Question 1

What computer skills are required for students in the program?

Accepted Answer

Students enrolled in graduate coursework must possess the computer skills required to complete the following technology tasks: Launch and operate a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome or Safari; Bookmark frequently used web pages; Download and upload files; Download and/or install software applications; Operate a USB headphone and microphone; Save files to hard drive or portable flash memory; Access email account, send and receive emails and attachments; Create and save Word documents and PowerPoint presentations; Conduct online research using available databases and search engines, evaluate the credibility of online information, and correctly cite sources.

Question 2

Can I work full-time and go to school full-time?

Accepted Answer

Many of our students continue to work while in our program, however, the clinical hours required for practicum courses do make it difficult to work on weekdays.

Question 3

Will I need to be on campus during the program?

Accepted Answer

·         Students are required to attend intensive sessions each semester they are enrolled. Dates of intensive sessions are determined by program coordinators.

Question 4

Am I required to take the GRE or GMAT?

Accepted Answer

The College of Nursing does not require the GRE or GMAT. The question is a standard question on the Graduate School's application, however they are aware that the College of Nursing does not require it.

Question 5

Do I need years of clinical experience before I can apply?

Accepted Answer

No. You may start MSN graduate level courses right after you earn your BSN degree. You may start DNP graduate level courses right after you earn your MSN degree.

Question 6

When do you admit MSN students and what is the application deadline?

Accepted Answer

We admit part-time and full-time students in the fall semester only. The application deadline is June 1.

Question 7

When do you admit DNP students and what is the application deadline?

Accepted Answer

·         We admit part-time and full-time students in the fall semester only. The application deadline is June 1.

Question 8

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applicants follow the Graduate School Application Instructions(https://graduate.auburn.edu/admissions/apply.php)

*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions(https://graduate.auburn.edu/admissions/international-instructions.php)

*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu (mailto:pzc0003@auburn.edu)o(http://pzc0003@auburn.edu/)r 334-844-7105.

Question 9

Where do I submit recommendations letters?

Accepted Answer

Refer to the graduate school website.

Question 10

Where do I send transcripts?

Accepted Answer

Transcripts should be sent directly to the AU Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall, Auburn University, AL, 36849. (Do not send transcripts to the College of Nursing.)

Question 11

How does the DNP degree differ from the PhD?

Accepted Answer

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Auburn University integrates course work with practice experiences to prepare practice scholars to become leaders in bringing evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice, improving healthcare outcomes, and strengthen nursing management and education.

PhD programs prepare nurses for careers as research scientists in academic, governmental, or private entities.

Question 12

What are the on-campus graduate intensive sessions?

Accepted Answer

Coming Soon

Question 13

Is a dissertation required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for the PhD program. Auburn's practice doctorate is the successful completion of a project that demonstrates the synthesis of the student's experiences. The scholarly project will combine learning from both coursework and clinical practice application.

Question 14

When do I have to complete the background check and drug screen?

Accepted Answer

Both must be completed by the deadline specified, which will be sometime before students begin their first semester of the program.

Students will receive detailed information concerning completion requirements as part of their initial admission steps if admitted into the Auburn University College of Nursing.

Question 15

Who pays for the background check and drug screen?

Accepted Answer

It is the student's responsibility to pay for both the criminal background check and drug screen. The cost may vary depending on the agency and the state in which the student lives.

Employment Screening Services (ESS), the College of Nursing's designated provider, will notify the student of the fees. The student will pay fees directly to ESS.

Each student must pay for services with a credit card. If you do not have a credit card, you may purchase a prepaid card from any number of sources to pay for services.

Question 16

Do I have to complete another background check and drug screen if I had one last year?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All students admitted to our Graduate Programs must complete both the criminal background check and drug screen per ESS instructions.

Question 17

How much is tuition?

Accepted Answer

College of Nursing Graduate Program tuition is $630 per credit hour. Tuition is the same for Alabama residents and out of state residents.

Other fees will be incurred as you progress through the program such as, but not limited to, background check, drug screen, and course specific requirements.

Tuition and fees are subject to change by the Board of Trustees at the beginning of any term.

**Please note: The Auburn University Tuition Calculator does not accurately reflect out of state tuition for distance education. Please refer to the following information for tuition and fees for the AUCON distance programs. For questions, contact Jennifer Edwards at jlr0012@auburn.edu(mailto:jlr0012@auburn.edu)

Question 18

May I have the criminal background check and drug screen completed by another agency?

Accepted Answer

No. All screenings must be completed through ESS per their instructions.

Question 19

Where will my drug screen be completed?

Accepted Answer

The drug screen will be completed by LabCorp only, per ESS instructions.

ESS will assist in identifying a facility nearest you, whether you are a local student or live outside of Alabama.

Question 20

What happens if the criminal background check is not clear or the drug screen is positive?

Accepted Answer

A student whose criminal background check is not clear will meet with the Dean in order to determine the degree to which the items entered on the criminal background check may preclude the student's ability to take the licensure or certification examination.

A student who tests positive on the urine drug screen will meet with the dean.

A positive test will also result in the offer of admission being rescinded for newly admitted students that have not begun course work and immediate removal from all courses for the currently enrolled students.

The removal from the courses will result in a failing grade for the clinical and theory courses.

Question 21

How will I know how to register for the background check and drug screen?

Accepted Answer

ESS will send an email to the student's Auburn email address with specific instructions for completing the background check and drug screen. Students should check their AU email address on a regular basis, as that is the required method of communication.

Question 22

Will I be able to see my background check and drug screen results?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students may contact ESS directly to request a copy of their results. Results will not be kept on file at the College of Nursing.

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