FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RN PROGRAMS 

What is the UD Online delivery system?

Courses are available in a variety of formats including web classroom, CD-ROM, and web-enhanced. Students using these formats may take exams at their worksites and forward other assignments directly to their professors. Local students may also register independently and come to campus for exams. Students may view online course demonstrations at www.udel.edu/UMS/itv/demo

Are University of Delaware Nursing Programs accredited?

All undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are fully accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission. The Baccalaureate and Master’s programs hold preliminary approval from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

What about admission? Do I have to become admitted prior to taking a course?

No, in fact we encourage you to take at least one non-nursing course prior to matriculation (formal admission) to the University. Courses taken as a continuing education student at the University can then be applied to a degree program if you decide to pursue the BSN. However, you must be a matriculated student to enroll in a nursing course.

Can I transfer credits for courses taken at other accredited institutions of higher education?

The University accepts baccalaureate credits from institutions that are fully accredited by the appropriate accrediting association. Credits completed with a grade of “C” or higher, must be applicable to a degree program offered by the University. Transfer students are required to complete their last 30 credits through the University of Delaware .

Can I obtain credit for previous knowledge or experience?

The University provides to all matriculated and continuing education students the opportunity to obtain college credit by examination for demonstrated competence attained through professional experience, independent study, or some similar learning experience, but not by previous enrollment in a course. This option is available for non-nursing courses only, not nursing courses. General inquiries concerning credit by examination should be directed to the department offering the course for which the student seeks credit.

What about registration? When does that take place?

Distance learning courses operate on a semester schedule. The semesters include the major semesters in fall and spring, and two special sessions in summer and winter. Winter session courses are available in a concentrated five-week period and summer session courses span seven and one-half weeks. Registration information is available through the UD Online office.

How much does it cost to take a course in the UD Online format?

A current fee schedule for courses (worksite and non-site individual rates) is available on the UD Online web site. Fees are subject to change.

My agency is not an official UD Online Worksite; can I still participate?

A hospital or other healthcare facility or business can become a worksite by signing an agreement form. The worksite designates a coordinator for the distance learning course delivery mode who is then responsible for the administration of exams If your agency chooses not to become a worksite, contact Anne Derbyshire at aderb@udel.edu to discuss further options and for additional information about becoming a participating worksite.

How many times do I need to come to the Newark campus?

RN to BSN students must attend two 1-credit on-campus weekend courses (NURS 335, NURS 450). RN to MSN students must attend one 1-credit on-campus weekend course (NURS335). All other nursing courses are available in a distance learning format. In addition, non-nursing support courses are available via the distance delivery system.

What about questions I may have regarding course work? How do I contact the appropriate professor?

After registering for a course, you will receive access to an online course syllabus listing the name, phone, fax numbers and e-mail address of the professor. We encourage frequent interaction using the most accessible and convenient means of communication.

How do I get textbooks?

You will receive a textbook order form with your course registration materials. Textbooks may be ordered online, fax, phone or mail for direct mailing to your home.

What about library resources?

Each student is provided information on how to access the University of Delaware library including electronic databases. Orientation to the Morris Library on the Newark campus is a component of NURS 335, the first on-campus weekend course.

Is financial aid available to part-time students?

Qualified part-time matriculated students may be eligible for financial aid including student loans. For more information, call 1-800-597-1444, or email UD-online@udel.edu, and we will connect you with the financial aid counselor at the ACCESS Center .