NP 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 setting for the ACNP-AG or general direct patient care for the FNP.

Do I need to possess and maintain Basic Life Support, (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) throughout the Program?

Students entering the ACNP-AG specialty must document ACLS certification while students entering the FNP specialty must document current certifications in BLS. Current status in BLS must be maintained throughout the program.

Can I observe the role of an NP (Nurse Practitioner) before I apply?

Yes. We highly encourage all applicants to become familiar with the role of the Nurse Practitioner through "shadowing." Spending time with a NP is one of the best ways to determine if this the advanced practice nursing role which will be meet your professional goals.

Admission/Academic

When are applications accepted for admission to the Nurse Practitioner Program?

See our NP Admissions page for deadlines and information.

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.

Is a personal statement required?

Applicants must answer personal statement essay questions and may also submit a formatted personal statement as part of their resume

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, 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?

Following completion of the interview process, the Graduate Committee in the School of Nursing will meet to review all applicants. Those individuals will be notified of the committee’s decision as soon as the review is completed. 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 NP Concentration does not maintain a waiting list of prospective applicants. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in following years.

I have my bachelor's degree in an area other than nursing. Can I apply for admission into the program?

No. We can only consider applicants who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Do I need to take the GRE or MAT exams for admission and what score would I need? Is there a minimum grade point average (GPA) required?

The Graduate School and the SON require students to have a minimum of a 3.0 for consideration for the program. A strong nursing and science GPA is essential. Currently we do not require the GRE or MAT. 

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.

I have taken a course which I think is the same as one of your courses. Do I have to retake the course at UTC?

It is possible to transfer up to 9 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 School of Nursing 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 DNP degree or a post graduate certificate. In either case, the number of required courses and overall program length may change depending on the previous degree. 

Is it true that you have replaced your MSN with the DNP (Doctorate of Nursing Practice)?

Yes. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Adult Gerontology (ACNP-AG) programs have transitioned from the Masters in Nursing (MSN) to the Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) degree offering.  We are offering a post graduate certificate in both programs.

Financial Aid and Housing

What are the financial costs associated with the program?

See Expenses.

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 NP 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 studentaid.gov.  

School of Nursing scholarship information can be found on the Scholarship Page

What housing options are available on campus?

To those students who choose to live on campus, UTC provides an array of housing options. See www.utc.edu/housing.

General

What is the difference between a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner?"

The FNP focus is on primary care in a variety of settings.  The ACNP-AG focus is on acute illness or injury or the acute manifestation of a chronic disease in the hospital setting.

How long is the DNP ACNP-AG specialty?

The program is 8 semesters (2.5 years).

How long is the DNP FNP specialty?

The program is 8 semesters (2.5 years).

When do classes begin?

The school year begins in August of each year.

Can I attend on a part-time basis?

Yes, but a program of study will need to be developed. 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 NP program front-loaded or integrated?

Integrated 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 NP 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?

It is strongly encouraged that you do not work full-time during the program because 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 16-20 hours each week should be spent in clinical. Additionally, classes are a full day one day each week. 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.

Do I need my own computer?

Students are required to have access to a computer. Many students have laptops and bring them to class. UTC has wireless access across the campus, including the School of Nursing. Computer requirements include high speed internet access and Microsoft Office software.

What is your accreditation status?

We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The master’s degree in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).