Nurse Education

ADMISSION

RN – BSN In order to apply, you must have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.  Applicants with lower GPA may be admitted on condition after a "whole" person review including excellent work record and letters of recommendation.

It is recommended that the majority of general core prerequisites be completed prior to admission; however, if you do have remaining prerequisites to complete, they can be integrated in your initial degree plan.  This allows many students to be able to start the program early.  Any transfer credits must be completed with a grade of C. 

Immunizations: MMR and TD, completed series of Hepatitis B, TB skin test.

Health Care Provider CPR certification:  Both American Red Cross and American Heart Association certifications are accepted.

You must have a valid license to practice professional nursing in the State of Texas.

You must also have at least 6 months of experience working as a registered nurse.

 

WONDERING HOW TO GET STARTED?

Step 1.  First, you will need copies of transcripts from all schools you have attended.  Your transcripts do not need to be official until after you have been accepted into the nursing program. FAX your unofficial transcripts to 210-829-3174.  ATTN: Dr. Sarah Williams. 

Step 2.  Upon receipt of your transcripts, someone will be in contact with you within 5-7 days to schedule an initial interview.

Step 3.  Schedule an interview with Dr. Williams.  At this point, Dr. Williams will inform you of whether you are eligible for the RN-BSN program and if eligible, she will provide you with a preliminary degree plan, along with a suggested progression plan.  In some cases, potential applicants may be provided several options for progression to program completion.

Step 4.  Apply for admission.  If you decide that you like the program and want to proceed, you may apply during the initial interview and register for your first class.  If you need time to digest all of what you heard about the program, or you need to discuss it with your spouse and family, certainly feel free to do so.

Step 5.  Start taking classes.  Based upon your recommended preliminary degree plan, you will be advised to begin taking general core education courses or you may be eligible to start taking nursing courses in the next cohort. The total number of general core courses will determine when you are advised to start a cohort. A general rule is that if you have 18 - 24 general core courses left to complete, it is feasible to start taking nursing courses in the next cohort.  If you have more than 24 general core courses to complete, your plan will reflect that you complete some of the core courses before getting started in a cohort.

  Step 6.  Determine if you are an online learner.  Reflect on the following questions.  These questions are designed to give you some perspective on your ability to be successful with online learning.

        a.  Do you own your own personal computer?  (It is recommended that you have access to your own personal computer.  Laptop or desktop - whichever works best for you).  Our school also offers technological support to assist you with computer issues.

        b.  Are you computer literate?  (If not, it is recommended that you take a computer literacy course prior to starting the program, or if you have taken a computer literacy course in the past and it is more than five years old, you may take a computer competency test).

        c.  Have you taken online courses in the past?

        d.  Have you evaluated your work schedule and find that you have time for school?

        e.  Do you have time to be on your computer at least 2-3 hours per day during course work?

        f.  Do you check and answer your emails at least daily?  (If you check your email less than daily, you will not fare well with online learning.  The primary method of communication in online learning is through email).

        g. Going back to school often requires you to change your lifestyle and work at managing your time more efficiently.  If you have taken a self learning module and were not able to complete the course requirements due to other commitments then you may consider rescheduling priorities

RN-MSN

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

·         If you have been deemed eligible to apply for the RN-MSN Program your must first apply and be accepted in the RN-BSN program (Alternate Pathway or ADCAP). 

·         You must have all general core requirements and selected courses in the undergraduate program “bridge courses” completed prior to transitioning to the MSN curriculum. 

·         You will have a choice to choose from two clinical focuses offered in the MSN program – Clinical Nurse Leader and Clinical Nurse Specialist, both preparing nurses for advanced practice roles. 

·         If selected for the RN-MSN option you must first declare your interest in pursuing the MSN in the third term of the undergraduate program. 

·         If you complete the RN-MSN curriculum, you will receive both the BSN and MSN degrees upon graduation; however, if you desire to obtain the BSN sooner you may apply upon completion of 120 credits.

·         Students are admitted twice per year – Fall and Summer

 

For initial admission to the RN-MSN program, you must have:

·         Minimum of 3 years of recent practice

·         RN License to practice nursing in Texas

·         Cumulative GPA at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; 3.0 GPA in major nursing courses; 3.0 at time of admission to graduate program

·         Successful interview with the RN-BSN program coordinator

·         Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

To transition from the undergraduate (RN-BSN) curriculum, you must complete:

·         Application and a non-refundable application fee

·         Statement of professional goals

·         Three letters of recommendation

·         Current resume

·         Successful interview with MSN program coordinator

Wondering how to get started?

·        Follow the same steps as outlined for getting started in the RN-BSN program.

·         Upon completion of the “bridge courses” you will follow the transitioning guidelines stated above. 

 

For more information about the graduate nursing program visit :   http://www.uiw.edu/msn/index.htm