Information for Undergraduate Nursing Students

 

A minimum grade of “C” in each nursing course is required for progression in the nursing sequence.

A student who discontinues the nursing sequence for any reason must petition the School of Nursing Admissions Committee for readmission into the nursing program. Students are permitted only one readmission. Acceptance for readmission is based on availability of space, documentation of corrected deficiencies, and approval of the nursing faculty. Students who are readmitted are accountable for the degree requirements in force at the time of readmission.

High School graduates may qualify for the accelerated track. The accelerated track allows incoming freshmen who earned 18 college credit hours of BSN degree general/supportive courses to accelerate their degree and finish three years verses four years. Students eligible for the accelerated track must have an ACT composite score of 22 or equivocal SAT score, and completed (with a grade of C or better) or received Advanced Placement credit for Composition 1 and Composition 2 and all other BSN pre-requites course listings. Students eligible for this track must enroll in Anatomy and Physiology I and II with the respected labs during the initial summer terms after high school graduation.

RNs with an Associate Degree or Diploma may apply for advanced placement in the BSN program. The RN will receive credit for 33 semester hours held in escrow.  RNs complete the same general education and support courses as students in the prelicensure BSN program but have a specified program for completing theory and clinical nursing course requirements. A letter of recommendation from a current or most recent RN supervisor in a nursing position is required of all licensed applicants.

Students seeking transfer credit from another institution must submit course descriptions and transcripts to the School of Nursing and meet with the dean. All faculty are included in the evaluation and placement of transfer students in the nursing sequence and make recommendations regarding transfer of nursing credit to the dean. Standardized testing and validation of skills may be required based on the evaluation of transcripts.

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing requires a criminal background check by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and by the Arkansas State Police for graduates of nursing schools. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing has the authority to deny application for nurse licensure to any person who has been convicted of a crime. A student who has been convicted of a crime should schedule an appointment with the dean of the School of Nursing. Additionally, a criminal background check will be conducted at students’ expense before students are allowed to participate in clinical experiences.

Nursing students are NOT covered by the University or the clinical facilities for injuries and exposures to illnesses which occur in the course of clinical assignments or when traveling to and from clinical assignments or off-campus nursing related activities. Additionally, all nursing students are assigned to care for persons with a variety of diagnoses, including blood-borne illnesses. The UAM School of Nursing requires specific immunizations PRIOR to acceptance in nursing programs.  Contact the Dean of Nursing for a list of required immunizations.  Students who are planning to major in nursing and who speak English as a second language are to meet requirements of the University. This requirement is to enhance the chance for success of nursing majors who speak English as a second language.

Information regarding tuition and fees may be found in the UAM Catalog.

Outside of regular tuition and fees, nursing students may have the following out of pocket expenses related to learning activities outside of the classroom.  

  • Clinical CareLearning training - $12.
  • CPR certification - $50 (varies).
  • Student Nurses Association (SNA) membership - $37 (new member); $40 (yearly renewal); or $70 (two-year membership).
  • AR Nursing Student Association Convention Registration - $60 if an SNA member or $100 for non SNA members.
  • National Student Nurses Association Convention Registration - $125 (varies).
  • Nurses Day at the Capital Event Registration- $35.
  • Optional: Overnight hotel expenses averages $110/night.
  • Clinical/Practicum/Service Learning Activities may require travel to the following AR cities: Maumelle, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Monticello, Dumas, Lake Village, Warren, Fordyce, Star City, McGehee, Hamburg, and/or Crossett. Other cities may be included as needed. 

For other expenses related to nursing school, students should review the Nursing Student Handbook.