Accelerated BSN Programs in Florida

Program Length & Format

• 15-month, four semesters
• Total credit hours: 63
• Program start: spring semester each year; course sequence may be modified to accommodate Spring or Fall admission
• Target students: applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a non-nursing field
• Estimated time commitment during enrollment: 40+ hours per week (class, clinical, study)

Admission Requirements

• Minimum cumulative college GPA: 3.0
• Fewer than five combined Withdrawals, Ds, or Fs
• Grade of C or greater required in specified liberal arts and science prerequisite courses
• All prerequisite courses must be completed before starting nursing courses; applicants whose prior degree does not meet prerequisites must enroll as pre-nursing candidates
• Interview: at the discretion of the Admissions Committee

Entrance Exams

• ATI TEAS required (ATI TEAS / TEAS)
• Minimum scores: overall 62% with minimum 50% in each section
• Maximum of three TEAS attempts allowed

Prerequisites

• BIO 220 Human Anatomy & Lab — 4 credits
• BIO 240 Human Physiology & Lab — 4 credits
• BIO 253 Intro to Microbiology & Lab — 4 credits
• CHE 152 Chemistry for Health Sciences & Lab — 4 credits
• MAT 152 Elementary Probability & Statistics — 3 credits
• PSY 281 Introduction to Psychology — 3 credits
• PSY 283 Developmental Psychology — 3 credits
• Theology distribution courses — 3 credits + 3 credits
• PHI 353 Bio-Medical Ethics — 3 credits
• CS 180 or CS 151 Digital Literacy — 3 credits

Deadlines

• Application deadline for Spring AO cohort (program begins in January): October 31 (previous year)
• University-level applications: accepted on a rolling basis

Application

• Submit Barry University application (online)
• Submit unofficial transcripts to receive advising; official transcripts required for admission review
• Complete standardized nursing admission exam (ATI TEAS) prior to evaluation by Admissions Committee
• Completion of the applicant’s admission file is the applicant’s responsibility

Selection Process

• Admissions Committee reviews completed applications on a regular basis
• Applicants notified in writing after committee review
• Admission is a limited-access process; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
• Typical cohort size for AO track: approximately 15–25 students

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition: $7,000 per semester
• Nursing program resources fee: $50 per credit, per semester
• 20% tuition discount available for Barry University graduates
• Federal financial aid available via FAFSA; Barry federal school code: 001466
• Privately funded scholarships and partner hospital scholarship programs available

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical partner sites include: Baptist Health System; Jackson Healthcare System hospitals; Memorial Healthcare System; Nicklaus Children’s Hospital; Holy Cross Hospital; Cleveland Clinic; North Shore Medical Center; Broward Health; Plantation General Hospital; Miami Jewish Health Systems; Aventura Hospital
• Simulation laboratory experiences available as part of the curriculum

Credit Transfer

• Transfer of equivalent credits from other accredited institutions may be evaluated for Pre-Nursing and program prerequisites
• Transfer credit assessment performed by pre-nursing advisors and Barry University professional transcript evaluators on an individual basis

Contacts

• School of Nursing Dean: Tony Umadhay, Ph.D., CRNA, APRN (named Sep 23, 2022)
• Campus address: 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
• Pre-nursing advising: online and telephone advising available once completed application and unofficial transcripts have been received

Program Length & Format

• Traditional track: 36 months
• Bridge track (for LPN, Paramedic, Respiratory Therapist): 32 months
• Accelerated track (requires prior BS or MS): 16 months
• On-campus simulation laboratories at campus location
• Clinical partner experiences and in-person clinical practicum courses

Admission Requirements

• Traditional track: applicants without a prior bachelor’s degree
• Bridge track: valid, unencumbered LPN, RT, or Paramedic license active in the state of enrollment
• Accelerated track: earned baccalaureate or master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education–recognized agency or equivalent foreign degree

Prerequisites

• ENC 1101 English Composition I
• ENC 110 English Composition II
• COM 301 Microcomputer Applications
• NUT 180 Nutrition
• BSC 1085 Anatomy and Physiology I and BSC 1085L lab
• BSC 1086 Anatomy and Physiology II and BSC 1086L lab
• MIC 150 Microbiology and MIC 150L lab
• ENC 1103 Information Literacy
• MAC 1105 College Algebra
• MAC 310 Statistics
• CHEM 1101 General Chemistry and CHEM 1101L lab
• SPC 1016 Fundamentals of Speech
• MEA 1239 Medical Terminology
• CS 1001 Professional Development
• PSY 1012 Introduction to Psychology
• HUM 101 Introduction to Humanities
• PHI 301 Critical Thinking

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• NURSG 1403 Clinical Practicum included in curriculum
• On-campus simulation laboratories for clinical skills practice
• Clinical practicum and specialty clinical courses appear across program terms (e.g., Medical/Surgical, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Emergency Care)

Credit Transfer

• Credit awarded for valid LPN, Respiratory Therapist, and Paramedic licenses in Bridge track
• Accelerated track requires prior non-nursing baccalaureate/master’s degree for entry
• General education courses apply to all tracks

Accreditation

• Institutional accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
• State license: Commission for Independent Education, license #2453

Contacts

• Orlando (Altamonte Springs) campus address: 460 E Altamonte Drive, 3rd Floor, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

Program Length & Format

• 16 months
• Total credit hours: 49 credits for nursing-specific courses plus general education requirements
• Full-time, on-campus format at Delray Beach, Florida campus

Admission Requirements

• Must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent foreign degree
• Completion of prerequisite courses prior to admission

Entrance Exams

• ATI TEAS exam required for nursing program admission

Prerequisites

• General education courses including:
  • Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs
  • Microbiology with lab
  • General Chemistry with lab
  • English Composition I & II
  • College Algebra
  • Statistics
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Humanities
  • Critical Thinking
  • Nutrition
  • Medical Terminology
  • Information Literacy
  • Fundamentals of Speech
  • Microcomputer Applications
• All prerequisites must be completed before starting the program

Application

• Submit completed application form
• Provide official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions

Cost & Financial Aid

• Total tuition and fees estimated based on credit hours and location
• For nursing programs at Delray Beach campus, estimated annual tuition and fees are approximately $49,262 (costs may vary by program and credit load)
• Tuition includes books, course materials, supplies, equipment, and graduation fees
• Additional expenses include living costs, transportation, personal expenses, and loan fees

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical practicum included in curriculum with rotations through multiple specialties: Pediatrics, Adult Medical/Surgical, Critical Care, Mental Health, Maternity/Newborn, Health Assessment/Skills labs
• Simulation lab features high-fidelity patient simulators and equipment such as IV pumps, EKG machines, medication carts, crash carts, electronic health record systems, and defibrillators
• Simulation sessions include faculty-led standardized patient scenarios covering a wide patient age range from newborns to older adults
• Control rooms available adjacent to simulation labs for observation and debriefing

Credit Transfer

• Accelerated BSN accepts candidates with a prior bachelor’s or master’s degree, providing transfer credits accordingly

Contacts

• Delray Beach campus address: 5150 Linton Boulevard, Suite 340, Delray Beach, FL 33484

Program Length & Format

• 12-month program (4 quarters, approximately 48 weeks)
• 105 total quarter credit hours
• On-campus classes and clinical courses; no online nursing courses
• Classes scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Clinical rotations may include evenings, nights, and weekends
• Clinical faculty-to-student ratio: maximum 1:12; preceptored experiences maximum 1:18

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required
• Completion of designated prerequisite courses with B- or higher in Anatomy and Physiology prerequisites
• Maximum of two prerequisite courses may be in progress at time of application
• Prerequisites must be completed prior to starting nursing courses

Prerequisites

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs (8 semester credits | 12 quarter credits)
• Statistics (3 semester credits | 4.5 quarter credits)
• Sociology or Psychology (3 semester credits | 4.5 quarter credits)
• Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology (3 semester credits | 4.5 quarter credits)
• English (3 semester credits | 4.5 quarter credits)
• Additional General Education electives to total 31 semester credits | 46.5 quarter credits

Application

• Submit official transcripts demonstrating bachelor's degree and prerequisite completion
• Complete online application through university system
• Applications reviewed by Nursing Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee
• Students may be required to write a letter requesting course reattempts if applicable
• Re-admission decisions handled case-by-case; failure in more than one nursing course or twice in one course leads to dismissal

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical training includes medical-surgical, critical care, emergency nursing, mental health, women's health, pediatric nursing, and public health rotations
• High-fidelity simulation labs utilized for clinical skill development
• Clinical rotations in approved healthcare settings with variable hours, potentially including nights and weekends

Program Progression

• Numeric grade of 77 or better required in all nursing courses to pass and progress
• Passing requires success in theory, lab, and clinical components simultaneously; failure in one requires repeating entire course
• Students must pass a comprehensive computerized ATI exam with a minimum score of 70 during Senior Seminar to graduate
• Maximum of one nursing course repetition allowed

Contacts

• Located in Orlando, Florida (Lake Mary campus)
• Contact information available via university admissions office and program webpage

Program Length & Format

• Four-semester program (15 months)
• 60 credit hours of nursing coursework
• Full-time enrollment required
• offered beginning Fall 2024 on Boca Raton and Davie campuses

Admission Requirements

• Earned bachelor's degree with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate work
• All prerequisites completed with a grade of C or higher (C- or lower not accepted)
• Minimum cumulative science prerequisite GPA of 3.0 for Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with lab, Chemistry with lab, and College Algebra (or higher)
• Level 2 state/federal criminal background check and fingerprinting required for full admission

Entrance Exams

• No entrance exam

Prerequisites

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs (total 8 credits)
• Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
• Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
• College Algebra or Math for Liberal Arts or higher (3 credits)
• Statistics (3 credits)
• English Composition I and II (6 credits)
• Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• Human Growth and Development through the Lifespan (4 credits)
• Nutrition (3 credits)
• All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or higher; repeated prerequisite grades are averaged; only regionally accredited credits accepted; Portage Learning courses not accepted

Deadlines

• Fall 2026 application window: September 1, 2025 – February 6, 2026
• Applicants advised to complete prerequisites and bachelor's degree by December 31 prior to cycle; spring graduates may be reviewed
• For Fall 2026 start, bachelor’s degree and prerequisites should be completed by end of Spring 2026

Application

• Apply via NursingCAS; select BSN, Accelerated track and desired campus
• Submit official transcripts from each institution to NursingCAS (NursingCAS PO Box 9201, Watertown, MA 02471)
• NursingCAS verification required; allow 4–6 weeks for verification; applications not verified by deadline will not be reviewed
• Do not send official transcripts to FAU until after admission; NursingCAS application cannot be edited after submission
• Final acceptance contingent on cleared Level 2 background check and fingerprinting; applicant responsible for related costs

Selection Process

• Admissions reviewed only for applications meeting minimum criteria and verified by NursingCAS
• Selection criteria: cumulative undergraduate GPA, prerequisite science GPA, other prerequisite GPA, and a personal interview
• Verified applicants meeting minimum requirements are invited to a live virtual interview 4–6 weeks after application cycle closes
• Preliminary acceptance requires cleared Level 2 background check and fingerprinting before full admission is offered by Admission, Progression and Retention Subcommittee
• Offer acceptance must be confirmed by date posted in the offer letter or seat will be given to next eligible applicant

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition assessed per credit hour; standard university fees required (specific per-credit rates in FAU University Catalog)
• Estimated semester costs available via program cost pages (housing and personal transportation to clinical sites not included)
• Additional student-paid costs include background checks, fingerprinting, drug screening, clinical requirement supplies, textbooks, Kaplan/standardized testing, NCLEX preparation resources, NCLEX exam and licensure application fees

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Students required to engage in coursework and nursing practice for a minimum of 40 hours per week during the Accelerated track
• Nursing practice courses generally scheduled between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., a minimum of three days per week; clinical experiences may include weekends
• Clinical placements at approved external clinical agencies; transportation to clinical sites is student responsibility
• Annual health requirements: immunizations, TB testing, proof of personal health insurance, current BLS Healthcare Provider CPR certification (American Heart Association)
• Comprehensive exit exam required in final semester; satisfactory score required prior to graduation

Credit Transfer

• Nursing courses from other nursing programs are nontransferable; all 60 accelerated BSN nursing credits must be completed within the Accelerated track
• Prerequisite credits accepted from regionally accredited institutions and evaluated individually; repeated prerequisite grades are averaged
• Portage Learning courses not accepted to satisfy prerequisites; Geneva College courses accepted if taken as degree-seeking student

Contacts

• Nerla Moise, Accelerated Pre-Licensure Program, phone: 561-297-6261
• Javaris Hammond, Director of Student Services / Accelerated program inquiries, phone: 561-297-6261; fax: 561-297-0008

Program Length & Format

• Four semesters of full-time
• 61 credit hours 
• Admission and cohort start once per year in the Fall term
• Annual enrollment capacity: 60 students

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from a regionally accredited institution; degree must be completed by the end of the Spring term of the year of application
• Minimum cumulative Bachelor’s degree GPA: 3.0
• Minimum cumulative GPA for all nursing prerequisite courses: 3.25
• Minimum grade of C or higher required for each prerequisite course
• Science prerequisites must have been completed within the last 10 years
• Applicants may have up to two non-science prerequisites in progress at time of application; no science prerequisites may be in progress at time of application
• One science failure allowed if the same course is successfully repeated; two science failures disqualify the application
• Applicants with a C- or below in any science prerequisite may repeat that course only once

Entrance Exams

• ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Edition VII required; other exams (e.g., HESI) not accepted
• Minimum required scores: 70% Total Score and 62% Science Score
• TEAS must be taken in person at an approved testing site
• Maximum of two TEAS attempts allowed per application cycle; 30-day wait period between attempts as required by testing center
• TEAS scores valid for two years; upload Individual Performance Profile PDF to NursingCAS

Prerequisites

• Statistical Methods: STA 2023 or STA 2122
• Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs: BSC 2085/2085L and BSC 2086/2086L
• Introductory Microbiology with lab: MCB 2000/2000L
• Survey/Principles of Chemistry with lab: CHM 1033/1033L (or equivalent)
• Nutrition: HUN 2201
• Human Growth and Development: DEP 2000 (DEP 2004 accepted in transfer guides)
• Psychology: PSY 2012 or equivalent (SYG 2000 or SOP 3004 listed as equivalents)
• All prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the Spring semester for Fall admission

Deadlines

• Application cycle for Fall admission opens August 7 and closes in early May (applications accepted through May 1 for Fall admission in multiple notices)
• AO BSN admits students for the Fall term only

Application

• Submit FIU Undergraduate Application and separate NursingCAS application; select AO BSN track
• Pay required application fees for FIU and NursingCAS
• Send official transcripts from all institutions to FIU Undergraduate Admissions (P.O. Box 659003, Miami, FL 33265-9003) and one sealed copy of each transcript to NursingCAS
• Upload ATI TEAS Individual Performance Profile PDF to NursingCAS Documents section
• Bring unofficial transcripts to an advising appointment; attendance at an information session or advising appointment encouraged

Selection Process

• AO BSN is a limited-access program with competitive admissions based on comprehensive evaluation
• Applications are processed on a rolling basis and decisions are released as made
• Applicants who apply by the published deadline will be considered; meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
• Applicants previously not accepted must submit a new application for the next cycle

Credit Transfer

• NWCNHS Student Services reviews course equivalency for transfer credit
• Science prerequisites older than 10 years must be repeated to meet admission requirements
• Course equivalencies provided for multiple partner colleges (e.g., Miami Dade College, Broward College, Palm Beach State College)

International Students

• Foreign-educated physicians seeking AO BSN: minimum 2.00 degree GPA from previously awarded Doctor of Medicine demonstrated via course-by-course evaluation from a NACES-accredited agency or official translated transcripts
• Required prerequisites for foreign-educated physicians: HUN 2201, DEP 2000, and STA 2023 or STA 2122; prerequisites must be completed by end of Spring term and completed within last 10 years (foreign-educated physicians may have all three prerequisites in progress at time of application)
• Foreign-educated physicians must meet TEAS requirements and may not hold an RN license from a previous nursing program

Contacts

• Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, 11200 SW 8 Street – AHC 3, Miami, FL 33199; main phone: 305-348-7703
• Application advising contact listed: Michelle Leuchtenmueller; phone: 305-348-7703
• Testing locations for TEAS at FIU: Modesto A. Maidique Campus GL-120 (Ph: 305-348-2441) and Biscayne Bay Campus AC 1-160 (Ph: 305-919-4043)

Program Length & Format

• 12-month 
• Fall entry term; Baptist Health cohort begins in August
• Full-time,  on-campus 
• Curriculum structure: four 8-week terms plus one 16-week semester; program divided into 3 semesters for tuition billing

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution required
• Minimum cumulative GPA 2.50 on a 4.00 scale
• Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher prior to program start

Prerequisites

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4 credits), completed within last 10 years
• Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4 credits), completed within last 10 years
• General Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
• Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
• Nutrition (3 credits)
• Human Growth & Development (3 credits)
• Statistics (3 credits)

Application

• Submit online nursing application
• Upload unofficial transcripts from each previously attended institution
• Provide proof of current or future enrollment in outstanding prerequisites scheduled to finish before program start
• Short-answer writing sample (three prompts; 200-word limit per prompt)
• One-way recorded virtual interview (five questions; 10 minutes total to record responses)

Selection Process

• Applications evaluated on: cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, writing sample, recorded interview
• Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission
• Decisions issued on a rolling basis; timelines vary with application volume

Wait List Policies

• Candidates may be admitted from the waitlist up to one day before program start
• If admitted from waitlist, all prerequisites must be complete by program start
• Applicants not admitted from waitlist must reapply for future cohorts

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition divided equally among 3 semesters for 12-month programs
• One-time clinical subscription fee due at program start, typically ranges $1,800 to $2,000
• FAFSA school code: 001495
• Federal financial aid and military benefits may be used; contact financial aid counselor after acceptance
• Admitted students are considered for JU ABSN Merit Scholarship (no separate application required)

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical partner: Baptist Health (cohort-specific clinical placements)
• Program emphasizes critical care content during curriculum
• Clinical schedule: typical 12-hour shifts (6:30 am to 6:30 pm) depending on site and course
• Total clinical hours across program: over 750 hours
• Simulation and immersive learning experiences include virtual reality labs, telepresence robots, and simulation scenarios

Credit Transfer

• Prerequisite courses may be completed at any regionally accredited institution
• Separate transcript required for each institution attended
• Anatomy & Physiology I and II must be completed within the last 10 years unless petition approved
• Nursing courses from other programs are not accepted for credit toward the JU nursing curriculum

Contacts

• Keigwin School of Nursing phone: (904) 256-7000
• Jacksonville University main phone: (904) 256-8000
• Campus address: 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211

Program Length & Format

• approximately 16 months (after prerequisite and general education credits are evaluated or completed)
• Additional 76.0 credit hours of nursing coursework required for the BSN major
• Total degree requirement: 120 credit hours

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited school required
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or last 60 credits with a 3.0 GPA)
• Background check in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act required upon enrollment
• Personal interview with the BSN Program Director or designee and approval by the BSN Admissions Committee
• Satisfactory drug screening and completion of required health screenings (immunizations) per Nurse Practice Act and clinical requirements

Entrance Exams

• TEAS (current version) required with composite score of 67 or higher
• Maximum of 3 TEAS attempts within a 12-month period
• Appeal process available for a 4th TEAS attempt; appeal reviewed by campus Nursing Program Director and Academic Dean
• Remote administration of TEAS may be considered under extenuating circumstances with Admissions Counselor coordination

Prerequisites

• DEP2004 Lifespan Development, 3 credits; STA2023 Statistics, 3 credits; minimum grade of C in each prior to acceptance
• Minimum grade of B required prior to beginning nursing major courses in:
  • BSC2085C Human Anatomy & Physiology I, 4 credits
  • BSC2086C Human Anatomy & Physiology II, 4 credits
  • CHM2045 General Chemistry I, 3 credits
  • CHM2045L General Chemistry Lab, 1 credit
  • MCB2000C Microbiology (with lab), 4 credits
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for general education/prerequisite courses

Program Outline

• Lower-division prerequisite credit total: 22.0 credit hours
• Upper-division Accelerated BSN major courses: 76.0 credit hours
• Sample upper-division course credits include:
  • Pathophysiology for BSN, 4 credits
  • Care Management sequence (I, II, III), 8, 9, and 8 credits respectively
  • Advanced Care Management, 11 credits

Selection Process

• Personal interview required with BSN Program Director or designee
• Final admission approval made by the BSN Admissions Committee
• TEAS appeal must include reasons for prior unsuccessful attempts and a plan for improved results; appeal reviewed by Program Director and Academic Dean
• Admissions Counselor can assist with remote testing arrangements for applicants with travel constraints

Clinical & Licensing Requirements

• Drug screening required prior to clinical participation
• Completion of all required health screenings and immunizations required per Nurse Practice Act and clinical site requirements
• Clinical requirements governed by Nurse Practice Act; specific clinical sites and hours not specified in source materials

Program Length & Format

• 5 semesters
• Total of 64 credit hours required for degree completion
• Daytime classes available at Miami and Fort Myers campuses
• Nighttime classes available at Fort Myers campus only
• Includes clinical rotations at hospitals near campus

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited institution
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Minimum science GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
• No more than one failing grade (below C) in key prerequisite courses allowed:
  • Nutrition
  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II
  • Biology (for Nursing Pathway students)

Entrance Exams

• TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) required
• Official TEAS scores must be submitted with application

Prerequisites

• Nutrition (3 semester hours)
• Anatomy and Physiology (minimum 8 semester hours with lab; 6 combined hours plus 3 biology hours accepted as substitute)
• Chemistry (minimum 3 semester hours)
• Microbiology (minimum 3 semester hours)
• Mathematics (6 semester hours, including Algebra and Applied Statistics)
• Written Communication (6 semester hours, college-level composition)
• Social Behavioral Sciences (6 semester hours including Psychology and Human Growth and Development)
• Arts and Humanities (6 semester hours)
• Open Electives (8 semester hours; Medical Terminology recommended)
• All prerequisites must be completed before starting nursing coursework

Deadlines

• Fall semester application deadline: August 1
• Winter semester application deadline: December 1
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis year-round through NursingCAS

Application

• Submit application through NursingCAS centralized application service
• Submit official transcripts from all prior institutions to NursingCAS
• Submit official TEAS scores
• International coursework must be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) approved agency with course-by-course report and GPA

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition estimated at $39,000 for full program (without scholarships or discounts)
• Per semester tuition approximately $6,916 (credit-based)
• One-time program seat deposit of $200
• Additional costs may include books and supplies, institutional fees, health insurance, housing and food, loan fees, personal expenses, transportation
• Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, loans, employer assistance, veterans benefits, and payment plans

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical rotations conducted at hospitals near Miami and Fort Myers campuses, including Lee Health, Naples Community Hospital, Memorial Regional Hospital, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami Children’s Hospital, Aventura Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Broward Health, and Jackson Memorial
• Clinical hours integrated into courses with defined credit-to-clock-hour ratios (e.g., 1 credit = 50 hours, 2 credits = 100 hours, 3 credits = 150 hours)
• Use of high-technology simulation labs included in the program

Contacts

• Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing
  3300 S. University Drive
  Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2004
  Phone: 800-541-6682

Program Length & Format

• 4 semesters (Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer)
• Total program credit hours: 60 undergraduate credits
• Program type: limited-access, upper-division, cohort, lock-step curriculum
• Location: Orlando (UCF College of Nursing)
• Course schedule: all nursing courses offered during daytime; some clinical rotations may occur nights or weekends

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a non-nursing discipline from a regionally accredited institution required; applicants must not hold an RN license
• Must be admitted to the University of Central Florida before applying to the College of Nursing program
• Minimum UCF GPA requirement for continuation and graduation: 2.5; minimum College of Nursing GPA for continuation and graduation: 2.5
• All nursing-major courses must be completed with at least a C (2.0) or S grade when appropriate
• Mandatory drug screening required prior to admission and on demand for continuation in the program

Entrance Exams

• TEAS exam required as part of the application process
• TEAS must be submitted during application to the Second Degree BSN program

Deadlines

• Undergraduate application deadlines listed: Fall: May 1; Spring: November 1; Summer: March 1
• Program application cycle: apply annually

Application

• Must apply to UCF and be admitted to UCF before applying to the Second Degree BSN program
• Complete online application to the Second Degree BSN (College of Nursing limited-access application)
• Submit TEAS as part of the application
• Optional: apply for Helene Fuld Scholarship (application optional)
• Students admitted to BSN program must maintain subscription to the LEAP*RN student information database

Cost & Financial Aid

• Per credit hour rates shown: $212.28 and $802.54 per credit hour (rates listed in program materials)
• Equipment fees: Part-time students $25 per term; Full-time students $50 per term
• Most second degree students are not eligible for federal financial aid
• College of Nursing scholarship funds and Helene Fuld Scholarship opportunities referenced for Second Degree BSN applicants
• Additional required costs: subscription to LEAP*RN (student information database)

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical settings include hospitals, long-term care facilities, community agencies, and medically underserved community sites
• Clinical and lab course components and credit examples:
  • NUR3065L Health Assessment Lab (1 credit)
  • NUR3028L Essentials of Nursing Practice Lab (1 credit)
  • NUR3755L Essentials of Nursing Practice Clinical (2 credits)
  • NUR3225L Nursing Care of the Adult I Clinical Practice (2 credits)
  • NUR3445L Nursing Care of Families Clinical (2 credits)
  • NUR4227L Nursing Care of the Adult II Clinical Practice (3 credits)
  • NUR4535L Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical (2 credits)
  • NUR4637L Public Health Nursing Clinical (1 credit)
  • NUR4945L Nursing Practicum (5 credits)

Credit Transfer

• Lower-division courses do not substitute for upper-division courses
• Nursing courses and prerequisite courses from private and out-of-state institutions must be evaluated for equivalency and approved by the College of Nursing
• UCF residency requirement: 30 hours (if applicable); 30 of the last 39 hours of coursework must be completed in residency at UCF
• Maximum of 45 hours permitted from extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits

Contacts

• UCF College of Nursing address: 6825 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827
• Advising: consult the College of Nursing Undergraduate Student Services Office for prerequisite and application guidance

Program Length & Format

• begins each May and is completed after four consecutive semesters of full-time study, finishing the following August
• Offered at Gainesville and UF Health Jacksonville campuses
• Total credit hours: 60
• Total clinical hours: 765
• Course delivery: traditional classrooms, teleconferencing, web-based delivery; in-person clinical rotations at campus and regional sites

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in a field other than nursing
• GPA requirement: 3.0 or higher using the most recent 60 credits toward the bachelor’s degree,
• GPA requirement: or cumulative 3.0 or higher for a master’s or doctoral degree
• Applicants must meet admissions requirements by the end of the spring semester before the summer term they intend to apply
• Disclosure of arrests or criminal charges required on UF Program application
• Admitted students must complete background check, fingerprinting, drug screening, mandatory immunization verification, and provide proof of health insurance

Entrance Exams

• HESI A2 required; must be completed by the application deadline
• HESI A2 examination areas: Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Grammar, Math, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Learning, Personality Style
• Applicants may only take the University of Florida HESI A2 once
• No minimum required score; suggested competitive targets: cumulative score 85 and critical thinking score 800 or higher
• HESI A2 must be completed in a single testing session

Prerequisites

• All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better
• 4 credits Anatomy & Physiology I (including lab)
• 4 credits Anatomy & Physiology II (including lab)
• 4 credits Microbiology (including lab)
• 3 credits Statistics
• 3 credits Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology
• 3 credits Human Nutrition

Deadlines

• Summer 2026 application deadline: December 1, 2025
• HESI A2 must be completed by the application deadline
• Exxat health-compliance requirements must be completed by May 12, 2025 (per incoming student resources)

Application

• Submit application via NursingCAS
• Required documents on NursingCAS: official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Application components: essay responding to NursingCAS questions, one academic letter of reference, one personal letter of reference, CV or resume
• HESI A2 registration and completion required

Selection Process

• Admissions Committee uses a holistic assessment including student experiences, attributes, and academic metrics
• Admissions decisions limited by classroom and clinical space
• Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition per credit hour: $212.74 (Florida resident); $1,029.53 (non-Florida resident)
• Semester enrollment typically 15 credit hours
• Pre-enrollment estimated costs total $700–860 (excluding student health insurance); sample items: Exxat approval $36, drug test $29, background check $73, fingerprinting $50–60 + tax
• Student health insurance (optional/waivable): $3,039 annual (2025–2026)
• Semester fees and charges:
  • Semester 1: Elsevier/fees $1,018; ExamSoft $30; Tophat $60
  • Semester 2: Elsevier/fees $1,301.56; ExamSoft $30
  • Semester 3: Elsevier/fees $1,018; ExamSoft $30
  • Semester 4: Elsevier/fees $1,018; ExamSoft $30
• Licensure and testing fees: Florida Board of Nursing application $110; Pearson VUE testing center fee $200; fingerprinting $80 (if needed); transcripts $10

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Total clinical hours across program: 765
• Clinical settings include UF Health Jacksonville sites, UF Health primary care and specialty care centers, and other medical centers within a 75-mile radius of campus
• Students may be required to travel up to 100 miles from campus to assigned clinical sites
• Curriculum includes classroom, laboratory activities, and supervised clinical practice across adult acute, mental health, women/children, population health, and complex adult care rotations

Credit Transfer

• Prerequisite courses may be completed at university or community college level
• Course equivalency for prerequisites requires a detailed course syllabus to determine content

International Students

• International transcripts require certified, literal English translations if documents are not in English
• International transcripts require a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation
• TOEFL minimum scores for applicants whose primary language is not English: 550 (paper), 213 (computer), or 80 (internet)

Contacts

• Academic advisor for first-semester registration: Kianna Barnett
• Physical address: 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610
• HESI support contacts: Elsevier Support (800) 222-9570; ProctorU (855) 772-8678

Program Length & Format

• 12 months, 3 consecutive semesters
• Total credit hours: 55 (42 classroom credits, 13 clinical credits)
• Start terms: Spring (January) and Summer (May) each year
• Delivery mode: fully in-person; classes at Coral Gables campus; in-person clinical placements with partner sites
• Typical cohort size: approximately 90 students admitted each Spring and Summer

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing from a regionally accredited institution; degree must be conferred prior to Orientation
• Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
• Minimum prerequisite GPA: 3.0
• Two letters of recommendation (academic source preferred; employer references acceptable)
• Statement of purpose: 250–650 words
• Current CV or resume

Prerequisites

• Science prerequisites: Chemistry with lab; Human Anatomy with lab; Human Physiology; Microbiology; Nutrition
• Non-science prerequisites: Human Growth and Development; Introduction to Psychology; Introductory Statistics
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs required to meet A&P requirement
• All prerequisites must be completed with grade of C or higher
• Only one failed prerequisite course (grade C- or below) may be repeated
• No more than two prerequisite courses may be in progress at time of application
• Science prerequisites must be completed within 10 years of program start

Deadlines

• Spring 2026 entry: application opens February 1, 2025; application deadline October 1, 2025
• Summer 2026 entry: application opens September 1, 2025; application deadline March 1, 2026

Application

• Application required via NursingCAS
• Official transcripts from every institution attended must be sent directly to NursingCAS; NursingCAS will not accept transcripts stamped "Issued to Student"
• NursingCAS application fee information (as listed): $80 for the first graduate-level program and $50 for each additional program
• Applicants may submit only one SONHS program application per admission cycle (same semester)
• Admitted applicants must submit a $1,000 non-refundable deposit within two weeks of admission

Selection Process

• Applications processed on a rolling/continuous basis; decisions released as made by the admission committee
• Applicants who apply by the published deadline will be considered for a program spot
• Admission contingent on completion of Certificate of Admission requirements prior to program start

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical placements with over 200 clinical partner sites, including University of Miami Health System
• Clinical hours per semester: range from 140 to 336 hours
• Simulation facilities: S.H.A.R.E. (Simulation Hospital Advancing Research and Education) with simulated emergency department, outpatient clinic, NICU, operating rooms, and other clinical settings
• Clinical placement and participation require a background check and clearance of other clinical requirements

Cost & Financial Aid

• Total tuition for 55-credit program: $43,260.00
• Tuition per semester: $14,420
• Nursing fees: $1,440
• Additional required costs: laptop, textbooks, equipment, clinical requirement costs (immunizations, CPR, background checks, liability insurance), NCLEX exam and licensure application fees
• General SONHS scholarships available to students starting their first semester; FAFSA recommended for financial aid consideration

Credit Transfer

• Official transcripts required from all institutions attended; transcript evaluations completed after application submission and receipt of official transcripts
• Applicants must list all colleges attended in NursingCAS Academic History and enter college-level coursework
• International transcripts require a course-by-course evaluation with degree equivalency and GPA calculation sent directly from approved evaluation service to NursingCAS

International Students

• Applicants must upload a copy of passport in application documents
• Applicants who completed coursework outside the U.S. must submit course-by-course degree evaluations from an approved evaluation service sent directly to NursingCAS
• TOEFL or IELTS required for applicants whose native language is not English unless applicant earned a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
• TOEFL scores should be sent using code B506; IELTS scores should be sent to University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Office of Student Services, P.O. Box 248153, Coral Gables, FL 33124-3850

Contacts

• Phone: (305) 284-2508
• Email: [email protected]

Program Length & Format

• 16 months (4 consecutive semesters)
• In-person instruction
• Campus-specific start terms: Tampa (Summer), St. Petersburg (Fall), Sarasota-Manatee (Spring)

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution conferred before the nursing application deadline
• Admission to the University of South Florida as a second baccalaureate, degree-seeking student for the term of entry
• Overall undergraduate GPA minimum: 3.0
• Nursing prerequisite GPA minimum: 3.0
• Applicants who previously attended a nursing program must upload a letter of good standing from the prior program’s Dean to NursingCAS

Entrance Exams

• No entrance exam requirement
• TEAS and HESI scores are not reviewed and will be removed from applications

Prerequisites

• Eight state-mandated nursing prerequisite courses required; all eight used to calculate nursing prerequisite GPA
• Prerequisite grade requirement: C or better (C- accepted at institutions with +/- grading for eligibility)
• One final prerequisite may be in progress at NursingCAS deadline; conditional admission requires proof of C or better by end of spring semester
• AP/CLEP exam scores and Pass/Fail/S/U grades that earn credit are calculated as a B (3.0) for prerequisite GPA
• Applicants may submit the best grade for each prerequisite; completion within the last five years provides an admissions advantage

Deadlines

• Tampa (Summer entry): NursingCAS application closes Feb 1; Admission to USF deadline Mar 1
• St. Petersburg (Fall entry): NursingCAS application closes Jun 1; Admission to USF deadline Jul 1
• Sarasota-Manatee (Spring entry): NursingCAS application closes Oct 1; Admission to USF deadline Nov 1

Application

• Submit USF undergraduate application selecting Bachelor’s Degree, Nursing major, Tampa campus, and apply as second baccalaureate for intended term
• Submit a NursingCAS application with fee and obtain “verified” status by the NursingCAS deadline
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to both USF Admissions and NursingCAS
• Submit official AP/IB/CLEP scores and military joint service transcripts, if applicable
• NursingCAS includes four short essay prompts; additional personal statements, letters, resumes, and TEAS/HESI scores are not reviewed and will be removed

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed after the deadline; eligible applications evaluated following submission deadlines (not rolling)
• Admissions decisions released simultaneously to applicants
• No interview requirement; NursingCAS essay responses reviewed anonymously
• Cohort size determined by available faculty, laboratory/classroom space, and clinical teaching resources
• Admission to USF does not guarantee admission to the nursing pathway

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Background checks (level one and two) required after admission for clinical placement
• Clinical partners may require additional vaccines or screenings after matriculation
• Proof of current health insurance required for admitted students
• Failure to meet clinical partner requirements may delay or prevent clinical coursework and program completion
• Social Security number commonly required by most states to sit for NCLEX and obtain licensure

Credit Transfer

• Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended for transfer evaluation
• Credits from regionally accredited institutions that match USF course prefix, number, and description generally transfer and meet prerequisite requirements
• Applicants who completed prerequisites outside Florida may be asked to provide course syllabi for faculty review
• AP/CLEP and other accepted exam credits counted as B (3.0) for prerequisite GPA when credit is earned

International Students

• International applicants must meet USF Admissions requirements and provide approved foreign credential evaluation
• Syllabi required for prerequisites completed outside the U.S. for faculty review
• International students on F-1/I-20 visas are eligible only for the Tampa (Summer) term; not eligible for St. Petersburg or Sarasota-Manatee campuses

Contacts

• Alaina Boudreau, Admissions Recruiter | Advisor II
• College of Nursing address: 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, MDC Box 22, Tampa, FL 33612
• USF Admissions phone for transcript processing and DegreeWorks questions: (813) 974-3350
• NursingCAS technical support: 617-612-2880