Graduate Nursing Program FAQs

Will I be required to come to campus?

Though you are welcome to visit anytime, most of our programs can be completed without coming on campus. The only exceptions to this are our nurse practitioner programs, which require one on-campus session devoted to clinical preparation, simulation and Objective Skills Competency Evaluations (OSCEs). The dates and times of the on-campus session will be provided upon admission to the program and will occur typically the second week of July and will last 3-4 days.

How much interaction will I have with my instructors and classmates?

We have developed our courses to provide a high degree of engagement and feedback for online students. You will be able to communicate with your professors and classmates via chat, email, virtual office hours, discussion boards and forums. Bellarmine University also offers online tutoring options.

The majority of course work will be completed in an asynchronous format, meaning that you can complete your work and online activities on your own time. Some online courses may meet synchronously, however, attendance during synchronous class will be optional. Faculty will have the date and time of any optional synchronous meetings posted on the syllabus at the beginning of the semester. In addition, all faculty will have a minimum of two virtual office hours each week to provide students an opportunity to meet and ask questions or receive feedback. Virtual office hours attendance is based on student need and is not required.

How are online courses structured?

Bellarmine University uses Moodle, an internet-based course management system that provides a website for every class. Moodle allows students and instructors to participate in class activities online. Course materials, discussion boards, virtual chats, online quizzes, grades and more can be stored on this online platform.

Faculty use a combination of strategies to ensure you receive a high level of interaction and instructor feedback. Examples of interactive learning strategies that may be utilized within a course include video lectures, instructional videos, virtual learning activities, PowerPoint presentations, discussion boards and reading assignments. 

Moodle will be utilized in every course and the format of every Moodle page will be set-up to look similar. This will ensure that you are always working within a standardized course layout and navigation system. We want our students to devote their time to coursework rather than technology.

Do online students receive professional advising?

Yes, all students are assigned a faculty advisor upon admission. Your faculty advisor will assist you in creating a plan of study, registering for courses and guiding you through the educational process. Our goal is that every student will complete their desired degree. We will work with you to make your educational goals attainable. 

Do I need to arrange my own clinical site?

If you are a resident of Kentucky, we have a graduate practicum coordinator who will place you in a site. If you are outside the state of Kentucky, then you are responsible for securing your own clinical site.

Do I need to arrange my own clinical site?

If you are a resident of Kentucky, we have a graduate practicum coordinator who will place you in a site. If you are outside the state of Kentucky, then you are responsible for securing your own clinical site.

Can I work while in the program?

We find that during the first year of the program most students can maintain normal work requirements. During the second year, the "specialty" year clinical rotations start, and most successful students tend to go part time or PRN at their employment to satisfy clinical hours.

Is there a background check?

Yes, a background check and drug test is required. Additional details will be shared with you closer to your program start date.

Financial Aid and Paying for School

Consider looking at outside funding opportunities, some of which can be found here: Nursing Funding Opportunities 

For questions related to financial aid, student loans, processing of aid, you will want to contact the Office of Financial Aid. They can be reached at finaid@bellarmine.edu or 502-272-7300.  

• Tuition rates can be found on this webpage: Graduate Tuition Rates 
• If you are utilizing a partner discount, the discount will be automatically applied to your account. No additional documentation required.  

For questions related to billing, paying your bill, tuition rates and more, you will want to contact the Office of Student Accounts. They can be reached at studentaccounts@bellarmine.edu or 502-272-8264. 

If you are a Bellarmine employee utilizing your tuition benefits, please meet with Human Resources to discuss your benefits fully. 

Program of Study/Curriculum 

You can view your program of study on this site: Current Nursing Students. If you have questions about your program of study, please contact your admissions contact or program chair. 

What are the technology requirements for an online program?

You will need a computer with broadband internet access, a microphone and video camera (built-in or added), flash player and audio (built-in or speaker). The Bellarmine University Technology Support Center is available to assist online students with technical questions.

Students will be using the online testing platform, Examsoft, and the digital clinical experience platform, Shadowhealth. You will be given instructions to download these products closer to the start of the program. Shadowhealth is NOT compatible with iPhone/iPad products. So, please keep in mind that you will be using both Examsoft and Shadowhealth when you are deciding to purchase a new device or checking the current electronic device(s) you have.

Examsoft
Examsoft is the testing platform name, but the program/app you will be using is called Examplify. View the recommended devices or to check to make sure your current device meets the requirements. If you have a 2018 MacBook Pro, we highly suggest you contact Examsoft to ensure you have the correct patch once you have downloaded the Examsoft program. Until then, please refer to the above website to check your device compatibility.

Shadowhealth
You will use Shadowhealth in multiple classes. View the device requirements and keep in mind that Shadowhealth is not compatible with iPhone or iPad products.

NOTE: Specific courses may require additional software purchases. Any additional software requirements will be provided at the time they are needed in a course.