This is an archived copy of the 2015-2016 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.uta.edu/.

Nursing - Graduate Programs

MSN Program

MSN Admissions Requirements (All MSN Programs)

The applicant for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree must meet the general requirements of Graduate Admissions and have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a regionally accredited program and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution. Individual consideration may be given to applicants who hold a BSN degree from non-accredited programs.

Potential students must also possess a current unencumbered RN license from Texas, a compact state, or other state board of nursing.

The College of Nursing and Health Innovation admission criteria are detailed in the MSN Graduate Admission table below. The admission status options are described below.

Unconditional Admission

Applicants must meet all criteria for unconditional admission.

Probationary Admission

Criteria for probationary admission status and minimum GRE scores are listed in the MSN Graduate Admission table below. When admitted on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program. Probationary students are admitted for part-time study only.

Provisional Admission

An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but whom otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.

Deferred Status

Deferred decision is granted when a file is incomplete or when a denial decision is not appropriate.

Denial of Admission

An applicant will be denied admission if they have less than satisfactory performance on a majority of admission criteria listed in the MSN Admission Table.

MSN Graduate Admission Table

Admission Criteria Unconditional Probationary
GPA on last 60 hours of Undergraduate Program (BSN) (as calculated by Graduate Admissions of UTA)3.012.8-2.992,3,6
GRE4 Two highest GRE scores will be used in admission processNot requiredVerbal: 430 or 1492 or Quantitative: 430 or 141 or Analytical Writing: 3.5 Analytical: 430
TSE (Test of Spoken English) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)TSE: Score of 40 or higher or TOEFL: Minimum of 550 on paper-based test, 213 on computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test and achieve the following minimum scores on subtests: Writing, 22; Speaking, 21; Reading, 20; and Listening, 16 or IELTS minimum score of 7.0
Clinical Experience1. Two years clinical experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) within the previous five (5) years is strongly recommended and preferred for all programs. Applicants without 2 years clinical experience should contact the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Office of Enrollment and Student Services prior to making application.
2. For all high-acuity MSN NP Programs, (Acute Care Pediatrics, Neonatal and Adult Gerontology Acute Care), two years clinical experience as an RN in an acute care setting within the previous five (5) years is required. (Evaluated by the Associate Dean and/or designee.)
3. For the MSN in Nursing Education program, 2 years clinical experience as an RN is required.
4. International students are required to have two years RN clinical experience in a United States (or equivalent) health care system.
200 word Essay re: Career goalsEvaluated by Associate Dean or designee
Current and unencumbered RN License from Texas, a compact state, or other state board of nursing5Evaluated by Associate Dean or designee
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)Required only for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)Required only for the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program; Neonatal NP applicants may complete the NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program).
BSN from ACEN or CCNE Accredited ProgramEvaluated by Associate Dean or designee
Undergraduate Level StatisticsMinimum grade of "C"
Cardiopulmonary ResuscitationRequired for all programs.
1

Minimum undergraduate GPA requirement for unconditional admission is a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Graduate Admissions.

2

If a person does not meet probationary admission requirements, he or she may request review by a Committee of the Graduate Nursing Faculty. The Committee may request completion of coursework and/or additional information to support the individual's petition for admission.

3

If admitted on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program. Probationary students are admitted for part-time study only.

4

 Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing GRE scores will be reviewed and the two highest scores will be considered for the admission process.

5

All graduate nursing students must have an unencumbered Registered Nursing License as designated by the Board Of Nursing (BON) for clinical courses. It is imperative that any student whose license becomes encumbered by the BON must immediately notify their department chair. The complete policy regarding encumbered RN license is available online at: http://www.uta.edu/nursing/MSN/unencumbered

6

 For applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.8-2.99 on the last 60 hours, but have completed a graduate level degree following the BSN, the GRE is not required.

References or Letters of Recommendation are not required for admission into the MSN Program.

Admission Policy for Individuals Ineligible to Continue Graduate Study at Another University

If potential students are ineligible to continue graduate study at another university and apply to The University of Texas at Arlington MSN Program, they may request review by a Committee of the Graduate Nursing Faculty.

The committee will make their recommendation for admission or denial based on the following:

  1. Admission materials (GPA on the last 60 hours of BSN, graduate GPA, GRE scores, grade of C or higher on statistics, essay, and English language score if applicable);
  2. A narrative statement from the potential student providing a rationale for their ineligibility at another university; and
  3. A plan for successful study at UT Arlington.

The admission committee reserves the right to ask for additional materials as needed. The admission committee will make its recommendation of admission or denial to the Associate Dean, Graduate Nursing Programs.

DNP Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program builds on a foundation of previous advanced practice education in nursing and prepares advanced practice nurse providers who demonstrate leadership, clinical expertise and innovation in problem recognition and resolution. The required courses identified for the DNP curriculum meet the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials for Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (AACN, August 2006).

DNP Admissions Requirements

Please note: Admission requirements for the DNP program will change in May of 2016. To view the new requirements, visit http://www.uta.edu/nursing/dnp/

The applicant for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree must meet the general requirements of Graduate Admissions and have a Master’s Degree in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or a Post Master’s with NP preparation from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution.

Potential students must also possess a current unencumbered APRN-Nurse Practitioner license from Texas a designated compact state, or other board of nursing for admission.

The College of Nursing and Health Innovation admission criteria are detailed in the DNP Graduate Admission Table below. The admission status options are described.

Unconditional Admission

Applicants must meet all criteria for unconditional admission.

Probationary Admission

Criteria for probationary admission status are listed in the DNP Graduate Admission Table. When on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.

Provisional Admission

An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but whom otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission.

Deferred Status

Deferred decision is granted when a file is incomplete or when a denial decision is not appropriate.

Denial of Admission

An applicant will be denied admission if they have less than satisfactory performance on a majority of admission criteria listed in the DNP Graduate Admission Table.

DNP Graduate Admission Table

Admission Criteria Unconditional Probationary
GPA on master's course work or Post-Master's NP Certificate3.5 on a 4.0 scale3.0-3.491
GRENot required.Not required.
TSE (Test of Spoken English) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)TSE: Score of 40 or higher or TOEFL: Minimum of 550 on paper-based test, 213 on computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test and achieve the following minimum scores of subtests: Writing, 22; Speaking, 21; Reading, 20; and Listening, 16 or IELTS minimum score of 7.0.
Statistics courseGraduate level with a minimum grade of B.
Current Vita or ResumeEvaluated by Program Director or Admissions Committee
Written statement of career vision/goalsEvaluated by Program Director or Admissions Committee
Currently unencumbered RN license and APRN license.Evaluated by Program Director of DNP Program
Current National certification as an NPEvaluated by Program Director of DNP Program
Current NP PracticeEvaluated by Program Director or Admissions Committee
Current CPR, ACLS, PALS or NRP as required for their Specialty AreaEvaluated by Program Director of DNP Program
1

Students admitted on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.

2

All DNP Program students must have an unencumbered APRN license as designated by the Board Of Nursing (BON) for clinical courses. It is imperative that any student whose license becomes encumbered by the BON must immediately notify the Associate Dean for the Graduate Nursing Programs. The complete policy regarding encumbered RN license is available online at: http://www.uta.edu/nursing/MSN/unencumbered

Admission Policy for Individuals Ineligible to Continue Graduate Study at Another University:

If potential students are ineligible to continue graduate study at another university and apply to The University of Texas at Arlington DNP Program, they may request to be reviewed by a Committee of the Graduate Nursing Faculty that includes faculty teaching in the DNP Program.

The Admissions Committee will make their recommendation for admission or denial based on the following:

  1. Admission materials (GPA on the MSN or Post-Master’s certificate, grade of B or higher on graduate statistics, current vita, written statement of career vision, and English language score if applicable);

  2. A narrative statement from the potential student providing a rationale for their ineligibility at another university; and

  3. A plan for successful study at UT Arlington.

The committee reserves the right to ask for additional materials as needed. The committee will make its recommendation of admission or denial to the Associate Dean, Graduate Nursing Programs.

PhD Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program is built on a foundation of prior nursing education and prepares the student for original research and theory development. The PhD in Nursing Program is designed to prepare nurse scientists to meet the health needs of a rapidly changing and culturally diverse society. The central focus of the PhD in Nursing Program is to prepare researchers and teachers who understand how communities evolve, interact, change and how they prescribe, understand and sanction health, illness and health seeking behaviors.

The PhD in Nursing Program offers two routes of entry: BSN-PhD or MSN-PhD. Potential students should refer to admission criteria below.

PhD Admission Requirements

The applicant for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degree must meet the general requirements of Graduate Admissions and have a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN-PhD entry) or a Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN-PhD entry) from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or proof of equivalent education at a foreign institution. Applicants must submit to the Office of Graduate Admissions official transcripts from each college or university attended.

PhD Admission Status Options

The College of Nursing admission criteria are detailed in the PhD Program Requirements table below.

Unconditional Admission

Applicants must meet all criteria for unconditional admission

Probationary Admission

Criteria for probationary admission status are designated in the PhD Program Requirements table below. When on probation, a student must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.

Provisional Admission

An applicant unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who otherwise appears to meet admission requirements.

Deferred Status

Deferred decision is granted when a file is incomplete or when a denied decision is not appropriate.

Denial of Admission

An applicant will be denied admission if he/she has less than satisfactory performance on a majority of admission criteria listed in the table below. The PhD Admissions Committee will make a recommendation for denial.

PhD Program in Nursing Admission Requirements

Note: A student on probation must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.

Admission Criteria Unconditional Probationary
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN-PhD entry) or Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN-PhD entry) from a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited College of Nursing or equivalent.Evaluated by Admissions CommitteeEvaluated by Admissions Committee1
GPA on all bachelor's coursework (BSN-PhD) or on master's coursework (MSN-PhD).3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Graduate Admissions3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Graduate Admissions1
GRE for BSN-PhD entry; GRE waived for MSN-PhD entryGRE with a total minimum score of: 500 or 153 on verbal; 500 or 144 on quantitative; 500/4 on analytical/analytical writing scoresVerbal: 400-490 or 146-152; Quantitative: 400-490 or 140-143; Analytical Writing: 3.0-3.5; Analytical: 400-490; (Based on GPA/GRE ratio)1
For international students, TSE (Test of Spoken English) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)TSE: Score of 40 or higher or TOEFL: MInimum of 550 on paper-based test, 213 on computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test and achieve the following minimum scores of subtests: Writing, 22; Speaking, 21; Reading, 20; and Listening, 16. IELTS minimum score of 7.0.TSE: Score of 40 or higher or TOEFL: Minimum of 550 on paper-based test, 213 on computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test and achieve the following minimum scores of subtests: Writing, 22; Speaking, 21; Reading, 20; and Listening, 16. IELTS minimum score of 7.0.1
Graduate level statistics course from an accredited college or university of 3 or more credit hours with a minimum grade of B.Implement as statedImplement as stated
Interview27 or higher on rating scale of 1-10 Evaluated by Admissions Committee6 or less on rating scale of 1-10 Evaluated by Admissions Committee1
Written statement of goals27 or higher on rating scale of 1-10 Evaluated by Admissions Committee6 or less on rating sclae of 1-10 Evaluated by Admissions Committee1
Professional liability insurance.Evaluated by Associate Dean or designeeEvaluated by Associate Dean or designee
Evidence of current professional nursing licensure/registration in at least one political jurisdiction. Licensure/registration must be maintained throughout the program. If a PhD student is going to perform direct patient care activities or supervise students in clinical agencies, he or she will be required to obtain an RN license in Texas or a compact state.Evaluated by Associate Dean or designeeEvaluated by Associate Dean or designee
Two years of clinical experience recommended (BSN-PhD entry)Evaluated by Admissions CommitteeEvaluated by Admissions Committee
Immunizations required by the College of Nursing.Evaluated by Associate Dean or designeeEvaluated by Associate Dean or designee
Criminal background check prior to clinical and research activities in health care agencies, which satisfies the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council and the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.Evaluated by Associate Dean or designeeEvaluated by Associate Dean or designee
Drug screen prior to clinical and research activities in health care agencies, which satisfies the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council and the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.Evaluated by Associate Dean or designeeEvaluated by Associate Dean or designee
1

 A student on probation must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program.

2

A new goal statement and a new interview are required with every application.

Health Insurance Coverage

All UT Arlington nursing students enrolled in clinical course(s) will be required to provide verification of medical insurance coverage that includes Emergency Department evaluation and follow-up treatment for needle-stick and blood borne disease exposure. This mandatory clinical requirement has been authorized by The University of Texas System Board of Regents.

As such, UT Arlington will not cover initial and follow up treatment for needle-stick injuries and/or exposure to blood borne diseases which may occur while students are enrolled in clinical courses.

While the UT Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation recognizes the financial impact this clinical requirement presents for students, we also support the need for students to have health coverage for sudden illness, accidents, emergencies and exposure treatments that may occur in the clinical setting in a variety of clinical agencies.

MSN Degree Requirements

A degree plan is developed for the student upon admission to the MSN Program. Students are required to have any changes in degree plan approved by a Graduate Academic Advisor prior to registration. A minimum of 36 semester hours, thesis or non-thesis option, is required for the degree. Elective coursework that supports the selected nursing study area must be approved by the Graduate Academic Advisor prior to registration. Students electing the thesis option do not have elective course requirements.

All non-thesis and thesis candidates shall pass a practicum course at the end of their coursework. All thesis candidates for the degree of Master of Science in Nursing shall present the completed thesis in a final oral examination.

MSN students must complete hours in required courses, nursing specialty area, functional role, and elective(s) depending on specific plan.

MSN Required Courses - All speciality areas

NURS 5327EXPLORATION OF SCIENCE AND THEORIES FOR NURSING3
NURS 5366PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH IN NURSING3
NURS 5367EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE3
Total Hours9

MSN Nursing Specialty Areas

Each student must complete the required courses in at least one nursing specialty area and functional role.

Nursing Administration

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5311NURSING MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT3
NURS 5340MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND PRACTICE3
NURS 5341FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NURSING3
NURS 5342MANAGEMENT OF NURSING OPERATIONS3
NURS 5343NURSING LEADERSHIP AND COMPLEX HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS3
NURS 5382NURSING AND HEALTH CARE POLICY: ISSUES AND ANALYSIS3
Required Elective3
Required Elective3
Functional Role
NURS 5339ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NURSE ADMINISTRATOR3
Total Hours27

 Nursing Education

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5302CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION3
NURS 5308NURSING INFORMATICS3
NURS 5309TEACHING / LEARNING THEORIES, STRATEGIES, AND EVALUATION3
NURS 5318ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSE EDUCATORS3
NURS 5319ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE EDUCATORS3
NURS 5326ADVANCED ASSESSMENT FOR NURSE EDUCATORS3
NURS 5360SIMULATION APPLICATION IN NURSING3
NURS 5361SPECIAL TOPICS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE3
NURS 5362TEACHING PRACTICUM3
Functional Role
NURS 5329ROLE OF THE NURSE EDUCATOR3
Total Hours30

Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Acute Care Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5303PSYCHIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5305ADULT MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5314INVASIVE PROCEDURES FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES3
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5418ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING4
NURS 5435ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSING I4
NURS 5436ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSING II4
NURS 5631ADVANCED CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours36
Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Pediatric Program
Specialty Requirements
NURS 5303PSYCHIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5306PEDIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5314INVASIVE PROCEDURES FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES3
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5418ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING4
NURS 5441ACUTE CARE PEDIATRIC NURSING4
NURS 5442PRIMARY CARE PEDIATRIC NURSING4
NURS 5444ADVANCED NURSING CARE OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX PROBLEMS4
NURS 5631ADVANCED CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours40
Nurse Practitioner Primary and Acute Care Pediatric Program
Specialty Requirements
NURS 5303PSYCHIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5306PEDIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5314INVASIVE PROCEDURES FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES3
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5418ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING4
NURS 5441ACUTE CARE PEDIATRIC NURSING4
NURS 5442PRIMARY CARE PEDIATRIC NURSING4
NURS 5444ADVANCED NURSING CARE OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX PROBLEMS4
NURS 5631ADVANCED CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICUM6
NURS 5632ADVANCED CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICUM - CERT6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours46

Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Primary Care Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5303PSYCHIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5305ADULT MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5313CLINICAL PROCEDURES FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES3
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5418ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING4
NURS 5451ADULT/GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NURSING I4
NURS 5552ADULT/GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NURSING II5
NURS 5631ADVANCED CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
NURS 5620ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NURSING I6
NURS 5621ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NURSING II6
Total Hours49

Nurse Practitioner Family Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5303PSYCHIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5305ADULT MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5306PEDIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5313CLINICAL PROCEDURES FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES3
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5418ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING4
NURS 5430FAMILY NURSING I4
NURS 5431FAMILY NURSING II4
NURS 5631ADVANCED CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours39

Nurse Practitioner Neonatal Nursing Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5204NEONATAL NURSING I2
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5316ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT IN NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5450NEONATAL NP CLINICAL PRACTICE4
NURS 5537NEONATAL NURSING II5
NURS 5447NEONATAL NURSING III4
NURS 5631ADVANCED CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours33

Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Pediatric Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5303PSYCHIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5306PEDIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5313CLINICAL PROCEDURES FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES3
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5418ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING4
NURS 5442PRIMARY CARE PEDIATRIC NURSING4
NURS 5444ADVANCED NURSING CARE OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX PROBLEMS4
NURS 5631ADVANCED CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours36
Nurse Practitioner Family Psychiatric Mental Health Program
Specialty Requirements
NURS 5303PSYCHIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5305ADULT MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5306PEDIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE3
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5418ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING4
NURS 5424PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH NURSING I4
NURS 5425PSYCHIATRIC-MENTAL HEALTH NURSING II4
NURS 5631ADVANCED CLINICAL NURSING PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours36

RN to MSN

The RN to MSN program will enable outstanding undergraduate students who are registered nurses to satisfy degree requirements leading to a master's degree (MSN) in either Nursing Administration or Nursing Education while completing their undergraduate studies through the RN to BSN online program. The RN to MSN online program is designed to encourage outstanding registered nurses to complete a master’s degree at UT Arlington. It is also intended to decrease the cost of the combined degree and save time for students seeking the BSN and MSN degrees. Students who are successful in the three indicator courses will be allowed to take two designated graduate courses that can be used to replace 6 hours of upper division electives in the BSN program. The 6 hours of graduate courses will be counted toward both degrees.

Qualifications: Registered nurses holding an associate’s degree in nursing may apply for the RN to MSN program. All applicants must meet the admission criteria prior to being accepted into the program, including completion of all non-nursing courses required for the BSN with the exception of the 6 hours of electives.

Admission Criteria: The criteria for unconditional admission to the RN to MSN require that applicants meet the standards for graduate admissions as follows:

  • Current licensure as registered nurse (RN)
  • Two-years of experience as an RN prior to beginning the program
  • Undergraduate prerequisite courses completed
  • Admission GPA of 3.0 or higher on prerequisite courses

Denial: Students who are not admissible under the conditions specified above shall be denied admission to the Fast Track program. However, they may apply to the RN to BSN program via the regular application process, paying all required fees and meeting all admission criteria. Admission will not be automatic as it will be subject to the normal admission practices of the program to which application is made. Upon completion of the RN to BSN program, the graduate can apply for the master’s program in nursing through the regular application process and must meet all admission criteria.

Continuing in the RN to MSN program requires a 3.3 GPA on the three indicator courses. Students who make a 3.3 GPA in the indicator courses and maintain 3.0 each semester are eligible to take the graduate courses when the student is within 12 hours of completing BSN courses. The student completes a short form to indicate the desire to continue in the RN to MSN program and take the graduate courses. There is no need to apply for graduate admission; the graduate application fee and essay are not required. The hours required for them to complete their BSN degree will be adjusted to include the two MSN courses that are replacing upper division electives.

When students complete their undergraduate degree requirements, they may apply for conferral of the BSN degree, while continuing in the RN to MSN program. They will subject to the usual fees for graduation and diplomas. When the student has applied for conferral of his/her undergraduate degree, the responsibility for advising the student will be transferred to a graduate advisor within the College.

Electives/Independent Study

Elective courses may be taken in Nursing or other departments of the University. Electives can also be transferred from other universities with the approval of a Graduate Advisor. Independent study offers the student the opportunity to explore topics of special interest.

DNP Degree Requirements

A degree plan is developed for the student upon admission to the DNP Program. Students are required to have any changes in planned program approved by the DNP Graduate Advisor prior to registration. The DNP Program includes 33 semester hours of required courses and 3 semester hours of elective. Students will select 3 semester hours of electives with the guidance of the graduate advisor to support and/or extend their practice. Students will complete a Scholarly Project and Clinical Practica.

DNP Required courses

NURS 6302ISSUES IN STUDYING THE HEALTH OF CULTURALLY DIVERSE AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS3
NURS 6320LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS3
NURS 6321EPIDEMIOLOGY3
NURS 6323PRACTICE SCHOLARSHIP3
NURS 6324CLINICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS3
NURS 6326PRACTICE SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT3
NURS 6382HEALTH CARE POLICY3
NURS 6620DNP PRACTICUM I6
NURS 6621DNP PRACTICUM II6
Required Elective3
Total Hours36

Electives/Independent Study

  • Elective courses may be taken in Nursing or other departments of the University.
  • Independent study offers the student the opportunity to explore topics of special interest.

PhD Degree Requirements

Students are required to have each semester’s planned program approved by the Graduate Advisor prior to registration. A minimum of 48 semester hours is required for the degree: 30 hours of core courses, 12 hours of Research Tools, 3-9 hours of individualized area of study, and 9 hours of dissertation.

BSN-to-PhD Students will complete all PhD requirements.

PhD Required Courses (Core)

NURS 6301THEORETICAL EVOLUTION IN SCIENCE3
NURS 6302ISSUES IN STUDYING THE HEALTH OF CULTURALLY DIVERSE AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS3
NURS 6303CULTURE OF SCIENCE3
NURS 6304MEASUREMENT IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS3
NURS 6305QUALITATIVE RESEARCH3
NURS 6306RESEARCH DESIGN3
NURS 6308RESEARCH SEMINAR3
NURS 6310RESEARCH PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT3
NURS 6321EPIDEMIOLOGY3
NURS 6382HEALTH CARE POLICY3
Total Hours30

Research Tools

NURS 6318PARAMETRIC STATISTICS FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH3
NURS 6319PSYCHOMETRIC AND NONPARAMETRIC STATISTICS FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH3
Research practicum3
Total Hours9

Dissertation

NURS 6399DISSERTATION 13
NURS 6699DISSERTATION 26
NURS 6999DISSERTATION 29
NURS 7399DOCTORAL DEGREE COMPLETION 23
Total Hours21
1

Graded R/F

2

Graded R/F/P

Electives / Independent Study

Elective courses may be taken in an area of concentration in other departments.

NURS 6170
  & NURS 6270
  & NURS 6370
  & NURS 6470
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING
   and INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING
   and INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING
   and INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING 1
10
NURS 6190
  & NURS 6290
  & NURS 6390
  & NURS 6490
SPECIAL TOPICS IN NURSING
   and TOPICS IN NURSING
   and TOPICS IN NURSING
   and TOPICS IN NURSING
10
1

Graded P/R/F

Diagnostic Evaluation

Before the completion of the first 18 hours beyond appropriate master’s level coursework to assess progress and potential for completion

Academic standing

To graduate from the PhD program, the student must have a 3.0 GPA.

  1. Student who does not earn at least a B in a course or independent study is required to submit to graduate advisor an evaluation of his or her engagement in the course, reason for less than satisfactory performance, and plan to acquire knowledge and skills to continue.
  2. Student who earns a second course or independent study grade that is C or lower will be dismissed from the program

Comprehensive Examination

Examination scheduled no earlier than during the last nine hours of coursework. It may also be scheduled after all coursework and research tools are completed. Guidelines for the comprehensive examination are available in the PhD Student Handbook.

Proposal Defense

Dissertation Committee reviews the study proposal and meets with the student privately to approve or not approve the proposal.

Dissertation Defense

Open meeting during which student presents study findings and responds to questions posed by the dissertation committee and other attendees. Successful defense of the dissertation is the final step toward completion of the doctoral degree.

BSN-to-PhD Master’s Level Courses

Students accepted into the BSN-to-PhD entry option will work with an advisor to develop individualized degree plans based on their career goals and research interests.  Students will complete 12 hours of core Master's courses and an additional 10-18 hours of Master's coursework based on their area of focus.

Core Master’s Courses taken by all BSN-to-PhD students

NURS 5327EXPLORATION OF SCIENCE AND THEORIES FOR NURSING3
NURS 5370INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING3
NURS 5367EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE3
NURS 5366PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH IN NURSING3
10-18 additional hours of Master's coursework in focus area
Total Hours12

Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificates

Post-Master's Certificate students must complete the required courses for the nursing specialty area and functional role.  The nurse practitioner certificate enables individuals with a Master’s Degree in Nursing to take a national certification exam in their area of specialization and to be recognized by the Board of Nursing as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. 

  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Master's Nursing Certificates

Two certificates in Nursing Education are available through the College of Nursing.

Nurse Educator

A 6-hour certificate that includes two education courses.

NURS 5302CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION3
NURS 5309TEACHING / LEARNING THEORIES, STRATEGIES, AND EVALUATION3
Total Hours6

Advanced Nurse Educator Role

A 12-hour certificate that includes four educator courses.

NURS 5302CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION3
NURS 5309TEACHING / LEARNING THEORIES, STRATEGIES, AND EVALUATION3
Select two of the following:6
NURSING INFORMATICS
ROLE OF THE NURSE EDUCATOR
SIMULATION APPLICATION IN NURSING
Total Hours12