Since its inception, the graduate program has sought out excellent baccalaureate prepared nurses in pursuit of advanced nursing education. Not only does the Capstone College of Nursing offer the master of science in nursing in case management for rural populations, but we also offer dual degrees in conjunction with the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration (M.S.N./ M.A.). A new masters focus was launched in 2006 for the Clinical Nurse Leader, a nursing role designed to improve patient outcomes for the future of nursing. Graduates of the MSN program may sit for a number of case management certification exams or the clinical nurse leader certification exam with the appropriate clinical experience requirements. Students may choose to attend the MSN program on a part-time or full-time basis, and all classes may be completed fully via a distance learning modality. In addition, for the registered nurse who holds an associate degree in nursing and meets the required admission criteria, we offer an R.N. to B.S.N./M.S.N. track..<br><br>In the Fall of 2007, the first cohort of students was admitted to a new program of study offering a M.S.N./Ed.D and Ed.D. The MSN/Ed.D. or Ed.D. for Nurse Educators Programs begin with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) leading to a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.). This program is designed to prepare practicing nurses for faculty professorship positions in higher education. The Capstone College of Nursing graduate program holds unconditional accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. A new cohort of students will be admitted to the MSN/Ed.D. or Ed. D. for Nurse Educators Program each fall semester.<br><br>In August 2008, the first students were admitted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a joint program offered by The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing (UACCN), the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (UABSON), and the University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing (UAHCON). The DNP is a practice-focused degree to prepare graduates to practice at the highest level in specialty practice or to assume leadership positions in health care.<br><br>The goal of all our degree programs is to produce qualified and caring advanced practice nurses prepared to face the challenges of the future in nursing. If you are interested in our graduate programs, please visit the Future Students site. If you are a current student, information of interest is available at the Current Students site.