in health care simulation is ideal for master’s prepared nurses who want to become population health-focused leaders in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.  Evidence-based knowledge will guide students to improve health outcomes for target populations in the continually evolving healthcare system. Learners will utilize simulation to educate themselves and others on topics such as climate change, disaster management, and safety and preparedness. 
3. Educational Leadership and Simulation DNP Track. The DNP in Educational Leadership with a concentration in health care simulation is ideal for those master’s prepared nurses who want to become advanced population and aggregate-focused educators and leaders that transform the future of healthcare. Current and emerging evidence and simulation best practices will be used to inform decisions, actions, and interventions that directly and indirectly impact the education and health of aggregates, individuals, families, and groups. Students will synthesize and evaluate systems-level thinking, advocacy, and integrate informatics to build partnerships within various settings.

Additionally, The Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions (ACONHP) offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with four options for registered nurses:

1. Family Nurse Practitioner Option - students in this option will receive educational preparation that will enable them to provide person-family centered evidence-based health care for individuals across the lifespan.
2. Leadership in Organizational Environments Option - students in this option will receive educational preparation that will enable them to function at an advanced level in the health care environment concerning politics and legislation, budgeting and economics, leadership and management, such that these nurses may positively influence the management aspects of nursing and health care in society.
3. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Option -  students in this option will receive educational preparation that will enable them to assess, diagnose, and treat the mental health needs of patients.
4. Teaching-Learning Environments Option - students in this option will receive preparation related to the direct care role of nurse educators and advanced teaching methodologies that provide graduates with tools necessary to facilitate the education of nursing students, health care clients, and health care colleagues.

All options are available online and each course is asynchronous in nature. All MSN courses are subject to online learning fees (See Expenses section). There are no mandatory campus-based components to the Teaching-Learning Environments option or the Leadership in Organizational Environments options.  The Family Nurse Practitioner option and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner option has a minimum of two mandatory on campus intensives.

Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions (ACONHP) Goals

1. Provide high quality, innovative student-centered nursing and health related programs built upon scientific disciplines. 
2. Graduate nurses and health professionals who are prepared to practice person-centered care in diverse local, regional, and global healthcare environments.  
3. Promote scholarship, scholarly activities, teaching, service, and practice that advances quality, safety, and knowledge in healthcare. 
4. Develop professional partnerships across professions to enhance healthcare within complex systems. 
5. Optimize the use of information processes and technologies in healthcare practices.  
6. Foster a spirit of professional excellence and resilience amongst a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. 

Graduate Program Outcomes

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master's Certificate Student Outcomes

1. Develop competencies in advanced nursing practice, teaching, and/or leadership.
2. Facilitate quality care across the lifespan utilizing a systems approach.
3. Integrate ethical decision-making to provide culturally competent care.
4. Cultivate collaborative relationships across diverse disciplines to improve patient and population health outcomes.
5. Integrate evidence-based practice to advance the profession of nursing.
6. Incorporate current and emerging technologies to improve health outcomes.

Upon completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner Track of the MSN and PMC Programs and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track of the MSN Program, graduates are eligible to sit for the appropriate national board certification examination, which is required for practice approval and employment in Alabama and other states.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Student Outcomes

1. Construct a scientific knowledge base for nursing practice. 
2. Incorporate current healthcare delivery approaches that guide person-centered care. 
3. Summarize principles of safety and quality into practice. 
4. Assemble evidence-based nursing knowledge to improve population health outcomes. 
5. Integrate present and emerging health technologies to deliver safe, high-quality healthcare. 
6. Cultivate a healthcare system that advocates for equitable healthcare across all populations. 
7. Facilitate interprofessional collaboration that enhances patient or population outcomes.  
8. Generate strategies that promote improved health outcomes for all populations.  
9. Relate nursing knowledge to practice for the promotion of the profession. 

Admission to MSN Program

All applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program must meet the general admission requirements for graduate study at the University of North Alabama (see General Regulations and Procedures). All required application materials must be submitted by the published deadline.

In addition to UNA’s graduate admission requirements, applicants to the MSN program must meet the following criteria:

• A completed application to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions (ACONHP) graduate program (available online at https://www.una.edu/graduate/ 
• A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on the transcript from the BSN degree-granting institution transcript.
• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a professionally accredited nursing program in the United States.
• A written statement of professional goals, including how graduate education will support the achievement of those goals.
• A current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license. Applicants with restrictions, reprimands, or participation in any disciplinary alternative program are not eligible for admission.
• Clinical nursing experience is preferred but not required.
• Completion of a criminal background check and drug screen.

Track-Specific Requirements

Applicants to the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks must also submit a minimum of two completed recommendation forms.

Conditional Admission – Leadership and Teaching-Learning Tracks

Applicants to the Leadership and Teaching-Learning tracks may be considered for conditional admission if they partially meet the admission criteria. Conditionally admitted students must have at least one year of full-time clinical experience as a registered nurse. To continue in the program, conditionally admitted students must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher after the first nine credit hours. Students who fall below a 3.0 GPA after nine hours will not be permitted to continue in the program.

International Applicants

International students must meet all University and ACONHP graduate admission requirements. In addition, they must achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL.

Admission Review and Selection

All applications are reviewed by the graduate nursing administration and/or faculty. Admission decisions are made by the ACONHP graduate administration and/or faculty. Admission to the MSN program is competitive, and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Post-Master's Certificate Admission

Applicants currently meeting UNA’s graduate admission requirements and the specific criteria for a post-master's certificate may apply for enrollment in one of the Graduate Certificate Programs offered by ACONHP. Students may enroll only in the courses required for the certificate. Admission is competitive, and meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance.

Admission to DNP Program

All applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program must meet the general admission requirements for graduate study at the University of North Alabama (see Admission to Graduate Studies). All required application materials must be submitted by the published deadline.

In addition to UNA’s graduate admission requirements, applicants to the DNP program must meet the following criteria:

• A completed application to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions (ACONHP) graduate program (available online at https://www.una.edu/graduate/)
• A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a professionally accredited nursing program in the United States, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from the degree-granting institution.
• A current professional resume.
• Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional colleagues who can evaluate the applicant’s accomplishments, leadership potential, contributions to healthcare, and overall readiness for doctoral study.
• A current national certification as an advanced practice nurse is required for applicants to the Advanced Practice track.
• A current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license. Applicants with restrictions, reprimands, or participation in any disciplinary alternative program are not eligible for admission.
• Submission of a professional statement outlining a proposed Doctor of Nursing Practice project. The statement should include a brief review of relevant literature and a discussion of a potential evidence-based project. The proposed topic should align with the applicant’s desired track, address a change that directly or indirectly impacts healthcare, and focus on a systems or population level issue. The statement must be formatted according to APA guidelines, limited to one written page with a second page for references.
• Completion of a criminal background check and drug screen.

Admission to MSOT Program

Admission to the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program is competitive; therefore, meeting the following minimal requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 
• Applicants are expected to have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) for their undergraduate degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for prerequisite courses.
• Completion of prerequisite courses (with a minimum grade of “C”) prior to enrollment in the program.
  • ​Completion of all prerequisite courses is not required prior to applying to the program. You may have no more than 3 outstanding prerequisites at the time that you apply, and you must report a plan regarding when you will complete the remaining courses.
  • Prerequisite Course Credits 
    • PY 302: Abnormal Psychology (3)​
    • CH 101: Chemistry (3) 
    • ED299: Human Growth and Development (3) 
    • BI 241: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
    • BI 242: Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4) 
    • MA 147: Statistics (3) 
• Applicants need to have at least 30 documented OT observation hours under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. As few as one occupational therapist (OTR) at one site and as many as two therapists at two different facilities can be used to complete the 30 hours. A Documentation of Experience (DOE) form will need to be completed by each supervising occupational therapist to verify contact hours. A total of 30 hours is required for admission; however, more hours are always desirable 
• Applicants must secure at least 2 professional references to complete an evaluation on their behalf. 
• Submission of an application through the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS). https://otcas.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login

Readmission

Students seeking readmission to the graduate nursing program must submit a formal petition to the Chair of Graduate Programs in the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions (ACONHP). The petition must include:

• A clear explanation of any extenuating circumstances that contributed to the student’s previous lack of academic success.
• A detailed plan for successfully completing the program upon readmission, including specific strategies for academic improvement and program completion.

The petition will be reviewed by the graduate faculty and the Chair of Graduate Programs. Recommendations will be forwarded to the Dean of ACONHP, who will make the final decision. Students will be notified of the decision by the Dean. Readmitted students must comply with any conditions or stipulations set forth by the Dean and faculty as part of the readmission process.

Unclassified Student Status

Students who wish to take graduate nursing courses without formal admission to the MSN program may request to enroll as unclassified (non-degree-seeking) students. The following conditions apply:

• A maximum of six credit hours may be taken as an unclassified student.
• Approval must be obtained from the Chair or Director of the MSN program.
• The MSN application must be completed, and official transcripts submitted to the University of North Alabama.
• Enrollment is subject to space availability in the requested course(s).
• Enrollment beyond six credit hours requires formal admission to the MSN program.

Please note: There is no guarantee that credit earned as an unclassified student will be applied toward the MSN degree program or accepted by another institution. Successful completion of courses while in unclassified status does not guarantee admission to the MSN program.

Transfer Credit

Refer to the Special Regulations section of the General Regulations and Procedures in the university catalog for overall transfer policies. Courses submitted for transfer credit are subject to review by the graduate nursing faculty, who will determine eligibility based on course content and relevance to the MSN curriculum.

• A maximum of six credit hours may be transferred.
• Only courses in which a grade of “B” or higher was earned will be considered for transfer credit.

Advisement

All graduate nursing students will receive academic advisement from graduate nursing faculty and/or the Coordinator of Online Nursing Enrollment. Students are encouraged to consult with an ACONHP advisor prior to preregistration each semester to ensure proper course selection and progression through the program.

Graduate Student Academic Requirements

To remain in good academic standing and satisfy program requirements, students must meet the following academic standards:

• Maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B average) or higher on all graduate coursework attempted.
• No more than two courses with a grade of C may be applied toward the degree.
• No grade below a C will be accepted for credit toward the degree. However, all grades—including those below a C—are included in the cumulative GPA calculation.
• Students who earn three grades of C or below will be dismissed from the program.
• Students who earn two grades below C will be dismissed from the program.

Academic Warnings

Students will receive an academic warning letter under the following circumstances:

• Earning one grade of C or below.
• Earning two grades of C.
• Earning one grade of C and one grade below C.

Course Repetition Policy

Students may repeat any course in which a grade of C, D, or F was earned. The highest grade earned will be used to determine academic progression. However, all attempts will remain on the academic transcript, and all grades will be calculated into the cumulative GPA.

Minimum Grade Requirements for Specific Courses

A minimum grade of B or higher is required in the following courses:

• Core and Advanced Practice Courses: NU 508, NU 607, NU 614
• Practicum Courses: NU 641, NU 642, NU 643, NU 644, NU 645, NU 650, NU 651, NU 652, NU 653, NU 654, NU 655, NU 680, NU 681, NU 682, NU 683

Time to Degree Completion

All coursework must be completed within seven years from the original date of enrollment.

Licensure Requirements

Students must maintain an unencumbered registered nurse and/or advanced practice license throughout their enrollment in the program. Students whose licenses become encumbered—through restrictions, reprimands, or participation in a voluntary disciplinary alternative program—will not be allowed to continue in the program. Admission may also be denied based on verbal disclosure of substance use or abuse.

Assumptions

The UNA Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions graduate degrees and post-master certificate degree builds on the preparation of students at the undergraduate level with the following assumptions:

• students have experience in professional nursing practice
• students have background knowledge of nursing theory and research
• students understand and use the nursing process
• students can communicate effectively
• students are involved in professional activities
• students have leadership abilities
• students can use technology effectively

The above assumptions are expanded throughout each graduate program option as the student prepares to assume their new role as a nurse educator, nurse leader, advanced practice clinician, or doctorally prepared nurse.

Clinical Practicum Requirements

All students must submit the following documentation prior to the start of any clinical practicum courses:

• Documentation of a physical examination
• Proof of required immunizations or positive titers
• Current tuberculosis (TB) screening
• Proof of current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers
• Proof of active health insurance coverage
• Completion of OSHA and HIPAA training
• Proof of professional liability insurance with student coverage
• Current, unencumbered nursing license and advanced practice certification if applicable
• Signed confidentiality statement

In addition to the above, the following clinical documents must be submitted for each approved preceptor:

• Intent of Relationship Form
• Practicum Application
• Professional Profile of the Preceptor or curriculum vitae
• Clinical Schedule

Note: Some clinical sites may require an additional urine drug screen and/or criminal background check completed within the past 12 months.

Students are required to hold a current unencumbered registered nurse license in the state(s) where clinical practicum experiences will take place.

All clinical practicum documentation must be submitted a minimum of eight (8) weeks prior to registration for any clinical course, including:

NU 641, NU 642, NU 643, NU 644, NU 645, NU 650, NU 651, NU 652, NU 653, NU 654, NU 655, NU 680, NU 681, NU 682, NU 683.

Failure to submit the required documentation within the specified timeframe may result in administrative withdrawal from the clinical practicum course.