Florida College BSN Programs
BSN programs at Florida College help students deliver detailed care in a variety of healthcare settings. These four-year programs split into two main parts: two years of prerequisite coursework and two years of upper-level nursing courses. Students get the critical skills needed in today’s healthcare landscape.
Getting a BSN degree in Florida gives you foundational knowledge in clinical nursing practice, health promotion, and leadership roles. The programs also create paths to graduate studies in nursing if you want to advance your education. Students learn clinical reasoning, professional ethics, and evidence-based practice to tackle modern healthcare challenges.
Florida College BSN programs excel through their faith-based nursing education approach. Students learn from experienced faculty who teach integrated patient care if you have individuals, families, or communities as patients. The curriculum blends spiritual, mental, physical, and social development. Graduates show professional behavior while providing compassionate care.
Graduates become eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is a vital step to start their nursing career. BSN graduates from Florida universities show remarkable results. This is a big deal as it means that some programs report first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates of 97% compared to state and national averages.
Students get excellent clinical learning experiences in hospitals, health agencies, long-term care facilities, and simulated environments. This ground experience helps develop practical skills along with theoretical knowledge. Students also learn to care for patients from different backgrounds and cultures, which prepares them for modern healthcare delivery.
BSN graduates enjoy strong job prospects due to ongoing nursing shortages. Licensed graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, military facilities, long-term care centers, and community health agencies. Many advance into leadership roles. Florida’s registered nurses earn an annual mean wage of $69,510. The state ranks among the highest in employment levels for this profession.
The Florida Board of Nursing approved Florida College’s BSN program in December 2020. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges followed with approval in June 2021. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits the program, which meets strict educational standards.
Students looking for quality nursing education with proven outcomes will find Florida College BSN programs give excellent preparation for a rewarding healthcare career.
Available Program Tracks
Florida’s BSN programs provide multiple paths that work well with different educational backgrounds and career goals. Students can find the right fit based on their unique circumstances.
The Traditional BSN track serves as the main path for first-time college students or those transferring with completed prerequisites. Florida State University’s program runs for four consecutive semesters (15-16 months) and gives students detailed learning experiences in various clinical settings. The University of Florida’s track works the same way for students who have finished their lower division and pre-professional requirements.
Students with prior education can take advantage of the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) track to speed up their progress. This option works best for students who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another field. The University of Central Florida runs this full-time “lock-step” program through four consecutive semesters, including summers. Florida Gulf Coast University’s ABSN pathway follows a similar pattern with summer admission and takes four consecutive semesters.
The RN to BSN track helps registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas advance their education. Each applicant’s previous coursework gets individual review to avoid repeating classes. State College of Florida runs this program in a completely online format with 5-week courses, and students can finish their nursing coursework in just four semesters.
The Concurrent ASN to BSN track offers a creative approach. Students can take ASN courses at approved state colleges while working on BSN courses at partner universities. This smart setup lets students complete their ASN degree with more than half of their BSN credits already done. Valencia College works with UCF to make this concurrent option possible.
These program tracks show Florida’s nursing schools’ dedication to making nursing education available to everyone. Students can find a BSN pathway that fits their situation perfectly, whether they’re starting college, switching careers, or building on their nursing experience.
Flexible Learning Formats
Florida’s nursing schools understand that students need to balance their studies with other life commitments. BSN programs across the state now offer learning formats that fit different schedules and learning priorities.
Hybrid/blended learning options give students the best of both worlds. Students can complete coursework online and attend essential in-person sessions. South Florida College of Nursing’s RN to BSN program lets students learn both on campus and online. Students can meet with professors during campus sessions or when needed. Chamberlain University students spend less time commuting with hybrid options that mix online studies with hands-on labs.
Evening and weekend classes help working professionals earn their degree while keeping their jobs. State College of Florida makes education available to busy students by scheduling classes outside regular hours. These flexible options work well for students in associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
Fully online options have become more popular, especially when you have RN to BSN students. The University of Florida lets registered nurses complete all coursework online while balancing work and family life. A UF Online student shares, “I really liked the flexibility UF Online allowed me to have with my schedule. As a mother of three, I was very busy with my children’s activities, tending to family obligations, and having a full-time job”.
Accelerated completion timeframes add another layer of flexibility. Florida Atlantic University’s working professional track helps nurses finish their BSN in just two years through six back-to-back semesters. This focused approach speeds up career advancement.
Programs also use a variety of instructional methodologies. The University of Florida combines traditional classrooms with teleconferencing and web-based learning. This mix supports different learning styles while delivering quality education.
Florida’s BSN programs make quality nursing education available to students whatever their life situation or location.
Entry Criteria & Prerequisites
Florida BSN programs have specific academic and professional requirements that differ among institutions. Most schools set minimum standards students must meet to qualify for admission.
Your academic record plays a crucial role in the selection process. Most programs want a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Florida College makes an exception by accepting students with a cumulative GPA of 2.7. Students must earn at least a C grade in all prerequisite courses.. Florida College has an additional rule – students can’t earn a C in more than two prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite coursework typically includes:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs (4 credits each)
- Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Human Growth and Development/Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
- Nutrition (3 credits)
- Chemistry or biological science course (3 credits)
- Social/behavioral science course (psychology, sociology) (3 credits)
Most institutions need official transcripts and completed application forms. Some schools require entrance exams. The University of West Florida, to name just one example, asks for a minimum score of 75% on the TEAS entrance exam.
Different schools have different deadlines. Florida College welcomes applications until February 1 for fall admission. The University of Florida’s traditional BSN program sets March 1 as its deadline.
Accepted students must fulfill several requirements before starting clinical experiences. These requirements include current immunizations, Basic Life Support certification, Level 2 criminal background check, drug screening, and proof of health insurance.
Competition is fierce because of limited clinical placements and classroom space. Florida State University takes an all-encompassing approach. They look at your unique experiences among other traditional academic metrics. Florida International University conducts detailed evaluations with rolling admissions for fall and spring semesters.
Success demands careful planning. Know each program’s specific requirements. Keep your grades high. Start preparing your application materials early to make your application stronger.
What Sets the BSN Programs Apart at Florida College
Florida College BSN programs stand out with their dedication to student success through customized education. These programs ensure you get individual attention throughout your academic trip with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.
The prime location of Florida College campuses offers unmatched access to clinical experiences. Students get hands-on experience in healthcare settings near major medical centers, including prestigious university hospitals and community-based facilities.
The programs’ graduate outcomes speak volumes, with NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates that surpass national averages. The programs achieve employment rates of over 90% within six months of graduation.
Your instructors’ expertise makes a significant difference. They bring extensive clinical experience in specialties like pediatrics, mental health, and critical care. Their practical knowledge adds real-life application to classroom instruction.
Modern simulation facilities boost your learning experience. Students practice complex scenarios in labs that mirror actual healthcare environments before working with real patients.
The programs’ supportive community environment sets them apart. Small cohort sizes help students build meaningful connections with peers and faculty. This network continues to support your professional development after graduation.
These programs blend academic excellence with practical experience to prepare you for success in the nursing profession.