The Post-MSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Executives is a practice-focused terminal degree to prepare graduates to practice at the highest level in executive leadership positions in healthcare.
Graduates of the Nurse Executive Pathway focus on leading the provision of health care to populations and communities with an emphasis on improving quality and access to health services for diverse populations and are prepared to assume executive positions to address critical health system issues.
The curriculum is offered in a distance accessible format that combines core courses offered via an online platform with required on-campus intensives (4-5 days each) in the first, fourth, and sixth semesters.
Apply NowTalk with our faculty and staff.
Next Open House: March 19, 2025
From 6 to 7 PM Central Time
Program Information
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Admission Requirements
Prospective students must meet the following requirements for admission:
- Evidence of an unencumbered and unrestricted licensed as a registered nurse.
- A master’s degree in nursing (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nursing administration, clinical nurse leader, nursing informatics, or nurse anesthetist) or a master’s degree in business or health administration with a health emphasis.
- Have at least 3 years of mid-level leadership with preference given to executive level leadership.
- Aim for future health-related executive roles.
- A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 scale) or in the last 60 hours of earned credit.
- Submission of an official transcript from every college or university ever attended.
- Transcripts may be mailed or emailed electronically by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School. Transcripts may be emailed to gradschool@uab.edu or mailed to UAB Graduate School, LHL G03, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0013.
- Submission of two favorable evaluations by persons who have knowledge of the applicant’s potential for success in graduate nursing studies and executive leadership; these evaluations are to be completed using the evaluation form.
- Submission of a personal goal statement that is congruent with the Pathway for Nurse Executives goals (300 words or less).
- Submission of a letter of endorsement from a leader in a health organization supporting potential for high-level executive success.
- A scholarly writing sample.
- Resume/CV
- A personal interview either face-to-face or by phone.
- If admitted to the DNP program, students must show proof of completion of a descriptive statistics course, equivalent to UAB’s MA-180, before starting the program.
- Upon admission, a GAP analysis will be performed to determine if the didactic content (coursework) and the 500 clinical or administrative practicum hours according to your advance specialty track required for entry into the Post-MSN to DNP pathway have been met. If not, appropriate bridge coursework may be added to the program of study.
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State Regulations Governing Distance Programs
Out-of-state applicants to any of our distance-accessible programs should become familiar with their state’s regulations governing distance accessible programs. Prospective students residing in states other than Alabama should contact their state’s Board of Nursing and Department of Education for specific rules and regulations pertaining to students enrolled in out-of-state programs and are planning to conduct UABSON distance education in their home state. Only those students who reside in Alabama or those states where the UAB School of Nursing programs are available will be eligible to receive an offer of admission.
More information is available at the State Approval Website for Online Degree Programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
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Application for Admission/Application Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Entry Date: Spring 2025Deadline: October 22, 2024To Start the Application Process
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Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Nurse Executive Pathway, students will be able to:
- Synthesize scientific evidence for the development of clinical interventions for practice.
- Evaluate policy, healthcare delivery, and organizational systems for current and future health care needs.
- Translate scientific, theoretical, and ethical principles into healthcare for individuals, families, and populations.
- Incorporate knowledge of current and emerging health technologies to improve healthcare delivery and organizational systems.
- Advocate for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in healthcare.
- Demonstrate intra and inter-professional collaboration to address health disparities and to improve the quality of healthcare across diverse populations and cultures.
- Assume complex leadership roles to advance clinical practice and healthcare delivery at the organizational and systems level and to improve health outcomes of individuals and populations.
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Program of Study
Students are expected to follow the program of study1
Year One - Spring Term NEX 710Q Evidence-Based Healthcare Improvement 3 hours NEX 702Q Executive Coaching 2 hours NEX 703Q Scientific Underpinnings for Executive Practice 3 hours Immersion Session 4 days Year One - Summer Term NEX 712Q Healthcare Program Implementation and Evaluation Methods for Organizational Improvement 6 hours NEX 739Q Executive Project Execution and Evaluation 1 hour Year One - Fall Term NEX 702Q Executive Coaching 2 hours NEX 704Q Healthcare Technologies, Innovations & Analytics 5 hours NEX 739Q Executive Project Execution and Evaluation 1 hour Year Two - Spring Term NEX 705Q Healthcare Finance Strategies 3 hours NEX 711Q Policy Perspectives for Executive Leadership 3 hours NEX 739Q Executive Project Execution and Evaluation 1 hour Immersion Session 4 days Year Two - Summer Term NEX 708Q Strategic Leadership for Healthcare Transformation 3 hours NEX 739Q Executive Project Execution and Evaluation 1 hour NEX 707Q Executive Fellowship (120 clinical hours) 2 hours Year Two - Fall Term NEX 709Q Population Health for Healthcare Transformation 3 hours NEX 739Q Executive Project Execution and Evaluation (360 clinical hours for completing 6 credit hours throughout program) 2 hours NEX 702Q Executive Coaching (360 clinical hours for completing 6 credit hours throughout program) 2 hours Immersion Session 4 days Total 43 hours NEX 739Q Executive Project Execution and Evaluation (Minimum of 6 credits before graduating) 1Program of study is subject to change.
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Tuition and Fees
The following tuition and fees are valid for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees and are SUBJECT TO CHANGE annually based on approval from the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and/or university.
The estimates below are based on the costs listed at the UAB Office of Planning and Analysis website.
Each student’s costs will vary depending upon a number of factors including state of residence, the number of credits taken in a semester, or whether the student attends class live or through a distance-accessible format. Fees vary by program and course.
Tuition and Fees
UAB School of Nursing 2024-2025Resident
Charge ($)Non-resident
Charge ($)DNP Coursework (in classroom per semester hour) 610 1,505 DNP Coursework (distance-accessible format per semester hour) 702 702 Fees - UAB School of Nursing Cost ($) Educational Support and Technology Fee (per course) 235 Other Related Expenses (Estimated) Cost ($) Travel/Lodging for Attending Annual On-Campus DNP Intensive (annual estimate) 800 Books and supplies (estimate per term) 600 Student Hospitalization Insurance Fee (estimate per month) 1 270 Background Check (annual estimate) 92 1 Estimate based on one student. May be waived with documented proof of equal or greater coverage. -
Funding Your Education
UAB Financial Aid and Scholarships
Information on Financial Aid, University Scholarships and other funding opportunities is available at:
UAB School of Nursing Scholarships
- The School of Nursing at UAB has an excellent scholarship program that provides financial support to Alabama’s best and brightest nursing students.
- Currently, the School’s scholarship portfolio consists of 76 endowed scholarships and 3 active sponsored scholarships.
- The school currently has an $10.1 million endowed fund that supports nursing scholarships annually.
- Scholarships are awarded twice a year – spring and fall semesters. The scholarship application process is simple. One application is needed to be considered for all undergraduate or graduate scholarships.
- Application and additional information can be found at https://www.uab.edu/nursing/home/scholarships-financial-aid
For information about School of Nursing Scholarships, contact:
Stephanie Hamberger, MPADirector of Student Engagement, Recruitment and Scholarshipsssallen@uab.edu (205) 934-5483Fellowship, Traineeship, and Other Funding for Graduate Programs
There are a limited number of Graduate Fellowships and Traineeships that are awarded through the UAB School of Nursing that require students to meet specific requirements, and are only awarded when funds are available. When such funds are available in a particular program, students enrolled in the program will be notified and provided information on how to apply. Contact Katrina Staffney (email: KatrinaStaffney@uab.edu), for more information.
Nurse Faculty Loan
Federal Nurse Faculty Loan Funds are available to all DNP students who intend to assume a faculty position in a school of nursing upon completion of the degree. These funds are limited to payment of tuition and fees and other reasonable educational expenses. Contact JoeAnn Kennedy (email: joeann@uab.edu), for more information.
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Information for International Students
NOTE: Prospective International students must first contact UAB International Admissions to determine eligibility to study in the U.S. and/or submit an application for admission to UAB.
The table below provides information on eligibility requirements for the DNP Program.
MSN-DNP F1 or J1 Visa Acceptable Not eligible for this program College Degree (MSN Equivalent or higher) Required Foreign Transcripts Evaluated Required English Proficiency Required Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Required Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. Required Application Requirements
- Prospective students must have a master’s degree in nursing equivalent to that offered by a U.S. regionally accredited educational institution.
- For Graduate Clinical Programs such as the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program, prospective students must also be licensed as a registered nurse in the U.S., in the state in which they will reside while completing the program.
- International applicants must, as part of their application, provide a detailed course by course evaluation of their academic transcripts and verification of their academic credentials. Students may use one of the following firms for transcript evaluation; a report of the evaluation must be submitted directly to the UAB School of Nursing prior to admission decisions.
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 USA
Website: www.ece.org - World Education Services
Bowling Green Station
P.O. Box 5087
New York, NY 10274-5087 USA
Website: www.wes.org
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
- Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on prior college/university course work.
- Applicants must complete and submit their scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of the application process. If the GRE was completed prior to application, only scores completed within the previous 5 years are accepted.
- Completion of a formal admission interview.
- Meet English language requirements. Students must submit scores on Tests of English Language (TOEFL or IELTS) and achieve the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT 80 and minimum of 18 in each of the 4 test sections, or
- IELTS 6.5 and minimum of 6.0 in at least 2 of the 4 test sections.
Contact
The Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia is clinically focused to prepare students for the full scope of Nurse Anesthesia practice.
Graduates are prepared to promote evidence-based practice, patient safety and quality in health care, and demonstrate leadership skills in today's health care setting.
Graduates can apply to take the certification examination administered by the NBCRNA. Satisfactory performance on this examination is necessary in order to practice as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
Apply NowTalk with our faculty and staff.
Next Open House: March 4, 2025
From 3:00 - 4:00 PM Central Time
Program Information
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Program Information
The Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) with full continued accreditation through May 2031.
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018-5603
Phone: 224-275-9130The Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia also received IFNA Accreditation in August 2021 having completed all requirements of the Anesthesia Program Approval Process established by the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (Date of next review: July 2026).
We are dedicated to advancing and diversifying the nursing workforce, and as part of this mission, the UAB School of Nursing has partnered with five other leading colleges and universities in the Leadership Excel and Achievement Program (LEAP) -a pilot program designed to optimize the nurse anesthesia workforce.
Class of 2024:
- Attrition: 2%
- 98% UAB First Time NCE Pass rate
- 100% UAB Overall NCE Pass rate
- Employment after 6 months: pending
Class of 2023:
- Attrition: 3%
- 96% UAB First Time NCE Pass rate
- 100% UAB Overall NCE Pass rate
- Employment after 6 months: 100%
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Admission Requirements
Prospective students must meet the following requirements for admission:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent (e.g., entry level masters in nursing degree such as the UABSON Accelerated Master's in Nursing Pathway for individuals with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field) must be completed by the application deadline.
- Active, unencumbered/unrestricted registered nurse license in the state where you will be completing your coursework (didactic and clinical) is required to apply. If admitted, a multi-state compact license will be required before matriculation into the Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia.
- Both UAB and the School of Nursing must have current authorization to operate in the state.
- An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Post-BSN to DNP for Nurse Anesthesia applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in their prerequisite courses and a grade of ‘B’ or higher in all prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite Courses Credit BY 115 Human Anatomy1 3-4 BY 261 Microbiology 3-4 MA 180 Descriptive Statistics 3 BY 116 Human Physiology1 3-4 CH 105/106 Chemistry1
OR
CH 115/116 Chemistry13-4 MA 110 Finite Math
OR
MA 105 Pre-Calculus3 1Anatomy, Physiology, and Chemistry must be completed with a lab course. - At least 11 months experience as an RN in a critical care setting by the July application interview, and continued employment in the critical care setting until pathway matriculation the following May. It is recommended that critical care experience fall within the past 4 years.
- Critical care experience - Critical care experience must be obtained in a critical care area within the United States, its territories or a US military hospital outside of the United States. During this experience, the registered professional nurse has developed critical decision making and psychomotor skills, competency in patient assessment, and the ability to use and interpret advanced monitoring techniques.
- A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial catheters), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions. Examples of critical care units may include but are not limited to: surgical intensive care, cardiothoracic intensive care, coronary intensive care, medical intensive care, pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care and neuro intensive care. Those who have experiences in other areas may be considered provided they can demonstrate competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology. (COA Standards for Accreditation 2020)
- Three (3) letters of professional reference attesting to the applicant’s potential for graduate study.
- Standardized test score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)*.
- There is no minimum score, however all sections of the GRE must be completed prior to application (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing).
- Scores completed within the previous 5 years will be accepted and must be submitted to UAB (code 1856).
- There is no Waiver Process for the Nurse Anesthesia DNP pathway, a GRE exam is required.
- Submission of evidence of ACLS and BLS certification within the application and certification must remain active during enrollment. PALS certification will be required at matriculation, if admitted.
- A personal interview with the selection committee.
- If admitted, a non-refundable $2000 deposit will be required to reserve a seat in the pathway.
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State Regulations Governing Distance Programs
Out-of-state applicants to any of our distance-accessible programs should become familiar with their state’s regulations governing distance accessible programs. Prospective students residing in states other than Alabama should contact their state’s Board of Nursing and Department of Education for specific rules and regulations pertaining to students enrolled in out-of-state programs and are planning to conduct UABSON distance education in their home state. Only those students who reside in Alabama or those states where the UAB School of Nursing programs are available will be eligible to receive an offer of admission.
More information is available at the State Approval Website for Online Degree Programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
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Application for Admission/Application Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Deadline for Submission of Application: May 1stScheduling and Notification of Applicant Interview: JuneInterview Completed: JulyAdmission Decision Notification: Two weeks post-interviewAdmitted Students Matriculate: Summer Semester of following yearTo Start the Application Process
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Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia, students will be able to:
- Synthesize scientific evidence for the development of clinical interventions for practice.
- Evaluate policy, healthcare delivery, and organizational systems for current and future health care needs.
- Translate scientific, theoretical, and ethical principles into healthcare for individuals, families, and populations.
- Incorporate knowledge of current and emerging health technologies to improve healthcare delivery and organizational systems.
- Advocate for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in healthcare.
- Demonstrate intra- and inter-professional collaboration to address health disparities and to improve the quality of healthcare across diverse populations and cultures.
- Assume complex leadership roles to advance clinical practice and healthcare delivery at the organizational and systems level and to improve health outcomes of individuals and populations.
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Program of Study
Students are expected to follow the program of study.1,2,3,4
Course Format Color Legend: Didactic / Face-to-Face Course Distance Accessible / Online Clinical Practicum / Immersion Nurse Anesthesia Program Curriculum Year One - First Term: Summer Hours NA 731Q Biochemistry and Physics for Nurse Anesthetists 4 NUR 700Q Clinical Data Management and Analysis 3 NUR 740Q Health Policy and Politics: Implications for Health Care 3 NA 733Q Theories, Concepts & Writing for Nurse Anesthetists 3 Total Hours 12 Year One – Second Term: Fall Hours NA 702 Anatomy and Physiology for Nurse Anesthetists 6 NA 720Q Anesthesia Pharmacology I 3 NQI 702Q Clinical Data Management and Application for Improvement 3 NUR 735Q Population Health in Advanced Nursing Practice 3 Total Hours 16 Year One – Third Term: Spring Hours NA 721Q Anesthesia Pharmacology II 3 NA 770 Anesthesia Pathophysiology I 3 NA 740 Anesthesia Principles I 4 NUR 614Q Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Nursing Practice 3 NA 718L Focus on Advanced Nursing Practice Specialization 4 Total Hours 17 Year Two – First Term: Summer Hours NA 741 Anesthesia Principles II 3 NA 750 Regional anesthesia 3 NA 771 Anesthesia Pathophysiology II 3 NUR 729Q Evidence-Based Practice Design and Translation 3 NA 708L Anesthesia Practicum I 2 Total Hours 14 Year Two – Second Term: Fall Hours NA 742Q Anesthesia Principles III 3 NA 745Q Professional Aspects 4 NUR 743Q Evidence-Based Practice Strategies 3 NA 709L Anesthesia Practicum II 3 Total Hours 13 Year Two – Third Term: Spring Hours NUR 738QL DNP Project Planning 3 NUR 742Q Program Evaluation Methods 3 NA 710L Anesthesia Practicum III 5 Total Hours 11 Year Three – First Term: Summer Hours NA 795Q Critical Concepts I 3 NUR 739QL DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation 3 NA 711L Anesthesia Specialty Immersion I 5 Total Hours 11 Year Three – Second Term: Fall Hours NA 796Q Critical Concepts II 3 NUR 739QL DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation 3 NA 712L Anesthesia Specialty Immersion II 5 Total Hours 11 Year Three – Third Term: Spring Hours NA 797Q Critical Concepts III 3 NA 713L Anesthesia Specialty Immersion III 5 NUR 739QL DNP Project Implementation and Evaluation 1 Total Hours 9 Overall Total: 114 hours 1Program of Study is subject to change.
2All students are required to attend an annual On-Campus Intensive.
3Students will be expected to come on-campus for monthly program assessments, advisement, high fidelity simulation and team meetings during semesters 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
4Curriculum is currently under revision due to credentialing updates and new programs of study will be updated in 2024. -
Tuition and Fees
The following tuition and fees are valid for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees and are SUBJECT TO CHANGE annually based on approval from the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and/or university.
The estimates below are based on the costs listed at the UAB Office of Planning and Analysis website.
Each student’s costs will vary depending upon a number of factors including state of residence, the number of credits taken in a semester, or whether the student attends class live or through a distance-accessible format. Fees vary by program and course.
Tuition and Fees
UAB School of Nursing 2024-2025Resident
Charge ($)Non-resident
Charge ($)DNP coursework (in classroom per semester hour) 610 1,505 DNP coursework (distance-accessible format per semester hour) 702 702 Fees - UAB School of Nursing Cost ($) Educational Support and Technology Fee (per course) 235 Anatomy Lab 387 Other Related Expenses (Estimated) Cost ($) Travel/Lodging for Attending Annual On-Campus DNP Intensive (annual estimate) 800 Books and supplies (estimate per term) 600 Uniforms 350 Student Hospitalization Insurance Fee1 (estimate per month) 270 Background Check (annual estimate) 92 1Estimate based on one student. May be waived with documented proof of equal or greater coverage. -
Funding Your Education
UAB Financial Aid and Scholarships
Information on Financial Aid, University Scholarships and other funding opportunities is available at:
UAB School of Nursing Scholarships
- The School of Nursing at UAB has an excellent scholarship program that provides financial support to Alabama’s best and brightest nursing students.
- Currently, the School’s scholarship portfolio consists of 76 endowed scholarships and 3 active sponsored scholarships.
- The school currently has an $10.1 million endowed fund that supports nursing scholarships annually.
- Scholarships are awarded twice a year – spring and fall semesters. The scholarship application process is simple. One application is needed to be considered for all undergraduate or graduate scholarships.
- Application and additional information can be found at https://www.uab.edu/nursing/home/scholarships-financial-aid
For Information about School of Nursing Scholarships, Contact:
Stephanie Hamberger, MPADirector of Student Engagement, Recruitment and Scholarshipsssallen@uab.edu (205) 934-5483Fellowship, Traineeship, and Other Funding for Graduate Programs
There are a limited number of Graduate Fellowships and Traineeships that are awarded through the UAB School of Nursing that require students to meet specific requirements, and are only awarded when funds are available. When such funds are available in a particular program, students enrolled in the program will be notified and provided information on how to apply. Contact Katrina Staffney (email: KatrinaStaffney@uab.edu), for more information.
Nurse Faculty Loan
Federal Nurse Faculty Loan Funds are available to all DNP students who intend to assume a faculty position in a school of nursing upon completion of the degree. These funds are limited to payment of tuition and fees and other reasonable educational expenses. Contact JoeAnn Kennedy (email: joeann@uab.edu), for more information.
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Information for International Students
NOTE: Prospective International students must first contact UAB International Admissions to determine eligibility to study in the U.S. and/or submit an application for admission to UAB.
The table below provides information on eligibility requirements for the DNP Program.
BSN-DNP F1 or J1 Visa Acceptable Not eligible for this program College Degree (BSN Equivalent) Required Foreign Transcripts Evaluated Required English Proficiency Required Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Required Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. Required Application Requirements
- Prospective students must have a master’s degree in nursing equivalent to that offered by a U.S. regionally accredited educational institution.
- For Graduate Clinical Programs such as the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program, prospective students must also be licensed as a registered nurse in the U.S., in the state in which they will reside while completing the program.
- International applicants must, as part of their application, provide a detailed course by course evaluation of their academic transcripts and verification of their academic credentials. Students may use one of the following firms for transcript evaluation; a report of the evaluation must be submitted directly to the UAB School of Nursing prior to admission decisions.
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
P.O. Box 514070
Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 USA
Website: www.ece.org - World Education Services
Bowling Green Station
P.O. Box 5087
New York, NY 10274-5087 USA
Website: www.wes.org - Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on prior college/university course work.
- Applicants must complete and submit their scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of the application process. If the GRE was completed prior to application, only scores completed within the previous 5 years are accepted.
- Completion of a formal admission interview.
- Meet English language requirements. Students must submit scores on Tests of English Language (TOEFL or IELTS) and achieve the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT 80 and minimum of 18 in each of the 4 test sections, or
- IELTS 6.5 and minimum of 6.0 in at least 2 of the 4 test sections.
Contact
Jacqueline Lavier
Susan McMullan
The UAB School of Nursing offers two types of doctoral degrees, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD). The DNP and PhD lead to different career paths, both of which make highly important contributions to nursing and health care.
A key to success in doctoral education is choosing the program that is right for you, that matches your interests and passion, and which aligns with your long term career goals. Watch the video to learn more about the differences in the DNP and PhD programs.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
A practice–focused terminal degree, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares graduates to lead the translation of scientific evidence into best practices for improving population health and health systems outcomes. The DNP program Includes pathways for both the BSN and MSN prepared nurse.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
A research-focused terminal degree, the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) program prepares nurse scientists to generate new knowledge that can be translated for improvements in clinical practice. The PhD program includes pathways for both the BSN and MSN prepared nurse.
Dual DNP-PhD Degree
A dual DNP-PhD degree prepares graduates to lead improvements in practice supportive of population health and health system change, and expand that focus into a related research area to generate new knowledge. The curriculum combines the core content from the two programs to prepare a clinical nurse scholar who desires to merge clinical leadership with scientific inquiry to advance nursing science and improve clinical practice. This pathway is open to MSN-prepared nurses with certification in an advanced practice role.
The PhD Program in Nursing is research intensive:
- Students are matched with and mentored by internationally recognized faculty researchers.
See our Research Areas & Faculty Research. - Students learn research methodology through hands-on immersion experiences in collaboration with faculty research teams. See our Current PhD Students.
- Full-time students will receive full funding to cover tuition, fees, health insurance and monthly stipend.
- Part-time students are eligible for federal funding through Nurse Faculty Loan that can be used to pay tuition, fees and other reasonable educational expenses.
- Opportunities for interprofessional education and research experiences.
Talk with our faculty and staff.
Next Open House: October 24, 2024
From 6 to 7 PM Central Time (CT)
Program Information
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Admission Requirements
Prospective students must:
- Prospective students should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or its equivalent (e.g. Master’s Entry to Nursing) from a U.S. regionally accredited educational institution or an international equivalent. Applicants holding a degree in a non-nursing health-related discipline with a comparable level of education and professional certification will be considered on an individual basis.
- Prospective international students must demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Complete and submit a formal application to the PhD Program to include*:
- Applicants should submit an official transcript from every college or university they have ever attended (even if for only one semester). Transcripts may be emailed electronically by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School at gradschool@uab.edu or mailed to:
- UAB Graduate School
LHL G03
1720 2nd Ave. S.
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
- UAB Graduate School
- Three (3) letters of recommendation: Letters should be from previous faculty (preferably within the past 5 years), supervisors, or healthcare professionals (excluding family members). It is highly preferred that at least one letter is from an individual with a research-focused doctoral degree.
- A current Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume).
- A written personal statement/essay and/or completed essay questions as directed in the application process.
- Applicants should submit an official transcript from every college or university they have ever attended (even if for only one semester). Transcripts may be emailed electronically by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School at gradschool@uab.edu or mailed to:
- Applicants will be invited to an interview if chosen by the admissions committee.
* Previous UABSON students that completed in the BSN Honors program within the last 3 years may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please contact the UAB Office of Student Success at sonadmissions@uab.edu.
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Application for Admission/Application Deadlines
Application Deadline
Entry Date: Fall 2025
Application Opens: Mid-August 2024
Priority Admission Deadline: January 1, 2025
(Domestic and International Applicants)
International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of January 1st. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be considered on a space available basis up to April 1, 2025.
Application Process
Click here to apply for admission to the PhD Program.
Click here for detailed application instructions.
Previous UABSON students that completed in the BSN Honors program within the last 3 years may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please contact the UAB Office of Student Success at sonadmissions@uab.edu.
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Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the PhD program, students will be able to:
Develop nursing science:
- Mastery of a body of knowledge and the nursing discipline.
- Critiquing and integrating difference science perspective and generating new ideas.
- Conducting culturally competent, ethical, and original research.
- Disseminating research findings to drive policy and nursing practice.
Steward the Discipline:
- Disseminate science via publications and presentations.
- Weave theoretical/scientific underpinnings into all efforts to integrate research, teaching and service.
- Practice knowledge and culture of nursing.
Educate the Next Generation:
- Participate in the global scholars’ community.
- Participate in team science.
- Provide mentorship and education to others.
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Sample Full-Time Program of Study**
Full time students are required to be registered for a minimum of 9 hours each semester.
Year 1 Fall NUR 751Q Philosophical Foundations of Science 3 NUR 753Q Nursing as a Scientific Discipline 2 NRM 752Q Responsible Conduct of Research 3 NST 778Q Data Management 2 Spring NRM 750Q Foundations of Quantitative Research 3 NUR 755Q Critical Analyses of Theories, Models and Frameworks 3 NUR 759Q Writing a Career Development Grant Proposal 1 NST 758Q Inferential Statistics I 3 Summer NRM 798QL Research Immersion 3-6 NRM 780Q Application of Research Design Principles I 3 NUR 760Q Scientific Dissemination 1 Elective Substantive Core 3 Qualifying Exam Credit Hours 30-33
Year 2 Fall NRM 781Q Quantitative Measurement 3 NST 779Q Statistical Modeling I – Linear Models 3 NRM 783Q Foundations of Qualitative Research 3 Spring NRM 782Q Application of Research Design Principles II 3 NUR 758Q Research & Health Policy 3 Elective Substantive Core 3 Summer NRM 798QL Research Immersion 3-6 NST 780Q Statistical Modelling II – Topics in Multivariate Analysis 3 NUR 797Q Writing the Dissertation 3 Credit Hours 27-30
Year 3+ Fall Independent Study with Mentor Comprehensive Exam 9 Dissertation Proposal & Defense IRB Application Spring NUR 799Q Dissertation Research 9 Summer NUR 799Q Dissertation Research 9 Credit Hours 27 *Minimum of 87 credit hours required * All students are required to attend an annual Summer Intensive.
** The Program of Study is subject to change.
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Sample Part-Time Program of Study
Part-time students must be registered for at least six hours each semester.
Year 1 Fall NUR 751Q Philosophical Foundations of Science 3 NUR 753Q Nursing as a Scientific Discipline 2 Elective or Independent Study – consider NTC 650 or NTC 658 1-3 Spring NRM 750Q Foundations of Quantitative Research 3 NRM 755Q Critical Analyses of Theories, Models and Frameworks 3 Summer NRM 798QL Research Immersion 3-6 NRM 780Q Application of Research Design Principles I 3 Credit Hours 18-23
Year 2 Fall NRM 752Q Responsible Conduct of Research 3 NUR 778Q Data Management 2 Elective Substantive Core 1-3 Spring NUR 759Q Writing a Career Development Grant Proposal 1 NUR 758Q Inferential Statistics I 3 Summer NRM 798QL Research Immersion 3-6 NRM 760Q Scientific Dissemination 1 Qualifying Exam Credit Hours 16-19
Year 3 Fall NRM 781Q Quantitative Measurement 3 NST 779Q Statistical Modeling I – Linear Models 3 Spring NRM 782Q Application of Research Design Principles I 3 NUR 758Q Research & Health Policy 3 Summer NRM 783Q Foundations of Qualitative Research 3 NST 780Q Statistical Modelling II – Topics in Multivariate Analysis 3 Credit Hours 18
Year 4 Fall NUR 797Q Writing the Dissertation 3 Elective Substantive Core 3 Spring Independent Study with Mentor Comprehensive Exam
Dissertation proposal & defense
IRB application9 Summer Elective Substantive Core 3 NUR 799Q Dissertation Research 3 Credit Hours 21
Year 5 Fall NUR 799Q Dissertation Research 9 Credit Hours 9 *Minimum of 87 credit hours required * All students are required to attend an annual Summer Intensive.
** The Program of Study is subject to change.
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Tuition and Fees
The following tuition and fees are valid for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees and are SUBJECT TO CHANGE annually based on approval from the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees and/or University.
The estimates below are based on the costs listed at the UAB Office of Planning and Analysis website.
Each student’s costs will vary depending upon a number of factors including state of residence, the number of credits taken in a semester, or whether the student attends class live or through a distance-accessible format. Fees vary by program and course.
Tuition and Fees
UAB School of Nursing 2024-2025Resident
Charge ($)Non-resident
Charge ($)International
Charge ($)PhD coursework (in classroom per semester hour) 610 1,505 1,587 PhD coursework (distance-accessible format per semester hour) 702 702 785 Fees - UAB School of Nursing Cost ($) Educational Support and Technology Fee (per course) 235 Other Related Expenses (Estimated) Cost ($) Books and supplies (estimate per term) 600 Student Hospitalization Insurance Fee (per month) 1 200 Background Check (annual estimate) 92 1 May be waived with documented proof of equal or greater coverage. -
Funding Your Education
Fellowship, Traineeship, and Loan Programs
There are a limited number of Graduate Fellowships and Traineeships that are awarded through the UAB School of Nursing that require students to meet specific requirements, and are only awarded when funds are available. When such funds are available in a particular program, students enrolled in the program will be notified and provided information on how to apply.
Contact Katrina Staffney (email: KatrinaStaffney@uab.edu), for more information.Nurse Faculty Loan
Federal Nurse Faculty Loan Funds are available to all doctoral students or MSN students who intend to assume a faculty position in a school of nursing upon completion of the degree. These funds are limited to payment of tuition and fees and other reasonable educational expenses.
Contact JoeAnn Kennedy (email: joeann@uab.edu), for more information.NIOSH Training Grant
Work-related injuries have a significant cost to employers and to public health. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) training grants support UAB School of Nursing PhD students as they prepare for a career in teaching, research, consulting or administration by completing theory, research, and occupational health courses and dissertation research on an occupational health topic. The grant provides tuition, fees, and stipend support for full-time on-campus PhD studies for students holding U.S. citizenship or permanent visas. The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing is part of the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety, which offers students rigorous studies to prepare interprofessional occupational health and safety leaders in planning and implementing occupational health and safety programs.
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Information for International Students
NOTE: Prospective International students must first contact UAB International Admissions to determine eligibility to study in the U.S. and/or submit an application for admission to UAB.
The table below provides information on eligibility requirements for the PhD Program.
PhD F1 or J1 Visa Acceptable Required College Degree (BSN Equivalent or higher) Required Foreign Transcripts Evaluated Required English Proficiency Required Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. Not Required The School of Nursing PhD Program works closely with INTO UAB to provide international applicants with admissions support, academic preparation, English language training, and other supportive services designed to facilitate student success.
All applicants must meet the PhD Program Admission Requirements. The following are additional requirements for International applicants.
International Application Requirements
- Prospective students should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or its equivalent (e.g. Master’s Entry to Nursing) from a U.S. regionally accredited educational institution or an international equivalent. Applicants holding a degree in a non-nursing health-related discipline with a comparable level of education and professional certification will be considered on an individual basis.
- Official foreign transcripts must be submitted directly from the higher education institution to UAB International Admissions for evaluation and equivalency of educational credentials. If you already have a WES or ECE we will accept it in lieu of sending your official transcript to UAB International Admissions. Please have WES or ECE send directly to UAB International Admissions.
- Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on prior college/university course work.
- Completion of a formal admission interview, if selected.
- Meet English language requirements. Scores on Tests of English Language (TOEFL or IELTS) must be submitted and are used to determine student placement in a one or two-semester pathway that includes English language coursework. A English Proficiency Exam waiver is available for eligible applicants. For more information about the English Proficiency Exam waiver click here and then make sure to click on the English Proficiency Exams section.
- Requirements for Direct Admission:
- TOEFL iBT 90 and minimum of 20 in each of the 4 test sections, or
- IELTS 7.0 and minimum of 7.0 in at least 2 of the 4 test sections.
- Requirements for 1-Semester Pathway:
- TOEFL iBT 80 and minimum of 18 in each of the 4 test sections, or
- IELTS 6.5 and minimum of 6.0 in at least 2 of the 4 test sections.
- Requirements for 2-Semester Pathway:
- TOEFL iBT 70 and minimum of 16 in each of the 4 test sections, or
- IELTS 6.0 and minimum of 5.0 in at least 2 of the 4 test sessions
- Requirements for Direct Admission:
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Applications of Mixed Methods Research Certificate
The Applications of Mixed Methods Research Certificate is designed to equip students with applied knowledge and skills necessary to plan, conduct, and evaluate mixed methods research within the context of a research topic of interest. The certificate may be completed post-doctorally as a non-degree student, or the certificate may be completed by students enrolled in the PhD program in nursing.
To achieve the graduate certificate, students must complete a minimum of 15 credits of coursework that includes: 1) the four required mixed methods courses; and 2) one elective courses.
Click here for more program information and instructions on how to apply to the Mixed Methods Research Certificate. The Certificate is awarded through the School of Health Professions.
Mixed Methods Certificate Courses and Offerings
Course Credit Hours Semester Offered Fall Spring Summer AH/NRM 777 Mixed Methods Research I: Introduction to the Field (R) 3 X AH/NRM 778 Mixed Methods Research II: Designing/Conducting a Mixed Methods Study (R) 3 X AH/NRM 779 Mixed Methods Applications in Community-Based Action Research (R) 3 X AH/NRM 785 Qualitative Research; Analysis and Interpretation (E) 3 X NRM 783 Foundations of Qualitative Research (E) 3 X AH 783 Writing Effective Mixed Methods Grant Proposals* (R) 3 X (E) Elective Course. Students must take one of the three elective courses for the certificate. (R) Required Course. Students must complete all four required courses for the certificate.
For more information, contact: