NOTE: The CON Honors Research Program has been paused for the 2024-2025 Academic Year. Please check this page for future updates.
Learn more about a career as a nurse scientist
This is an exciting opportunity for any student interested in learning more about research and the role of a nurse scientist.
Purpose
This innovative program offers students one-on-one time with dedicated faculty members who have proven success in nursing research. Students are mentored through the research process while conducting their own independent study. They participate in a variety of professional development and learning activities to further explore the role of a PhD prepared nurse scientist. In addition, students are given opportunities to interact with a diverse group of health professions students across colleges at UNMC, present their work at national conferences, earn a stipend for their work, and receive special recognition at graduation.
Program details
Major Points of Consideration
- Funding is available for rural students
- Flexible hour requirement 20+ hours/week during summer at discretion of CON, allows for opportunity to fulfill other work obligations
- Remote access to program available for students outside of Omaha
- Anonymous Divisions NOT listed on application, students from all Divisions have equal opportunity to be selected
- Strategic placement with faculty based on applicant quality and research fit
- Variety of options for student/faculty placement
Program Overview
Outcomes:
- Preparation for entry into graduate school. Completed assignments include a Curriculum Vitae, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Biosketch, Personal Statement, & Letter of Recommendation.
- Independent Research Project that includes: 1) Research Proposal, Abstract, Conference Poster, and Publication
Credit Load: 4 total
- Part 1 (Summer): 2 credits
- From June through August, students will attend weekly seminar courses focused on various aspects of nursing research and graduate education.
- They will work 20 hours per week as a research assistant with a faculty member.
- In addition, they will participate in a variety of research, networking, and social activities.
- Part 2 (Academic Year): 2 credits [Fall: 1 credit & Spring: 1 credit]
- Students will attend 4 classes during the Fall Semester and 4 classes in the Spring Semester. They will finalize their research proposals, posters, and manuscript as well participate in a series of peer review activities.
Application Requirements & Procedures
Admission Requirements
- Currently enrolled as a Traditional BSN Student at the UNMC College of Nursing
- Pre-requisite GPA of 3.4 or above
- A U.S. Citizen or hold a permanent resident visa
- Academically talented student interested in pursuing a PhD in Nursing after BSN Graduation
Application Procedures
- 2020 Applications will be open October 1st through February 1st.
- The application includes:
- Application Form
- Academic Information/Education History (unofficial transcript)
- 3 Letters of Recommendation, complete via an online form
- Faculty from clinical or lab
- Professional Reference from a former employer, supervisor, advisor, teacher, colleague,
- 3rd reference from person of your choice, cannot be family/friend
- Resume
- Personal Statement (100-300 words per each question or statement)
- Why are you interested in participating in the Honors Research Program?
- Please describe your interest in pursuing a PhD
- What areas of research/patient populations are you interested in studying? Why?
- Recent 2 page course writing sample (within 2 years). Please include a short paragraph explaining what the writing sample was about, what assignment & class it was for, and why you chose it for this application.
- Qualified candidates will be invited to interview in February of 2020
Download Virtual Symposium
Interested?
If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact Dr. Breanna Hetland at 402-559-5460 or breanna.hetland@unmc.edu. If you would like more about this program from previous students, click here.