Frequently Asked Questions, Native Nurses Career Opportunity Program in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota

NNCOP Scholarship Program Questions

1.

How many scholarships are offered each year?

NNCOP seeks to fund at least five (5) students per academic year.

2.

What areas of study are considered for funding?

Due to the large need of AI/AN MS prepared nurses in Public Health Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery, and Nurse Anesthesia, the NNCOP program as advised by USDHHS-IHS gives priority to funding students studying in these areas. Currently, the other areas of study are also considered for funding.

3.

Do students have to attend full-time or can they attend part-time?

To be eligible for the NNCOP scholarship, a student must be enrolled full-time (6 credits minimum).

4.

How long does the scholarship last?

The NNCOP Scholarship is awarded for one academic year. Therefore, students must reapply for further funding. Students may receive a maximum of 4 years of funding.

5.

Are non-AI/AN students eligible for this scholarship?

The NNCOP is intended for high ability AI/AN nurses who will use their MS degree to serve and advocate for AI/AN's and their health care. However, MS students who work primarily with the AI/AN population can also apply for this scholarship.

6.

What is USDHHS-IHS payback?

If you are awarded a NNCOP Scholarship for any semester(s), you will be required to sign a "Indian Health Service Nursing Scholarship Program Contract." After you graduate from the MS program, you will be obligated to serve (work) a period of one (1) year for each year of scholarship support (but to serve no less than two (2) years) in an approved USDHHS-IHS facility.

Students who have been awarded NNCOP Scholarships should thoroughly read the contract before signing and accepting the award as the contract is a legally binding document.

7.

How do I apply for the NNCOP Scholarship?

More information about applying for the NNCOP Scholarship can be found here.

8.

What assistance will the NNCOP program staff provide?

NNCOP seeks to offer resources to students upon entering the MS program and throughout their program until graduation and securing of payback obligation. Assistance includes, but is not limited to, awarding and tracking student funding and disbursement, monitoring student academic progress, notifying students of activities/conferences that further students' professional goals, and assist students through graduation to approved USDHHS-IHS payback placement facilities.

9.

How do I contact NNCOP if I have further questions?

NNCOP contact information is located here.

Masters Program Questions

1.

How long is the MS program?

The MS program requires a minimum of 30 credits depending on the area of study. Typically, it will take more than four (4) semesters averaging two (2) years to complete. Your study area and course load per semester (and if you will attend summer session) will determine the length of your program.

2.

Do students have to attend full-time or can they attend part-time?

A student can obtain their MS full-time (6 credits minimum) or half-time (3 credits minimum). However, to be eligible for the NNCOP scholarship, a student must be enrolled full-time.

3.

What are all the MS study areas?

The MS in Nursing program offers several different areas of study which can be found here.

4.

What are online learning opportunities and long-distance learning?

Online learning opportunities and long-distance learning refer to courses offered via the Internet.

5.

What type of courses are offered through the UMN via the Internet?

The UMN has three categories regarding the online status of a course. All UMN courses have at least a web-presence. These courses meet regularly on campus, but also have a web site that contains the syllabus and perhaps a few additional materials. Web-enhanced courses meet regularly on campus, but use the web to enhance the course material. For example, the syllabus and additional course documents may be placed on the course website, or you may be asked to communicate to your instructor or classmates via email or the discussion area within a course. Web-based courses are delivered almost entirely through the online format.

6.

What are web-based courses really like?

Consider web-based courses as "virtual classrooms" where students interact with their classmates, instructors, and teaching assistants. Students will need to have regular access to a computer and the Internet. Computers will need to meet certain system requirements and be configured to properly to support Vista, the software program through which courses are taught. For the most recent information regarding computer set up, please visit http://www.webct.umn.edu/browser. Registered students have access to the restricted course site and are able to find syllabus information, discuss topics via the discussion area (asynchronous), chat rooms (synchronous), submit assignments, take quizzes and exams, and email classmates or instructors. Typically, students in a web-based course are expected to enter the site several times per week and participate in discussions and/or assignments in addition to preparation time spent reading or working on assignments. Students will be expected to attend on-campus sessions (attendance is usually required) at least 1-2 times per semester (dates are determined by the instructor). These face-to-face sessions enable students and faculty to gain valuable insights from each other and build a sense of community. Many instructors use this on-campus session for student presentations or group activities. Successful students participate actively, use time-management skills wisely, have familiarity with navigating the Internet, and keep a calendar of deadlines for assignments and postings.

7.

Which MS Areas of Study offer web-based courses?

At this time, five areas offer web-based courses and more information can be found here.

8.

Will I have to come to campus for any reason if I take web-based courses?

Students will be expected to attend on-campus sessions (attendance is usually required) at least 1-2 times per semester (dates are determined by the instructor).

9.

How do I apply for the MS program?

Prospective students should be aware that they must apply to both the University of Minnesota-Graduate School and the University of Minnesota-School of Nursing. More information can be found here.

10.

What are the minimum requirements to apply to the MS program?

MS program admissions requirements can be found here.

11.

What assistance will my academic advisor provide?

Your academic advisor will assist you in planning your course curriculum, registering for courses, assisting with petitions and/or paper work pertaining to your curriculum, monitoring your student progress, offer progress advisement, and make recommendations for Plan B (MS Thesis) completion.

12.

What is the cost of attendance?

The most up to date tuition and fees costs for graduate students can be found here. The most up to date cost of attendance for graduate students can be found here.

13.

Are students able to work full-time while attending school?

Working full-time while attending classes may not be for everybody, but some students have managed to balance work and classes successfully by using time management and organizational skills effectively and wisely. However, prospective students should be aware that according to the UMN Policies, "It is expected that the academic work required of graduate and professional students will exceed three hours per credit per week or 45 hours per semester."

14.

Who do I contact if I have further questions about the MS program?

Contact information is located here.