ABOUT THE PROGRAM

There are three major track choices, nurse practitioner (adult or family), Clinical nurse specialist (adult health), and leadership (educator, administration or clinical focus) 

Go to:  http://www.bsu.edu/nursing

How long will it take to finish the program?

• Full-time graduate study is 9 semester hours, part-time study is 2-6 semester hours.
• Most students are part-time and take 1-2 courses/semester.
• Usually it takes about 3 years but you have up to 6 years to complete.
  

Q.  Is the program totally online? 

       A.  Yes, all work is completed online including tests.

Q.  Are there any trips to campus?

       A.  No onsite visits are required.

Q.  How long has the program been online?

       A.  The MS program was converted to online beginning in 1999.

ADMISSION

Q. How do I apply?

       A.  There are two applications to complete electronically.

               Graduate School at:      http://www.bsu.edu/gradschool/

               School of Nursing at:    http://nursing.iweb.bsu.edu/apply.html

Q.  Is there an application fee?

       A.  Yes, to Graduate School ($25 for BSU grads and $35 for non-BSU grads).

Q.  How do I decide which track to take?

       A.  The track you select is based upon the type of career you wish to pursue.  Career counseling is available in the School of Nursing.

Q.  Do I need to take undergraduate assessment before the program begins? 

       A.  No, you can take this during the program.  It is in the RN-BS distance program.

Q.  If I have a family or job related problem, may I skip a semester, or do I have to be readmitted? 

       A.  Students may skip semesters and return to classes without being readmitted.  After two years, they will have to reapply.  Your academic advisor will revise your plan of study based on when courses are offered.

Q.  Do I need to buy a PDA?

      A.  Yes, with School of Nursing specifications, and must be purchased through the Ball State University. 

COURSE SEQUENCE

Q.  How will I know which courses to take?

       A.  A plan of study will be made out for you upon admission.  You may change the plan by discussing this with your academic advisor.

Q.   May I go full time?

       A.   The program is designed for part-time study.  There may be some semesters that you can take three courses.

Q.  May I register for another course as soon as I finish one?

       A.  No, courses are taught on a semester basis and follow a curriculum sequence.  This program is not a correspondence program.

Q.  What is the timeframe for offering courses?

       A.  Semesters are 16 weeks for spring and fall semesters and 10 weeks for summer semester.

Q.  Do I work at my own pace? 

       A.  The program is structured on a semester basis with assignments due at certain times.  You may work at your own pace during the assignment period.

Q.  NUR 605 is required. Do I need to take the Information Technology course?

      A.  Yes

Q.  What if I already took courses online?  Do I still need to take NUR 605.

      A.  Yes

TRANSFER COURSES

Q. How many courses can I transfer?

       A. For the Family NP and CNS tracks (15 hours)

     For the Adult NP adult and leadership tracks (9 hours)

• Courses must be no more than 6 years old at the time you graduate and a grade of B or higher is required.
• For the Post Master's certificate program up to 9 hours.

HOW DO COURSES WORK?

The BlackBoard system is used for courses.  This system is structured for coursework including an announcement page, access to syllabi, modules, web links such as library, a discussion board and quizzes (InQsit).  Students post weekly on the discussion board and others respond. 

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

Q.  Where do I go for clinicals? 

       A.  Clinicals are done in your home community with preceptors you select based on the requirements of the course.  A clinical faculty will be a second person you select to evaluate you onsite.

Q.  Will you help me find preceptors?

       A.  If other students have done clinical in your area your faculty may be able to provide preceptor names in your area.  Generally the student knows individuals in their area who can serve as preceptors.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Q.  Can I apply for Financial Aid? 

       A.  See the web page for Financial Aid at:  http://www.bsu.edu/finaid/

Q.  Are there any scholarships I can apply for?

       A.  There is a nurse traineeship grant applied for each year by the School of Nursing.  You may apply for the funds for advanced clinical course fees (NUR 672, 680, 682 and 684).

TUITION

Q.  What is the tuition and do you have a payment plan?

       A.  Please see the Bursar's web page at:  http://www.bsu.edu/distance/tuition/     

FEES

Q.  Are there any other fees?

       A.  Clinical Fees are $400 per advanced clinical courses (NUR 634, 680, 682, 684, and 672).  The School of Nursing has received a Grant from Department of Health and Human Services.  This is a grant that is applied for annually.  There is no "payback" required from the student, however you must apply.

COMMUNICATION

Q.  How do I communicate with my instructor?

       A.  Via e-mail, fax, and phone.