Samford University School of Nursing

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.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

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

The second-degree option 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].

Master of Science in Nursing

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

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

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)

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.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from Samford University.