Why UAMS College of Nursing?
 UAMS College of Nursing is committed to individualized attention and development of our doctoral students.  We ensure that by admitting only 8 students each year.  Our faculty are well-funded leaders in nursing, and are dedicated to providing a supportive learning environment.
 
How do I decide between a PhD and a DNP? 
This is an individual decision based on a number of factors, including career aspirations.  In brief, the PhD is the recognized research degree and is offered in many disciplines.  If you are aspiring to an academic faculty position in a university setting, the PhD is the usual credential.  The DNP prepares clinical nurses for advanced practice and provides students with the opportunity to gain doctoral level education while maintaining a practice focus.  Currently there is no DNP program in the state of Arkansas, but it is under discussion. 

Can I take courses without being admitted into the doctoral nursing program?
Yes. You may take up to six (6) credits total as a non-degree seeking student with the permission of the course faculty.  This does not ensure admission at a later date.    

Can I transfer credits taken at another university?
 Yes, you may request review and acceptance of six credits taken at another university.  Additional credits may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What kinds of changes can I expect I will need to make in my daily life?
As students anticipate their schedules they generally think about the amount of class time -- and if they're thinking ahead they also include class preparation time. People sometimes forget about the time it takes to assimilate new information. Education at the PhD level not only provides you with new information, it challenges familiar ways of thinking and practicing. Be prepared for the "hidden time" you'll need to make those changes and don't over-schedule work, if you work at all. Remember that your family deserves your time and attention, as well.

 Can I work while getting my doctoral degree?
 Yes, you can work.  However, many students underestimate the amount of time required to be successful in meeting course requirements.  This is an individual decision which we will be happy to discuss with you during the application process.

What about the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
The GRE is required within 5 years of application to the doctoral program. There are three parts of the exam: verbal, analytical and quantitative. You may call (800) GRE-CALL or check out their website, www.GRE.org, for more information about scheduling and taking the GRE.   Make sure you request that your scores be sent to UAMS. While we assess an entire application when making a decision, a combined verbal and quantitative score of 1000 or higher is considered competitive for admission.

Visit this web site http://www.testprepreview.com/ for online GRE practice tests at no charge.

What happens if I do not do well on the GRE?
We highly recommend that you review before taking the GREs. Visit this web site http://www.testprepreview.com/ for online GRE practice tests at no charge. If your scores fall significantly below the recommended scores, as noted in the question above, you should consider retaking the exam. The PhD Admissions Committee will consider your total packet, however, in making a decision about whether to interview you. It is advisable to contact the Director of the Program if you have any questions about your scores.

What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting a completed application is January 15.   If the class cohort is not filled by this date, applications will be considered until the class if full. 

Do I need letters of recommendation to apply to the program?
Yes, you need four letters of recommendation. These letters should be solicited from professionals who can address the applicant's qualifications for doctoral study. Therefore at least two of the letters should be from persons with doctoral education.  Letters should not be from friends, relatives, neighbors, or religious leaders. It is important to make sure that the letters requested are completed and submitted by the person asked to be a reference. We will not review your admission packet until your file is complete.  Please see the doctoral application instructions on this site for recommendation forms and mailing address for completed forms. 

Is an interview required?
Yes, an interview is required. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you better and to find out why you are interested in the PhD degree and what research interest(s) you have. In some cases, a phone interview can be arranged. This is also a chance for you to meet faculty and ask questions.  Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance about two weeks after the interview. 

How do I develop my coursework?
Upon admission, you are assigned to a faculty advisor.   This faculty member will work with you to determine your progression through the program of study. You will select either a part-time program of study (6 credits/semester) or   a full-time program of study (9-10 credits/semester).  Electives are added to individualize your coursework.  Please see the separate headings for part-time (PT ) Plan of Study and full-time (FT) Plan of Study.

How many of the nursing courses are offered online?
Most of the required courses are offered in a “blended” format.  This means that typically the first class in each month is offered face to face, and the remainder are taught using Blackboard Learning System CE 4.1 (BBLS CE 4.1). Blackboard Learning System CE 4.1 (BBLS CE 4.1) is similar to Blackboard.  Several courses are taught entirely face to face; these classes are scheduled for Thursday PM and Friday.

Can I start anytime?
 All MSN to PhD students begin their programs of study at the beginning of June.

 BSN to PhD applicants may start either in the summer or fall, depending on the course schedules of their specialty program of study.

 Do I need a computer?
Yes, you will need a computer with high-speed Internet access to successfully complete the requirements for the PhD degree.  Many of our students work with a notebook computer on and off campus.

What computer skills do I need?
We expect our students to be competent in Microsoft word processing, Internet searches and use; sending, receiving and saving emails and attachments.  It is desirable to know PowerPoint for slide making, Endnotes for reference management, and Excel for spreadsheet work.  To minimize problems, you should also install anti-virus software and update it periodically.  You will receive an introduction to Blackboard Learning System CE 4.1 (BBLS CE 4.1) (for online classes) and Endnotes during your orientation to the program.

Does the program have graduate assistantships, financial aid, and scholarships available?Yes, please see the heading on Financial Aid on the College website (URL here).

Ms. Kim Morton can explore financial options with you at the time you interview.  Please contact her at 526-6489. 

What is required of foreign students 
English Proficiency Certification. Any international applicant whose native language is English must provide a document identifying their country which notes the native language is English.  Any applicant whose native language is not English and who does not have a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, is required to submit a minimum score of 550 (or 213 on computer based scoring or 80-at least 20 on each section is required  on internet based scoring) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The test must have been taken within the two years immediately preceding the requested semester of admission. (Departments have the prerogative of setting higher score requirements.) Arrangements to take the TOEFL may be made by writing directly to TOEFL, The Educational Testing Service, P. O. Box 592, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. The student should request this organization to mail his TOEFL score to institution code #R6901. It should be used on registration papers from the Educational Testing Service. 

For all international applicants, official test results of the TOEFL score and the GRE score must be sent directly to UAMS by the Educational Testing Service. A photocopy of the scores sent to the student, who in turn forwards the scores to UAMS is not sufficient. No action will be taken on an application containing a photocopied test score.