Nursing and Health Sciences at West Texas A&M University
Nursing and Health Sciences at West Texas A&M University Mission at College of Nursing and Health Sciences is to develop professional and academic leaders in the health professions through educational programs that engage students effectively, provide high quality clinical services to patients and clients, as well as contribute meaningful scholarship including evidence-based practice. In short, The college exists to prepare highly qualified graduates for work in a variety of health professions.
The faculty members of the college are outstanding teachers, as well as experts in their respective disciplines. They are eager to work with undergraduate and graduate students who aspire to careers in which the sciences, the arts, and compassion can be integrated into making a difference in people’s lives. If you are interested in a career that will challenge your intellect, your mental and physical stamina, your courage and your spirit, then becoming a health professional may be just right for you. Programs in our college prepare you for careers in athletic training, audiology, nursing, physical education, speech pathology, or sports and exercise sciences. In the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, faculty and students work closely with one another, learning is collaborative, students are involved in their own education, there is much discussion of values, and there is a sense of family.
Academic Departments
Department of Communication Disorders Department of Nursing Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
Computer Science
Department of Communication Disorders has a diverse and motivated group of undergraduate and graduate students that share a common bond. Each student brings caring and compassion to their chosen profession as they develop their highest level of competence in working with children and adults with communication disorders. Communication is one of the most important ways we are human and social. A communication disorder robs the child or adult of a critical part of being social and human. The disorder not only affects the individual, but all of their communication partners. One of the greatest joys in our professional lives is using our knowledge and skills to enable a child or adult to learn or relearn how to effectively communicate. Practicing professionals in our field often go by a variety of names like speech therapist, speech pathologist, speech teacher and speech-language pathologist. The names vary depending on the work setting. Most of the graduates of our program work in either a public school or health care setting where the demand is so great that almost all the graduate students are offered jobs before they graduate. Department goal is to provide our students with the education needed to make them competitive and sought after in the field. Department of Communication Disorders faculty is highly qualified with expertise in different types of communication disorders. The graduate program is nationally accredited (undergraduate programs aren’t accredited in communication disorders). Department of Communication Disorders is located in a new departmental and clinical facility in the Virgil Henson Activities Center. State-of-the-art equipment and technology are used in academic and clinical training. UNDERGRADUATE Degree Programs Communication Disorders GRADUATE Degree Programs Communication Disorders

Communication Disorders
Bachelor Science (B.S.) Degree Major in Communication Disorders The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), in order to certify and provide professional speech and hearing services, requires a master’s degree in communication disorders. WTAMU’s Communication Disorders Program is nationally accredited through ASHA. Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Major in Communication Disorders The WTAMU Communication Disorders Master's Program in speech-language pathology at WTAMU is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). The primary goal of the master’s degree program in communication disorders is to develop competent professional practitioners who are prepared to work with other disciplines and make contributions to the field of speech-language pathology and who are well grounded in diagnostic and therapeutic skills. Knowledge of and participation in research is strongly encouraged. The length of the program may vary depending on the undergraduate background of the student; but the master’s degree in communication disorders is available with a thesis or non-thesis option. In addition, enrollment in clinical practicum each semester is required in order to achieve a total of 400 clinic clock hours. Admission Requirements In addition to University and Graduate School admission requirements, the program requires you to complete the following steps and send in one packet to the address listed below: A 500 word Statement of Purpose describing the decision to pursue the degree in communication disorders Three letters of professional recommendation (eg. professor, supervisor, or employer) on professional letterhead recommended Graduate committee to perform interviews as needed Transcript of all current course work completed GPA of 3.2 or higher The acceptance letter from WTAMU Graduate Program Deadline for application is January 15th

Department of Nursing
The mission of Department of Nursing at West Texas A&M University is be a student-centered, learning community dedicated to developing professional and academic leaders in nursing and to serve our constituents through educational programs that engage students, provide high quality nursing services, demonstrate evidence-based nursing practice and produce nursing scholarship. The outstanding faculty and staff are ready to help you meet your educational needs in an environment that is engaging and interesting. As a WT nursing student, you will be challenged to strive for excellence and professionalism in the classroom, clinical, and community settings.
UNDERGRADUATE Degree Programs Nursing Nursing (for LVNs) Nursing (RN to BSN) GRADUATE Degree Programs Master of Science - Nursing - Comprehensive MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner - RN to MSN
Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Degree Majors in Nursing Major in Nursing—Basic and Transfer Students Major in Nursing—Licensed Vocational Nurse Degree Completion Major in Nursing—Registered Nurse Degree Completion Admission Requirements for the Department of Nursing Formal application and admission to WTAMU (application fee required). A separate, competitive application process is required for admission into the Department of Nursing. Admission is required prior to 2000-level nursing courses for basic students and LVN degree-completion students, and prior to 3000-level nursing courses for RN degree-completion students. Current license to practice as LVN or RN is required for LVN and RN degree completion students requesting advanced standing (application fee required). Completion of the following courses: ENGL 1301 and 1302; basic chemistry course with lab; PSYC 2301; BIOL 2401 with lab (four hours); MATH 1314 or 1324; and demonstrated computer competency prior to 2000-level nursing courses. Minimum grade point average of 2.8 and a minimum grade of “C” in biology, chemistry, psychology, sociology and mathematics courses. A transfer student must submit copies of all transcripts and if transferring from another school of nursing, recommendation letters from the dean and detailed descriptions of nursing courses. A maximum total of 66 semester hours may be transferred from community colleges attended. To be considered for admission, the following items must be submitted with the application: application fee, immunization records, all transcripts and HESI admission scores. Applications to the Department of Nursing should be submitted by Feb. 1 for fall semester and summer session admission and Sept. 1 for spring semester admission. All basic and LVN students are required to take a pre-admission (HESI-A2) exam. Upon admission to the nursing program, criminal background checks may be required. Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) Degree MSN role specialization and CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Nursing Graduate Program offers the M.S.N education in two role specializations: Comprehensive M.S.N. The Comprehensive MSN program prepares students to function at an advanced nursing practice level in complex environments. This degree allows students to tailor their nursing education around specific role specializations. Students will take the advanced clinical nursing courses of Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, and Advanced Assessment to enhance clinical practice at an advanced level. Praxis coursework is personalized to address each student's specific learning objectives as well as current national guidelines for practice at the graduate level. Graduates work in hospitals, outpatient settings, administrative positions, educator positions, and in collaborative practice with physicians and other health care providers, and schools of nursing. This program of study is available all online. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) M.S.N. A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced education who is able to assess, diagnoses (nursing and medical), manage (including prescribing), and evaluate care for persons who are ill, injured, and / or have chronic diseases. Health promotion and disease prevention are integral in the NP's practice. The FNP practices independently and autonomously within the nurse practitioner scope of practice, and collaboratively with physicians and other health care providers. The FNP specialization program prepares students for advanced practice nursing providing primary healthcare in diverse areas (e.g. underserved areas, clinics, occupational settings, independent practice.) This results in improved access to primary healthcare. The program is available on-campus only and graduates are eligible to sit for the Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner Exam from the Board of Nursing.. POST Master Family Nurse Practitioner M.S.N. The Post MSN FNP is designed as a certificate course of study that enables a practicing nurse who holds a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree to prepare for credentialing as an FNP. Upon completion of the prescribed course of study, the student's transcript indicates that he/she has completed the educational preparation as regulated by the Texas Board of Nursing. The students are eligible to take a national FNP certification exam.MSN
Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
Sports and Exercise Sciences Department offers four undergraduate programs. Programs include bachelor degrees in athletic training, exercise science, sport and fitness, and all levels physical education teaching. A graduate program leading to a master in Sport and Exercise Science is available for students seeking an advanced degree. These programs prepare students for a variety of careers in the sport, human performance, fitness, and allied heath fields. The faculty consists of nationally recognized experts in their field. The state-of-the-art facilities are located in the Virgil Henson Activities Center. Students use highly specialized exercise testing equipment in the Human Performance Research Laboratory to gain an understanding and appreciation for the changes that the body goes through during all levels of exercise and human performance. The therapeutic modality and rehabilitation equipment in the Athletic Training Education Program Laboratory is used daily by students for instruction and clinical education in the Athletic Training Education Program. Department Athletic Training Education Program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. Students also improve their knowledge of the skills and techniques for quality sport performance through use of many different assessment techniques, peer instruction activities, and computerized biomechanical analysis. Students have the opportunity to initiate or assist in research in sport psychology, sport nutrition, exercise science, and sport performance. UNDERGRADUATE Degree Programs Athletic Training Sports and Exercise Science - All Levels PE Teaching Sports and Exercise Science - Applied Sport Degree Sports and Exercise Science - Exercise Science GRADUATE Degree Programs Sports and Exercise Sciences
Sports and Science Exercise
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)/ Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Major in Sports and Exercise Sciences-All Levels PE This major provides an in-depth teaching curriculum for those who wish to teach in the public schools and coach as an extracurricular assignment. The curriculum focuses on physical education instruction for all grade levels. The degree includes coursework necessary to prepare for state-required teacher certification examinations related to the content (teaching) area. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)/ Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Major in Sports and Exercise Sciences- Applied Sport Degree (Major Code: 150) This degree track prepares the major for varying employment opportunities in a wide variety of sport fields, and physical activity/wellness settings in the community, corporate, health-related, and therapeutic domains. Additionally, this track, through appropriate use of electives, provides for the preparation for an alternative format for teacher certification. This degree is for the student that wants: an in-depth coaching curriculum, including the scientific foundation for athletic performance and skill acquisition to focus on youth, collegiate, and private-sector sports and coaching preparation for national credentialing examinations in fitness, wellness, and strength training. Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Major in Sports and Exercise Sciences (Major Code: 5449 ) The Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences graduate program offers a Master of Science degree with specific tracks in Exercise Science and Sport Management. The thesis and non-thesis option is available in each track. These programs provide students academic preparation for goals ranging from career employment to doctoral studies. Areas of focus available include sport administration, sport management , sport performance analysis, corporate fitness and wellness, and physiological testing and prescription. Each track includes a required department four course core, and track specific required coursework.