Admission Requirements for Graduate Nursing Program

Admission and Progression Requirements

Admission Requirements - complete part I and part II below

NOTICE: After admission to the Graduate School. Nursing graduate students may register in a total of 3 credit hours (one semester) of graduate level nursing courses while finalizing admission to the Graduate School for the Master of Science in Nursing Program. Failure to finalize admission during this semester will result in a hold for future registrations until admission is completed.

Individuals who are seeking the post Master's certification must notify the Nursing Department Chairperson upon registration in the first course towards the certification.

Students not accepted/admitted must reapply to the Department of Nursing to be considered again.

Part I. University Graduate School Requirements

1. Make application to the University Graduate School (Picken Hall-202). This application is online at www.fhsu.edu/gradschl.
2. Provide the Graduate School with an official transcript of all college credit earned prior to admission. Official transcripts must be sent from the college/university Registrar directly to the FHSU Graduate School.

Fort Hays State University Department of Nursing does not accept applications from the following states: Alabama, Tennessee, and Utah.

Part II. Department of Nursing-MSN Program Requirements

Complete the Graduate Nursing Program Application form that addresses the following requirements:

1. Complete a baccalaureate degree with an upper division major in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized nursing accrediting authority (CCNE or NLNAC).
2. Demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the baccalaureate nursing degree.
3. Hold current RN license to practice professional nursing in the United States.
4. Demonstrate aptitude and attitude for advanced professional nursing studies.
5. Clinical clearance is required approximately 1 year in advance prior to registration in the program clinical course.
6. Refer to the Handbook for furthur requirements.

International Students

Refer to the Information for International Students regarding the application process here.

Clinical Clearance Requirements

The MSN Programs at FHSU requires preceptor led clinicals.  The clinical practicum for MSN-NA Program is associated with NURS 876 and offered in the Spring semester.  It consists of 90 practicum hours.  The clinical practicum for MSN-NE Program is associated with NURS 867 in the Fall semester and NURS 869 in the Spring semester.  It consists of 135 practicum hours.  Please note that clinical clearance requirements include obtaining student liability insurance, a background check, drug testing and immunization records.  

Fort Hays State University works diligently with students to secure clinical contracts across the United States.  On rare occasions due to locations or state or facility requirements, we are unable to negotiate a contract.  In this event, if another site cannot be obtained at the students location, a clinical site in Hays, Kansas will be provided for the student.  If this occurs, students will need a Kansas license and will need to come to Kansas for their practicum experience.  We encourage you to start the collaborative process of obtaining a preceptor early in your program.  If you have questions about this process, please contact the Nursing Department at Nurs.Contracts@fhsu.edu.

Transfer and Validation

The University has a policy on advance standing credit and transfer of graduate credit (University Catalog). Graduate students may transfer graduate credit from other universities on an individual basis, in compliance with policies in the University Catalog. Course description and syllabi are reviewed and approved for transfer by the Graduate Nursing Committee, with input from the faculty member responsible for the corresponding course on the FHSU campus.

Graduate students may apply to transfer up to six graduate credits from other universities. Course description and syllabi are reviewed and approved for transfer by the Graduate Nursing Committee. Any course being requested for transfer credit must be submitted to the advisor within six weeks of the admission date. Courses not submitted within the six week timeframe will not be accepted.

Progression Requirements

The following performance standards must be met in order to progress through and complete the Master's program.

1. The student must achieve a cumulative "B" average (3.0) or above on all graduate courses taken toward the degree.
2. A grade of "C" will be accepted for only two courses in the Master's degree, and only one course can be repeated one time to improve the grade.
3. Audited courses or continuing education workshops are not accepted in the program for the Master's degree.
4. If, at the end of any semester, the student's cumulative GPA in all graduate courses is below 3.0, the student will be given one semester to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or better by taking courses listed on his/her degree plan or courses approved by his/her committee. If, after that semester, the student's cumulative GPA in all graduate courses is below 3.0, the student's performance will be reviewed by the Graduate Nursing Committee for possible dismissal from the program (see University Catalog).