Graduate Enrollment Requirements

Requirements for Admitted Students

The College of Nursing contracts with an outside agency to maintain access to your
documentation requirements. Please be prepared to upload all required documents during
orientation.

1. Licensure Requirements for Registered Nurse (RN) and Advanced Practice Nurse
   (APN) Students:
   • Registered Nurse (RN) Students:
     • Submit documentation of an active, unencumbered RN license.
     • A minimum of 1,000 hours of work experience is required before
       beginning clinical courses.
     • If clinical requirements are being completed in a state other than Alabama,
       the student must also be licensed in that state.
   • Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Students:
     • Submit documentation of an active and appropriate APN license.
     • This documentation must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Programs before course enrollment.
   • Licensure Maintenance:
     • Students must maintain their licensure in good standing throughout the program.
     • If a student’s nursing license is placed on probation, suspended, or revoked at any time, they will not be permitted to continue in the program.
2. Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR for Healthcare Providers Certification:
   • Submit a copy of your current CPR student
   • Only American Heart Association certifications for BLS Healthcare Provider
     courses are accepted.
   • Certification must be maintained throughout the program.
3. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): (Required for MSN - AGACNP only)
   • Submit a copy of your current ACLS card.
4. Health Insurance:
   • Submit a copy of your valid health insurance card.
   • Health insurance must be maintained throughout the program.
5. Liability Insurance:
   • Submit a copy of your Liability Insurance certificate.
   • Liability insurance must be maintained throughout the program.
6. Unencumbered License:
   • Submit a copy of your current Board of Nursing License(s).
   • Licensure must be maintained throughout the program.
7. OSHA Certificate:
   • Access the OSHA training requirement through the Canvas Student Portal.
   • Once completed, submit a copy of your OSHA certificate.
8. HIPAA Certification:
   • Access the HIPAA training requirement through the Canvas Student Portal.
   • Once completed, submit a copy of your HIPAA certificate.
9. Recent Physical Exam:
   • Submit documentation of a recent physical exam conducted by a licensed healthcare provider.
10. Health Requirements:
    • Students must meet all specified health requirements (see Health Requirements document).
11. Drug Testing and Criminal Background Check:
    • Students must undergo drug testing and a criminal background check:
      • Before enrollment in nursing courses.
      • Annually, as required by agencies.
      • For cause, at other points during the program.
    • Information and procedures will be provided upon admission and at the start of each academic year.
    • If the results of the drug test or background check are deemed unsatisfactory, admission or enrollment may be denied or rescinded.
    • If a student’s acceptance is denied or rescinded due to criminal background information, the student will be informed of the consumer reporting agency’s contact details and their right to dispute the information.
    • A positive criminal background check may affect eligibility for clinical placements or licensure.
12. Criminal Charges:
    • Convictions, pleas of guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest) pleas to any criminal charges, including pending charges, may result in dismissal from the College of Nursing.
    • Crimes involving violence against persons (e.g., murder, assault, battery, sex crimes, abuse of children or the elderly, robbery) are grounds for disqualification from admission or progression in the Nursing Program.
    • The Associate Dean will inform any disqualified student, and they will not be allowed to continue in the program.
13. Criminal Background Checks for Clinical Agencies:
    • Students may be required to undergo additional background checks for specific clinical agencies.
14. Essential Functions:
    • Students must demonstrate certain essential functions and behaviors necessary to successfully complete their education and practice nursing. These essential functions are required for both initial and continued enrollment in the College of Nursing.