Why should I choose A-State for this MSE degree program over any other school?
Our highly respected faculty members are passionate about their work and have real-world experience as counselors. Many have served as school counselors or work in private practice. The program offers various concentrations, allowing students to pursue the track that aligns with their interests. Coursework is comprised of 48 credits compared to other CAEP programs that […]
Why would I want to pursue an MSE in Crisis and Trauma Counseling?
Bullying, violence, and post-COVID challenges are impacting students in schools from K–12 to higher education. Specialized school leaders who can successfully address these challenges are in high demand. Many students are dealing with serious mental health issues, suicide and homicide rates are on the rise, and these issues impact student, staff and school safety. By […]
What type of skills would someone gain from this MSE program and how would they apply those skills when working with students?
You will develop specialized skills in critical areas including active listening, counseling and group facilitation. Learn how to build or enhance comprehensive counseling programs that are data-driven, experiential, relevant, and culturally responsive and hone your ability to connect with students so they can grow and succeed. Gain hands-on experience through internships, applying learned skills in […]
What type of skills would someone gain from this MSE program and how would they apply those skills when working with students?
You will develop specialized skills in critical areas including active listening, counseling and group facilitation. Learn how to build or enhance comprehensive counseling programs that are data-driven, experiential, relevant, and culturally responsive and hone your ability to connect with students so they can grow and succeed. Gain hands-on experience through internships, applying learned skills in […]
What type of student comes into this MSE program and what would motivate me to pursue this degree?
Most students who enroll in the program are educators working in the school system as paraprofessionals or administrators, while some are career-changers who come from other fields. Many are already taking on counseling roles without being formal counselors. You might be motivated to enter this program if you are facing boundaries in teaching but still […]
General Concentration:
The General Concentration Track is the only track with a clinical component, setting it apart from the other tracks that don’t offer diagnosis and treatment courses. In addition to taking fundamental courses that elevate your mindfulness while working with students struggling with mental health issues, you will converse with outside mental health counselors to learn […]
How will this MSE program prepare me to handle the diverse needs of students experiencing trauma and crisis?
Our collaborative, experienced faculty are well-equipped to guide you through protocols and district policies. You are also welcome to speak to their advisors to ensure they follow protocols. Regular team meetings are held to discuss ongoing concerns and the final exam, which covers a comprehensive range of topics, provides valuable data on student competency.
Special Populations Concentration:
The Special Populations Track helps you determine which population you want to work with and how you can best help students within that population. Learn strategies for teaching gifted and talented students, English Language Learners (ELL), and students with disabilities and develop your critical thinking skills in a hands-on learning environment where you will be […]
This MSE program seems to have a wide range of people from across the country. Will we have a opportunity to interact and learn from each other?
Yes, classes are highly interactive. You can engage with classmates online with faculty assistance or on your own via weekly peer responses. These interactions help build empathy, understanding and respect and contribute to a sense of empowerment, resilience, and connectivity among students. Since K-12 students use tech to interact, and counselors need to meet students […]
How does the MSE program stay current with the latest research and best practices in trauma and crisis counseling?
Our highly experienced and knowledgeable faculty members are actively engaged in research and publishing their findings. They regularly present at conferences and stay updated on the latest developments in trauma and crisis counseling and some faculty members sit on related editorial boards. During this program, you will research evidence-based programs and practices, integrating what you […]
Are the online DNP programs accredited?
Yes, all of the online DNP programs are accredited by ACEN.
Where can I complete my clinical requirements?
Clinical requirements can be completed in Jonesboro, AR, and the surrounding areas. Additionally, midway through the program, there may be an option to complete clinicals in Memphis, TN.
What are the DNP program concentrations?
A-State offers three (3) concentrations for the online DNP program. Choose from the DNP – General, DNP – Leadership, and DNP – Education, depending on your career aspirations and interests.
Is the Accelerated BSN program accredited?
Yes, the Accelerated BSN program is accredited by ACEN.
How many clinical/field hours are required in the program?
The program consists of 750 lab, clinical, and field hours.
What are the in-person requirements for clinicals?
Students will have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday clinicals throughout the entire program. The number of clinical days every 7 weeks depends on the credit hours of the course. Per each credit hour, the student will complete 30 hours of clinical. Therefore, a three-hour course yields 90 in-person hours.
Are there in-person or clinical site components in the DNP program?
The DNP students do not complete traditional clinicals, but they are responsible for completing practice experiences. These experiences are not precepted; the hours come from a combination of course assignments and asynchronous learning experiences approved by the course faculty. The student must achieve 1,000 clinical hours as a combination of MSN hours, three DNP internship […]
Will I be able to talk to my online instructors?
Absolutely. Instructors will have optional online office hours each week to interact with the class, conduct active learning exercises, and more. If these times interfere with the student’s schedule, a student can easily schedule a meeting with the instructor.
Will I complete a DNP project, and when will this start?
Yes, you will complete either a quality improvement or policy change project. This project is based on a needs assessment at your predetermined project site. Most students complete their projects at their place of employment. Others complete a project elsewhere, which will require an affiliation agreement. A needs assessment and project proposal begin in NURS […]
Can I continue working while obtaining my DNP degree?
Yes, while this program is accelerated, the program at A-State is designed to be completed alongside your full-time career. The DNP program is offered part time and full time to better fit your lifestyle and work commitments.
Who can apply to this Accelerated BSN program?
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree in any subject, have completed all the prerequisites, and meet our GPA requirements can apply. This is a prelicensure program, therefore it is not necessary to already be a nurse.
How do I determine my sequence of courses?
The DNP student will be assigned a student advisor. The advisor will contact the student to discuss the individual degree plan designed to fit the student’s part-time or full-time plan.
Does A-State help with clinical placement?
Yes, we supervise all clinical placements in the program, ensuring that students do not have to worry about this aspect at all.
I do not live in Arkansas. Is this program available in my state?
Students from states outside of Arkansas should consider the in-person clinical requirements of the program. Students will be required to commute or relocate to Jonesboro, AR to complete their clinical requirements at an approved clinical site. For state program approvals, please refer to our State Authorization & Licensure Disclosures page.
Do I need to have a nursing license in Arkansas to complete the Accelerated BSN program?
Students are not expected to have a nursing license upon entry into the program.
What are NRSP courses?
NRSP courses are nursing practicum courses. The first two in the curriculum are NRSP 2391 (Health Assessment Practicum) and NRSP 2321 (Fundamentals of Nursing Practicum). These courses teach you how to assess a patient and simulate skills BEFORE attending clinicals in a hospital. The remainder of NRSP courses are all clinical rotations. Starting in term […]
How much of this BSN program is completed online?
Being a prelicensure, practice-based degree, there are certain elements of the curriculum that need to be taught in-person. The didactic courses (courses with a prefix of NRS) will be completely online. NRSP courses (with the exception of NRSP 2391) will require in-person attendance.
Does the Accelerated BSN program accept transfer credits?
Students should have a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for admission into the program.
What can I do with a DNP degree?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of nursing, and this program prepares nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, healthcare systems, and policy making. This advanced degree will provide the nurse with skills to translate research into practice with the emphasis of utilizing evidence-based practice to make positive changes, thus improving patient outcomes in […]
As an eligible Amazon Career Choice participant, do I need to pay an application fee for A-State programs?
Career Choice participants will have their application fee waived upon applying to their selected program.