Q: What tracks are available to take online?
A: Most of the tracks / specialties can be taken online.  When looking into the details for a specific specialty, the fact sheet will list the program as being distance accessible, which equates to being an online specialty. The fact sheets are listed at MSN Fact Sheets

Q: For admission, do I qualify for the waiver for the MAT, GRE, GMAT testing?
A: One you submit your application through Apply Online, the student affairs personnel will calculate your overall and last 60 hours of undergraduate course work. If either of those GPAs is equal to or greater than a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, you may waiver and do not need to complete a graduate entrance exam as part of your application.

Q: How much experience is required for new BSNs prepared nurse entering into an NP track?
A: Each specialty at the master’s levels is different, and the fact sheet on the program is the best place to confirm the experience requirements. The fact sheets are listed at MSN Fact Sheets under the paragraph listed as Options Available for Study in the Master's Program.

Q: What is the number of students admitted into the master’s program each term?
A: The master’s program is competitive for many of the specialty tracks.  A student may select a second specialty option when they submit their application. The admission qualifications are listed at MSN Admission Requirements

Q: Where do I find the Nurse Anesthetists, CRNA, requirements?
A: The Nurse Anesthetists specialty is offered by the UAB School of Health Professions. Please visit their Web site for information about that program.

Q: Do I have to wait until I have all of the application paperwork to submit my application through Apply Online?
A: A good technique is to complete and submit your application. For most students, the references and transcripts arrive after the application has been submitted. We recommend that you check with your recommenders to ensure they submitted the references. The Office of Student Affairs  will contact you once your application is complete.

Q: How does a student prepare for the practicum piece of curriculum?
A: We recommend that each student coordinate with their family, employer, and practicum site as soon as possible to arrange to complete the required course work hours to meet course requirements.

Q: What is the requirement for a statistics class prior to NUR 600 class?
A: A statistics course must have been successfully completed prior to taking the NUR 600 course. If you need to take or retake the class, UAB offers an online statistics section for nursing students only. Contact the Office of Student Affairs for the course registration number, since the course will not be listed in the general catalog.

Q: Where do I submit the reference letters?
A: As part of the Apply Online process, the individuals submitting the refereces will be sent an e-mail for an on--line submission. Please ask the individuals from whom you request references to submit the recommendation online. Electronic submission is the preferred method. However, if your referees prefer to mail a recommendation letter, mail it to:
UAB School of Nursing
MSN Applications—Letter of Recommendation
NB 201B; 1530 3rd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-1210

Q: Where should I send my medical-clearance information?
A: Students must obtain medical clearance from UAB Student Health Services prior to registration for classes. A physical examination is required for medical clearance. The form needed for medical clearance can be downloaded at UAB Student Health Services. This form should be returned to UAB Student Health Services for processing. The address is located on the form. DO NOT send the forms to the School of Nursing.

Q: How do I know I am medically cleared?
A: Once you have completed all the steps in the medical-clearance process, Student Health Services enters your clearance into the Student Health database. The Office of Student Affairs at the School of Nursing routinely checks to update a student’s medical-clearance status. If you want to check if your clearance has been completed, Student Health Services can be reached at 205-934-3580.

Q: I have registered for certain courses, how can I confirm that?
A: If you have registered for a course, you already have a BLAZERNET account. On BLAZERNET, select the Student Resources Tab, and then select the Registration Tools to look up your registration status.

Q: When do I complete my orientation for my online classes?
A: You will receive an e-mail once you have been entered into UAB’s computer system. The e-mail will contain the steps necessary to establish an account on the UAB computer network. This system is a Web interface called BLAZERNET. Once the account is established, you will be able to follow the steps for the online orientation.

Q: What do I need to do for changing my specialty?
A: If you determine you need to change your specialty, you must submit a Change of Practice Area/Concentration for MSN Students form, which is listed at Student Forms. If the gaining and losing departments have space for the switch, the request will be considered.

Q: When can I apply for non-degree credit to be transferred as a graduate credit?
A: Submit the Non-Degree Credit form listed on the forms page to School of Nursing Student Affairs.

Q: Can I be admitted to the MSN program if I have not taken or passed NCLEX?
A: The master’s program requires practicum work, which requires NCLEX completion. You may be initially admitted into the program, but cannot begin your clinical course work until you have successfully passed NCLEX, and are licensed in the state in which you practice.

Q: Is medical clearance or CPR certification required for admission?
A: Medical clearance and CPR certification are required prior to being able to register for any classes.

Q: Is there a time limit on the graduate entrance exams (GRE/MAT/GMAT) test score?
A: Currently, there is no expiration on the date the graduate entrance exam was taken; however, an official copy must be received from the testing agency sent to UAB.  Many of the testing organizations only maintain test scores for five years.

Q: My grades from my first university are on the final transcript of my second university transcript.  Do I still need the official transcript from the first university I attended?
A: All transcripts from every undergraduate institution you attended are required for your application packet.