Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-Program Qualifications
Do I need to have a full year of nursing experience before I submit my application?
Yes. Admission to the program is contingent upon fulfilling one year of clinical practice, either in the acute or primary care setting.
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Students entering the FNP program need to be able to document current certifications in BLS only on the first day of classes. Current status in BLS must be maintained throughout the program. If the student has ACLS and/or PALS, they have the choice on whether or not they maintain these certifications.
Can I observe the role of an FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) before I apply?
Yes. We highly encourage all applicants to become familiar with the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner through "shadowing." Spending time with an FNP is one of the best ways to determine if this the advanced practice nursing role which will be meet your professional goals.
Admissions/Academic
When are applications accepted for admission to the Family Nurse Practitioner Program?
Applications are accepted with a deadline of October 1st. No late submissions will be considered.
How competitive is the application selection process?
Admission to the program is competitive but we look more to applicant qualification and potential than to class size when making admission decisions.What is an acceptable personal statement length?
Personal statements should be no more than two pages.Do all applicants get an interview?
No. Admission into our program is competitive. All submitted applications are reviewed by the admissions committee. Each application is thoroughly reviewed by the committee with regard to GPA, GRE/MAT score, clinical experience, reference letters, and personal statements. Invitations to interview are extended to those applicants who the committee feels are most qualified to meet the rigor of the program.How soon after I apply to the program will I hear if I've been accepted?
Applicants for admission will be contacted within two weeks following completion of the interview process. Individuals selected for admission must notify the School of Nursing in writing, with their decision to accept the position.Is there a waiting list for admission?
The UTC Family Nurse Practitioner Program will not maintain a waiting list of prospective applicants. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in following years.
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No. We can only consider applicants who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
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The Graduate School and the SON require students to have a 3.0 for consideration for the FNP program. A strong science GPA is essential.
GRE and MAT scores must be from testing no more than five years old. The Analytical Writing test of the GRE is required. Weakness in one area can be offset by strength in another area. When looking at each application, we are looking for indicators of strong critical thinking skills - the information obtained from GRE and MAT exams are part of the decision-making process. Our goal is to admit students who will have the best chance at success in the program. Scores within the 50% range may be considered competitive, but this is dependent upon the applicant pool.
Which institution code should I use to forward my GRE/MAT scores?
The MAT code is 1759 and the GRE code is 1831.
Are there any prerequisite courses that I need before I apply for admission?
An undergraduate course in health assessment and statistics is required. Bachelor's or post-bachelor's course work, however must be satisfactory. Given the strong science-based curriculum in an advanced practice nursing degree, it is important that you can demonstrate undergraduate success in all science-related course work (anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, biology, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, etc). If you make a "C" or lower in any of your science courses, we strongly recommended that you re-take those course(s) to better improve your academic profile.
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It is possible to transfer up to 6 credits of graduate work earned elsewhere. Only courses in which a student has obtained a grade of "B" or better, and which have not been applied to another degree, will be accepted. Following acceptance into the program you need to provide the Coordinator of the Family Nurse Practitioner program with copies of course syllabi as well as other documentation so that they can be compared with the course at UTC.
What if I already have a graduate degree in nursing?
Most nurses who already possess a master's or doctoral degree have the option of earning either an additional master's degree or a post master's certificate. In either case, the number of required courses and overall program length may change depending on the previous degree. The GRE and MAT requirement, however, is waived. Please go the Admissions Requirements and Procedures section of the website for more information.
Is it true that you will be replacing your MSN in FNP with the DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice)?
Yes, eventually. Plans to develop a doctorate program for the FNP concentration at UTC is in progress. However, until the SON adopts the BSN-DNP program of study, those with a MSN as a FNP will be able to progress as a post master's candidate into the DNP concentration.
Financial Aid and Housing
What are the financial costs associated with the program?
Further information regarding current tuition and fees can be found at www.utc.edu/Bursar/fees.php.
Are there additional expenses besides the cost of tuition?
There are several expenses, in addition to tuition, for which the student will be responsible. See expenses.
What types of financial aid are available?
Financial aid is available for FNP students. Awards include aid from Federal Stafford loans and potential employers. Accepted applicants should contact the UTC Financial Aid office (423-425-4667) when they are notified of acceptance. Begin the process early by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
What housing options are available on campus?
To those students who choose to live on campus, UTC provides an array of attractive housing options. For more information please go to: www.utc.edu/housing.
General
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The program is 6 semesters (2 years).
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The school year begins in May of each year.
Can I attend on a part-time basis?
Yes, this is a part-time program. However, if you do not follow the course of study this lengthens your time in the program as all courses are only offered one time each year.
Is UTC's FNP program front-loaded or integrated?
First, an explanation on the differences between the two. Integrated FNP programs typically arrange their curricula so that students participate in didactic and clinical education concurrently while front loaded program students complete all didactic courses before beginning their clinical experience.
UTC's FNP program follows an integrated model.
Does your school offer learning opportunities in simulation?
Yes, we use simulation to enhance the learning experience.
Can I work during the program?
Yes. This program is designed so the student may continue to work either part of full time. However, the curriculum is very demanding. The time commitment involved is a very individualized issue. When the student is in the clinical practicum, a minimum of 6 hours each week should be spent in the clinic. Additionally, classes are a full day one day each week. When the student starts the first spring semester, this means that 2 days of each week will be spent in course related activities. With that said, we strongly advise the student to consider the amount of time needed to complete the academic requirements and the amount of time he/she is working.
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Students are required to have access to a computer. Several students have laptops and bring them to class. UTC has wireless access in most areas of the campus, including the School of Nursing. Computer requirements include high speed internet access, CDROM or DVD capability, and Microsoft Office software.
What is your accreditation status?
We are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).The Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration adheres to the Criteria for Evaluation as set forth by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF), 2012.
