GSN FAQs

Graduate School of Nursing

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USU's Graduate School of Nursing was established in 1993 with the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Since then, it has grown in size and scope. Now, the GSN has four Master of Science in Nursing programs, three Doctor of Nursing Practice programs and a Doctor of Philosophy program.

Graduate School of Nursing

GSN FAQs

Are there risks associated with participating in this study?

The primary risk to you is the potential for you to feel discomfort, anxiety, embarrassment, or stress with some of the questions in the assessments. You will have the option to skip questions if you do not feel comfortable answering them. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time with no penalty or loss of military benefit to which you are entitled.

If you experience distress at any time while completing the surveys, you can contact the study team via telephone at 301-295-1951. We are available during normal business hours (0800-1700 Eastern time), but if we miss your call, we will do our best to get back to you within 24 hours. If your need is urgent, please contact the Military Crisis Line by calling 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or your location’s appropriate number for emergency services. The contact information for the study team, and for the Military Crisis Line are available on our website. 

Can I transfer credits to the USU Graduate School of Nursing?

Yes, a maximum of 6 credits may be transferred into the DNP program and up to 9 credits will be considered in the PhD program assuming two conditions are met: 1) a grade of B or higher was achieved in the course being considered for transfer credit and 2) the Program Director has reviewed the course syllabus/description and authorized/approved the credit.

How do I apply to the USU Graduate School of Nursing?

Visit our Applying to the GSN page to obtain application forms for MSN, DNP and PhD programs.

How will you keep my information safe?

We will make every effort to protect your privacy and confidentiality; however, there are always risks of breach of information security and information loss. You will be provided a unique Participant ID that you will use to complete the study. This ID will be used in place of your name so that information you provide is not directly associated with your personal information. Only approved members of the research team will have access to the document linking Participant IDs to participant names and information. The document will be stored securely with the Principal Investigator of the study.

Any information you provide in the course of this study that is used in the dissemination or publication of this study will be de-identified and presented as anonymous data. After the completion of the study, the document linking your name to your Participant ID will be destroyed.

Is there a cost to take part?

There is no cost to you to take part in this study.

I’m a civilian - can I apply?

You MUST be on Active Duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Public Health Service for eligibility for the DNP or MSN programs

I’m a reservist - can I apply to the MSN or DNP Program?

No, you must be selected by your Service to attend the APRN programs.  If you are a reservist and want to attend USU/GSN, you would need to transition to Active Duty, apply for a seat via one of the service’s educational program pathways (Army = LTHET, Navy = DUINS, Air Force = AFIT)

What are adjustment disorders?

Adjustment Disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder in the Active Duty US Military population. They are broadly characterized by one's difficulty adjusting in response to a stressor. The symptoms can include excessive worrying about the stressor, recurrent and distressing thoughts about the stressor, or constant rumination about the implications of the stressor. Those diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder may exhibit depressed mood, anxiety, avoidance behaviors, or impulsivity. The symptoms of Adjustment Disorders can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. Within the US Military population, there are strong links between Adjustment Disorders and suicides, as well as high rates of Adjustment Disorder-related evacuations from combat zones.

What are the admission requirements for the MSN, DNP and PhD programs?

Admission requirements vary for each program and degree. Visit our Applying to the GSN page to learn more about the admission requirements for your program of interest.

What are the goals of this study?

There are two main goals for this study. The first is to develop an improved diagnostic tool for Adjustment Disorders in the US Military population. The second is to develop a comprehensive framework and recommendations for provider training to improve diagnosis and treatment for Adjustment Disorders in the US Military population.

What happens if I decide to take part?
  • All participants will first complete the informed consent process by phone with a member of the study team. The study team will review important information about the study and your rights as a research participant before you are asked to verbally consent to participate in the study. 
  • If you are an Active Duty service member and decide to take part in this study, you will be asked to complete several surveys that ask questions about mental health symptoms to help us understand how Adjustment Disorders are experienced in the US Military population. The surveys will take approximately 20-30 minutes total to complete. You may be asked to complete the surveys more than once.
  • If you are a provider who treats the Active Duty US Military population, you may be invited to take part in an interview or focus group to help us understand provider attitudes regarding diagnosing Adjustment Disorders. The interview or focus group will take approximately 60-90 minutes. Alternatively, you may be asked to complete a survey about your attitudes as a provider regarding diagnosing Adjustment Disorders. The survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. 
What if I decide I no longer want to participate in the study?

Your participation in this study would be voluntary. You can choose to withdraw your consent at any time. If you choose to withdraw from the study, it will not affect your eligibility for care or any other benefits you are entitled to. Any information you provide up to the point of withdrawal may be used for analysis.

If you wish to withdraw at any time, please contact the study team. You will be required to notify the principal investigator in writing.  If at any time you have any questions or concerns about the study, or about your participation in the study, please contact the study team by phone at 301-295-1951.

What is campus life like at the Uniformed Services University?

The University is located just outside of the nation's capital in Bethesda, Maryland. This central location makes it easy for students to take advantage of the cultural offerings of a thriving metropolis. Home to some of the nation's top attractions — including national monuments, premiere museums, and top-rated restaurants — Washington D.C. is a city brimming with activity.

Furthermore, the campus itself is located among beautiful woodlands. The park-like setting offers a welcome break from the rigors of graduate school with its many nearby hiking and biking trails.

Students also benefit from learning in a multiservice environment. A pervasive spirit of camaraderie and teamwork distinguishes the GSN from other schools. A full complement of extracurricular activities — including student clubs, athletic teams and social gatherings — helps to enrich the student experience.

What is the tuition?

There are no tuition costs or fees. Students incur obligated service according to the requirements of their sponsoring organization.

What programs and degrees are offered at the School?

The GSN offers Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. For the MSN program, there is only one option available: Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. For the DNP, there are four options: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

When are the application deadlines?
  • The application deadline for the Master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs is August 15 for all branches of service
  • The application deadline for all Ph.D. candidates is August 15 for May admission
Who can apply to the USU Graduate School of Nursing?

Uniformed personnel with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing may apply to the MSN and DNP programs. Acceptance is contingent upon approval of the sponsoring agency or service. In order to be accepted, applicants must be active-duty officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Public Health Service.

Nurses from the uniformed services have priority for admission into the USU PhD program in Nursing Science. Nurses employed in federal agencies nominated and supported by their agency are also eligible for admission into the PhD program on a space available basis.

Will I receive any compensation?

If you are an Active Duty service member, you will receive a $20 gift card as compensation for your time spent completing the surveys. You must complete the surveys while you are off-duty.