University of North Florida Nursing School Review

Although a fairly young university founded in 1972, the University of North Florida (UNF) enrolls over 16,000 students. Students will enjoy the campus location, in close proximity to downtown Jacksonville and the Atlantic Ocean. The University of North Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Nursing Degree Programs

The School of Nursing at the University of North Florida is under the Brooks College of Health. The school offers a comprehensive selection of nursing programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Nursing programs at the School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (CoA-NA). The School of Nursing takes their commitment to the community very seriously and in clinical experiences, students will work with underserved and at-risk health populations.

Undergraduate Nursing Programs

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs

The School of Nursing offers three tracks for nurses pursuing a BSN qualification, from those without prior nursing experience to RNs (Registered Nurses). BSN programs at the University of Florida are approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing. BSN programs in the School of Nursing have a community-based approach, in which the nurse is encouraged to develop and maintain relationships with the community and local agencies with which they work. Admission requirements for pre-licensure BSN programs include taking the TEAS exam (Test of Essential Academic Skills).

Pre-licensure BSN

The pre-licensure BSN program is for students without previous nursing education. Students must be college juniors and have met general college and nursing-specific course pre-requisites with a grade of “C” or better. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the exam for certification as an RN. After pre-requisites are complete the program may be completed in about 5 semesters.

Accelerated BSN

The Accelerated BSN program is designed for aspiring nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, but not an RN license. This program prepares students for the nursing career and licensure as an RN. Students must hold a bachelor’s degree before entering this program. The Accelerated BSN can be completed in 4 semesters, 3 of full-time study, and 1 part-time.

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

The RN to BSN program is designed for students who are RNs and seek to take the next step in their career and education by earning a BSN. The program can be completed in approximately one year and offers two formats, an on-campus and hybrid (online and campus-based courses) for student convenience. Students are encouraged to send letters of reference and personal statements (essays) with their application, though this is not a requirement.

Graduate Nursing Programs

Students applying for admission to a graduate program at the University Of North Florida School Of Nursing are required to submit standardized test scores for their admission. Students in the Nurse Anesthesia track must take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Students in all other MSN tracks and the DNP program may take the GRE or MAT (Miller Analogies Test). In cases in which a student did not earn a BSN from a college accredited by a nursing body (CCNE or NLNAC), students should contact the program director to determine eligibility for their desired graduate program.

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) Programs

Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree at the University of North Florida have 5 tracks to choose from. Four specialized tracks and a fifth option for RNs seeking to earn their MSN.

MSN specialty tracks include CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), PCNP (Primary Care Nurse Practitioner), CNL (Clinical Nurse Leader) and Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). The MSN programs may be completed in 2 to 3 years. With the exception of the CNL track, in which nurses operate as generalists, upon completion of their program students will receive an MSN qualification and are eligible to take the national certification exam for their specialization.

RN to MSN (Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing)

A select group of RNs are able to enter the RN to MSN program each year which allows nurses to bypass the BSN to earn an MSN. The program trains nurses to become APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses) and FNPs (Family Nurse Practitioners). Upon completion of the 9 semester program, students can take the national certification exams both for APRNs and FNPs.

DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Degree Program

The DNP program offers a practical alternative for nurses who would like to earn a doctoral degree while maintaining their career in the nursing practice. The course is ideal for MSN qualified nurse who also hold a specialization. Other than this requirement, students are not expected to complete specific course pre-requisites. The program is 48 credits.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Nursing Program (In collaboration with the North Florida PhD Consortium)

The PhD in Nursing Science Program is offered to students at select universities throughout Florida through the North Florida PhD in Nursing Consortium. This program prepares nurses for doctoral study using a hybrid method involving two-way interactive video in which students can see and interact with their professors and classes on campus of participating institution. The PhD in Nursing Science degree will be awarded through the University of Florida, and therefore students must apply and enroll for the program through the University of Florida and meet their admission requirements. The PhD in Nursing Science Program is ideal for nurses with scholarly interest, as the program seeks to train nurses as researchers who contribute to the growing body of academic knowledge in the field of nursing.

Nursing Certificate Programs

FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) Certificate

Nurses, who hold an MSN, desire to earn a specialization and become an APRN, may complete the post-master’s FNP certificate, which will prepare the nurse to work with individuals and families across the lifespan. Nurses with other specializations who would like to add FNP to their skill set may also take the course. Upon completion of the 2 year program, nurses are awarded a certificate and are eligible to take the FNP certification exam.

Contact:
University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224

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