Academic Policies for Graduate Programs in Nursing Practice

Academic Policies

Transfer Credit

There is no automatic transfer of credit from another university. The Graduate Nursing Faculty Committee reviews all transfer course materials to determine appropriateness of the transfer for Texas Wesleyan University credit and course equivalency. The Dean of the School of Health Professions must approve all transfer credit. Up to 12 graduate credit hours may be transferred from an accredited program with grades of B (3.0 GPA) or higher if taken with the past five (5) years. 

Credit for Certification

Students who hold current national board certification from the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation as a Nurse Coach are not required to take Introduction to the Art and Science of Nurse Coaching. This course requirement is waived for students who provide documentation of current board certification upon entering the program.  Students who receive a waiver for this course must maintain the certification in good standing until graduation from the program.

Credit by Examination 

Students may also earn credit through challenge examinations for courses with the approval of the Dean of the School of Health Professions and the Program Director. Challenge examinations may be approved for students who have attained knowledge equivalent to University courses through life/work experiences and to students who have attended academic institutions with limited or no transferability.  These examinations may not be available in all content areas. 

Maximum Credit Hours by Transfer, Certification, and/or Examination 

Students may earn no more than 12 credits total using etransfer, certification, or credit by examination.  This kind of credit is at the discretion of the University and determined by the Dean and Program Director. Clinical hours completed at another university will not be transferred.

For the FNP Certificate Program:

• All applicant transcripts and certifications are reviewed by the program faculty and transfer of credit is determined on an individual basis using a gap analysis for the required courses needed to be eligible for certification and approval as a Family Nurse Practitioner. At least 36 credit hours must be earned at Texas Wesleyan University to be awarded the FNP Certificate. All prospective students are advised to review the requirements of their respective State Boards of Nursing for the requirements for certification and approval as an FNP in their state. 

Background Checks, Drug Screens and Immunizations

Patient and student safety is a primary consideration for Texas Wesleyan University and its clinical/professional affiliates. Background checks, drug screens and certain immunizations are required by clinical affiliates for participation in clinical practica and are conducted at the time of application and prior to beginning Year 2. Information about background checks, drug screens, and immunizations are provided to students prior to being admitted to the program. Background checks, drug screens, and immunizations at the time of application are the responsibility of the student. Random drug screens are conducted on a random basis throughout the program and are the responsibility of the program. Students who refuse a drug screen may not continue in the program. Students who have a positive drug screen will be subject to the peer-review process. Clinical affiliates reserve the right to deny clinical practice opportunities to students who do not meet the affiliates’ expected minimum standards on these criteria. The DNP-FNP Student Handbook includes policies related to these requirements.

Residency Requirement

To be awarded a BSN DNP graduate degree from Texas Wesleyan University, students must successfully complete a minimum of 74 credit hours at Texas Wesleyan University. To be awarded a Post Master’s DNP graduate degree from Texas Wesleyan University, students must successfully complete a minimum of 23 credit hours at Texas Wesleyan University. To be awarded an MSN graduate degree from Texas Wesleyan University, students must successfully complete a minimum of 36 credit hours at Texas Wesleyan University. To be awarded a Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Texas Wesleyan University, students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours at Texas Wesleyan University. 

Graduate Nursing Faculty Committee

The Graduate Nursing Faculty Committee recommends policy, hears appeals, and approves and recommends curricular changes for the programs. The appeals process is outlines in the Student Handbook.

Membership includes:

• Dean of the School of Health Professions
• All appointed and contributing faculty members in the DNP and FNP programs
• One member of the faculty from the Graduate Programs in Nurse Anesthesia
• One member of the faculty from the Graduate Counseling programs.

Advising, Registration and Orientation

Graduate students are advised by the Graduate Nursing Program Director or a designee. To enroll in classes, students should consult with the Program Director to ensure registration in appropriate courses. Online registration is available. Students are expected to register according to the registration schedule provided by the registrar. Late registration will result in additional fees and cannot be completed online. Registration times are posted online at http://wwww.txwes.edu/academics/registrar/

Orientation is conducted over a three-day period at the beginning of the first semester on campus and is augmented by video, which is accessible online. Orientation must be completed prior to enrollment in the first course of the curriculum. When notified of full admission status, students are provided information about the orientation.

Access to the Faculty, Advisor, Program Director and Dean

The faculty, advisor, Program Director, and the Dean of the School of Health Professions can be reached by e-mail, telephone, and standard mail. Contact information, including online office hours and other time considerations for communication, is available on the Texas Wesleyan University website, in the Program Student Handbook, and in course syllabi. Students are encouraged to make appointments for telephone or face-to-face meetings to ensure the person’s availability. Though preferred, appointments are not required.

Sequence of Events for Students in the Graduate Programs of Nursing (full-time; part-time students should confer with advisor.)

1. Apply to the appropriate program by the posted deadline to be considered for admission (refer to admissions requirements and procedures and website).
2. Following acceptance with full admission status to the program, consult with Program Director or with assigned advisor for information about registration and filing a degree plan.
3. Register for courses online as instructed following admission into the program. Note that late registration must be done in person and incurs additional fees.
4. Complete the first term of course work.
5. During Year 1, meet with advisor to begin planning for Clinical Practicum through the following term. Start Clinical Practica.
6. Register for Year 2, first term courses. DNP-FNP and DNP students begin planning DNP Project while enrolled in DNP transition.
7. Complete Year 2, MSN-FNP, FNP Certificate and DNP students graduate. 
8. Register for Year 3, first term classes. Begin DNP Project. File for Graduation by posted deadline.
9. Register for Year 3, second term classes. Continue DNP Project
10. Register for Year 3, third and final term classes. Complete DNP Project. Complete FNP Residency (270 hours).
11. Attend Hooding and Graduation Ceremonies - December (refer to the University Calendar for date, time, and place).