Undergraduate | Graduate | Department of Nurse Anesthesia

Undergraduate Programs

How can I schedule an initial advising appointment?

Call 726-2872 and ask to schedule a telephone advising appointment with Jan Paine. Students who have attended another college must be admitted to Samford before scheduling an advising appointment.
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My college courses were taken so many years ago. Is there a time limit?

In some cases, yes. Specifics need to be determined in an appointment with Mrs. Paine after admission to Samford. Call 726-2872 to schedule.

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How can I determine if college coursework will transfer?

If you attended a community college in Alabama, a transfer guide is posted on our website showing Samford equivalents.

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Do I have to wait until my sophomore or junior year to apply?

No. You may apply to the School of Nursing as soon as you receive your acceptance letter and nursing application from Samford. Remember, meeting Samford's admission requirements does not necessarily mean that you automatically meet the School of Nursing admission requirements.   back

What GPA is required for admission consideration?

We require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for freshmen and 2.7 for transfers. We calculate all courses attempted, including D/F repeats.   back

What scores are required for admission consideration?

• For freshmen, we require a minimum ACT score of 21, or a minimum SAT score of 1000 from the same test (not combined scores from different tests).
• If you are a transfer student with at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, no scores are required. Transfer students whose cumulative GPA is less than 3.0 but at least 2.7 are required to have the minimum scores. Scores must not be more than five years old.
• You may contact ACT at 319-337-1000, School Code 0016 or SAT at 212-713-8000, School Code 1302 to request your official scores be sent to Samford University.

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How do I apply?

You may apply to Samford online. Upon acceptance to Samford, you will receive a nursing application. Nursing applications are reviewed monthly.   back

Is there an application deadline?

August 1st is the deadline for application for the fall semester, and December 1st is the deadline for application for the spring semester. This deadline does not apply to entering freshmen.   back

Does out-of-state tuition apply?

No, we are a private institution and tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.   back

What types of Financial Aid is available.

You may contact Samford's Financial Aid office at 205.726.7905.   back

When do classes start?

All nursing courses are offered both Fall and Spring semesters. Clinical courses for Second Degree BSN Option and transfer students begin only in the Spring.   back

What electives are offered?

We offer a variety of clinical electives including OR and ER, as well as opportunities for travel abroad.   back

What clinical sites are used?

We take advantage of Birmingham's many clinical agencies, including Children's Hospital, Baptist Health System, Jefferson County Health Department, and a variety of others.   back

Do you offer an LPN Mobility Program?

No.   back

Do you offer an Associate Degree Program?

No. We closed our ASN program in 2000.   back

Do you offer an accelerated BSN program?

Yes, we offer the RN to MSN Program. We also offer the Second Degree BSN Option for the student who already holds a bachelor degree in another field.   back

What is your passage rate for the NCLEX?

Over the last 5 years it has remained in the 90th percentile.   back

What types of nursing organizations are available in your school?

Samford University Association of Nursing Students (SUANS) and Nurse's Christian Fellowship (NCF) meet monthly for fellowship and community projects. Also, Sigma Theta Tau is an international nursing honor society. Membership is by induction during the senior year.   back

How many nursing students are enrolled in your school?

Approximately 300 undergraduate nursing students are enrolled at this time.   back

Graduate Program

How do I apply?

Applicants will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing Graduate Program upon submission of all required material. When all of your information is received, your file will be reviewed by the Graduate Program Track Coordinators and you will be contacted to schedule a personal interview.

When can I start?

• MSN Application deadline: July^1st. Classes begin in August.
• RN-MSN Application deadline: November^1st. Classes begin in January.
• Nurse Anesthesia Application deadline: June^1st. Classes begin in January.

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How long does it take to complete a Master of Science in Nursing?

Students who possess a BSN can complete the Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Manager track in five semesters.  Registered Nurses who possess an Associate Degree or Hospital Diploma and have completed the general education requirements may complete Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Manager track in seven semesters.
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How long does it take to complete a Post-MSN certificate?

The Post-MSN certificate for Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Nurse Manager can be completed in three semesters.
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What does the program cost?
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Department of Nurse Anesthesia

How do I register for the GRE?

Register online at www.gre.com

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What are your GRE Institution and Department Codes?

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

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).   back

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

Yes, all applicants must take the GRE.   back

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

No, the MAT is not accepted.   back

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

GRE recommends that applicants allow 6 weeks.   back

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.   back

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.   back

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.   back

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

Yes. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is required.   back

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.

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

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

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

The form is required.   back

What types of recommendations are required.

The three required recommendations are:

• 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.

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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. Two transcripts must be received from all colleges/universities attended.   back

How much does the program cost?

• Total Projected Cost
• When admission is accepted, there is a required, non-refundable deposit of $1000.00. It is applied entirely to the student's first term tuition.

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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:

• The only fee charged at Samford University is $20 per year for parking. For some programs, fees add thousands of dollars to a student's tuition cost.
• We admit approximately 24 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 faculty members 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.

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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.   back

Is the program part time?

No. This is a full time program.   back

How long is the program? This is a seven-semester program.   back

What is the degree conferred? A Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nurse Anesthesia   back

There is a CRNA shortage. Why don't you admit more students to your program?

 

The administration of the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing feels very strongly that class sizes should be kept small. This allows each student to receive the individual attention they need and allows the faculty member to dedicate themselves to each student's learning. A shortage is no reason to sacrifice the quality of a student's education, to increase the quantity of students.   back

Do you offer courses online?

No, we do not offer courses online. Some courses have an online component, but applicants should plan on being full time students.   back