Founded in 1842, Samford University is the largest privately
supported and fully-accredited institution for higher learning in
Alabama. The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing was founded as a
hospital diploma program in 1922. In 1955, it was the first
program in the state of Alabama accredited by the National League
for Nursing (NLN). The program transferred to Samford University
in 1973 following a merger agreement with Baptist Medical Centers
to offer Associate and Baccalaureate degrees. In 1988 the School
moved into its new facilities, the Dwight and Lucille Beeson
Center for the Healing Arts, on the Samford Campus. In 1995, the
School began a Master of Science in Nursing degree program.
A student may enter the nursing program as an entering freshman
and continue directly through the program for four years. Upon
graduation with Bachelor of Science in Nursing [BSN] degree, the
student is then eligible to write the licensing exam for
registered nurses [NCLEX-RN].
Second-Degree BSN Option
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The second-degree option (5 semesters) is an opportunity for
individuals who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a field of
study other than nursing. Upon graduation with a Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, the student is eligible to write
the licensing examination for registered nurses [NCLEX-RN].
Accelerated Second-Degree BSN Option
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The Accelerated Second Degree BSN option (15 Months) is an
accelerated opportunity for individuals who already hold a
baccalaureate degree in a field of study other than nursing. Upon
graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree,
the student is eligible to write the licensing examination for
registered nurses [NCLEX-RN]. A student who received a D or F in
a nursing course from another institution will not be considered
for admission to the School of Nursing.
Master of Science in Nursing
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The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing offers a flexible,
innovative program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing
degree. Graduates are prepared to practice in an advanced role to
meet and/ or manage health care needs of families across the life
span. The core of the MSN program emphasizes the synthesis of
theory, practice and research foundational to the advanced
practice of nursing. Our graduates are well-qualified to assume
leadership roles as clinicians, managers, nurse executives and
teachers in a wide variety of healthcare delivery systems and
academic settings. Specialized tracks of study are available in
the following areas:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Management
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Executive (Joint MSN/MBA)
The graduate program is designed to meet the needs of full and
part-time students. Classes are offered one day a week to
facilitate students who commute and who work. Clinical
experiences can be offered in a variety of settings based on the
individual needs of students.
RN to MSN Option
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The RN to MSN Option is a non-traditional pathway to the Master
of Science in Nursing degree. This program allows the registered
nurse with a current unencumbered Alabama license who holds an
Associate of Science in Nursing degree or hospital diploma an
opportunity to earn the MSN degree. In the RN to MSN Option, no
bachelor's degree is awarded. As a result, the student may
complete the requirements for the MSN degree in less time, with
fewer classes required. The RN to MSN Option is not available for
Joint MSN/MBA and Nurse Anesthesia students.
Post-MSN Tracks of Study
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Students who already have a Master of Science in Nursing Degree
are presented the opportunity to earn Post-Master's certificates
in the following areas:
- Post MSN/Management
- Post MSN/Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post MSN/Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
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The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides the terminal
academic preparation for advanced practice nursing and is
designed to prepare expert nurse clinicians, educators and
administrators to improve health and health care outcomes. The
purpose of this degree program is to prepare graduates to assume
leadership positions in a variety of health care, business,
government and educational organizations. In addition, the
program provides the clinical, educational and administration
expertise necessary to improve outcomes in the practice arenas of
health care, administration and education. The focus is on
innovative and evidence-based nursing practice to meet the
demands associated with increasing complexity in the health care
system and improving the quality of patient care delivery and
outcomes and influencing health care policy.