Florida A&M University BSN Programs
Florida A&M University’s School of Nursing has been a symbol of excellence in nursing education since 1904. What started as a hospital-based program grew into Florida’s first baccalaureate nursing program in 1936. The school proudly is the oldest running baccalaureate nursing program at a historically Black institution in the United States.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has fully accredited the School of Nursing. This recognition shows the program’s steadfast dedication to educational excellence and professional standards. The Florida Board of Nursing’s approval proves the program’s quality and compliance with state requirements.
The school’s excellence shows in its recent performance numbers. BSN program graduates scored an impressive 93.48% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in 2024. This is a big deal as it means that the score jumped 11 points from last year and beat the national average of 92%. The program achieved a perfect 100% completion rate with 46 graduates finishing their studies in 2024.
FAMU’s nursing curriculum shapes students into skilled practitioners, communicators, team players, and leaders. Quality takes priority over quantity as the program creates practitioners who deliver evidence-based, culturally appropriate care. Students start with pre-professional liberal arts courses and move on to specialized nursing classes with hands-on clinical experiences in hospitals and clinics.
The RN-BSN Fast Track program gives registered nurses a flexible path to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students can complete this specialized track in just three semesters through online asynchronous courses.
Graduates can work as nursing generalists in medical and community settings of all types. They lead nursing teams and work together within healthcare systems. Career paths go beyond patient care into management, research, policy development, and education.
The program matches the university’s mission perfectly by preparing exceptional nurses who deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate care that meets health needs of communities worldwide. This student-focused environment promotes the growth of knowledgeable, innovative, and caring nursing professionals ready to tackle complex healthcare challenges.
Available Program Tracks
Florida A&M University’s nursing programs cater to students with different needs and career goals. The core of these programs is the traditional four-year BSN program that prepares students to work as generalists in the nursing field. Students start with pre-professional liberal arts courses and move on to specialized nursing classes paired with hands-on clinical experience in hospitals and clinics.
Many students begin their journey through the Pre-Nursing track. Students complete general education requirements, Gordon Rule courses, and foreign language prerequisites before moving to the professional level. This foundation helps students master biological sciences, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and other core subjects they need for nursing practice.
FAMU’s RN-BSN Fast Track program helps licensed registered nurses advance their education. This program serves RNs who have a current nursing license and want to get a bachelor’s degree. The program offers:
- Completion possible in just three semesters (one calendar year)
- Fully online asynchronous course delivery
- Option for full-time or part-time study
- Only 30 semester hours required at FAMU
- Nationally accredited curriculum
The professional nursing curriculum spans five semesters and covers everything in health assessment, pharmacology, adult care, mental health, maternal and child health, and population health. This well-laid-out sequence helps students build their nursing skills while tackling increasingly complex concepts.
FAMU’s focus remains on undergraduate education, but students can continue their growth through graduate programs. These programs include MSN degrees specializing in Adult Gerontology Primary Care and Women’s Health, along with various post-master’s certificates.
Each program track reflects FAMU’s steadfast dedication to excellence while preparing students for their professional nursing roles. Students graduate ready to deliver quality care in a variety of healthcare settings from hospitals and community centers to public health departments and beyond.
Flexible Learning Formats
Florida A&M University’s nursing education philosophy puts adaptability first. The RN-BSN program gives registered nurses flexible options to advance their careers while balancing work and life commitments.
Students can choose full-time or part-time schedules based on their needs. The full-time track takes just three semesters (one calendar year) to complete, while part-time students can spread their coursework over five semesters. This lets you pick a pace that works with your schedule without sacrificing quality education.
The best part? Every RN-BSN course runs completely online in an asynchronous format[131]. This setup lets you:
- Work on assignments and review materials when it suits you
- Keep your job while studying
- Save time and money on commuting
- Complete the program from anywhere
The School of Nursing’s experienced educators make complex concepts easy to understand through various learning methods. Students get personal consultations, group sessions, virtual webinars, and simulation experiences that match their learning style.
You can start your RN-BSN classes even as you finish general education requirements[134]. This smart approach helps you graduate faster by letting you tackle both simultaneously.
Graduate students also enjoy this flexibility with face-to-face and online options. The online master’s program features archived lectures, webcam exam proctoring, chatrooms, and video conferencing. Many courses include team projects and group discussions that connect you with classmates.
Florida A&M University breaks down educational barriers through these flexible learning options. The nursing program’s adaptable format lets healthcare professionals earn advanced degrees without putting their lives on pause—exactly what busy medical workers need.
Entry Criteria & Prerequisites
Florida A&M University BSN Programs have specific admission criteria that vary between program tracks. The university uses a two-tier admission structure with different requirements at each level.
Pre-Nursing AdmissionStudents must first get into the university as Pre-Nursing majors. This pre-professional phase requires completion of general education requirements, Gordon Rule courses, and foreign language prerequisites before students can apply to the professional nursing program.
Professional Nursing Program Requirements The professional level needs a separate application. Students can apply twice a year—October 1-15 for spring entry and May 1-15 for fall entry.
Key requirements include:
- Overall GPA of at least 3.1
- Science and Math GPA of 3.0 or higher with no repeats
- Grade of “B” or better in math, science, and nutrition courses (first attempt only)
- Level 2 Proficiency on each subject area of the TEAS exam
Required prerequisite courses include:
- Communication Skills
- College Algebra
- Biological Science with Lab
- Psychology or Sociology
- Human Growth and Development
- Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II with Labs
- Microbiology with Lab
- Human Nutrition
- Introduction to Probability & Statistics
RN-BSN applicants face different requirements:
- Associate degree from an ACEN-accredited nursing program
- Current, valid RN license
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.9
- Completion of 60 hours of general education and prerequisite coursework with grade “C” or above
Admitted students must complete Level II background checks, drug screening, and health documentation.
The School of Nursing limits enrollment because of clinical space constraints. Students who meet minimum requirements might not get admission since space availability determines acceptance.
Recent changes have made the program more available. The minimum GPA requirement dropped from 3.4 to 3.0, and prerequisite grade requirements changed from “B” to “C” to line up with state standards.
What Sets the BSN Programs Apart at Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University’s BSN programs stand out because of their outstanding academic results. Their 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 93.48% is higher than the national average, which shows how well-designed their curriculum is. These numbers represent a significant 11-point jump from last year.
The programs achieved something remarkable in 2024. All 46 students completed their studies – a perfect 100% completion rate. This shows how well the program supports its students and delivers effective education.
The School of Nursing believes in quality over quantity. They focus on developing nurses who are skilled at providing evidence-based care that respects cultural differences. Students learn to become practitioners, communicators, team players, and leaders.
FAMU has a special place in history as the nation’s oldest continuing baccalaureate nursing program at a historically Black institution. This heritage shapes a curriculum that emphasizes culturally responsive healthcare – a crucial skill in today’s diverse medical field.
The school’s dual accreditation from both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Florida Board of Nursing will give a degree that meets top professional standards. These features combine to create an education that balances academic excellence with real-world application, setting graduates up for success right after graduation.