University of Miami BSN Programs

The University of Miami’s School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS) has been the core of nursing education in South Florida since 1948. The school pioneered the region’s first baccalaureate nursing program and continues to shape healthcare leaders through academic excellence and individual-specific clinical experiences.
The University of Miami provides three distinct BSN pathways that match your educational background:
- Traditional BSN: A detailed four-year (eight-semester) program ideal for first-time college students
- Accelerated BSN: An intensive three-semester (one-year) ever-changing option designed for bachelor’s degree holders from other fields
- RN-to-BSN: A relaxed program that lets registered nurses with an Associate’s degree or diploma finish their baccalaureate education within three to five semesters
These programs stand out because of their strong clinical foundation. The University of Miami’s nursing program partners with major academic medical centers, private acute care hospitals, and public teaching hospital systems. The SONHS has also fostered relationships with over 200 clinical partners throughout the region. This extensive network ensures guaranteed clinical placement for every student.
The program’s success shows in the numbers. SONHS baccalaureate nursing graduates achieved a remarkable 97.42% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN examination in 2024. This outstanding performance demonstrates the program’s steadfast dedication to educational excellence.
Students receive additional reassurance when entering the program. The University of Miami guarantees freshmen progression into the BSN program’s upper division if they complete all prerequisites and maintain the required GPA.
The University of Miami’s BSN programs hold full approval from the Florida Board of Nursing and accreditation from the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduation requirements include earning a minimum of 120 credits with at least a 2.0 GPA in both overall and major coursework.
Available Program Tracks
The University of Miami nursing school offers three unique BSN pathways. Each pathway fits different educational backgrounds and timelines for your career goals.
Traditional BSN Program
The Traditional BSN program serves as the cornerstone of nursing education at the University of Miami. You’ll spend your first two years completing prerequisites and university requirements. The clinical components begin in your third year. This track stands out because freshmen accepted to UM can move up to the BSN program’s upper division. They just need to complete the prerequisite coursework and keep up their GPA. This well-laid-out approach will give a smooth transition from general education to specialized nursing studies.
Accelerated BSN Program
The Accelerated BSN offers a quick path to nursing practice if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field. You can complete this intensive program in just three semesters (one year). Program start dates are available in January or May. The curriculum blends classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN examination within 12 months. Students must stick to the prescribed Plan of Study because it’s a lock-step program. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution and all prerequisite courses completed before starting.
RN-to-BSN Program
Licensed RNs with an Associate’s degree or nursing diploma can earn their BSN through the RN-to-BSN track. This adaptable program lets you complete your BSN degree in three to five semesters. You’ll build on your nursing knowledge while learning advanced concepts and leadership skills.
The University of Miami’s exceptional network of clinical partners benefits students from all BSN programs. Your studies will include rotations through healthcare settings of all types. Academic medical centers, private acute care hospitals, and public teaching hospital systems provide ground experience before graduation.
Flexible Learning Formats
The University of Miami BSN programs feature flexible learning formats that work well for busy professionals and learners with different priorities.
The RN-to-BSN program shows this commitment through a hybrid learning model that fits the busy schedules of working Registered Nurses. Many Miami nursing schools run fully online programs, but the University of Miami has thought over a hybrid approach. Students can combine online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences. This balanced format helps them manage their professional duties and academic studies.
The clinical education stands out through mutually beneficial alliances with over 200 clinical sites, including the University of Miami Health System. Faculty welcomes students’ suggestions for new clinical placements when sites and preceptors get approval ahead of time. Students get quality supervision at convenient locations.
The University of Miami makes life easier for part-time students with evening and weekend classes in select programs. Students can progress through coursework while keeping up with work and family commitments.
Students with specialized interests can explore specific subject areas through independent study with faculty guidance. They earn 1-3 credits per semester based on their chosen topic’s scope. International nursing experiences let students involve themselves with healthcare systems abroad while earning credit.
Students have options that match their unique situations. They can choose traditional classroom settings, flexible online components, or international exposure at the University of Miami nursing program.
Entry Criteria & Prerequisites
Students seeking admission to University of Miami BSN programs must meet specific academic standards and complete key prerequisites.
The Traditional BSN program welcomes freshmen through UM’s standard admission process using the Common Application. Students need to maintain a minimum 3.0 UM GPA and 2.75 clinical prerequisite GPA to advance into clinical components during their third year. Transfer students must achieve higher marks – a 3.5 transfer GPA and 3.3 clinical prerequisite GPA.
The Accelerated BSN program welcomes candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. These applicants need a 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 prerequisite GPA. The program accepts applications through NursingCAS and starts in January or May.
The programs share these core prerequisites:
- Chemistry with Lab
- Human Anatomy with Lab
- Human Physiology
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Human Growth and Development
- Introduction to Psychology
- Statistics
Science prerequisites must be completed within ten years of starting the program. Students can retake only one failed prerequisite course.
Traditional BSN students must finish all prerequisites before they begin their clinical work. The Accelerated BSN program accepts about 90 students each session. Early application submission improves your chances in this competitive program.
What Sets the BSN Programs Apart at University Of Miami
The University of Miami’s BSN programs stand out with their exceptional academic results and unique resources. Their nursing program’s NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate hits 97.42%, which is a big deal as it means that it surpasses state and national averages.
These programs offer something special – the Simulation Hospital for Advancing Research and Education (S.H.A.R.E.). This advanced 41,000-square-foot facility mirrors actual healthcare settings. Students can practice their skills in simulated emergency departments, operating rooms, and intensive care units before stepping into ground clinical settings.
The core of UM’s nursing education lies in its faculty excellence. About 92% of full-time faculty members hold doctoral degrees. Their expertise will give you learning opportunities from nursing research and practice leaders.
The School of Nursing and Health Studies shows its steadfast dedication to diversity and inclusion through its National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence designation. This honor highlights the program’s focus on training nurses who can care for aging populations effectively.
UM nursing programs go beyond technical training. Students gain global health viewpoints through international clinical opportunities and research projects. These experiences help them tackle healthcare challenges in a variety of cultural settings.
UM’s BSN programs blend academic excellence with advanced simulation facilities and global health viewpoints. This combination creates well-rounded nursing professionals ready for today’s healthcare environments.
Want to start your nursing experience at University of Miami? A SONHS education will open doors to amazing career opportunities in healthcare.
The BSN program costs about $2,100 per credit hour. You’ll find many financial aid options to help with these costs. New college students should submit their FAFSA by January 1 to get priority consideration. Applications received by February 1 still qualify for aid packages.
The School of Nursing provides several scholarship opportunities based on merit and need. Students can apply for the Dean’s Nursing Scholarship. Accelerated BSN students have access to the Helene Fuld Health Trust Scholarship.
Your investment pays off remarkably after graduation. BSN graduates earn starting salaries around $68,450 in South Florida. Specialized roles come with higher pay. SONHS graduates have a 98% employment rate within six months of finishing the program.
The school provides detailed student support services during your educational experience:
- Academic advising designed for nursing students
- Free tutoring through the Academic Resource Center
- Mental health resources via the Counseling Center
- Simulation lab practice sessions outside regular classes
You can reach out to the Office of Student Services to learn more or schedule a campus tour. They also invite you to join an upcoming information session.