Barry University BSN Programs

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Barry University College of Nursing and Health Sciences takes six semesters after meeting admission requirements. The program prepares you for excellence in professional nursing through a modern curriculum based on community education.

Students participate in various healthcare delivery experiences that develop their clinical skills and nursing knowledge. The program’s reputation for quality nursing education makes Barry University nursing graduates attractive to healthcare employers throughout Florida.

Barry University’s nursing program received recognition from the National League for Nursing as a 2020 Center of Excellence in Enhanced Student Learning and Professional Development. This achievement confirms what many already knew – Barry nursing graduates lead the field. The program also stands out because it has strong minority representation, including male-identified nurses.

Completing the BSN program makes you eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Passing this exam and meeting other requirements lets you practice nursing anywhere in the United States.

The program will give you the foundational knowledge and skills needed as beginning practitioners. After graduation, you will be able to:

• Integrate knowledge and skills from arts and sciences to provide humanistic, safe, quality care
• Use clinical reasoning to make decisions about healthcare outcomes
• Combine evidence-based practice with compassionate, holistic patient care
• Communicate effectively with all healthcare team members
• Apply leadership concepts and make decisions in nursing care

The College of Health Professions & Medical Sciences holds accreditation for its undergraduate BSN program through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This accreditation will give students a program that meets high educational standards and prepares them well for the nursing profession.

Students need a minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA with fewer than five Withdrawals, Ds, or Fs combined to enter the Traditional BSN program. Required prerequisites include science courses with a grade C or better: Human Anatomy and Lab (4 credits), Human Physiology and Lab (4 credits), and Microbiology and Lab (4 credits). The Admissions Committee evaluates all prospective students after they take a standardized nursing program admission exam.

Available Program Tracks

Barry University gives students several ways to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Each path fits different educational backgrounds and career goals.

The Traditional BSN Option serves as the main undergraduate nursing program. Students who have finished their prerequisites can complete this two-year program as transfer students or third-year undergraduates. Students need 55 credits of pre-requisite courses and 65 credits of core nursing courses. The program follows a well-laid-out six-semester progression after meeting admission requirements and gives students detailed clinical experiences throughout their education.

The Accelerated BSN Option is perfect for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. This challenging program takes just four semesters and starts each spring. Students must complete 33 credits of pre-requisite courses and 63 credits of core nursing courses. Tuition costs $700 per semester with a $50 per credit nursing program resources fee, making it an affordable path to nursing. Barry University graduates get a 20% tuition discount, which makes this track even more available to alumni.

The Pre-Nursing track builds a strong foundation for nursing education. Students spend their first two years completing general education, prerequisites, and supporting courses needed for the Traditional BSN program. These two years prepare students for the advanced nursing curriculum ahead.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits all BSN program tracks. Barry University partners with Baptist Health South Florida to give exceptional scholarship opportunities to Traditional and Accelerated BSN students who commit to working there after graduation.

Small class sizes help students interact closely with professors – especially during the intensive Accelerated Option. The School of Nursing also offers various private scholarships in spring and fall semesters to help with expenses.

Flexible Learning Formats

Barry University College of Nursing and Health Sciences designs learning formats that fit your busy schedule. Balancing academics, work, and personal commitments can be challenging. The university creates flexible educational approaches that let you pursue your BSN degree while managing everything in your life.

The nursing program at Barry University demands over 40 hours weekly of class time, clinical practice, and study to achieve academic success. The university recommends limiting your outside work to 12 hours per week while enrolled in the BSN program. This helps you stay focused on your healthcare curriculum.

Barry University provides six different teaching methods that match students’ priorities:

• Traditional In-Person (LEC): Requires 100% physical attendance in classrooms or labs, with supplementary materials available through Canvas
• Blended Lecture (BLEC): Combines in-person and online learning, with 51% or more instruction occurring in physical classrooms
• Blended Online (BOLC): Integrates both formats with 51% or more instruction delivered online, complemented by in-person sessions
• Online Asynchronous (OLC): Delivered entirely online with no required campus visits; you complete coursework independently while meeting established deadlines
• Online Synchronous (OLCS): Fully online format featuring mandatory scheduled live virtual sessions using platforms like Microsoft Teams
• HyFlex (FLEX): Provides maximum flexibility by allowing you to choose between in-person or online participation for each individual class session

The administrative processes also offer flexibility. Your original signature is needed for first-time registration, but you can complete all future registrations online. Academic advising services become available online and by phone once you submit your completed application and unofficial transcripts.

This comprehensive approach to education delivery lets you customize your learning experience based on your personal circumstances and learning style priorities, even with the intensive BSN requirements.

Entry Criteria & Prerequisites

Barry University’s BSN programs have specific academic standards and prerequisite coursework that students must meet to gain admission. You should understand the detailed requirements of your chosen program track before starting your nursing education.

The Traditional BSN Option needs a minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA with fewer than five combined Withdrawals, Ds, or Fs. The Accelerated BSN Option also requires the same 3.0 GPA threshold. Students must complete all science courses with a grade C or higher without repeats before admission.

These prerequisite science courses are mandatory for all BSN applicants:

• Human Anatomy and Lab (4 credits)
• Human Physiology and Lab (4 credits)
• Microbiology and Lab (4 credits)

Students need at least a C grade in liberal arts courses such as Art, Music, Dance, Theater, or Photography. Developmental Psychology and Elementary Probability & Statistics allow one repeat attempt if needed.

The application process includes taking the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) examination. Students must score a minimum overall 62% with at least 50% in each section. The standardized test allows only three attempts.

The Admissions Committee might request an interview. Students should prepare well for this possibility during their application process.

Applications are due twice a year – June 15th for fall entry (August start) and October 15th for spring entry (January start). Students who haven’t finished all prerequisites will be considered for the Pre-Nursing track instead of direct BSN admission.

The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications regularly and notifies applicants promptly about their decision. Meeting Barry University’s general admission requirements doesn’t guarantee acceptance into the College of Nursing and Health Sciences due to limited enrollment capacity.

What Sets The BSN Programs Apart at Barry University

Barry University’s BSN programs go beyond standard nursing education to prepare you for exceptional nursing practice. The university’s Catholic heritage and core values shape its steadfast dedication to knowledge, truth, inclusive community, social justice, and shared service.

These programs stand out because of their focus on individual-specific experiences. Students get personal attention throughout their educational trip with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Faculty members don’t just teach – they mentor and guide professional development outside the classroom.

Hands-on clinical experiences are the core of Barry’s nursing education. Students train at more than 40 clinical sites in South Florida. These sites include leading institutions like Baptist Health South Florida, Jackson Health System, and Memorial Healthcare System.

Global health is a key priority at the College. Students can study abroad in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. These opportunities help build cultural competence needed in today’s diverse healthcare settings.

The university’s commitment to simulation-based learning deserves special mention. Students practice critical skills in the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Laboratory. This lab uses high-fidelity patient simulators for real-life scenarios before students head over to actual clinical settings.

Your nursing education at Barry University will be different from traditional programs, whatever program track you select. These unique features make sure of that.