DISTANCE LEARNING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The PhD in Nursing program is taught using distance learning technology in the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer courses are taught on the 无码专区 campus. (International students may attend classes on campus.)
In order to participate effectively in 无码专区's courses, you must have full access to a reliable laptop/desktop. Your computer and communications hardware and software should meet or exceed the following requirements as listed in the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Computing Requirements (listed below).
Both Mac and PC platforms are acceptable operating systems for academic use in the College. iPads (Apple iOS) and Tablets (i.e.: Android, Samsung, Amazon Fire, etc. operating systems) ARE NOT RECOMMENDED because of nursing course content compatibility issues and online distance learning requirements.
Each student is required to have a local installed copy of Microsoft Office. Enrolled students can download Microsoft office for either Windows or Mac operating systems.
For additional information regarding technology requirements and support, you may visit University Information and Technology.
Important information is available below regarding the University鈥檚 authorization status, students鈥� responsibilities related to relocation and programs leading to professional licensures, and the complaint process for online students.
IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR ONLINE PROSPECTIVE AND CURRENT STUDENTS REGARDING STATE AUTHORIZATION FOR ONLINE PROGRAMS
无码专区 is committed to offering our online programs to a geographically diverse population of students. In order to do so, we must seek approval where necessary and applicable to offer online education to students residing outside of the state of Pennsylvania.
This page provides information on the current status of the University鈥檚 authorization for its online programs as well as the complaint process for online students. Our team continues to monitor this complex and dynamic environment and will update the below guidance as new information becomes available.
Authorization Details
无码专区 has been approved by the state of Pennsylvania to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. As of July 1, 2017, there are 47 member states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information on the reciprocity agreement, please visit the NC-SARA website.
Participation in NC-SARA enables students in all member states to enroll in online programs offered by the College of Engineering, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, the School of Business, the College of Nursing* and the Charles Widger School of Law, subject to any professional licensure requirements. Applicants residing in non-SARA states should inquire with the individual program departments regarding eligibility to enroll in specific programs of interest.
*Certain enrollment restrictions may apply to programs offered by the College of Nursing, given the intricate relationships with the state boards of nursing. In addition, it is a student鈥檚 responsibility to secure externship or clinical experiences required for select programs. Any associated delays in the securing of these assignments could postpone associated coursework. Please contact an administrator in the College of Nursing for the specific program of interest for additional details.
International Students
International students who are considering enrolling in a 无码专区 online program should thoroughly research the applicable country鈥檚 laws and regulations regarding online program authorization, enrollment guidelines, degree recognition, and how the collection of student data may be used in the country, prior to beginning a course of study. Some countries do not formally recognize online degrees from foreign countries, which could have implications on future employment, educational or professional licensing opportunities. In addition, there may be specific tax implications for students who enroll in online degrees in foreign countries. It is a student鈥檚 responsibility to research and seek the appropriate guidance regarding any pertinent non-U.S. laws and regulations or special requirements pertaining to online degrees prior to enrolling.
Relocation
Prospective or current students who plan to relocate while enrolled in an online program should discuss their plans with a program administrator to assess any potential impact on their course of study. Students who relocate to a state or country in which their respective program is not currently authorized may experience a delay in their studies or may not be able to complete the program in which they initially enrolled. It is a student鈥檚 responsibility to seek guidance from his/her program administrator prior to relocation.
Programs Leading to Professional Licensure
Prospective students considering a professional licensure should contact the appropriate licensing agency in their respective state or non-U.S. location prior to enrolling in an academic program. Educational and professional requirements and qualifications vary by state and country, and it is the student鈥檚 responsibility to seek the appropriate guidance before beginning any academic program. For information on professional licensure requirements, please visit the website of the specific program of interest.
Complaint Process for Online Students
Online students should follow the University鈥檚 established internal complaint process. Students residing in SARA member states who are not satisfied with the outcome of the institutional process can appeal the decision to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the PA SARA portal entity, using the provided form. Please note that complaints about grades and student conduct are governed entirely by 无码专区鈥檚 institutional policy. Students can also contact the appropriate agency in their home state. For a complete list of consumer complaint contact information by state, please reference this list.