Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any classes that I will need to take before I apply to your program?
2. What is the first step in applying to the RN-BSN program?
3. What if I have met all prerequisite courses?
4. Who has to take the NLN exams?
5. What are the deadlines to apply?
6. Do online courses cost more than traditional courses?
7. Who do I talk with if I am interested in taking on-line courses that will apply towards a master's degree in Nursing?
8. Are all classes on-line? When would I have to come to UAMS?
9. Once I have met all the prerequisites, what classes do I have to take to complete my BSN, and which ones require clinical hours?
10. Would my working hours count as my clinical time during the semesters?
11. Will I get to choose where I perform my clinical practicum?
12. I have never taken on-line courses before. How much time should I set aside each week per course?
13. What kind of computer will I need to take on-line courses?
14. How will I know if I have the computer skills to be successful in on-line courses?
15. Once I am admitted to the program, who is my advisor?
16. What if I am a licensed RN but I also have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field?
17. What if I have additional questions not listed on this FAQ?

1. Are there any classes that I will need to take before I apply to your program?

A list of prerequisite course information can be found on-line here. You can also print out a list of equivalent course requirements by college in Arkansas here.  Testing out of some prerequisite courses at your local college may also be an option for you.  <return to top>

2. What is the first step in applying to the RN to BSN program?

First, you must be a licensed RN. Next, we recommend you read the RN to BSN web site in its entirety to familiarize yourself with the admission and prerequisite requirements. If you need your transcripts to be reviewed to make sure you have met all prerequisites, please call the undergraduate recruiter Osmonetta McRae. Her phone number is (501) 296-1040
 or email ommcrea@uams.edu. <return to top>

3. What if I have met all prerequisite courses?

If you have met all prerequisite course requirements including health assessment, read the Admission Requirements page before submitting an application. If you have specific questions about the Admissions process, you can reach the Director of Admissions at (501) 686-8351. RN to BSN Applications can be found on-line here. <return to top>

4. Who has to take the NLN exams?

See “Arkansas Nursing Articulation Model” to determine need for testing for advanced standing for RNs.  <return to top>

5. What are the deadlines to apply?

The online program admits students for Spring, Summer and Fall, with the deadlines as follows:
September 1:  Application and transcripts due for RN to BSN students enrolling the following Spring.
February 1: Application and transcripts due for RN to BSN students enrolling the following Summer or Fall.  <return to top>

6. Do online courses cost more than traditional courses?

The online courses cost the same per credit hour as regular courses. Current tuition cost information can be found at http://www.nursing.uams.edu/Student Services/tuition.asp. <return to top>

7. Who do I talk with if I am interested in taking on-line courses that will apply towards a master's degree in Nursing?

The best person to answer your question regarding the Nursing master's program is Osmonetta McRae, our College of Nursing Recruiter. She can be reached at 501-296-1040, or email to: omcrae@uams.edu. <return to top>

8. Are all classes on-line? When would I have to come to UAMS?

RN to BSN students are required to come to UAMS once at the beginning of each semester for orientation to the particular classes they are taking that semester.  After orientation, all classes for the RN to BSN program are on-line. There are two components to the program which are not on-line:  the actual clinical practicums are performed at an affiliated preceptor's site within the student's AHEC. Some courses require proctored exams which are administered at the student's local AHEC or at UAMs. <return to top>

9. Once I have met all the prerequisites, what classes do I have to take to complete my BSN, and which ones require clinical hours?

10. Would my working hours count as my clinical time during the semesters?

NO. The clinical practicum takes approximately 8 hours/week, performed outside of normal job duties. The faculty advisors recommend students taking more than one clinical course per semester not work full-time.  <return to top>

11. Will I get to choose where I perform my clinical practicum?

NO. The clinical practicum settings are assigned by the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Nursing Director for your area. Your AHEC will be the closest one to where you live. The final approval for practicum setting is made by the clinical course instructor. The assignment may be at any health facility located in any one of your AHEC's counties. If you reside in Pulaski county, Pine Bluff, Conway, Benton, Bryant, or Hot Springs, your assignment will most likely be in a Little Rock health care facility. For more information about what counties are covered by which AHEC region, click here. <return to top>

12. I have never taken on-line courses before. How much time should I set aside each week per course?

Assume a minimum of four hours/week for the didactic portion of the course, and an average of eight hours/week per clinical practicum. Working through our on-line orientation may help you in preparing for taking on-line courses. <return to top>

13. What kind of computer will I need to take on-line courses?

Minimum computer requirements can be found at http://nursing.uams.edu/rnbsn/CONOrientation/ComputerNeeds.asp. You will also need reliable Internet access. <return to top>

14. How will I know if I have the computer skills to be successful in on-line courses?

We have an on-line orientation that will allow you to assess your skills. The on-line orientation is located at  http://nursing.uams.edu/rnbsn/CONOrientation/OrientationHome.asp. We recommend you have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word before taking on-line courses. <return to top>

15. Once I am admitted to the program, who is my advisor?

Students living outside of Little Rock are advised by their local AHEC Nursing faculty representative. Students residing in or near Little Rock are assigned to a faculty advisor. <return to top>

16. What if I am a licensed RN but I also have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field?

Licensed RNs who hold a bachelor's degree in an non-nursing field only have to meet the short list of post-baccalaureate list of prerequisites.  <return to top>

17. What if I have additional questions not listed on this FAQ?

 Please call the undergraduate recruiter Osmonetta McRae. Her phone number is (501) 296-1040 or email   omcrae@uams.edu. She will be glad to answer any questions you may have. <return to top>