Nursing Education FAQ

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Am I able to transfer training/college transfer credits towards earning my degree?

Students entering University of Saint Mary programs may transfer a certain number of credits toward the degree. Contact a USM enrollment advisor at 1-877-EARN-BSN (327-6276) today for a free personal assessment of your professional training and college transfer credit.

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Are clinicals required?

No. However, we have two courses that require mentoring experiences:

• NU525 Community Health Nursing
• NU550 Leadership in Nursing

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What is a mentoring experience?

• The goal of the mentoring experience is to accomplish certain course objectives, as opposed to, a requirement to spend a certain number of hours in a specified setting. In essence, the mentoring experience is an application project that can be conducted at your place of work. Ultimately, you can choose your project of interest and complete your project in a variety of different health care settings.
• You will need to select a mentor that holds at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing. When a class begins that has a mentored experience, your instructor will share the details of the experience.

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What should I look for in a distance education degree program?

The strongest distance education programs are those with proven track records, experience low student attrition rates, receive consistently high student satisfaction scores and require minimal travel. University of Saint Mary has all of these important attributes. Its e-learning expertise has been successfully demonstrated through its online programs.

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How much does the program cost?

Course tuition is $360.00* per credit hour. University of Saint Mary offers online students the same outstanding education that campus-based students receive. Easy access to affordable education helps us fulfill our goal of ensuring that every individual who has the desire to further their education has the opportunity to do so.

*Tuition rates are based on the 2009-2010 Tuition Schedule. Tuition and fees are determined annually and are subject to change.

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How long will it take to earn my degree?

The program can be completed in as little as 18 months. Applicants may have credits they can transfer to meet general education requirements. An enrollment advisor can provide an individual assessment of your transfer credit to help you determine exactly how close you are to
your degree.

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Is this program accredited?

Yes. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Saint Mary is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The nursing program gained initial accreditation in April 2008 for the maximum period of 5 years. Information related to this accreditation may be obtained by contacting CCNE @ One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036 Phone: (202) 887-6791 Fax: (202) 887-8476.

The university is also accredited by the:

• Kansas State Department of Education, 120 SE 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1182, www.ksde.org
• The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504, www.ncahlc.org

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Why is regional accreditation important?

Regional accreditation is the primary type of institutional accreditation recognized in the United States. Some institutions with online programs hold national accreditation rather than regional accreditation because they are unwilling or unable to meet the rigorous standards of regional accreditation. You also should know that many educational institutions holding regional accreditation do not recognize credits or degrees earned at institutions that are nationally accredited. This is very important if you plan on transferring from one college or university to another during your degree program, or if you plan to pursue additional degrees at different colleges or universities.

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Is online learning for me?

Online learning is ideal for working professionals because it provides the opportunity to study when it is convenient for you. The flexibility this program offers makes it possible for even the busiest individuals to earn their degree. Add to that, the many levels of unprecedented support that you will receive throughout the program and it is easy to see that this may be just the educational model you seek.

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I am not computer savvy; can I do this?

Yes. We realize that many students are computer novices, so USM provides technical support and a full-time program manager who will be your personal guide throughout the program. New students also receive special support during an extensive orientation to online courses prior to starting classes.

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I have an extremely busy work and family life and cannot attend classes each week. Is this program for me?

Yes. You can complete your studies at your convenience in the comfort of your own home. No campus visits are required. You will have access to your coursework 24 hours a day, which can be completed around your busy schedule.

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How many hours per week will I need to study?

On average, most students spend 15-20 hours a week studying for each of their courses. However, this can vary greatly, depending on your personal and professional circumstances.

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Is USM new to online learning?

No, University of Saint Mary developed its first series of online courses during the fall of 1997.