The UAB School of Nursing offers several subspecialty areas of coursework that may be completed as part of a graduate degree, or as a non-degree post-graduate option by practicing nurse practitioners who have already completed the MSN degree.
Applicants must meet the same admission standards as required for admission to the MSN program. Applicant MSN transcripts are evaluated to determine if required foundational level core and support courses required for the MSN degree (e.g., Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice Nursing) have been completed.
Upon completion of the certificate the individuals is prepared to sit for certification in the subspecialty area.
Apply Now
Talk with our faculty and staff.
Next Open House: October 29, 2024
From 6 to 7 PM Central Time
Program Information
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Advanced Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
The Advanced Palliative Care subspecialty coursework prepares nurse practitioners to work collaboratively with the Palliative Care Team in managing the holistic care of patients with life-limiting illnesses in a variety of settings.
To best accommodate the needs of the nursing workforce, the courses are delivered through a distance accessible format that combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives, where students participate in planned laboratory and simulation experiences designed to promote mastery of essential skill sets.
Admission is limited to Fall entry only.
For more information, contact:
Sample Course of Study1,2
Year 1 Semester Course Title Credit Hours 1 NPA 621 Advanced Palliative Care Nursing I 3 2 NPA 622 Advanced Palliative Care Nursing II 3 Total Credit Hours 6 1Course of study is subject to change.
2In order to practice in this subspecialty role there may be additional requirements outside of the coursework provided by the UAB School of Nursing. Please check with your State Board of Nursing and the appropriate certifying body to see if additional requirements are needed. -
Nurse Educator
The Nurse Educator subspecialty coursework prepares nurses at the master’s or doctoral level to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for populations that include nursing students and health system employees. Five, 3-credit hour courses are offered that together provide a strong foundation for employment in academic and health care settings.
To best accommodate the needs of the nursing workforce, the courses are delivered through a distance accessible format that combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives, where students participate in planned laboratory and simulation experiences designed to promote mastery of essential skill sets.
Admission in both Summer and Fall.
For more information, contact:
Sample Course of Study1,2
Year 1 Semester Course Title Credit Hours 1 NTC 650 Instructional Strategies in Teaching Nursing 3 NTC 658 Simulation and Technologies for Student Learning 3 2 NTC 652 Curriculum and Program Development 3 NTC 654 Evaluation of Instruction in Nursing 3 3 NTC 660 Foundations in Nursing Education 3 Total Credit Hours 15 1Course of study is subject to change.
2In order to practice in this subspecialty role there may be additional requirements outside of the coursework provided by the UAB School of Nursing. Please check with your State Board of Nursing and the appropriate certifying body to see if additional requirements are needed. -
Registered Nurse First Assist
The Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) subspecialty prepares nurses to work collaboratively with surgeons to provide delegated medical functions during the perioperative phase of patient care.
To best accommodate the needs of the nursing workforce, the courses are delivered through a distance accessible format that combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives, where students participate in planned laboratory and simulation experiences designed to promote mastery of essential skill sets.
Specific Admission Requirements:- BSN-prepared applicants must submit verification of CNOR certification at the time of application to the track. If the BSN-prepared applicant is not certified as a CNOR at the time of application, proof of certification must be submitted before a certificate of completion can be awarded.
- Applicants must have at least two of the three required letters of reference needed for the application for admission be from individuals attesting to the applicant’s experience as an RN and the applicant’s knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to perioperative patient care.
Admission is limited to Fall entry only.
For more information, contact:
Sample Course of Study1,2
Year 1 Semester Course Title Credit Hours 1 NFA 620 Surgical Techniques 3 2 NFA 621 Advanced Perioperative Nursing I 3 3 NFA 622 Advanced Perioperative Nursing II 3 Total Credit Hours 9 1Course of study is subject to change.
2In order to practice in this subspecialty role there may be additional requirements outside of the coursework provided by the UAB School of Nursing. Please check with your State Board of Nursing and the appropriate certifying body to see if additional requirements are needed.
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Admission Requirements
Prospective students must meet the following requirements for admission:
- Hold an MSN degree (or be enrolled in the UABSON MSN program) from a regionally accredited institution, equivalent to the one offered by the UAB School of Nursing.
- Note: Applicants to the Registered Nurse First Assist subspecialty may apply with a BSN from a regionally accredited institution. BSN-prepared applicants must submit verification of CNOR certification at the time of application to the track. If the BSN-prepared applicant is not certified as CNOR at the time of application, proof of certification must be submitted before a certificate of completion can be awarded.
- Possess an unencumbered and unrestricted nursing license to practice in the state where you plan to conduct your clinical practicum.
- Cumulative graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or on the last 60 semester hours.
- Students with less than a 3.2 GPA are required to complete and submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or GMAT.
- Only scores completed within the previous 5 years are accepted. Minimum required scores are a combined score of 297 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE or score of 480 on the GMAT.
- Applicants who have successfully completed a graduate degree from a regionally accredited academic institution may receive a waiver for this requirement if they achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their previous graduate degree program.
- The following individuals are not eligible for the GRE waiver process: International applicants, non-native English speaking applicants, and Dual degree seeking applicants (e.g., MSN/MPH).
- For more information on the Test Score Waiver process click here.
- Submit three letters of professional reference attesting to the applicant’s potential for graduate study. For those applying to the Registered Nurse First Assist subspecialty only, at least two of the three required letters of reference should be from individuals attesting to the applicant’s experience as an RN and the applicant’s knowledge, judgement, and skills specific to perioperative patient care.
- 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
- Hold an MSN degree (or be enrolled in the UABSON MSN program) from a regionally accredited institution, equivalent to the one offered by the UAB School of Nursing.
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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
Summer 2025: December 31, 2024Fall 2025: May 1, 2025To Start the Application Process
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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 ($)Non-resident
Charge ($)Post-Graduate Coursework (distance-accessible format per semester hour) 702 702 Fees - UAB School of Nursing Cost ($) Educational Support and Technology Fee (per course) 235 Other Related Expenses (Estimated) Cost ($) Books and supplies (estimate per term) 600 Student Hospitalization Insurance Fee1 (estimate per month) 270 Background Check (annual estimate) 92 1 Estimate based on one student. May be waived with documented proof of equal or greater coverage. -
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 MSN Program.
MSN F1 or J1 Visa Acceptable Not eligible for this program College Degree (BSN 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 MSN 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
Charlene Bender
Kelley Borella
Interim Assistant Dean, Graduate Clinical Education – MSN
(205) 975-9035
The UAB School of Nursing offers several non-degree certificates for individuals who have completed a BSN, MSN or DNP degree.1
Currently, a graduate certificate is offered in Clinical Research Management (CRM) and a post-graduate certificate is offered for Nurse Executives.
In addition, a Post-MSN APRN is offered for individuals wishing to complete a second nurse practitioner specialty as a nursing non-degree seeking student.
1Detailed admission requirements for each of the non-degree certificates can be found in the dropdowns below.
Apply Now
Talk with our faculty and staff.
Next Open House: March 27, 2025
From 6 to 7 PM Central Time
Program Information
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Clinical Research Management (CRM)
The graduate certificate in Clinical Research Management (CRM) is for bachelor’s prepared individuals seeking a new career path in the healthcare field.
Individuals who complete the certificate program are prepared to lead and manage research teams in implementing clinical trials research while ensuring compliance with federal regulations for patient safety and the efficacy of the research findings.
Admission is limited to Fall entry only.
Fall 2025 deadline: May 1, 2025Specific Admission Requirements:
- Have a bachelor’s degree.
- An undergraduate (or graduate) GPA of at least 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 scale) or in the last 60 hours of earned credit.
- 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 at LHL G03, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
Opportunity to apply CRM Certificate to a Master's of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Graduate StudiesThe Graduate School now offers master's degrees in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS), which allow students to blend two areas of expertise by combining two UAB Graduate Certificates. The Certificate in Clinical Research Management (CRM) has been approved for the IGS masters. A list of certificates approved for the IGS masters is found at the following link: https://www.uab.edu/graduate/programs/igs.The certificate in Biotechnology and Regulatory Affairs (offered by the School of Health Professions) is complementary to the Certificate in Clinical Research Management (CRM), and their combination provides a strong foundation for those individuals desiring to build a career pathway in clinical research. For more information, visit the Graduate School website at https://www.uab.edu/graduate/programs/igs.For more information, contact:
Sample Program of Study1
Semester Course Title Credit Hours Fall CRM 670Q Clinical Research Ethics, Methods, and Clinical Trials 3 CRM 671Q Clinical Research Study Operations and Site Management 3 Spring CRM 673Q Current Issues in Clinical Research Management 3 CRM 672Q Teaching Principles for Clinical Research Coordination and Healthcare Professionals 3 Summer CRM 674Q Practicum Experiences in Clinical Research Management2 3 (135 Practicum Hours) Total Credit Hours 15 1Program of study is subject to change.
2Admitted students will be required to complete the required Practicum course hours in a clinical research facility. -
Nurse Executive
The Nurse Executive Certificate prepares nurses at the highest level in executive leadership in healthcare and to address complex health system issues. Those who complete the Nurse Executive Certificate lead population and community based health services with an emphasis on improving access and quality for diverse populations.
The curriculum is offered in a distance accessible format that combines core courses offered via an online program with required on-campus intensives (4 days each).
Admission is limited to Spring entry only.
Spring 2025 deadline: October 4, 2024Specific Admission Requirements:
- Evidence of an unencumbered and unrestricted licensed as a registered nurse.
- Have a DNP or PhD in nursing and currently working in a mid-level or senior leadership role in a practice or academic setting
- A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 scale) or in the last 60 hours of earned credit.
- 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 to the UAB Graduate School at gradschool@uab.edu, or
- Mailed to UAB Graduate School at LHL G03, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
- Submission of three favorable evaluations by persons who have knowledge of the applicant’s potential for success in graduate nursing studies and executive leadership.
- Submission of a personal goal statement that is congruent with the Nurse Executive Certificate (300 words or less).
- Resume/CV
- 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.
For more information, contact:
Sample Program of Study1
Year One - Spring Term NEX 705Q Healthcare Finance Strategies 3 hours NEX 703 Scientific Underpinnings for Executive Practice 3 hours Year One - Summer Term NEX 708Q Strategic Leadership for Healthcare Transformation 3 hours Year One - Fall Term NEX 709Q Population Health for Healthcare Transformation 3 hours Year Two - Spring Term NEX 711 Policy Perspectives for Executive Leadership 3 hours Certificate Total Credits 15 hours 1Program of study is subject to change.
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Post-MSN APRN
The UAB School of Nursing offers individuals with a minimum of an earned MSN degree and current APRN certificate and licensure to apply to complete a second nurse practitioner specialty as a nursing non-degree seeking student. The Post-MSN APRN can be completed in four semesters and upon completion of the pathway the individuals is prepared to apply to sit for certification in the specialty area.
The Post-MSN APRN is available for Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
Admission is limited to Summer entry only.
Summer 2025 deadline: October 10, 2024Specific Admission Requirements:
- Hold an MSN degree from a regionally accredited institution, equivalent to the one offered by the UAB School of Nursing.
- Possess an unencumbered / unrestricted nursing license to practice in the state where you plan to conduct your clinical practicum.
- Cumulative graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or on the last 60 semester hours.
- Graduate Exam Requirement:
- WAIVER CRITERIA: Applicants who have successfully completed a graduate degree from a regionally accredited academic institution may receive a waiver for this requirement if they achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their previous graduate degree program.
- NOTE: The following individuals are not eligible for the GRE waiver process. International applicants, non-native English speaking applicants, and Dual degree-seeking applicants (e.g. MSN/MP). Minimum required scores are a combined 297 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE or score of 480 on the GMAT. For more information on the Test Score Waiver process click here.
- Submit three letters of professional reference attesting to the applicant's potential for graduate study.
- 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 at LHL G03, 1720 2nd Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
For more information, contact:
Plan for Coursework
To best accommodate the needs of the nursing workforce, the curriculum is offered via part-time program of study delivered through a distance accessible format that combines asynchronous and synchronous didactic coursework. The curriculum consists of 27 credit hours of coursework (at a minimum), but all Post-MSN APRN students must undergo an evaluation and GAP analysis of previously completed advanced practice core and support coursework after they are admitted and before enrollment. This process ensures that all previously completed course work meets the current standards for post-masters education as required by our certifying bodies to sit for certification.
The GAP analysis process will review a Post-MSN APRN student's previous course work against the following UAB core and support course work. If the course or an equivalent course has not been successfully completed, those course(s) will be added back to the plan for coursework below.
NUR 737: Interprofessional Leadership and Role Development for Practice Excellence - 3 credit hours
NUR 735: Population Health in Advanced Practice Nursing - 3 credit hours
NUR 729: Evidence-Based Practice Design and Translation - 3 credit hours
NUR 612: Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 credit hours
NUR 614: Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Adv Nursing Practice - 3 credit hours
NUR 613: Pharmacology and Therapeutics - 3 credit hours****Students must have successfully completed NUR 613 (or any course deemed equivalent) within 2 years of starting advanced specialty coursework OR be a currently practicing as a nurse practitioner and provide sufficient evidence that they are prescribing medications in the population of interest (e.g. adult, pediatrics, etc.).
Sample Plan for Coursework1,2
Semester Course Title Credit Hours 1 NXX 618 Focus on Advanced Nursing Practice Specialization 3 2 NXX 621 Advanced NP Nursing I (specialty specific) 5 NXX 685L Practicum I (specialty specific) 3 3 NXX 622 Advanced NP Nursing II (specialty specific) 5 NXX 686 Practicum II (specialty specific) 3 4 NXX 623 Advanced NP Nursing III (specialty specific) 4 NXX 692 Practicum III (specialty specific) 4 Total Credit Hours 27 1. Program of study is subject to change following the results of the GAP analysis.
2. Students will take at a minimum of 27 credit hours; however, if the GAP analysis results require core or support course work to be re-taken then credit hours totals will increase and length of plan for coursework.
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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/Instructions
To Start the Application Process
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Outcomes
Upon completion of the Post-Graduate Certificate, students will be able to:
- Synthesize research, theoretical formulations, and principles of scientific inquiry to provide evidence-based practice.
- Assume leadership in managing and evaluating continuous quality improvement processes.
- Use information systems/technology to evaluate programs of care, outcomes of care, and care systems.
- Advocate and implement health-care policies that improve access, equity, efficiency, and social justice in the delivery of health care.
- Provide ethical, culturally sensitive care in an advanced nursing role independently and collaboratively with professionals from multiple disciplines.
- Monitor the quality of one's own nursing practice based on professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations.
- Apply theories and principles of marketing, economics, consultation, management, and leadership to comprehensively perform an advanced nursing role.
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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 ($)Non-resident
Charge ($)Post-Graduate Coursework (distance-accessible format per semester hour) 702 702 Fees - UAB School of Nursing Cost ($) Educational Support and Technology Fee (per course) 235 Other Related Expenses (Estimated) Cost ($) Books and supplies (estimate per term) 600 Student Hospitalization Insurance Fee1 (estimate per month) 270 Background Check (annual estimate) 92 1 Estimate based on one student. May be waived with documented proof of equal or greater coverage. -
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 Post-Graduate Certificate Programs.
Post-Graduate 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 bachelors 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
Jacqueline Lavier
Tedra Smith
Interim Assistant Dean, Graduate Clinical Education - DNP
(205) 996-4193
The UAB School of Nursing offers several post-graduate certificates for nurses who have already completed an MSN or DNP degree and subspecialty areas of coursework that may be completed as part of a graduate degree or as a non-degree post-graduate option by practicing nurse practitioners who have already completed their graduate degree.
Certificates are offered in Clinical Research Management (CRM) and Nurse Executive.
Subspecialties are offered in three areas: Advanced Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator and Registered Nurse First Assist.
Click on the links below to access information about application, admission criteria, and program of study.
