Nursing

[1] Introduction

The School of Nursing prepares students at the baccalaureate and graduate levels to deliver safe, equitable, and person-centered care within increasingly complex healthcare systems. Baccalaureate graduates develop foundational knowledge across nursing and related disciplines. This preparation establishes the scholarly foundation necessary for advanced graduate nursing education.

The Master of Science in Nursing degree builds upon baccalaureate preparation by advancing students’ clinical reasoning, leadership capabilities, and specialized expertise. Graduate­ prepared nurses integrate evidence-based practice, systems thinking, and collaborative partnerships to address evolving population health needs and transform healthcare delivery.
The program offers two specialty tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Educator (NE). Graduates from each track demonstrate competencies aligned with national certification standards and are prepared to lead interprofessional teams, advocate for health equity, and advance the scholarship of nursing practice.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree advances practice scholarship through the integration, translation, and application of evidence to address complex healthcare challenges. Students develop advanced competencies in clinical leadership, systems-based practice, and quality improvement, preparing them to lead transformative change across healthcare settings. The Post-Master’s DNP track is designed for nurses who have completed master’s-level role preparation and seek to advance their expertise in practice-focused leadership, policy development, and the implementation of innovative, evidence-based solutions to improve population health outcomes.

Jump to … DNP Program

[2] Master of Science in Nursing

[2.1] Program Overview

The Master of Science in Nursing develops advanced practice competencies that expand upon baccalaureate preparation, enabling nurses to lead interprofessional teams, integrate evidence into practice, and address complex healthcare needs across diverse populations and settings.

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track prepares students to deliver comprehensive, person-centered care across the lifespan. Graduates demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning, diagnostic expertise, and collaborative leadership to promote health equity and optimize outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification.

The Nurse Educator track prepares students to advance nursing education in academic and healthcare settings. Graduates integrate teaching expertise with clinical knowledge to develop curricula, mentor future nurses, and translate evidence-based practices that strengthen the nursing workforce and improve patient care quality.

Most MSN courses are delivered online providing flexible access to graduate education. The FNP clinical courses and Advanced Health Assessment require minimal on campus classes each semester. The NE clinical courses are delivered 100% online.

[2.2] MSN Program Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements for application to the MSN are outlined here. Admission to the MSN program is selective and competitive. To apply, go to the UCA Graduate School application.

1. A baccalaureate degree with an upper-division major in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program (graduates of non-accredited nursing programs will be evaluated individually).
2. Undergraduate nursing students currently enrolled in a BSN Nursing program should obtain a letter from the dean or director stating expected graduation date and verifying current enrollment.
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale overall or 3.00 on the last 60 hours of earned credit.
4. Completion of an undergraduate course in basic statistics, with a grade of C or above.
5. Current unencumbered United States license as a registered nurse in Arkansas (or state where clinical experiences will take place).
6. Applicants for whom English is not the native language are required to score 83 or higher on the iBT TOEFL exam. The exam must have been taken within the last two (2) calendar years. Only iBT TOEFL scores received directly from ETS or the UCA Testing center will be accepted as valid.
7. Cover letter
8. Résumé
9. Interview

Once the School of Nursing has received all required documentation, applications will be reviewed. Applicant’s admission documentation will be evaluated by graduate faculty, and the results will be weighted with the applicant’s GPA.

[2.3] MSN Degree Post-Acceptance Requirements

Upon acceptance to the MSN program candidates must:

1. Complete a criminal background check, as directed by the School of Nursing, with favorable results.
2. Complete a drug screen, as directed by the School of Nursing, with negative results.
3. Submit verification of specified health requirements (see School of Nursing Graduate Handbook for list of immunizations).
4. Provide proof of health insurance coverage.
5. Maintain an active, unencumbered nursing license throughout the duration of enrollment. Any restriction, suspension, or revocation of a student’s nursing license will result in an immediate review of program eligibility and may lead to dismissal from the program. Students are required to notify program administration as soon as possible but no later than 3 business days after any change to their licensure status.
6. Prior to enrollment in the clinical courses, students must submit employer verification of 1,000 clinical practice hours working as a registered nurse.

[2.4] MSN Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree requires 39 credit hours for the Nurse Educator track and 46 hours for the Family Nurse Practitioner track.

[2.4.1] Required Core Courses (24 hours)

[2.4.2] Nurse Educator (NE) Track courses (15 hours)

[2.4.3] Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track courses (22 hours)

[2.5] Program Retention Requirements

In order to maintain good standing in the graduate program and to graduate, students must adhere to the academic policies of the UCA Graduate School and the School of Nursing policies by maintaining a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Students who fall below the 3.0 GPA, will be placed on academic probation per the UCA Graduate School policy.

Students’ academic and program progression will be reviewed routinely. To remain in good standing the student must:

1. Maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Earn a minimum of “B” in all graduate courses.
3. Meet the policies and requirements of the School of Nursing Graduate Handbook.
4. Meet all UCA Graduate School requirements for graduation.
5. Maintain an active, unencumbered nursing license throughout the duration of enrollment. Any restriction, suspension, or revocation of a student’s nursing license will result in immediate review of program eligibility and may lead to dismissal from the program. Students are required to notify program administration as soon as possible but no later than 3 business days after any change to their licensure status.

Students have the option to withdraw from any course. If a student withdraws from a course by the approved UCA deadline, they will receive a grade of “W”. A grade of “W” is not included in the computing of the GPA. Students withdrawing need to contact the UCA Graduate School and the School of Nursing Education Counselor prior to withdrawing. Students will be required to repeat any course with a “W” grade.

Students who earn a grade of “W” or a grade of “C” or lower in any course will be required to repeat the course. A student is allowed to repeat a total of 2 courses in the program.

[3] Post-Master’s Certificates (PMCs) and Second Master’s Degrees

[3.1] Program Overview

Master’s-prepared nurses seeking additional master’s preparation for national certification have the following options: (1) second master’s degree (minimum of 30 credit hours required) and (2) post-master’s certificate (minimum of 12 required hours). Two PMCs are offered, the PMC in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and the PMC in Nurse Educator. The PMC in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track requires that the applicant to be nationally certified and licensed as an APRN. Each applicant will have an individualized plan of study based on previous coursework.

Applications to the post-master’s certificate (PMC) and second master’s degree are competitive. The number of applicants admitted is based on available openings.

[3.2] PMC and Second Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements for application to the PMC and Second Master’s degree are outlined here. Admission to the program is selective and competitive. To apply, go to the UCA Graduate School application.

1. A master’s degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program (graduates from non-accredited nursing programs will be evaluated individually).
2. Current unencumbered United States license as a registered nurse or applicants interested in the family nurse practitioner PMC must be licensed as an APRN in Arkansas (or state where clinical experiences will take place).
3. Minimum cumulative graduate GPA at or higher than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Applicants for whom English is not the native language are required to score 83 or higher on the iBT TOEFL exam. The exam must have been taken within the last two (2) calendar years. Only iBT TOEFL scores received directly from ETS or the UCA Testing center will be accepted as valid.
5. Cover letter
6. Résumé
7. Interview

Once the School of Nursing has received all required documentation, applications will be reviewed. Applicant’s admission documents will be evaluated by graduate faculty, and the results for each applicant will be weighted with the applicant’s GPA.

[3.3] PMC and Second Master’s Degree Post-Acceptance Requirements

Upon acceptance to the MSN program, including PMC and Second Master’s degree, candidates must:

1. Complete a criminal background check, as directed by the School of Nursing, with favorable results.
2. Complete a drug screen, as directed by the School of Nursing with negative results.
3. Submit verification of specified health requirements (see School of Nursing Graduate Handbook for list of immunizations).
4. Provide proof of health insurance coverage.
5. Maintain an active, unencumbered nursing license throughout the duration of enrollment. Any restriction, suspension, or revocation of a student’s nursing license will result in immediate review of program eligibility and may lead to dismissal from the program. Students are required to notify program administration as soon as possible but no later than 3 business days after any change to their licensure status.

[3.4] PMC and Second MSN Degree Requirements

The amount and type of credit hours depend on the previous MSN. Certified nurse practitioners seeking a PMC focused on family will have a gap analysis completed by the Graduate Program Coordinator to determine the appropriate plan of study.

[3.5] Program Retention Requirements

In order to maintain good standing in the graduate program and to graduate, students must adhere to the academic policies of the UCA Graduate School and School of Nursing policies by maintaining a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Students who fall below the 3.0 GPA, will be placed on academic probation per the UCA Graduate School policy.

Students’ academic progression will be reviewed routinely. To remain in good standing the student must:

1. Maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Earn a minimum of “B” in all graduate courses.
3. Meet the policies and requirements of the School of Nursing Graduate Handbook.
4. Meet all UCA Graduate School requirements for graduation.
5. Maintain an active, unencumbered nursing license throughout the duration of enrollment. Any restriction, suspension, or revocation of a student’s nursing license will result in immediate review of program eligibility and may lead to dismissal from the program. Students are required to notify program administration as soon as possible but no later than 3 business days after any change to their licensure status.

Students have the option to withdraw from any course. If a student withdraws from a course by the approved UCA deadline, they will receive a grade of “W”. A grade of “W” is not included in the computing of the GPA. Students withdrawing need to contact the UCA Graduate School and the School of Nursing Education Counselor prior to withdrawing. Students will be required to repeat any course with a “W” grade.

Students who earn a grade of “W” or a grade of “C” or lower in any course will be required to repeat the course. A student is allowed to repeat a total of 2 courses in the program.

[4] DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

[4.1] Program Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused terminal degree that prepares graduates for the most advanced level of nursing. As practice leaders, the DNP-prepared scholar uses evidence to create innovation focused on quality improvements in health outcomes and health care systems.

All courses in the Post-Master’s DNP program are delivered online. Synchronous classes may be required periodically throughout the program. New student orientation will be held virtually at the beginning of the program.

[4.2] Post-MSN DNP Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements for application to the Post-Master’s DNP are outlined here. Admission to the Post-MSN DNP program is selective and competitive. To apply, go to the UCA Graduate School application.

1. An earned master’s degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program (graduates from non-accredited nursing programs will be evaluated individually).
2. Current unencumbered United States registered nurse license in Arkansas (or state where clinical experiences will take place).
3. Minimum cumulative GPA at or higher than 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
4. Applicants for whom English is not the native language are required to score 83 or higher on the iBT TOEFL exam. The exam must have been taken within the last two (2) calendar years. Only iBT TOEFL scores received directly from ETS or the UCA Testing center will be accepted as valid.
5. Documentation of a minimum of 280 supervised clinical hours with a preceptor during the master’s nursing program.
6. Cover letter
7. Résumé
8. Interview

Once the School of Nursing has received all required documentation, applications will be reviewed. Applicant’s admission documentation will be evaluated by graduate faculty, and the results for each applicant will be weighted with the applicant’s GPA.

[4.3] Post-MSN DNP Post-Acceptance Requirements

Upon acceptance to the Post-MSN DNP program, candidates must:

1. Complete a criminal background check, as directed by the School of Nursing, with favorable results.
2. Complete a drug screen, as directed by the School of Nursing, with negative results.
3. Submit verification of specified health requirements (see School of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook for list of immunizations).
4. Provide proof of health insurance coverage.
5. Maintain an active, unencumbered nursing license throughout the duration of enrollment. Any restriction, suspension, or revocation of a student’s nursing license will result in an immediate review of program eligibility and may lead to dismissal from the program. Students are required to notify program administration as soon as possible but no later than 3 business days after any change to their licensure status.

[4.4] Post-MSN DNP Degree Requirements

The Post-MSN DNP degree requires a minimum of 34 hours [Note 1 and Note 2] of planned sequential graduate nursing course work, including a DNP scholarly project in the last year of study.

Required Courses

Note 1

Note 2

[4.5] Program Retention Requirements

In order to maintain good standing in the graduate program and to graduate, students must adhere to the academic policies of the UCA Graduate School and the School of Nursing policies by maintaining a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Students who fall below the 3.0 GPA, will be placed on academic probation per the UCA Graduate School policy.

Students’ academic progression will be reviewed routinely. To remain in good standing the student must:

1. Maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2. Earn a minimum of “B” in all graduate courses.
3. Meet the policies and requirements of the School of Nursing Graduate Handbook.
4. Meet all UCA Graduate School requirements for graduation.
5. Maintain an active, unencumbered nursing license throughout the duration of enrollment. Any restriction, suspension, or revocation of a student’s nursing license will result in immediate review of program eligibility and may lead to dismissal from the program. Students are required to notify program administration as soon as possible but no later than 3 business days after any change to their licensure status.

Students have the option to withdraw from any course. If a student withdraws from a course by the approved UCA deadline, they will receive a grade of “W”. A grade of “W” is not included in the computing of the GPA. Students withdrawing need to contact the UCA Graduate School and the School of Nursing Education Counselor prior to withdrawing. Students will be required to repeat any course with a “W” grade.

Students who earn a grade of “W” or a grade of “C” or lower in any course will be required to repeat the course. A student is allowed to repeat a total of 2 courses in the program.

[5] School of Nursing Policies

The current editions of the UCA Student Handbook and the School of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook specify the rules, regulations, and policies that apply to all UCA graduate nursing students. It is the responsibility of the student to know and follow the most recent policies and procedures.

[6] Accreditation Status

The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs are approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. The DNP program is approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and is designed to meet professional standards for the practice doctorate developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The baccalaureate, master’s, post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate, and DNP programs in nursing at UCA are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791, https://www.aacnnursing.org/ and https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE.

[7] Graduate Courses in Nursing

Follow this link for NURS course descriptions: course link.