University of Alabama Dual DNP FNP/PMHNP Spring 2025 applicants

Nursing Students NP Students

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Hello all,

I wanted to start a topic about the University of Alabama dual DNP (FNP/pmhnp) program as I have not seen much information on it.

I have sent in my application for Spring 2025, if you are also applying please reach out and share your experience. If you have graduated from this program or another DNP specialty from UA please feel free to share some insight. 
 

For reference:

I sent in my application on 3/14

I had 2 letters of recommendation sent in by 3/21

the third letter was sent in 3/31

 

Has anyone had any experience with the timelines for a decision?

MinasMOM said:

It's is a Gmail so put minasmom555 then followed by the gmail.com.

I wrote it that way seeing that there are rules for posting information here. 

Mine is somiegra2 followed by gmail.com

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sanchsomie said:

Have you received any feedback from your application?

I met someone who graduated from UA last semester. She did the DNP dual specialization and I was able to gather some information from her about the program. Have you applied to other schools or just UA?

How long was the program for your friend and how was it generally? I got in and it says 12 semesters, is this part time or full time?

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Graceful said:

How long was the program for your friend and how was it generally? I got in and it says 12 semesters, is this part time or full time?

Which semester did you applied to? Also, how long after your interview did you receive a decision?

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Greetings! 

I wasn't sure, but I thought this thread was for NP students applying for admission to the University of Alabama's Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) in Tuscaloosa.

I applied to CCN's MSN Dual FNP/PMHNP program for Fall 2024, submitting my application and necessary documentation by the March deadline. Around the third or fourth week of April, I received my invitation to complete my virtual interview, which I completed within the two weeks given for completion/submission. My virtual interview had questions like this (not verbatim): 

  • (video response question) Why should we allow you into the program? What makes you unique? How can you contribute to the learning environment?
  • (video response question) What are some strategies you've used to adjust to overwhelming situations? Why did you use those strategies? How were they successful?
  • (video response question) Describe a time when a stressor was overwhelming. How did you overcome it? What did you learn from the entire experience?
  • (video response question) Describe a time when you received negative feedback, what you did, why you did what you did, and what you learned from it. 
  • (written response question) How would you handle a situation in which you were providing care to a patient and another provider disagreed with the treatment plan? How would go about solving the problem and coming to an agreement? 

The CCN's Coordinator of Graduate Student Services told me to expect a response with a decision about two weeks after completing the interview. So, I'm expecting to hear from someone with a decision by at least the third week of May. I must admit... I don't know what to think about that interview. I can't say I feel good or bad about it. I just didn't like it. I wish I could have done a zoom interview with someone, or at the very least had more than two minutes to speak to answer each video response question. 

A representative with the Clinical Placement Office sent me the list of clinical sites with existing/active contracts with the school. I have read various online comments/reviews from past students, both dropped out and graduated, saying the college does not assist with clinical placement. I haven't asked anyone at CCN about clinical placement assistance but probably should. At this point, I am operating on the assumption that I will not receive assistance. I have already contacted a few colleagues and began networking with local providers to make arrangements for clinicals. 

I am blessed to know numerous locally practicing providers and have already spoke with several of them about clinical placement. I already have my psych/mental health provider(s) and a couple of FNPs lined up. The only clinical area I'm really concerned about is OB/GYN. One FNP has assured me she knows a midwife who would be agreeable.

One NP works for a healthcare facility that is not on CCN's active agreement list for clinicals. I asked a CCN representative if I could initiate a contractual agreement between the facility and CCN and was told I could. Since I've gone through this process before during my undergraduate program, I have an idea of what I need to do and really don't have a problem with doing it again, especially if it means I can have the choice of who I do clinicals with and where I go to do them. 

I'm not sure how everybody else is feeling, but I'm so terribly nervous about getting in...and then, those actual classes...whew! I hear the 3 P's classes (advanced patho, advanced assessment, advanced pharm) are hardcore. I tend to over-analyze everything and stress myself out about it. I want to prepare myself for it and get a game plan for studying in place but don't know where to start. I've even asked the Graduate Student Services Coordinator if I could get a list of textbooks--she told me "no" though. Do any of you have any suggestions? Are you have a plan for studying and preparing for the coursework and quizzes/exams? 

Sorry for the long epistle...Ha! 😂

I wish all of you the best of luck! ☺️

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JustAnotherNurse13 said:

Greetings! 

I wasn't sure, but I thought this thread was for NP students applying for admission to the University of Alabama's Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) in Tuscaloosa.

I applied to CCN's MSN Dual FNP/PMHNP program for Fall 2024, submitting my application and necessary documentation by the March deadline. Around the third or fourth week of April, I received my invitation to complete my virtual interview, which I completed within the two weeks given for completion/submission. My virtual interview had questions like this (not verbatim): 

  • (video response question) Why should we allow you into the program? What makes you unique? How can you contribute to the learning environment?
  • (video response question) What are some strategies you've used to adjust to overwhelming situations? Why did you use those strategies? How were they successful?
  • (video response question) Describe a time when a stressor was overwhelming. How did you overcome it? What did you learn from the entire experience?
  • (video response question) Describe a time when you received negative feedback, what you did, why you did what you did, and what you learned from it. 
  • (written response question) How would you handle a situation in which you were providing care to a patient and another provider disagreed with the treatment plan? How would go about solving the problem and coming to an agreement? 

The CCN's Coordinator of Graduate Student Services told me to expect a response with a decision about two weeks after completing the interview. So, I'm expecting to hear from someone with a decision by at least the third week of May. I must admit... I don't know what to think about that interview. I can't say I feel good or bad about it. I just didn't like it. I wish I could have done a zoom interview with someone, or at the very least had more than two minutes to speak to answer each video response question. 

A representative with the Clinical Placement Office sent me the list of clinical sites with existing/active contracts with the school. I have read various online comments/reviews from past students, both dropped out and graduated, saying the college does not assist with clinical placement. I haven't asked anyone at CCN about clinical placement assistance but probably should. At this point, I am operating on the assumption that I will not receive assistance. I have already contacted a few colleagues and began networking with local providers to make arrangements for clinicals. 

I am blessed to know numerous locally practicing providers and have already spoke with several of them about clinical placement. I already have my psych/mental health provider(s) and a couple of FNPs lined up. The only clinical area I'm really concerned about is OB/GYN. One FNP has assured me she knows a midwife who would be agreeable.

One NP works for a healthcare facility that is not on CCN's active agreement list for clinicals. I asked a CCN representative if I could initiate a contractual agreement between the facility and CCN and was told I could. Since I've gone through this process before during my undergraduate program, I have an idea of what I need to do and really don't have a problem with doing it again, especially if it means I can have the choice of who I do clinicals with and where I go to do them. 

I'm not sure how everybody else is feeling, but I'm so terribly nervous about getting in...and then, those actual classes...whew! I hear the 3 P's classes (advanced patho, advanced assessment, advanced pharm) are hardcore. I tend to over-analyze everything and stress myself out about it. I want to prepare myself for it and get a game plan for studying in place but don't know where to start. I've even asked the Graduate Student Services Coordinator if I could get a list of textbooks--she told me "no" though. Do any of you have any suggestions? Are you have a plan for studying and preparing for the coursework and quizzes/exams? 

Sorry for the long epistle...Ha! 😂

I wish all of you the best of luck! ☺️

Oh gosh I completely get you 100%. I read every forum I could and did so much research and even made myself sick with worry. I got my acceptance and completed drug test and background last week. From what I've seen with this University and program if you get an interview it seems to be more procedural and you can count on the acceptance.

alike you my biggest worry is now clinical placements. I work at a great, well known hospital but my department doesn't really count or help with the FNP/pmhnp program. How did you go about starting that conversation for getting clinical placements? 
 

I will be starting Spring 2025 

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MinasMOM said:

Oh gosh I completely get you 100%. I read every forum I could and did so much research and even made myself sick with worry. I got my acceptance and completed drug test and background last week. From what I've seen with this University and program if you get an interview it seems to be more procedural and you can count on the acceptance.

alike you my biggest worry is now clinical placements. I work at a great, well known hospital but my department doesn't really count or help with the FNP/pmhnp program. How did you go about starting that conversation for getting clinical placements? 
 

I will be starting Spring 2025 

I got admitted to the dual program! Yay! Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
MinasMOM said:

Oh gosh I completely get you 100%. I read every forum I could and did so much research and even made myself sick with worry. I got my acceptance and completed drug test and background last week. From what I've seen with this University and program if you get an interview it seems to be more procedural and you can count on the acceptance.

alike you my biggest worry is now clinical placements. I work at a great, well known hospital but my department doesn't really count or help with the FNP/pmhnp program. How did you go about starting that conversation for getting clinical placements? 
 

I will be starting Spring 2025 

I sure hope that's the case with the interview and getting in. My anxiety has been through the roof. 

As far as clinical placement, you need to network. 

Think about any APRNs you know. Do you work with any now? Are there any nurses you've worked with in the past who are now practicing APRNs?

These APRNs need to have at least 1 year experience in practice as an APRN, not as a nurse because of the obvious difference in roles. 

I say APRNs, because you should consider all your options: FNPs, PMHNPs, CRNAs, CNMs. 

If you know any APRNs, whether you worked with them in the past or currently, I would start with those you know. 

The way I initiated conversation is first telling them I intend to start NP school. Then, I would ask if they have ever taken on NP students and if they have any interest in taking me on as an NP student. I make sure to tell them I am not expecting to start clinicals until the second year. According to CCN's course plan, the first year is comprised of classroom-type courses, like those 3 P's classes. 

I had one NP who didn't given me a straight answer. She said she's taken students before, but since the hospital her clinic is affiliated with is in the middle of a merger, she has the understanding there is a hiring freeze. I'm not sure if she told me this to avoid telling me "no" or if she legitimately believes the hiring freeze includes NP students. I checked with the hospital, and there is no freeze preventing new NP students. Either way, she didn't say "yes" but she didn't tell me "no" either. Since I have a year (if I'm accepted) to make it happen, I may approach her again at a later date. In the meantime, I looked at other options. 

If you have to look at providers in areas you don't know, I would first ask any you do know if they can make recommendations. For example, all the midwives and NPs I know in OB/GYN are retired or moved away...part of the reason I was freakin' out. I asked two NPs who I was already talking to about clinicals if they knew of any OB/GYN advanced level providers. Both said they knew of providers, one they both knew personally. They assured me they would introduce me to this OB/GYN provider a little later so I can establish a relationship and inquire whether or not she will take me on as a student. 

Also, I asked the Graduate Student Service Coordinator if a physician could serve as a clinical preceptor, and she told me a physician could. I'm assuming CCN realizes that finding NP preceptors may be difficult in some areas and make an allowance for MD/DO preceptors. I actually know a OB/GYN very well and fully intend on hitting her up if this deal with the midwife falls through. Obviously, it would make more sense to have APRNs for clinical, but sometime we just gotta do what we gotta do. 

Another thing... I have read several online comments saying that NP students have had to sit out a whole year because of losing a preceptor. I'm assuming these students secured a preceptor and then the provider couldn't follow through with their end of the agreement for whatever reason. Whatever the reason, it's an obvious problem. I'm also reading that many preceptors are wanting to receive payment for doing it. I understand that some universities will actually provide stipends or payment to preceptors for their students. With that said, I am almost willing to bet CCN does not do this. So, I would advise you bring that up in the beginning. If you find a potential preceptor, I would ask if they expect payment for serving as your preceptor. While I do not plan on paying anyone to precept me, I am blessed to know my future preceptors (minus the midwife) really well and know I won't have to. So, you need to decide upfront if you will pay them (if they insist on it) and if you can afford to. 

 

I know there are some places you can look to find preceptors for students.

Here's a list of links I saved that were helpful:

That link to the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties looked really interesting and full of information/tools that may be extremely helpful. 

I worry about securing a preceptor and something happening, leaving me like those other students... not having a preceptor, losing valuable time and money, because I have to sit out a semester or year trying to secure another. So, I'm actually looking into backup preceptors. I guess you could say I'm extra like that...LOL!! I'm talking to a few and explaining that I have some secured but would they consider me as a student in the event that an agreement fell through. One has already said "sure". I'm also going to see if I can get a preceptor-student contract from CCN early-on and be proactive in getting those agreements signed well in-advance. Then, I plan to follow-up with those preceptor about 6 months prior to clinicals starting to ensure they are still willing to precept me under the terms of our agreement. I figured this will give me ample time to fall on my backup options and demonstrate proactivity, seriousness, and professionalism throughout the process. 

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sanchsomie said:

I got admitted to the dual program! Yay! Thanks

Congratulations! That is excellent news and one less weight off! Hopefully they won't make me wait long before telling me something also. 

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JustAnotherNurse13 said:

Congratulations! That is excellent news and one less weight off! Hopefully they won't make me wait long before telling me something also. 

I was told that they are accepting a lot of students since the program is mostly online and the clincals arrangements are done by the students. So, as long as you submit all of the requirements you will get your acceptance letter.

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JustAnotherNurse13 said:

Congratulations! That is excellent news and one less weight off! Hopefully they won't make me wait long before telling me something also. 

Oh! I remembered you applied for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Are you going to start in the fall or Spring? If you start in the fall and I'm accepted and start in the fall also, we must become friends and study buddies. I am all about having resources and "phone a friend" when things get tough. 

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JustAnotherNurse13 said:

I sure hope that's the case with the interview and getting in. My anxiety has been through the roof. 

As far as clinical placement, you need to network. 

Think about any APRNs you know. Do you work with any now? Are there any nurses you've worked with in the past who are now practicing APRNs?

These APRNs need to have at least 1 year experience in practice as an APRN, not as a nurse because of the obvious difference in roles. 

I say APRNs, because you should consider all your options: FNPs, PMHNPs, CRNAs, CNMs. 

If you know any APRNs, whether you worked with them in the past or currently, I would start with those you know. 

The way I initiated conversation is first telling them I intend to start NP school. Then, I would ask if they have ever taken on NP students and if they have any interest in taking me on as an NP student. I make sure to tell them I am not expecting to start clinicals until the second year. According to CCN's course plan, the first year is comprised of classroom-type courses, like those 3 P's classes. 

I had one NP who didn't given me a straight answer. She said she's taken students before, but since the hospital her clinic is affiliated with is in the middle of a merger, she has the understanding there is a hiring freeze. I'm not sure if she told me this to avoid telling me "no" or if she legitimately believes the hiring freeze includes NP students. I checked with the hospital, and there is no freeze preventing new NP students. Either way, she didn't say "yes" but she didn't tell me "no" either. Since I have a year (if I'm accepted) to make it happen, I may approach her again at a later date. In the meantime, I looked at other options. 

If you have to look at providers in areas you don't know, I would first ask any you do know if they can make recommendations. For example, all the midwives and NPs I know in OB/GYN are retired or moved away...part of the reason I was freakin' out. I asked two NPs who I was already talking to about clinicals if they knew of any OB/GYN advanced level providers. Both said they knew of providers, one they both knew personally. They assured me they would introduce me to this OB/GYN provider a little later so I can establish a relationship and inquire whether or not she will take me on as a student. 

Also, I asked the Graduate Student Service Coordinator if a physician could serve as a clinical preceptor, and she told me a physician could. I'm assuming CCN realizes that finding NP preceptors may be difficult in some areas and make an allowance for MD/DO preceptors. I actually know a OB/GYN very well and fully intend on hitting her up if this deal with the midwife falls through. Obviously, it would make more sense to have APRNs for clinical, but sometime we just gotta do what we gotta do. 

Another thing... I have read several online comments saying that NP students have had to sit out a whole year because of losing a preceptor. I'm assuming these students secured a preceptor and then the provider couldn't follow through with their end of the agreement for whatever reason. Whatever the reason, it's an obvious problem. I'm also reading that many preceptors are wanting to receive payment for doing it. I understand that some universities will actually provide stipends or payment to preceptors for their students. With that said, I am almost willing to bet CCN does not do this. So, I would advise you bring that up in the beginning. If you find a potential preceptor, I would ask if they expect payment for serving as your preceptor. While I do not plan on paying anyone to precept me, I am blessed to know my future preceptors (minus the midwife) really well and know I won't have to. So, you need to decide upfront if you will pay them (if they insist on it) and if you can afford to. 

 

I know there are some places you can look to find preceptors for students.

Here's a list of links I saved that were helpful:

That link to the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties looked really interesting and full of information/tools that may be extremely helpful. 

I worry about securing a preceptor and something happening, leaving me like those other students... not having a preceptor, losing valuable time and money, because I have to sit out a semester or year trying to secure another. So, I'm actually looking into backup preceptors. I guess you could say I'm extra like that...LOL!! I'm talking to a few and explaining that I have some secured but would they consider me as a student in the event that an agreement fell through. One has already said "sure". I'm also going to see if I can get a preceptor-student contract from CCN early-on and be proactive in getting those agreements signed well in-advance. Then, I plan to follow-up with those preceptor about 6 months prior to clinicals starting to ensure they are still willing to precept me under the terms of our agreement. I figured this will give me ample time to fall on my backup options and demonstrate proactivity, seriousness, and professionalism throughout the process. 

Yeah. The dual program is 4 years. Vickie sent me the plan of study and it's 4 years. So, if you can't find clinical placement you might end finishing the program in 5 years plus sometimes you have to pay to get into clinical placement. That's what happened to some of the students that is currently in the program and just graduated.

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JustAnotherNurse13 said:

Oh! I remembered you applied for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Are you going to start in the fall or Spring? If you start in the fall and I'm accepted and start in the fall also, we must become friends and study buddies. I am all about having resources and "phone a friend" when things get tough. 

I got accepted for fall 2024. Vickie sent me the plan of study for the dual program and it's a 4 year program around 93 credits. The challenge is clinical placement. If we can't find clinical placement on time we have to be prepared to add extra semesters or years to finish. I know some students end up finishing in 5 years

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