Florida Atlantic University Nursing School Review
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) opened its doors in 1964 with an inaugural speech by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The university was near an army base which previously had an education center. Today Florida Atlantic University serves over 29,000 students annually and offers over 170 academic programs.
Students from the seven campuses can choose from a wide variety of student activities including professional student organizations and NCAA sports programs. Florida Atlantic University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Review of Florida Atlantic University Nursing Degree Programs
Nursing programs at Florida Atlantic University are housed under the Christine E Lynne College of Nursing. The college serves over 1,300 students, has three campuses and began in 1979. A key focus of the college is educating “caring” nurses, with not only the necessary skills, but compassion to serve patients in healthcare settings. Nursing programs at Florida Atlantic University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the bachelor’s degree program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Florida Atlantic University Undergraduate Nursing Programs
Traditional BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Degree Program
The traditional BSN program is for students holding an associates degree or that have completed the first two years of general education, which can be completed at Florida Atlantic University or another institution such as a community college. The program is approximately 2 years and awards a BSN degree upon completion.
Accelerated BSN Program
The accelerated BSN program is ideal for students with a bachelors degree in another field who would like to study become a registered nurse (RN) and earn a BSN. The program can be completed in as little as a year. Because the program is a year-long intense program, students must study on a full-time basis and are encouraged not to take on any other demanding activities at this time.
RN to BSN Program
Unlike the previous two programs, the RN to BSN program is for students already working as registered nurses (RNs) who would like to earn a BSN degree. The program offers a variety of flexible options, locations and can be completed online or on campus.
Florida Atlantic University Graduate Degree Programs
BSN/MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) Dual Degree Program
The BSN to MSN program is ideal for registered nurses (RNs) who would like to complete a BSN and MSN degree in less time than it would take to complete both degrees individually. This program is unique in that most RN to MSN program usually only award an MSN degree. Students have the option of enrolling in several different program tracks, but are not guaranteed admission into anyone track. The program tracks that students can choose from include:
MSN Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
MSN Geronotological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
MSN Administrative and Financial Leadership (ADLD)
MSN Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
MSN Nurse Educator (NE)
MSN Advanced Holistic Nursing (AHN)
Students also have the option of developing an individualized track based on their unique educational interests and personal career goals. Though the individualized program is an option, the university encourages students to compile a program that will allow for national certification in a given area.
Traditional MSN Program
Nurses holding a BSN can enroll in any of the concentration programs above. Each program is about ~40 credits and program completion times differ according to the concentration chosen.
MSN Bridge Program
For RNs holding a bachelor’s degree in an area other than nursing, a bridge program is available to allow these nurses to earn an MSN degree without earning a bachelor’s degree. The advantage of this program is that is cheaper and requires less time than earning the BSN and MSN separately.
Florida Atlantic University Doctoral Degree Programs
Florida Atlantic University offers two doctoral programs, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Nursing program ideal for nurses who seek a research based degree and have goals related to scholarly inquiry and a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree program for nurses who want to practice while holding an advanced leadership role.
The focus of the PhD program is on creating evidence-based responses to problems in clinical practice that inform and impact the nursing practice. All of this is completed within the caring framework of the university. It is also possible for BSN graduates to pursue the PhD program of study immediately after completing the BSN degree. Generous financial aid opportunities available to support students interested in the PhD program, both a living stipend scholarship and the GAANN (Graduate Assistant in Areas of National Need) scholarship to support students with a significant amount of financial need. The PhD program is approximately 3 years long.
The DNP program has a focus on leadership and managing care, particularly for the elderly population. The program is open to BSN and MSN graduates, and offered on a part-time basis, so that students in the program have the opportunity to continue practicing while attending classes. The program length is 3.5 to 5 years depending on if the student is pursuing study after earning a BSN or MSN.
Florida Atlantic University Certificate Programs
Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC)
The Post-Master’s Certificate is designed for nurses who desire to gain a specialty in a given area after earning their masters degree. Specific concentration areas in which one can focus include:
- Administration and Financial Leadership in Nursing and Health Care
- Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
- Advanced Holistic Nursing (AHN)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
- Nurse Educator (NE)
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
Program admission is competitive and limited due to a large number of MSN students enrolled in the program; requirements to enter this nursing certificate program include a minimum 3.0 GPA in graduate coursework.
Gerontology Certificate
A Gerontology Certificate is issued through the College of Business’s Health Administration department. The program examines the details of offering Long Term Care (LTC) to individuals, specifically those interested in understanding working with aging populations and developing an academic basis for their work. The course can be completed in less than a year and does not require a degree.
Centers and Institutes at Christine E. Lynne College of Nursing
Christine E. Lynne’s College of Nursing houses several research centers and institutes which are available to the community and nursing students affiliated with the College of Nursing. These centers serve as a bridge between the community and college of nursing to foster a sense of cooperation. The centers relate to topics such as caring, Diabetes research, disability, nursing leadership, memory and community well being.
Contact:
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
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