Nursing - Graduate Programs
MSN Programs (Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Post Master's Certificate)
MSN Admissions Requirements - Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse administrator, post master's certificate
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.
Our masters specialty degree prepares students for advanced practice, education and management and research endeavors to address a change in health care landscape. Both full-time and part-time study options are available as well as online and classroom-based 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 who 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 (nurse practitioner, Nurse Educator, nurse administrator, post master's certificate)
| Admission Criteria | Unconditional | Probationary |
|---|---|---|
| GPA on last 60 hours of Undergraduate Program (BSN) (as calculated by Graduate Admissions of UTA) | 3.01 | 2.8-2.992,3,6 |
| GRE4 Two highest GRE scores will be used in admission process | Not required | Verbal: 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 Experience | 1. Two years clinical experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) is required for the MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health NP speciality, Nursing Education, and Nursing Administration. | |
| 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 Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Family and Primary Care Pediatrics, No experience is required. | ||
| 4. International students are required to have two years RN clinical experience in a United States (or equivalent) health care system. | ||
| Current and unencumbered RN License from Texas, a compact state, or other state board of nursing5 | Evaluated 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 Program | Evaluated by Associate Dean or designee | |
| Undergraduate Level Statistics | Minimum grade of "C" | |
| Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation | Required 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. |
| 7 | If a student has master's level coursework, we will consider the information in the review of the applicant. |
References or Letters of Recommendation are not required for admission into the MSN Program.
Admission Policy for Individuals Ineligible to Continue Graduate Study
Applicants who are on academic probation or who are ineligible to continue graduate study at another university are ineligible for admission. However, applicants may submit a petition to be reviewed by a Committee of the Graduate Nursing Faculty.
Students at The University of Texas at Arlington who are ineligible to continue graduate study, may request review by a Committee of the Graduate Nursing Faculty.
The committee will make a decision regarding admission based on the following: :
- Admission materials GPA on the last 60 hours of BSN, graduate GPA, GRE scores (if applicable), and English language score (if applicable);
- Official transcripts from BSN and all universities attended following completion of BSN;
- A narrative statement from the potential student providing a rationale for their ineligibility in the previous graduate program;
- A letter of reference from a graduate faculty in the previous program; and
- A plan for successful study at UT Arlington.
The admission committee reserves the right to ask for additional materials as needed. The committee will make its recommendation regarding admission to the Associate Dean or their designee of the 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). Our innovative DNP Program prepares clinical and research leaders to advance nursing and improve health care in our local community and around the world. This program is offered online and classroom-based.
DNP Admissions RequirementsThe applicant for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree must meet the general requirements of Graduate Admissions, a GPA of 3.5 or higher in an earned master's degree in nursing (Master's of Science, Master of Arts, Master's of Science in Nursing), a postmaster's Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Nursing Administration (Admin) Certificate from a program or school accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or equivalent accrediting body. Applicants with an MSN which prepares them for a role in advanced nursing practice as defined in The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Current Issues and Clarifying Recommendations paper, Published by AACN in 2015, are eligible for admission.
The UTA Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is open to individuals who have completed their program at an institution accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education accreditation (NLN-CNEA), or an equivalent accrediting body, including Board certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN's), including Nurse Practitioners (NP); Nurse Midwives (CNM); Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA); Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS); and Nurse Administrators who completed a Master's of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Administration specialty (MSN-ADM).
Master Nursing Education Degree is not eligible for the DNP program.
The DNP Program does not accept course transfers from other DNP programs. All required courses must be completed at UTA.
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
Not applicable.
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 or Post Master Nursing Administration Certificate. | 3.5 on a 4.0 scale | 3.0 to 3.49 on a 4.0 scale. |
| Transcripts | Submission of transcripts from all universities or colleges attended or received a degree. | |
| GRE | Waived | Not applicable |
| For International students, TOEFL score of TSE-A. | The minimum acceptable scores for the TOEFL and TSE-A comply with the graduate admission requirements for The University as stated in the Graduate Catalog. | Not applicable. |
| Graduate level statistics course. | Students must complete a graduate level statistics course with a grade of B or higher prior to being admitted to the DNP Program. Students can apply before completing the statistics course, but cannot be admitted to the DNP Program until the course has been completed. | |
| Professional liability insurance. | Evaluated by the Associate Dean. | |
| Unencumbered RN license in any U.S. State or Territory. | Evaluated by Associate Dean | |
| Proficiency in use of computer for word processing, spreadsheet development, and data and text file creation and manipulation | Evaluated by Admissions Committee. | |
| APRNs: Current certification by an APRN national certifying board with unencumbered APRN license in any U.S. State or Territory. Students will need to submit a copy of active certification during admission as evidence of clinical hours. | Evaluated by the Associate Dean. | |
| Administrators: Current National certification as a Nurse Administrator preferred. Applicants must submit a completed and signed practice/clinical hour verification form with school seal verifying the number of MSN clinical/practice hours completed during the program of study. Students must submit the verification form to or obtain a certified letter on university letterhead from the MSN program at which they completed their MSN program and practice hours. | Evaluated by Associate Dean. | |
| Administrators: Verification letter from institution of post-baccalaureate practice hours. | Evaluated by Associate Dean | |
| Current NP practice or current Nurse Administrator practice. | Evaluated by Admissions Committee. | |
| Current CPR, ACLS, or PALS if required for their Specialty Area. | Evaluated by Associate Dean. | |
| Immunizations required by the College of Nursing. | Evaluated by Associate Dean. | |
| Clear criminal background check, which satisfies the Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council and the Texas Board of Nursing. | Evaluated by Associate Dean. | |
| Negative drug screen prior to clinical and research activities in health care agencies. | Evaluated by Associate Dean. | |
| Practice Hours: A minimum of 1000 clinical practice hours are required for the UTA Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Up to 500 clinical/practice hours obtained during the student's MSN program may be applied to the 1000 post-bachelors practice hours. | Evaluated by Associate Dean |
| 1 | All DNP Program NP students must have an unencumbered APRN and RN 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: https://www.uta.edu/conhi/_doc/gnurs/MSN_student_handbook.pdf |
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 an Admission committee. The admissions committee will be composed of (at a minimum);
- Two representative faculty, and
- DNP Graduate Advisor
The Admissions Committee will make their recommendation for admission or denial based on the following:
-
Admission materials (GPA on the Master in Nursing or Post-Master’s certificate, grade of B or higher on graduate statistics, current vita, and English language score if applicable);
-
A narrative statement from the potential student providing a rationale for their ineligibility at another university; and
-
A plan for successful study at UT Arlington.
The committee reserves the right to ask for additional materials as needed. The admissions committee will make its recommendation of admission or denial to the Graduate Office for the University.
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, and 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
Applicants who are unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who otherwise appear to meet admission requirements may be admitted provisionally.
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 (AACN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or accredited College of Nursing or equivalent. | Evaluated by Admissions Committee | Evaluated by Admissions Committee1 |
| GPA on all bachelor's coursework (BSN-PhD) or on master's coursework (MSN-PhD). | 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Graduate Admissions | 3.0-3.49 GPA on a 4.0 scale as calculated by Graduate Admissions1 |
| GRE for BSN-PhD entry; GRE waived for MSN-PhD entry | GRE with a total minimum score of: 500 or 153 on verbal; 500 or 144 on quantitative; 500/4 on analytical/analytical writing scores | Verbal: 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 stated | Implement as stated |
| Interview2 | 75th percentile or higher on rating scale. Evaluated by Admissions Committee | 70th percentile or higher on rating scale. Evaluated by Admissions Committee1 |
| Written statement of goals2 | 75th percentile or higher on rating scale. Evaluated by Admissions Committee | 70th percentile on rating scale. Evaluated by Admissions Committee1 |
| Match of student's research interest with a faculty advisor/chair. | A faculty member agrees to be the student's advisor and future dissertation chair. | A faculty member agrees to be the student's advisor and future dissertation chair. |
| Professional liability insurance. | Evaluated by Associate Dean or designee | Evaluated 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 designee | Evaluated by Associate Dean or designee |
| Two years of clinical experience recommended (BSN-PhD entry) | Evaluated by Admissions Committee | Evaluated by Admissions Committee |
| Immunizations required by the College of Nursing. | Evaluated by Associate Dean or designee | Evaluated 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 designee | Evaluated 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 designee | Evaluated 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.
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 5327 | EXPLORATION OF SCIENCE AND THEORIES FOR NURSING | 3 |
| NURS 5366 | PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH IN NURSING | 3 |
| NURS 5367 | EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE | 3 |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
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 5308 | NURSING INFORMATICS | 3 |
| NURS 5311 | NURSING MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT | 3 |
| NURS 5340 | MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND PRACTICE | 3 |
| NURS 5341 | FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NURSING | 3 |
| NURS 5342 | MANAGEMENT OF NURSING OPERATIONS | 3 |
| NURS 5343 | NURSING LEADERSHIP AND COMPLEX HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS | 3 |
| NURS 5382 | NURSING AND HEALTH CARE POLICY: ISSUES AND ANALYSIS | 3 |
| Required Elective | 3 | |
| Functional Role | ||
| NURS 5339 | ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NURSE ADMINISTRATOR | 3 |
| Total Hours | 27 | |
Nursing Education
| Specialty Requirements | ||
| NURS 5302 | CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING EDUCATION | 3 |
| NURS 5308 | NURSING INFORMATICS | 3 |
| NURS 5310 | TEACHING AND LEARNING THEORIES AND STRATEGIES IN NURSING EDUCATION | 3 |
| NURS 5312 | ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION STRATEGIES IN NURSING EDUCATION | 3 |
| NURS 5318 | ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSE EDUCATORS | 3 |
| NURS 5319 | ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE EDUCATORS | 3 |
| NURS 5326 | ADVANCED ASSESSMENT FOR NURSE EDUCATORS | 3 |
| NURS 5360 | SIMULATION APPLICATION IN NURSING | 3 |
| NURS 5362 | TEACHING PRACTICUM | 3 |
Functional Role | ||
| NURS 5329 | ROLE OF THE NURSE EDUCATOR | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Acute Care Program
| Specialty Requirements | ||
| NURS 5315 | ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| NURS 5220 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING | 2 |
| NURS 5120 | ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ASSESSMENT LAB | 1 |
| NURS 5334 | ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS | 3 |
| NURS 5461 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY MANAGEMENT ACROSS THE CONTINUUM OF CARE | 4 |
| NURS 5463 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE | 4 |
| NURS 5354 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 1 | 3 |
| NURS 5355 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 2 | 3 |
| NURS 5640 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 6 |
| Functional Role | ||
| NURS 5350 | ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE | 3 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Pediatric Program
| Specialty Requirements | ||
| NURS 5315 | ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| NURS 5220 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING | 2 |
| NURS 5130 | PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT LAB | 1 |
| NURS 5334 | ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS | 3 |
| NURS 5465 | PRIMARY PEDIATRIC CARE | 4 |
| NURS 5467 | PEDIATRIC COMPLEX CARE | 4 |
| NURS 5466 | PEDIATRIC ACUTE CARE | 4 |
| NURS 5373 | PEDIATRIC ACUTE CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 1 | 3 |
| NURS 5374 | PEDIATRIC ACUTE CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 2 | 3 |
| NURS 5680 | PEDIATRIC ACUTE CARE NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 6 |
| Functional Role | ||
| NURS 5350 | ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Primary Care Program
| Specialty Requirements | ||
| NURS 5315 | ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| NURS 5220 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING | 2 |
| NURS 5120 | ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ASSESSMENT LAB | 1 |
| NURS 5334 | ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS | 3 |
| NURS 5461 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY MANAGEMENT ACROSS THE CONTINUUM OF CARE (Adult Gerontology Management Across the Continuum of Care) | 4 |
| NURS 5462 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE (Adult Gerontology Primary Care) | 4 |
| NURS 5352 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 1 (Adult Gerontology Primary Care Clinical Practice 1) | 3 |
| NURS 5353 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 2 (Adult Gerontology Primary Care Clinical Practice 2) | 3 |
| NURS 5645 | ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 6 |
| Functional Role | ||
| NURS 5350 | ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE | 3 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Nurse Practitioner Family Program
| Specialty Requirements | ||
| NURS 5313 | CLINICAL PROCEDURES FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES | 3 |
| NURS 5315 | ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| NURS 5220 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING | 2 |
| NURS 5120 | ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ASSESSMENT LAB | 1 |
| NURS 5130 | PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT LAB | 1 |
| NURS 5334 | ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS | 3 |
| NURS 5333 | FAMILY I | 3 |
| NURS 5335 | FAMILY II | 3 |
| NURS 5336 | FAMILY III | 3 |
| NURS 5337 | FAMILY CLINICAL PRACTICE 1 | 3 |
| NURS 5338 | FAMILY CLINICAL PRACTICE 2 | 3 |
| NURS 5660 | FAMILY NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 6 |
| Functional Role | ||
| NURS 5350 | ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE | 3 |
| Total Hours | 37 | |
Nurse Practitioner Neonatal Nursing Program
| Specialty Requirements | ||
| NURS 5204 | NEONATAL NURSING I | 2 |
| NURS 5220 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING | 2 |
| NURS 5110 | NEONATAL ASSESSMENT LAB | 1 |
| NURS 5315 | ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| NURS 5334 | ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS | 3 |
| NURS 5450 | NEONATAL NP CLINICAL PRACTICE | 4 |
| NURS 5537 | NEONATAL NURSING II | 5 |
| NURS 5447 | NEONATAL NURSING III | 4 |
| NURS 5610 | NEONATAL NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 6 |
| Functional Role | ||
| NURS 5350 | ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE | 3 |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Pediatric Program
| Specialty Requirements | ||
| NURS 5315 | ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| NURS 5334 | ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS | 3 |
| NURS 5465 | PRIMARY PEDIATRIC CARE | 4 |
| NURS 5220 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING | 2 |
| NURS 5130 | PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT LAB | 1 |
| NURS 5467 | PEDIATRIC COMPLEX CARE | 4 |
| NURS 5371 | PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 1 | 3 |
| NURS 5372 | PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 2 | 3 |
| NURS 5685 | PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 6 |
| Functional Role | ||
| NURS 5350 | ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE | 3 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Nurse Practitioner Family Psychiatric Mental Health Program
| Specialty Requirements | ||
| NURS 5315 | ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| NURS 5334 | ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS | 3 |
| NURS 5210 | NEUROSCIENTIFIC BASES IN PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH | 2 |
| NURS 5220 | ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING | 2 |
| NURS 5120 | ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ASSESSMENT LAB | 1 |
| NURS 5130 | PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT LAB | 1 |
| NURS 5211 | DIAGNOSTIC PRINCIPLES IN PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH | 2 |
| NURS 5212 | THERAPY CONCEPTS FOR THE PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER | 2 |
| NURS 5322 | CHILD, ADOLESCENT AND GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE PSYCH NP | 3 |
| NURS 5323 | ADULT PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER | 3 |
| NURS 5324 | PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL CLINICAL PRACTICE I | 3 |
| NURS 5325 | PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL PRACTICE II | 3 |
| NURS 5650 | PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM | 6 |
| Functional Role | ||
| NURS 5350 | ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE | 3 |
| Total Hours | 37 | |
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 36 semester hours of required courses. Students will complete a Scholarly Project and Clinical Practica.
DNP Required courses
| NURS 6320 | LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS | 3 |
| NURS 6307 | POPULATION HEALTH | 3 |
| NURS 6321 | EPIDEMIOLOGY | 3 |
| NURS 6322 | TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH (Translational Research) | 3 |
| NURS 6324 | CLINICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS | 3 |
| NURS 6323 | EVIDENCE APPRAISAL | 3 |
| NURS 6326 | PROJECT PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
| NURS 6382 | HEALTH CARE POLICY | 3 |
| NURS 6620 | DNP PRACTICUM I | 6 |
| NURS 6621 | DNP PRACTICUM II | 6 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
PhD Degree Requirements
Students are required to have each semester’s planned program approved by the Graduate Advisor prior to registration. A minimum of 45 semester hours is required for the degree.
BSN-to-PhD Students will complete all PhD requirements.
PhD Required Courses (Core)
| NURS 6301 | THEORETICAL EVOLUTION IN SCIENCE | 3 |
| NURS 6302 | ISSUES IN STUDYING THE HEALTH OF CULTURALLY DIVERSE AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS | 3 |
| NURS 6304 | MEASUREMENT IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS | 3 |
| NURS 6305 | QUALITATIVE RESEARCH | 3 |
| NURS 6306 | RESEARCH DESIGN | 3 |
| NURS 6308 | STATE OF THE SCIENCE: BACKGROUND IN RESEARCH | 3 |
| NURS 6318 | PARAMETRIC STATISTICS FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH | 3 |
| NURS 6319 | PSYCHOMETRIC AND NONPARAMETRIC STATISTICS FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH | 3 |
| NURS 6381 | RESEARCH PRACTICUM | 3 |
| NURS 6382 | HEALTH CARE POLICY | 3 |
| Individual Area of Study by independent study or other selected graduate level courses | 6 | |
| Dissertation | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
Dissertation
| NURS 6399 | DISSERTATION 1 | 3 |
| NURS 6699 | DISSERTATION 2 | 6 |
| NURS 6999 | DISSERTATION 2 | 9 |
| NURS 7399 | DOCTORAL DEGREE COMPLETION 2 | 3 |
| 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.
- 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.
- 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 5327 | EXPLORATION OF SCIENCE AND THEORIES FOR NURSING | 3 |
| NURS 5370 | INDEPENDENT STUDY IN NURSING | 3 |
| NURS 5367 | EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE | 3 |
| NURS 5366 | PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH IN NURSING | 3 |
| 10-18 additional hours of Master's coursework in focus area | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Post-Master's Nursing Administration Certificate
Post-Master's Certificate applicants must complete the required courses included in the Master's of Nursing Administration graduate degree program. The Post Master's Nursing Administration Certificate enables individuals with a Master's Degree in Nursing to advance in professional roles of nursing administration as well as provide a pathway toward doctoral programs in nursing practice. Required courses will be determined by a Gap Analysis completed by the program director.
Admission Criteria:
- BSN from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program,
- Master's degree from an accredited program,
- An active/unencumbered RN license,
- Two years of experience as a registered nurse,
- an undergraduate (basic) statistics course with a minimum grade of 'C',
- A 3.0 GPA in master's degree program.
Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificates
Post-Master's Certificate applicants must meet the admission criteria for the MSN degree program in which they are applying and 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. Required courses will be determined by a Gap Analysis completed by the program director.
- 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
Nurse Educator Certificate
12-hour certificate that includes four educator courses.
| NURS 5302 | CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING EDUCATION | 3 |
| NURS 5310 | TEACHING AND LEARNING THEORIES AND STRATEGIES IN NURSING EDUCATION | 3 |
| NURS 5312 | ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION STRATEGIES IN NURSING EDUCATION | 3 |
| NURS 5329 | ROLE OF THE NURSE EDUCATOR | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Nursing Administration Certificate
Applicants must meet the admission criteria for the MSN degree program in which they are applying and have a Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program.
MSN Administration core courses may be taken in the Accelerated On-Line Program, or an equivalency course with credit hours transferred to UTA. An individual gap analysis for each student will determine needs for course completion of NURS 5343 Nursing Leadership.
12-hour certificate
| NURS 5311 | NURSING MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT | 3 |
| NURS 5341 | FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NURSING | 3 |
| NURS 5343 | NURSING LEADERSHIP AND COMPLEX HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS | 3 |
| NURS 5339 | ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NURSE ADMINISTRATOR | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |