The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is an autonomous
campus of The University of Alabama System dedicated to
excellence in teaching, research, and service. UAH is a key
participant in one of the nation's major international centers
for advanced technological research and utilizes its position to
provide unique opportunities for students.
Although nursing is highly specialized, it remains fundamentally,
a caring profession. UAH took both of these aspects into
consideration when designing its curriculum in nursing. Our
professors have an ongoing concern with some of the most
significant issues in nursing today, including cancer research,
nursing ethics, and opportunities for nurses in space research.
In addition to focusing on essentials of nursing in hospitals,
the curriculum also emphasizes community based practice and
primary care.
The fundamental purpose of the College of Nursing is to prepare
nurses at the baccalaureate and master's level who are critical
thinkers, life-long learners, and are able to practice as caring
professionals in a variety of health care delivery systems. As
the only institution offering both undergraduate and graduate
nursing programs in north Alabama, the College is also committed
to becoming the regional center for research activities in
nursing. In addition, the College is committed to providing
educational services for and in collaboration with, agencies for
professional nursing development. Educational offerings and
faculty practice are both services to community clients and means
of improving health care and delivery systems. In order to meet
its obligations in teaching, research, scholarly activities,
practice and service, the College strives to maintain high
quality faculty who are excellent teachers and expert
practitioners who add to the body of nursing knowledge.
The undergraduate program in Nursing is approved by the Alabama
Board of Nursing. Both the baccalaureate and the master's
programs in Nursing are accredited by the National League for
Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
The Baccalaureate Program
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The four year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree
provides the nursing theory, science, humanities, and behavioral
science preparation necessary for the full scope of professional
nursing responsibilities, and provides the knowledge base
necessary for advanced education in specialized clinical
practice.
Baccalaureate education in nursing provides the basis for entry
into professional nursing practice. The baccalaureate graduate is
prepared as a generalist capable of functioning in a variety of
roles and health care systems. Nursing process is the systematic
model utilized for problem-solving. Registered nurse students
have an opportunity to synthesize prior nursing experience with
new knowledge.
The undergraduate program prepares the nurse for assuming
beginning leadership roles in entry level positions. Leadership
in nursing incorporates dimensions of independent and
collaborative practice, client advocacy, and accountability. The
baccalaureate graduate is prepared to apply research findings in
clinical practice and to value scientific inquiry.
BSN for Registered Nurses (Bridge Program)
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The College of Nursing at UAH offers a program specifically
designed for Registered Nurses who desire to obtain their BSN.
Within the regular undergraduate program, we recognize the unique
abilities and needs of the registered nurse student. This program
of study offers flexible options and opportunities for part-time
study.
The Master's Program
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The master's degree in nursing builds upon the baccalaureate
degree and prepares the individual for advanced nursing practice
in a specialized area. The framework for practice emerges from
interrelationships of theory, practice, and research. Primary
roles of the nurse practitioner and the nurse administrator
embody dimensions of clinical expertise, research, consultation,
collaboration, management, leadership, and teaching.
The program prepares graduates to assume leadership roles in the
direct delivery of care as expert clinicians in a nursing
practice specialty:
- Adult Health Nursing Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
The MSN program can be completed in sixteen months. Opportunities
are also available for students who prefer a slower pace. Upon
completing requirements for the MSN with specialization in the
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner
tracks, graduates will be eligible to take national certification
examinations.
Post-Master's Program
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UAH also offers a Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program.
This two semester plus one summer program provides nurses who
already hold Master's degrees in nursing with the skills and
knowledge to become nurse practitioners. After completing
coursework, students are awarded a certificate and are eligible
to sit for the national certification examination for family
nurse practitioners. Students admitted to this program must
attend full-time. In order to facilitate study by working nurses,
this certificate program is offered on Saturdays on the UAH
campus, and may be offered at distant sites.