Nursing
What nursing programs does Spring Arbor University offer online?
Spring Arbor University offers seven CCNE-accredited online nursing programs:
What do the residencies consist of and are they mandatory?
The residency is a 3-day visit to our main campus during the 2nd year of the program and is tied into the Health Assessment Course (7th course). It is a practicum that provides students with clinical opportunities to further refine and practice history taking a physical examination. You will meet their professors, fellow classmates and gain a personal sense of community within the program. We offer discounted rates in the nearby hotels in the area.
How do clinicals work? Does Spring Arbor University assist with placement?
The Spring Arbor University School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SONHS) is responsible for ensuring adequate and sufficient clinical experiences for students in all programs, including students enrolled in distance programs. Clinical placements are arranged by the SONHS Clinical Coordinator for students in campus-based programs. For those students in distance programs, the program fosters interprofessional collaboration practice by allowing students to play an active role in selecting preceptors from varied practices. The SONHS asks the students to participate in finding clinical preceptors/sites using resources provided by the program including existing approved preceptors and clinical sites. However, if a student is unable to find a clinical preceptor(s)/site, the SONHS will provide the student with a clinical site, which may not be in the geographic location of the student but will provide the student an adequate experience to meet the program outcome.
Is it an option to conduct clinicals at different sites with different field experience?
Yes, especially during the FNP program.
Are there scholarships or discounts available for your nursing programs?
At the graduate level there are no scholarships or discounts available. Students will work with our finance team to discuss possible outside resources available to help individualize their plan.
Do you offer graduate scholarships and loans for your nursing programs?
Loans are available for those nurses who qualify.
Can I take more than one nursing class at a time?
Students can only take one course at a time (excluding clinical & residency). Our programs are uniquely designed for working nurses to be able to advance their education while continuing to work shifts.
How flexible is the nursing program if I work full time?
The flexibility of the program attracts students with all sorts of work schedules. The program is designed for full time working nurses. We follow the flexibility of the 7-1-7 model where students take one class at a time every 7 weeks with a week break in between. There are no set login times and students have access to their classroom any time.
The flexibility of our clinical requirement is also beneficial to the students. You will choose your own preceptor in your home state. Students who work M-F can find clinical experience to complete during the weekend. Some students have the opportunity to reduce their schedule to M-Th while completing the clinicals as well and do their clinicals on Fridays. The faculty are very supportive and work with students to offer this flexibility.
How accessible are the nursing professors and how supportive is the SAU Online staff?
Very accessible and supportive. Typically professors will give out their phone numbers to have students connect. Support staff is here as a liaison for the student at all times.
What is your pass rate for the NP test?
88% first time pass rate / 100% of students who have taken the exam have passed it.
How do transfer credits work from prior graduate courses taken?
We accept a maximum of nine transfer credits from prior graduate courses taken. Transcripts will be evaluated to ensure there is a 100% course for course match. If the courses don’t match we cannot guarantee transfer. We usually ask that the student provides course syllabi in their application process to make the evaluation of credits seamless.
How much will it cost to get my nursing degree?
Nursing education is an investment. To help you see a return on your nursing educational investment sooner, Spring Arbor University offers competitive tuition rates. You can find more details here.
Do I have to be a Christian to participate in a nursing program?
Our online nursing programs emphasize a Christian worldview that will better prepare you to meet the spiritual and physical needs of those for which you care. This does not mean you need to be a Christian to enroll in our programs; all health care professionals – no matter their background or beliefs – will benefit from the recognition of a spiritual component to nursing.
What type of support will I receive as an online nursing student at SAU?
As an online nursing student at Spring Arbor University, you will have direct access to dedicated educators who are known for their active involvement in improving nursing care, and you will have your very own Student Success Coach who will walk beside you and offer support throughout your program.
Is there a waiting list for Spring Arbor University Online’s nursing programs?
There isn’t a waiting list for any of Spring Arbor University’s online nursing programs. You can start now by filling out the form on this page.
What are the entrance requirements for the RN-BSN program?
To be accepted in SAU Online’s RN-BSN program, you must meet the following requirements:
- An associate degree in nursing from an accredited school or a diploma from a National League for Nursing (NLN) accredited school
- Completion of at least 58 transferable semester hours
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all prior college work
- Demonstrate computer literacy
- Unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment
What are the entrance requirements for the RN-MSN programs?
To be accepted in SAU Online’s RN-MSN programs, you must meet the following requirements:
- Associate degree from a regionally accredited institution and nursing program (CCNE or NLN)
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
- Unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment
What are the entrance requirements for the MSN programs?
To be accepted in SAU Online’s MSN programs, you must meet the following requirements:
- A BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and nursing program (CCNE or NLN)
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
- Unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment
Are SAU’s online nursing programs accredited?
Yes, SAU’s online nursing programs are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) – an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health.
What is the duration of SAU Online courses?
Courses are 7 weeks in length typically 3 credit hours.
How many people are in each class?
Typically our nursing classes have 20-25 students.
How long does it take to complete an online nursing program?
- SAU’s online RN-BSN program can be completed in as few as 20 months.
- SAU’s online RN-MSN/NP programs can be completed in as few as 48 months.
- SAU’s online RN-MSN/Education program can be completed in as few as 42 months.
- SAU’s online RN-MSN/MBA program can be completed in as few as 54 months.
- SAU’s online MSN/NP programs can be completed in as few as 24 months (AGNP 24, FNP 30).
- SAU’s online MSN/Education program can be completed in as few as 24 months.
- SAU’s online MSN/MBA program can be completed in as few as 36 months.
- SAU’s online Post-Master’s Cert programs can be completed in 8 to 18 months, depending on necessary prerequisites and the program you choose
What concentrations are offered in an MSN/MBA program?
SAU offers five concentrations in its MSN/MBA program:
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resource Development
- Management
- Organizational Consulting
- Executive Leadership
To find out more, visit our MBA page here.
What tracks are offered in an MSN/NP program?
SAU offers two tracks in its MSN/NP program:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology, Primary Care
Find more information visit our MSN/NP program page here.
Q: What are the entrance requirements for the Post-Master’s Cert programs?
To be accepted in SAU Online’s Post-Master’s Cert programs, you must meet the following requirements:
- MSN degree from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Official graduate transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- A 3.0 GPA calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits
- An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment
