UAH's Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) allows undergraduate students to study at the graduate level. By taking graduate courses in your senior year, you could reduce the time taken to get a graduate MSN degree. Visit uah.edu/jump to view a current listing of all JUMP eligible programs. 

Benefits for you:

  1. No entrance exam!
  2. Double count undergrad classes for grad degree!
  3. Pay undergrad tuition for grad classes taken as a JUMP student!
  4. No graduate application fee!
     

How to JUMP:

For admission to JUMP, students must meet overall GPA requirements of the program. GPA includes all transfer coursework. Students should contact the JUMP advisor of their academic program for more information about admission requirements. 

To apply, students must submit the JUMP application to the JUMP advisor for their academic program any time before their last semester. View more information at uah.edu/jump.

JUMP Requirements & Official Rules:

  • Students must receive at least a B in each JUMP course for it to count towards a graduate degree.
  • Students must maintain a minimum overall GPA throughout JUMP program until graduation. GPA requirements vary by academic program.
  • All coursework must be completed within six years of taking your first JUMP class.
  • Students are considered undergraduate students until all requirements for undergraduate degree are met. 
  • If a change is made to the initial JUMP application both a JUMP change form and a change to student's undergraduate Program of Study (POS) must be submitted for approval to your JUMP advisor. 
  • Students cannot hold a GTA, GRA, or graduate scholarship or fellowship until undergraduate degree is completed.
  • Students must begin their graduate program within one year of their undergraduate graduation.

Completing Your Graduate Degree:

Within the last term of undergraduate enrollment, JUMP students must submit the online application for graduate admission in order to continue in JUMP and register for graduate classes. Admission to the UAH Graduate School will be granted if students have maintained the minimum requirements of their JUMP academic program.

If a student's GPA upon graduation is less than the required minimum, the student does not receive admission to the graduate degree program automatically. Previously completed graduate coursework through JUMP will be counted as if the student had been a non-degree seeking graduate student. Students must apply to the UAH Graduate School and meet all the admissions requirements set by the academic department for new graduate applicants. 

More information available at http://uah.edu/jump

Students who hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing with an active unencumbered RN license, and are accepted into our RN to BSN program, are eligible to apply for JUMP. 

Admission requirements:

  1.  Must be accepted into RN to BSN program
  2.  Overall GPA of 3.2
  3.  Hold an active unencumbered RN License
  4.  Have all Bachelor of Science in Nursing general education requirements completed

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 or nursing education. The Master of Science degree is awarded upon successful completion of one of the four tracks.

MSN Program Outcomes

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

  1. Integrate theoretical foundations of nursing knowledge, science, humanities, and scholarly inquiry in advanced-level nursing practice.
  2. Demonstrate advanced-level nursing practice that is evidence-based and adheres to scientific, ethical, legal, and professional standards in the delivery of compassionate, person-centered care.
  3. Evaluate policies, care delivery models, and organizational structures/processes for efficacy in meeting current and future health care needs of diverse communities and populations.
  4.  Evaluate findings from research to create evidenced-based practice policies and protocols to improve health care delivery and outcomes.
  5. Use improvement processes in all health care settings to promote quality and safety principles.
  6. Engage in strategies that promote intra-and interprofessional communication and collaboration to deliver advanced care for diverse populations.

  7. Evaluate system-based strategies to provide equitable care and improve access to health care. 

  8. Incorporate informatics principles in the use of current and emerging technologies in advanced-level nursing practice.

  9. Exemplify professional practice at the advanced level by promoting ethical values, professional standards, inclusion, equity, and social justice.

  10. Assume responsibility for life-long learning and continuing personal, professional, and leadership development.

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 3.2 on a 4.0 scale in all baccalaureate coursework or on the last 60 semester hours of baccalaureate coursework completed.
  3. Submit a JUMP Application for Admission.
  4. Submit CV/resume.
  5. Three completed College of Nursing Graduate Recommendation Forms from individuals familiar with applicant's academic and clinical abilities, for those applying for Nurse Practitioner tracks.  Forms are available in the College of Nursing Office of Graduate Programs.
  6. Current Alabama or multi-state unencumbered registered nurse license. If a student is permitted to meet course clinical requirements in a state other than Alabama or have a multi-state license for 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.
  7. 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. 
  8. 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 or part-time student in the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) track.  
  9. A statistics course is a required prerequisite for the program.
  10. Due to select board of nursing regulations special attention must be given to the location of the Nurse Administration or Nursing Education Internship clinicals. Students must consult with the Graduate Academic Advisor regarding any restrictions in their state.

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.

Nursing Education

This track prepares nurses as educators who may teach in academic or clinical settings.  Competencies include communication, advanced knowledge of pedagogy, classroom and clinical teaching, curriculum development, testing and evaluation, and educational technologies.   

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

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 students must demonstrate 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 consistent with the level of educational preparation. Examples (not all inclusive) of necessary activities include identifying cause-effect relationships in clinical and classroom situations, using the scientific method in developing plans of care, and evaluating the effectiveness of nursing interventions. 
    2. Professional relationship sufficient for professional interactions with a divers population of individuals, families, and groups. Examples (not all inclusive) include establishing rapport with patients/clients and colleagues, engaging in successful conflict resolution, and being accountable to peers.
    3. Communication adeptness sufficient for verbal and written professional interactions. 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 about 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 calibrating and using equipment, positioning of clients in therapeutic positions, and completing physical examinations on patients.
    6. Auditory ability sufficient for monitoring and assessing health needs. Examples (not all inclusive) include hearing basic conversations, cries for help, monitoring alarms, emergency signals, and auscultatory sounds.
    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. Using logical, unimpaired judgment in the classroom and clinical activities is also an example of this essential function.

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. The College of Nursing encourages students who need accommodations for essential functions to contact the UAH Disability Support Services Office. 

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 two-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 five 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.

RN to BSN Progression and Graduation Standards
  1. Outstanding co-requisite courses may be completed while taking nursing courses. However, it is advised that outstanding co-requisite courses be completed prior to beginning the curriculum. 
    1. 12 of the last 18 credit hours must be completed at UAH to be awarded a degree
  2. A minimum grade of "C" or above must be earned in all required nursing courses and all co-requisite courses.

       UAH College of Nursing adheres to the following grade scale:

A = 90 - 100

B = 80 - 89

C = 75 - 79

D = 60 - 74

F <60

  1. An overall "C" (2.0) grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation.
  2. A student who receives two or more grades below "C" in required nursing courses, in either the same course or in separate courses, at any time during the program will be dismissed from the College of Nursing. Students have the option to petition for readmission following the guidelines published in the BSN  Student Handbook. 
MSN Progression and Graduation Standards

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
  • Nursing Education

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 three 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 3.000 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 3.000. 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 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.

Students should also refer to the University Academic Probation and Dismissal policy for additional information.

Students plans of study will be individualized based on start date and specific program requirements. Please contact Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Advisors to create your plan of study.