1. When can I register for the course? When can I start the course?
How long do I have to complete the course?

Admission for the fast-track courses is rolling, by semester. You can work at your own pace, and start after the semester starts, however you must complete the course by the close of the semester. Please see the table below for specific information:

2. How many hours should I plan on spending on this course?

A 3 credit course takes an average of 126 hours of work, although this varies from person to person. You can choose to complete the course in the normal 14 week period or condense this and spend more hours per week on the course. If you are taking NSG 214 (Anatomy and Physiology I & II), which is a 6 credit course, you can expect to spend 252 hours.

3. Are there specific computer services or software I need to take this course?

For the most up-to-date information on the Technical Requirements needed to take a course, please visit http://www.son.rochester.edu/son/movies/online-learning-center/online-learning-center and click on Technical Requirements.

There may be challenges viewing the optional video clips in some courses due to the limited bandwidth associated with dial-up modem connection. If you have dial-up modem internet service and you experience difficulty, please contact your faculty who can work with you for alternative strategies to view the optional video clips. Alternatively, past students have been able to view the videos at a public library or other alternate locations that provide Internet access.

Lectures are provided using PowerPoint software. If you do not own a copy of Microsoft Office, there is free conversion software, PowerPoint Viewer, for both PCs and Macs that can be used to facilitate the viewing of the PowerPoint lectures. This is available on-line at www.microsoft.com.

4. How will I get the log-on information I need to start the course?

You will receive an email within 48-72 hours after you register with your log-on, password, new University of Rochester email address (if applicable) and the web address for Blackboard, our on-line learning software. If you register before the class starts, you will not receive the information until the official class start date.

5. Am I required to use my new email?

Once you receive a urmc.rochester.edu email address, all emails sent through Blackboard will go to it. Please remember to check regularly, by clicking on the email tab once you have logged in to Blackboard.

6. How do I learn the material? Is it just reading from a book and taking a test?

Each class is made up of a number of modules which may include readings from a textbook or articles, PowerPoint presentations and/or video instruction. At the end of each module, you will take an on-line test covering that material. The nature of the learning and testing varies from knowledge based learning to applied learning. There are also optional assignments designed to help you learn the material. These assignments generally do not need to be turned in to the instructor unless you’d like faculty feedback and/or assistance.

Additional information regarding online learning can be found at http://www.son.rochester.edu/online-learning/.

7. Is there faculty or an instructor I can contact if I have trouble/need additional help?

Yes, each course has a faculty member or an instructor who is available to facilitate your learning. If you are having difficulty understanding a concept or would like to learn more, you should email them using the contact information listed in Blackboard.

8. What if I cannot log in to Blackboard, or haven't received my email?

If you have trouble logging into Blackboard, please send a message to SON_HelpBB@urmc.rochester.edu. They are available Monday - Friday from 9 am - 5 pm. (Eastern Time). If you need immediate assistance outside of this time, you should contact the Miner Library Blackboard Helpdesk at blackboard@urmc.rochester.edu.

9. Do I need to come to Rochester to take the tests?

No, all the tests are administered on-line and can be taken anywhere there is internet access.

10. Is there a cumulative final?

No, there is a test after each module covering only the material from that module.

11. Is there a lab component?

No, there is not currently a lab component to any of the courses. Please check with your college or university to make sure this is acceptable.

12. Will this course transfer to my college or university?

We encourage you to check with your college or university before taking the course to ensure the course transfers. The University of Rochester School of Nursing courses are generally transferable; however each individual school makes the final decision whether or not to accept the course. The University of Rochester is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In addition, the School of Nursing is accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

13. When are grades submitted?

Grades are submitted 2 times per semester. Please see the table below for specific dates. If there is an unusual need that is not met by the existing grade submission time table, please contact your course instructor or faculty member.

14. How do I find out my test grades and final grade? How can I get a transcript?

You can view your test score immediately after completing a test by accessing your grade book on Blackboard. Your final numerical grade will also appear in the grade book upon completion of the course. After grades are submitted, you can request an official or unofficial transcript from the Office of the University Registrar or convert the final numerical grade you see in Blackboard to a letter grade based upon the scale in the syllabus.

15. Are there course policies I should know about?

Please visit our course policy page for information such as non-refundable tuition, course withdrawal request, incomplete consideration and requests, etc.