Master’s Nursing Program
(Leadership & Nurse Practitioner)
Application Packet
Spring 2016
CO L L E G E O F AP P L I E D SC I E N C E S A N D TE C H N O L O G Y SC H O O L O F NU R S I N G
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in Ball State University’s Master’s Nursing Program. We are excited you are interested in earning your Master’s Degree from Ball State University.
The programs we offer include Leadership (Nurse Administrator & Nurse Educator) and Nurse Practitioner (Family). The application cycle for the Spring 2016 semester runs June 9, 2015 - August 9, 2015 and is for both the Leadership and Nurse Practitioner tracks.
In this packet you will find a variety of helpful information including program expectations, clinical information, frequently asked questions, and all of the supplemental materials required to be submitted as part of your School of Nursing application. Below are the different sections found in this packet.
Prior to applying, all prospective students need to visit the Online & Distance Education website to check and see if their state currently allows them to enroll at Ball State University for the Master’s Nursing Program. The Online & Distance Education website and its links are updated on an as needed basis, so please check regularly for updates.
Please read everything in the packet carefully before attempting to complete the application process. If after reviewing all of the information you still have questions about the program please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate Advisor, Shantelle Estes, at [email protected] or by phone at 765-285-9130. You will also want to save a copy of this packet for future reference.
We look forward to working with you in the near future!
Sincerely,
The Master’s Nursing Program Staff Program Information Application Process
Program Information
1) Program tracks defined
2) Competitiveness of the program
3) About the program
4) Master’s admission requirements
5) RN-MS option
6) Applicants finishing BSN
7) What to expect from an online master’s program
8) Frequently asked questions
9) Clinical hour requirements by track
10)Clinical information
Program Tracks Defined
Nurse Educator
The program prepares students to meet nurse educator competencies. Role courses provide a foundation in curriculum and program development; teaching and learning in nursing; and evaluation methods.During the last semester the student will take a 225 hour practicum (2 days/ week) in an associate or baccalaureate on campus nursing program. Students will have the opportunity to work with an experienced nurse educator both in the classroom and clinical setting.
Nurse Administrator
The program prepares students to develop management and leadership skills in preparation for higher-level management and leadership positions within healthcare.In addition to the didactic portion of the course students will complete 225 practicum hours in an approved healthcare environment focusing on nursing administration. Students will select their own master’s or doctoral prepared registered nurse preceptor and clinical supervisor in their community to help supervise the details of the project.
Family
Nurse Practitioner
(FNP)
The program prepares students to provide health care across the life span in a family practice setting.
In addition to the classroom requirements students will complete 690 supervised clinical hours in primary care settings caring for adults, children, women, and families.
Students will find their own preceptors and clinical supervisors in their community. Students are eligible to apply for the FNP certification exam (AANP and/or ANCC) on completion of the program.
Competitiveness of the Program
Admission into the School of Nursing is competitive and meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. The Admissions & Progressions Committee selects up to 20 Leadership and 45 NP students each application cycle. The NP track is the most competitive program. The chart below gives a break down of the number of qualified NP applicants the committee received and the average GPA of those admitted into the NP program over the last few application cycles.
# NP applications moved forward for review
Average undergraduate GPA for admitted NP applicants
Fall 2015 107 3.52
Spring 2015 113 3.58
Our Master’s Nursing program is online (we do not offer an on campus program) and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program is designed to be completed through part-time study and you have up to six years to complete your degree. For classes that have clinical components to them you will arrange your clinical experiences in your own community and use an outside specialist (preceptor) in your area of study who will provide supervised experience.
Each student has an individualized plan of study that they create with the Graduate Advisor. Because the program is designed to be completed on a part-time basis students can expect to take two classes a semester. The Master’s Nursing program is not a correspondence program, where usually you complete a course and then immediately start the next course in the sequence. Instead our program operates on a semester basis (Fall, Spring, and Summer) however not all courses are offered every semester due to pre-requisites, clinical hours, etc. You can expect weekly assignments and class interaction. Fall and Spring are 16 week semesters, and Summer is a 10 week semester.
Providing you take two classes almost every semester (Fall, Spring and Summer) you can expect it will take a minimum of eight semesters (just short of three years) to complete the Family NP track, and seven semesters for the Leadership (Educator & Administrator) tracks. A list of the courses required for each track can be found on the School of Nursing website.
About the Program
The master's admission requirements below are for both MS and RN-MS applicants. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School. Applicants are not required to take the GRE.
Applicants must :
Have graduated from a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) now referred to as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited bachelor's program in nursing.
Have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Have earned a grade of C or better in at least 2 quarter or semester hours in an undergraduate research course.
Have an unencumbered license as a registered nurse in state of practice.
Admitted students will need to meet all required health clearance, criminal background checks, and other requirements for clinical practice. The required documentation and forms must be submitted by the deadline set by the Admissions & Progressions Committee. Non-submission of all required documentation may result in the student’s admission offer being rescinded.
Students who have been admitted into the program prior to earning their bachelor's degree must submit final transcripts showing completion of their bachelor’s degree and an e-verification of their RN license prior to the first day of class. Students who do not have a valid RN license or who have not submitted final transcript showing the completion of their bachelor’s degree will have their admission offer rescinded.
The School of Nursing offers an option for nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. This option allows students to earn a master’s degree in nursing without first having to complete all the requirements of a second bachelor’s degree in nursing. The application process for the RN-MS option is the same as the master’s application process found in this packet.
Students accepted into the RN-MS track are required to take an additional 16 credit hours of upper division nursing courses at the baccalaureate level, in addition to the courses required for their major. These additional hours are also completed online and will be scheduled as part of their master’s program. The additional courses required for the RN-MS option are listed below along with any clinical requirements.
Students in the RN-MS option will not earn a bachelor's degree along the way. Instead once they complete all of their master’s hours and the additional hours required as part of the RN-MS option the student will earn their master’s degree.
RN-MS Option
Students are able to apply to our master’s program while they are completing their bachelors’ degree. You would still need to apply to the Graduate School and the School of Nursing by the appropriate deadlines. If admitted into the School of Nursing your admission would be a provisional admission providing final completion of your bachelors’ degree with the appropriate grades and that you hold an active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in your state of practice, prior to the first day of classes.
Due to the time it takes to complete the NCLEX and receive your RN license:
Applicants who will be graduating with their BSN in the Summer semester and who have never taken and passed the NCLEX will need to wait and apply for Spring entry into the Master’s Program.
Applicants who will be graduating with their BSN in the Fall semester and who have never taken and passed the NCLEX will need to wait and apply for Fall entry into the Master’s Program.
Applicants Finishing BSN
Fall Only Classes
Spring Only Classes
Summer Only Classes
NUR 302 (3 cr.) - Nursing
Foundations and Issues
NUR 303 (3 cr.)- Health
Assessment (only required for
those in the Family NP track) (45 clinical hours)
NUR 322 (3 cr.) - Research in
Nursing
NUR 404 (4 cr.) - Community
Health (45 clinical hours)
NUR 405 (3 cr.) - Management and
Online programs are designed and structured very differently from traditional on campus programs. While online and on campus programs both have unique sets of qualities that appeal to individuals for a variety of reasons not all individuals are successful in online programs.
Students who have been out of school for several years or who have never taken online courses may find an online program to be a big change from what they are accustomed to in a traditional on campus setting. Therefore, it may take those students more time to adapt to the different leaning environment an online program presents.
Student in the Master’s Nursing program are expected to be and/or possess the following:
Computer literate (Microsoft Office, email, access to and knowledge of how to use a webcam and
microphone, Internet navigation, ability to scan and uploading documents to websites, etc.) Self-motivated & have strong time management skills
Responsible for one’s own learning
Able to adapt to new learning styles
Critical thinking & problem solving skills
Able to read and follow detailed instructions
Excellent writing skills (APA format, professional email correspondence, discussions boards, etc.)
In an online environment your written communication acts as your voice and represents who you are not only as an individual, but also as a professional nurse to your class mates, course instructors, program officials, etc. Being able to think critically and then express your thoughts in a professional and kind manner is of high importance.
The Master’s Nursing program does not have recorded or live lectures as you would expect from an on campus program. Reading assignments, videos, group work, and discussion boards are some of the methods used by the course faculty to facilitate your learning.
Students are not required to log into a virtual class at a set time every day/week, instead, assignments will be given with due dates. Tests may be proctored by a third party via webcam and microphone and students will be required to sign up for a testing time during the timeframe given by the instructor.
Because online programs do not meet physically it is easy for students to put off coursework because the weekly reminder of going to class is not present. We have found that setting a weekly routine, with built-in study/homework time, and then disciplining yourself to stick with the routine will help students stay on top of the course requirements.
Students in the Master’s Nursing program can expect to spend a minimum of 10-12 hours each week, per each 3 credit hour class, for homework, readings, discussion board posts, etc. When in clinical courses the 10-12 hours is in addition to the amount of time you will spend in your weekly clinical rotations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Master’s Nursing Program
Question
Answer
If I have applied to the School of Nursing previously but was not selected, do I need to reapply if I want to be considered again?
Yes, applications to both the Graduate School and the School of Nursing are only good for one semester. You will need to submit a new School of Nursing application and new supplemental materials. You will also need to submit a new Graduate School application and pay a new application fee. Please check with the Graduate School to see if they require any additional documentation from you, such as transcripts.
Is the GRE required? No
Are there required trips to campus? No, all of your coursework will be done online and your clinicals will be done
in your local community.
If I already hold a Master’s Degree in Nursing am I eligible to apply for a second Master’s Degree in Nursing?
No, however you may be eligible to apply to a Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) program.
Do I need to have a certain number of years experience as a registered nurse in order to apply?
No, previous nursing experience is not required.
If my GPA is below the required 3.0 undergraduate GPA can I be admitted on a probationary basis?
No, the School of Nursing does not admit students on a probationary status. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below the minimum 3.0 will not be considered in the admission process.
How long does it take before admission decisions are made.
Please refer to the “What to Expect After the Deadline” section in this packet.
Can I apply if I have not yet graduated with my nursing degree?
Please refer to the “Master’s Admission Requirements” and “RN-MS Option” sections in this packet.
Does the School of Nursing place me in my clinical rotations?
Please refer to the “Clinical Information” section in this packet.
Do I need to buy a mobile device? Yes, with School of Nursing specifications. You will be sent information for the mobile device after you are registered for NUR 605.
Once I finish one class can I start on the next class immediately?
No, courses are taught on a semester basis and follow a curriculum sequence. This program is not a correspondence program.
Do I work at my own pace in the program?
The program is structured on a semester basis with assignments due at certain times. You may work at your own pace during the assignment period, usually every week.
Question
Answer
Do you offer a full-time plan ofstudy?
No, our program is designed to be completed on a part-time basis. Students usually take two classes a semester. With permission from the Graduate Program Director, students may be able to take 3 classes during a couple of specified semesters in order to graduate a little bit earlier.
Can I transfer in Masters level courses I have already completed?
Students are able to transfer in up to 15 credit hours for the FNP track and up to 9 hours for the Leadership track. All credits (including transfer credits) cannot be older than six years at the time of graduation. Evaluation of transcripts for possible transfer credit are done by the School of Nursing, at the students request, once they have been admitted into the program. In order for a course to be considered for transfer credit it would need be a graduate level course that was completed with the grade of a B or higher; grades of B- or below are ineligible for transfer consideration. Please note that the Research and Practicum courses must be taken at Ball State University and cannot be transferred in. Courses used to earn a previous Master’s degree are not eligible for transfer consideration.
How many credit hours are required for each program?
Nurse Educator is 36 credit hours
Nurse Educator (RN-MS) is 52 credit hours
Nurse Administrator is 36 credit hours
Nurse Administrator (RN-MS) is 52 credit hours
Family Nurse Practitioner is 47 credit hours
Family Nurse Practitioner (RN-MS) is 63 credit hours
What is the cost of the program? Information about Graduate tuition and fees, financial aid, payment options, etc. can be found on the Online and Distance Education website.
What is the program’s pass rate for the FNP certification?
There are two national certification exams a student can take once they graduate. (The American Academy of Nurse Practitioner (AANP) & the American Nurse Credentialing Center) The 2014 pass rates for each of the exams are listed below.
When will I receive my Ball State username and password?
Shortly after applying to the Graduate School you will receive a couple of emails from the Graduate School and the [email protected] which will contain information about your username and password. These emails will be sent to the email address you provided on your Graduate School application. It is important you set up your username and password within 30 days of receiving the Help Desk email. You will need to retain your username and password for future use as it is needed for those admitted into the School of Nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions Continued
AANP ANCC
Clinical Hour Requirements by Track
Course Hours
NUR 609 - Assessment Clinical Practice 45 hours
NUR 610 - Concepts 1 45 hours
NUR 672 - Practicum 225 hours
Total Clinical Hours 315
Course Hours Average days per week in clinicals
NUR 610 - Concepts 1 45 hours
NUR 634 - Advanced Health Assessment 60 hours 1 day per week average NUR 681 - Primary Care of Adult 1 120 hours 1 day per week average NUR 682 - Primary Care of Children 120 hours 1 day per week average NUR 683 - Primary Care of Adult 2 120 hours 1 day per week average NUR 684 - Primary Care of Women 90 hours
NUR 673 - Practicum 180 hours 1.5 - 2 day per week average
Total Clinical Hours 735
Course Hours
NUR 610 - Concepts 1 45 hours NUR 672 - Practicum 225 hours
Total Clinical Hours 270
Course Hours
NUR 303 - Health Assessment (only required for
those in FNP track)
45 hours
NUR 404 - Community Health 45 hours
NUR 405 - Management and Leadership 45 hours
Total Clinical Hours 90-135
Each track in the Master’s Program has clinical requirements. Below is a break down of each track and the required clinical courses and clinical hours for each course. Courses with 45 clinical hours are designed differently than those with 60+ hours and specific information about the requirements for these courses will be provided after being admitted into the program. General information about clinical courses with 60+ clinical hours is located in the next section.
Family Nurse Practitioner Track
Educator Track
RN-MS Track
plus required clinicals for specific track (Educator, Administrator, or Family Nurse Practitioner)Students are responsible for arranging clinical placements within their local community. To assure students select and receive the appropriate clinical experiences, faculty have established requirements for each of the Nurse Practitioner and Leadership clinical courses. The requirements will be made available to students once they start the program.
Clinicals are done in your home community with preceptors you select based on the requirements of the course. A clinical supervisor will be a second person you select to evaluate you onsite for advanced role courses. The Nurse Practitioner track is not an acute care program, so clinicals for the FNP track will be done in primary care and clinic settings.
Often students find there is competition for clinical preceptors and supervisors, so planning early may help in securing a spot. It is recommended that students start planning clinical experience at least one year in advance of when they are scheduled to take the course. Waiting until a month or two before the semester the clinical course begins will likely result in not securing an appropriate clinical site, clinical supervisor, and preceptor.
Clinicals can not be done in your unit or clinic and the School of Nursing does not assist students with clinical placement, so it is recommended that you start your search for clinical placement early.
Students who live in rural areas may have limited options in securing clinical placement and students who live in an area that is saturated with graduate nursing programs may have more competition in securing clinical placements.
What should I do now to be better prepared for securing clinical placement?
Cold calling/emailing offices or facilities is usually not an effective practice in securing clinical placement. Networking is the key to finding good clinical sites.
If you do not already have a network of professionals built-up, start identifying individuals in your place of employment, local community, etc. who are currently working in your area of intended study (Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Educator) and begin talking with them about their field. Let them know you are considering pursuing that field and let that be a start to build a foundation for communication.
Once admitted to the NP program it is strongly recommended...
Indiana residents admitted into the NP track - It is strongly recommended that you join the Coalition of
Advance Practice Nurses of Indiana (CAPNI). The website is: http://www.capni.org/. Some regions are more active than others but the meetings are a place you can meet NPs in your area and network.
Non-Indiana residents admitted into the NP track - It is recommend that you join a similar group in your
state. We also recommend membership in AANP http://www.aanp.org as they also may have resources to locate NPs in your area as well as discounts on the certification exam, updates on policy, educational opportunities, etc.
Application Process
1) How to apply
2) Supplemental materials for the School of Nursing
3) How to submit your supplemental materials
4) Application checklist
There are two (2) applications that must be completed. Both applications have supplemental materials that must
be submitted before the application will be reviewed. Submitting an application does not guarantee admittance into any program. Applications to both the Graduate School and the School of Nursing are only good for one semester; therefore both applications must be for the same semester and year. For example, if you plan on applying to the School of Nursing for the Spring 2016 semester, then your Graduate School application must also be for the Spring 2016 semester.
1) Graduate School Application This form is submitted electronically. An official transcript from each college or university attended must be submitted directly from the institutions attended to the Graduate School. It is not necessary to request Ball State transcripts as these will be on file. Transcripts are to be submitted directly to the Graduate School. Do not send transcripts to the School of Nursing. Submitting transcripts to any other office than the Graduate School will delay your application process. If you have taken or are currently enrolled in graduate level courses you will need to submit official transcripts from those institutions as well.
Submitting the Graduate School application and supplemental materials early is strongly recommended, as the Graduate School has a review and clearing process for each applicant that must be completed by the School of Nursing application deadline. Meeting the requirements of the Graduate School does not guarantee admission into the School of Nursing. Applicants must complete the application process and be cleared for graduate studies at Ball State University by the School of Nursing application cycle deadline the applicant is applying for. Applicants who are cleared by the Graduate School after the Nursing application cycle has ended will not be considered for that application cycle.
The review process may take several weeks to complete depending on the volume of applications the Graduate School receives at that time. Please plan on having all of your materials submitted at least one month prior to the School of Nursing application deadline. Questions regarding the Graduate School application or transcript submission should be directed to the Graduate School.
2) School of Nursing Application - Master's Program Application will be available on the School of Nursing website during the application cycle. This form will be submitted electronically. It is recommended applicants list their personal email address on the application and not their work or school email address as they may not always have access to those email accounts upon graduation or if they switch jobs.
The application will be posted online, after the start of the business day, on the first day of the application cycle. Should the application cycle begin on a weekend the application will be posted on the following Monday. The application will be available until, the close of the business day, on the last day of the application cycle. If the deadline fallson a weekend then the application will be made available until the close of the business day on the following Monday.
Once your School of Nursing application has been received you will receive an email confirmation from the Graduate Advisor within two business days. If you do not receive a confirmation email please contact the Graduate Advisor as your application may not have been received and may need to be resubmitted. If your application has been successfully submitted you should receive a copy of the complete application at the email address you provided on the application. The list of required supplemental materials for the School of Nursing is listed on the next page.
The Spring 2016 application cycle below is for both the Leadership and Nurse Practitioner tracks.
June 9, 2015 - August 9, 2015
How to Apply
Supplemental Materials for the School of Nursing
1) Print out of applicants registered nursing license e-verification which includes the applicant’s name, license number, expiration date, current status, and disciplinary action. Visit your state’s e-verification website and print out your information. Copies of your card will not be accepted. The e-verification website for Indiana is: https://mylicense.in.gov/eVerification/
If you have not yet graduated and do not have a nursing license at the time you apply please include an 8x10 sheet of paper with a note letting the Admissions & Progressions Committee know when you will graduate and when you intend to take the NCLEX.
2) Entry Disclosure of Criminal Background Form (located at the end of this packet)
3) Essay - Using American Psychological Association (APA) format
Applicants will need to address all of the following in one APA formatted essay: Your philosophy of Nursing
Why you are seeking a Master’s degree from Ball State University
What your professional goals are and how Ball State University’s Master’s Nursing Program will help you meet your professional goals.
The essay should be a maximum of three (3) pages, not including the cover or reference pages. The purpose of the essay is to provide the Admissions and Progressions Committee insight into your philosophy, professional goals, desire of earning a Master's Degree at Ball State University, and to evaluate your written communications skills.
4) Three (3) recommendation forms (located at the end of this packet): All recommendations forms are to be in sealed and signed envelopes from the recommender. Each recommendation form must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the recommender’s signature across the sealed flap. Envelopes not sealed or without a signature across the flap will not be accepted.
Recommenders are to return the completed form in a signed and sealed envelope to the applicant. The applicant is responsible to check and make sure the envelope has been sealed and signed by the recommender. The applicant is also responsible to submit the signed and sealed envelopes along with the rest of their supplemental materials.
Recommendation forms must meet the following criteria:
If employed in a nursing capacity: one must be from the applicant's current supervisor
If still in school: one must be from a current or former nursing faculty member
If still in school, but not currently employed in a nursing capacity: two must be from current
or former nursing faculty members
At least two of the three references must be from health care professionals At least two of the three references must hold a Master’s degree or higher Family and friends are not appropriate to use for recommendations.
Applicants are responsible for making sure the individuals they select as recommenders meet the above requirements. Do not assume that your recommenders, including direct supervisors, hold a Master’s degree or higher. If you are unsure of your recommender’s highest level of education, ask them.
All of your supplemental materials required for the School of Nursing should be submitted to the address listed below prior to the application deadline.
Materials must be received in the School of Nursing by the close of business day on the last day of the application deadline. If the application deadline falls on a weekend all application materials must be received in the School of Nursing by close of the business day on the following Monday. Close of business day is 5 p.m. (September - April) and 4 p.m. (May—August). Please allow adequate time for mailing and delivery of the materials.
Once mail is received on the Ball State University campus it is delivered to a “central receiving” office, from there it is sorted and delivered to the appropriate offices. This sorting and delivery could take up to 4 days to complete, so please allow extra time for your package to be delivered to the School of Nursing once it arrived on campus.
It is strongly recommended that you submit your application packet (2-3 weeks) prior to the deadline so there is time to resubmit any incomplete items if necessary.
It is also recommended that you purchase a tracking option when mailing your supplemental materials to ensure your package was received.
Do not submit extra materials with your application packet such as resumes, awards, certifications, extra reference letters or forms, etc.
The School of Nursing is not responsible to notify applicants if their application is incomplete or contains outstanding documents. Applicants are welcome to check on the status of their School of Nursing application by emailing the Graduate Advisor, Shantelle Estes, directly at [email protected].
How to Submit Your Supplemental Materials for the School of Nursing
1) Due to the volume of applications received, in order to accurately track and process your application, items #1, #2, #3, & #4, listed on the previous page, must be mailed together in one envelope. Failure to include all items in one envelope will result in an incomplete application packet and will not be considered for admission.
2) Any supplemental nursing materials submitted prior to the start of an application cycle or after an application cycle has ended will be discarded.
The application cycle for the Spring 2016 semester is June 9, 2015 - August 9, 2015
Address to Submit Supplemental Material
Shantelle Estes, Graduate Advisor School of Nursing, CN 419D Ball State University 2111 W. Riverside Ave Muncie, IN 47306
Items required for a complete application:
Submit Graduate School application online
Pay Graduate School application fee
Submit official copy of all transcripts to the to Graduate School.
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting the Graduate School application and supplemental
materials early is strongly recommended, as the Graduate School has a review and clearing process for each application that must be completed by the School of Nursing application deadline. Meeting the requirements of the Graduate School does not guarantee admission into the School of Nursing. Transcripts are to be submitted directly to the Graduate School, not the School of Nursing. Submitting transcripts to any other office other than the Graduate School will delay your application process.
Submit School of Nursing application online
Print out of license e-verification with my name, license number, expiration date, current status, and disciplinary action from my states e-verification website.
Entry Disclosure of Criminal Background Form
Essay - APA format and maximum of 3 pages
Reference #1 - envelope has been sealed and signed by recommender
Reference #2 - envelope has been sealed and signed by recommender
Reference #3 - envelope has been sealed and signed by recommender
Below is a check sheet that will help you make sure that you have submitted all of your required materials so that your file will be ready for the review committee once the School of Nursing deadline arrives.
This checklist is for your personal use. Please do not submit it with your materials to the School of Nursing.
What to Expect After the Deadline
After the August 9th deadline all complete applications will be collected, and given to the Admissions & Progressions Committee. The committee will review the applications and make all admission decisions. Please allow a minimum of 6-8 weeks, after the August 9th deadline, before you are notified of your admission decision.
All applicants will be notified of their admission decision via the email address provided on their School of Nursing application. Applicants are responsible to monitor their “junk” folder in their email as sometimes the emails are delivered there instead of to their inbox.
Students accepted into the program will be required to accept or decline their seat by the deadline set by the committee. Deadline extensions or exceptions are not given for emails delivered to junk folders or non-working email addresses. It is recommended applicants list their personal email address on the application and not their work or school email address as they may not always have access to those email accounts upon graduation or if they switch jobs.
After students have officially accepted their seat in the program they will receive additional information about the next items to be completed, including watching an admission video, attending the mandatory orientation with the program director (a webcam and microphone will be required for the orientation), and completing their health clearance requirements. Below is a list of the items that are currently required by the School of Nursing for health clearance purposes. Additional information about each of theses will be provided once admitted into the program.
T-DAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Annual influenza, Pertussis) Varicella
One of the following is required: 2 vaccinations OR positive antibody titer (lab report required)
Hepatitis B
One of the following is required: 3 vaccinations OR positive antibody titer (lab report required)
Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
One of the following is required: 2 vaccinations OR positive antibody titer for all 3 components (lab report required).
TB Skin Test
One of the following is required: A 2 step test OR a clear Chest X-Ray (with lab report).
CPR Certification
Must be the American Heart Association Healthcare Provider course OR American Red Cross Professional Rescuer course.
HIPAA
Annually complete form and upload or upload proof of current training without expiring.
Entry Into Program 7 Year Disclosure of Criminal Background Form 1 Year Disclosure of Criminal Background Form
Informed Consent Standard Precautions Influenza Vaccine RN License
Supplemental Forms
To Be Submitted
1) Criminal history disclosure (1 page)
2) Reference form (2 pages)
Please read and be honest when completing disclosure. Complete disclosure in ink. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Entry Disclosure of Criminal Background for Master’s Program
1) NAME OF STUDENT (print): ____________________________________________________________ 2) MAIDEN NAME IF APPLICABLE (print): ___________________________________________________ 3) ENTER ALL OTHER NAMES USED (print): __________________________________________________ 4) DATE OF BIRTH: __________________________________________________
5) List all States, Counties, and Countries you have resided in for the past seven (7) years to current and the dates of residency. Dates should include month and year. Dates must cover entire period of seven (7) years to present. You are required to include Delaware County, IN as a place of residence.
State County Country (other than U.S.A.) Date by Years (FROM date—TO date/present)
6) Have you even been arrested or received a citation for any misdemeanor charges ? (Circle) YES / NO 7) Have you even been convicted of any misdemeanor charges? (Circle) YES / NO
8) Are there any current pending misdemeanor charges that have been filed against you? (Circle) YES / NO 9) Have you even been arrested or received a citation for any felony charges? (Circle) YES / NO
10) Have you even been convicted of any felony charges? (Circle) YES / NO
11) Are there any current pending felony charges that have been filed against you? (Circle) YES / NO
12) If you answered yes to any of the above questions, list all criminal arrests, citations, and convictions you have received by year, as well as any current pending criminal charges that have been filed against you. State requirement of probation, deferral program or diversion program if applicable.
13) If you answered “yes” to any questions above, when was the case dismissed? __________________________________
A) You are required to submit official documents from court stating “case dismissed” with date of dismissal. All case
dismissed documents must be submitted with the rest of your supplemental materials for the School of Nursing.
14) I understand that providing false information regarding my criminal history, failing to disclose requested information regarding my criminal history, or not successfully passing any required criminal history check may result in the my offer of admission being rescinded, or a failure to be approved for required placement assignments, and as such may result in my inability to progress through the BSU School of Nursing programs, as such required placements are prerequisites to the completion of any School of Nursing degree.
Date: ________________ Signature: _______________________________________________
Spring 2016 - Recommendation Form for Master’s Nursing Program
Right to Access: Under the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students are entitled to review their records, including letters of recommendation. However, those persons writing recommendations and those assessing recommendations may attach more significance to them if it is known that the recommendations will remain confidential. It is the applicant’s option to waive the right to access these recommendations or to decline to do so. Please indicate your choice below and sign.
This form should be completed in ink and only the original form will be accepted. Incomplete forms or forms that have been
photocopied, faxed, scanned, or contain electronic signatures will not be accepted. Applicants who will be mailing forms to their recommenders should also provide the recommender with a self addressed stamped envelope for an easy return.
NAME: __________________________________________________
(please print)
Track applying for: (check one) Family Nurse Practitioner Nurse Administrator Nurse Educator
______ I waive my right to review this recommendation. ______ I do not waive my right to review this recommendation.
Applicant Signature: _________________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________________________
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT
TO BE COMPLETED BY RECOMMENDER
You are requested to complete the information below, seal it in an envelope with your signature across the sealed flap, and then return it to the applicant for submission. Please note, envelopes not sealed or without a signature across the flap will not be accepted.
NAME: __________________________________________________________
(please print)
DATE: __________________________ EMPLOYER: ______________________________________________ POSITION: _____________________________________
I am the applicant’s: (please circle correct capacity)
SIGNATURE OF RECOMMENDER: _________________________________________
Why do you believe the above applicant should be selected for Ball State University’s Nursing Masters Program?
ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please provide any additional comments regarding this applicant:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I have know the applicant for _____ years _____ months in the capacity indicated above.
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION OBTAINED: _____________________________ DAYTIME PHONE: ________________________
Current Supervisor Current/Former Nursing Faculty Member
Other (list):_________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comparing to other students at this level, please rate the applicant on a scale from 1 (low) to 9 (high) on the following professional, academic, and personal attributes by circling the number that best reflects your assessment of the applicant.
Leadership potential 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Professional networking skills 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Self-confidence 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ability to accept responsibility for actions 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ability to accept criticism 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Current nursing knowledge 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Communication skills 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ability to make sound decisions 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ability to meet deadlines 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Judgment 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ability to adapt to change 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Critical reading skills 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Teaching potential 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Cooperativeness 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ability to work independently 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Reliability 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Interactions with clients and families 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Interactions with co-workers 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Depth of knowledge in proposed field of study 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ability to follow through on commitments 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Professional writing skills 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Ability to work in a group setting 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Time management skills 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
APA writing skills 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Experience in online learning environments 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Computer proficiency (specifically with Microsoft Office, Email, Internet Navigation)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Updated 6/2/15
Overall Recommendation (check one):
□
Not Recommended□
Recommend with Reservations□
Highly Recommend□
RecommendLow Average High
