If you have any additional questions not addressed here, please email the CNL Program.

What is a CNL?

This video provides a great description of the CNL role in healthcare.

CNL Role


What can I expect upon graduation from this program?

Our graduates have an extremely high employment rate and are typically employed in RN roles in various healthcare settings. Graduates who take and pass the CNL Certification Exam are eligible for employment in those roles as well.


If my ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner or a Nurse Anesthetist, is this a good path for me?

If you are not currently an RN, the Augusta University pre-licensure CNL program is a great way to begin your journey toward these goals. We structure our programs in a way that makes it easy for students to transition to these advanced programs at Augusta University.

Please be sure to check admissions requirements for your program of interest to be sure that you are adequately prepared.

Please note that the DNP programs require a grade of "B" or better on your statistics prerequisite course. If you currently have a grade of "C" in statistics and plan to go directly into the DNP program, you will want to consider repeating this course before beginning the CNL program.


I'm an LPN.  Am I eligible for this program?

Yes, as long as you have a Bachelor's degree in a field other than Nursing, and meet other admissions requirements, you can be considered for the program.


I'm an RN. Am I eligible for this program?

No, the pre-licensure program prepares individuals to take the RN certification exam upon graduation.


Can I work full-time or part-time while enrolled in the CNL program?

We strongly advise that you do not work while you are enrolled in the program. As a full-time student in an accelerated program, your schedule will be very full and we cannot make any accommodations for a student's work schedule.


Would I be allowed to take additional classes outside of the program (transient status) while enrolled?

Because of the high demands of the CNL pre-licensure program, taking outside classes while enrolled is not allowed without permission from the program director and Academic & Student Affairs Administration.


What is the typical CNL student schedule like?

Our courses are offered during the day-time hours only and the majority of the classes are held in-class, on the Augusta and Athens campuses. Some courses do have online components as well. Our students are in class, lab, simulation, or clinical 4-5 days every week.


What are the technological expectations in the program?

Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of computer skills and online learning systems.

Students are required to purchase their own laptop computer for use throughout the program. Please check the minimum specifications for a laptop used for the program. Students are expected to have a laptop that meets all specifications prior to the first day of class. 


Need help with NursingCAS?

Watch the webinar recording for help or learn more by reading their help center page.

Contact NursingCAS Customer Service: 617.612.2880 or complete a contact form.


How do I check my application status?

Verified applicants can check the status of their application by using the following link.

If you do not know your user ID or password, please enter the email address used to create your NursingCAS account. If your account is not verified, please contact NursingCAS to check your application status.


Contact Us

Master of Science in Nursing

cnl@augusta.edu

706.721.9767

Jean-Marie Smith

Program Manager (Augusta)

Jennifer Broxton, DNP

Program Director

If I do not meet the minimum undergraduate GPA, am I still eligible for admission?

Our admissions process is competitive and we suggest doing everything you can to meet the minimum criteria in order to be considered by the Admissions Committee.

If you have not completed all of your prerequisite courses, this can be a way to boost your undergraduate GPA if you are able to perform well in those courses. Be sure to send us an official copy of your transcript each time you complete a course so that we can update your calculated GPA.


How is the cumulative undergraduate GPA calculated?

The CNL program uses ALL academic undergraduate college-level courses attempted to calculate the cumulative undergraduate GPA. I, W, S, U, V, K, and NR are included in the GPA. In addition, we do not honor grade forgiveness or the +/- addition to a grade. Career technical, development/remedial, and military credits do not count as an academic credit.


How do I know if my prerequisite courses are acceptable?

Please use our Transfer Equivalency Guide to evaluate your transcripts. If you have a class that is not listed in our guide that you would like evaluated, please submit a course description and/or syllabus to here.


Can I take the prerequisite courses at Augusta University?

Yes. You will need to complete a separate application for admission as an undergraduate non-degree seeking student. Please click this link to apply.

Prerequisites can also be taken at other regionally accredited colleges and universities. If you have questions about a specific course's transferability, please check the Augusta University Transfer Equivalency Guide or submit a course to be evaluated here

Prerequisite Required AU Course Equivalent
Human Anatomy and Physiology (8 credits) 
Must be completed within the last 10 years.

BIOL 2251 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 
BIOL 2252 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Microbiology (3 credits)
Must be completed within the last 10 years.
BIOL 2600 - Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health
Chemistry with lab (4 credits) CHEM 1151 - Survey of Chemistry I or
CHEM 1211 - Principles of Chemistry I
Statistics (3 credits) MATH 2210 - Elementary Statistics (formerly MATH 1410, both are accepted)
General Psychology (3 credits) PSYC 1101 - Introduction to General Psychology
Human Growth and Development - Lifespan (3 credits) PSYC 2103 - Introduction to Human Development

 


Do you accept CLEP credit for the prerequisite courses?

We currently accept CLEP credit for the General Psychology and Human Growth & Development prerequisites. For more information about CLEP testing, please review https://clep.collegeboard.org/exams and http://www.augusta.edu/tds/clep.php


I'm ready to apply! What do I need to do?

The College of Nursing only accepts applications for admission through a centralized application system, NursingCAS.

Please visit this page for application process details.

 


How can I make my application stand out?

  • Meet or exceed ALL minimum admissions requirements.
    • A grade of C or higher is required for all prerequisite courses, although A's and B's are preferred.
  • Have a basic understanding of the staff nurse and Clinical Nurse Leader roles.
  • Request references from professional sources.
    • Professional sources may include a former/current manager, a former/current professor or teacher, or a healthcare professional who has observed you in a professional setting.
    • References from healthcare professionals who are family or friends will not strengthen your application package.
    • It is not necessary to do a "shadow" experience, although this may help you to determine if nursing is the right career path for you.
  • Be sure that your application essay answers the questions that are asked.
  • Traits we are considering when we are reviewing your application include maturity, intellectual curiosity, resourceful and self-directed, proficient use of technology, integrity, leadership, and healthcare experience. Keep this in mind and provide examples that help us understand how you demonstrate these elements. 
  • Have someone else proofread your essay to check for content, flow, spelling, and grammar.

I have applied for admission online.  How do I know if my transcripts, recommendations, and test scores have arrived?

Please continue to check your NursingCAS applicant portal to ensure that your official transcripts and recommendation forms are received. When all transcripts are received and verified by NursingCAS, your information will be submitted to Augusta University. From there, the program manager will keep you updated throughout the admissions process via email.



Does Augusta University College of Nursing provide scholarship opportunities?

The Augusta University College of Nursing offers several recognition and scholarship opportunities available to nursing students.


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