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Subspecialty Options
The UAB School of Nursing provides support and assistance to MSN and DNP students in securing appropriate clinical placement sites and qualified preceptors from among more than 5,000 clinical affiliates.

The UAB School of Nursing offers several subspecialty areas of coursework that may be completed as part of a graduate degree, or as a non-degree post-graduate option by practicing nurse practitioners who have already completed the MSN degree.

Applicants must meet the same admission standards as required for admission to the MSN program. Applicant MSN transcripts are evaluated to determine if required foundational level core and support courses required for the MSN degree (e.g., Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice Nursing) have been completed.

Upon completion of the certificate the individuals is prepared to sit for certification in the subspecialty area.

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Program Information

  • Advanced Forensic Nurse

    The Advanced Forensic Nurse is prepared to practice in a variety of forensic nursing settings to evaluate, diagnose, and manage commonly occurring trauma reactions of individuals and their families as they intersect with the legal system.

    To best accommodate the needs of the nursing workforce, the courses are delivered through a distance accessible format that combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives, where students participate in planned laboratory and simulation experiences designed to promote mastery of essential skill sets.

    Admission is limited to Fall entry only.

    For more information, contact:

    Photo: Pat Speck
    Pat Speck, DNSc, CRNP, AFN-C
    Advanced Forensic Nurse
    Subspecialty Coordinator
    205.934.6790

    Sample Course of Study1,2

    Year 1
    SemesterCourse TitleCredit Hours
    1NFN 622 Advanced Forensic Nursing I3
    2NFN 623 Advanced Forensic Nursing II3
    Total Credit Hours6

    1Course of study is subject to change.
    2In order to practice in this subspecialty role there may be additional requirements outside of the coursework provided by the UAB School of Nursing. Please check with your State Board of Nursing and the appropriate certifying body to see if additional requirements are needed.

  • Advanced Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner

    The Advanced Palliative Care subspecialty coursework prepares nurse practitioners to work collaboratively with the Palliative Care Team in managing the holistic care of patients with life-limiting illnesses in a variety of settings.

    To best accommodate the needs of the nursing workforce, the courses are delivered through a distance accessible format that combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives, where students participate in planned laboratory and simulation experiences designed to promote mastery of essential skill sets.

    Admission is limited to Fall entry only.

    For more information, contact:

    Photo: Rebecca Edwards
    Rebecca Edwards, DNP, CRNP
    Advanced Palliative Care
    Subspecialty Coordinator
    205.975.0482

    Sample Course of Study1,2

    Year 1
    SemesterCourse TitleCredit Hours
    1NPA 621 Advanced Palliative Care Nursing I3
    2NPA 622 Advanced Palliative Care Nursing II3
    Total Credit Hours6

    1Course of study is subject to change.
    2In order to practice in this subspecialty role there may be additional requirements outside of the coursework provided by the UAB School of Nursing. Please check with your State Board of Nursing and the appropriate certifying body to see if additional requirements are needed.

  • Emergency Nurse Practitioner

    The Emergency Nurse Practitioner subspecialty coursework prepares Family Nurse Practitioners to work collaboratively with interprofessional patient care teams to provide evidence-based emergency care for patients of all ages and acuities. The curriculum includes didactic and clinical practicum courses.

    To best accommodate the needs of the nursing workforce, the courses are delivered through a distance accessible format that combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives, where students participate in planned laboratory and simulation experiences designed to promote mastery of essential skill sets.

    Admission is limited to Summer entry only.

    For more information, contact:

    Photo: David House
    David House, DNP, CRNP
    Emergency Nurse Practitioner
    Subspecialty Co-Coordinator
    205.975.1109
    Photo: Melanie Hallman
    Melanie Hallman, DNP, CRNP
    Emergency Nurse Practitioner
    Subspecialty Co-Coordinator
    205.934.6552

    Sample Course of Study1,2

    Year 1
    SemesterCourse TitleCredit Hours
    1NEN 618 Focus on Advanced Nursing Practice Specialization3
    2NEN 621 Advanced Emergency Care Nursing I3
    NEN 685 Practicum I: Advanced Emergency Care3
    3NEN 622 Advanced Emergency Care Nursing II3
    NEN 686 Practicum II: Advanced Emergency Care3
    Total Credit Hours15

    1Course of study is subject to change.
    2In order to practice in this subspecialty role there may be additional requirements outside of the coursework provided by the UAB School of Nursing. Please check with your State Board of Nursing and the appropriate certifying body to see if additional requirements are needed.

  • Nurse Educator

    The Nurse Educator subspecialty coursework prepares nurses at the master’s or doctoral level to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for populations that include nursing students and health system employees. Five, 3-credit hour courses are offered that together provide a strong foundation for employment in academic and health care settings.

    To best accommodate the needs of the nursing workforce, the courses are delivered through a distance accessible format that combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives, where students participate in planned laboratory and simulation experiences designed to promote mastery of essential skill sets.

    Admission in both Summer and Fall.

    For more information, contact:

    Photo: Laura Steadman
    Laura Steadman, PhD, RN
    Nurse Educator
    Subspecialty Coordinator
    205.996.7670

    Sample Course of Study1,2

    Year 1
    SemesterCourse TitleCredit Hours
    1NTC 650 Instructional Strategies in Teaching Nursing3
    NTC 658 Simulation and Technologies for Student Learning3
    2NTC 652 Curriculum and Program Development3
    NTC 654 Evaluation of Instruction in Nursing3
    3NTC 660 Foundations in Nursing Education3
    Total Credit Hours15

    1Course of study is subject to change.
    2In order to practice in this subspecialty role there may be additional requirements outside of the coursework provided by the UAB School of Nursing. Please check with your State Board of Nursing and the appropriate certifying body to see if additional requirements are needed.

  • Registered Nurse First Assist

    The Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) subspecialty prepares nurses to work collaboratively with surgeons to provide delegated medical functions during the perioperative phase of patient care.

    To best accommodate the needs of the nursing workforce, the courses are delivered through a distance accessible format that combines synchronous online classes with on-campus intensives, where students participate in planned laboratory and simulation experiences designed to promote mastery of essential skill sets.

    Specific Admission Requirements:

    • BSN-prepared applicants must submit verification of CNOR certification at the time of application to the track. If the BSN-prepared applicant is not certified as a CNOR at the time of application, proof of certification must be submitted before a certificate of completion can be awarded.
    • Applicants must have at least two of the three required letters of reference needed for the application for admission be from individuals attesting to the applicant’s experience as an RN and the applicant’s knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to perioperative patient care.

    Admission is limited to Fall entry only.

    For more information, contact:

    Photo: Tracie White
    Tracie White, DNP, ACNP-BC, CRNFA
    Registered Nurse First Assist
    Subspecialty Coordinator
    205.451.8179

    Sample Course of Study1,2

    Year 1
    SemesterCourse TitleCredit Hours
    1NFA 620 Surgical Techniques3
    2NFA 621 Advanced Perioperative Nursing I3
    3NFA 622 Advanced Perioperative Nursing II3
    Total Credit Hours9

    1Course of study is subject to change.
    2In order to practice in this subspecialty role there may be additional requirements outside of the coursework provided by the UAB School of Nursing. Please check with your State Board of Nursing and the appropriate certifying body to see if additional requirements are needed.

  • Admission Requirements

    Prospective students must meet the following requirements for admission:

    • Hold an MSN degree (or be enrolled in the UABSON MSN program) from a regionally accredited institution, equivalent to the one offered by the UAB School of Nursing.
      Note, applicants to the Registered Nurse First Assist subspecialty may apply with a BSN from a regionally accredited institution.
      BSN-prepared applicants must submit verification of CNOR certification at the time of application to the track. If the BSN-prepared applicant is not certified as CNOR at the time of application, proof of certification must be submitted before a certificate of completion can be awarded.
    • Possess an unencumbered and unrestricted nursing license to practice in the state where you plan to conduct your clinical practicum.
    • Cumulative graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or on the last 60 semester hours.
    • Students with less than a 3.2 GPA are required to complete and submit scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or GMAT; only scores completed within the previous 5 years are accepted. Minimum required scores are a combined score of 297 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE or score of 480 on the GMAT. Applicants who have successfully completed a graduate degree from a regionally accredited academic institution may receive a waiver for this requirement if they achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their previous graduate degree program. The following individuals are not eligible for the GRE waiver process: International applicants, non-native English speaking applicants, and Dual degree seeking applicants (e.g., MSN/MPH). For more information on the Test Score Waiver process click here.
    • Submit three letters of professional reference attesting to the applicant’s potential for graduate study. For those applying to the Registered Nurse First Assist subspecialty only, at least two of the three required letters of reference should be from individuals attesting to the applicant’s experience as an RN and the applicant’s knowledge, judgement, and skills specific to perioperative patient care.
    • Applicants should submit an official transcript from every college or university they have ever attended (even if for only one semester). Transcripts may be emailed electronically by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School at gradschool@uab.edu or mailed to:
      • UAB Graduate School
        LHL G03
        1720 2nd Ave. S.
        Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
  • State Regulations Governing Distance Programs

    Out-of-state applicants to any of our distance-accessible programs should become familiar with their state’s regulations governing distance accessible programs. Prospective students residing in states other than Alabama should contact their state’s Board of Nursing and Department of Education for specific rules and regulations pertaining to students enrolled in out-of-state programs and are planning to conduct UABSON distance education in their home state. Only those students who reside in Alabama or those states where the UAB School of Nursing programs are available will be eligible to receive an offer of admission.

    More information is available at the State Approval Website for Online Degree Programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

  • Application for Admission/Application Deadlines

    Application Deadlines

    Fall 2024: May 1, 2024
    Summer 2025: December 31, 2024
  • Tuition and Fees

    The following tuition and fees are valid for the 2023-2024 academic year. Tuition and fees and are SUBJECT TO CHANGE annually based on approval from the University of Alabama Board of Trustees and/or university.

    The estimates below are based on the costs listed at the UAB Office of Planning and Analysis website.

    Each student’s costs will vary depending upon a number of factors including state of residence, the number of credits taken in a semester, or whether the student attends class live or through a distance-accessible format. Fees vary by program and course.

    Tuition and Fees
    UAB School of Nursing 2023-2024
    Resident
    Charge ($)
    Non-resident
    Charge ($)
    Post-Graduate Coursework (distance-accessible format per semester hour)682682
    Fees - UAB School of NursingCost ($)
    Educational Support and Technology Fee (per course)235
    Other Related Expenses (Estimated)Cost ($)
    Books and supplies (estimate per term)600
    Student Hospitalization Insurance Fee1 (estimate per month)270
    Background Check (annual estimate)92
    1 Estimate based on one student. May be waived with documented proof of equal or greater coverage.
  • Information for International Students

    NOTE: Prospective International students must first contact UAB International Admissions to determine eligibility to study in the U.S. and/or submit an application for admission to UAB.

    UAB International Admissions
    Email: IntlAdmin@uab.edu
    Phone: 205.934.4686
    Fax: 205.934.8664

    The table below provides information on eligibility requirements for the MSN Program.

     MSN
    F1 or J1 Visa AcceptableNot eligible for this program
    College Degree (BSN Equivalent or higher)Required
    Foreign Transcripts EvaluatedRequired
    English ProficiencyRequired
    Graduate Record Exam (GRE)Required
    Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the U.S.Required

    Application Requirements

    • Prospective students must have a MSN degree in nursing equivalent to that offered by a U.S. regionally accredited educational institution.
    • For Graduate Clinical Programs such as the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program, prospective students must also be licensed as a registered nurse in the U.S., in the state in which they will reside while completing the program.
    • International applicants must, as part of their application, provide a detailed course by course evaluation of their academic transcripts and verification of their academic credentials. Students may use one of the following firms for transcript evaluation; a report of the evaluation must be submitted directly to the UAB School of Nursing prior to admission decisions.
      • Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
        P.O. Box 514070
        Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 USA
        Website: www.ece.org
      • World Education Services
        Bowling Green Station
        P.O. Box 5087
        New York, NY 10274-5087 USA
        Website: www.wes.org
    • Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on prior college/university course work.
    • Applicants must complete and submit their scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as part of the application process. If the GRE was completed prior to application, only scores completed within the previous 5 years are accepted.
    • Completion of a formal admission interview.
    • Meet English language requirements. Students must submit scores on Tests of English Language (TOEFL or IELTS) and achieve the following minimum scores:
      • TOEFL iBT 80 and minimum of 18 in each of the 4 test sections, or
      • IELTS 6.5 and minimum of 6.0 in at least 2 of the 4 test sections.

Contact

Charlene Bender

Charlene Bender

MPH

MSN Program Manager
Office of Student Success

205.975.7529

Tedra Smith

Tedra Smith

DNP, CRNP, CPNP‐PC, CNE, CHSE

Assistant Dean for Graduate Clinical Education – MSN

205.996.4193