Bridge Program

The RN who has a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing may apply to the Graduate School and the College of Nursing. The applicant is required to meet all the admission requirements for the master's program, except for a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN accredited program.

For applicants submitting portfolio:

In addition to the admission criteria, the applicant may present a portfolio to verify knowledge and experience in the senior level courses of Community Health Nursing, Leadership and Management, and Nursing Care of Older Adults. Before being admitted to the graduate program, the Admissions and Progression Committee will review the portfolio and determine if the applicant has the required knowledge and experience in the three nursing areas. Portfolio Guidelines may be obtained from the College of Nursing Office of Admissions and Student Services.

All students admitted to the graduate nursing program through the bridge process will be required to complete the nursing practicum in one of the areas of Community Health Nursing, Nursing Care of Older Adults, or Leadership and Management. Arrangement for the student to complete the portfolio deficiencies will be planned on an individual basis depending on positions and resources available for the specific undergraduate courses.

For applicant not submitting portfolio:

If the applicant feels he/she does not have the knowledge and experience to meet the criteria in one or more of the three areas community health, older adult, leadership and management), he/she may elect to complete the course work instead of submitting the portfolio. He/she must write to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs regarding the decision not to submit a portfolio.

The students will receive a pass or fail grade for the theory and practicum courses completed in the bridge process.

Completion of undergraduate deficiencies:

The applicant must be fully admitted to the UAMS Graduate School and the College of Nursing before any courses can be taken.  After admission, the student must complete the bridge deficiency coursework prior to enrolling in any graduate level MNSc courses.

Submission deadlines:

Application and Portfolio Submission for Fall

Admission: April 1

Application and Portfolio Submission for Spring (link to Portfolio Guidelines)

Admission: September 1

Contact Dr. Rebecca Patterson if you have questions about the above:
Office Phone - (501) 686-5216.  E-mail:  rpatterson@uam.edu