Program Admission Requirements
To be admitted as a regular student, the applicant must:
- Submit a completed graduate admission application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Submit a scholarly narrative of 1-2 pages of personal philosophy of education and goals.
- Submit current curriculum vita.
- Submit three letters of reference: two from individuals who can attest to research and scholarship and one personal reference.
- Submit the completed and notarized criminal background check affidavit.
- Have earned a master’s degree in a healthcare related field from an accredited school.
- Have earned a GPA of > 3.0 on master-level courses.
- If professionally licensed, registered, or certified in a healthcare related field, have an active, unencumbered license, registry, or certificate with no pending legal or state board action.
- Be eligible to re-enter any previously attended college or university in good standing. If previously enrolled in a Ph.D. program, the applicant must provide a letter of good standing from that program.
- Demonstrate computer literacy involving proficiency in word processing, email correspondence, and the Internet.
Transfer Credit
The individual student is responsible for requesting possible transfer credit and providing the appropriate documents, course catalog description, and syllabus for review by the Program Director. A maximum of eight hours may be transferred from a master’s program and no more than six semester hours may be transferred from a doctoral program. No master’s level courses will be accepted as transfer for WCU 700 and 800-level courses. Transfer credit cannot be received for HAE 7530 , HAE 8010 , HAE 8020 , HAE 8030 , HAE 8040 , or HAE 8050 . There is a transfer credit fee for each hour of transfer credit awarded.
Students with a practice doctorate will be awarded 20 credit hours by merit of the doctoral degree. There is a transfer credit fee for each hour of transfer or practice doctorate credit applied.
Health Status Requirements
All students entering HAE courses are required to have on file a completed College of Health Sciences History and Physical form and official documentation of having received the immunizations, vaccinations, and/or test results of the items listed below. Failure to provide the required documentation will prevent the student from continuing in the program and/or in the practicum portion of a course(s), which will result in failure of the course(s). Students are responsible for the cost of meeting the health status requirements.
- Hepatitis B immunization series OR a positive titer;
- Two Varicella immunizations OR a positive titer;
- Tdap immunization;
- MMR immunization;
- Two-step TB test OR QuantiFERON Gold OR two consecutive negative annual tests OR a clear chest X-ray (if results are positive);
- Evidence of current (annual) Influenza vaccination;
- COVID-19 vaccination OR submission of a medical/religious waiver request (if approved, student must provide fit testing documentation);
- Negative 10-Panel drug screen; and
- Any other healthcare facility requirements.
CPR Certification Requirement
All students must complete (re)certification of CPR for the Healthcare Providers by the American Heart Association. This will be done at an institution of the student’s choice. Students are responsible for submitting evidence of current certification; failure to do so will result in the inability to attend the practicum portion of a course and failure of the course.
Criminal Background Check
All students enrolled in HAE courses must have clearance of criminal background checks performed within the last two years by the MS State Department of Health or equivalent agency if licensure is in a state other than Mississippi prior to participating in HAE courses. This is a mandatory requirement as part of the Mississippi state law, Section 43-13-11 of Mississippi Code of 1972.
After initial enrollment, any subsequent disciplinary action, arrest, charge, addiction, or impairment shall also be reported immediately to the program head. Failure to report all subsequent disciplinary actions, arrests, or impairment will constitute falsification of records and may result in expulsion from the program.
Drug Testing
All students will be required to have drug screens prior to practicum courses or provide proof of a clear drug screen within the last year. Random drug screening can be performed at the discretion of the College of Health Sciences. Refusal by a student to submit to testing will result in denial of admission for new students and immediate dismissal from the program for continuing students.
Any student who tests positive for illegal drugs must withdraw from practicum courses. The student may apply for readmission after a six-month waiting period. Readmission will be based upon the student’s overall academic standing and admission criteria as any new student making application. Students are responsible for the costs associated with criminal background checks and drug screenings.
Technology Requirements
Technology is an essential and integral aspect of online courses. The student must have access to a computer and stable connection to the internet on a regular basis. A high-speed internet connection, such as a cable modem or DSL line, is preferred. The student will need access to Word, PowerPoint, and an Excel software program, for example: Microsoft Office 365. Students will also need access to audio through speakers and the capability to record through a microphone for selected web-enhanced assignments. The Office of Information Technology provides useful technology information at https://www.wmcarey.edu/office/information-technology.
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