The mission of the Department of Biology at University of New England is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the biological sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society. 

The mission of the Master of Science:  Biological Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and a working knowledge of research methods in the biological sciences. 

The Master of Science: Biological Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in a wide variety of biological topics.  The classroom curriculum features a broad-based  exposure to advanced topics in biological subjects that may include physiology, ecology, molecular biology and microbiology. The program also focuses on the research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
• Foster participation in the production of biological knowledge through excellence in research.
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
• Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through writing and oral presentations.

Program Required Courses	Credits
BIO 503 - Research Methods	3
BIO 510 - Graduate Seminar	1
BIO 500 - Level Graduate Topics in Biological Sciences	12+*
Electives - Additional Coursework	6*
BIO 590 - Thesis/Research	12 Min
Minimum Total Credits	36
BIO 595 - Thesis Writing/Data Analysis (taken after 36 credits completed)	1
BIO 599 - Masters Thesis   *Biological Sciences MS students may request to substitute research credits for coursework with approval from their thesis advisor.  A formal written request must be submitted to the Graduate Program Committee, including a justification for the request.  If approved by the GPC, students will submit a Course Substitution Form (available on the Registrar's webpage), which requires approval by the Chair of the Department of Biology and by the CAS Dean, to the Registrar in preparation for graduation.	0

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To remain in the MS: Biological Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0.  A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.

Program Completion Timeline

Students have a maximum of five years to complete the graduation requirements.  After two academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a minimum of three Thesis credit hours per semester to remain in the program.

Probation/Dismissal

A graduate student whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below 3.0, or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one fall or spring semester to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second class grade below B-.  Any student who fails to meet these criteria will be considered for dismissal by the  the Department of Biological Sciences and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Course Withdrawal

In normal length semesters, a matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average. 

Incomplete Grades

A student who believes she/he is unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussion with the instructor. At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed six weeks following the end date of the course. This agreement must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (such as death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be made in writing, reviewed and signed by the instructor and the student’s advisor.

Program Goals

1. Provide a knowledge base in the biological sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
2. Foster participation in the production of biological knowledge through high quality research.
3. Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
4. Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through written and oral presentations.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate expertise in their thesis research field
2. Students will develop their written and oral communication skills
3. Students will have mastery of the core knowledge and fundamental principals of the Biological Sciences
4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of research design and have the ability to carry out a research project

Transfer Credit

Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits at UNE therefore transfer of credit is not accepted.

Advanced Placement

There is no advanced placement.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

Prerequisite Courses

COURSES	SPECIFICS	SEMESTER HRS
Biology	Labs	16
Chemistry	Labs	12
Physics	Labs	8
Calculus		4

ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from a US regionally accredited baccalaureate or higher degree program.  (If the Bachelor’s degree is in progress at the time of application, it must be completed prior to enrollment
• All science prerequisites must include a lab component and must be completed  prior to enrollment into the program, preferably before application
• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (“C-“grades are not acceptable).
• Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Successfully complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test with competitive score
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions to complete application file
• Prior to or during the admissions process, students are advised to communicate with faculty with whom they want to work.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admissions are accepted through the University of New England’s online application.  Detailed instructions are included in the online application portal.
• Applications must be submitted electronically by the posted deadline. 
• All completed applications will be reviewed after the application deadline by the program admissions committee.  Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis
• Decision letters will be mailed and sent as email attachment at the middle of March each year.
• Accepted students will be expected to pay a minimal non-refundable deposit to secure the seat for the program by the deadline indicated in the decision letter.  The deposit is non-refundable and will be applied to any fees that are not covered by the assistantship or grant that the student receives upon acceptance. (Deposit is non-refundable and will be forfeited should student decide not to matriculate into the program.)
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions for a list of educational credential evaluators. 
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, (see International Admissions.)
• If applicable, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Biological Sciences website.

Policy exceptions

The Master of Science in Biological Sciences program and the Biological Sciences Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Continued Enrollment

After two academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except his/her thesis will be required to pay for a minimum of three Thesis credit hours plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program. 

Other Expenses

Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student.  Currently there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or by visiting the Financial Aid website. Information on tuition remission, Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships can be found on the Department of Biology graduate programs website.

The goals of the CAGS program are to prepare students to:

• Administer schools in a humanistic, caring manner.
• Instill a sense of responsibility and ethical decision-making.
• Meet the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium Standards (ISLLC) to enable school educators to obtain administrative certification nationwide. The six ISLLC standards state that a school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by:
• Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.
• Advocating, nurturing and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
• Ensuring management of the organization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.
• Collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs and mobilizing community resources.
• Acting with integrity and in an ethical manner.
• Understanding, responding to and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural context.

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study - Administrator Track 

For educators interested in pursuing an administrative certification, the University of New England offers a program track to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required and approved by the State of Maine.

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Advanced Educational Leadership is a post-master's program of study leading to an educational administrative credential and has been designed to offer high-quality, cost-effective, and innovative curricula delivered through an online format. This program requires completion of ten post-master's courses (30 credits). Emphasis is on developing the knowledge and skills needed by school administrators and other educators who wish to assume significant leadership roles in their schools, educational institutions, and communities. The program meets the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards.

Core Courses	Credits
EDU701 Educational Leadership	3
EDU702 School Law	3
EDU703 Educational Change/School Reform	3
EDU704 Supervision and Evaluation of Instructional Personnel	3
EDU705 Leadership, Professional Responsibilities, & Ethics	3
EDU706 School-Community Relations & Communications	3
EDU707 Instructional Leadership	3
EDU709 School Finance	3
EDU715 Organizational Theory & Strategic Planning	3
EDU 791/792 Internship I & II	3
Total program credits:	30

 

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study · Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Track 

*ADDENDUM* Post-Masters Graduate Certificate - Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Track 

For educators interested in pursuing a Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach certification, The University of New England offers a program track to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.

 

Core Courses	Credits
EDU746 Professional Learning and Literacy Leadership	3
EDU747 Literacy for English Language Learners	3
EDU748 Literacy for Inclusion Settings	3
EDU749 Reading Diagnosis: Clinical Practice I	3
EDU750 Instruction Intervention: Clinical Practice II	3
Total program credits:	15

 

Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study

*ADDENDUM* Post-Masters Graduate Certificate

The University of New England offers 15 and 30 credit certificate programs that allow students to customize their program by choosing electives from different topic areas in education such as career/technical, curriculum, literacy, educational leadership, and inclusion for teachers looking to advance their education career. Please contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements.

15 Credit Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study

*ADDENDUM* Post-Masters Graduate Certificate- Choose any five (5) of the electives listed below. You also have to option to add EDU 791/792 Internship I & II to your curriculum. Please contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements.

30 Credit Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study - Choose any ten (10) of the electives listed below. You also have to option to add EDU 791/792 Internship I & II to your curriculum. Please contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements.

Electives:

• EDU701 Educational Leadership
• EDU702 School Law
• EDU703 Educational Change/ School Reform
• EDU704 Supervision and Evaluation of Instructional Personnel
• EDU705 Leadership, Professional Responsibilities, & Ethics
• EDU706 School-Community Relations & Communications
• EDU707 Instructional Leadership
• EDU709 School Finance
• EDU715 Organizational Theory and Strategic Planning
• EDU720 Special Education Law for the Classroom
• EDU721 Using Technology within Inclusion Education
• EDU722 Special Education Assessment in Inclusion Settings
• EDU723 Teaching and Learning in Inclusion Settings
• EDU724 Collaboration in Inclusion Settings
• EDU740 Supporting Literacy Development for All Learners
• EDU741 Literacy Assessments as Teaching Tools
• EDU742 Study Skills & Content Literacy Instruction for All
• EDU743 Connecting Reading with Writing for Success
• EDU744 Meeting Student Literacy Challenges
• EDU746 Professional Learning and Literacy Leadership
• EDU747 Literacy for English Language Learners
• EDU748 Literacy for Inclusion Settings
• EDU749 Reading Diagnosis: Clinical Practice I
• EDU750 Instruction Intervention: Clinical Practice II
• EDU751 The Application Model of Learning – Curriculum Development
• EDU753 Working with Special Needs Students
• EDU755 Utilizing Literacy Strategies in CTE Learning Environments
• EDU757 Health and Safety Implementation for CTE
• EDU759 Preparing Students for College, Careers, & Citizenship 

Course Drop and Withdrawal Policy

The last date to drop a course with no record is the first day of course. Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing (e-mail is acceptable) by the end of the fourth week of the course.  Students will receive a “W” on their transcripts indicating withdrawal.  Beyond the fourth week, at the faculty’s discretion, a “WP” or “WF” may be assigned if extenuating circumstances do not allow the student to complete his/her work. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course.

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (“B”). Failure to do so may result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade of “F” in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Manager becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course on-line postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

Timeline for Completion/Leave of Absence

A student who has not completed the CAGS Program within three (3) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission. Students are required to take a course every term, otherwise they must request a Leave of Absence, or be withdrawn from the program. These arrangements are the responsibility of the student and must be communicated to the Student Support Specialist along with a completed Leave of Absence Form.

The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and may be subject to readmission procedures. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies to indicate change of plans.

Re-admission

Students who have withdrawn from the program for a period of one year, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five years old will not be accepted for credit in the program.

·         FINANCIAL AID

 Gainful Employment Program Disclosure

After completing a CAGS program, students should be able to

• Apply research results to leadership decisions
• Describe the requirements of the ISLLC standards
• Demonstrate a high degree of specialized knowledge and skills about school administration
• Exhibit leadership skills in an actual school administrative settings

ADVANCED STANDING/TRANSFER CREDIT/ EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Transfer credit is not accepted by the CAGS program, since the program has been developed holistically to meet the six ISLLC standards.

Requirements for admission for the CAGS

• A Master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or its equivalent.
• Employed in an educational setting or ability to access an environment in which you can apply course concepts and strategies
• Sufficient computer skills to navigate the worldwide web.
• Own or have regular access to a computer with internet connection, with the hardware and software requirements described on the CAGS website.

Application Process

All online programs require the following:

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral or prior degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.  English Proficiency requirement must be completed at the time of application.

The Certificate for Advanced Graduate Studies program and the CAGS Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, with a focus on Transformative Leadership, admits cohorts on a semi-annual basis.

This program provides current and aspiring administrative and instructional leaders in diverse settings (e.g., education, health, non-profits, NGOs, public and private organizations and agencies, etc.) with the attitudes, knowledge, experience, and skills needed to transform organizations through the effective use of human and technological resources.

This three-year program requiring completion of thirteen 8 week, 3 credit courses and a 12 credit dissertation representing a total of 51 credits (a maximum of 6 credits can be transferred from another post Master’s program). The program (including dissertation) will be completed entirely online with no residency requirement.

Program Goals

• Prepare leaders who are future-focused and capable of fostering innovation and change.
• Promote a continuing cadre of educators who maintain active connections and collaboration with one another, with schools, communities and professional groups.
• Establish a higher education program that is technologically sophisticated, educationally effective and academically rigorous.
• Build a national reputation based upon transformative action research.
• Provide each candidate with a carefully selected faculty mentoring team contributing actively to the candidate’s progress with their program of study, their research, and their dissertation, beyond what is usually available with a single advisor. 

Courses	Credits
EDU 801 - Preparation for Transformative Leadership	3
EDU 802 - Qualitative Research Methods	3
EDU 803 - Interpreting Empirical Data	3
EDU 804 - Technology and Educational Transformation	3
EDU 805 - Managing Change	3
EDU 806 - Policy Analysis	3
EDU 807 - Enacting Transformative Leadership	3
EDU 808 - Research Team Project A	3
EDU 809 - Research Team Project B	3
EDU 810 - Ethical Leadership	3
EDU 811 - Diagnosing Organizational Dynamics	3
EDU 812 - Dissertation Seminar	3
EDU 813 - The Politics of Change	3
EDU 814 - 817 - Dissertation	12

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (“B”). Failure to do so may result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade of “F” in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Manager becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course on-line postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Timeline for Completion

A student who has not completed the Doctoral Program within five (5) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission.

Leave of Absence

Students may take one 8 week term leave of absence per academic year (3 terms) but must enroll for the subsequent term to remain on track for program completion. The course must be made up the next time it is offered. Students may take no more than two course-long leaves of absence within the five-year limit in the Doctoral Program.

The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and may be subject to readmission procedures. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies to indicate change of plans.

Re-admission

Students who have withdrawn from the program must reapply if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.  Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than three years old will not be accepted for credit in the program.  Older courses that have been revised or eliminated from the program offerings will not be accepted upon re-admission.

Students who have been administratively withdrawn from the program may petition for re-admission after a full semester has elapsed. The petition letter must provide a justification for re-admission that addresses how past issues have been resolved and will not re-occur. In addition, a letter of recommendation is required from the student's work supervisor that attests to their ability to successfully complete a graduate program. Both letters should be sent electronically to the Education Program Manager prior to applying for re-admission.

Learning Outcomes

• Participate fully and responsibly in supportive and action based learning environments of authentic value for colleagues in K-12 education, community college, health, business,  and other sectors.
• Develop and utilize transformative institutional processes to foster, assess the results, and respond to the reported analysis for continued systemic change.   
• Use technology for research collaboration and dissertation development among colleagues and faculty (e.g., web/videoconferencing).
• Fully utilize an integrated curriculum that fuses discreet elements of each candidate’s program of study into a coherent whole.
• Fully utilize online search tools and databases to identify research studies and other relevant resources.
• Participate in virtual seminars and conferences building a professional learning community.
• Employ problem and case-based learning strategies extensively in courses and dissertation. 
• Write and successfully defend a field-based dissertation. 

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to two, 3-credit courses (maximum of six credits) into the Doctor of Education program.

 

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Manager.

 

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate, post-Master’s level.
• Be worth 3 credits.
• Have been taken within five years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better.
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.
• Not have been applied toward any other degree. 

Requirements for admission for the Doctor of Education:

• A Master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or its equivalent.
• Regular access to an environment in which you can apply course concepts and strategies.
• Sufficient computer skills to navigate the worldwide web and effectively participate in an on-line program.
• Own or have regular access to a computer with internet connection, with the necessary hardware and software requirements.

Application Process
 

All online programs require the following:

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral of prior degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are submitted through UNE’s online application only.  Cohorts are currently admitted in the Fall and Spring terms.
• Submission of the following to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103: 
  • A current resume or curricula vita
  • An application essay with a maximum of 1200 words, following APA format demonstrating academic writing, including references to peer reviewed scholarly work, to include but not limited to the following:
    • Why you  value the study and practice of transformational leadership
    • Description of your leadership experiences
    • Lessons learned from your leadership experience, focusing on questions that are worthy of further investigation
    • Academic and professional background that supports your candidacy to pursue this unique program of study
    • Initial thoughts on the line of research and institutional context in which you wish to pursue or apply academic principles and concepts
• Three (3) letters of recommendation which focus on personal, professional, and academic qualifications for completion of a doctoral level program
• Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended
• Applications received by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted after the deadlines will be reviewed on a space available basis only.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee as candidates are interviewed and will continue until the program starts or the class is full.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See International Admissions
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.  English Proficiency requirement must be completed at the time of application.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Doctor of Education website.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The Doctor of Education program and the EdD Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

Mission Statement: The Master of Science in Health Informatics program prepares future leaders in health informatics to leverage technology tools to improve health and healthcare outcomes through the execution of data-driven management techniques and strategies, to adapt to rapidly-changing landscapes, and to provide leadership and innovation to the health informatics profession.

The Master of Science in Health Informatics prepares students for a career in health informatics through the interdisciplinary study of the design, development, adoption, and application of technology based innovations in healthcare services delivery, management, and planning. The courses provide a graduate education to individuals with varied backgrounds to learn skills in healthcare, technology, informatics and leadership. The curriculum is delivered in an online format, with full- and part-time options, and is intentionally flexible and readily applicable to students regardless of where they live.

 

The Master of Science in Health Informatics is a 36 credit hour curriculum that develops and enhances skills in a variety of professional areas, including healthcare quality, information management, technology, innovation and leadership. This degree culminates in a practicum, which includes a practical experience and capstone project.

 

The Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics is an 18-credit hour program that provides students with the core health informatics courses they need to broaden and enhance their professional knowledge. All courses in the Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics are also transferable to the Master of Science in Health Informatics program.

The University of New England is Accredited by: NEASC

REQUIRED COURSES:

• HIN 601                The Healthcare and Public Health Landscape
• HIN 605                Introduction to Health Informatics (pre-req: 601)
• HIN 610                Healthcare Quality (pre-req: 605)
• HIN 615                Computer Science for Health Informatics Professionals (pre-req: 605)
• HIN 620                Database Design, Standards, Access, Modeling  (pre-req: 615)
• HIN 625                Health Information Legislation, Compliance, Privacy and Security (pre-req: 605)
• HIN 700                Project Management (pre-req 605)
• HIN 715                Information Visualization: Turning Data into Insight (pre-req:  620)
• HIN 740                Emerging Opportunities in Health Informatics (pre-req: 605)
• HIN 745                Master's Project in Health Informatics (pre-req: 605)

Electives – choose one from each of the following categories:

LEADERSHIP ASPECTS OF HI:

• HIN 720                Leadership and Strategic Management in Health Settings (pre-req: 605)
• HIN 725                Organizational Behavior, Work Flow Design, and Change Management (pre-req: 605)

USABILITY AND HI:

• HIN 730                Human Factors for System Development (pre-req: 605)
• HIN 735                Measuring the User Experience (pre-req: 605)

Degree Plan for Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics:

• HIN 601                The Healthcare and Public Health Landscape
• HIN 605                Introduction to Health Informatics (pre-req: 601)
• HIN 610                Healthcare Quality (pre-req: 605)
• HIN 615                Computer Science for Health Informatics Professionals (pre-req: 605)
• HIN 620                Database Design, Standards, Access, Modeling  (pre-req: 615)
• HIN 625                Health Information Legislation, Compliance, Privacy and Security (pre-req: 605)

Audit Policy

A student may, with prior consent of the Program Manager or designee, enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be requested at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by signed approval of the instructor and Program Manager or designee. This applies to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible. Once enrolled for AU the grade becomes permanent on a student's academic record. The student who wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected to complete all lectures and discussion boards, but is not permitted to submit course work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count toward enrollment status (i.e. part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran's benefits, etc.

Leave of Absence

Matriculated students must enroll and successfully complete at least one course per term. A leave of absence (LOA) for a specified period of time, not to exceed one academic year, may be granted to a matriculated student with the authorization of the Dean and the Program Manager or designee. If not enrolled for one full term, students must contact their Student Support Specialist and complete the required Request for Leave of Absence form available from Registration Services. Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned. However, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures. Policy on leave of absence tuition credit is located in the Financial Aid section of the University catalog located at www.une.edu/sfs/online.

The LOA period is considered as part of the time allotted to complete the academic program. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the office of the Program Manager to indicate a change of plans.

Medical Leave of Absence

In the event that a leave of absence is taken due to medical reasons, a doctor’s note may be required in order to return to active standing within your program.

 

Adding, Dropping, and Withdrawing from Courses

• The last day permissible for matriculating graduate students to add or drop a course without financial penalty is the second day of class.

Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing and must accompany a withdrawal form  and will receive a “W” on their transcript indicating withdrawal. Students will receive a partial refund if they withdraw from a course within the first or second week. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course. Students who have not participated in the course by the end of the second week will be administratively withdrawn from the course and will not receive a tuition refund.

Email requests for withdrawals must be submitted from a student’s UNE e-mail to be considered.

Matriculating students who withdraw after completing more than 2/3 of a course will receive a grade of “WF” (withdrawn failing) or “WP” (withdrawn passing), based on the instructor’s assessment of the student’s current standing in the course. A “WF” is calculated as an “F” in the student’s GPA. Upon successful completion of the course, the new grade will be used to calculate the GPA. Students will be dismissed from their program after two failing grades (including a “WF”).

 

University Withdrawal

All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from Registration Services. Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities.

 

Academic Integrity Policy

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

1.      Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.

2.      Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.

3.      Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.

4.      Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.

5.      Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Manager. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in The College of Graduate and Professional Studies Student Handbook.

Office for Students with Disabilities

Disability Services works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at UNE is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability.  Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

Transfer and Waiver Credit

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Manager.

Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics Program: Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to two, 3-credit courses (maximum of six credits) into the program.

Master of Science in Health Informatics Program: Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three, 3-credit courses (maximum of nine credits) into the program.

Transfer courses must:

·         Be classified as graduate level.

·         Have been taken within five years of application.

·         Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better.

·         Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s health informatics education.

·         Not have been applied toward any other degree.

Individuals who earned a Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics from the University of New England within the last five years may apply for admission to the Master of Science in Health Informatics program and request that all courses be accepted.  Current certificate students, who are in good standing, may apply to the Master of Science in Health Informatics program at any time during the certificate program by requesting a “change of major” with their Student Support Specialist.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is highly valued by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Many courses within the College feature experiential-learning components.  However, at this time, no credit will be awarded to students for purely experiential learning experiences undertaken in lieu of coursework.

College Eligibility and Application Standards

Applicants who have earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited academic institution are eligible to apply for admission into online programs at the university. Graduates of colleges or universities that are accredited by other recognized accrediting bodies may be considered eligible after a review for exception by a committee consisting of the Dean of Admissions, the University Registrar, and the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. The decision to admit an applicant to his or her intended program is made by an admissions committee based on a combination of criteria according to the requirements of the specific program.

Students currently completing their undergraduate or graduate studies are encouraged to apply to our programs and, if admitted, are accepted on a conditional basis pending receipt of a transcript showing proof of graduation. Students must submit a letter “in good standing” from the institution from which they are graduating at point of application and supply proof of graduation before the end of the first term in which they are registered or they will be administratively withdrawn from the program.

University of New England transcripts will be obtained by UNE admissions staff from the Registrar’s office on behalf of applicants that have completed prior degrees or coursework at the university.

All applicants with international degrees or coursework are responsible for having their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the U.S.

We accept foreign educational credential evaluations from all NACES® (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) members, as well as AACRAO (the American Association of Credentialed Registrars and Admissions Officers).

Please note: Any evaluations submitted to UNE by approved credential evaluators need not include the original transcript.

Please see the International Student Admissions policies for additional requirements regarding English language proficiency, ECFMG requirements and verification of financial support.

Application Process

·         Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply

·         Submission of $40 non-refundable application fee

·         Resume or Curriculum Vitae

·         Official transcripts reflecting conferral of prior degree (bachelor’s degree for master’s programs; master’s degree for doctoral programs) from a regionally accredited institution. All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

·         Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought. The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

Academic Prerequisites:

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent.

Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Courses on ‘Introduction to Statistics’ and/or ‘Introduction to Research’ highly recommended

Application requirements

·         Complete the online graduate application and submit a $40 non-refundable application fee.

·         Submit official transcripts reflecting conferral of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. Applicants with international degrees should contact an Enrollment Counselor for more information.

o    Official transcripts should be mailed directly from the institution to:

University of New England

Online Worldwide Learning

ATT: Health Informatics

716 Stevens Avenue

Portland, ME 04103

·         Submit the following documents via email to informatics@une.edu:

o    Detailed statement of purpose (500 – 1000 words).  This statement should describe personal development and future goals; relevant professional experience; interest in graduate study in health informatics; and the capacity to succeed in a distance learning format, i.e., self-motivated, self-starter, comfortable with and access to a computer and the internet.

o    Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

o    Three professional references. In lieu of letters of recommendation, references may be contacted to provide a professional recommendation at the discretion of the admission committee

Technology requirements:

Courses in the Graduate Programs in Public Health are delivered by Blackboard, an online course management system with an audio component and the following are required to complete the program

• Access to the internet and to computer audio capability
• Specific software as described in course syllabi
• Capacity to succeed in a distance learning format

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for new students will be accepted for the summer, fall, and spring terms.
• Only fully complete applications (with all supporting documentation) submitted by the deadline will be considered by the Admissions Committee.
• Students not seeking a degree may enroll into individual courses as a non-matriculated student, space permitting and upon approval by the Program Manager. (Non-matriculated students must hold a bachelor's degree and may take up to two courses only.) Students wishing to take more than two courses in the program must apply to UNE and be accepted into the program prior to enrolling in the third course. Students cannot move from non-matriculated status to matriculated status within the same semester.

Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will understand the American healthcare system and the effects technology and data have had on it.
2. Understand the complex system of legal and regulatory compliance that governs the healthcare system.
3. Apply core concepts of database design to facilitate managing the large amounts of data produced and captured in the healthcare setting.
4. Understand foundational concepts and theories of leadership and management, especially with respect to data-driven business intelligence.
5. Apply technology and the healthcare quality framework to meet the goals of the triple aim of improving the patient experience of care, improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita cost of health care.
6. Analyze, evaluate, and apply the range of tools needed to implement new technology, including identifying, evaluating, selecting, implementing, and upgrading technological systems.
7. Evaluate the ways new and developing healthcare technology trends influence world-wide health outcomes, and propose potential technology-based solutions for increasing world-wide health outcomes.
8. Understand and apply project management tools, concepts, and best practices to oversee the successful completion of complex projects.

The mission of the Department of Marine Sciences at University of New England is to enable students to understand the real-world relevance of the marine sciences, foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning and meaningful, productive contributions to society.

The Marine Sciences encompass a wide variety of disciplines that seek to understand the way the ocean functions, and how it is related to earth systems sciences, as well as to human interactions with the environment. Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings and applications of disciplines from biology, to chemistry, geology, and physics.  Students will be able to apply these disciplines to solving real problems, not only in ocean sciences, but in fields as far ranging as meteorology and space exploration, as well as aquaculture and marine policy.

The mission of the Master of Science:  Marine Sciences program is to prepare outstanding graduate students for careers or further training in science, technology, and education by providing an advanced knowledge base and research skills in marine sciences.

The Master of Science:  Marine Sciences program offers post-baccalaureate training to students interested in continuing their education in the marine sciences.  The classroom curriculum provides a strong background in all aspects of the marine sciences. The program  focuses on a thesis research experience: students will conduct research and prepare a thesis on any of a variety of topics selected in consultation with our faculty.

Program Goals

• Provide a knowledge base in the marine sciences that is deeper than the typical undergraduate experience.
• Foster participation in the production of new knowledge through excellence in research.
• Instill outstanding research skills and a working knowledge of the scientific method by participation in high-quality research.
• Develop outstanding scientific communication skills through written and oral presentations.

	Credits
Program Required Courses
MAR 503 - Research Methods	3
MAR 530 - Graduate Seminar	1
MAR 512 - Marine Science Center Seminar	1
MAR 566 - Advanced Oceanography I	3
MAR 568 - Advanced Oceanography II	3
Electives - Additional Coursework	9*
MAR 590 - Research and Thesis	12 min
Total Credits Required	36
*Students may substitute Thesis/Research credits for Electives with the approval of their advisor
MAR 595 - Thesis Writing/Data Analysis (taken after 36 credits completed)	1
MAR 599 - Masters Thesis	0

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all required courses with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 and successfully pursue, complete and defend publicly an approved research thesis.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To remain in the MS: Marine Sciences program, the student's cumulative graduate GPA must be a minimum of 3.0.   A student whose GPA falls below 3.0 or who receives a grade below B- in any course taken for graduate credit will be placed on academic probation.

Program Completion Timeline

Students have a maximum of five years to complete the graduation requirements.  After two academic years (fall and spring terms), students who have completed their coursework but are still completing their theses are required to enroll in a thesis continuation credit per semester to remain in the program.

Probation/Dismissal

A graduate student whose grade point average (GPA) for any semester falls below 3.0, or whose cumulative grade point average is below 3.0, or who receives a class grade below a B- for any class taken for graduate credit is automatically placed on probation. A student placed on academic probation will be granted one fall or spring semester to raise his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or above, will be required to achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the semester, and cannot receive a second class grade below B-.  The Department of Marine Sciences and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will consider for dismissal any student who fails to meet these criteria.

Course Withdrawal

In normal length semesters, a matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Incomplete Grades

A student who believes she/he is unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term may apply for an extension by discussion with the instructor.  At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed six weeks following the end date of the course. This agreement must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (such as death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be made in writing, reviewed and signed by the instructor and the student’s advisor.

1. Students will demonstrate expertise in their thesis research field
2. Students will develop their written and oral communication skills
3. Students will demonstrate mastery of the core knowledge and fundamental principles of the Marine Sciences
4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of research design and have the ability to carry out a research project

TRANSFER CREDIT
Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits at UNE therefore transfer of credit is not accepted.

ADVANCED STANDING
There is no advanced standing.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

Prerequisite Courses
 

MARINE SCIENCE TRACK

Courses	Specifics	Semester Hrs.	Quarter Hrs.
Biology	Labs	16	24
General Chemistry	Labs	12	18
Physics	Labs	8	12
Calculus		4	6

 OCEANOGRAPHY TRACK

Courses	Specifics	Semester Hrs.	Quarter Hrs.
General Chemistry	Labs	8	12
Physics	Labs	8	12
Calculus		4	6
Additional credits in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Biology		16	24

 ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from a U.S. regionally accredited baccalaureate or higher degree program.  (If the Bachelor's degree is in progress at the time of application, it must be completed prior to enrollment).
• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better ("C-" grades are not acceptable).
• All prerequisites must be completed prior to enrollment.
• Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Successfully complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) test with competitive scores.
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attend to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions to complete application file.
• Prior to or during the admissions process, students are advised to communicate with faculty with whom they want to work.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admissions are accepted through the University of New England's online application.  Detailed instructions are included in the online application portal.
• Applications must be submitted electronically by the posted deadline.
• All completed applications will be reviewed after the application deadline by the program admissions committee.  Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis.
• Decision letters will be mailed and sent as email attachment at the beginning of March each year.
• Accepted students will be expected to pay a minimal non-refundable deposit to secure the seat for the program by the deadline indicated in the decision letter.  The deposit will be applied to any fees that are not covered by the assistantship or grant that the student receives upon acceptance.  (Deposit is non-refundable and will be forfeited should the student decide not to matriculate in the program).
• International applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited U.S. institution.  See International Admissions for a list of educational credential evaluators. 
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, (see International Admissions).
• If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Marine Sciences website. 

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The Master of Science in Marine Sciences program and the Marine Sciences Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admission reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate. 

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Continued Enrollment

After two academic years, a student who has completed all coursework except his/her thesis will be required to pay for a thesis continuation credit plus mandatory fees each semester to remain in the program.

Other Expenses

Housing is arranged by and financed at the expense of the student.  Currently there is no on-campus housing available for graduate students.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office on the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342,  or by visiting the Financial Aid website. Information on Research Assistantships  and Teaching Assistantships can be found on the Department of Marine Sciences graduate programs website.

All programs at the University of New England are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Master of Science in Education

The Master of Science in education from UNE allows students to customize their program by choosing electives from different topic areas in education such as career/technical, curriculum, literacy, educational leadership, and inclusion for teachers looking to advance their education career. Contact your state’s Department of Education for specific certification requirements.

Program Requirements

Core Courses	Credits
EDU600 Teacher as Leader	3
EDU610 Differentiation Theory & Strategies	3
EDU615 Motivational Theory & Class Management	3
EDU690 Action Research	3
EDU695 Portfolio	3
Total core credits:	15
Elective Courses (choose any 5)
Total elective credits:	15
Total program credits:	30

Available Electives:

• EDU701 Educational Leadership
• EDU702 School Law
• EDU703 Educational Change/ School Reform
• EDU704 Supervision and Evaluation of Instructional Personnel
• EDU705 Leadership, Professional Responsibilities, & Ethics
• EDU706 School-Community Relations & Communications
• EDU707 Instructional Leadership
• EDU709 School Finance
• EDU715 Organizational Theory and Strategic Planning
• EDU720 Special Education Law for the Classroom
• EDU721 Using Technology within Inclusion Education
• EDU722 Special Education Assessment in Inclusion Settings
• EDU723 Teaching and Learning in Inclusion Settings
• EDU724 Collaboration in Inclusion Settings
• EDU740 Supporting Literacy Development for All Learners
• EDU741 Literacy Assessments as Teaching Tools
• EDU742 Study Skills & Content Literacy Instruction for All
• EDU743 Connecting Reading with Writing for Success
• EDU744 Meeting Student Literacy Challenges
• EDU746 Professional Learning and Literacy Leadership
• EDU747 Literacy for English Language Learners
• EDU748 Literacy for Inclusion Settings
• EDU749 Reading Diagnosis: Clinical Practice I
• EDU750 Instruction Intervention: Clinical Practice II
• EDU751 The Application Model of Learning – Curriculum Development
• EDU753 Working with Special Needs Students
• EDU755 Utilizing Literacy Strategies in CTE Learning Environments
• EDU757 Health and Safety Implementation for CTE
• EDU759 Preparing Students for College, Careers, & Citizenship

Master of Science in Education · Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Track

For educators interested in pursuing a Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach certification, the University of New England offers a program track to equip teachers with the foundational knowledge and curriculum required by the State of Maine.

Core Courses	Credits
EDU600 Teacher as Leader	3
EDU610 Differentiation Theory & Strategies	3
Required Electives
EDU740 Supporting Literacy Development for All Learners	3
EDU741 Literacy Assessments as Teaching Tools	3
EDU742 Study Skills and Content Literacy Instruction for All	3
EDU743 Connecting Reading with Writing for Success	3
EDU744 Meeting Student Literacy Challenges	3
EDU746 Professional Learning and Literacy Leadership	3
EDU747 Literacy for English Language Learners	3
EDU748 Literacy for Inclusion Settings	3
EDU749 Reading Diagnosis: Clinical Practice I	3
EDU750 Instruction Intervention: Clinical Practice II	3
Total program credits:	36

Course Drop and Withdrawal Policy

The last date to drop a course with no record is the first day of course. Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing (e-mail is acceptable) by the end of the fourth week of the course.  Students will receive a “W” on their transcripts indicating withdrawal.  Beyond the fourth week, at the faculty’s discretion, a “WP” or “WF” may be assigned if extenuating circumstances do not allow the student to complete his/her work. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course.

 

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (“B”). Failure to do so may result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade of “F” in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation.

Dismissal from the Program

Termination from the Program may occur when the Education Program Manager becomes aware of one of the following:

• Surrender of a teacher license in any jurisdiction for disciplinary reasons.
• Documented academic dishonesty (Note this also includes course on-line postings and email communications with faculty and staff. Students are advised that their behavior while participating in the Program should exemplify the ethical behavior of a professional educator with respect to all communications.)

Graduation Requirements

To complete the program and receive a Master of Science in Education, a student must:

• Complete all program requirements.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees.

 

Timeline for Completion/Leave of Absence

A student who has not completed the MSEd Program within three (3) years will be administratively withdrawn from the program and be required to apply for readmission. Students are required to take a course every semester, otherwise they must request a Leave of Absence, or be withdrawn from the program.  These arrangements are the responsibility of the student and must be communicated in writing to the Student Support Specialist.

The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and may be subject to readmission procedures. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies to indicate change of plans.

Re-admission

Students who have withdrawn from the program for a period of one year, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect at the time of readmission will apply.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five years old will not be accepted for credit in the program.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the MSE program, students should be able to: 

1. Address the full range of student motivation and differentiation issues encountered in today's school systems
2. Analyze and conduct research relevant to their teaching or administrative interests
3. Document professional development in the program via an electronic portfolio of course work
4. Demonstrate a high degree of specialized knowledge and skills about their chosen concentration area
5. Exhibit leadership in their classroom and/or school system
6. Develop online collaborative relationships with peers 

Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to two, 3-credit courses (maximum of six credits) into the Master of Science in Education program.

 

To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based on specific program details listed below. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Manager.

 

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Be worth 3 credits.
• Have been taken within five years of application.
• Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better.
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.
• Not have been applied toward any other degree.

NO transfer credit will be accepted into the Master of Science in Education – Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach Track or any other program leading to State of Maine certification.

Requirements for admission  

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent. See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
• Employed in an educational setting or ability to access an environment in which you can apply course concepts and strategies
• Sufficient computer skills to navigate the worldwide web and effectively participate in an on-line program.
• Own or have regular access to a computer with internet connection and with the hardware and software requirements described on the MSED website.

 

Application Process

All online programs require the following:

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral or prior degree from a regionally accredited institution.  All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.

Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through UNE’s online application only. Detailed instructions are included in the online application.
• Official transcripts, as well as other documents to support the application, must be submitted to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, 716 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME, 04103
• Students are admitted to the MSED program six (6) times a year: Summer A & B, Fall A & B, Spring A & B.
• Applications received and completed by the respective deadlines will be given full consideration.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed for the next available term.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made by the program admissions committee throughout the cycle.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.  If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline.

The Master of Science in Education program and the MSED Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

Program Goals

The master's in medical education leadership degree and certificates reflect a vision of the medical education leader as a master teacher and executive leader. The student learning outcomes are adapted from the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards in educational leadership.

A medical education leader promotes the success of all learners by:

• Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the health care community
• Advocating, nurturing, and sustaining an institutional culture and an instructional program conducive to student learning and faculty professional growth.
• Ensuring the management of the organization and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
• Collaborating with physicians and health care community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
• Acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.
• Understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
• Conducting, promoting and mentoring medical education research and scholarship as the profession moves toward evidence-based education.

The University of New England is accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. 

Master of Science: Medical Education Leadership (33 credits)

The Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership curriculum totals 33 credits. Courses are offered continuously over each 12-month cycle. Students are required to develop an electronic professional portfolio as evidence of their competence in the seven medical educational leadership standards. Students also submit one exhibit from each course. The portfolio exhibits show growth in written and oral communication skills as well as medical education leadership competencies. 

	Credits
MEL 604 Curriculum Design and Program Development	3
MEL 605 Improving Instructional Effectiveness	3
MEL 606 Learner Assessment in Medical Education	3
MEL 610 Leadership Skills in Academic Medicine	3
MEL 611 Professional Development: Developing a Culture of Life-Long Learning	3
MEL 612 Organizational Development: Fostering a Learning Environment	3
MEL 620 Research Methods in Medical Education	3
MEL 651 Applied Project in Academic Medicine I	3
MEL 652 Applied Project in Academic Medicine II	3
MEL Electives*	6
MEL 655 Professional Portfolio	0
Total credits:	33
*MEL Elective Options   MEL 615 Business and Finance in Academic Medicine 3 MEL 639 Independent Study in Medical Education 3-6 MEL 699 Transfer Credit 3-6 Approved Graduate courses from UNE Public Health program 3-6

Certificate: Program Development (12 credits)

This 12-credit program provides students with the core program development concepts in curriculum, instruction, assessment and research methods. This set of courses is one of the foundations for the UNE Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership.  

	Credits
MEL 604 Curriculum Design and Program Development	3
MEL 605 Improving Instructional Effectiveness	3
MEL 606 Learner Assessment in Medical Education	3
MEL 620 Research Methods in Medical Education	3
Total credits:	12

Certificate: Leadership Development (12 credits) This 12-credit program provides students with the core leadership development concepts in personnel development, organization development, business/finance, and leadership skill training. This set of courses is one of the foundations for the UNE Master of Science in Medical Education Leadership. 

	Credits
MEL 610 Leadership Skills in Academic Medicine	3
MEL 611 Professional Development: Developing a Culture of Lifelong Learning	3
MEL 612 Organizational Development: Fostering the Learning Environment	3
MEL 615 Business and Finance in Academic Medicine	3
Total credits:	12

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (“B”). Failure to do so may result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade of “F” in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation.

Course Drop and Withdrawal Policy

The last date to drop a course with no record is the first day of course. Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing (e-mail is acceptable) by the end of the fourth week of the course.  Students will receive a “W” on their transcripts indicating withdrawal.  Beyond the fourth week, at the faculty’s discretion, a “WP” or “WF” may be assigned if extenuating circumstances do not allow the student to complete his/her work. Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course.

Leave of Absence

Students must enroll and participate in at least one course per semester.  Students are required to take a course every semester, otherwise they must request a Leave of Absence, or be withdrawn from the program.  These arrangements are the responsibility of the student and must be communicated in writing to the Student Support Specialist.

The required Request for Leave of Absence form must be filed with the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned; however, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and may be subject to readmission procedures. Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies to indicate change of plans.

Student outcomes are adapted from the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards in educational leadership.

A medical education leader promotes the success of all learners by:

• Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the health care community.
• Advocating, nurturing, and sustaining an institutional culture and an instructional program conducive to student learning and faculty professional growth.
• Ensuring the management of the organization and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
• Collaborating with physicians and health care community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
• Acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.
• Understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
• Conducting, promoting and mentoring medical education research and scholarship as the profession moves toward evidence-based education.

We are not currently accepting new applications to the MMEL program as we transition the program to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  For further information, please contact The College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

A medical education leader promotes the success of all learners by:

• Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the health care community.
• Advocating, nurturing, and sustaining an institutional culture and an instructional program conducive to student learning and faculty professional growth.
• Ensuring the management of the organization and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
• Collaborating with physicians and health care community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
• Acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.
• Understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
• Conducting, promoting and mentoring medical education research and scholarship as the profession moves toward evidence-based education.

Program Completion Timeline

Students must complete the Master’s in Medical Education Leadership within five consecutive years of admission to the program including periods with a specified leave of absence.  Students must complete a certificate within two consecutive years of admission to the certificate program including periods with a specified leave of absence.

Students who wish to re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five years old may not be accepted for credit in the MMEL programs.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The mission of the School of Nurse Anesthesia is to provide an academic environment which allows students to master the intellectual and technical skills necessary to become competent in the safe conduct of anesthesia. This is accomplished by providing a select group of experienced, graduate level nurses with the highest level of didactic, simulation lab, and clinical site experiences. UNE's graduate nurse anesthetists develop life-long scholarship, critical thinking skills, and professionalism needed to become compassionate, patient-centered Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in solo practice or within anesthesia care teams.

Behavioral Outcomes
Upon completion of this educational program, the student shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the faculty, specific competencies expected of graduates.  These competencies identify knowledge and skills necessary for competent entry-level practice of nurse anesthesia.  Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Perform an anesthetic-related history and physical exam.
2. Formulate and discuss a comprehensive anesthetic care plan for a given patient based on the pre-anesthetic assessment and Physical Status Classification I-VI.
3. Implement and evaluate anesthesia management plans, procedures, and critical decision-making skills  during the anesthetic management of the patient.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in technical skills necessary to deliver anesthesia care.
5. Evaluate the postoperative course of a patient.
6. Perform resuscitation of the newborn infant, child or adult, if necessary.
7. Function as a team leader for cardiovascular and/or pulmonary emergencies.
8. Provide first echelon care, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all anesthesia equipment.
9. Critically analyze published data in the field of anesthesia and apply new evidence in technology, pharmacology, and techniques to patient care.
10. Develop interpersonal behaviors consistent with that of a health care professional.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA's), as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, have been providing anesthesia care in the United States of America for over 150 years. Currently, there are approximately 48,000 CRNA's in the country with more than 2,200 students graduating per year.

CRNA's are anesthesia specialists who safely administer approximately 34 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year. As advanced practice nurses, they can serve in a variety of capacities in daily practice, such as a clinician, educator, administrator, manager and researcher.

• CRNA's administer anesthesia for all types of surgical cases, using all anesthetic techniques and practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, from university-based medical centers to free-standing surgical facilities and offices.
• CRNA's are the primary anesthesia providers in almost 100% of rural hospitals in the United States, affording 1/4th of the population access to anesthesia care.  CRNAs provide a significant amount of the anesthesia in inner cities as well.
• CRNAs are qualified and permitted by state law or regulations to practice in every state in the nation.

The School of Nurse Anesthesia at the University of New England has been an involved in nurse anesthesia education since 1970, serving as an academic affiliate for hospital-based certificate nurse anesthesia programs. In 1988, we initiated a program leading to the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. In 1993, the UNE MSNA program became the sole authority of the education of nurse anesthesia students and the last hospital-based program in Maine closed.

Two-Phase Program

At UNE, we offer a 27-month two-phase program.

The first phase is conducted on our historic Westbrook College of Health Professions Campus, situated in the picturesque coastal city of Portland.  The first eight months of study consists primarily of didactic instruction in basic sciences and anesthesia taught by our CRNA and basic science faculty. Included within this 8 month didactic curriculum is instruction using state-of-the-art simulation labs which prepare students for their clinical curriculum.

The second phase of the curriculum entails clinical training based at our hospital affiliates for a period of 19 months.  Didactic instruction continues during the clinical phase through web-based courses in advanced principles of anesthesia, as well as periodic lectures, seminars, and simulation held on campus. The School has contractual relationships with over 32 hospitals located in New England and as far away as Nevada, which offer our students a varied and diverse clinical education experience.

With successful completion of the 27 month program, students are awarded a Master of Science degree in Nurse Anesthesia. The graduate is then qualified to take the National Certifying Examination.  Upon successful completion of the exam, the graduate becomes a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist capable of practicing in all 50 states. To date, 100 percent of our students have passed the certifying examination in their first year post-graduation and 100 percent have successfully obtained employment.

The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-secondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs through the spring of 2021.  The Program received the full 10-year accreditation length in June 2011.

The MSNA curriculum is designed so that students are based on UNE's Portland campus for the first eight months (two semesters) of the program. The majority of the basic science didactic courses are offered during this period. The remaining 19 months of the program are clinically-based, with an emphasis on advanced coursework, clinical training, simulation lab experiences, and completion of a capstone project. All students are required to complete the entire curriculum with passing grades. 

Course Requirements
	Hours	Credits
Summer (May - August)
ANE 504 - Advanced Pharmacology I	45	3
ANE 507 - Basic Principles of Anesthesia I	60	4
ANE 631 - Professional Aspects I	45	3
ANE 603 - Advanced Physiology I	45	3
ANE 609 - Research Methods for the Health Professional	45	3
ANE 632 - Advanced Pathophysiology I	45	3
Subtotal	285	19
Fall (August-December)
ANE 512 - Airway Management and Regional Techniques	60	4
ANE 602 - Basic Principles of Anesthesia II	60	4
ANE 604 - Advanced Physiology II	45	3
ANE 606 - Advanced Pharmacology II	45	3
ANE 612 - Advanced Physical Assessment	30	2
ANE 633 - Advanced Pathophysiology II	45	3
Subtotal	285	19
Spring  (January-April)
ANE 617 - Research Seminar	15	1
ANE 623 - Advanced Principles of Anesthesia I	45	3
ANE 650 - Clinical Practicum I	15	1
Subtotal	75	5
Summer (April - August)
ANE 624 - Advanced Principles of Anesthesia II	45	3
ANE 652 - Clinical Practicum II	15	1
Subtotal	60	4
Fall (August - December)
ANE 625- Advanced Principles of Anesthesia III	45	3
ANE 654 - Clinical Practicum III	15	1
ANE 628 - Research Practicum I	15	1
Subtotal	75	5
Spring (January-April)
ANE 656 - Clinical Practicum IV	15	1
ANE 630 - Research Practicum II	15	1
ANE 619 - Business and Leadership in Anesthesia Practice	15	1
Subtotal	45	3
Summer (April - August)
ANE 658 - Clinical Practicum V	15	1
ANE 627 - Anesthesia Crisis Resource Management	15	1
Subtotal	30	2
Program Total	810	54

Clinical Training

Upon completion of the didactic portion of the program, the students move on to the 19-month clinical portion of the curriculum. The primary focus is clinical anesthesia training. The clinical experience obtained will be of the width and breadth necessary for the student to achieve clinical competency in anesthesia. This is accomplished through affiliations at various clinical sites.

Each student will participate in a minimum number of cases and techniques. The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs has set minimum standards for clinical experience that each student must achieve prior to graduation from the program in order to qualify for the National Certifying Examination.  All of the surgical specialties are available, including hands-on training in regional anesthesia techniques. Specialty experiences (i.e. neurosurgery, open-heart surgery, high-risk obstetrics) when not available at primary hospital affiliation sites, will be obtained from rotations at other medical facilities.

All types of anesthesia techniques and the latest agents are available for student learning. Students are able to obtain experience in general anesthetics, intravenous agents, invasive line placement, and regional anesthesia including spinal, epidural, and peripheral nerve blocks. Students are required to rotate to CRNA-only sites to gain this valuable experience.

Clinical Affiliates

Please refer to the school website for a list of clinical sites currently utilized by the School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Graduation Requirements

In order for a student to graduate, the following criteria must be met:

1. Satisfactory completion of all didactic material.
2. Satisfactory completion of clinical experience as required by the school and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
3. Satisfactory completion of stated UNE School of Nurse Anesthesia behavioral objectives.
4. Completion of twenty-seven actual months in program.
5. Evaluations must be completed and signed.
6. All clinical records must be completed and submitted to the Anesthesia School Administrative staff.
7. Completion of the capstone project.
8. All fees must be paid in full.
9. All library books must be returned.
10. A current RN license and ACLS, PALS, BLS Certifications must be on file.

WCHP Academic Policy

The Department of Nurse Anesthesia, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality Nurse Anesthesia education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of Nurse Anesthesia.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

PROGRAM COMPLETION TIMELINE

Students are expected to complete 27 actual months in the program.

 

RULES OF CONDUCT WHILE ON AFFILIATION AT CLINICAL SITES

Success in the Nurse Anesthesia profession requires certain behavioral attributes including but not limited to personal commitment and hardiness, empathy, discipline, honesty, integrity, personal regard for others, the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment, and the ability to address a crisis or emergency situation in a composed manner.  Adherence to these attributes requires a high level of maturity and self-control, even in highly stressful situations.  During the clinical phase, students must conduct themselves in a highly professional manner consistent with the patient care responsibilities with which they will be entrusted.  Failure to adhere to these standards (noted below) or comply with the Clinical Rotation Policies will result in a disciplinary action ranging from a written warning to discharge from the program (depending upon the violation and the circumstances surrounding the offense).

1. Creating or contributing to situations that jeopardize patient safety. 
2. Students are expected to follow all policies in the Student Code of Conduct section of the University of New England Handbook.  Unethical behavior such as academic dishonesty, falsifying logs or medical records is considered a violation of the Program’s standards of conduct. 
3. Respect the confidentiality of patients and fellow students.  One is not permitted to discuss any patients by name outside the clinical encounter situation.  Students should not discuss other students with preceptors.  For academic presentations, all identifying data , including name, initials, date of birth and facility where seen will be omitted.
4. Unauthorized possession, use, copying, or distribution of hospital records or disclosure of information contained in such records to unauthorized persons.
5. Use, distribution, or unauthorized possession of intoxicating beverages or drugs on hospital premises or reporting to work under the influence of intoxicants.
6. Unauthorized absence from the Anesthesia Department during regularly scheduled clinical hours.
7. Failure or refusal to follow instructions of a duly assigned preceptor including refusal to accept clinical assignment.
8. Use of vile, intemperate or abusive language, or acting in a disrespectful manner to any employee, supervisor, patient, or visitor.
9. Any disorderly conduct on hospital premises.
10. Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions.
11. Theft, fraud, or unauthorized use of property belonging to the hospital, patient, or visitor.

CLINICAL PRACTICUM COURSE EXPECTATIONS

To successfully complete each clinical practicum course, students must achieve a grade of  A or B.    Details regarding clinical practicum expectations will be detailed in the Student Clinical Practicum Handbook and/or course syllabus.  Briefly speaking, clinical progression will be monitored during each clinical practicum.  If students are not meeting clinical objectives, they will be placed on Probation.   
  
If a student is placed on a 30- day Probationary Status, they will continue with the clinical objectives scheduled for that level.  The student will communicate with program faculty and clinical faculty to develop a remediation plan based on their clinical evaluations, clinical faculty feedback and/or program faculty findings.  The plan will include strategies for improvement of clinical performance. 

At the end of the 30-day Probation Status, the student’s performance will be re-evaluated by the program faculty. If they are successful, they will resume their clinical practicum at the same level their peers are at and return to good standing. If progress continues to be unsatisfactory, the student will receive an 'F' for the course and be dismissed from the program.    

Students may be placed on a second 30-day probation period for additional (unresolved or newly identified) performance issues.  The process described above would apply for this as well.  Students are granted a maximum of two (2) probationary periods not to exceed 60 days total.  If additional (newly identified) performance issues continue to occur after a student has been granted (2) probationary periods, the student would be immediately dismissed.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Principles:
Nurse anesthesia education requires that accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of specific skills and professional attitudes and behavior. Nurse Anesthesia school faculties have a responsibility to society to matriculate and graduate the best prepared nurse anesthetists, and thus admission to this program has been offered to those who present the highest qualifications. The essential technical standards presented in this document are pre-requisite for matriculation, subsequent promotion from year to year, and ultimately graduation from the University of New England School of Nurse Anesthesia. These standards pertain to all matriculated students. All required courses in the curriculum are necessary in order to develop essential skills required to become a competent nurse anesthetist.

The faculty is committed to fostering relationships with its candidates that encourage human and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication.

Nonetheless, it is imperative that all candidates recognize that the primary responsibility for a successful nurse anesthesia education, both in and outside the classroom, rests with the individual. Candidates, including candidates with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. The School has incomplete influence in helping students achieve these personal adaptations. Situations can arise in which a candidate’s behavior and attitudes resulting from a disability or other personal circumstances represent a secondary problem which impairs the candidate’s ability to meet the School’s standards, even after implementation of all reasonable accommodations have been made by the School.

The School’s obligation and mission is to provide an academic environment which allows candidates to master the intellectual and technical skills necessary to become competent in the safe conduct of anesthesia. It does this by providing a select group of experienced, graduate level nurses with the highest level of didactic education, simulation lab and clinical site experiences. Our graduates develop life-long scholarship, critical thinking skills and professionalism needed to become compassionate, patient-centered anesthesia providers in solo practice or within anesthesia care teams. Therefore, all applicants, regardless of disability, will be held to the same admission standards, with reasonable accommodations if needed.

Recommendations:

1. No otherwise, qualified individual will be denied admission to the School of Nurse Anesthesia based solely upon a disabling condition.
2. Candidates with disabilities applying to the School of Nurse Anesthesia will be expected to have achieved the same requirements as their non-disabled peers.
3. Matriculation into the School of Nurse Anesthesia assumes certain levels of cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Nurse anesthetist candidates with disabilities will be held to the same fundamental standards as their non-disabled peers. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to assist the candidates in learning, performing and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the candidate provides timely, comprehensive documentation establishing the candidate’s disability status and need for reasonable accommodation.
4. Reasonable accommodations that facilitate candidate progress will be provided but only to the extent that such accommodation does not significantly interfere with the essential functions of the School of Nurse Anesthesia, fundamentally alter the program, or significantly affect the rights of other candidates.
5. The School, under the law, is obligated to provide all reasonable accommodations that will eliminate or minimize the barriers disabled candidates may face in the process of successfully completing the requirements for graduation from the University of New England’s School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Abilities and Skills:
A candidate for this program must have abilities and skills of five varieties including observational skills; communication skills; fine and gross motor skills; intellectual skills: conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

I. Observational Skills
The candidate must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through demonstration and experiences in the basic sciences and anesthesia courses including, but not limited to, information conveyed through labs and simulated anesthesia exercises. Furthermore, a candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance, and close at hand, acquire information from written documents and visualize information as presented in radiographic images and patient monitors. The candidate must have visual and hearing acuity, including use of depth perception and peripheral vision; hearing normal and faint body sounds (blood pressure and heart sounds) and hearing auditory alarms on monitors and anesthesia delivery systems. Such observation and information acquisition necessitates the functional use of visual, auditory and somatic sensation while being enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities.

In any case where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate the essential information without reliance upon another person’s interpretation of the information. The university will provide appropriate reasonable accommodations to foster the student’s ability to meet these standards, so long as the student registers with UNE Disability Services.
 
II. Communication Skills
The candidate must be able to effectively and efficiently communicate using verbal, written, and reading skills, in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to patients, their families and all members of the health care team.  A candidate must be able to accurately elicit information, describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity and status. He or she must also demonstrate established communication skills using traditional or alternative reasonable means that do not substantially modify the standard.

III. Fine and Gross Motor Skills
The candidate must be able to, with or without the use of assistive devices, but without reliance on another person, interpret x-ray and other graphic images and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as EKGs).

The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures (e.g. palpation, auscultation) is required. It is also essential for a candidate to possess the gross motor skills sufficient to provide a full range of safe and effective care to patients. These include the ability to move within confined spaces, reach above shoulders, bend, stoop, squat, stretch and to reach below the waist. Fine motor skills are necessary to perform psychomotor skills such as picking up objects, grasping, pinching with fingers (intubations, manipulating a syringe, starting IVs), twisting and squeezing.

Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. In addition, physical endurance and strength is a requirement in order to tolerate training during an entire shift (including overtime or call), standing for long periods of time and sustaining repetitive movements (performing CPR, positive pressure ventilation, etc). Candidates must be able to provide hands-on patient care such as lifting, pushing and pulling excessive weight to position patients, pick up and carry children, ambulate patients and transfer anesthetized patients from stretchers and beds. When transporting patients to patient recovery areas, the candidate is required to move not only the patient's weight but also the heavy bed.
The candidate is required to carry heavy equipment and supplies, sit for long periods of time on stools with and without any back support, twist and turn to visualize monitors and the surgical field and possess the strength and flexibility to assist in the restraint of combative patients. In addition, the candidate must be able to move quickly to respond to emergencies. At all times the ability to administer care to patients in a safe manner is paramount.
 
IV. Intellectual Skills - Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
The candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information in a timely fashion. In addition, the candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structure. Problem-solving, the critical skill demanded of nurse anesthetists, requires all of these intellectual abilities. These problem-solving skills must be able to be performed in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting. In addition, the candidate must be able to adapt readily to changing environments and deal with unexpected activities.

V. Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes
Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.
Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present.
Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, self reflection, emotional intelligence, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes.

Upon completion of this educational program, the student shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the faculty, specific competencies expected of graduates.  These competencies identify knowledge and skills necessary for competent entry-level practice of nurse anesthesia.  Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Perform an anesthetic-related history and physical exam.
2. Formulate and discuss a comprehensive anesthesia care plan for a given patient based on their preoperative assessment and Physical Status Classification I-VI.
3. Implement and evaluate anesthesia management plans, procedures, critical decision-making skills during the anesthetic management of the patient
4. Perform and utilize appropriate technical skills during the anesthetic management of a patient. 
5. Evaluate the postoperative course of a patient. 
6. Perform resuscitation of the newborn infant, child or adult, when necessary. 
7. Function as a team leader for cardiovascular and/or pulmonary emergencies. 
8. Provide first echelon care, maintenance, and troubleshooting of all anesthesia equipment.
9. Critically analyze published data in the field of anesthesia and apply new evidence to technology, pharmacology, and techniques to patient care.
10. Develop interpersonal behaviors consistent with that of a health care professional.  

Transfer Credit

There is no transfer credit awarded to students in the Nurse Anesthesia program.

Advanced Placement

There is no advanced placement.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

Biochemistry is required and must be completed no more than five years prior to enrollment into the Nurse Anesthesia program.  Biochemistry must be completed with a grade of "B" or better, and must be completed by the end of December (or fall term) prior to expected enrollment to be eligible for admissions. The Nurse Anesthesia Program will accept the online biochemistry course offered through UNE's Online Science Prerequisites, as well as many other courses.

COURSES	SPECIFICS	SEMESTER HRS
Required
Biochemistry	No Lab	3-4
Recommended Science Courses:
Anatomy	Lab	4
Physiology	Lab	4
Biology	Lab	4
Chemistry	Lab	4
Microbiology	Lab	4
Organic Chemistry	Lab	4
Pharmacology	No lab	3 – 4
Physics	Lab	4

Grades for the science courses listed above are used to calculate a cumulative science GPA for the Admissions Committee to review the applicant's foundational science base and to evaluate the applicant's aptitude for the sciences.

ACADEMIC / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from a regionally accredited baccalaureate or higher degree program in nursing OR graduation from a regionally accredited associate degree program in nursing and completion of a baccalaureate degree in another field 
• Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended must be submitted as part of a complete application
• Proof of current licensure as a registered nurse in your own state at the time of application. Upon acceptance into the program, licensure in the state where clinical experience is obtained will be required.
• A minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0, especially in the science and professional courses is highly recommended.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to "shadow" a nurse anesthetist for at least a day in the operating room prior to application. In addition, to fully grasp the commitment involved in studying to be a nurse anesthetist, it is especially valuable to "shadow" a student registered nurse anesthetist for a day. Neither of these experiences is a requirement for application, but are highly recommended.
• Minimum of one year of experience as a registered nurse in a critical care area (specifically ICU, CCU, CVICU, SICU, MICU, NICU, PICU and Neuro ICU) prior to application to the program. Note: Emergency Room, Recovery Room or Post-Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) will be considered on a case by case basis but is generally not sufficient as the sole critical care experience.  
• Three references/recommendations, submitted as part of the online application; one reference must be from the applicant's immediate acute care nursing supervisor/manager and must attest to the total length of time the applicant has worked in the acute care setting as a registered nurse.
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
• Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
• CCRN, highly recommended

Note:    Before matriculation, accepted applicants will be expected to obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status to meet all health immunization requirements.  Please visit Student Health Care  for details.

As required by clinical training sites, students will be subject to criminal background checks and drug screens prior to matriculation and periodically throughout the MNA program.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admissions are accepted through the University of New England's online application only.
• Applications submitted and completed by the posted deadline will be fully considered. Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis only.
• On-campus interviews are granted to qualified applicants upon invitation by the Admissions Committee, and are required for admission to the program. Interviews will be held in December/January 
• Admissions decisions will be made, by the program Admissions Committee after all interviews are completed. Decision letters will be sent to applicants, from the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited institution in the US. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions. English Proficiency requirement must be completed at the time of application.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the Nurse Anesthesia program website.

Policy exceptions

The Nurse Anesthesia program and the MNA Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and  Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Equipment
Lab fees	$1500.00
Ear mold for precordial stethoscope (approximately)	$80.00
Case tracking fees	~$600
Books
Required texts (approximately)	$1800.00
Other Expenses
Certifications (ACLS, PALS, BLS)	$200.00
Certified Background (approximately)	$250.00
Malpractice Insurance (annual)	$500.00
AANA Associate (student) membership fee	$200.00
Nurse Anesthesia Review course (approximately)	$775.00
Self-Evaluation Exam (SEE)	$150.00
National Certification Exam fee	$725.00

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-283-0170, extension 2342 or by visiting the Financial Aid website.

The mission of the Occupational Therapy Department is to develop competent, compassionate occupational therapy practitioners and scholars through a dynamic, student-centered, occupation-based educational program.

Vision

Our vision is to lead the profession in the meeting society’s occupational needs by fostering excellence in occupational therapy teaching, scholarship and service.

Occupational therapy is a health profession whose practitioners work with clients of all ages and diagnoses.  The goal of occupational therapy intervention is to increase the ability of the person to participate in everyday activities, including feeding, dressing, bathing, leisure, work, education and social participation. 

Occupational therapy practitioners  work in  hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, home care programs, community health centers, psychiatric facilities, or nursing homes. With experience, the therapist might function in private practice, as a university faculty member, as an administrator, or as a consultant.

The graduate occupational therapy (OT) curriculum is designed to facilitate occupation-based, client-centered practice, critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Courses emphasize life-long learning and professional responsibilities and help students become competent practitioners. Workshops, lectures, intervention labs, small group classes and fieldwork experiences help students apply and integrate practice grounded in theory.

The graduate OT program at Westbrook College of Health Professions emphasizes inter-professional education among nursing, nurse anesthesia, athletic training, applied exercise science, physical therapy, social work, dental hygiene, physician assistant, pharmacy, public health, dental, and osteopathic medical students.

 

The Occupational Therapy Program was first awarded accreditation in January 1985. The OT Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20824-3449. [(301) 652-AOTA]. www.acoteonline.org

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR).  NBCOT, Inc. 12 South Summit Avenue, Suite 100 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877 Phone: 301-990-7979 Email: Info@nbcot.org web: www.nbcot.org

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
Most states require licensure to practice. (State licensure requires NBCOT Certification Examination results). Eligibility for the National Certification Examination requires:

• Master's degree, with a major in occupational therapy.
• Successful completion of an accredited occupational therapy curriculum; and
• Successful completion of a minimum of six months of supervised fieldwork (Level II).

	Credits
Program Required Courses
Summer
OTR 505 - Foundations of OT	3
OTR 520/520L - Functional Kinesiology & Anatomy	4
OTR 503 - Biopsychosocial Dimensions of Older Adults	3
OTR 503L - OT Interventions w/ Older Adults (includes level I fieldwork)	2
OTR 522 - Communications, Culture & Group Process	2
	14
Fall
OTR 513 - Biopsychosocial Dimensions of Mental Health & Wellness	3
OTR 513L - OT Interventions in Mental Health & Wellness	0
OTR 515 - Biopsychosocial Dimensions of Adults	3
OTR 515L - OT Interventions w/ Adults (includes level I fieldwork)	2
OTR 502 - Occupational Analysis	3
OTR 524 - Applied UE Interventions	2
OTR 526 - Integrative Practice w/Adults	3
	16
Spring
OTR 621 - Health Care Management & Administration	3
OTR 611 - Biopsychosocial Dimensions of Children & Youth	3
OTR 611L - OT Interventions w/ Children & Youth (includes level I fieldwork)	2
OTR 614 - Therapeutic Use of Self & Group Intervention (includes level I fieldwork)	2
OTR 610 - Integrative Practice w/Children & Youth	3
OTR 628 - Research Methods & Design	3
	16
Summer/Fall
OTR 601 - Fieldwork IIA	6
OTR 602 - Fieldwork IIB	6
	12
Spring
OTR 619 - Evidence Based Practice Seminar	3
OTR 630 - Essentials for Practice in OT	3
OTR 640 - Neuro-occupation	3
OTR 650 - Leadership/Advocacy within Delivery Systems	3
Student must take one (1) of the following: 605, 606, 607, 608,  641, 642, 665 or an approved elective from another department
OTR 605 - Special Interest Practice Seminar	3
OTR 606 - Cognitive Neurorehabilitation	3
OTR 607 - Hand Therapy	3
OTR 608 - Pediatric Elective	3
OTR 641 - Applied Motor Control	3
OTR 642 - Applied Mental Health Practice and Leadership	3
OTR 665 - Inter-Professional Experience with Older Adults	3
Approved elective	3
Total	73

Clinical Experiences
Students complete Level I Fieldwork experiences as part of didactic courses in a variety of community and medical settings. This experience reinforces class concepts. Students are supervised by qualified personnel including occupational therapists, teachers, social workers, public health nurses, and physical therapists.

Level II Fieldwork emphasizes the application of knowledge by providing the student with an in-depth experience in delivery of occupational therapy service to patients/clients. Students complete two full time level II fieldwork experiences, each is 3 months long.

The expenses incurred for room and board during these internships, and travel to and from them, are the responsibility of each student. Students may complete fieldwork at any approved location.

The requirements for Level II fieldwork include:

• A minimum of six months (24 weeks, full time) of Level II Fieldwork experience, preferably with at least three months on a full-time sustained basis;
• Completion of all fieldwork experience no later than 18 months following completion of academic preparation;
• Supervision provided by a registered occupational therapist with at least one year of experience.

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all courses prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.

WCHP Academic Policies

The Department of Occupational Therapy, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality Occupational Therapy education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the ACOTE (Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education). The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of Occupational Therapy.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

The OT Department’s goal is to develop competent, compassionate practitioners and scholars.

Upon completion of the Occupational Therapy curriculum, the student will be able to:

• Foundations
  • Have acquired, as a prerequisite, a breadth and depth of knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences
  • Have an understanding, awareness, and appreciation of social, global and cultural  issues.
  • Be prepared as a generalist with a broad exposure to models and systems of current and emerging occupational therapy practice.
• Occupation across the Lifespan
  • Articulate and apply evidence-based occupational therapy for people of all ages.
  • Demonstrate entry-level competence in person-centered and occupation-based practice across the lifespan.
• Communication and Leadership
  • Commit to uphold the ethical standards, values, and attitudes of the occupational therapy profession.
  • Differentiate roles and responsibilities within occupational therapy.
  • Perform as a competent and compassionate inter-professional practitioner.
  • Demonstrate effective professional communication and leadership skills.
• Critical Thinking in the OT process
  • Demonstrate effective critical thinking/clinical reasoning/interpersonal reasoning in occupational therapy practice.
  • Advocate for occupational therapy services and for/with the recipients of those services.
• Scholarship and Research
  • Commit to engage in lifelong learning.
  • Commit to the utilization and promotion of evidence-based practice.
  • Synthesize information from research and knowledge bases to support practice.
  • Participate in professional and/or inter-professional growth and dissemination of research and knowledge.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another occupational therapy program. The program director will review and award transfer credits on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Placement

There is no advanced placement.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

COURSES	SPECIFICS	SEMESTER HRS	QUARTER HRS
Human Anatomy & Physiology	Labs	8	12
Neuroscience	Lab	4	6
Introduction to Sociology		3	4
Introduction to Psychology		3	4
Abnormal Psychology		3	4
Human Development (Lifespan)		3	4
Statistics (taught in Math, Biology or Psychology dept.)		3	4
English Composition		3	4
Courses in Medical Terminology, college level Chemistry or Physics, and Introduction to Occupational Therapy are highly recommended

• Anatomy & Physiology and Neuroscience prerequisites must have been completed within seven (7) years of matriculation (taken summer 2009 or more recently).
• Anatomy and Physiology courses must include all body systems and be a full-year (two semester sequence) or the equivalent. Combination of courses must consist of either 4 credits of anatomy with lab and 4 credits of physiology with lab OR 8 credits of A&P I & II (both with lab). Animal Physiology and Exercise Physiology will not satisfy the physiology prerequisite.
• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (“C-“grades are not acceptable).
• Prerequisite coursework and the Baccalaureate degree may be in-progress or planned at the time of application, but must be completed by May, prior to matriculation. Please include any in-progress or planned coursework in your OTCAS application. Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Fall term prior to the MSOT program start must be submitted to OTCAS to be verified during the Fall Academic Update period.  Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Spring term must be submitted directly to UNE’s Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions as soon as they are available.

ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for application should understand that the average GPA for students accepted into the program are well above the minimum requirements. Just meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree, in any major, from a US regionally accredited institution, prior to the start of classes in May
• Successful completion of all prerequisite courses (listed above)
• Have earned and maintained a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 as calculated by OTCAS
• Have a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 as calculated by UNE using the highest grade received with multiple retakes
• Completion of volunteer or work experience in a health or human service related setting is highly recommended

Note: Before matriculation, accepted applicants will be expected to meet all health immunization requirements; to obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status.  Please visit Student Health Care for details.

As required by clinical training sites, students will be subject to criminal background checks and drug screens prior to matriculation, and periodically throughout the OT program.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are accepted through the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy (OTCAS) only.
• Applications must be submitted to OTCAS by the posted deadline.  Students are encouraged to complete and submit applications as early as possible in the cycle. The OTCAS application portal opens in early July.
• The Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee will review the full OTCAS applications taking student GPAs, related work or volunteer experience, personal statement, letters of reference, and the on-campus interview into consideration.
• On-campus interviews are granted to qualified applicants by invitation only and are required for admission to the program.  Admissions are rolling and acceptance offers will be made after each interview session and continue until the program starts.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited institution in the US. See International Admissions.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.  If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and the score received by the application deadline.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the OT Website.

Policy exceptions

The Occupational Therapy program and the OT Admission Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

The Department of Physical Therapy believes that optimal 21st century, person-centered health care is best delivered by well-educated, compassionate leaders who think critically, reason intelligently, collaborate inter-professionally, and who promote health and wellness.  In this spirit, the department is dedicated to preparing students for contemporary physical therapy and advances the profession through its steadfast commitment to excellence in academics, clinical education, scholarship, research, and service. 

Core Values

The Department of Physical Therapy values excellence in student-focused teaching and learning, evidence-based practice, service to the community and profession, interprofessional collaboration, scholarship, and clinical practice.

Student-Focused

•  Friendly, collegial atmosphere
•  Low student-to-faculty ratios
•  Supportive faculty and staff

Academic Excellence

•  Expert academic and clinical faculty
•  State-of-the-art equipment and technology
•  Experiential learning, critical thinking and problem solving
•  Quality clinical experiences
•  High standards and expectations of student admission and retention
•  Continuous quality improvement

Evidence-based Practice

•  Critical appraisal of evidence
•  Integrate evidence, expertise and patient values
•  Best practice

Community & Diversity

•  Professional and community service
•  Embrace and learn from diversity
•  Non-discriminatory
•  Academic-Community partnership

Professional Conduct

•  Respect for all individuals
•  Trustworthy and truthful
•  Confidentiality of patient-therapist relationship
•  Sound judgment
•  Competence and professional development
•  Pro bono service
•  Life-long learning

Collaboration

•  Interprofessional Grand Rounds, seminars and symposia
•  Research and scholarship
•  Teaching and learning

Scholarship

•  Student participation and choice
•  Collaborative, interprofessional and individual intellectual pursuits

Health and Wellness

•  Whole person wellness
•  Injury and disease prevention
•  Promotion of healthy environments

Program Goals

1. Core Attributes: Graduate compassionate, collaborative leaders who are critical thinkers and who promote health and wellness.
2. Academics: Develop academic excellence.
3. Clinical Practice: Promote faculty and student involvement in physical therapy practice across the continuum of care.
4. Research and Scholarship: Generate and disseminate new knowledge.
5. Service:  Identify, develop and promote opportunities for faculty and students to provide service to the institution, community, and profession.
6. Administration: Further develop efficient processes and resources to support the Department's operations.

The entry-level DPT Program is three calendar years (8 semesters) in length and includes a combination of classroom, laboratory, and clinical practicum experiences. The curriculum begins with the foundational sciences, through which the student explores and studies normal human structure and function, and fundamental physical therapy techniques. From this critical underpinning, the student engages in the evidence-based approach to the physical therapy management of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities related to movement, function and health across the life span. The curriculum sequence is generally organized according to key body systems (i.e., musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular, integumentary). Coursework includes study of the functional and psychosocial impacts of health conditions, relevant medical and surgical interventions, and the physical therapy tests, measures, and interventions utilized within the patient/client management model.

The student is also introduced to the physical therapist's role in disease prevention and health promotion, education, consultation, legislation and policy-making, and administration. The student engages in scholarly inquiry, either by completing a case report or conducting research under the direction and mentorship of a faculty member. The student may also explore topics beyond those required in the professional curriculum through elective courses or workshops offered by the Department and College.

Students complete three full-time clinical practical, totaling 36 weeks of clinical experience. More than 300 clinical sites around the United States are available to provide a broad base of experiences in a variety of settings. The sites represent the continuum of health care practice settings including acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient private practices, ambulatory care centers, skilled nursing facilities, school/ preschool programs, and home health care. Full-time clinical practical experiences are integrated in the second and third professional years, enabling students to apply information learned in didactic courses to patients and clients.

The DPT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The Department, through its policies and procedures, is committed to assuring compliance with the evaluative criteria established by CAPTE.

Accreditation indicates that the institution and program have been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators. To contact CAPTE:

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Email: accreditation@apta.org
Phone: (703)-684-2782 or (703)-706-3245

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is eight semesters in length and includes a combination of classroom course work, laboratory coursework, and three, full-time clinical practical. In addition to the 103 required credits, students are invited to take up elective coursework offered by the department and by other graduate programs within the university.

	Credits
Program Required Courses
BIO 502 - Gross Anatomy	6
BIO 504 - Neuroscience	4
PTH 501 - Foundations of PT Practice	5
PTH 502 - Kinesiology	5
PTH 503 - Normal Development	2
PTH 506 - Psychosocial Aspects of Disability and Illness	1
PTH 507 - Introduction to Clinical Medicine	1
PTH 508 - Pathology and Medical Management – Musculoskeletal System	2
PTH 510-  PT Mgt Dis Musc/ Skel System	11
PTH 514 - Scientific Inquiry 1	2
PTH 516 - Pathology and Medical Management - Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems	1
PTH 522 - PT Management of Patients with Disorders of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems	4
PTH 524 - Clinical Education Seminar	1
PTH 525 - Practice Management	1
PTH 601 - Clinical Practicum 1	8
PTH 602 - Scientific Inquiry 2	2
PTH 603 - Pathology and Medical Management – Neuromuscular System	3
PTH 604 - PT Management of Children with Special Health Needs	5
PTH 605 - PT Management of Adults with Disorders of the Neuromuscular System	6
PTH 606 - Research Proposal or PTH 608 Case Report 1  or PTH 690 Research Practicum I*	2
PTH 607 - Clinical Practicum 2	8
PTH 700 - Administration	2
PTH 701 - Pathology and Medical Management – Integumentary System	1
PTH 703 - PT Management of Patients with Disorders of the Integumentary System	4
PTH 704 - Disease Prevention and Health Promotion	3
PTH 705 - Research Project or PTH 708 Case Report 2 *	2
PTH 706 - Public Policy & Physical Therapy	2
PTH 707 - Clinical Practicum 3	8
PTH 710 - Complex Case Management	1
Total Credits Required	103

*Students complete one of the following course sequences: PTH 608 and PTH 708 or PTH 606 and PTH 705 or PTH 690 and PTH 705 Please note: Curriculum is subject to change.

Graduation Requirements

Conferring of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is contingent upon the successful completion of academic and clinical coursework to include a total of 103 academic credits.

Academic Standards

The Department of Physical Therapy, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality physical therapist education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of physical therapy.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

Essential Technical Standards

The essential technical standards are pre-requisites for successful completion of the DPT program at the UNE. Guidelines for reasonable accommodation are discussed. Please read this document carefully to determine whether you possess the abilities and skills reflected in the technical standards below.

Principles:

1. Physical Therapy is an intellectually, physically, and psychologically demanding profession.
2. The obligation and mission of the UNE DPT program is to produce effective and competent physical therapists that are best able to serve the needs of society. Therefore, all applicants, regardless of disability, will be held to the same admission standards. Once accepted, all DPT degree candidates will be held to the same technical standards, with reasonable accommodations provided when necessary and appropriate.
3. Individuals with documented disabilities applying to the UNE DPT Program will be expected to have completed the same academic prerequisites as their non-disabled peers. No applicant is required to disclose the details of a disability and no otherwise qualified individual will be denied admission to the DPT program based solely upon a disabling condition.
4. Upon acceptance, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, under the law, is obligated to provide reasonable accommodations to DPT candidates and students with documented disabilities who are registered with the University’s Disability Services while completing the academic and clinical requirements for graduation from the program.

Reasonable accommodations:
Are provided to help minimize the impact of the student’s disability, provide equal access to the University’s programs and services while upholding the academic, clinical, and technical standards of the DPT Program.

Are provided to assist the student in learning, performing and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the student provides comprehensive documentation establishing his/her disability status prior to the need for reasonable accommodation

Are provided only to the extent that such accommodation does not result in lowering the technical standards of the Department of Physical Therapy or interfering with the rights of other students

Do not exempt DPT candidates from completing certain tasks deemed essential

Do not include reliance on peers-
When a candidate’s ability to function is compromised (with or without accommodation) the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire essential information and demonstrate essential tasks without reliance upon another person to help perform that essential task.

Are determined by UNE Disability Services in consultation with DPT faculty.

In addition, DPT faculty are available to work with candidates with disabilities to help identify strategies that might assist them in performing technical standards.

Candidate Declaration of abilities and skills:

1. Prior to the start of DPT classes, matriculating students must indicate that they possess the abilities reflected in the technical standards described below, either with or without reasonable accommodation.
2. A DPT candidate with a disability who wishes reasonable accommodation must contact the Disability Services, Portland Campus, Lower Level, Ginn Hall, Phone: (207) 221-4418, Fax: (207) 523-1919. An offer of admission may be withdrawn or a DPT candidate may be withdrawn from the program if it becomes apparent at any time that he or she cannot complete the technical standards even with accommodations, that the accommodations needed are not reasonable, or that fulfilling the functions would create a significant risk of harm to the health or safety of the student or others.

Technical Standards: Abilities and Skills

Matriculation into the DPT Program assumes certain essential cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Reflected in the standards that follow are those abilities and skills that degree candidates must possess to engage safely and competently in required learning activities. The abilities and skills are described in five domains, including observation skills; communication skills; motor skills (fine and gross); intellectual-conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional attributes.

I. Observation
Observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, touch, and the use of common sense. Candidates must have visual perception, which includes depth and acuity. A candidate must be able to observe lectures, laboratory dissection of cadavers, and lecture and laboratory demonstrations. The candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately and obtain an appropriate medical history directly from the patient or guardian. Examples in which these observational skills are required include: observation of skin color; breathing regularity; temperature of skin; muscle tone; facial expressions; palpation of peripheral pulses, bony prominences and ligaments; visual and tactile evaluation for areas of inflammation; and visual and tactile assessment of the presence and degree of swelling. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand, noting nonverbal as well as verbal signals. The candidate must have sufficient vision, hearing, and touch to detect patient/client needs in a busy clinical environment. The candidate must be able to read and interpret equipment, patient charts, and diagnostic tests. The candidate must also be able to accurately monitor dials, displays, and equipment used in treatment of patients including exercise equipment and electrical modalities.

II. Communication
Communication includes: speech, language, reading, writing and computer literacy. Students must be able to communicate effectively, sensitively, and convey a sense of compassion and empathy with patients and their families, as well as perceive non-verbal communications, and to deal effectively with cultural and ethnic diversity. Physical therapy education presents exceptional challenges in the volume and breadth of required reading and the necessity to impart information to others. Candidates must be able to communicate quickly, effectively and efficiently in oral and written English with all members of the health care team. Candidates must be able to complete forms according to directions in a complete and timely fashion. The candidate must be able to demonstrate the ability to deliver and receive complex information in one-on-one and group settings, respond to questions from a variety of sources and respond appropriately to verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as explain complex information according to the listener’s needs and abilities, both formally and informally. A candidate must be able to complete paper and/or on-line forms and documentation according to directions in a timely fashion, accurately elicit information and describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity and posture. Candidates must be able to demonstrate sufficient communication skills to effectively train other DPT candidates, patients, family and support personnel.

III. Motor
The candidate must have sufficient strength, endurance and motor skills to effectuate the coordination of both gross and fine muscular movement, equilibrium, and the integrated use of touch and vision. Sufficient physical stamina is required to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study. The candidate must be able to access and negotiate laboratories, classrooms and workstations, attend clinical internships, and accomplish required tasks in the clinic and academic settings. The candidate must be able to perform emergency procedures such as: cardiopulmonary resuscitation; safely lift, transfer and position patients; safely assist and guard patients during gait training; safely and effectively administer exercise and examination procedures that require resistance or facilitation; perform non-surgical wound debridement, and manually adjust exercise equipment and assistive devices. Long periods of sitting, standing, and moving are required in classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. The candidate must demonstrate: sufficient balance, coordination and ability to accompany and detect loss of balance in patients who are walking; the ability to support and guard patients who lose their balance during walking on level surfaces, as well as on stairs and uneven terrains/ramps; sufficient freedom of movement to be able to participate in all classroom and clinical activities; and the ability to lift and carry heavy objects. Required movements may include: pushing; pulling; standing; sitting for long periods of time with and without back support; twisting; kneeling; stooping and bending. The candidate must be able to use motor skills to accurately assess changes in: muscle tone, tissue and skin temperature, joint position, chest sounds and peripheral pulses, joint play and other examination tests. The candidate must also be able to: effectively apply compression, traction, resistance, and percussion; and demonstrate sufficient fine motor skills to be able to manipulate small objects and write legibly. The candidate must be able to respond to bells and alarms related to emergencies. At all times the ability to administer care to patients in a safe manner is paramount.

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities
To effectively solve problems, the candidate must be able to: measure, calculate, reason, analyze, comprehend, integrate and synthesize information from the clinical, natural, and social sciences in a timely fashion. For example, the candidate must be able to synthesize knowledge and integrate the relevant aspects of a patient’s history, physical examination, and laboratory data. The candidate must be able to: provide a reasoned explanation for likely therapy, recalling and retaining information in an efficient and timely manner. The ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and the medical literature in formulating treatment plans is essential. In addition, the candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand spatial relationships of structures. The candidate must have the ability to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. The candidate must be able to understand theory, research literature, and principles that apply to physical therapy practice, and analyze and solve complex patient problems. The candidate must be able to utilize knowledge of natural, clinical, and social sciences to develop appropriate interventions in a clinical setting. The ability to use critical analysis to understand theory, research literature, and principles that apply to physical therapy practice and to apply inductive and deductive clinical reasoning to solve complex patient problems is necessary. The candidate must be able to effectively engage in self-assessment of performance, as well as provide objective and constructive assessments of peers and faculty. The candidate must be able to identify significant findings based upon history and physical examination and interpret laboratory and diagnostic imaging data. The candidate must utilize sufficient judgment to ensure safe encounters with peers and patients and to effectively delegate to support personnel.

V. Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes
The candidate must be: dependable, punctual, ethical, and reliable; maintain professional demeanor in all situations; recognize stressors and be able to seek assistance as needed. Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities. They must: exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients. The candidate must also demonstrate a commitment to learning by seeking new knowledge and understanding, formulating their own thoughts and ideas, and taking ownership of their educational advancement. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to: adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in the limited time demanded by a given clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present. The candidate must be able to abide by the APTA Code of Ethics, the Standards of Physical Therapy Practice and the Core Values, which can be found on the American Physical Therapy Association website at www.apta.org. Candidates must also be able to establish professional and empathetic relationships with individuals across the lifespan and from various cultures. Candidates must demonstrate integrity and honesty in the academic and clinical environment, as well as being able to engage in respectful interactions with individuals from various lifestyles, cultures, races, socioeconomic classes and abilities. They must be able to develop and maintain respectful working relationships with peers, faculty, professional colleagues, patients, family members and the general public and to recognize the psychosocial impact of movement dysfunction and disability on clients and families. The candidate must be able to accept constructive feedback and respond with suitable action.

Specific Examples of Technical Skills (Essential Functions) and Abilities:
Specifically, candidates must be able to:

1. Attend and participate in classes for 30 or more hours per week during each academic semester. Classes consist of a combination of lecture, discussion, laboratory, and clinical activities.
2. Use auditory, tactile, and visual senses to receive classroom instruction and to evaluate and treat patients.
3. Read, write, speak, and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and development of positive patient-therapist relationships.
4. Complete readings, assignments, and other activities outside of class hours.
5. Apply critical thinking processes to their work in the classroom and the clinic.
6. Exercise sound judgment in class and in the clinic.
7. Participate in clinical experiences, which typically require students to be present 40 or more hours per week on a schedule that corresponds to the operating hours of the clinic.
8. Gather decision-making pieces of information during patient assessment activities in class or in the clinical setting without the use of an intermediary (classmate, aide, etc).
9. Perform treatment activities in class or in the clinical setting by direct performance.
10. Sit for two to 10 hours at a time, stand for at least one to two hours at a time, and walk or travel for at least two hours at a time
11. Frequently lift weights less than 10 pounds and occasionally lift weights between 10 and 100 pounds.
12. Occasionally carry up to 25 pounds while walking up to 50 feet.
13. Frequently exert 75 pounds of push/pull forces up to 50 feet and occasionally exert 150 pounds of push/pull forces for this distance.
14. Frequently twist, bend and stoop.
15. Occasionally squat, crawl, reach above shoulder level, and kneel.
16. Frequently move from place to place and position to position at a speed that permits safe handling of classmates and patients.
17. Frequently stand and walk while providing support to a classmate simulating a disability or while supporting a patient with a disability.
18. Occasionally climb stairs and negotiate uneven terrain.
19. Frequently use hands repetitively with a simple grasp and frequently with a firm grasp.
20. Frequently perform tasks requiring manual dexterity skills.
21. Frequently coordinate activities with gross motor and communication skills.

*Information and design from The Essential Standards and Technical Standards documents from the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy at Central Michigan and Sacramento State, and University of Buffalo’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, as well as the generic abilities developed by the physical therapy program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Students are expected to abide by the academic policies and procedures and conduct code outlined in the University of New England (UNE) Student Handbook,the Department of Physical Therapy Student Handbook and the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures. Failure to abide by these policies, procedures or codes may result in disciplinary action.  

The Department of Physical Therapy, the Westbook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality physical therapist education program that complies with the 2016 standards of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

After completing the physical therapy curriculum, students will:

1. Integrate concepts from the biological, physical, behavioral, and clinical sciences into physical therapy services
2. Exhibit professional conduct and behaviors that are consistent with the legal and ethical practice of physical therapy
3. Demonstrate compassion, caring, integrity, and respect for differences, values, and  preferences in all interactions with patients/clients, family members, health care providers, students, other consumers, and payers 
4. Demonstrate culturally sensitive verbal, nonverbal, and written communications that are effective, accurate, and timely
5. Collect and critically evaluate data and published literature to apply in the delivery of care, practice management, and to examine the theoretical and scientific basis for physical therapy
6. Screen patients/clients to determine if they are candidates for physical therapy services or if referral to, or consultation with, another health care professional or agency is warranted
7. Complete a patient/client examination/reexamination and evaluate and interpret the examination data to determine a physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis
8. Employ critical thinking, self-reflection, and evidence-based practice to make clinical decisions about physical therapy services 
9. Collaborate with patients/clients, caregivers, and other health care providers to develop and implement an evidence-based plan of care that coordinates human and financial resources 
10. Provide services and information related to health promotion, fitness, wellness, health risks, and disease prevention within the scope of physical therapy practice
11. Advocate for patient/client and profession
12. Provide consultative services and education to patients/clients, caregivers, health care workers, and the public using culturally sensitive methods that are adapted to the learning needs, content, and context
13. Employ effective leadership skills in the context of supervising, delegating and mentoring within the profession

Transfer Credit

Requests for consideration of transfer credit will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Standing

Requests for consideration of transfer credit for advanced standing placement will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

Prerequisite Courses

COURSES	SPECIFICS	SEMESTER HRS	Quarter hrs
General Biology I & II	Labs	8	12
General Chemistry I & II	Labs	8	12
Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II*	Labs	8	12
Physics I & II	Labs	8	12
Statistics		3	4
Introduction to Psychology		3	4

• All science prerequisites must have been completed within seven (7) years (completed Fall 2009 or more recently) prior to the PTCAS application deadline.
• All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better (“C-“grades are not acceptable).
• *Anatomy and Physiology courses must include all body systems and be a full-year (two semester sequence) or the equivalent.  Combination of courses must consist of either 4 credits of anatomy with lab and 4 credits of physiology with lab OR 8 credits of A&P I & II (both with lab). Animal Physiology or Exercise Physiology will not satisfy the physiology prerequisite.
• Prerequisite courses may be in-progress or planned at the time of application, but must be completed before enrollment. Please include any in-progress or planned coursework in your PTCAS application.  (Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Fall term prior to the PT program start must be submitted to PTCAS to be verified during the Academic Update period.  Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Spring or Summer terms must be submitted directly to UNE's Office of  Graduate and Professional Admissions as soon as they are available.)

ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for application should understand that the average GPA for students accepted into the program are well above the minimum,m requirements.  Just meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.

• Distinguished record of excellence and achievement in college as established by cumulative GPA and math/science prerequisite GPA, extracurricular activities, community involvement, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation
• Completion of Bachelor’s Degree from a US regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, prior to matriculation
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, as calculated by PTCAS (inclusive of all coursework taken with no forgiveness for retakes)
• A minimum math/science prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (excludes Introduction to Psychology course), calculated by UNE using the best grade received with multiple repeats.
• Successful completion of the General Graduate Record Exam (GRE)  Recommended that all section scores be above the 30th percentile. GRE scores must be submitted to PTCAS from ETS and must have been completed within 2 years of application to the DPT program.
• A minimum of 40 hours of observation in PT practice is required. Applicants are evaluated on their knowledge of the breadth and depth of PT practice, therefore, observation in a variety of practice settings and patient populations is recommended.
• Provide three letters of reference with one from a PT and one from a professor required; the third is your choice (not a politician, friend, or family member).  We will consider the first 3 letters of reference received and no additional ones will be accepted nor considered in the review process.

Note:    Before matriculation, accepted applicants will be expected to obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status to meet all health immunization requirements.  Please visit Student Health Care  for details.

As required by clinical training sites, students will be subject to criminal background checks and drug screens prior to matriculation, and periodically throughout the DPT program.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admissions are accepted through the Central Application Service for Physical Therapy (PTCAS).
• Applications must be submitted to PTCAS by the posted deadline.  Given the normally heavy volume of applications, it is strongly encouraged that completed applications be submitted as early as possible in the cycle.  The PTCAS application portal opens annually in early July.
• On-campus interviews are granted to qualified applicants by invitation of the Admissions Committee, and are required for admission.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made after each interview session and continue until the program starts. Applications received and completed before the deadline will be given full consideration. Applications submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a space available basis only.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. See International Admissions. 
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, (see International Admissions.)  If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the PT Website.

Policy exceptions

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the DPT Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Other Expenses

Other expenses will include textbooks and lab fees in some courses. Students should also anticipate transportation, housing and living expenses during clinical practical.

Equipment

All students are required to have access to high-speed internet service and a laptop computer with the capability of utilizing Blackboard or similar on-line education format.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office on the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The Department of Physical Therapy believes that optimal 21st century, person-centered health care is best delivered by well-educated, compassionate leaders who think critically, reason intelligently, collaborate inter-professionally, and who promote health and wellness. In this spirit, the department is dedicated to preparing students for contemporary physical therapy and advances the profession through its steadfast commitment to excellence in academics, clinical education, scholarship, research, and service. 

The transitional DPT (tDPT) program culminates in the DPT degree and is “conferred upon completion of a structured transitional educational experience that results in the augmentation of knowledge, skills, and behaviors to a level consistent with the current professional (entry-level) DPT standards. The transitional DPT program enables the US-licensed physical therapist to attain degree parity with therapists who hold the professional DPT by 'filling in' any gaps between their professional baccalaureate or master's degree PT education and the current professional DPT degree education.”*  The tDPT program is a logical extension of curricular offerings from the Department serving the needs of our program graduates as well as graduates from other accredited baccalaureate or master’s degree programs

Program Goals

The tDPT program at the University of New England is designed to:

• Offer physical therapists with a previously obtained baccalaureate or master’s degree the opportunity to update their knowledge base in areas within the profession that have been augmented over the past 10-15 years as reflected in the current DPT degree curriculum.
• Enhance the student's current knowledge base in a variety of areas, including evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, management sciences, pharmacology, prevention and wellness, and health care policy.
• Provide an interactive and flexible distance education environment to meet the learning needs of today’s busy clinician.

¹Frequently Asked Questions: Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (Transitional)

The University of New England is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The tDPT program is an on-line educational experience, requiring the successful completion of six courses totaling 18 credit hours. [Note: A minimum of 15 credits must be completed at the University of New England.] Courses may be completed in any sequence with the exception of the Capstone course, which must be taken after successful completion of all other courses.

Curriculum subject areas and credit hours are listed below:

	Credits
PTH 730 - Pharmacology	3
PTH 732 - Management Sciences	3
PTH 734 - Clinical Reasoning and Evidence-Based Practice	3
PTH 736 - Prevention, Health Promotion and Wellness	3
PTH 738 - Legislation and Policy	3
PTH 740 - Capstone in Clinical Practice	3

Graduation Requirements

Conferring of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is contingent upon successful completion of the 18 credits of academic coursework in the tDPT curriculum.

Students must complete, with a grade of “B” or higher, all academic courses in the tDPT curriculum. Students who earn a grade of “C+” or lower in any of these courses must re-take the course and earn a “B“ or better on the next attempt. If the student does not earn a “B“ or better in re-taking the course, the student will be dismissed from the tDPT program.

Course and instructor evaluations are one of the most important tools that we have for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to course instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from everyone. Please note that course evaluations are a required element of every course; to receive grades at the end of the semester, students will need to complete the on-line course evaluations. In order to make this as convenient as possible, we will provide a two-week window for completion. If students have any questions regarding this requirement, they may contact the Westbrook College of Health Professions' Dean's Office.

The University of New England (UNE) Student Handbook contains policies and procedures, including the University Conduct Code that applies to all students at the University. Students are also expected to abide by the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) Guide for Professional Conduct and the APTA’s Code of Ethics.  You will note that many of the policies described in the UNE Student Handbook are congruent with the APTA’s Guide for Professional Conduct and Code of Ethics.  

Students will be expected to abide by additional course policies established by individual faculty members. Failure to abide by the conduct code described above, course policies or Department policies may result in disciplinary action. 

Registration/Add/Drop

Registration for courses will be on a first-come, first-serve basis until maximum enrollment is met. Students will be able to register for classes only after matriculation into the program.

Completion

The tDPT curriculum must be completed within three years of starting the program.

See Student Handbook for the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit for up to one course requirement may be granted by demonstration of course equivalency. The criteria for course equivalency include:

• Successful completion (B or higher grade) of an equivalent graduate level course taken within the past five years prior to enrollment into the tDPT program.
• Course completed must address the educational outcomes of the tDPT program course.
• Work or other educational experiences may also be considered in addition to graduate coursework in determining course equivalency.
• All requests for transfer credit will be reviewed ONLY at the time of matriculation to the program by the Department Admissions Committee.

Advanced Placement

No credit will be awarded for Advanced Placement.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

 

ACADEMIC PREREQUISITES

All applicants to the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (tDPT) program must meet the following criteria at the time of application:

• Have completed a baccalaureate (BPT) or master (MPT) level degree in physical therapy from a Physical Therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy (CAPTE) or equivalent
• Have a current license to practice, and be employed as a physical therapist in the United States

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are submitted through UNE’s online application 
• Applications for new students will only be reviewed for fall and spring terms. (Program courses are, however, offered in the summer, fall, and spring terms.) 
• Admissions are rolling and applications are reviewed as they are received
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities must be submitted to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions as documentation of all coursework and degrees completed 
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution and CAPTE accredited Physical Therapy program.  See International Admissions
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions. English Proficiency requirement must be completed at the time of application.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the tDPT website.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the tDPT Admissions Committee reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Equipment

All students are required to have access to high-speed internet service. It is recommended that students have their own computer with the capability of utilizing Blackboard or similar on-line education format.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The mission of the University of New England Physician Assistant Program is to prepare masters level primary care Physician Assistants who will practice with physicians and other members of the health care team. The Program is committed to developing practitioners who are educated in all aspects of healthcare including geriatrics, health promotion and disease prevention, and public health practice. Special emphasis is placed on training clinicians who will provide primary healthcare to rural and urban underserved populations.

Graduate Professional Competencies

The mission of the Program is accomplished by having graduates who meet the goals of the educational process.  Graduates of the Physician Assistant Program will:

• Understand the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology and Pathophysiology and be able to utilize this knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
• Understand the principles of pharmacotherapeutics and to apply them in the treatment of patients.
• Elicit a detailed, accurate history and perform a thorough physical examination.
• Understand how to order and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests in a cost efficient manner.
• Present patient data and document it appropriately in the medical record.
• Provide quality acute and ongoing patient care by appropriately delineating patient problems and by formulating and implementing patient management plans, including referrals to other healthcare providers and agencies.
• Perform or assist in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and manage or assist in the management of medical and surgical conditions, particularly in life threatening situations.
• Understand the principles of public health and incorporate health promotion and disease prevention into a patient care practice.
• Use information technology in the provision of quality healthcare and clinical decision-making.
• Evaluate the medical literature critically and apply this knowledge and the principles of evidence-based medicine to clinical practice.
• Provide compassionate and competent healthcare to patients of all ages and backgrounds.
• Understand the medical and social issues that affect the geriatric patient and provide appropriate management of these problems.
• Counsel patients, their families and their caregivers regarding issues of health, illness and medical care.
• Understand the historical and contemporary role of the physician assistant in the healthcare system.
• Participate effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Understand the principles of patient oriented healthcare and to communicate clearly with patients.
• Identify the special dynamics of providing healthcare to rural or underserved populations.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior by following the American Academy of Physician Assistants' Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession.

The Master of Science - Physician Assistant Program (MSPA) has been planned to effectively utilize faculty expertise from the University's five colleges. Some faculty hold joint appointments with responsibility for teaching medical and physician assistant students as well as other health profession matriculants. Similarly, physician assistant candidates will receive clinical supervision as part of an integrated team of health providers. It is our expectation that these collaborative strategies toward teaching and learning will ultimately result in high quality, cost-effective health care delivery, particularly in medically under- served regions of New England.

Upon successful completion of the Physician Assistant Program, the University of New England awards the master of science degree. The program operates on a twenty-four month full-time calendar, beginning in late May  of each year with a new incoming class.

What is a PA?

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. Physician Assistants are qualified by graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program and/or certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Within the physician/PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision-making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services under the general supervision of the physician.

Other

The University of New England's Master of Science - Physician Assistant Program was designed according to the Essentials and Guidelines for an Accredited Educational Program for the Physician Assistant. The University of New England Physician Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Note: The curricular requirements below apply to the the class entering May 2015 (Class of 2017). 

Phase I of the program of study consists of 56 credit hours in pre-clinical didactic course work. The summer, fall and spring terms include instruction in the fields of biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, clinical assessment, anatomy, physiology, evidence based medicine, ethics and professionalism, specialty disciplines, surgery, geriatrics and emergency medicine.

Twelve months of clinical rotations will take place upon successful completion of the didactic phase. The program ends with a final week on campus, which provides a forum for the presentation of students' research projects to peers and faculty; offers assistance in preparing the graduating students for certification; and gives physician assistant candidates an opportunity to integrate the didactic and clinical portions of their training in preparation for the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam.
 

Course/Program Area	Credits
Summer I June - August (10 weeks)
PAC 501 - Anatomy	3
PAC 503 - Clinical Assessment I	2.5
PAC 557 - Pharmacology I	.5
PAC 508 - Principles of Biological Science	4
PAC 509 - Clinical Medicine I	1
PAC 581 - Professional and Ethical Issues for Physician Assistants	1
PAC 552 - Evidence Based Medicine I	1.5
Semester total	13.5
Fall September - December (15 weeks)
PAC 553 - Clinical Assessment II	2
PAC 518 - Pharmacology II	3
PAC 519 - Clinical Medicine II	8
PAC 564 - Interprofessional Geriatric Education Practicum I	2
PAC 565 - Integrating Seminar I	3
PAC 526 - Evidence Based Medicine II	2
Semester Total	20
Spring January - May (20 weeks)
PAC 551 - Introduction to Public Health	1.0
PAC 556 - Evidence Based Medicine III	.5
PAC 566 - Specialty Disciplines	6
PAC 585 - Integrating Seminar II	3
PAC 533 - Clinical Assessment III	3
PAC 587 - Pharmacology III	3
PAC 589 - Clinical Medicine III	4
PAC 584 - Interprofessional Geriatric Education Practicum II	2
Semester Total	22.5
Spring II - Summer II June - June (12 months)
Clinical Rotations
PAC 600 - Internal Medicine  Inpatient (6 Weeks)	6
PAC 601 - Internal Medicine Outpatient (6 Weeks)	6
PAC 602 - Emergency Medicine (6 Weeks)	6
PAC 603 - Surgery (6 Weeks)	6
PAC 607 - Family Medicine I (6 Weeks)	6
PAC 608 - Family Medicine II (6 Weeks)	6
PAC 612 - Primary Care Selective	6
PAC Elective	6
PAC 620 - Preparation for Clinical Practice	3
PAC 630 - Evidence Based Medicine IV	1
Semester Total	52

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all program requirements prior to the issuance of their Master of Science degree and the certificate of completion of the program. 

WCHP Academic Policies

The Department of Physician Assistant, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality Physician Assistant education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of Physician Assistant.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

Technical Standards

All students must be able to meet the following University of New England Physician Assistant Program technical standards to successfully complete the Physician Assistant Program.  A candidate for the Physician Assistant Program must have abilities and skills in five categories: observation, communication, motor, intellectual, and behavioral/social. Reasonable accommodation for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis, but a candidate must be able to perform in an independent manner. The following skills are required, with or without accommodation:

Observation:  Candidates must have sufficient sensory capacity to observe in the lecture hall, the laboratory, the outpatient setting, and the patient's bedside. Sensory skills adequate to perform a physical examination are required. Functional vision, hearing and tactile sensation must be adequate to observe a patient's condition and to elicit information through procedures regularly required in a physical examination, such as inspection, auscultation and palpation.

Communication:  Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both academic and health care settings. Candidates must show evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.

Motor:  The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures (e.g. palpation, auscultation) is required. Candidates must have sufficient motor function to execute movements required to provide care to patients. Candidates must be able to negotiate patient care environments and must be able to move between settings, such as clinic, classroom building, and hospital.

Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required. Long periods of sitting, standing, or moving are required in classroom laboratory, and clinical experiences.

Intellectual:  Candidates must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize. Problem- solving, one of the critical skills demanded of physician assistants, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, candidates should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. Candidates must be able to read and understand medical literature. In order to complete the Physician Assistant Program degree, candidates must be able to demonstrate mastery of these skills and the ability to use them together in a timely fashion in medical problem-solving and patient care.

Behavioral and Social Attributes: Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all academic and patient care responsibilities. The development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team is essential. Flexibility, compassion, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills and the ability to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice are all required.

For more information on disabilities and accommodation, please contact the UNE Office of Students With Disabilities at (207) 602-2815.

Grading

Upon completion of a course of study, the faculty member in charge of that course submits the number of hours taught and a grade for each student to the academic coordinator. The MSPA program uses a standard letter grading system.

Course Add/Drop or Withdrawal Policy

Due to the standard curriculum sequence within the MSPA Program, students are not allowed to add or drop courses. Students may not withdraw from an individual  MSPA course; to do so indicates a complete withdrawal from the MSPA Program.

Repeat Course Policy

Courses in the MSPA Program are offered once per year. All courses within the program must be completed with a minimum final grade of at least 70%.  Students must successfully complete each course within a given semester to progress to the next semester. The Program Student Development Committee in association with the Program Director determines whether or not a course or part of it must be repeated. It may be necessary for the student to await the next time the course is offered in the MSPA Program schedule which may make it necessary for the student to apply for a leave of absence and if granted, return to the program when the course in next offered. 

Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript. All courses are listed chronologically on the transcript by semester or academic period in which they are enrolled.

Please refer to the  Westbrook College of Health Professions Graduate Progression Policy and Procedures for further information regarding graduate program progression. 

The mission of the Program is accomplished by having graduates who meet the goals of the educational process.  Graduates of the Physician Assistant Program will:

• Understand the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology and Pathophysiology and be able to utilize this knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
• Understand the principles of pharmacotherapeutics and to apply them in the treatment of patients.
• Elicit a detailed, accurate history and perform a thorough physical examination.
• Understand how to order and interpret appropriate diagnostic tests in a cost efficient manner.
• Present patient data and document it appropriately in the medical record.
• Provide quality acute and ongoing patient care by appropriately delineating patient problems and by formulating and implementing patient management plans, including referrals to other healthcare providers and agencies.
• Perform or assist in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and manage or assist in the management of medical and surgical conditions, particularly in life threatening situations.
• Understand the principles of public health and incorporate health promotion and disease prevention into a patient care practice.
• Use information technology in the provision of quality healthcare and clinical decision-making.
• Evaluate the medical literature critically and apply this knowledge and the principles of evidence-based medicine to clinical practice.
• Provide compassionate and competent healthcare to patients of all ages and backgrounds.
• Understand the medical and social issues that affect the geriatric patient and provide appropriate management of these problems.
• Counsel patients, their families and their caregivers regarding issues of health, illness and medical care.
• Understand the historical and contemporary role of the physician assistant in the healthcare system.
• Participate effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Understand the principles of patient oriented healthcare and to communicate clearly with patients.
• Identify the special dynamics of providing healthcare to rural or underserved populations.
• Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior by following the American Academy of Physician Assistants' Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credits are rarely awarded to students who transfer from another physician assistant program. The program director will award transfer credits on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Placement

There is no advanced placement.

Experiential Learning

No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

PREREQUISITE COURSES

COURSES	SPECIFICS	SEMESTER HRS	Quarter hrs
Biology	Labs	8	12
General Chemistry	Labs	8	12
Human Anatomy & Physiology	Labs	8	12
Psychology/Sociology or related behavioral science		6	8
English		6	8
Courses in Advanced Physiology, Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Physics, and Biochemistry are highly recommended.

• Anatomy & Physiology prerequisite must have been completed within seven (7) years of matriculation (taken summer 2009 or more recently). The courses must include all body systems and be a full-year (two semester sequence) or the equivalent. Combination of courses must consist of either 4 credits of anatomy with lab and 4 credits of physiology with lab OR 8 credits of A&P I & II (both with lab). Animal Physiology will not satisfy the physiology prerequisite.
• All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (“C-“grades are not acceptable).
• Prerequisites may be in-progress or planned at the time of application, but must be completed by December 31st, of the application year. Please include any in-progress or planned coursework in your CASPA application. (Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Fall term prior to the PA program start must be submitted to CASPA to be verified during the Fall Academic Update period. Transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the Spring term must be submitted directly to UNE’s Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions as soon as they are available.)

ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

 Applicants who meet the minimum requirements for application should understand that the average GPAs and number of hours of direct patient care for students accepted into the program are well above the minimum requirements.  Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.

• At least 90 undergraduate credits from a US regionally accredited institution(s) at time of application, and a Bachelor Degree prior to matriculation (unless in UNE pre-PA accelerated 3/2 track).
• A minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0, as calculated by CASPA, is required. (The average for matriculated students has typically been approximately 3.5 for the past few years)
• A minimum CASPA BCP GPA of 3.0 is required. BCP is the GPA calculated by CASPA for all biology, chemistry, and physics courses completed. (The average for matriculated students has typically been 3.5 for the past few years). Additional credit hours beyond the minimum pre-requisites, especially upper level coursework, in the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics areas, will enhance your application and make you a stronger candidate.
• Official GRE test scores must be submitted directly to CASPA; test scores must be within five (5) years of expected enrollment.
• A minimum of 250 hours of direct patient care is required. (The average for matriculated students has typically been in the range of 2500 – 3500 hours over the past few years.)
• “Shadowing” of PAs in more than one practice facility and practice area is very important for a clear understanding of the role of the PA on the medical team.  Applicants will be required to show evidence of PA shadowing hours in a primary care, inpatient or outpatient setting and must record in the “Health Care Shadowing Experience” section of CASPA. “Shadowing” does not count toward direct patient care hours.
• Proficiency with computer technology is strongly recommended.

Note:     Before matriculation, accepted applicants will be expected to meet all health immunization requirements; to obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status.  Please visit Student Health Care for details.  Students must also have a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) course for the provider and must maintain current BLS throughout the program.

As required by clinical training sites, students will be subject to criminal background checks and drug screens prior to matriculation, and periodically throughout the PA program.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admissions are accepted through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) only.
• Applications must be submitted to CASPA by the posted deadline. Given the normally heavy volume of applications, we strongly encourage students to submit completed applications as early as possible in the cycle. The CASPA application portal opens annually in mid April.
• On-campus interviews are granted to qualified applicants by invitation only and are required for admission to the program.
• Admissions are rolling and decisions are made after each interview session and continue until the program starts.
• International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited institution in the US. See International Admissions for a list of educational credential evaluators.
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate (in writing and orally) in English to be admitted to the university. UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions. If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and the score received by the application deadline.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the PA website.

Policy exceptions

The Physician Assistant program and the PA Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Lab Fees

A fee is charged to cover the expenses for specific science courses (e.g., anatomy), certain specific course or program component (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), evaluative testing, including the use of high-fidelity simulators, etc.) and an equipment fee for personal medical equipment.

Clinical Fee

The Clinical Fee is dispersed to clinical sites during the student's clinical year. It is an honorarium paid to the clinical site in appreciation for clinical training. While dispersed to clinical sites during the clinical year, to better equalize charges and award financial aid, a portion of the fee is billed to students during both the didactic and clinical year.

Tuition and fees are refunded per UNE policy. The refund policy can be found in the  University Catalog section on Financial Information for Graduate Programs.

Equipment

Students are required to have certain personal medical equipment. This equipment is group purchased (at a significant discount) for each entering Class and the equipment is delivered to students during the first week of the program.  Please do not purchase personal medical equipment from sources other than the Program's group purchase.

Books

Students in the didactic phase can plan on spending approximately $1,500 to $2,000 on required textbooks. Course syllabi and the program book list may also include recommended books which students are not required to purchase, but may wish to have as important reference materials.  Most of the texts used in the Program are available digitally via the UNE Library's Portal and can be accessed without additional expense.

Other Expenses

Students are responsible for expenses involved with travel, parking, living expenses and meals.

Student Employment

The program discourages students from having outside employment while attending the PA Program. If a student feels that it is necessary to work while in the program, it is advisable that the student inform his/her academic advisor.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office on the Biddeford Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The Teacher Certification Program (TCP) is for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree and are interested in acquiring elementary/middle or secondary teacher certification. Through course work designed to satisfy department and state requirements, certification in elementary/middle education (K-8), secondary education (7-12 in either life science, physical science, English, history, mathematics), or art education (K-12) can be obtained.  All coursework must be completed at the graduate level (EDU 500 - 600).  After completion of this certification program, a student is eligible to enroll in the Master of Science in Education degree program with a concentration in Teaching Methodology.  This program builds on the Teacher Certification Program and, with the addition of 5 online core courses (15 credits), one may earn a Master of Science in Education degree. 

Prior to admittance into the Teacher Certification Program a student can take courses as a continuing education student. Continuing education (CE) students may enroll in one semester with a limit of two courses (6 credit hours).  One of those courses must be EDU 502 Curriculum Theory and Design.  To enroll in any more courses for subsequent semesters, CE students must be admitted into the TCP.

The Education Certification Programs are approved by the Maine Department of Education and meet documented state standards.  Please note that state requirements can change over time, which can affect curriculum and test requirements for students. Please check with your education advisor to obtain any updates. 

Elementary Certification	Credits
Program Required Courses
EDU 502 - Curriculum Theory and Design*	3
EDU 510 - Exceptionality in the Classroom*	3
EDU 561 - Teaching Social Studies, K-8*	3
EDU 567 - Teaching Science, K-8*	3
EDU 573 - Teaching Mathematics, K-8*	3
EDU 581 - Reading/Language/Literature: Early	3
EDU 582 - Reading/Language/Literature: Adolescent*	3
EDU 1025 - K-8 Internship and Seminar*	12
Total Elementary Certification Credits  *Indicates that the course requires a field experience.	33
Secondary or Art Certification
EDU 502 - Curriculum Theory and Design*	3
EDU 510 - Exceptionality in the Classroom*	3
EDU 582 - Reading/Language/Literature: Adolescent*	3
Select one appropriate methods course from the following list:	3
EDU 536 - Teaching Secondary English*
EDU 537 - Teaching Secondary Science*
EDU 538 - Teaching Secondary Social Studies*
EDU 539 - Teaching Secondary Math*
EDU 541 - Methods of Art Education*
EDU 1030 - Secondary Internship and Seminar * or EDU 1035 - K-12 Internship and Seminar*	12
Elective	3
Total Secondary or Art Certification Credits  *Indicates that the course requires a field experience.	27

Field Experience

The faculty in the Department of Education is committed to providing students with ongoing and frequent observation and involvement in schools. The teacher education programs at UNE have a specific, competency-based focus to meet the InTASC standards for teacher certification. All students engaged in the TCP will spend time in a field setting during each of the semesters for which they are registered for professional education courses. Involvement in the schools will be connected to specific, course-related tasks (e.g., conducting observations, teaching lessons, administering assessments, etc.)  Transportation to and from fieldwork sites is the responsibility of the student. A minimum of 15 hours of field experience per semester is required.

Internship

Courses may not be taken during the internship semester. Therefore, all required coursework must be completed by the end of the semester prior to start of the internship. Note: There is one exception for secondary and art certification students: EDU 546, a 1-credit technology module, is part of the internship semester. Admission to the internship is not guaranteed (see section on “Admission Requirements and Successful Progression in the Program”). In addition, the student should have each of the following:

1. Sufficient knowledge regarding the components of effective instruction.
2. Sufficient knowledge of appropriate grade-level content and teaching methods.
3. Sufficient knowledge of the developmental needs of students.
4. Sufficient knowledge of how to establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with school personnel, students, and parents.
5. Understanding of and empathy for working with students.
6. No serious reservations identified on the Professional Performance Student Self-Assessment and Review.

The selection of individual internship sites will be made by the Certification and Placement Officer. Geographical location relative to UNE is a consideration. UNE has a collaborative relationship with many districts and selects schools and teachers based on their interest in and ability to assist interns in demonstrating mastery of the InTASC  standards. Placement in an internship is not guaranteed. The Department of Education, through its Certification and Placement Officer, will make a good faith effort to negotiate an appropriate placement. Schools have the right to refuse placement requests. The University, at its discretion, will not place students in internship settings (1) where an intern's children or relatives are enrolled, or (2) where a spouse or relative of an intern is currently employed.

Professional Educator Review Board (PERB)

All students enrolled in the internship must demonstrate their teaching competence to the Professional Educator Review Board (PERB) with respect to the InTASC standards. This board is comprised of professional educators from area schools, as well as UNE faculty. Students are required to develop a portfolio that attests to their proficiency in meeting the InTASC standards; they must present and defend their portfolio in front of the PERB. Receiving a passing evaluation from the PERB is a requirement for completion of all the certification programs and, subsequently, being recommended to the Maine State Department of Education for teacher licensure.

Students in the Teacher Certification Program must maintain a 2.5 grade point average in order to continue in the program.  If a student does not pass an education course with a C or better, they are eligible to retake the course only once.  Grade point averages will be calculated using only courses taken at UNE (the cumulative grade point average) and using accepted transfer courses as meeting professional program requirements but will not be figured into the GPA.

All students must show evidence of passing Praxis II before the internship application deadline, which is February 1st for a Fall internship and October 1st for a Spring internship.

Students may obtain Praxis I registration information and Praxis II registration information from the Department of Education office or from the Educational Testing Service website: www.ets.org.

In addition to these achievement requirements, students admitted to UNE's teacher certification programs are assessed periodically for the purpose of determining their professionalism and suitability for teaching.  Students complete self-assessment questionnaires in each professional education course, and these are reviewed by faculty.  If serious reservations arise in two or more of the assessments, a committee will convene to determine a student's continuance in the program.  Finally, students must pass the Professional Education Review Board (referenced later in this section of the catalog) at which competency in the InTASC standards must be demonstrated.

Course Withdrawal Policy

In the fall, spring, and summer semesters, a student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty with a grade of W at any time during the first two-thirds of the semester as specified in the current academic calendar. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Incomplete Policy

An Incomplete (I) grade may be given by the instructor to a student, who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The Incomplete grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the instructor and may not extend beyond six weeks following the end of the semester or 30 days following the end of an eight-week session. Until changed, the Incomplete grade defers computation of credits and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the deadline date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative F grade for the course. Once an Incomplete grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according to dean's list, good standing or probationary standards.

Completion Requirements

All coursework, including the internship, should be completed within a five-year timeframe.  A delay beyond the five years might warrant the retaking of course work.  Furthermore, if state certification requirements change prior to your completion even within the five-year timeframe, those changes must be incorporated into a revised program plan, in order to meet state certification regulations.

Maine Department of Education Chapter 114

Standard One: Learner Development

The teacher understands how students learn and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Standard Two: Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that allow each learner to reach his/her full potential.

Standard Three:  Learning Environments

The teacher works with learners to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, encouraging positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.

Standard Four:  Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners

Standard Five:  Innovative Applications of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical/creative thinking and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Standard Six:  Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to document learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s on-going planning and instruction.

Standard Seven:  Planning for Instruction

The teacher draws upon knowledge of content areas, cross-disciplinary skills, learners, the community, and pedagogy to plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals.

Standard Eight:  Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to access and appropriately apply information.

Standard Nine:  Reflection and Continuous Growth

The teacher is a reflective practitioner who uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students,  families,  and  other  professionals  in  the  learning  community),  and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Standard Ten:  Collaboration 

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Standard Eleven:   Technology Standards for Teachers -  (NETS.T)

Effective teachers model and apply the National Educational Technology Standards for   Students   (NETS.S)   as   they   design,   implement,   and   assess   learning experiences  to  engage  students  and  improve  learning;  enrich  professional practice;   and   provide   positive   models   for   students,   colleagues,   and   the community. All teachers will meet the following standards and performance indicators. 

The Teacher Certification program is for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree and are interested in a career in teaching. Certification may be obtained in elementary/middle education (K-8), secondary education (7-12) or art education (K-12). Secondary certification areas are: life science, physical science, social studies, English or mathematics.

After completion of this certification program, a student is eligible to enroll in the Master of Science in Education degree program with a concentration in Teaching Methodology (MSM). The MSM is available only to UNE students who have completed the Teacher Certification Program. This program is a 30 credit master’s degree encompassing 15 graduate credits from the Teacher Certification Program (TCP) and an additional 15 credits online that have been designated to satisfy Department and state requirements for certification in areas of elementary education (K-8), secondary education (7-12), or art education (K-12). The remaining 15 credits will be completed following initial teaching certification. These credits are from a totally online graduate program with in depth study in the areas of professional learning communities, differentiation, motivation and action research.

ACADEMIC PREREQUISITES    

• Bachelor’s degree from a US regionally accredited undergraduate institution
• Submit official report of passing scores on all sections of the PRAXIS I.
• Submit official copy of Education Tech III certification from the State of Maine or satisfy the Maine Department of Education student security clearance.  Documentation of this security clearance must be submitted as a part of the application.  The procedure for meeting security clearance requirements is available from the Maine Department of Education

​NOTE:  UNE does not accept students for student teaching only, regardless of whether a state transcript analysis shows that all other academic and professional education requirements have been satisfied

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are submitted through the UNE online application.  Submission of the online application will include a personal statement, names and email addresses of three reference letter writers
• Applications for new students will be accepted for the summer, fall, and spring terms. 
• Students may enroll in no more than two (2) TCP courses (a maximum of 6 credits) through the Office of Continuing Education before applying to the program.  EDU 502 must be one of the two initial TCP courses.  Students do need to understand that registering for courses as a non-matriculated student will prohibit the student from enrolling in the same semester as a matriculated student.  Also, students are not eligible for financial aid to cover the cost of coursework completed as a non-matriculated students
• Applicants must submit the following to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103
  • Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended
  • Official report of PRAXIS I scores (Praxis II report of scores are required for students applying for secondary education certification who do not have a minimum GPA of 2.5)
  • Official copy of Education Tech III certification or approval credential from the State of Maine Department of Education
• Completed applications submitted and completed by the deadline, will be considered by the Admissions Committee.  Applications submitted and/or completed after the deadline for one term will be reviewed on a space available basis; or for admissions into the next available term.
• International students and students with international degrees must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution.  See International Admissions. 
• All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, see International Admissions.  If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline 

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the TCP Website.

policy exceptions

The Teacher Certification program and the TCP Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

TRANSFER CREDIT

• Individuals who have full acceptance in the Teaching Certification Program can transfer up to, but no more than (6) education credits from other universities.
• In-service or workshop-type courses that do not carry college credit will not be accepted for transfer equivalency.
• No courses of any kind will be accepted from other institutions after your acceptance into the program at UNE without a course equivalency granted prior to the course’s being taken.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

FINANCIAL AID

Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

Overview

The Graduate Programs in Public Health are organized around the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals.  The Core Competencies reflect foundational skills desirable for professionals engaging in the practice, education, and research of public health.

The Core Competencies are organized into eight domains, reflecting skill areas within public health, and three tiers, representing career stages for public health professionals.  These competencies are at the center of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by emerging leaders in the field of public health.

Students may access the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals here.

Major Description

The College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH). These programs provide a graduate education to individuals currently working in the public health field, allied health professionals, clinicians, and individuals in the beginning stages of a career in public health. The curriculum is delivered in an online format, with full- and part-time options, and is intentionally flexible and readily applicable to students regardless of where they live.

The Master of Public Health is a 46-credit hour curriculum that develops and enhances skills in a variety of professional areas, including social and behavioral health, program development and evaluation, and public health practice and management. This degree culminates in a practicum, which includes a public health practical experience and capstone research project.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health is an 18-credit hour program that provides students with the core public health courses they need to broaden and enhance their professional knowledge. All courses in the Graduate Certificate in Public Health are also transferable to the MPH degree program.

Program Goals

Education

1. Recruit and enroll compassionate, motivated, and academically oriented students reflecting diversity in ethnicity, race, age, gender, and experience, and demonstrated passion for improving public health.
2. Graduate students who are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become successful public health professionals.

Research

1. Sustain a robust community-oriented research agenda consonant with the program mission and goals.
2. Train students in research methods by providing practical learning opportunities that allow for meaningful participation in the generation of new knowledge and community relationship building.

Service

1. Encourage students to perform community service with a public health focus.
2. Cultivate and promote a culture of active public health service through faculty, staff, and student engagement in the community.

The Master of Public Health degree program is accredited by the Council of Education for Public Health (CEPH). The Master of Public Health and the Graduate Certificate in Public Health are programs approved by the Maine State Board of Education and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health includes the following required courses (18 credits):

GPH 702 Public Health Policy and Management	3 credits
GPH 712 Principles of Epidemiology	3 credits
GPH 714 Principles of Public Health	3 credits
GPH 716 Biostatistics	3 credits
GPH 722 Introduction to Environmental Health	3 credits
GPH 726 Social and Behavioral Health	3 credits

The Master in Public Health program includes the following courses (46 credits):

The following five core courses (15 credits):

GPH 702 Public Health Policy and Management	3 credits
GPH 712 Principles of Epidemiology	3 credits
GPH 716 Biostatistics	3 credits
GPH 722 Introduction to Environmental Health	3 credits
GPH 726 Social and Behavioral Health	3 credits

The following four required courses (10 credits):

GPH 714 Principles of Public Health	3 credits
GPH 719 Research Methods	3 credits
GPH 745 Integrated Public Health Practicum: Practical Experience	2 credits
GPH 746 Integrated Public Health Practicum: Capstone	2 credits

7 of the following 16 electives (21 credits):

GPH 704 Public Health Law and Ethics	3 credits
GPH 705 Community-Based Participatory Research	3 credits
GPH 706 Public Health Administration	3 credits
GPH 709 Public Health Emergency Preparedness	3 credits
GPH 713 Infectious Disease Epidemiology	3 credits
GPH 717 Applied Epidemiology	3 credits
GPH 720 Organizational Theory and Behavior	3 credits
GPH 724 Occupational Health	3 credits
GPH 725 Public Health Financial Management	3 credits
GPH 728 Health Literacy and Plain Language	3 credits
GPH 730 Health Care Economics	3 credits
GPH 732 Community Assessment	3 credits
GPH 734 The Obesity Epidemic: A Public Health Perspective	3 credits
GPH 735 Health Information Systems	3 credits
GPH 738 Program Planning and Evaluation	3 credits
GPH 740 Global Health	3 credits

Integrated Public Health Practicum

The Integrated Public Health Practicum includes a 2-credit Practical Experience (GPH 745) and a 2-credit Capstone (GPH 746).

GPH 745 Integrated Public Health Practicum: Practical Experience (2 credits)

The Practical Experience is a required part of the Master of Public Health program and provides students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a public health environment and to work with experienced public health professionals. Working with a preceptor, students will develop goals for the Practical Experience and complete a defined project in a minimum of 120 hours. This will be an opportunity to develop practice-based skills that enhance individual career goals and to demonstrate additional skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. This experience is supervised by an approved preceptor and takes place at an approved placement site.

GPH 746 Integrated Public Health Practicum: Capstone (2 credits)

This is the synthesis component of the Master of Public Health Program, which allows each student the opportunity to apply the theory, principles, and science of public health. Each student is required to design, execute, and complete a Capstone, and must have successfully completed all Master of Public Health course requirements before registering for this component. The Capstone will complement each student's professional and personal goals and provides the opportunity for students to integrate and apply learning from throughout the Master of Public Health curricular experience.

Competencies

The Graduate Programs in Public Health adopted the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) competencies. In addition, the program places special emphasis on three public health competencies for all students  that are core to our program.

UNE Master of Public Health Program and Graduate Certificate of Public Health Program Competencies

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for completion of and receive the Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) students must:

• Satisfactorily complete 18 credits of specified course work within three consecutive years.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have no outstanding financial obligations to the University.

To qualify for completion of and receive the Master of Public Health (MPH) students must:

• Satisfactorily complete 46 credits of specified course work within six consecutive years.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have no outstanding financial obligations to the University.

Please refer to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies Student Handbook for relevant academic policies.

ADDING, DROPPING, AND WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES

The last day to add or drop a course without financial penalty is the second day of class.  Students who withdraw from a course must do so in writing (email is acceptable) and will receive a "W" on their transcript indicating withdrawal.  Students will receive a partial refund if they withdraw from a course within the first or second week.  Be aware that no portion of the tuition will be refunded after the second week of the course.  Students who have not participated in the  course by the end of the second week will be administratively withdrawn from the course and will not receive a tuition refund.

Withdrawals must be submitted from a student's UNE email to be considered.

Students who withdraw after completing more than 2/3 of a course will receive a grade of "WF" (Withdrawn Failing) or "WP" (Withdrawn Passing) based upon the instructor's assessment of the student's current standing in the course.  A "WF" is calculated as an "F" in the student's GPA.  Upon successful completion of the course, the new grade will be used to calculate the GPA.  Students will be dismissed from their program after two failing grades (including a "WF").

Audit Policy

A student may, with prior consent of the Program Manager or designee, enroll in a course for an audit grade (AU). This must be requested at the time of registration for the course and must be accompanied by signed approval of the instructor and Program Manager or designee. This applies to both matriculated and non-matriculated students. Reversal or change of an audit grade is not possible. Once enrolled for AU, the grade becomes permanent on a student's academic record. The student who wishes later to be graded for such a course must re-enroll in and pay for graded credit. In auditing a course, the student is expected to complete all lectures and discussion boards, but is not permitted to submit course work for evaluation, take examinations, receive grades, or earn credit. Auditing a course does not count toward enrollment status (i.e. part-time, full-time, etc.) and therefore cannot be considered for financial aid purposes, veteran's benefits, etc.

Leave of Absence

Students must enroll and successfully complete at least one course per term. A leave of absence (LOA) for a specified period of time, not to exceed one academic year, may be granted to a matriculated student with the authorization of the Dean and the Program Manager or designee.  If not enrolled for one full term, students must complete the required Request for Leave of Absence form available from Registration Services.  Application for readmission is not necessary if the student returns as planned.  However, the student who does not return at the specified time will be administratively withdrawn and will be subject to readmission procedures.  Policy on leave of absence tuition credit is located in the Financial Aid section of the University catalog.

University Withdrawal

All matriculated students who wish to withdraw from the University must complete notification documentation available from Registration Services. Documentation must be signed by designated academic and administrative authorities. Student responsibilities include: (a) knowledge of the University's policies regarding refund of tuition and/or fees as stated in the University catalog; (b) return of University identification (ID) card to the College of Graduate and Professional Studies; (c) (if applicable) return of any University keys in your possession to the appropriate departments. The University reserves the right to withhold the issuance of refunds and transcripts until the process has been completed.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without the permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Manager.  Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student's previous record of violations.  Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final.  Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the College for Graduate and Professional Studies Student Handbook.

Office for students with disabilities

Disability Services works to ensure that the University promotes respect for individual differences and that no person who meets the academic and technical standards needed for admission and continued enrollment at the University of New England is denied benefits or subjected to discrimination due to a disability.  Toward this end, and in conjunction with federal  and state laws, the University provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students.

See Public Health Competencies.

Transfer Credit

To request consideration for transfer credit, the student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course.  Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based upon specific program details listed below.  Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Manager.

Graduate Certificate in Public Health (GCPH) Program: Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to two, 3-credit courses (maximum of six credits) into the program.
Master of Public Health (MPH) Program: Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to three, 3-credit courses (maximum of nine credits) into the program.

Transfer courses must:

• Be classified as graduate level.
• Have been taken within five years of application.
• Be from a CEPH accredited institution.
• Have been completed with a grade of “B” or better.
• Be equivalent to one of the required program courses, or an elective course that meets the goal of the student’s public health education.
• Not have been applied toward any other degree.

Individuals who earned a Graduate Certificate in Public Health from the University of New England within the last five years may apply for admission to the MPH program and request that all courses be accepted.  Current GCPH students, who are in good standing, may apply to the MPH program at any time during the certificate program by requesting a "change of major" with their Student Support Specialist.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is highly valued by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  Many courses within the College feature experiential-learning components.  However, at this time, no credit will be awarded to students for purely experiential learning experiences undertaken in lieu of coursework.

College Eligibility and Application Standards

Applicants who have earned a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited academic institution are eligible to apply for admission into online programs at the university.  Graduates of colleges or universities that are accredited by other recognized accrediting bodies may be considered eligible after a review for exception by a committee consisting of the Dean of Admissions, the University Registrar, and the Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.  The decision to admit an applicant to his or her intended program is made by an admissions committee based on a combination of criteria according to the requirements of the specific program.

Students currently completing their undergraduate or graduate studies are encouraged to apply to our programs and, if admitted, are accepted on a conditional basis pending receipt of a transcript showing proof of graduation.  Students must submit a letter "in good standing" from the institution from which they are graduating at the point of application and supply proof of graduation before the end of the first term in which they are registered or they will be administratively withdrawn from the program.

University of New England transcripts will be obtained by UNE admissions staff from the Registrar's office on behalf of applicants that have completed prior degrees or coursework at the university.

All applicants with international degrees or coursework are responsible for having their transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the U.S.  We accept foreign educational credential evaluations from all NACS (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) members, as well as AACRAO (American Association of Credentialed Registrars and Admissions Officers).

Please note:  Any evaluations submitted to UNE by approved credential evaluators need not include the original transcript.

Please see the International Student Admissions policies for additional requirements regarding English language proficiency, ECFMG requirements, and verification of financial support.

Application Process

All online programs require the following:

• Completed online application: http://go.une.edu/apply
• Submission of the non-refundable application fee
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Official transcripts reflecting conferral or prior degree from a regionally accredited institution All transcripts are to be submitted from the original institutions.
• Note: Transcripts for any coursework appearing as transfer credit on the transcript of the conferred degree can be waived if the coursework is unrelated to the degree being sought.  The program admissions committee defines all coursework not eligible for waiver.

 Academic prerequisites:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution, or international equivalent.
• Undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and completion of a college-level math course and a college-level biological science course. Please note: In lieu of college-level courses in either, students may submit GRE subject test scores in mathematics or science, or the GRE quantitative ability score.
• The ability to pursue rigorous online graduate study.
• Current employment in a setting conducive to applying course concepts and strategies is highly desirable.

Application requirements:

In addition to the application requirements listed above, applicants to the Graduate Programs in Public Health are asked to submit the following:

• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who the applicant feels are most qualified to evaluate his/her academic achievements, clinical or public health or other professional experience, or leadership potential in public health. 
• Each letter needs to be sent directly to UNE from the reference writer, along with the MPH applicant reference form.  The reference form first needs to be signed by the student and then completed by the reference writer. 
• Students may print the form, hand sign, and fax/scan/mail back to his or her Enrollment Counselor, or may electronically complete the form by providing the Enrollment Counselor with the names and email addresses of the three individuals who will be writing references.
• Goal Statement:  Students are required to provide a detailed statement of purpose (500 - 1000 words).  This statement should describe personal development and future goals; relevant professional experience; interest in graduate study in public health; and the capacity to succeed in a distance learning format, i.e., self-motivated, self-starter, comfortable with and access to a computer and the internet.  Students are expected to comment on plans they have to use their education in public health and personal qualities, characteristics, and abilities they believe will enable them to be successful in achieving professional career goals.

Technology requirements:

Courses in the Graduate Programs in Public Health are delivered by Blackboard, an online course management system with an audio component and the following are required to complete the program

• Access to the internet and to computer audio capability
• Specific software as described in course syllabi
• Capacity to succeed in a distance learning format

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for new students will be accepted for the summer, fall, and spring terms.
• Only fully complete applications (with all supporting documentation) submitted by the deadline will be considered by the Admissions Committee.
• Students not seeking a degree may enroll into individual courses as a non-matriculated student, space permitting and upon approval by the Program Manager. (Non-matriculated students must hold a bachelor's degree and may take up to two courses only.) Students wishing to take more than two courses in the program must apply to UNE and be accepted into the program prior to enrolling in the third course. Students cannot move from non-matriculated status to matriculated status within the same semester.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include course textbooks. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid

Detailed information and applications are available upon request from the Financial Aid Office. Call (207) 602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

The University is committed to ensuring the success of all online students. The mission of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies is to enhance, expand, and enrich learning opportunities in the online landscape through student-centered operations, innovative instructional design techniques, and sustainable business practices.  

The Science Prerequisites for the Health Professions (SPHP) program is for students who have completed a baccalaureate degree and wish to enter a health professions program but lack the necessary prerequisite courses. Most students enrolled in these courses will be working professionals. Students may enroll in SPHP courses at any time and from anywhere in the world.  The courses are designed to be completed in 16 weeks, but they are self-paced so students may complete the courses at an accelerated pace in order to meet their personal academic needs.

All of the courses are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Many health professions programs accept these courses but we encourage you to check with specific schools to verify that the courses are transferrable before you apply and/or register.

For more information on the courses offered within the SPHP program, including prerequisites, registration information, and a description of laboratory components, please call 855-325-0894 or e-mail prehealth@une.edu.
 

Courses	Credits
MEDT 1000 - Medical Terminology	3
MATH 1005 - Statistics for the Health Professions	4
PHYS 1010 - Physics for the Health Professions	4
CHEM 1010 - Medical General Chemistry I/Lecture	3
CHEM 1010L - Medical General Chemistry I/Lab	1
CHEM 1011 - Medical General Chemistry II/Lecture	3
CHEM 1011L - Medical General Chemistry II/Lab	1
CHEM 1020 - Medical Organic Chemistry I/Lecture	3
CHEM 1020L - Medical Organic Chemistry I/Lab	1
CHEM 1021 - Medical Organic Chemistry II/Lecture	3
CHEM 1021L - Medical Organic Chemistry II/Lab	1
BIOL 1010 - Medical Biology I w/Lab	4
BIOL 1011 - Medical Biology II w/Lab	4
CHEM 1005 - Medical Biochemistry	4
PHSL 1010 - Medical Physiology	4
BIOL 1020 - Microbiology for Health Professions/Lecture	3
BIOL 1020L- Microbiology for Health Professions Lecture & Lab	4
ANAT 1005 - Medical Anatomy for the Health Professions	4
BIOL 1030 - Pathophysiology for Health Professions	4
BIOL 1040 - Genetics	4

Course Length:

 1. Courses in the SPHP program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 16 weeks.

2. Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens, which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the SPHP Webpage.

3. Students for whom a grade has not been posted by week 14 will be flagged by the administrative staff.

Upon completion of a course, the course instructor submits a grade for each student.   The instructor will notify students once their final grade has been calculated.

Technology requirements may differ by course.  Please email prehealth@une.edu regarding technology requirements for a specific course.

Students take their final proctored exam online using Proctor U.  For instructions on taking online exams, please visit ProctorU.

Withdrawal from the Course and Refunds

To withdraw from a course, please use your UNE email address to e-mail UNERegistrar@une.edu with your intention to withdraw.  Please include the course subject and number (Example: ANAT 1005). This action will result in a W grade for the course.

Refund POLICY

• 100% refund prior to the official start of the course.
• 40% refund within the first week of the official course start date.
• No refund after the first week of the official course start date.

Students may enter the program at any time as long as they meet the prerequisites for the individual courses.  They may take as many courses as needed to meet the prerequisite requirements for the health professions program to which they are applying.  For students wishing to take more than one course at a time, please email an Enrollment Counselor at prehealth@une.edu or call 855-325-0894. 

We do not accept any type of financial aid or payment plan at this time, with the exception of military assistance.  Students are expected to make payment in full at the point of checkout. 

Vision:

The University of New England School of Social Work envisions a world where human dignity, diversity, self-determination, and health are universal rights; and domination, exploitation, and violence in all forms no longer exist.

Mission:

The mission of the School of Social Work is to educate a diverse community of professional social workers who translate our vision into evidence-informed practice and create sustainable collaborative partnerships. Our focus is on changing the structures and relationships that foster inequities that undermine the promotion of health. Thus, the School teaches empowering theories for practice and how to develop relationships based on mutuality and respect from direct practice to social movements.  

Values:

Our values are firmly grounded in human resilience, capacity building, and the potential for individual and collective transformation at all systemic levels.

• We respect people's memberships in groups and communities distinguished by class, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, spirituality and culture while honoring each person's individuality.
• We embrace the World Health Organization’s comprehensive definition of health, which reads: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” We believe that health, defined in this way, is a universal right.
• We believe human suffering results from inequities in power and privilege, with disenfranchised people at greatest risk.
• We support person-centered collaborative practices and partnerships that bring together interdisciplinary and interprofessional workers and community members to meet the best interests of individuals, families, groups, and local and global communities.

The School of Social Work prepares people for advanced professional practice and is accredited to offer the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree by the Council on Social Work Education. MSW graduates learn to understand the potential for individual and collective human development when people live with dignity and social justice; to identify people's strengths across diverse populations and how to build upon them; to understand the multiple social, cultural, political and economic factors influencing the design, development and evaluation of social policies and programs; to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out multiple social work interventions consistent with the School's mission and the profession's ethics; and to develop intervention strategies that empower individuals, families, groups, or communities.

The MSW degree offers graduates the opportunity to play active roles in health and mental health, alcohol and substance abuse, poverty and public welfare, women's and children's services, domestic violence, homelessness, corrections, applied arts and social justice and other emerging areas of service delivery. The program prepares graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in an array of settings and with diverse populations. The values and commitments embedded in the School's Mission Statement permeate our work in every area.

Program Options

The School of Social Work offers several options for those interested in getting their MSW degree: a traditional face-to-face option, a flipped/hybrid option (called FISH_E classes) and an online option.  In the campus-based and flipped/hybrid option, students attend classes at the Portland campus.  Flipped/Hybrid classes meet every third week on campus and in the intervening weeks meet online. The online option is a fully online degree that does not require the student to come to campus.  All options use the same curriculum taught by the School faculty.  In addition to our regular 2 year full-time program and part-time options,we feature an accelerated option that enables students to obtain an MSW degree in as little as 16 months.  This innovative design incorporates a summer semester in the second year and two field placement experiences.

Program Goals

1. Prepare competent Master-level professional social workers who at every system level:
   • Challenge the inequities of existing social, political, economic and cultural institutions and relationships.
   • Create collaborative, sustainable and health-promoting relationships and communities.
2. Develop and apply value-based, theory-driven and evidence-guided empowering social work practice.
3. Provide leadership to advance equitable social structures and practices for human health and well-being.

These goals are carefully specified as learning objectives and permeate our curriculum. Through their presence in courses, fieldwork internships, and internal School governance we bring our Mission Statement to life.

The School of Social Work at the University of New England is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to offer the master's degree in social work.

Students in the campus-based and flipped/hybrid options may choose to complete their degree in as little as 16 months.  Students may also attend for the traditional 2 years, or attend part-time for up to 4 years.  Online students can apply to take the program in 3 or 4 years.   In addition, the School of Social Work offers advanced standing status to qualified graduates of accredited BSW programs (See Advanced Standing). Advanced Standing has both full-time and part-time options for campus-based students and a part-time option for online students.

At no extra cost students may also earn a Certificate in Applied Arts and Social Justice by utilizing their electives and Capstone classes to explore how creative processes can be powerful forces of social and individual change.

All students are required to complete 64 credit hours of graduate study divided between classroom and fieldwork education. Field placements, or internships, consist of four semesters of supervised practice in approved social work settings; each semester includes 280 hours of practice experience. The curriculum is designed to provide an integrated foundation or knowledge base and advanced skills for social work practice within a concentration (individual, family, and group practice or organizational and community social work practice).

Foundation year courses emphasize an integrated social work perspective involving the social context and its impact on social policy, programs, and the social work profession. Courses include Human Behavior and the Social Environment I and II; Social Work Policy and Programs I and II; Social Work Practice I and II; Foundations of Research I and Capstone I; and Field Integrating Seminars I and II. In addition, students spend 560 hours in a field setting, which permits students another learning mode through placements in social agencies and programs with structured on-site professional supervision.

Advanced-year concentrations are offered in clinical practice with individuals, families and groups practice (IFG), and organization and community social work practice (OCP).  The individual, family and group practice (IFG) concentration prepares students with knowledge and skills for advanced practice primarily focused on individuals, families and groups in multiple settings.   The OCP concentration provides students with knowledge and skills in an array of advanced practice roles in the areas of program and policy development, administration, supervision, political advocacy, community practice and evaluation.  Both concentrations prepare graduates for professional leadership positions within their communities.  Both are enriched by a selection of electives.

	Credits
Year One - Foundation  (Online and On Campus)
SSW 501 Human Behavior & the Social Environment I	3
SSW 502 Human Behavior & the Social Environment II	3
SSW 505 Social Welfare Policy and Programs I	3
SSW 506 Social Welfare Policy and Programs II	3
SSW 503 Social Work Research I	3
SSW 504 Social Work Research II  Or SSW 595 Capstone Project I	3
SSW 510 Social Work Practice I	3
SSW 511 Social Work Practice II	3
SSW 520 Field Practicum I/Seminar	4
SSW 522 Field Practicum II/Seminar	4
Year One Total	32
Year Two - Concentration (Online and On Campus)
SSW 552 Contemporary Theory of Social Work Practice for Individuals and Families (IFG) or SSW 564 Program Dev & Community Practice (OCP)	3
SSW 553 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families (IFG) or SSW 565 Administration and Supervision (OCP)	3
SSW 597 Advanced Psychosocial Assessment (Required for IFG; elective for OCP)	3
SSW 695 SSW Capstone II	3
SSW 580 Field Practicum III/Seminar	4
SSW 582 Field Practicum IV/Seminar	4
Elective or SSW 697 Capstone III  Or Elective	3
Elective	3
Elective	3
Elective	3
Year Two Total	32
Total Program	64

	Credits
Advanced Standing Program Online and On-Campus
Foundation year waived with BSW from CSWE accredited program
SSW 552 Contemporary Theory of Social Work Practice for Individuals and Families or SSW 564 Program Dev & Community Practice	3
SSW 553 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families or SSW 565 Administration and Supervision	3
SSW 597 Advanced Psychosocial Assessment (Required for IFG; elective for OCP)	3
SSW 595 Capstone I	3
SSW 695 Capstone II	3
Elective or SSW 697 Capstone III	3
SSW 580 Field Practicum III/Seminar	4
SSW 582 Field Practicum IV/Seminar	4
Elective	3
Elective	3
Elective	3
Total Advanced Standing Online and On-campus Program (with BSW)	35

Graduation Requirements

Students must successfully complete all courses prior to graduation and fulfill all curriculum requirements.

WCHP Academic Policies

The Department of Social Work, the Westbrook College of Health Professions, and the University of New England are committed to offering a quality Social Work education program that complies with the evaluative criteria of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program provides learning experiences to enable graduates to achieve the outcomes required for the practice of Social Work.  Please refer to the WCHP Graduate Program Progression Policies and Procedures for detailed description of academic standards.

 

Grading System

The School of Social Work has a letter grading system (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C- and F).  Students in the program are expected to maintain a "B" (3.0) average over the course of their study.  Any student who fails two or more classes is dismissed from the program.

Incomplete Policy

A student who believes she/he is unable to complete the work for a given course by the end of the term or semester may apply for an extension by discussing this with the instructor and completing a Request for Incomplete Form (available in the SSW office). At the time of this meeting, a plan must be agreed upon for completion of the course work, including a date of completion, not to exceed four weeks following the end date of the course for on-campus incompletes and seven (7) days for online incompletes. This form must be completed by the last day of class for the given course. Any student who does not follow the above guidelines will receive an F for the course. In exceptional circumstances (death in family, significant illness, accident), an additional extension may be requested. Any such request must be reviewed and signed by the School director.

Course Add/Drop or Withdrawal

Course changes (add/drops) are allowed during the first five days of classes for on-campus students and first three days of classes for online students; tuition may be adjusted dependent upon number of hours enrolled. After the first week of classes no refunds are made for course changes.

A matriculated student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty (a grade of W is assigned) at any time during the first two-thirds of the course. If withdrawal occurs after that date, the grade of WP (withdrew passing) or WF (withdrew failing) will be entered, subject to determination by the instructor. The grade of WF is computed in the grade point average.

Repeat Course Policy

MSW students may repeat a course in the event of a failing grade if that is the recommendation of the Student Development Committee. However, only the second or last course will receive credit on the student's transcript.

Upon completion of a repeated course, a new listing and assigned grade are placed on the student's transcript. The original course listing and grade remain on the student's transcript and will be counted as one of the two failed classes a student is allowed prior to dismissal from the program. 

All courses are listed chronologically on the transcript by semester or academic period in which the student is enrolled.

Readmission

A student who has officially withdrawn can reapply through the Office of Admissions. Special consideration for students who leave the School in good standing will be given if their application for readmission is received within two years of their departure from the MSW program. Applications for readmission received more than two years from withdrawal will be considered as new applications.

Returning Students

Students who leave the School in good standing prior to completion of the requirements for the MSW degree are given special consideration for readmission. Credit is not given, however, for graduate work completed more than five years prior to the student's readmission.

See Masters of Social Work Student Learning Outcomes.

transfer credit

The University of New England does accept graduate transfer credit from other graduate social work institutions accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

• We will accept credit transfers for one full year of graduate social work education.
  • Transfer students must complete a minimum of 32 credit hours at UNE’s School of Social Work to earn a degree from the university. 
  • You must have a minimum grade of “B” in all courses and acceptable field work evaluation.   
  • You must have completed graduate work within seven years of admission to UNE or have substantial practical social work experience.
• Transfer students with less than one full year of graduate education must meet the following requirements:
  • Requests for transfer of credit must be initiated at the time of application, and no later than beginning of attendance as a degree-seeking student
  • Graduate coursework must be accepted by the SSW as having a direct relevance to the program of study at UNE
  • A maximum of nine (9) credit hours for graduate credits earned in another discipline may be transferred toward elective credit, provided the credits were not taken as part of an earned graduate degree at another institution.
  • Graduate credit earned from a completed graduate program of study in another discipline will not be considered for transfer into the SSW.  Waivers of requirements without award of credit will be reviewed by faculty for consideration
• ​Applicants wishing to apply for transfer of credit must provide the SSW with written petition along with the following documents
  • Official transcript indicating course was completed with a grade of “B” or better
  • Copy of the course description, syllabi, or bibliographies in which the course and course assignments are described.

ADVANCED STANDING

• Qualified graduates of BSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may be considered for Advanced Standing under the following conditions:
  • Graduation from a CSWE accredited BSW program within five (5) to seven (7) years of enrollment in the School of Social Work
  • Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credit hours of the BSW program.
  • Review by the Admissions Committee
  •  Evidence of work or volunteer experience working with people in a human service environment
• Students admitted into advanced standing for the campus-based option are required to enroll in one 3-credit course prior to starting the fall semester (Capstone Project I).

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Applicants may not receive academic credit for work experience in the field or for life experience.

ACADEMIC/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for admission, you must have

• Completed a Bachelor’s degree from a US regionally accredited college or university or international equivalent. (If degree is in progress at time of acceptance, degree must be completed prior to matriculation.)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better is preferred.  (If your GPA is lower, please address this in your personal statement.)
• Evidence of work or volunteer experience working with people in a human service environment.

Note: Before matriculation, accepted applicants will be expected to meet all health immunization requirements; to obtain a physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status.  Please visit Student Health Care for details. 

As required by clinical training sites, students will be subject to criminal background checks and drug screens prior to matriculation, and periodically throughout the MSW program.

PROCEDURES AND POLICIES

• Applications for admission are submitted through UNE’s online application. (Applicants must certify that all information submitted in the admission process - including the application, the personal essay, and any other supporting materials - is my own work, factually true and honestly presented).  A completed application includes:
  • A personal essay addressing:
    • Your views on social justice, cultural diversity and human dignity with reference to the School of Social Work’s mission statement,
    • Your thoughts about the most pressing issues facing our society; the ways we, as social workers, should respond to these issues; and your personal involvement working on these issues, if applicable.
    • Your assessment of your personal strengths and areas in need of development relative to becoming a professional social worker.
  • The names and emails of two (2) education/professional reference letter writers as part of the application. Reference letters from friends and family members are not acceptable.
  • Submission of a current resume.
  • Submission of official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME, 04103.
  • Applications are reviewed as they are completed. Decisions are made on a rolling basis and continue throughout the year until the class is full or the program starts. 
  • Since field planning is an important part of our program, applicants are encouraged to apply early to give us time to help you find the field placement just right for you. (Scholarship and grant funds are limited and are awarded on a rolling basis as well.)
  • International applicants and applicants with international degrees must have transcripts evaluated for degree and grade equivalency to that of a regionally accredited US institution. . See International Admissions.
  • All applicants to UNE must be able to understand and communicate in English to be admitted to the university.  UNE accepts several methods of English Proficiency, (see International Admissions). If applicable, the TOEFL requirement must be completed and score received by the application deadline.

For additional information on the admissions process and requirements, please access the School of Social Work website.

Policy exceptions

The Master of Social Work program and the SSW Admissions Committee in collaboration with the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions reserve the right to make exceptions to the admissions criteria and to make changes or exceptions to policies and procedures, on a case by case basis, when it deems such a decision is necessary and appropriate.

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.