Barry University Nursing School Review

Barry University was founded in 1940 with the assistance and support of several Reverends and the Dominican Sisters organization, which maintains involvement through nominating a member as President. The university currently serves over 9,000 students in several locations throughout Florida. Barry University is proud of its diversity and offers many opportunities for students to become involved on campus.

There are over 60 student organizations, including community-based and service learning projects that take place abroad during spring break. Barry University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Review of Barry University Nursing Degree Programs

Housed in the College of Health Sciences, the Division of Nursing offers 10 unique academic options for aspiring nurses at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. Nursing programs at Barry University focus on meeting the needs of a variety of RNs from those who are just beginning on their path (Pre-Nursing Program) to nurses seeking research-based and administrative leadership roles (MSN, PhD and DNP programs). The BSN and MSN nursing degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the undergraduate program approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.

Barry University Undergraduate Nursing Programs (BSN)

Pre-Nursing Program

The Pre-Nursing Program at Barry University is designed to meet the needs of complete freshman desiring to enter the nursing field. The course encompasses pre-requisites necessary to apply for and enter the nursing program, which can be completed in less than 2 years with consistent, year-round study.

Admission requirements include a 2.5 overall GPA as a high school student. Students must have a grade of “C” or higher for biology and chemistry courses and must have taken at least Algebra 2. Students who enter the Pre-Nursing program are not guaranteed admission to the nursing program, and must apply separately. Students must complete the requirements of the Pre-Nursing Program in order to apply for any of Barry University’s program that award a BSN.

Traditional BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) Program

The traditional BSN program is completed in approximately 24 months and encompasses the basic requirements to complete a nursing degree with full-time study (including at least one summer session). Students who have completed the Pre-Nursing Program at Barry University as well as transfer students who meet all of the prerequisites may enroll in Barry University’s Traditional BSN program. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurses) are also eligible to enter the course. Prerequisites for the program include lower level nursing and statistics courses in addition to general education requirements necessary for the bachelors degree.

Accelerated BSN Program

The Accelerated BSN Program allows nurses who have a degree in another field to earn their nursing degree in as little as 15 months, which is less than one and one-half years. Regardless of your reasons for pursuing nursing after completing another degree, Barry University does not require one to complete their general degree requirements again. The program includes a clinical practicum, which can be completed in a variety of healthcare settings. Nurses who complete the program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). Nurses who chose the accelerated BSN program are also able to pursue further graduate study immediately after earning their degree if desired.

RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Program

Registered Nurses holding a diploma or associate’s degree from a nursing program may attend Barry University’s RN to BSN program that can be completed in as little as 15 months. The program allows nurses to transfer credit and earn credit from their experience through a variety of methods including challenge examinations (which award credit for nursing courses for nurses who demonstrate proficiency in a given area). This program is different from the Traditional BSN program in that it is shorter, geared towards working RNs who have prior nursing experience. As a result the course is flexible with evening and weekend class options.

Barry University Graduate Degree Programs

Barry University Masters Degree Programs (MSN)

Nurses who desire to further education with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree will find several options at Barry University. Students can choose from the following specializations:

Nurse Administrator-For nurses desiring administrative leadership roles:
Topics such as fiscal resource management, human resources and organizational behavior are topics explored in this course. Upon completion, nurses are eligible to sit the national certification exam for Nurse Administrators.

Nurse Educator-For nurses desiring roles in educating the public, clients or their peers:
Nurses in this course are prepared not only to teach but also work in curriculum development and training as scholars and collaborators.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)-For nurses who would like advanced responsibility and leadership opportunities while remaining in practice as a nurse:
– Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)-Cares for high-risk patients.
– Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)-Cares for children and adults as a family unit.
The curriculum for both courses has been set out according to industry guidelines from the respective national nursing organizations. Upon completion, nurses will have the opportunity to sit national certification exams for either specialty, ACNP or FNP.

The MSN programs can be completed in approximately 3 years.

Barry University Doctoral Degree Programs (PhD and DNP)

Barry University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and traditional PhD in Nursing program which differ slightly according to a nurse’s desired specialty. The PhD program is best suited to nurses desiring a career in research or with scholarly objectives and goals. The DNP is best suited to nurses desiring to remain in practice or holding administrative roles that relate directly to nursing practice. The DNP can be pursued either after earning a BSN or MSN.

Doctoral programs are usually completed in three to four years, and nurses can work on a part-time basis while completing their degrees.

Barry University Certificate Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate

Nurses holding a masters degree seeking to gain experience in a particular area of nursing have the option of pursuing a post-master’s certificate as an administrator, educator, or practitioner, which are the same concentrations awarded for the MSN.

Nursing Resources at Barry University

Barry University is in the Lambda Chi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the national nursing society. Membership in society is quite beneficial to nursing students as scholarship and research grant funding opportunities are available. Students can also gain valuable leadership experience through participating in leadership roles within the organization.

The Nursing Resource Center at Barry University is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with an extensive library and simulator technology. The library contains nursing materials available in various mediums to cater to different learning styles. Simulator technology tests the critical thinking and decision making skills of nurses in critical health situations. The library is able to meet the needs of a diverse group of students and faculty.

Contact:
Barry University
11300 Northeast 2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695

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