University of South Florida BSN Programs
USF College of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program gives you strong clinical preparation to kickstart your nursing career. This 49-year-old college is a key part of USF Health that serves Tampa Bay region’s diverse population.
The traditional Upper Division BSN pathway at USF takes 5 consecutive semesters, roughly 2 years, with yearly admissions in fall semester. You’ll attend this full-time program on Tampa campus where well-laid-out, sequential coursework prepares you to achieve your nursing goals. After graduation, you can take the NCLEX-RN nurse licensure examination. USF nursing graduates have shown outstanding results with 97% pass rates – this is a big deal as it means that they surpass both state (85%) and national (91%) averages.
On top of that, the program’s Global Pathway certification, with its substantial global content, matches USF’s Quality Enhancement Plan. You can earn the Global Citizen Award and become eligible for study abroad scholarships through the Global Citizens Project.
The College completes more than 110,000 clinical hours yearly and works with over 1,000 clinical facilities. This wide network lets you gain practical experience in a variety of healthcare settings.
Your BSN degree opens doors beyond hospital work. You could work in research, education, community health, government service, or international health. The degree also paves the way for advanced nursing education through MSN, DNP, and PhD programs.
The program stays competitive, with class sizes based on qualified faculty, facilities, and clinical teaching resources. Right now, 969 undergraduate and 813 graduate students make up the College’s thriving healthcare community.
Nursing graduates have excellent job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 15% growth in registered nurse positions – much faster than average job growth.
Available Program Tracks
USF College of Nursing offers several paths to earn your BSN degree. These programs fit different educational backgrounds and career goals.
The Upper Division pathway is perfect for students who don’t have a bachelor’s degree but have finished their nursing prerequisites and general education requirements. This 2-year-old program runs full-time and in-person over 5 consecutive semesters. Students can enroll once a year in the fall semester at the Tampa campus. You’ll need 120 degree hours, with 24 major core courses that add up to 68 credit hours. This pathway is also certified as a Global Pathway with extensive global content.
Already have a bachelor’s degree in another field? The Accelerated Second Degree pathway helps you become a nurse faster. This rigorous 16-month program runs through 4 consecutive semesters. You can start at different times depending on your campus: Tampa in summer, St. Petersburg in fall, and Sarasota-Manatee in spring.
The Freshman Nursing Pathway (FNR) welcomes first-time college students who meet specific academic requirements. Students must follow the College’s progression requirements to stay in the program.
Military service members and veterans get special consideration through the Veteran to BSN (V-CARE) pathway. This program is tailored for Army or Air Force medics and Navy corpsmen with medical training experience. Your previous medical training counts as you work toward RN licensure.
The Honors College pathway gives high-achieving students a chance to fast-track their education. Qualified Honors College nursing students can complete both their undergraduate and doctoral studies in just seven years.
These pathways have competitive admission standards and provide quality education that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and nursing careers in various settings.
Flexible Learning Formats
USF College of Nursing welcomes students from different backgrounds who have various scheduling needs. The programs offer multiple learning formats that fit different lifestyles and career stages.
The Accelerated Second Degree pathway features in-person coursework over 16 months through four consecutive semesters. This fast-paced program rotates between USF’s three campuses: Tampa (summer start), St. Petersburg (fall start), and Sarasota-Manatee (spring start). You’ll find a starting point within a few months, whatever time you’re ready to begin your nursing experience.
Licensed RNs can advance their education through USF’s RN to BSN program options that work well for busy professionals. These programs are affordable and convenient, letting nurses study part-time while keeping their current jobs. Many courses use asynchronous delivery methods so you can complete your work around existing commitments.
The College accepts online prerequisite courses and labs from accredited institutions. This flexibility helps during your pre-nursing preparation, especially if you’re transferring from another institution or completing prerequisites while working.
USF’s dedication to flexible learning goes beyond scheduling options. The university creates paths that honor your current commitments while maintaining high educational standards. With various program tracks and adaptable formats, getting your BSN remains possible whatever your professional or personal situation.
Entry Criteria & Prerequisites
USF’s nursing programs have specific academic requirements that change based on your chosen pathway. Each program sets high standards to help students succeed.
Students who choose the Upper Division pathway should achieve a 3.6 overall undergraduate GPA (3.0 for veterans) and keep a 3.0 nursing prerequisite GPA. The program accepts USF applications until April 1st, and students should submit their verified NursingCAS application by March 15th.
The Accelerated Second Degree pathway just needs you to complete your bachelor’s degree before applications close. This option has a more accessible 3.0 GPA requirement.
The Freshman Nursing Pathway welcomes first-time college students with strong academic records. You should have 24 ACT or 1180 SAT or 81 CLT scores and a 3.9+ weighted high school GPA.
These prerequisites apply to all pathways:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs
- Microbiology with lab
- Statistics
- Human Growth & Development
- Human Nutrition
- Psychology/Sociology course
- Chemistry, Biology, or Physics course
Each nursing student must pass a Level 2 background check and drug screening. You’ll also need current immunizations and valid health insurance. These requirements help you meet both university standards and clinical facility expectations during your nursing education.
What Sets the BSN Programs Apart at University of South Florida
USF’s BSN programs stand out with their steadfast dedication to excellence and innovation. Students gain advanced clinical reasoning skills through innovative simulation technology and research facilities. They practice in realistic healthcare scenarios well before they step into actual clinical settings.
USF Health’s comprehensive integration makes the nursing education unique. Students learn alongside future doctors, pharmacists, and public health professionals. This shared approach reflects how healthcare teams work in the real world and prepares nurses better for modern practice.
The College goes beyond its Global Pathway certification to bring worldwide healthcare insights to students. Faculty members share their international experience in classrooms. Students learn about healthcare challenges and solutions from around the world.
Tampa Bay’s vibrant healthcare corridor gives USF a unique advantage. Students have direct access to world-class facilities like Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa General Hospital, and specialty clinics. These connections create exceptional clinical placement opportunities in specialized areas.
USF makes evidence-based practice a priority from the first day. This approach encourages critical thinking skills that students need for leadership roles. Research-active faculty members bring the latest nursing science to their teaching.
The program’s strong alumni network helps create valuable mentorship connections. Students find employment opportunities throughout Florida and beyond.
Starting your nursing education at University of South Florida’s BSN programs requires understanding the application process and key deadlines. The Upper Division BSN program accepts applications through NursingCAS until March 15th for fall admission. Students must complete all prerequisite courses by summer. The competitive nature of USF nursing admissions makes early preparation vital.
USF’s academic advisors are ready to help prospective students throughout their application process. They guide students through prerequisite requirements and create admission strategies for the USF College of Nursing.
The College holds regular virtual and in-person information sessions about University of South Florida nursing programs. These sessions are a great way to get details about the curriculum, clinical experiences, and admission requirements for each BSN pathway.
The College of Nursing Student Affairs office handles questions about University of South Florida BSN admissions. Applicants receive their results 4-6 weeks after the deadline.
USF’s BSN program stands out as an excellent educational choice with high NCLEX pass rates, varied clinical opportunities, and strong job placement rates. Your nursing career starts here – with an application to one of USF’s respected BSN pathways.