College of Nursing

1610 Ben Graves Drive
Telephone: 256.824.6345
Email: nursing@uah.edu

Dean:
Karen H. Frith, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, Professor

Mission

Educate and inspire individuals to become nurse leaders who act with integrity, discover through scientific methods, promote wellness, and advocate for the best health care experiences of people and communities in a complex and evolving health care environment. In collaboration with our university colleagues and community partners, we are committed to excellence through our teaching, scholarship, practice, and service.

Vision

To have a global reputation for promoting wellness and transforming health care through innovative nursing practice, education, and research.

Core Values

• Integrity - Resolutely adhering to moral, ethical, and professional standards.
• Inspiration - Encouraging, role-modeling, and mentoring others to pursue their professional dreams.
• Caring - Acting with compassion and respecting all persons by embracing cultural humility, diversity, and person-centered care.
• Excellence - Pursuing and achieving goals of the highest caliber.
• Wellness - Maximizing well-being in different states of health.

Accreditation

The UAH College of Nursing BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  The College of Nursing maintains approval status by the Alabama Board of Nursing.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

The College of Nursing offers the Joint Nursing Science Ph.D., Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program, and a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education.

Joint Nursing Science Ph.D.

The purpose of the Joint Nursing Science Ph.D. program is to prepare nurse scholars who will advance nursing science by generating new knowledge through interprofessional research initiatives and to improve the health of rural and medically underserved populations. It is a joint program between The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and The University of Alabama (UA).

Joint Nursing Science Ph.D. Program Outcomes

The purpose of the DNP program is:

• To prepare graduates at the highest level of nursing practice to provide complex hospital and community-based care for patients and families.
• To redesign and evaluate nursing and health care systems.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville, College of Nursing offers a  Post-Baccalaureate to DNP and Post-Masters to DNP pathways. The post-baccalaureate to DNP pathway allows a seamless progression from the completion of a baccalaureate degree to advanced practice with education at the doctoral level to address the growing complexity of patient care and health care systems. The Post-Masters to DNP pathway expands the preparation and accountability of masters-prepared nurses in population-based care, leadership, health policy, health system improvement, and evidence-based practice.

DNP Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the DNP program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Synthesize scientific evidence for the development of clinical interventions for practice.

2. Evaluate policy, care delivery, and organizational systems for current and future health care needs.
3. Demonstrate intra- and inter-professional collaboration to address health disparities and to improve health care quality across diverse populations and cultures.
4. Incorporate knowledge of current and emerging health technologies to improve care delivery and organizational systems.
5. Translate scientific, theoretical, and ethical principles into health care for individuals, families and populations.
6. Assume complex leadership roles to advance clinical practice and the health care delivery at the organizational and systems level and to improve health outcomes of individuals and populations.
7. Advocate for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in health care.
8. Deliver evidence-based care using clinical reasoning and analysis of complex healthcare issues to improve patient outcomes.

Post MSN to DNP Admission Requirements

1. Graduation from a Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission of Nursing Education (ACEN) or Commission on Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) accredited baccalaureate program with a major in nursing (for BSN to DNP).
2. Hold a master's degree in advanced practice nursing from an accredited institution (for MSN to DNP).
3. Submit a UAH Application for Graduate Admission.
4. Submit official transcripts from all higher education programs attempted.
5. Submit proof of current/active unencumbered licensure and advanced specialty certification.
6. Submit CV/resume.
7. Submit Professional Statement describing career goals and identified area of clinical practice interest.
8. Meet health and background clearance requirements.
9. A statistics course is a required prerequisite for the program.

Post BSN to DNP Admission Requirements

1. Apply to the MSN program first (for BSN to DNP applicants).
2. A statistics course is a required prerequisite for the program.

DNP Progression Requirements

1. A program of study is provided to students on admission to the DNP program outlining the required sequence of courses to complete the DNP degree. Students are responsible for following their programs of study. Deviations from the program of study must be discussed with the Program Manager for Graduate Admissions and Advisement to ensure timely progression through the curriculum. Students may request a leave of absence for up to 3 semesters and receive a revised program of study. 
2. The University grading system is described elsewhere in the UAH Graduate Catalog. Grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted. At the completion of each semester, students access their grades in Banner.
3. Students who receive a "C" in any DNP course and the student's graduate GPA falls below a 3.0, will be placed on academic probation by the University. The student has an additional 12 semester hours to bring the GPA up to 3.0 in accordance with the UAH School of Graduate Studies policy.
4. Students who receive a "C" in a DNP course (regardless of graduate GPA) will be reviewed for progression by the DNP Coordinator and faculty of record. These individuals will make a recommendation to the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs for either continuation in the program with a repeat of the course or dismissal from the nursing program. The Associate Dean of Graduate Programs will review the recommendation and deliver a final decision. After receiving a second "C", requests aimed at continued progression will not be considered.
5. If the recommendation is for the student to continue in the program and repeat the course, he/she may retake the course the next time the course is offered.
6. If the student obtains a "C" in a nursing course and is allowed to continue, receives a "C" in any nursing course, this student will not be allowed to progress regardless of graduate GPA, and the student will be dismissed from the DNP program in the College of Nursing. A grade of C, D, or F does not count toward the program of study for the DNP program.
7. Students who are dismissed from the DNP program may apply for readmission within one year of that action by completing the readmission form found in the DNP Student Handbook and sending it to the Program Manager for Graduate Admissions and Advisement.  An Admission and Progression Committee will review the application for readmission and all relevant information about student performance in class, clinical, or DNP project. The Committee will recommend readmission or deny readmission to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. If readmission is recommended by the Committee, the Associate Dean will consider the availability of space in the next cohort and will communicate a date for reentry to the student. At a minimum, students who are readmitted be restricted from enrollment for one semester to resolve problems that contributed to poor academic performance. Students who are readmitted and subsequently earn another grade below "B” in any nursing course will be permanently dismissed from the DNP program.
8. Under certain extenuating circumstances, a student may be eligible for a Leave of Absence (LOA). An appointment with the Graduate Admissions Advisor to file a LOA form is required.  The time limit of 6 years for DNP degree completion, potential impact on financial aid, and possible significant changes to the program of study must be considered when thinking about this option. Return to the program is contingent on class seat availability.
9. A student may withdraw from a course if policies and deadline for withdrawal are followed as specified by the Office of the Registrar and the College of Nursing. It is the student's responsibility to understand the withdrawal policies. More than three (3) course withdrawals in a program will be considered a lack of progress toward the degree. Three withdrawals may require academic counseling from the College of Nursing Graduate Administration and/or dismissal.
10. Courses taken at other universities will be considered for transfer credit only if a grade of "B" or higher is obtained in the course. The maximum transferable credit hours is 12 for graduate and doctoral programs. Students are responsible for requesting a transfer of credit review from the College of Nursing Program Manager for Graduate Admissions and Advisement and provide documentation.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Graduate tracks offered through the College of Nursing are focused on preparing advanced practice nurses in direct care provider roles as a family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, or in an indirect care provider role in nursing administration. The Master of Science degree is awarded upon successful completion of one of the three tracks.

Advanced practice nursing is distinguished by autonomy of practice and characterized by both increased complexity in clinical decision making and skills in managing organizations and health care environments.

Comprehensive health assessment skills provide a foundation for the critical thinking used in diagnostic decision making and treatments of complex human responses of diverse individuals, families, and communities to health problems. Advanced practice nursing students are guided in classroom and clinical experiences to formulate clinical decisions to manage common health problems, acute and chronic illness, and promotion of wellness.

Theory and research form a central core of knowledge for all tracks in the master's program. Building on content in these areas, all students integrate education, management, leadership, and consultation into their clinical experiences as they practice in a variety of settings. Practice sites for clinical courses are individually arranged with the student. Classes are usually offered one day per week and may be offered on campus, or through web-based courses.

Students who successfully complete their program of study are eligible to sit for the national certification examination in their area of expertise in the nurse practitioner program and after work requirements are met in the nursing administration program.

MSN Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MSN program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Implement clinical decision-making skills in the delivery and management of diverse populations in a variety of settings.
2. Synthesize theoretical foundations, knowledge of science and humanities, and scholarly inquiry to provide clinical prevention, patient therapy, and system improvement to improve patient outcomes in diverse populations.
3. Analyze healthcare policies and information management systems to affect patient outcomes in diverse populations through organization and systems leadership and inter-professional collaboration and partnership.
4. Incorporate human, fiscal, and technological resources in providing and managing advanced care for improvement of patient and population, and system outcomes.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles, quality, safety, equality, and inclusivity in healthcare.
6. Engage in life-long learning through translating and integrating scholarship in practice and preparing for doctoral education in nursing.

MSN Admission Requirements

1. Graduation from a Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission of Nursing Education (ACEN) or Commission on Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) accredited baccalaureate program with a major in nursing.
2. Overall grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all baccalaureate coursework or on the last 60 semester hours of baccalaureate coursework completed.
3. Acceptable score on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken within the last five years. The minimum score on the MAT is 410. The minimum scores for the GRE are 150 Verbal, 150 Quantitative, and 3.0 Analytical Writing. (Students with an overall GPA of 3.0 may waive #3).
4. Submit a UAH Application for Graduate Admission.
5. Submit official transcripts from all higher education programs attempted.
6. Submit CV/resume.
7. Three completed College of Nursing Graduate Recommendation Forms from individuals familiar with applicant's academic and clinical abilities. Forms are available in the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs.
8. Current unencumbered registered nurse license. If a student is permitted to meet course clinical requirements in a state other than Alabama, the student must be licensed in that state. Students will not be allowed to continue in the track if any license is placed on probation, suspended, or revoked. Licensure must be maintained throughout the program.
9. A minimum of one year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) is required to be eligible for admission as a full-time student in the Family Nurse Practitioner track (FNP).  Students admitted for part time study in the FNP track with less than one year of clinical experience as a RN must maintain employment as a RN to obtain additional clinical experience throughout their enrollment. 
10. A minimum of one year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a critical care area (intensive care unit or emergency department) is required to be eligible for admission as a full-time student in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) track.  Students admitted for part time study in the AGACNP track with less than one year of clinical experience as a RN must maintain employment as a RN in critical care to obtain additional clinical experience throughout their enrollment.
11. A statistics course is a required prerequisite for the program.

MSN Degree Requirements

In addition to the graduate degree requirements of the UAH Graduate Program, a student is required to complete a minimum of 30-42 semester hours of graduate coursework in one of the following tracks:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Administration

Please note that curricular changes may be made in the coming year. Please contact the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs for the most current information.

MSN Progression Requirements

A program of study is provided to students on admission to the MSN program outlining the required sequence of courses to complete the MSN degree. Students are responsible for following their programs of study. Deviations from the program of study must be discussed with the Program Manager for Graduate Admissions and Advisement to ensure timely progression through the curriculum. Students may request a leave of absence for up to 3 semesters and receive a revised program of study. 

The University grading system is described elsewhere in the UAH Graduate Catalog. Grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of semester hours attempted. At the completion of each semester, students access their grades in Banner.

As stated in the Graduate School Handbook, students with a cumulative grade point average less than 3.0 at the end of each semester will have registration holds automatically placed on them for the next semester by the Graduate School. In addition, the College of Nursing requires all graduate courses to be passed with a grade of “B” or higher.  Courses taken at other universities will be considered for transfer credit only if a grade of "B" or higher is obtained in the course.

Students who receive less than a “B” will be reviewed for progression the Admission and Progression Committee, which is composed of faculty from their track. The student will be required to submit a request to continue in the MSN program using the form found in the MSN Student Handbook. This Committee will recommend either continuation in the program with a repeat of the course or dismissal from the MSN program. The Committee will make recommendations to the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs. If the student has a hold on registration by the Dean of the Graduate School, the form and the recommendation from the Admission and Progression Committee will be forwarded to the Graduate School. The student will be given a specified period of time to remedy the grade point average to 3.0. Failure to remedy the grade point average within the time period specified in the plan will lead to dismissal from the Graduate School, as described in the published policy in the Graduate Catalog. If a student makes a “C,” “D,” or “F” in the repeated course or in a second course, he or she will be dismissed from the MSN program by the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs.

Students who are dismissed from the MSN program may apply for readmission within one year of that action by completing the readmission form found in the MSN Student Handbook and sending it to the Program Manager for Graduate Admissions and Advisement.  An Admission and Progression Committee will review the application for readmission and all relevant information about student performance in class, clinical, or lab. The Committee will recommend readmission or deny readmission to the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. If readmission is recommended by the Committee, the Associate Dean will consider the availability of space in the next cohort and will communicate a date for reentry to the student. At a minimum, students who are readmitted be restricted from enrollment for one semester to resolve problems that contributed to poor academic performance. Students who are readmitted and subsequently earn another grade below "B” in any nursing course will be permanently dismissed from the MSN program.

Under certain extenuating circumstances, a student may be eligible for a Leave of Absence (LOA). An appointment with the Program Manager, Graduate Admissions and Advising to file an LOA form is required. Students should consider that there might be a potential impact on financial aid and possible significant changes to the program of study.  Return to the program is contingent on class seat availability.

A student may withdraw from a course if policies and deadline for withdrawal are followed as specified by the Office of the Registrar and the College of Nursing. It is the student's responsibility to understand the withdrawal policies. More than three (3) course withdrawals in a program will be considered a lack of progress toward the degree. Three withdrawals may require academic counseling from the College of Nursing Graduate Administration and/or dismissal.

Nurse Practitioner

The nurse practitioner is a skilled health care provider who uses expert clinical judgment and decision making in conducting comprehensive health assessments, making differential diagnoses, and prescribing of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions in the direct treatment of health problems. Nurse practitioners function as care providers, case managers, researchers, consultants, and educators. Two nurse practitioner tracks are offered at the college:

• Family Nurse Practitioner 
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Although both are advanced practice nurses, family nurse practitioners function as primary care providers focusing on common health care problems across the lifespan. Family nurse practitioners establish collaborative practices with primary care physicians to deliver culturally sensitive care to clients. Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners focus on the care of adults and older adults with acute illnesses and may practice in the hospital, home, or clinic setting. Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners provide expert interventions focused on health promotion, illness prevention, and health care management.

Nursing Administration

This track prepares nurses who will influence the future of health care through visionary nursing leadership. Competencies include communication, financial skills, information technology, leading and managing change, policy analysis, and empowerment for professional practice. Graduates are prepared to assume positions in education, administration, management, or specialty area roles in a variety of care delivery sites.

Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Students already possessing a master's degree in nursing have the opportunity to pursue a family nurse practitioner certificate. Students are admitted to the family nurse practitioner certificate program to complete the requirements in four semesters. The transcripts and resumes of prospective students will be evaluated to determine if additional courses are needed. See the Certificates tab.

Graduate Certificate Program in Nursing Education

Students who are currently enrolled in graduate education or those possessing a master's degree have the opportunity to continue their education and obtain a certificate in nursing education. Classes for this program are arranged in a manner to allow for full-time employment or continued study in the master's program. The program is composed of six courses, and requirements for the certificate program may be completed in one calendar year.

More detailed information about opportunities for students seeking graduate degrees and certification may be obtained from the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs 256.824.6669.

Online Learning

Online courses are offered by the College of Nursing to improve access to higher education. The College of Nursing offers the Joint Nursing Science Ph.D., DNP, and the MSN in Nursing Administration program completely online. The nurse practitioner programs include hybrid courses allowing the student maximum flexibility. All courses contain web-based enhancement.

Courses offered completely online or those with a hybrid of on-campus/online are delivered in Canvas, the official course management system for UAH. Faculty in the College of Nursing use a common template to organize courses for student ease of navigation. Other educational technologies such as Screencast-o-matic, Turnitin, wiki pages, chats, etc. are used to enhance student interaction, learning, and enjoyment.

Facilities

The College of Nursing utilizes the facilities and resources of the entire university, the community, and affiliated health care agencies. The college is housed in a four-story building centrally located on the UAH campus. Classrooms equipped with current educational technology as well as the Learning and Technology Resource Center (LTRC) with a state-of-the-art simulation to assist students to learn in multiple ways.

The College of Nursing maintains contracts with over 1300 health-related agencies to offer a wide range of clinical sites for student educational experiences. Agencies in the local area include the Huntsville Hospital Health System, Crestwood Medical Center, local Public Health Departments, skilled nursing homes, home health agencies, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Clinics--Huntsville Campus. Other hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, and rural health clinics across Alabama and southern Tennessee are also used for student experiences.

Transportation

Clinical learning experiences are varied in settings and are located within Huntsville and surrounding communities. Students are expected to travel to and from all clinical experiences. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation and carrying appropriate insurance. The College of Nursing is not liable for any traffic violations or auto mishaps during student commutes.

Advising and Assistance

The focus of advising in the College of Nursing is to assist students to successfully progress toward their educational objectives. Advising is designed to provide assistance where desired and appropriate. All pre-admission graduate students are advised in the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs located on the second floor of the Nursing Building.

Students admitted to the graduate program work with the academic advisor who assists them throughout the remainder of the academic program. Program coordinators assist students in completing a program of study for the track to which they have been admitted as well as providing guidance for future employment or educational endeavors.

Requirements for Enrollment and Admitted Students

1. Documentation of professional liability insurance must be provided to the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs or third-party designee prior to enrollment in a nursing class. The insurance must be a minimum of one million/three million of coverage and renewed annually while enrolled in the program. NP students are required to have "NP Student" coverage. Liability coverage can be obtained from Nurses Services Organization (NSO) at www.nso
2. Documentation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training must be provided to the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs prior to enrolling in a nursing class. CPR certification must be maintained throughout the program. Students entering the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner tracks must obtain and maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification (ACLS) prior to enrolling in a clinical nursing class.
3. Students are required to undergo drug testing and a criminal background check prior to enrollment in nursing courses, annually thereafter, and for cause at other points. Information and procedures are provided upon admission. If the College deems the drug testing and/or background check information to be unsatisfactory, acceptance or enrollment into the College may be denied or an offer of acceptance rescinded. If a student's acceptance or enrollment is denied or rescinded based on the information obtained from a criminal background check report, the student will be advised of the name and address of the consumer reporting agency that furnished the report, and of the right to dispute the accuracy and completeness of any information contained in the report by contacting the consumer reporting agency directly. If the College decides, based upon the individual's written description, explanation and documentation about information obtained in the criminal background check, that the results of the check are deemed to be satisfactory, the individual shall be informed that the College's positive decision is not a guarantee that every clinical facility will permit the student to participate in educational clinical experiences at that facility or that any state will accept the individual as a candidate for registration, permit or licensure. Convictions of pleas of guilty of, pleas of nolo contendere (no contest) to, any criminal charges, or any pending criminal charges are ground for dismissal from the College of Nursing. Any crimes involving violence against the person including but not limited to murder, manslaughter, use of deadly force, assault and battery (other than simple), sex crimes, abuse of children or the elderly, abduction, or robbery at any time prohibit a student form admission or progression in the Nursing Program. The Associate Dean will inform any disqualified student, and the student will not be allowed to continue in any Nursing Program.
4. Students may also be required to have additional drug screens and/or criminal background checks prior to attending selected clinical agencies. All requirements for clinical placement at agencies must be met by the student in order to be placed at that location. 
5. Documentation of current license to practice as a registered nurse must be provided to the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs prior to enrollment in a nursing class. Registered nurse students must submit proof of an active, unencumbered current license. If a student is permitted to meet course clinical requirements in a state other than Alabama, the student must be licensed in that state. Registered nurse students will not be allowed to continue in the program if any nursing license is placed on probation, suspended, or revoked. Licensure must be maintained throughout the program.
6. Completion of three modules in "Culturally Competent Nursing Care: A Cornerstone of Caring" found at https://ccnm.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/default.asp 
7. OSHA Certification: Students can access the OSHA training requirement through their Canvas Student Portal and once complete, students must submit a copy of their OSHA certificate. 
8. HIPAA Certification: Students can access the HIPAA training requirement through their Canvas Student Portal and once complete, students must submit a copy of their HIPAA certificate
9. Essential functions define selected attributes and behaviors necessary for students to demonstrate in order to successfully complete their education and subsequently enter nursing practice. These essential functions are determined to be required for initial and continued enrollment in the College of Nursing. Students must be able to perform each of the following essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations:
   1. Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. Examples (not all inclusive) of necessary activities include identifying cause-effect relationships in clinical and classroom situations; and developing nursing care plans.
   2. Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from various social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. Examples (not all inclusive) include the ability to establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues.
   3. Communication abilities sufficient for verbal and written interaction with others. Examples (not all inclusive) include explaining treatment procedures, initiating health teaching, and documenting and interpreting nursing actions and patient/ client responses.
   4. Mobility abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces. Examples (not all inclusive) include moving around in clients' rooms, work spaces and treatment areas; and administering cardiopulmonary procedures;
   5. Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient for providing safe, effective nursing care. Examples (not all inclusive) include completing examinations/evaluations by writing, typing or demonstration; calibrating and using equipment; and positioning clients.
   6. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. Examples (not all inclusive) include hearing basic conversation; monitoring alarms, emergency signals and auscultatory sounds; and hearing cries for help.
   7. Visual abilities sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care. Examples (not all inclusive) include reading documents such as patient charts and laboratory reports; reading calibrations on syringes, sphygmomanometers, and thermometers, and equipment outputs such as waves, printouts, and digital readings; and accurately observing client behaviors such as color changes and nonverbal communication.
   8. Tactile abilities sufficient for physical assessment. Examples (not all inclusive) include performing palpation, percussion, temperature changes, complete physical examinations and other activities related to therapeutic interventions.
   9. Behavioral/Social abilities sufficient to demonstrate emotional stability, maintenance of composure under stress, development of mature, empathetic and effective nurse-patient relationships and use of sound and unimpaired judgment in classroom and clinical activities.

These essential functions are not intended to be a complete listing of all nursing behaviors, but they are a sampling of the types of abilities needed by nursing students to meet program objectives and requirements. The College or its affiliated agencies may identify additional critical behaviors or abilities. The identified essential functions are adopted from the Americans with Disabilities Act: Implications for Nursing Education by the Southern Regional Education Board and the Council on Collegiate Education.

Health Requirements

The clinical experiences of graduate nursing students require a health screening program. The following steps are required as part of admission to and enrollment in the graduate program:

1. Each student is required to have a health examination by a physician or a certified nurse practitioner. Reports of the results of this examination must be submitted on forms provided by the College of Nursing and must be received by the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs by published deadlines. Individual clinical agencies may require additional documentation for specific health requirements which must be met by students;
2. Each student must be immunized for Hepatitis B. For initial enrollment, certification that the series of three injections has begun or results of a recent titer must be received by the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs by published deadlines. Documentation of the completed series is required for continued enrollment and must be received by the College by published deadlines. Immunizations and titers are at the expense of the student;
3. Each student is required to be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, and rubeola with a two-dose series or have a titer showing immunity. If the titer shows non-immunity or equivocal results, the student must take the two-dose immunization.
4. Each student is required to be immunized against varicella with a two-dose series or have a titer showing immunity. If the titer shows non-immunity or equivocal results, the student must take the two-dose immunization. 
5. Annual influenza vaccinations are required by the first of October. 
6. The CDC does require a 2 step TB skin test initially, however, if you have had initial testing and annual screening through your employer, documentation of a single step will be sufficient. Annual single PPD skin test update required OR T-Spot OR QuantiFERON TB Gold Blood draw annual update is required. *If a TB skin test is positive, a chest x-ray must have been completed within the last 5 years (annual symptom evaluation must be completed and uploaded).
7. Tetanus Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) booster required every 10 years after initial TDap. The Tdap immunization must never be more than 10 years old during matriculation.
8. Documentation of current immunization, healthcare provider's statement, or copy of recent titer results must be received by the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs by the published deadlines. Immunizations and titers are at the expense of the student.
9. Documentation of current health insurance must be received by the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs by published deadlines. Hospitals and health agencies provide emergency treatment to students for injury or illness occurring in the course of program requirements in their agencies. Such treatment will be at the expense of the student. Students are required to maintain health insurance throughout the program.
10. Each student must complete a certified background check and a drug screen before starting the program and annually thereafter.
11. All health requirements must be completed prior to the first day of class in the semester. Students who fail to meet this requirement will not be allowed to start classes until all health requirements are met.

Student Financial Services

Student Financial Services, located in the Student Services Building, provides financial aid information and assists students in meeting individual needs. Financial aid for graduate students in the College of Nursing comes primarily from the following sources:

1. Alabama Board of Nursing Scholarships. Fifteen scholarships are granted each year to graduate students attending schools in Alabama. Funding is $3,800 for full-time study for one year. Students must make application directly to the Alabama Board of Nursing. Contact the Alabama Board of Nursing for further information.
2. Alabama Board of Nursing Loan Repayment plan.
3. Elizabeth M. Fisher Memorial Scholarship.
4. Joan Williamson NANPA Scholarship.
5. Graduate Teaching Assistantships.
6. Graduate Tuition Scholarships.
7. Nurse Faculty Loan Program

Course Load

The usual course load for a full-time graduate student in nursing is from 9 to 12 semester hours. Students may choose to complete a degree in full-time or part-time study with the exception of the post-master's students. 

Professional Licensure

If you are interested in obtaining professional licensure, please check with the appropriate licensing body in the state where you intend to practice. Additional information can be found at https://www.uah.edu/academic-affairs/offices/oirea/state-authorizations/professional-licensures.

Joint Nursing Science PhD Program

• Nursing, Joint Nursing Science PhD

Doctor of Nursing Practice

• Nursing, MSN to DNP
• Nursing, BSN to DNP

Master of Science in Nursing

• Nursing, MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing Practitioner
• Nursing, MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing, MSN - Nursing Administration

Certificates in Nursing

• Nursing Education
• Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Alexander, Susan, Professor, Nursing, 2009, DNP, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Amiri, Azita, Associate Professor, Nursing, 2012, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Bail, Jennifer, Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2020, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Barnby, Elizabeth, Clinical Professor, Nursing, 2009, DNP, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Beck, Monica, Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2009, MSN, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Beck, Amy, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2018, DNP, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Bianchi, Ann, Associate Professor, Nursing, 2007, PhD, Texas Woman's University.

Budisalich, Kimberly, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2017, MSN, Samford University.

Chamness, Joseph, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2021, MSN, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Clemmons, Tammy, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2006, MSN, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Darnell, Amy, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2020, MSN, Auburn University.

Davis, Rebecca, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2009, MSN, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Elmore, Elizabeth, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2019, DNP, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Emich, Cheryl, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2013, MSN, University of Alabama.

Foster, Melissa, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2012, DNP, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Frith, Karen, Dean and Professor, Nursing, 2007, PhD, Georgia State University.

Gentry, Sheila, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2018, MSN, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Guerra, Donna, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2015, EdD, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Hollingsworth, Angela, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2016, DNP, University of South Alabama.

Hoy, Haley, Professor, Nursing, 2006, PhD, Vanderbilt University.

King, Andrea, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2022, DNP, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Krueger, Kalan, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2021, MSN, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Lakin, Tracy, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2019, DNP, The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Lanz, Amelia, Associate Dean and Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2012, EdD, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Milam, Lauren, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2021, MSN, University of North Alabama.

Morgan, Tracie, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2016, MSN, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Morrison, Katherine , Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2017, MSN, Samford.

Ng, Yeow Chye, Associate Professor, Nursing, 2013, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Niles, Lauren, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2021, MSN, University of Texas at El Paso.

O'Keefe, Louise, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Associate Professor, Nursing, 2006, PhD, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

O'Neal, Pamela, Professor, Nursing, 2005, PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University.

Palmer, Jennifer, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2015, EdD, University of Alabama.

Patterson, LaToya, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2014, MSN, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Perry, Tamela, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2021, DNP, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Poole, Jarmel, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2017, MSN, University of North Alabama.

Reynolds, Charles, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2020, MSN, University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Showalter, Darlene, Clinical Associate Professor, Nursing, 1998, DNP, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Shrader, Amelia, Clinical Instructor, Nursing, 2020, MSN, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Smith, Lenora, Associate Professor, Nursing, 2013, PhD, Medical University of South Carolina.

Smith, Miranda, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2018, MNED, University of North Alabama.

Sommerkamp, Sandy, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2011, MSN, Jacksonville State University.

Spencer, Sharon, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2012, MSN, University of New Orleans.

Storer, Sallyann, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2017, DNP, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Sullivan, Veronica, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2017, DNP, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Thornton, Tracy, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2013, MSN, University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Vann, Jennifer, Clinical Assistant Professor, Nursing, 2022, DNP, The University of Alabama at Birmingham.