Program Overview
The Rural Health certificate program is 100% online and is designed for nursing and other related healthcare discipline students interested in acquiring rural healthcare knowledge and skills with direct application to healthcare practice in rural Texas.
The pre-baccalaureate certificate program will prepare students to effectively recognize and address the unique challenges faced by health professionals who practice in rural health settings.
Students completing certificate coursework will receive academic credit, which may be applied toward a Bachelor’s degree or as a stand-alone certificate. At the completion of the Certificate program, students will be able to:
(1) conduct a needs assessment of a rural community to identify strengths and gaps in access to healthcare for rural residents;
(2) identify strategies to improve the health of residents who live in rural America;
(3) describe health conditions that are uniquely impacted by rural residence, both positive and negative, as well as modifiable risk factors that influence health outcomes of rural residents; and
(4) discuss the barriers in rural health that contribute to social isolation and access to care.
Courses
The rural health certificate consists of 3 courses (or 9 semester credit hours). One course per semester is offered. This certificate will feature a didactic course devoted to Rural Health Barriers and Solutions followed by a required course in Telehealth and then a final didactic course in Rural Health Policy. The certificate may be earned by students enrolled in any healthcare discipline or as a stand-alone certificate.
Currently no pre-requisites are required, but human anatomy and physiology is recommended. Students must be already enrolled at UTA in a related undergraduate field of study or meet the undergraduate transfer student admission criteria for the university to apply for this certificate.
Admission Requirements
Students applying directly to the certificate program:
Basic admission requirements must be met before a student can be accepted. Prospective students must apply to the university through the Office of Admissions, pay the application fee, and submit official transcripts to the UT Arlington’s Admission’s Office. The Admission’s Office is also responsible for calculating the admission GPA. All steps necessary to complete an application (i.e. submitting transcripts, paying fees) must be completed prior to progressing in the application process.
Contact Us:
Those interested in this certificate should email us for more information at crhn@uta.edu.
As a new or returning AO student, you must complete the MavsOnline Orientation. You will receive an additional email with specific instructions for completing the session. The orientation is fully virtual and provides introductory information about UTA, UTA technology, academic support resources, and much more. Completion of the orientation is highly encouraged but not mandatory.
If you encounter any issues related to the MavsOnline Orientation, please contact the New Maverick Orientation Office by email at orientation@uta.edu or by telephone at 817-272- 3213.
Resources
BSN Student Handbook
Course Load
Undergraduate education requires students to have dedicated time to devote to studying, completing assignments, preparing for, and completing clinicals and other course work. Students are encouraged to consider their work schedules and commitments considering the demands of the nursing program and adjust accordingly.  Commitments which compete with undergraduate study may result in suboptimal academic performance and place the student in academic jeopardy.
Study Time Recommendations
In general, for every-one semester credit hour of enrollment a student should allocate 3 hours of study time outside of class. For example, a 3 semester credit hours course, may reasonably require 9 hours of study time, outside of class, plus anytime needed to complete clinicals.
Employment Recommendations
It is recommended that a student’s employment not exceed 16-20 hours per week in either regular or summer semesters.  Students are encouraged to evaluate their energy level, familial and personal obligations, and school commitments before starting their degree program.
Student Success
Success Tips
- You must manage your time well, stay organized, and use a calendar.
- Limit the number of hours you work to 16 per week. This will allow you to complete the assignments and really learn the information.
- Study EVERY day. Plan to study a minimum of 20-30 minutes EACH day for EACH course. Daily studying will help you retain the information.
- Use the resources available to you. This includes clinical faculty, lead teacher, peer mentors, student success, family, and friends. They can support and encourage you.
- And, to be successful in nursing school and in nursing, stay positive, take care of yourself, and believe in yourself!
Test Taking Skills
- To be the most successful on nursing school tests, you must know the material and understand how to apply the information on a test. Good test taking strategies DO NOT replace knowledge, but they can enhance your ability to do well on tests when you are well informed. Review some test taking tips you can use.