IUON has a study abroad program with Morehead State University.  Morehead University is located in the foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky

Morehead State University

Morehead State University (MSU) has selected the International University of Nursing (IUON) as their first partner in their Study Abroad Program for Nursing.   The Study Abroad Program is an option for all students interested in studying at IUON as part of their educational experience.  The Study Abroad Program, approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is available to accepted Morehead State University students beginning January 2010. 

MSU study abroad opportunities are coordinated through the Office of International Education. MSU is a member of several consortia and has a number of collaborative exchange agreements with foreign universities. The MSU study abroad program with IUON consists of semesters enrolled in a foreign university’s Bachelor in Nursing Degree (BSN). Academic credit will be awarded for all courses completed at IUON and applied to MSU’s BSN degree. Financial aid can be obtained for students who qualify and nursing scholarships are available at Discover Nursing.com as well as from the Nurse Reinvestment Act scholarship program.  

MSU students can complete a maximum of 62 credits at a study abroad institution such as IUON.  After being admitted to MSU and transfer credit applied, if applicable, students receive a planned program to complete their studies and return to the U.S. to complete their degree and graduate from MSU, an accredited U.S. nursing program.  This degree enables the students to apply to sit for the NCLEX examination in Kentucky as well as other states. Students should check with the board of nursing in the state that they wish to practice in and ask if you would be eligible to sit for the NCLEX in that state as an MSU graduate. Students can find a listing of all state board by going to the website of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Morehead State University (MSU) is a public university supported by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Historically, the University traces its lineage to the Morehead Normal School which opened in 1887. The campus of MSU is located in northeastern Kentucky, approximately sixty miles from southwestern West Virginia and southern Ohio. The service region spans a total of twenty-two countries of eastern Kentucky. The town of Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky, has a population of 7,593 people. Over the course of years, the town has grown to accommodate the University and student population.

The Department of Nursing is comprised of the Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADNP) and the Baccalaureate Nursing Program (BNP). The Department of Nursing is housed within the College of Science and Technology (S & T). The Department of Nursing supports MSU’s mission by providing academic programs to prepare health care professionals to meet the health care needs of eastern Kentucky which is primarily of Appalachian heritage.

The majority of our student population is enrolled full-time in order to comply with financial aid requirements. Approximately 85% of MSU students receive some form of financial assistance. The ADNP admits approximately 40-50 students each semester and has many students preparing for admission. The ADNP is located on the Morehead Campus and is also delivered by Interactive Television at the Mt. Sterling Campus. Faculty members bring a breadth and depth of clinical practice and nursing education experience to the program.

The BNP admits approximately 45 students each fall and also has many students who are preparing for admission for either the pre licensure of post licensure (RN Track) components of the BNP. The BNP faculty also brings rich experience in clinical practice and nursing education to their program.

The Associate Degree Nursing Program holds accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) www.nlnac.org. The BNP is eligible for and is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) http://www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation/. Both programs enjoy full approval from the Kentucky Board of Nursing.

Financial Aid

In addition to the rich experience of study abroad at IUON's state of the art campus, a major benefit for students in selecting this program is direct access to federal financial aid through MSU.   As an accredited U.S. school, MSU is approved for financial aid with access to Title IV funding which includes PELL Grants, the Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Parent Loan (PLUS).  In addition, students may need to apply for alternative/private loans. Certified Private Loans.com is a good place for information on private student loans.

MSU students also have access to numerous scholarships at Discover Nursing.com and the Nurse Reinvestment Act which can be used towards the study abroad program.

Application Process

To participate in the Study Abroad Program, applicants must notify an IUON admissions manager, either by email or letter, of their interest in the Study Abroad Program at MSU.  IUON then refers the student to MSU.

Applicants must meet all admissions criteria for MSU, including sending transcripts from all colleges or universities attended to MSU and IUON.  MSU admits the student and decides which students, referred to the Study Abroad Program by IUON, will be accepted by MSU to begin their studies at IUON's St. Kitts campus in the Caribbean.

To Learn More

To learn more prospective students may call the IUON Office of Admissions at our New York, Florida, Michigan, or California offices. 

To contact the MSU nursing program, students may contact Carla Aagaard, Academic Counseling Coordinator at 606-783-2641 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

FAQs

1.  What is Study Abroad?

2.  Is IUON a Study Abroad Institution?

3.  Who can enroll in the MSU Study Abroad program with IUON?

4.  Do I need to be referred to MSU by IUON for admission to this program?

5.  When can I enroll in the MSU Study Abroad program with IUON?

6.  Do I actually have to attend or be present at MSU to be accepted as a Study Abroad Program student? 

7.  What are the requirements to be accepted at MSU? 

8.  How do I apply for the Study Abroad program?

9.  Do I need to send any transcripts to MSU as part of the admissions process?

10.  Who evaluates my transfer credits?

11.  What if IUON has already evaluated my transcripts and "awarded" me credit?

12.  Do I ever become an IUON student?

13.  What is the financial aid benefit of becoming an MSU student and participating in the Study Abroad Program at IUON?

14.  May I use the financial aid I receive at MSU for the IUON study abroad tuition?

15.  When should I apply for financial aid for the study abroad program?

16.  What is the cost of tuition for each semester of the study abroad program at IUON? 

17.  How does the IUON program cost actually get paid?

18.  Are there any scholarship opportunities for me in this program?

19.  Who will help me with questions about IUON, St. Kitts, and housing or visa requirements?

20.  What happens after I complete my study abroad coursework at IUON?

21.  Where is MSU located?

22.  What types of housing is available near MSU?

23.  How do I find out more about MSU?

24.  What can you tell me about MSU's nursing program?

25.  I am very interested in participating in service projects. Does MSU have these types of opportunities for nursing students?

26.  Does IUON plan to collaborate with other U.S. colleges and universities to contract for study abroad?

27.  Who can I contact about IUON Study Abroad options? 

28.  What happens after acceptance into the MSU's Nursing Study Abroad Program?

1.  What is Study Abroad?
A university or college located in the United States can enter into an agreement with another college or university located in another country.  The college or university in the other country is known as the "Study Abroad Institution".  The Study Abroad Institution enrolls students in courses that are approved by the U.S. college or university and accepts the coursework completed while abroad in transfer to complete degree requirements.

2.  Is IUON a Study Abroad Institution?
Yes.  Morehead State University (MSU) has selected IUON as their first U.S. college to contract with IUON to provide their students with a study abroad option for part of the MSU Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. MSU has applied to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to seek approval for the study abroad program with IUON. 

3.  Who can enroll in the MSU Study Abroad program with IUON?
Any student who is referred to MSU by IUON or by MSU to IUON is eligible to enroll in this program. The prospective student will be a Morehead State University student throughout their studies.

4.  Do I need to be referred to MSU by IUON for admission to this program?
Yes.  As a new study abroad option, only those students who are referred to MSU by IUON will have priority access to this program.

5.  When can I enroll in the MSU Study Abroad program with IUON?
Students can begin their study abroad coursework at any time following acceptance by MSU and IUON. Acceptance into Morehead State University must be followed by acceptance into the Morehead State University selective admissions Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing Program.

IUON has enrollment periods in January, May, and September.  Students in the Study Abroad Program may begin their studies at IUON at any of the three enrollment periods.

6.  Do I actually have to attend or be present at MSU to be accepted as a Study Abroad Program student? 
No.  The application and admission process takes place online.  If you have fully met all of the admission requirements for acceptance into the University and the MSU BSN program, you would begin your studies including nursing courses at IUON in St. Kitts. If additional coursework is needed to complete MSU’s pre-requisites, you could be accepted into a pre-nursing major and begin coursework at IUON. Once you complete the required pre-requisite courses, you would apply for acceptance into the MSU BSN program.

7.  What are the requirements to be accepted at MSU?
For students who have completed coursework at U.S. accredited schools, MSU requires
a minimum GPA of 2.0 for admission as a transfer student and for the pre-nursing major.  This major is students who do not meet the requirements for the BSN Program but who want to enroll at MSU through study abroad to complete them and apply.  For the BSN Program, a transfer GPA of 2.5 on all courses required for entry to the MSU Nursing program at the time of transfer which are listed below.

8.  How do I apply for the Study Abroad program?
Find out about Morehead State University at their web site to discover as much about MSU's nursing program. Then you need to inform an IUON Admissions Manager of your intent to apply for this program.  This should be done in an email message or in writing. They will advise you how to begin the admission process for the MSU-IUON Study Abroad Program.
 
The Department of Nursing has full instructions on eligibility for admission to the selective admissions BSN program on their website.  Admission to MSU does not guarantee admission to the BSN program.  Applicants must meet the admission requirements and be accepted into the MSU BSN Nursing Program.

9.  Do I need to send any transcripts to MSU as part of the admissions process?
Yes. You will need to request that official transcripts be sent directly from the colleges or universities you have attended to MSU. You will also need to send official copies to IUON.

The mailing address for MSU is:
   MSU Enrollment Services
   100 Admissions Center
   Morehead, KY 40351

The mailing address for IUON is:
   International University of Nursing
   460 West 34th Street 12th Floor
   New York, NY 10001

10.  Who evaluates my transfer credits?
MSU Registrar’s Office evaluates each student's transcripts and determines transfer credits towards their BSN Degree.

11.  What if IUON has already evaluated my transcripts and "awarded" me credit?
If you have previously applied to IUON, since you will become an MSU student, only MSU can determine the transfer credits they will accept. You will still need to provide IUON with current official transcripts.

12.  Do I ever become an IUON student?
No.  You begin as an MSU student and remain an MSU student even while you are enrolled at IUON.  However while enrolled at IUON during your study abroad experience, you are under the policies and procedures of IUON.

13.  What is the financial aid benefit of becoming an MSU student and participating in the Study Abroad Program at IUON?
A major benefit is access to federal financial aid programs that are not currently available to you as an IUON student as well as alternative, private student loans.

As an accredited U.S. school, MSU is approved for Federal financial aid with access to Title IV funding which includes the following:

Stafford Loans (Student Loans) 
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
Loan Entrance Counseling Online (Required for First-Time Borrowers)
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Loan Program
FFEL Loan Entrance Counseling Online (Required for First-Time Borrowers)
Federal Perkins Loan
Alternative Loan
Information on Defaulted Loans

14.  May I use the financial aid I receive at MSU for the IUON study abroad tuition?
Yes.  Financial aid originating at MSU is based on the Cost of Attendance (COA) which includes tuition and fees charged by MSU for this program, as well as travel to St. Kitts, lodging and other costs.  MSU has the authority to facilitate the provision of federal and state aid for approved semester abroad programs. Alternative, private student loans that you obtain will augment any federal funding you may receive.

15.  When should I apply for financial aid for the study abroad program?
You should apply immediately for the online FAFSA. MSU FAFSA school code is 001976.

For January 2010 entry to MSU's Study Abroad Program, you would need to indicate the financial aid school year of 2009-2010.

16.  What is the cost of tuition for each semester of the study abroad program at IUON?
The cost for tuition and fees to attend MSU’s study abroad program at IUON is approximately $6,900 per semester.  The exact cost is dependent on individual needs such as health insurance coverage.  

17.  How does the IUON program cost actually get paid?
The student pays MSU's tuition plus any additional costs associated with the student's study abroad experience.  MSU pays the required tuition to IUON.  The student is only responsible for making their payment to their primary school, Morehead State University, with the exception of health insurance.  IUON will bill the student directly for health insurance.

18.  Are there any scholarship opportunities for me in this program?
Yes.  In addition to MSU scholarships, scholarships for nursing students are available at Discover Nursing.com  (the Campaign from Johnson and Johnson) and the Nurse Reinvestment Act.

19.  Who will help me with questions about IUON, St. Kitts, and housing or visa requirements?
As the study abroad university, IUON will work with you to provide this information.  IUON will be in close communication both with you and with the International Studies Office at MSU and MSU’s Department of Nursing.

20.  What happens after I complete my study abroad coursework at IUON?
MSU students can complete a maximum of 62 credits at a study abroad institution.  After you complete up to 60 credits at IUON as an accepted MSU BSN Program student, you would return to the U.S. to complete your degree and graduate from Morehead State University, an accredited U.S. nursing program.  This graduation makes you eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination which is a requirement for practice in the U.S. 

21.  Where is MSU located?
MSU is located in Morehead, Kentucky.  Morehead is located in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The closest airport is located in Lexington, Kentucky, about an hour drive from Morehead. Morehead is in one of the most beautiful parts of Kentucky. Go to Morehead Tourisim Commission to discover more about the area.

22.  What types of housing is available near MSU?
MSU housing has dormitory living as well as many off campus options. There are many apartments near the college. MSU has a Housing Office. You can contact them via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

23.  How do I find out more about MSU?
Academically, the University offers 78 undergraduate degree programs, including 8 associate level degrees and 12 pre-professional programs in four colleges -- Caudill College of Humanities, College of Business and Public Affairs, College of Education, and College of Science and Technology) and the Institute for Regional Analysis and Public Policy -- and 20 academic departments. Morehead State has been recognized for the sixth consecutive year as one of the top public universities in the South in the 2010 edition of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S.News & World Report. MSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS). You should explore MSU's web site.

24.  What can you tell me about MSU's nursing program?
MSU has a strong, respected nursing program which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 

MSU's Nursing Program mission statement: The mission of Morehead State University Department of Nursing is to promote health and well-being among the people of Northeastern and Eastern Kentucky, the greater Commonwealth, and extending to those whom our graduates serve in our global community.  In an academic environment that is responsive to health care changes situated within respective cultures, it is through excellence in nursing education at the associate and baccalaureate programs, service, and commitment to scholarly activities that this mission is accomplished.

The pass rate of MSU's May 2008 BSN graduates taking the NCLEX-RN on the first attempt was 96%.  The employment rate for nurses upon graduation from MSU is 100%. MSU has a Nursing Newsletter  which features their Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program Coordinator, Dr. Erla Mowbray.

25. I am very interested in participating in service projects. Does MSU have these types of opportunities for nursing students?
Yes.  All MSU nursing students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of service projects at various locations. Explore the MSU Nursing Newsletter to read about some recent service experiences that MSU nursing students have organized and participated in to help the community.

26.  Does IUON plan to collaborate with other U.S. colleges and universities to contract for study abroad?
Yes.  IUON is in discussion with other U.S. schools regarding study abroad.

27.  Who can I contact about IUON Study Abroad options?
You can call IUON's Admissions Department's toll-free numbers in NY-866-868-4720; FL-888-547-1327; MI-888-363-0944, Northern CA-866-916-4866. 

28.  What happens after acceptance into the MSU's Nursing Study Abroad Program?
Based on the transfer credits awarded by MSU, IUON will provide you with a proposed curriculum which identifies the required courses during your study abroad experience.  IUON will also send you a detailed welcome package that provides information on living in St. Kitts, traveling to St. Kitts, visa requirements, housing, booklists and other important facts.