• Unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the United States or its territories
• Baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program and institutionally accredited college or university
• A minimum of 1-year full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, as a registered nurse in a critical care setting. Acceptable experiences include Cardiac Care Unit, Cardiovascular Recovery, Medical ICU, Neuro ICU, Neonatal ICU, Surgical ICU, Burn ICU, Trauma ICU and Pediatric ICU.
• Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with prerequisite undergraduate courses: general chemistry, research, both with a grade of B or better
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) within the past five years with preferred scores: Verbal: 153; quantitative: 144; analytical writing 4
• Three letters of reference submitted through Slate. The three required recommendations should be from 1) current or previous professor; 2) work supervisor; and 3) professional colleague.
• An on-campus interview
• American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper) or 90 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• If accepted, a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required to secure admission to the program. This deposit is applied to the first semester's tuition.

• Transcripts can be sent electronically to gradnurse@samford.edu or by mail to:
  Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
  Graduate Student Services
  800 Lakeshore Drive
  Birmingham, AL 35229
• Three letters of recommendation – two professional (at least one supervisor) and one academic
• Personal statement indicating career plans and likelihood of success in graduate study
• Professional resume
• A video response submission
• Applications are submitted online through Slate

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for in-state and out-of-state students can be found on our graduate tuition worksheet. Tuition may be paid online or at Samford One Stop, and must be paid by the first day of each semester/term. Policies and methods for tuition and fee payment can be found in the Samford University catalog and the Samford One Stop website.

Fees are automatically generated following registration. For a full list of university, school and course fees please view our graduate fees worksheet.

• Background check – cost varies by state

Financial Aid

A financial assistance program administered by Samford One Stop has been established to aid students in attending Samford University.

Certificate-only programs are not eligible for federal aid. However, educational expenses related to these certificates may be covered by private loans or institutional scholarships.

For more information about tuition, fees or financial aid options, please visit Samford One Stop or call 205-726-2905.

Scholarships

Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing is proud to offer a variety of grant and scholarship opportunities. You can learn more about them at our grants and scholarships page.

How do I register for the GRE?

Register online at ets.org/gre

What are your GRE Institution and Department Codes?

Samford University's Institution Code is 1302 and our Department Code is 0610.

I took the GRE over five years ago. Do I have to take it again?

Yes, retake the GRE if it is more than five years old. Official scores must be sent directly from GRE to Samford University (not a student's copy).

My college courses were taken so many years ago. Is there a time limit?

In some cases, yes. Please call Allyson Maddox, Director of Graduate Student Services, at 205-726-2047, or email amaddox@samford.edu

I have a master's degree in nursing. Do I need to take the GRE?

Yes, all applicants must take the GRE.

I have already taken the MAT. Will you accept that?

No, the MAT is not accepted.

How long does it take to receive the official scores after the test is taken?

GRE recommends that applicants allow 6 weeks.

I took a nursing research course with a different title. What should I do?

Please provide either a course description that states research was incorporated into the course or a letter from an advisor or faculty member indicating which course included research.

How do you calculate GPAs?

GPAs are calculated four ways. There is a cumulative calculation, in which all undergraduate college credits are included. The last 60 credits, science and math courses, and graduate courses are also calculated. If a course is taken twice, both grades are included. Grades are not weighted according to pluses and minuses. One individual calculates all the GPAs so there is one standard applied to all applicants.

Is there a required amount of work experience as a BSN prepared nurse?

No, critical care experience is credited as years working as a Registered Nurse.

I have an associate degree in nursing, but a bachelor degree in another field. Do I need a BSN?

Yes, a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program and institutionally accredited college or university is required.

I am enrolled in an RN to BSN program. May I apply before the degree is completed?

Yes, however, the degree must be conferred before the application deadline.

Are distance learning (online) RN to BSN programs acceptable?

Yes, provided the program is from an NLN or CCNE accredited institution.

May I submit personal letters of recommendation instead of the recommendation forms?

The form is required.

What types of recommendations are required?

• One academic
• One immediate supervisor
• One professional colleague

Applicants who have been out of school for some time may find it difficult to obtain a meaningful academic reference. An additional reference from a professional colleague is acceptable.

I have attended more than one university. Even though transfer courses are shown on another transcript, must I submit transcripts from all universities attended?

Yes, an official transcript must be submitted from all universities attended.

How much does the program cost?

When admission is accepted, there is a required, non-refundable deposit of $1000. It is applied entirely to the student's first term tuition. Graduate student tuition and fees.

Why is Samford's tuition more than most state school anesthesia programs' tuition?

We are a private university and do not receive government funding. When comparing tuition, keep the following facts in mind:
We admit approximately 32 students per class and admit one class per year. Each student is afforded the faculty attention necessary to be successful.
There are four full-time and eight part-time faculty members, as well as faculty in other departments, dedicated to serving our nurse anesthesia students. Educating future CRNAs is their primary responsibility. Our students agree that the tuition is well worth the expert instruction and attention they receive.

What is Samford's out-of-state tuition?

Samford does not have out-of-state tuition. All students are charged the same tuition. Our standard tuition for nurse anesthesia is usually less than out-of-state tuition charged by state universities.

Is the program part time?

No. This is a full time program.

How long is the DNP program?

The DNP program is nine semesters or 3 years, May to May. There will be a significant orientation prior to the first semester. The first two semesters, summer and fall, will be taken online. It is possible that students may continue to work during these semesters. At the beginning of the third semester, in January, students will come to campus to begin face-to-face classes.

What is the degree conferred?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus in Nurse Anesthesia.

Do you offer courses online?

In the DNP program, students will have a significant orientation prior to starting courses in May. The first two semesters, summer and fall, will be taken online. It is possible that students may be able to continue to work during these semesters. At the beginning of the third semester in January, students will come to campus for face-to-face classes.

Is the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification required?

CCRN certification is not required, but encouraged.