Florida Southern College BSN Programs

Florida Southern College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program lets you start nursing classes right from your first year. You begin clinical experiences in your second year’s fall semester, while most BSN schools wait until junior year to start specialized coursework. This early start helps you build essential skills from day one.
The program’s graduates shine on the NCLEX licensure exam with scores well into the 90th percentile for first-time pass rates over five years. The May 2023 class reached new heights with a 100% overall pass rate, and 96% passed on their first try.
Students learn through a mix of classroom teaching, cutting-edge technology, and ground experience. The state-of-the-art simulation labs prepare you before you step into clinical settings, where you’ll complete more than 500 hours of combined clinical and simulation training. High-fidelity simulators that speak and respond like real patients let you practice complex procedures safely before working in healthcare facilities.
The BSN program’s accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) ensures your education meets national standards. This quality education leads to excellent BSN career prospects, with graduates enjoying a 100% job placement rate.
Graduates find success at prestigious institutions across the country:
- Local facilities: Lakeland Regional Health (11 graduates) and BayCare Health System (4 graduates)
- Regional centers: Tampa General Hospital, Nemours, Johns Hopkins, and Advent Health
- National institutions: Duke University Medical Center, Yale-New Haven Hospital, and more
The program maintains high standards and competitive admission. First-year nursing students typically bring strong academic records with a 3.76 high school GPA, 26 ACT, and 1240 SAT. Students must keep a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and earn at least a C grade in all nursing major courses.
This detailed program teaches you nursing practice fundamentals and helps you learn about social issues that affect patient care and healthcare delivery in global settings.
Available Program Tracks
Florida Southern College’s direct-entry BSN program stands out from other nursing schools. Students can declare nursing as their intended major on day one of their college experience. This lets them start specialized nursing coursework right away instead of waiting until junior year.
The direct-entry BSN program doesn’t require a separate nursing application. Students just need to select Nursing as their intended major on their Florida Southern College application. The admission process reviews candidates based on their ability to succeed in the demanding nursing curriculum.
Florida Southern’s BSN program upholds strict academic standards. We selected students with outstanding academic records. The first-year nursing students show impressive credentials, averaging a 3.76 high school GPA, 26 ACT, and 1240 SAT scores. These numbers showcase the program’s competitive nature and dedication to academic excellence.
Students must keep their academic performance strong throughout the program. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 is required to advance in the major. Students need to earn a grade of C or higher in all required nursing major coursework. The program uses standardized testing to track student progress, and students must pass a final exit examination to graduate.
Transfer students can join the BSN program at Florida Southern College through limited spots in the direct-entry program. This gives qualified students from other schools a chance to join this respected nursing program.
Graduates of Florida Southern College’s BSN program gain complete skills to provide high-quality care in a variety of healthcare settings. The program readies students for immediate professional practice and builds a foundation for future graduate nursing programs.
Note that the Florida Southern BSN program emphasizes integrated patient care with extensive clinical experiences. Students develop both technical skills and caring viewpoints needed in today’s healthcare environment.
Flexible Learning Formats
Florida Southern College’s nursing programs meet modern students’ needs with innovative scheduling options. The BSN programs run through seven-week terms that start six times each academic year. Students can begin their degree at the best time that fits their schedule, breaking free from traditional semester timelines.
The nursing curriculum gives you options through multiple formats:
- Online courses – Complete coursework entirely online with no campus visits required
- Hybrid format – Blend online learning with in-person classes scheduled during evenings or on Saturdays
- Flexible scheduling – Balance your education with professional and personal commitments
These adaptable options work great for professionals who want to keep their jobs while studying. Florida Southern College knows that nursing students often balance multiple responsibilities, which drives their focus on flexible education models.
The BSN program lets you learn at your own pace and fit coursework around your schedule. This approach helps you balance your work and life while pursuing your nursing education.
Students receive the same quality education no matter which format they choose. The program covers nursing fundamentals, clinical skills, and professional development—delivered in ways that fit different lifestyles.
You’ll develop hands-on nursing skills through well-designed practical components, even with flexible formats. The program delivers excellence while offering scheduling options that help you succeed in today’s busy world.
Students who prefer traditional classrooms or want online learning convenience will find BSN programs that match their needs at Florida Southern. The program’s impressive 98% NCLEX pass rate speaks for itself.
Entry Criteria & Prerequisites
The Florida Southern College BSN program has specific requirements to make sure you’re ready for this challenging yet rewarding field. The program looks for candidates with strong academic backgrounds who show they can succeed in nursing.
Competition is fierce for BSN program spots. Successful candidates usually have stellar academic records. Your evaluation goes beyond grades and test scores. The program also looks at your character, dedication, and extracurricular activities.
Students should know the academic standards. Current first-year nursing students have an average high school GPA of 3.76, ACT score of 26, and SAT score of 1240. Most admitted students have GPAs between 3.4-4.1 and test scores from 1170-1320 (SAT) or 24-30 (ACT). Florida Southern also lets you apply without test scores.
Your spot in the program depends on continued excellence. You must keep an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and earn at least a C in all nursing major courses. Standardized tests will track your progress throughout the program. You’ll also need to pass a final exit examination to graduate.
Current Florida Southern students can try to transfer into nursing, but spots are limited. This internal transfer needs a written essay and a meeting with the nursing program director in November of your first semester. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and finish prerequisite courses.
External transfer students can also apply for the limited spots in direct-entry nursing. The college reviews these applications as they come in and usually gives decisions within 2-3 weeks after getting all materials.
Quick submission of your complete application package matters a lot because competition grows as spots fill up rapidly.
What Sets the BSN Programs Apart at Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College’s nursing education stands out because of its focus on students. The BSN programs offer more than just impressive numbers. Students benefit from an exceptional faculty-to-student ratio that allows personal attention throughout their learning trip.
Nursing courses combine advanced simulation technology with evidence-based practice. Students consider various scenarios with high-fidelity mannequins that act like real patients. This builds confidence before clinical placements begin.
The program’s unique feature lies in its focus on working across disciplines. Students participate in learning activities with peers from other healthcare fields. This approach encourages the teamwork needed in today’s connected healthcare systems.
Case studies, problem-based learning, and reflective practice help develop critical thinking and clinical reasoning. Students learn how to make sound clinical decisions in complex situations quickly.
Community involvement is the core of Florida Southern’s nursing experience. Students work on service-learning projects and community health initiatives. They learn while helping underserved populations with real healthcare needs.
Florida Southern College’s BSN programs blend academic excellence with hands-on experience. They combine technological breakthroughs with compassionate care and personal attention with shared learning. This creates nursing professionals ready to succeed in healthcare’s ever-changing world.