This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.uta.edu/.

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.

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:  :

  1. Admission materials GPA on the last 60 hours of BSN, graduate GPA, GRE scores (if applicable), and English language score (if applicable);
  2. Official transcripts from BSN and all universities attended following completion of BSN;
  3. A narrative statement from the potential student providing a rationale for their ineligibility in the previous graduate program;
  4. A letter of reference from a graduate faculty in the previous program; and
  5. 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 Requirements

The 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

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); 

  1. Two representative faculty, and 
  2.  DNP Graduate Advisor

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

  1. 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);

  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 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

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 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 5308NURSING INFORMATICS3
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
Functional Role
NURS 5339ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NURSE ADMINISTRATOR3
Total Hours27

 Nursing Education

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5302CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING EDUCATION3
NURS 5308NURSING INFORMATICS3
NURS 5310TEACHING AND LEARNING THEORIES AND STRATEGIES IN NURSING EDUCATION3
NURS 5312ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION STRATEGIES IN NURSING EDUCATION3
NURS 5318ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FOR NURSE EDUCATORS3
NURS 5319ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE EDUCATORS3
NURS 5326ADVANCED ASSESSMENT FOR NURSE EDUCATORS3
NURS 5360SIMULATION APPLICATION IN NURSING3
NURS 5362TEACHING PRACTICUM3
Functional Role
NURS 5329ROLE OF THE NURSE EDUCATOR3
Total Hours30

Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Acute Care Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5220ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING2
NURS 5120ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ASSESSMENT LAB1
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5461ADULT GERONTOLOGY MANAGEMENT ACROSS THE CONTINUUM OF CARE4
NURS 5463ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE4
NURS 5354ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 13
NURS 5355ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 23
NURS 5640ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours32
Nurse Practitioner Acute Care Pediatric Program
Specialty Requirements
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5220ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING2
NURS 5130PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT LAB1
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5465PRIMARY PEDIATRIC CARE4
NURS 5467PEDIATRIC COMPLEX CARE4
NURS 5466PEDIATRIC ACUTE CARE4
NURS 5373PEDIATRIC ACUTE CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 13
NURS 5374PEDIATRIC ACUTE CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 23
NURS 5680PEDIATRIC ACUTE CARE NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours36

Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology Primary Care Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5220ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING2
NURS 5120ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ASSESSMENT LAB1
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5461ADULT GERONTOLOGY MANAGEMENT ACROSS THE CONTINUUM OF CARE (Adult Gerontology Management Across the Continuum of Care)4
NURS 5462ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE (Adult Gerontology Primary Care)4
NURS 5352ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 1 (Adult Gerontology Primary Care Clinical Practice 1)3
NURS 5353ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 2 (Adult Gerontology Primary Care Clinical Practice 2)3
NURS 5645ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours32

Nurse Practitioner Family Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5313CLINICAL PROCEDURES FOR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES3
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5220ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING2
NURS 5120ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ASSESSMENT LAB1
NURS 5130PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT LAB1
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5333FAMILY I3
NURS 5335FAMILY II3
NURS 5336FAMILY III3
NURS 5337FAMILY CLINICAL PRACTICE 13
NURS 5338FAMILY CLINICAL PRACTICE 23
NURS 5660FAMILY NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours37

Nurse Practitioner Neonatal Nursing Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5204NEONATAL NURSING I2
NURS 5220ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING2
NURS 5110NEONATAL ASSESSMENT LAB1
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS 3
NURS 5450NEONATAL NP CLINICAL PRACTICE4
NURS 5537NEONATAL NURSING II5
NURS 5447NEONATAL NURSING III4
NURS 5610NEONATAL NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours33

Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Pediatric Program

Specialty Requirements
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5465PRIMARY PEDIATRIC CARE4
NURS 5220ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING2
NURS 5130PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT LAB1
NURS 5467PEDIATRIC COMPLEX CARE4
NURS 5371PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 13
NURS 5372PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE CLINICAL PRACTICE 23
NURS 5685PEDIATRIC PRIMARY CARE NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours32
Nurse Practitioner Family Psychiatric Mental Health Program
Specialty Requirements
NURS 5315ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY3
NURS 5334ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY FOR NURSE PRACTITIONERS3
NURS 5210NEUROSCIENTIFIC BASES IN PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH2
NURS 5220ADVANCED HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC REASONING2
NURS 5120ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ASSESSMENT LAB1
NURS 5130PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT LAB1
NURS 5211DIAGNOSTIC PRINCIPLES IN PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH2
NURS 5212THERAPY CONCEPTS FOR THE PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER2
NURS 5322CHILD, ADOLESCENT AND GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE PSYCH NP3
NURS 5323ADULT PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER3
NURS 5324PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL CLINICAL PRACTICE I3
NURS 5325PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL PRACTICE II3
NURS 5650PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NP ADVANCED PRACTICUM6
Functional Role
NURS 5350ROLE OF THE NURSE IN ADVANCED PRACTICE3
Total Hours37

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 6320LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS3
NURS 6307POPULATION HEALTH3
NURS 6321EPIDEMIOLOGY3
NURS 6322TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH (Translational Research)3
NURS 6324CLINICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS3
NURS 6323EVIDENCE APPRAISAL3
NURS 6326PROJECT PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT3
NURS 6382HEALTH CARE POLICY3
NURS 6620DNP PRACTICUM I6
NURS 6621DNP PRACTICUM II6
Total Hours36

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 6301THEORETICAL EVOLUTION IN SCIENCE3
NURS 6302ISSUES IN STUDYING THE HEALTH OF CULTURALLY DIVERSE AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS3
NURS 6304MEASUREMENT IN CULTURALLY DIVERSE AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS3
NURS 6305QUALITATIVE RESEARCH3
NURS 6306RESEARCH DESIGN3
NURS 6308STATE OF THE SCIENCE: BACKGROUND IN RESEARCH3
NURS 6318PARAMETRIC STATISTICS FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH3
NURS 6319PSYCHOMETRIC AND NONPARAMETRIC STATISTICS FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH3
NURS 6381RESEARCH PRACTICUM3
NURS 6382HEALTH CARE POLICY3
Individual Area of Study by independent study or other selected graduate level courses6
Dissertation9
Total Hours45

Dissertation

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

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

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 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 5302CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING EDUCATION3
NURS 5310TEACHING AND LEARNING THEORIES AND STRATEGIES IN NURSING EDUCATION3
NURS 5312ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION STRATEGIES IN NURSING EDUCATION3
NURS 5329ROLE OF THE NURSE EDUCATOR3
Total Hours12

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 5311NURSING MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT3
NURS 5341FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NURSING3
NURS 5343NURSING LEADERSHIP AND COMPLEX HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS3
NURS 5339ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NURSE ADMINISTRATOR3
Total Hours12