Admission and Progression Requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS - complete part I and part II below

NOTICE: Nursing graduate students may enroll in a total of 3 credit hours (one semester) of graduate level nursing courses while finalizing admission to the Graduate School for the Master of Science in Nursing Program. Failure to finalize admission during this semester will result in a hold for future enrollments until admission is completed.

Individuals who are seeking the post Master's certification must notify the Nursing Department Chairperson upon enrollment in the first course towards the certification.

Part I. University Graduate School Requirements

1. Make application to the University Graduate School (Picken Hall-202). This application is online at www.fhsu.edu/gradschl.
2. Provide the Graduate School with an official transcript of all college credit earned prior to admission. Official transcripts must be sent from the college/university Registrar directly to the FHSU Graduate School.
3. Provide scores on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), which can be taken at numerous other colleges/universities. Testing sites in Kansas are listed below. (The MAT is not required for post-master's applicants.)

   Atchison	Benedictine College	913-360-7578
   Emporia	Emporia State University	620-341-5103
   Hays	Fort Hays State University	785-628-4401
   Lawrence	University of Kansas	785-864-2768
   Manhattan	Kansas State University	785-532-6492
   Pittsburg	Pittsburg State University	620-235-4267
   Topeka	Washburn University	785-231-1010
   Wichita	Friends University	316-295-5824
   Wichita	Wichita State University	316-978-5339

   For other states or an updated list, please visit: http://www.milleranalogies.com.

4. Obtain two recommendations from employers, former teachers or colleagues. Recommendations must be on the forms provided by the Graduate School online, or can be letters of recommendation on a letterhead paper. www.fhsu.edu/gradschl.
5. Provide a printed statement about your professional and personal goals on the form included in the online admission packet from the University Graduate School.

Part II. Department of Nursing-Graduate Nursing Program Requirements*

Complete the Graduate Nursing Program Application form that addresses the following requirements:

1. Complete a baccalaureate degree with an upper division major in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized nursing accrediting authority (CCNE or NLNAC).
2. Demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the baccalaureate nursing degree.
3. Hold current RN license to practice professional nursing in the United States.
4. Complete a course in health assessment (3 credit hour) or its equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.
5. Demonstrate aptitude and attitude for advanced professional nursing studies.
6. Additional Admission Requirements for Family Nurse Practitioner Track:
   1. One year of clinical experience as a practicing registered nurse prior to clinical courses.
   2. Undergraduate pathophysiology course (3 credit hours) with a grade of "C" or better.
   3. Hold current valid RN license to practice professional nursing in Kansas.

*call 785-628-4256 if you have questions about part II.

International Students

Refer to the Information for International Students: MSN Program sheet for details about the admission process. If you need a copy of the information sheet please call the Graduate Nursing Program office (785-628-4327) to request one.

TRANSFER AND VALIDATION

The University has a policy on advance standing credit (see University Catalog) and transfer of graduate credit (University Catalog). Graduate students may transfer graduate credit from other universities on an individual basis, in compliance with policies in the University Catalog. Course description and syllabi are reviewed and approved for transfer by the Program Life Committee, with input from the faculty member responsible for the corresponding course on the FHSU campus.

Validation for successfully completed coursework from a Nurse Practitioner certificate program is assessed through transcription analysis, syllabi, course materials, clinical experiences, and examination. The Program Life Committee evaluates and makes a determination about equivalency with course requirements. Eligibility for validation is determined by the Program Life Committee according to the following criteria: a) documentation of successfully completing a formal didactic and practicum program in a specialty area, and b) documentation of hours equivalent to one year of full time advanced clinical experience within the last five years.

Requests for validation of other preparation may be directed to the Chair who will process requests through the Program Life Committee. If the Program Life Committee determines that a student is eligible for validation, then: a) the student enrolls in the course and supplies documentation of how the specific course objectives were met; and, b) the instructor of record will evaluate the quality and quantity of the documentation to determine the course grade.

MATRICULATION REQUIREMENTS

Prior to enrollment and throughout clinical courses, the student must provide evidence (copies) of the following items:

1. A United States RN license in good standing.
2. Professional liability insurance coverage.
3. Personal health insurance coverage.
4. CPR certification.
5. Negative TB skin test or Chest X-ray. If positive, the student must follow protocols recommended by the Kansas State Department of Health and Environment.
6. Hepatitis Vaccination Series. If a student does not obtain the Hepatitis Vaccination he/she must sign a waiver form releasing Fort Hays State University from any claims or damages which may arise from the decision not to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. A release form may be obtained by contacting the Graduate Nursing Administrative Assistant (785-628-4327).
7. Additional health requirements for students using selected clinical agencies will be the responsibility of the student.

PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS

The following performance standards must be met in order to progress through and complete the Master's program.

1. The student must achieve a cumulative "B" average (3.0) or above on all graduate courses taken toward the degree.
2. A grade of "C" will be accepted for only two courses in the Master's degree, and only one course can be repeated one time to improve the grade.
3. Audited courses or continuing education workshops are not accepted in the program for the Master's degree.
4. If, at the end of any semester, the student's cumulative GPA in all graduate courses is below 3.0, the student will be given one semester to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or better by taking courses listed on his/her degree plan or courses approved by his/her committee. If, after that semester, the student's cumulative GPA in all graduate courses is below 3.0, the student's performance will be reviewed by the Student Life Committee for possible dismissal from the program (see University Catalog).