Practicum & Clinicals

This program of study requires clinical hours with patients across the lifespan. Students should anticipate spending an average of 16-20 hours each week in clinical rotations for 2–5 semesters at the end of the program.

The Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing has affiliation agreements with hundreds of clinical agencies across numerous states, with the majority being in the Southeast. Students may request additional affiliation agreements based on preceptor availability and proximity. Professional and personal connections are essential to help secure clinical placement opportunities close to home.

Clinical placements can be very competitive and similar to obtaining employment. Many facilities require an application, resume and/or interview with prospective clinical students. Professionalism and good communication skills are critical for successful placement. Traveling for clinical opportunities is sometimes needed to meet requirements and/or learning needs. The school does not arrange or provide reimbursement for travel.
MSN to DNP Admission Timeline
Entry Month May
Application Deadline January 15
 

Admission Criteria

  • Unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse
  • National certification as a family nurse practitioner (FNP)
  • Master's degree from a CCNE, CNEA or ACEN (formerly NLNAC) and institutionally accredited college or university in the area of family nurse practitioner (FNP)
  • Master's degree cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Emergency department or critical care experience preferred
  • 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 fee of $750 is required to secure admission to the program. This fee is applied to the first semester's tuition.

English Proficiency

English proficiency tests are required if your high school courses were not taught in English.
  • Favorable admission will be offered to students with the following recommended scores
    TOEFL/TOEFL iBT: Samford’s test code for TOEFL is R1302.
    • iBT: 90 or above
    • Computer: 232 or above
    • Paper: 575 or above
  • IELTS: 6.5 or above
  • Duolingo: 120 or above

Application Requirements

  • 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

Out-of-State Applicants

Out-of-state applicants to any of our distance-accessible programs should become familiar with their state’s regulations governing distance accessible programs. Prospective students who plan to conduct Samford’s distance education/clinical in a state other than Alabama should contact their state’s Board of Nursing and Department of Education for specific rules and regulations pertaining to students enrolled in out-of-state programs. Students residing in states with strict rules and regulations for distance education may not be eligible to receive an offer of admission. Please refer to Samford University Consumer Information, Licensure and Certification Disclosure for additional information. The Notice to Applicants Regarding State Regulations for Out-of-State Applicants provides a list of states in which we do not accept graduate nursing applications from applicants residing in and/or only licensed as a registered nurse in those states. Please direct questions to the Director of Graduate Student Services, Mrs. Allyson Maddox amaddox@samford.edu.

Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid

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.

The following additional fees are applicable for the 2023-2024 academic year:
  • 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.

Contact Your Advisor

Photo of Allyson Maddox
Allyson Maddox
Director, Graduate Student Services
1126 CHS Building 1
For grants & scholarships, curriculum or admissions questions, contact or schedule a sit-down with Allyson.
CCNE Logo
The Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing, Master's Degree Program in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program at Samford University, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Plan of Study

After a review of transcripts from your previous graduate nursing education program(s), a gap analysis will be conducted to determine your plan of study.