Frequently Asked Questions

About the Program

At Indiana State University, graduate nursing study can be focused in Nursing Administration, Nursing Education, or Family Nurse Practitioner; post-graduate nursing study can be focused in Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Q. Is the program accredited?
A. Yes, the ISU Advanced Practice Nursing Program has been NLN accredited since 1989.

Q. How do I apply?
A. There are two applications to complete:

Q. How do I decide which track to take?
A. The track you select is based upon the type of career you wish to pursue.

Q. How long will it take to finish the program?
A. The Nursing Education and Nursing Administration concentrations can be completed in 2 -3½ years, depending on your work schedule. Only part time students are being accepted into the FNP program, which usually takes 3 years to complete.

Q. Is the program totally online?
A. Yes, all work is completed online and on a semester schedule.

Q. Are there any trips to campus?
A. No campus visits are currently required.

Q. If I have a family or job related problem, may I skip a semester, or do I have to be readmitted?
A. Students may skip semesters and return to classes (within a 2-year timeframe) without reapplying. Your academic advisor will revise your plan of study based on when courses are offered.

Q. How will I know which courses to take?
A. A plan of study will be prepared for you upon admission. You may change the plan by discussing this with your academic advisor.

Q. May I register for another course as soon as I finish one?
A. No, courses are taught on a semester basis and follow a curriculum sequence.

Q. What is the timeframe for offering courses?
A. Semesters begin in January, May, and August.

Q. Do I work at my own pace?
A. The program is structured on a semester basis with assignments due at certain times and you may work at your own pace during the assignment period.

Q. How many courses can I transfer?
A. Master's Degree Transfer Information. Master's programs in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies will accept transfers of a maximum of nine credit hours for programs that require less than 40 hours, 12 credit hours for programs that require 40-49 hours, and 15 credit hours for programs that require more than 49 hours.

Students pursuing a second master's degree are directed to the appropriate department chairperson or program director who may accept up to 30 percent of the minimum hours required from the student's first master's degree program as transfer credit. Hours applied from the previous master's degree need not be less than seven years old: that is "old" courses may be deemed appropriate and applicable.

Doctoral Degree Transfer Information.
No specific rule regulates the number of hours of graduate credit that are transferable from other institutions approved by the appropriate regional accrediting agency to offer graduate work leading to an advanced degree beyond the master's degree. Graduate work which has been completed previously, will be evaluated by the student's committee to determine what credits are applicable to the student's program. Graduate credits earned more than seven years prior to admission to the program will not count toward fulfilling the minimum credit requirements for the doctoral degree.

Q. How do Courses Work?
A. The BlackBoard system is used for courses. This system is structured for coursework including an announcement page, access to syllabi, modules, web links such as library, a discussion board and quizzes.

Q. Where do I go for clinicals?
A. Clinicals are done in your own geographical area and should be an outpatient, family practice setting with a MD, PA, or NP.

Q. Are there any scholarships I can apply for?
A. There is a nurse traineeship grant which the Department of Advanced Practice Nursing applies for on a yearly basis. Depending on award and the courses solicited, you may be eligible to apply for the funds.

Q. What is the tuition?
A. Tuition for Indiana residents is $353.00 per credit hour. Out-of-state tuition is $441.00 per hour.

Q. Are there any other fees?
A. There is a $50 distance education fee charged for each course and a $500 fee for each clinical course.

Q. How do I communicate with my instructor?
A. All instructors will advise you of their schedule - some are online nearly all day, others have set times and/or days. You will primarily stay in contact via e-mail.