Lincoln Memorial University or “institution” will comply with all standards pursuant to Rule 6E- 2.0041 F.A.C. Delivery of Programs Through Nontraditional Assessments, Modes, and Methods in addition to the Standards set forth by the Commission for Independent Education (“CIE”) in its application for licensure standards.
The following pages will detail by section (as applicable) that Lincoln Memorial University or “institution” has researched, developed, and is in compliance with the Standards of Compliance, listed in BOLD print, for its students pursuant to rule 6E-2.0041 F.A.C.
- Institutions offering nontraditional programs of study shall document that the instructional methods used will lead to the achievement of stated learning objectives and that all nontraditional instruction shall be consistent with the abilities, educational skills, experience, and needs of the students enrolled in the programs.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Nurse Anesthesia (NA) Concentration at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is offered in an online synchronous and asynchronous format with intensive lab experiences and clinical experiences within the greater Tampa, Florida area.
The didactic courses have:
100% of content, instruction, and assessment delivered online, and
online courses must be designated as ONL with the Registrar prior to the start date of the semester.
These courses utilize Canvas as the Learning Management System (LMS). Canvas is a digital solution that enables the highest quality of learning and student management capabilities to correspond with the way education best serves learners. It is used to deliver all online courses across programs at Lincoln Memorial University. Canvas builds targeted communities that engage students via social learning, expand the online classroom experience, and optimize true learning.
The CSON’s offering of online courses supports the University’s mission, the LMU strategic goals, and the LMU institutional goals. The CSON’s Philosophy (excerpted as follows) directly reflects this relationship: “The faculty believe in multiple degree levels of nursing education and encourages the promotion of ongoing/continuing education for nurses. This education is based in an institution of higher learning, consists of both general education courses and nursing courses, and is provided by qualified faculty on site, or may include alternate delivery methods, such as through distance education.”
DNP NA faculty members believe this option can be successfully completed in an online format and all learning objectives can be met. Previous DNP NA students have been successful in mastering learning objectives in selected online courses in previous semesters. The difference is now the entire DNP NA concentration will be offered in an online format. This option continues to require a tremendous amount of face-to-face clinicals, labs, and simulation. The faculty members believe offering these courses online will save students travel time to a campus. - Institutions offering nontraditional programs of study that employ innovative delivery systems or innovative methods, or that carry on research and teaching in emerging fields of study, shall demonstrate that they will achieve the intent of each of the standards contained in Rule 6E-2.004, F.A.C., for the appropriate level of licensure and for annual reviews.
The DNP NA option consists of 109 credit hours. The program goals and student learning outcomes are assessed through the annual collection of outcomes data and assessments, respectively. The yearly collection of findings of these outcomes measures is the responsibility of the Program Director and the Assistant Dean for Graduate Nursing and is reported to the CSON Dean. The outcomes data are collected through exit and alumni surveys, unit and final exams, simulation observations and quizzes, and clinical evaluations. Course evaluations are administered at the end of each semester. Outcomes data are reviewed by the Program Director, Assistant Dean for Graduate Nursing, and the CSON Dean and are used to improve the operations, curriculum, and educational program. The programs also track performance on the NCE exam by cohort. The LMU DNP program's NA concentration is dedicated to achieving the intent of each of the standards contained in Rule 6E-2.004, F.A.C., for the appropriate level of licensure and for annual reviews. - In addition to providing to the Commission the documentation required for each standard contained in Rule 6E-2.004, F.A.C., showing how the intent of each standard will be met in the nontraditional program or delivery system, the institution shall also furnish for each course to be offered:
- A detailed inventory of equipment and supplies to be provided to each student;
Students will complete labs/intensives/simulations at the LMU-Tampa site. The equipment needed for completion of these labs will be provided at the LMU-Tampa site.
Students are expected to have their own computers to complete the didactic courses. - A detailed description of how each program will be conducted, including submission of detailed course outlines, procedures for distribution of materials, examination and evaluation of student work, timely response to students’ questions and comments, record keeping, appropriate student services, and technical support.
Detailed course outlines: Nationally, professionally recognized standards and guidelines are used as the organizing framework for curriculum development within the DNP NA option at LMU. The curriculum is distinct and consistent with established standards. Please see the curriculum digest for more details.
DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Post-Bachelor's Course Descriptions: Please see the courses section of the catalog for more details.
- A detailed inventory of equipment and supplies to be provided to each student;
The distribution of materials:
Learning Management System
Canvas is the electronic curriculum management system of choice at LMU and the LMU Caylor School of Nursing. Canvas allows faculty to organize course information, handouts, lectures, communications, and assessments in a web-based environment accessible to students at any location with an internet connection. Students will be able to locate, download, review, and submit all materials through the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). Posting of course content, exam grades, evaluations, and surveys will be administered through Canvas. Any required textbooks for these courses can be purchased through the LMU online bookstore and shipped directly to the student’s residence.
Zoom Meeting
Zoom is a web-based meeting platform that allows easy-to-connect meetings between administration, faculty, and students. This multifunctional platform is scheduled with or without video and can include up to 50 participants.
Library Resources
The Carnegie-Vincent Library and the Reed Health Sciences Library maintain websites that provide students with access to approximately 260 databases both on-campus and off-campus, tutorials on library resources and search processes, resource guides, contact information for the library and librarians, access to the Piper Online Catalog, information regarding library services, and web-based forms to submit requests for resources to be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan.
Online study material:
The DNP NA option at LMU will provide lecture supportive documents for student to utilize.
- PowerPoint presentations will be used by faculty during lectures and will be posted to the Canvas course site for students to download.
- Supplemental material such as handouts and case studies will be posted to the course Canvas site.
Examination and evaluation of student work:
The evaluation methods used to evaluate didactic content include teacher made exams, presentations, community or facility presentations, discussion boards, as well as written papers. Presentations, papers, and discussion board posts are graded through the use of a rubric which includes grading of appropriate and accurate content, organization of presentation, professionalism, appropriate peer reviewed sources, visual aids, spelling, grammar, and use of correct APA format.
The writing of exams is a group effort by all faculty who teach in a specific course. Exams are blueprinted to the unit content prior to administration and then analyzed after the exam is taken. Exams are scored and analyzed through use of Canvas software for online exams. All exams in the DNP NA option are administered through Canvas, and students must have the Respondus LockDown browser installed. To enhance faculty development, the CSON Dean has presented multiple faculty workshops related to test writing and exam analysis. During these workshops, faculty were taught best practices for writing exam questions and how to interpret the difficulty and discrimination of exam questions. Faculty were also given a list of best practices to follow when determining when a question should be thrown out or more than one answer accepted. Handouts and PowerPoints of these faculty development workshops have been given to new faculty as they are hired.
All courses, with the exception of clinical courses, utilize discussion boards through Canvas as evaluation methods. There is a standardized rubric that faculty use to grade all discussion boards. A copy of the grading rubric will be in each course syllabus.
The DNP NA grading scale is as follows:
The LMU grading system is based on a four-point scale. The grading scale for the DNP NA option is as follows:
|
Points* |
Four-Point Scale |
|
93-100 |
4.00 quality points per credit hour |
|
89-92 |
3.33 quality points per credit hour |
|
83-88 |
3.00 quality points per credit hour |
|
79-82 |
2.33 quality points per credit hour |
|
73-78 |
2.00 quality points per credit hour |
|
69-72 |
1.33 quality points per credit hour |
|
63-68 |
1.00 quality points per credit hour |
|
Below 63 |
0.00 quality points per credit hour |
*Partial points will be rounded to the nearest full point, (e.g., 88.49=88 leads to a grade of B; and 88.50=89 leads to a grade of B+.
PROGRESSION POLICIES
In order to progress in the DNP program in the CSON, the student must:
1. Make a grade of “B” or better in each course of the DNP NA curriculum. Note: a grade of “C”, “C+”, “D”, “D+” or “F” constitutes a failure in the course.
2. Have completed and maintained all health requirements (with all required immunizations updated and on file with CSON).
3. Provide current documentation of BLS certification.
4. Adhere to the code of ethical and professional conduct outlined in this handbook and in the LMU-Tampa Caylor School of Nursing Off-Campus Instructional Site Catalog.
5. Possess a current unencumbered RN license in any state where practice experiences are obtained.
6. Maintain licensure and certification including advanced practice certification, if applicable.
7. Submit to random background checks and random drug screenings.
8. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to progress in the curriculum.
No courses can be repeated.
Students must be aware that matters of plagiarism, unethical, unprofessional, or unsafe conduct may result in immediate dismissal from CSON.
There are several evaluation methods used in the practice area for DNP NA students. Students and faculty maintain ongoing dialog regarding practice experiences and performances. The dialog may occur in virtual class, through email, via phone calls, via practice logs or journals, via web-based communication, or in individual meetings as appropriate. Furthermore, practice evaluation tools for the student, faculty, and practice facilitator are used to structure the formal evaluation of the practice experience. The practice facilitator is asked to voice any concerns regarding the student’s performance. If concerns are voiced, the student is counseled with specific instructions for improved behavior and a follow-up meeting with the faculty will occur. As noted, the practice facilitator is asked to complete an evaluation at the end of the practicum rotation; however, final evaluation of the practice experience is the responsibility of the assigned faculty member.
Practice experiences will be planned by DNP NA faculty. Students are required to maintain logs of practice hours, activities completed, and documentation related to individual student practice goals through Typhon. Faculty review the documents for meeting required practice hour/cases and content requirements.
Faculty and students can maintain communication through phone calls, emails, and Canvas.
Record Keeping:
Lincoln Memorial University will make use of the Canvas Learning Management System, which has functionality to keep track of attendance and for record keeping. As the DNP NA courses will be synchronous, attendance can be tracked.
To maximize the learning experience at Lincoln Memorial University, students are expected to attend all classes. All absences, excused or unexcused, must be brought to the attention of the instructor as soon as possible. All missed coursework, tests/assignments/information are the student’s responsibility.
Student Services & Tech Support:
- Student Services
All graduate LMU Caylor School of Nursing students have access to a variety of student support services through LMU. Information about these services is found on the LMU website and the LMU-Tampa Caylor School of Nursing Catalog. Qualified personnel within their respective offices administer all these services.
Academic Support Services
Academic support for writing and presentations is available through personnel on the main campus. Additionally, students can contact the faculty for further assistance in navigating needed academic support. Support with the DNP Project is available through the student’s committee.
Mental Health Counseling Policies and Procedures
Students have access to confidential mental health counseling and care. The LMU Office of Mental Health Counseling staff helps current students overcome the personal, career, and academic concerns that often stand in the way of them reaching their full potential. The office operates as the primary mental health service for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students enrolled at the University. Counseling services are available through Zoom to the Florida students. Counselors provide free, short-term treatment typically lasting between five to eight sessions per semester; however, treatment may extend beyond eight sessions when appropriate. Counseling provides students with an opportunity to explore their unique problems, difficulties, and concerns with a licensed mental health professional in a safe and confidential environment. LMU Counseling Office Contact: Jason Kishpaugh, LPC- MHSP, Director of Counseling, Duke 202, (423) 869-6277.
Also, the office offers crisis intervention and psychoeducation/ training for the campus community. If students require long-term counseling or treatment needs exceed the scope of practice, the counselors will work with students to find appropriate off-campus treatment options. Students who secure services in the community are responsible for paying for those services. Most community providers accept insurance. Some have a sliding scale fee schedule for students who do not have insurance covering mental health services. Information regarding counseling services is presented during student orientation and available on the LMU website.
A mental health representative will be accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from wherever students are located through contracted services with Empathia. Empathia links students with licensed counselors for up to five confidential sessions per semester. Services include free, 24/7 counseling, even on holidays, provided in the way most convenient for the student: chat, telephone, text, or live video. Empathia, through its website or app, can provide referrals for local resources, daily living needs, utilities, and childcare, as well as expert consultations for finances, legal needs, and life. Articles, assessments, calculators, videos and other resources are also available to help students with their daily well -being. Instructions on utilizing Empathia are published on the LMU website, including a toll -free phone number students can call.
On an annual basis, LMU provides opportunities for faculty to engage in developmental sessions related to dealing with troubled or difficult students and training related to suicide prevention.
Physical Health Services
All full-time nursing students are required to have health insurance. Those students not covered by their parents’ insurance or another insurance plan must obtain coverage through the University. Students must sign a form confirming their health care coverage. Students will have access to non-emergent medical care based on their private health insurance plans.
Career Services
The LMU Office of Career Services provides career counseling, career exploration, interest assessments, and other resources such as resume construction, cover letters, and interview preparation. The University does not guarantee job placement upon program completion or graduation.
Financial Aid and Debt Management Counseling Opportunities
The nursing programs are served by the Department of Student Financial Services for all Bursar and Financial Aid functions. The Financial Aid Department is a centralized service that houses 10 team members. A Financial Aid Counselor is assigned to counsel students and administer entrance and exit counseling for those students who choose to borrow for their education, providing an emphasis on responsible borrowing. The Counselor provides information to potential students as well as continuing students on deadlines and financial aid procedures, all of which are published on the LMU website.
Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE)
In its mission to promote quality educational opportunities both inside and outside the classroom for faculty and students, the CTLE supports the University in its mission to provide instructional and learning supports that ensure graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to "communicate clearly and effectively in an era of rapidly and continuously expanding communication technology.” The CTLE provides faculty, staff, and students with resources, training, workshops, documents, videos, links, and other types of effective teaching and learning tools, techniques, and practices.
Comprised of a Director of Online Learning, Chief Instructional Technologist, and an Assistant Instructional Technologist, the CTLE staff support faculty directly by providing a course development and review process to ensure quality, consistency, and effectiveness across all course offerings. This support includes regularly scheduled one-on-one and group training workshops in course design, online instructional pedagogy, and focused aide in ensuring programs and courses meet the diverse needs of learners in a modern classroom. The CTLE serves students across all program levels (undergraduate and graduate) and at all locations. The CTLE Student webpage (https://www.lmunet.edu/ctle/students/) on the University website provides students access to resources, study tips, tutorials, research, educational apps, and other supports. Similarly, the CTLE Faculty webpage (https://www.lmunet.edu/ctle/faculty/) provides instructional resources, teaching tips, tutorials, research, educational apps, and other supports. To further support LMU faculty, the CTLE staff publishes the annual Online and Hybrid Instructor Guidebook. This guidebook contains requirements and best practices for teaching online and hybrid courses at LMU.
A primary function of the CTLE is to support faculty and students in the navigation and effective use of Canvas - the University's web-based learning management system. As all courses within the University employ Canvas, the CTLE is dedicated to providing aid to faculty and students to ensure their confidence in and grow their ability to effectively utilize all aspects of the platform. Both groups are provided with a self- paced step-by-step training course designed to familiarize them to the resource and its features as it relates to each respective group. Faculty have access to further training on the integration of various instructional tools within the Canvas platform to maximize the student experience and create a more engaging learning environment.
Accessible Education Services
The Office of Accessible Education Services at Lincoln Memorial University is dedicated to ensuring equal educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The primary purpose of this office is to provide supportive measures to help achieve an inclusive learning environment. By offering a range of services and accommodations tailored to individual needs, students can be equipped with the tools needed for success. The office collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to implement and coordinate accommodations, fostering an inclusive campus community. Additionally, the Office of Accessible Education serves as a resource for students with disabilities, offering guidance on available services, advocacy, and promoting awareness of disability-related issues across the University. The ultimate goal is to create an educational environment where all students can thrive and participate fully in academic and extracurricular activities, regardless of their abilities. Contact information for LMU’s Office of Accessible Education Services is located in course syllabi under the “Students With Disabilities Policy” heading.
Title IX & Institutional Compliance
The Office of Title IX & Institutional Compliance at Lincoln Memorial University is dedicated to upholding the University's mission and values by ensuring compliance with equal opportunity, affirmative action, and nondiscrimination policies. This office investigates allegations of prohibited discrimination, harassment, and retaliation within the academic community and provides appropriate training to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Additionally, it oversees the University's compliance with federal law, including Title IX, and coordinates responses to allegations of discrimination on the basis of sex. Through its efforts, the office promotes an environment conducive to growth and learning for all members of the LMU community.
- Technology Support
There is an IS technician at the LMU-Tampa site Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30 pm. The technician is available to troubleshoot any issues the student may be having.
In addition, the main IS office is located on the main campus to ensure that technology and technological support is readily available to students and faculty. A University HelpDesk for IS support is available when the LMU-Tampa Computer Support Technician is not in the office.
At the beginning of the nursing program, students are oriented to the University’s HelpDesk for IS support. Students can access the HelpDesk by calling (423) 869-7411 or (800) 325-0900, ext. 7411, or the HelpDesk can be reached by logging onto https://www.lmunet.edu/information-services/. The regular “walk- in” and phone HelpDesk hours are from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Extended phone and web-based support are provided from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Weekend coverage is also available by phone or web access on Saturdays and Sundays, 7:00 am to 11 pm.
- Institutions holding license by means of accreditation as defined in subsection 6E- 2.002(3), F.A.C., may substitute proof of such accreditation, in good standing, for the requirements of Rule 6E-2.0041, F.A.C.
Lincoln Memorial University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Lincoln Memorial University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Lincoln Memorial University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
The LMU Caylor School of Nursing DNP program which will be offered at the LMU-Tampa site is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This accreditation was awarded in Spring 2020 and is valid for eight years.
Lincoln Memorial University received its initial License by Means of Accreditation (LBMA) for LMU-Tampa on June 7, 2023. The University continues to submit reports annually and strives to remain in good standing with all CIE requirements including Rule 6E-2.0041, F.A.C.
- Awarding of credit
- Units or credits applied toward the award of a credential in nontraditional programs may be derived from a combination of any or all of the following:
- Units or credits earned at and transferred from other postsecondary institutions, when congruent and applicable to the receiving institution’s program and when validated and confirmed by the receiving institution.
No nursing courses will be transferred into the DNP NA option. - Successful completion of challenge examinations or standardized tests demonstrating learning at the credential level in specific subject matter areas.
This rule is non-applicable as the DNP NA option does not award credit for challenge examinations. - Prior learning, as validated, evaluated, and confirmed by qualified instructors at the receiving institution.
This rule is non-applicable as the DNP NA option does not award credit for prior or experiential learning.
- Units or credits earned at and transferred from other postsecondary institutions, when congruent and applicable to the receiving institution’s program and when validated and confirmed by the receiving institution.
- Units or credits applied toward the award of a credential in nontraditional programs may be derived from a combination of any or all of the following:
- Graduation requirements for nontraditional degree programs shall include provisions for general education appropriate to the type of degree, as specified in Rule 6E-2.004, F.A.C. The Doctor of Philosophy degree, commonly abbreviated Ph.D., shall not be offered or awarded through distance or nontraditional learning without appropriate accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The DNP NA curriculum plan does not require general education courses. A Ph.D will not be offered at the LMU-Tampa site.
- At least 25 percent of the units required in a nontraditional degree program shall be given by the institution awarding the degree, and shall not be derived from any combination of transfer, examination, or experiential learning; however, credits earned by active U.S. military members are excluded from this requirement due to the transient nature of the service. Credit awarded for prior experiential learning shall follow the requirements of subsection (5) of this rule, and shall not exceed 25 percent of the units required for completion of the program.
The DNP NA option requires 109 credit hours. All 109 credit hours must be taken through the CSON at LMU.
- Direct contact instruction. Institutions licensed to operate in Florida and wishing to offer programs or courses through directed individual and group study using direct contact instruction shall describe the teaching-learning methodology to be used, and shall submit illustrative course outlines and competencies and all other documentation as required in Rule 6E-2.004, F.A.C., for the appropriate level of licensure or for subsequent annual reviews. This rule is non-applicable to the institution as it will offer indirect contact instruction as detailed in the next rule.
- Indirect contact instruction.
- Institutions licensed to operate in Florida and wishing to offer programs or courses through individual and group study mediated and assisted by telecommunications, computer augmented educational services, facsimile transmission, the postal service, or another technological method, shall describe the teaching-learning methodology to be used, and shall submit illustrative course outlines, competencies and all other documentation as required in Rule 6E-2.004, F.A.C., for the appropriate level of licensure or for subsequent annual reviews.
The institution will offer indirect contact instruction for all of its students via the Canvas LMS system. The program catalog and syllabi provide the required information pertaining to course objectives, descriptions, competencies, and other documentation as required in Rule 6E-2.004, F.A.C., and based on this information, the institution will be in compliance with this Rule.
- In addition to the other requirements of Rule 6E-2.004, F.A.C., an institution offering instruction by correspondence shall employ a sufficient number of qualified instructors to assure that:
- The academic content is designed by qualified faculty; and
- Each student lesson, project, examination, or paper is evaluated by qualified instructors, and the instructor’s response to or evaluation of each is sent to the student within a reasonable time as disclosed to the student.
All academic content has been designed by qualified faculty and academic administration, as evidenced by each faculty member's CIE Personnel Data Forms (Instructional and Admin forms), which were submitted as part of the institution's Application for Provisional Licensure. The content will be reviewed for accuracy by the faculty on a regular basis. A policy of academic freedom encourages faculty to provide material relevant to the course that will challenge a student's thinking and prepare them for occupational challenges and scenarios that may arise during their career.
The CSON has sufficient faculty to teach, support, and evaluate students in their coursework and graded assignments. All faculty members are given and required to read and sign the faculty handbook.
Online course faculty receive support and guidance from University staff, which include the LMU Director of Online Learning as well as the Chief Instructional Technologist. These individuals ensure that CSON faculty are trained in online pedagogies and follow established LMU policies for online learning. Dr. Elizabeth Stewart serves as the LMU Director of Online Learning. Dr. Stewart has earned a PhD in Computer Technology in Education, an EdS in Computer Technology in Education, a MS in Computer Technology in Education, and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University. The LMU Chief Instructional Technologist who assists Dr. Stewart is Ms. Erika Eschberger. She has earned a Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) from Florida State University, as well as a BS in Psychology from Lynn University. Other instructional technologists are employed by LMU to assist students and faculty with online issues they may experience.
All LMU-Tampa faculty members are trained in utilization of Canvas and online teaching and learning methodologies as appropriate. Any LMU Caylor School of Nursing faculty member who teaches online, or desires online teaching and learning methodologies, works closely with the University Director of Online Learning and the University Chief Instructional Technologist, to design and develop each online course using industry- standard instructional design techniques.
Student Access to Faculty
Students will have access to faculty during synchronous class times on a weekly basis. Faculty are also available through regularly scheduled office hours each week as needed. Students can attend meetings with faculty through Canvas, Internet chat, web conferencing, or via telephone. In instances where faculty and students cannot connect in real-time, the policy at LMU-CSON is to return communications via email, telephone, or in- person within 24 hours (48 hours on the weekend). Faculty will also aim to grade or submit feedback to students within seven days after the due date for an assignment.
- For programs that require the development of a manual or technical skill, such as the use of equipment or tools, the institution must ensure that the student has the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience appropriate to master the skill. This experience, wherever gained, shall be documented in the student’s file and shall be done under proper supervision and with meaningful evaluation of the competency outcomes. The technical aspects must be designed by qualified technicians.
The DNP NA option teaches the student to administer anesthesia to various types of patients. This skill is learned throughout the 36 month, 109 credit hour curriculum. Students also learn how to operate and maintain an anesthesia machine.
- Institutions licensed to operate in Florida and wishing to offer programs or courses through individual and group study mediated and assisted by telecommunications, computer augmented educational services, facsimile transmission, the postal service, or another technological method, shall describe the teaching-learning methodology to be used, and shall submit illustrative course outlines, competencies and all other documentation as required in Rule 6E-2.004, F.A.C., for the appropriate level of licensure or for subsequent annual reviews.
- Credit for prior learning. An institution may grant credit to a student for prior experiential learning only if all of the following apply:
The DNP NA option at LMU does not accept credit for prior learning, thereby making this section non-applicable.- The prior learning is equivalent to the level of learning in which the student is enrolling.
- The prior learning is demonstrated to provide a balance between theory and practice, for academic programs; or a verifiable mastery of appropriate skills, for vocational courses or programs. For courses or programs requiring a combination of theory and skills, the prior learning is demonstrated to provide the appropriate combination.
- The credit awarded for the prior learning directly relates to the student’s course or program and is applied in satisfaction of some of the credential requirements.
-
College and Institution level learning for which credit is sought shall be documented by the student in writing, and validated, confirmed, and evaluated by faculty qualified in that specific subject area, who shall ascertain to what college or Institution level learning the student’s prior learning is equivalent, and how many credits toward a degree may be granted for that prior learning. The faculty evaluating the prior learning shall prepare a written report indicating all of the following, which report shall be retained by the college or Institution for review by visiting Commission representatives upon request:
- The documents in the student’s file on which the faculty relied in determining and confirming the nature of the student’s prior learning;
- The basis for determining that the prior learning is equivalent to college or Institution level learning, and demonstrates a balance between theory and practice; and
- The basis for determining to what college or Institution level the prior learning is equivalent, and the proper number of credits to be awarded toward the degree, based upon that prior learning.
-
No more than 25 percent of the units required and validated through the institution’s internal review process for a degree shall be awarded for prior experiential learning.
- Credits earned in a compressed time period. Institutions licensed in Florida and wishing to offer courses or programs in a compressed time period shall show evidence to the Commission that the intent of all standards for licensure, as set forth in Rule 6E- 2.004, F.A.C., shall be met.
This rule is non-applicable to the DNP NA option within the CSON at LMU.
- Instructors. Institutions licensed to operate in Florida and wishing to offer nontraditional programs or courses shall employ or contract with appropriately qualified instructors sufficient in number to provide the instruction, student interaction, and learning outcomes evaluation necessary for the institution to document the achievement of its stated purpose, and for students to achieve the specific learning objectives and competencies required for each program so offered. It shall be the responsibility of the licensed institution to validate each instructor’s competence to use the interactive electronic media program or distance learning program effectively and to provide training in the use of the delivery system if needed.
Faculty members working in the DNP NA option meet all academic requirements as stated by the Florida Board of Nursing (FLBON), the Florida Department of Education Commission for Independent Education (FLDOE CIE), Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Faculty are listed on the faculty page of the LMU-Tampa Caylor School of Nursing Off-Campus Instructional Site Catalog.
- Library and other learning resources.
- Institutions licensed to operate in Florida and wishing to offer nontraditional programs or courses shall document to the Commission how they provide, ensure, and maintain access for all students to the information resources and services appropriate to support each program or course.
The building that houses the DNP NA is equipped with a library that maintains a collection of over 200 print items with room for 3,500 more. Students and faculty have access to more than 434,000 eBooks and 73,000 print books. Also available are 85,000 full-text journals, which are provided through approximately 260 databases and 52 nursing-specific journal titles. In addition, there is access to an extensive online media collection (music and videos) of 92,280 items. A dedicated Health Sciences Librarian & Library Systems Coordinator staffs the location for 40 hours per week.
The librarians and CSON faculty collaborate to secure appropriate library resources for the nursing programs. Librarians regularly utilize Doody’s Review Service, Choice Reviews, Resources for College Libraries, and the CSON faculty and students as additional resources to assist with collection development. In this way, librarians, nursing faculty, and nursing students work together in a collaborative effort to constantly maintain up-to-date resources developed from CSON requests and collection development initiatives. The library regularly monitors and refreshes nursing collections/holdings as needed. Historical materials, such as titles with content by nursing theorists, are included in the library holdings and are labeled as such.
Tutorials and Other Learning Resources Available to Students
The Carnegie-Vincent Library and the Reed Health Sciences Library maintain websites that provide students with access to approximately 260 databases both on-campus and off-campus, tutorials on library resources and search processes, resource guides, contact information for the library and librarians, access to the Piper Online Catalog, information regarding library services, and web-based forms to submit requests for resources to be borrowed through Interlibrary Loan. - Institutions shall document how they provide, ensure, and maintain the security of examinations and papers.
All student files are maintained in a locked room or office. At the LMU-Tampa site, these rooms and offices are located in the Nursing Suite. These records are not accessible to students.
Student files may include (but are not limited to) health information, copies of transcripts, recommendation letters, application to the nursing program, and classroom and/or clinical counseling records. Password-protected student information available through WebAdvisor includes student profiles, class schedules, grades, student accounts, and financial aid information. Records accessed through WebAdvisor are not available to the public, but only to the student, administration, and faculty.
Exams are kept by the faculty in a locked file cabinet. When exams are given, they are loaded into Canvas by faculty, and the student must have the Lockdown Browser installed on their computer when taking the exam. - Institutions shall collect and use student evaluations of content, delivery, and services.
Students in each nursing course will complete course evaluations at the end of each semester. Course evaluations at LMU are completed online through the University to ensure anonymity. The LMU Office of Institutional Effectiveness facilitates the course evaluation process and assists faculty members as they use their evaluation data to make improvements.
In addition to course evaluations, the CSON sends out surveys to all graduating students, employers, and alumni. This data is collected and utilized in the annual Outcomes Assessment Report (OAR) that nursing submits to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness each June. Anonymity is ensured with each of these surveys.
- Institutions licensed to operate in Florida and wishing to offer nontraditional programs or courses shall document to the Commission how they provide, ensure, and maintain access for all students to the information resources and services appropriate to support each program or course.
- Laboratory experiences. In the case of courses in the experimental or clinical sciences, or other courses requiring hands-on experience, each licensed institution wishing to offer nontraditional programs shall document to the Commission prior to program approval; that arrangements have been made to ensure that the requisite laboratory, field, or equivalent experience is available to and used consistently by every enrolled student. Such experience shall be documented in the student’s file, and shall occur under appropriate supervision and meaningful evaluation of the competency outcomes.
Each DNP NA student will be required to complete lab experiences at the LMU-Tampa site. The lab will be equipped with necessary equipment and supplies to complete the required hours.
There are 29 credit hours of clinical required in the DNP NA option so that students can obtain the mandatory number and types of anesthesia cases. The CSON has obtained written confirmation from AdventHealth hospitals in the Tampa area that they will provide clinical opportunities for the CSON DNP NA students to complete this clinical.
- Catalog. Each institution licensed in Florida and wishing to offer nontraditional programs or courses shall comply with all requirements of Rules 6E-1.0032 and 6E-2.004, F.A.C., and in addition shall publish information in the catalog, whether printed or electronic, pertaining to each of the following:
- The institution’s policies and procedures for the award of credit for prior learning, including confirmation and validation, assessment policies and procedures, provisions for appeal of decisions, limitations on the number of credits that may be awarded in this manner, and all fees that a student may be required to pay.
The CSON at LMU does not award any credit hours for prior learning for DNP NA students as stated in the LMU-Tampa Caylor School of Nursing Off-Campus Instructional Site Catalog.
- The institution’s policies regarding the acceptance of credits earned by the student through successful completion of challenge examinations or standardized tests, acceptable scores for each, whether and how many times examinations may be repeated to achieve an acceptable score, limitations on the number of credits that may be awarded in this manner, and all fees that a student may be required to pay.
The CSON at LMU does not accept any credit hours earned through challenge exams or standardized tests for DNP NA students as stated in the LMU-Tampa Caylor School of Nursing Off-Campus Instructional Site Catalog.
- If the institution offers instruction by correspondence, schedules for normal progress or completion of the course or program, and all fees that a student may be required to pay.
The CSON at LMU does not offer instruction by correspondence for the DNP NA option as stated in the LMU-Tampa Caylor School of Nursing Off-Campus Instructional Site Catalog.
- The institution’s policies and procedures for the award of credit for prior learning, including confirmation and validation, assessment policies and procedures, provisions for appeal of decisions, limitations on the number of credits that may be awarded in this manner, and all fees that a student may be required to pay.
- Student Records
- Institutions wishing to offer nontraditional programs or courses shall maintain a file for each student and shall be available to the Commission upon request at each location and translated into English and; conforming to the general requirements of Rule 6E- 2.004, F.A.C., and contain the following:
- All documents evidencing a student’s prior learning upon which the instructors and the institution base the award of any credit or credential.
For admission into the DNP program NA concentration, the student must have graduated from an accredited baccalaureate nursing program. The student’s transcript from the baccalaureate nursing program will be on file in the Registrar’s Office.
For admission into the DNP program NA concentration, the student must have an unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse. This documentation will be housed in the student’s advising file in the CSON office. - For directed individual or group contact instruction, copies of the learning agreements or learning contracts signed by the instructors and administrators who evaluated the agreements and contracts.
This Rule is non-applicable as the courses offered in the CSON DNP NA do not require directed instruction.
- All documents evidencing a student’s prior learning upon which the instructors and the institution base the award of any credit or credential.
- An academic transcript shall be maintained, kept current, and retained permanently for each student. Institutions offering nontraditional courses and programs shall adopt a policy requiring that credits awarded for prior learning, including internal credit by challenging examination, shall be so identified on the student’s academic transcript. Institutions shall adopt a policy regarding the length of time for retention of records documenting evaluation, assessment and awarding of nontraditional credit. Retention time shall be sufficient for reasonable future review and confirmation of student work.
At LMU, the Office of the Registrar houses official student academic records. Records of all students enrolled for credit coursework are computerized. The Office of the Registrar backs up all computer files on a daily basis.
The Registrar maintains each student’s permanent record. The record may contain the following information:-
Personal data (e.g., name address, social security number or numeric identifier)
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A chronological summary of Lincoln Memorial University coursework and grades
- Transfer credits, special credits (SC), and credits by examination (CE)
According to the Registrar at LMU, retention and disposal policies and procedures for student records comply with recommendations of the American Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers. These policies and procedures are deemed in the best interest of the student and the Institution.
Any physical documents are maintained on campus in a secure, fireproof area. Transcripts may be requested through the website (https://www.lmunet.edu/registrar/transcript-requests) or by contacting the Registrar’s Office.
As previously stated, the CSON DNP NA option does not award credit hours for prior learning including internal credit by challenge examination.
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- Institutions wishing to offer nontraditional programs or courses shall maintain a file for each student and shall be available to the Commission upon request at each location and translated into English and; conforming to the general requirements of Rule 6E- 2.004, F.A.C., and contain the following:
- Fair consumer practices, as described by Sections 1005.04 and 1005.34, F.S., and Rule 6E- 1.0032, F.A.C., shall be followed by the institution in all aspects of its operation.
The institution shall follow all Fair Consumer Practices outlined by the F.A.C. and the CIE as described in all applicable sections as it pertains to obtaining and maintaining licensure. The institution administration has read and understands all information required of the institution as described by Sections 1005.04 and 1005.34, F.S., and Rule 6E-1.0032, F.A.C. and will continually abide by these regulations on an ethical and ongoing basis during operations once approval has been granted to the institution by the CIE.