Vision and Mission

The Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions (ACONHP) vision is to improve health in the community by effecting change in systems and policies, and to promote research and scholarly activities that advance nursing and health care knowledge. The ACONHP mission is to graduate nurses and other health professionals who are prepared to assume professional roles in diverse health care environments.

The nursing program at UNA is ranked in the top 10 most up and coming nursing programs in the south.  Read the full article here. 

Entering freshmen and transfer students complete a four-year curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are awarded the BSN degree, and are eligible to take the National Counci Licensure Examiniation (NCLEX) exam, which is required for licensure and employment as a registered nurse (R.N.).

For Registered Nurses who wish to attain the BSN degree, our "RN to BSN Online Program" allows RNs to attain their BSN degree entirely online. For BSN prepared nurses, we also offer an MSN degree program completely online. Both the BSN and the MSN online programs provide an online learning environment that is educationally rewarding and designed to meet the schedule of the working student.

Approval and Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate program in nursing at the University of North Alabama are 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 program offerings to include baccalaureate and master’s degrees in nursing and 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 the baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) degree, the bachelor of science in applied health science (AHS) degree, and the master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. The ACONHP is structured into two departments: the Department of Nursing and Health Professions-Undergraduate Programs (UP) and the Department of Nursing and Health Professions-Graduate Programs (GP). 

ACONHP Program Goals 

Nursing Program Goals

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

Expected Program Outcomes

Graduates of the bachelor of science in nursing program will: 

Nursing Program Goals

Category	Department	Program Goals
1	BSN	Function in professional nursing roles.
2	BSN	Synthesize knowledge from a broad educational foundation upon which professional nursing practice is based.
3	BSN	Collaborate with members of the health team and other interested groups in identifying and meeting the health needs of individuals, families, and communities.
4	BSN	Demonstrate an understanding of the need for continuous personal and professional growth.
5	BSN	Acquire basic knowledge about research and its application to practice.
6	BSN	Develop interpersonal and technological skills necessary to assume leadership roles within the BSN scope of practice.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program the student is awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and may be eligible to take the state licensing examination for qualification as a registered nurse (RN).

General Policies and Program Statements

• The Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions retains the right to make modifications in its program/policies as deemed necessary by its faculty based on recommendations and mandates from the Alabama Board of Nursing and the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education. Students currently enrolled in the nursing program will be required to adhere to any modifications made during their enrollment as a nursing major.
• To progress in the professional nursing courses, students must possess a functional level of competence to perform the basic skills of a professional nurse. Skills include (but are not limited to):
  • Hearing ability (e.g., must be able to discern various health assessment sounds with a stethoscope);
  • Visual ability (e.g., must be able to read small print or medication vials);
  • Fine and gross motor skills (e.g., must possess physical stamina to perform full range of required client care activities for the duration of work role)
  • Emotional stability (e.g., must be able to assume responsibility and accountability for own actions);
  • Critical thinking (e.g., must demonstrate sound judgment regarding the provision of safe, ethical care in a variety of health care settings).
• Students are expected to adhere to standards of professional conduct as described in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses and the Code of Conduct delineated in the UNA Catalog and the current Nursing Student Handbook (available on the campus nursing server). Other sources for information can be obtained at ANA The Center for Ethics and Human Rights Code of Ethics for Nurses Provisions Approved as of June 2001, https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/, and the International Council of Nurses Code for Nursing Ethical Concepts Applied to Nursing 2001, https://www.nursingworld.org/.
• Students may be denied approval for an Alabama Board of Nursing license as identified in the “Grounds for denial” statements by the Board (Refer to: Code of Alabama, 1975, Section 34-21-25; Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code 610-X-8-.01 and 610-X-8-.05). http://www.abn.state.al.us.
• Students wishing to be employed outside of Alabama, should apply for licensure in the desired state of employment.  Students should adhere to the respective state board of nursing licensure and employment regulations.
• Following admission to the ACONHP, students must:
  • Provide proof of physical examination
  • Present current immunization records (including Hepatitis B series). (An administrative clinical “unsatisfactory” grade will be issued to any student who fails to submit these requirements on time).
  • Demonstrate proof of CPR certification, nursing student liability insurance (purchased through the ACONHP approved vendor), tuberculosis testing (PPD) results, and OSHA updates.
  • Undergo an initial drug screening prior to beginning classes.
    • Additional drug screenings may be required at any time while the student is in the nursing program.
• Standard achievement exams are given at various intervals throughout the nursing program at the student's expense.
• The ACONHP strongly encourages students to have personal health insurance as students are responsible for health related costs incurred when clinical accidents (i.e., needle sticks) occur.
• Students may refer to information published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov and the Occupational Safety Hazards (OSHA) guidelines https://www.osha.gov/law-regs.html.

First Time Freshman Early Admission Option

The Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions (ACONHP) offers early admission (EAdm) to a select group of highly qualified high school seniors who plan to seek a career in nursing. Applicants must be admitted to UNA and apply for the EAdm option by March 31.  This select group of students will be guaranteed admission into the traditional nursing option as long as all requirements are met. A dedicated nursing advisor will be assigned to all EAdm students to help them develop a course schedule each semester. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the EAdm option.

EAdm Admission Requirements

• Students must apply for and be accepted into the Presidential Mentor Academy (PMA) or Delores and Weldon Cole Honors Program the fall semester immediately following high school graduation;
• Minimum high school GPA requirement of 3.5, based on a 4.0 system at the time of application;
• Admitted and enrolled full-time in courses at UNA, by the fall semester immediately following high school graduation;
• Complete an EAdm application for the ACONHP, located on the ACONHP website by March 31;
• Along with the EAdm application, students must submit an essay (see EAdm application for details).

Requirements for EAdm Students

Students selected for the EAdm option must complete all pre-requisite nursing coursework listed in the UNA Undergraduate Catalog while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Additionally, students must complete the requirements listed below to be guaranteed early admission placement.

• Maintain good standing in the PMA or Delores and Weldon Cole Honors Program;
• Meet with assigned advisor at least once per semester;
• Be continuously enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester, (excluding summer);
• Make acceptable progress with expected date of entry into the traditional nursing option in 4-5 semesters, (excluding summer);
• Meet all current nursing application requirements;
• Students must complete an application for the traditional nursing option to the ACONHP during the last semester (fall or spring) of their prerequisite coursework;
• If students maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application, the entrance exam requirement will be waived. EAdm students who do not maintain the required cumulative GPA of 3.5 will be required to complete the entrance exam.
  • If cumulative GPA is 3.25-3.49 during the application cycle, the EAdm student must take the entrance exam and pass by 85% minimum cumulative score to qualify for guaranteed placement.

Students who do not meet these criteria are eligible for admission, but will be placed in the general traditional application pool.

*Requirements and conditions are subject to change.