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Distance Accelerated BSN

Emory University’s distance-based Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN) program enables intelligent and industrious students to earn a nursing degree at a leading nationally ranked university in one year. In three semesters of study, students can be eligible to enter the nation’s most trusted profession.

Overview

Emory’s DABSN program is a full-time program of study that allows students to earn a nursing degree in less time than a typical program. As part of a team-based learning community, students engage via the internet in learning that is designed to develop sound clinical judgment and critical thinking skills, using a blend of lecture and clinical practice based on the clinical judgment model of instruction. The required clinical rotations, based in local communities, on the Emory campus, and in optional global sites, provide students with opportunities to experience a broad variety of both US and international clinical settings. Two required clinical intensive sessions take place on Emory’s Atlanta campus, with a live video orientation at the beginning of the program.

To be eligible for admission to the program, students must have earned a previous a previous bachelor’s degree in another discipline from an accredited college or university. There are three program starts each year, in August, January and May.

The DABSN program is designed for students who plan to work outside the Atlanta metro region. (Students within the Atlanta metro region should apply to Emory's residential MN program.)

Check back soon for an updated webinar and student spotlights.

The DABSN program was created to expand access to the highly-regarded Emory University BSN degree. This program allows students to live and study in a variety of locations across the U.S.

Our unique, intensive program require students to enroll for three continuous semesters.  Students participate in courses via the internet, using both real time and recorded course content. This program uses a form of active learning that poses questions, problems or scenarios to promote critical thinking and sound clinical judgment. Foundational course work is completed during the first semester of the program, and clinical practice is aligned with course content to reinforce learning in an engaged, supportive environment that fosters professional and clinical development. Ideally, students participate in clinical experiences near where they live and are assigned a clinical faculty site visitor to support clinical experiences overseen by an experienced on-site clinical nurse preceptor. Students are required to attend two on-campus clinical intensive sessions with their fellow classmates. When the program requires visits to the Emory campus, the program provides support to offset the cost of travel and accommodations.*

*Students in the distance-based program do not have the option to choose clinical study in Atlanta as an alternative to assigned clinical sites near the students’ residences.

Onsite sessions include:

  • Clinical intensive with focus on health assessment, nursing skills, simulated learning and the first hospital-based clinical rotation.
  • A one-week capstone session including licensure test (NCLEX) review, capstone presentation and on-campus simulations.

This fast-paced program requires completion of 48 credit hours. Students must have completed several prerequisite courses prior to beginning the program (refer to the prerequisite and admission requirements tab for more information).

Financial Aid

More than 92 percent of the students in the School of Nursing receive some type of financial assistance.

Clinical Placements

Our students train in numerous clinical sites in Atlanta and across the U.S.

Global Opportunities

At NHWSN, we are preparing nurses to become globally engaged citizens.

Faculty

Curriculum

Admission Requirements

Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, you must submit the following items:

  • Application for Admission
  • $50 Application Fee
  • Official transcripts from each school attended
  • Students with international transcripts must provide an evaluation from World Education Services (www.wes.org).
  • Resume

Please review the Prerequisites tab to review prerequisite course requirements. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher by the start date of the program.

Transcript submission:

* Preferred method: Choose Emory University -School of Nursing in the electronic transcript systems or have your school email your official transcripts to nursingquestions@emory.edu.

If your school does not participate in the electronic transcript system or cannot email your transcripts then please have them mail a hard copy to:

Office of Enrollment and Student Affairs
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Emory University
1520 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322

Prerequisites

The prerequisites for the DABSN program include seven courses. You may submit an application for admission with the courses in progress, but all prerequisites must be complete with a grade of C or higher by program Orientation. Please review the list of prerequisites below, effective for all DABSN applicants:

Physical Sciences
General Chemistry I with lab
Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab*
Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab*
Microbiology with lab*
Nutrition

*Starred courses must have been taken no more than seven years prior to beginning the DABSN program start date.

*May complete Human Anatomy + lab and Human Physiology + lab as separate courses.

Math
Introductory Statistics

Social Sciences
Human Growth and Development or Life Span Development
    *The Human Growth and Development prerequisite must cover human development from conception through death.

**All courses are subject to review by the Office of Enrollment and Student Affairs.

*Please note that all courses and degrees in the application checklist must be verified by the Office of Enrollment and Student Affairs before they are marked as received. 

Application

DABSN applications do not follow our standard admission timeline.

Applications are reviewed as soon as a submitted application is determined to be complete. Once an application is complete with all needed application materials, it will be reviewed and clinical placement opportunities will be evaluated. Students will be considered for a cohort until it is filled, at which time the application will close. If an application is open on our site, there are still positions available for that cohort.

Students may only apply to one cohort at a time. If a student wishes to move their application to a different cohort, they should contact nursingquestions@emory.edu to discuss the ability to move an application.

Applications can be submitted here.

Clinical Placement Information

The clinical practicum experience is a core component of the DABSN program. Throughout the clinical experience, students work with assigned preceptors in selected clinical sites, while an Emory NHWSON clinical faculty site visitor provides oversight and support to both the student and preceptor. Students may also complete some clinical experiences at Emory, with global clinical study as an option.

Clinical Practicum Placement Process

The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing administration, faculty, and placement coordinators are dedicated to placing students in quality clinical sites that meet the School of Nursing’s curriculum standards and the unique needs of students. While every effort is made to match student clinical geographic and program needs, no clinical site placements are guaranteed. Many factors influence clinical placement matches. Students are regularly updated regarding clinical options and any need for travel.

Please submit questions about the Distance ABSN program to: nursingquestions@emory.edu.

Thank you for your interest in the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. Please complete the Request for Information form to receive updates about Emory's admissions process and academic programs.

State Eligibility and State Licensure Requirements

Nursing licensure requirements vary from state to state and by professional organization. Prospective students should be aware of the licensing requirements in the state or states in which they expect to be licensed, typically governed by a board of nursing, health department or similar regulatory body. * The Nurse Licensure Compact enables nurses to be licensed in multiple states.

Applicants to the program should contact the licensing authority or Department of Education in the state or states in which they intend to practice for specific rules and regulations pertaining to completion of clinical learning experiences in that state when enrolled in a distance-accessible program.

*Graduates of the program meet the requirements to be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), but passing the examination and licensing are not guaranteed.

Technology Requirements

TECHNOLOGY/COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Students enrolling in the DABSN program must have a laptop or desktop computer with web camera, required software, and broadband internet access. To participate in online courses, students need a computer system with the minimum specifications outlined below. Ideal specifications for a computer system are also provided.

WINDOWS PC

Minimum Hardware

Intel core i5 or i7 processor

  • 8 GB RAM memory
  • 500 GB hard drive or 256 GB SSD hard drive (at least 1 GB available free space)
  • Webcam and a Headset with microphone
  • Broadband connection: DSL or cable modem that supports 10 Mbps download 5Mbps upload; Networking: WiFi 802.11g
  • Operating System: 10 home premium or higher (Windows 7 starter or Home basic, Windows 10 S editions not supported)

Ideal Hardware

Intel i7 processor or faster

  • 8 GB RAM or more
  • 1 TB 7200 RPM drive or 256 GB SSD hard drive
  • Webcam and a headset with microphone
  • Fast broadband connection: DSL or cable modem that supports 25Mbps ; Networking: WiFi 802.11g (802.11n better, 802.11ac best)
  • Two external monitors
  • Docking station for laptop to connect to dual monitors, keyboard, mouse, wired network Operating System: Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise versions
  • Two year hardware warranty with on-site service

APPLE MACINTOSH

Minimum Hardware

iMac or MacBook Air laptop

  • Intel core i5 or i7 processor
  • 8 GB RAM memory
  • 500 GB hard drive or 256 GB SSD hard drive (at least 1 GB available free space)
  • Webcam and a Headset with microphone
  • Broadband connection: DSL or cable modem that supports supports 10 Mbps download 5Mbps upload; Networking: WiFi 802.11g
  • Operating System: Mac OS 10.13.6 High Sierra or higher

Ideal Hardware

iMac or MacBook Pro laptop

  • Intel i7 processor or faster
  • 8 GB RAM or more
  • 1TB 7200 RPM drive or 256 GB SSD hard drive
  • Webcam and a Headset with microphone
  • Fast broadband connection: DSL or cable modem that supports 10 Mbps or higher; Networking: WiFi 802.11g (802.11n better, 802.11ac best)
  • Two external monitors
  • Docking station for laptop to connect to dual monitors, keyboard, mouse, wired network
  • Operating System: Mac OS 10.13.6 High Sierra or higher
  • Two year hardware warranty with on-site service

Note: Chromebooks or tablet devices, other than the Surface Pro, are not suitable for the program as they cannot support the ExamSoft system used to conduct quizzes, examinations and other evaluations of academic progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

When does the program start?

The program has three entry dates, in August, January and May of each year, aligning with the academic calendar for on-campus nursing programs at Emory.

Will you have an open house on campus, or just virtual information sessions?

We hold regular virtual information sessions and record them for prospective students who are unable to attend. Session content is often participant-driven and may differ from session to session.

What is the cost of this program?

The cost of the program will be approximately $78,000, billed each semester at a credit hour rate based on the number of credit hours taken.

An online fee/semester and a one-time laboratory fee are also assessed. Students requiring health insurance coverage will be charged an insurance premium. We seek to limit the expense of books to $1500 for the entire program. License testing preparation fees for and a licensing test review course are included as part of tuition and fees.

What about financial aid?  

Students who have not depleted their financial aid eligibility from a prior degree, may be eligible for financial aid.

Are current and former students available to speak to their experience?

Yes, recent graduates and current enrolled students are available and happy to speak with potential and admitted students in the DABSN program.

How is a sense of community built among classmates living in distant locations?

Students are expected to work together daily to respond to questions and participate in discussions. In addition, students work together on group projects. Our limited class size of no more than 30 students naturally encourages group interaction that can develop during onsite sessions and in group projects.

Our faculty are also an important part of the learning community. When courses are in progress, faculty are available during virtual office hours and via telephone and email as needed to facilitate learning and support students.

Should students be concerned about joining a distance-based nursing program?

Our School of Nursing is highly ranked nationally and has offered BSN programs since 1944. We began offering our accelerated BSN (ABSN) program in 2011, and the distance-based program is built upon the solid foundation of our on-campus program. In 2017 100% of our ABSN students passed NCLEX, the certification examination to become a professional registered nurse (RN); and our overall NCLEX pass rate for all of our pre-licensure programs was 99%, well above the national average of 85%.

Our dedicated full-time faculty work closely to equip students for success. Students are assigned clinical faculty to coordinate and oversee all clinical experiences. Expert preceptors work with the student and clinical faculty within the clinical setting.

How do students in the program preserve a positive work/life balance?

The three-semester program is rigorous and intense, requiring students to spend 8-10 hours per day interacting in online sessions with classmates, working on individual projects, or reading and studying. While the program is intense, it is designed to quickly move a student to their academic goal. Working is discouraged, even part time, and no accommodations are made for outside work schedules.

Courses are sequenced to build on prior knowledge, and clinical rotations enhance application of concepts learned in course work. Fellow classmates create a sense of community, and faculty members foster connections and are closely involved with each student’s progress.

Before a student enrolls in the program, it is important to talk to family members and significant others about the commitment being made. Streamline your budget as much as possible and create patterns of positive health behaviors that include good nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Identify and practice coping patterns successfully used in the past; coping strategies such as mindfulness and yoga may be helpful.

What is the job outlook for students in the program?

Many of our graduates receive job offers prior to graduation. Nationally, 99% of nurses are employed within three to six months of graduation. Working in the health system in which you have completed clinical study may also provide an advantage in the hiring process.  Graduates of all nursing programs must pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination to begin working as a registered nurse. The last few months of the program focus on preparation for the NCLEX-RN certification examination, and include a review course and assessment testing. The cost of NCLEX Assessment Testing and a review course are built into the program.

Some of our graduates will study toward a future master’s degree, Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a PhD in Nursing. Emory offers nine specialty areas of study for those who choose to pursue a career in advanced nursing (nurse practitioner or midwifery). For graduates working in a critical care unit (intensive care or cardiac care), Emory’s nurse anesthesia program may be an option.

What if prospective students have specific questions about the program?

Watch for our monthly virtual information sessions. Times are posted on the School of Nursing website, and recordings of the information sessions are available. Please contact the DABSN program director with program questions, or contact the Office of Enrollment and Student Affairs for information about your application.

ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS

Will students be able to enroll from anywhere in the United States?

Currently, students are accepted from states with existing clinical affiliations. Additional states are being added on a continual basis, so please follow up directly with inquiries about your specific state.

When are application materials due?

Completed applications are reviewed as they are received.  (See website tab for admission requirements.) If applicants are notified that a cohort is full they are advised to notify the Office of Student Enrollment if they would like to be considered for admission in the next cycle. Applicants are not required to submit a second deposit or resubmit materials already present in their application file. For questions about the application process, please contact the School of Nursing's Office of Enrollment and Student Affairs at 404.727.7980.

How are candidates evaluated for admission?

Completed applications are reviewed in a process that includes evaluation of transcripts, and work and life experiences. If there are factors that applicants would like to be considered that are not required as part of the application, students should communicate these in the application. Applicants may be asked to interview as a part of the admission process.

Do you require all transcripts if I have attended multiple schools?

Yes. All transcripts must be submitted, even if only one class was taken at an institution.  Science and life science-related courses and grades receive particular attention.

How do I accept an offer of admission?

A deposit is required to hold a place in the program and is applied to the first tuition bill. We will continue to offer admission until we receive deposits from the limit of thirty enrolled students.

Does Emory offer online prerequisite classes?  

We do not offer online prerequisite courses. Prerequisites can be taken at any accredited university, either online or on campus. Please note the credit hours required to fulfill admission eligibility requirements. Applicants should contact the Office of Enrollment and Student Affairs with questions about whether particular courses fulfill the prerequisite requirements.

Course Work Questions

What is the format for the distance classes?
Courses will be offered in 6-8 week sessions for 6 total sessions (3 consecutive semesters-refer to the current plan of study for specific class dates and times). Our curriculum, using a clinical judgment model, uses an active learning approach. Prior to scheduled class times (based on Eastern Standard Time), students prepare by watching pre-recorded lectures and completing course readings. During scheduled real-time class sessions, students participate in active learning strategies for application and analysis of course content.

Students should plan to spend 8-10 hours per day working on assignments, readings, and studying. Clinical rotations will vary based on the preceptor’s daily schedule; we anticipate, however, that preceptors will work 8-12-hour shifts. Students should expect some course assignments to be due during clinicals rotations.

How are students tested?

We use an online proctoring service for testing to ensure test integrity. Testing is at an application and evaluation level using multiple choice, multiple-multiple choice and other methods to prepare students for the NCLEX exam.

How are students prepared in basic nursing skills before beginning clinical practice? How is simulation incorporated into the program?

During the first on-campus clinical visit, students practice nursing skills through laboratory and simulated experiences, are evaluated for basic skills competence and complete their first clinical experience at an Emory Healthcare site under the supervision of an Emory clinical faculty member.

Where do students stay during visits to campus? Are transportation and lodging provided?

Round trip travel to Atlanta and hotel accommodations are provided for each student. Some meals are provided during the on-campus programming and the cost of additional meals is reimbursed according to established guidelines.

Clinical Placement Questions

How are clinical sites and preceptors chosen in the state where I live? Will I make the clinical site arrangement or will Emory?

Emory identifies clinical sites and manages the requirements for student placement. Students are not responsible for clinical arrangements. Emory identifies and assigns experienced clinical site faculty and preceptors for each rotation in students’ local geographic areas, as available. Placements are not guaranteed.

How does Emory evaluate clinical sites and preceptors, and how is clinical performance evaluated?

Local clinical preceptors work with assigned clinical faculty site visitors to support student clinical experience, including review of course objectives, clinical assignments and student evaluations. Site evaluations also occur annually, and more frequently as needed.

Technical Standards for Nursing Applicants and Enrolled Students

When considering nursing as a career, students must evaluate their abilities and skills. To succeed in a nursing program, a student must possess certain abilities and skills deemed essential for the care of patients. These abilities and skills, as determined by Emory University nursing faculty, are as follows:

Behavioral and Professional Expectations

Students must possess the physical and emotional health necessary to apply intellectual abilities and use sound judgment in a variety of situations. Students must be able to function effectively under physically taxing workloads and in times of physical and mental stress. Students must display compassion, sensitivity, and concern for others and consistently maintain and display professional integrity.

Observation

Students enrolled in the nursing program should have adequate vision, hearing, sense of smell and other sensory modalities to enable them to observe and conduct patient assessments, perform skills demonstrations and simulations, and participate in other activities.

Communication

Students must be able to speak fluently in English, and to hear well enough to exchange information with patients, family members, and other health professionals. Students must read and write effectively in English in order to fulfill academic requirements and to maintain accurate clinical records of patient care.

Motor

Nursing students should be able to conduct laboratory and diagnostic tests and perform physical assessments. Students are required to possess motor skills sufficient to draw information from patients through hands-on diagnostic procedures including palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other skills. Students must possess motor skills required for their scope of practice as determined by the relevant accrediting organization. The student must also be able to coordinate fine and gross muscular movements in order to care for patients.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

These abilities include an aptitude for rapid problem solving, the capability to assess and interpret medical files independently, and evaluate physical examinations to formulate a logical plan of care.  Students must demonstrate good judgment in patient assessment and develop the ability to incorporate new information, understand complex relationships, and have the ability to retain and recall pertinent information. Students must also be able to learn to provide in-depth rationale for a proposed plan of care.

Accommodations

The Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is committed to accommodating the needs of students with documented disabilities and does so to the extent reasonable without compromising the essential components of the curriculum, including didactic and clinical experiences.

Address any questions or concerns regarding these technical standards to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at dabsn@emory.edu.

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