University of Florida Nursing School Review

What is now the University of Florida (UF, or U of F), began as East Florida Seminary in 1853. After taking over an academy, the institution later became a formal university in 1905. The University of Florida now serves over 50,000 students. The University of Florida is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Nursing Degree Programs

Founded in 1956, the College of Nursing at the University of Florida has one of the most comprehensive nursing programs in the nation. Credited with offering the first practitioner programs in Florida as well as its first Nursing PhD, the College of Nursing at the University of Florida prides itself on being on the edge of innovation. Education programs seek to prepare students to work with diverse populations both domestically and abroad. The college has an international committee to ensure programs remain relevant internationally. With centers dedicated to cancer, genetics, brain and aging research, nurses will have ample opportunity to pursue their research interests. Nursing programs at the University of Florida are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Undergraduate Nursing Programs

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Programs

Generic BSN

Students interested in studying nursing at the University of Florida must first complete general education requirements and pre-requisites for the nursing program, and are normally accepted to the nursing program in their junior year. Current students at the University of Florida as well as transfer students must apply directly to the College of Nursing for admission. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), a BSN is the standard minimum qualification for practicing nurses today. Admission requirements to the program include foreign language proficiency demonstrated in high school or college, and a 2.8 GPA overall and in nursing pre-requisites. The program may be completed in 4 semesters.

Accelerated BSN

The Accelerated BSN program is for aspiring nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Graduates of this program may be particularly valued by employers because of their interdisciplinary training. Admission requirements include taking the GRE and a 3.0 GPA or higher in previous degree coursework (only the last 60 credits of bachelor’s degrees are evaluated). The program can be completed in 4 semesters, upon which students will receive a BSN qualification.

Graduate Nursing Programs

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)

The masters in nursing programs at the University of Florida are offered in four advanced practice specializations. Students may choose from the Nurse Midwifery, NNP (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner), CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), and Psychiatric-Mental Health CNS/NP specializations. Several of the specializations are offered online, though nurses may be required to coordinate site visits and travel for clinical experiences. In addition to earning the MSN qualification, upon completion of their program, nurses will also be eligible to take the national certification exam in their given specialty. The MSN programs can be completed in 2 to 3 years depending on plan of study (part or full time) and specialty.

DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Degree Program

For nurses who would like to earn an advanced practice degree, the DNP program at the University of Florida is ideal. The program has a post-BSN and post-MSN option allowing nurses at various levels to pursue doctoral education.

BSN to DNP (Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice)

The BSN to DNP program is offered in the following specialties:

  • ACNP (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
  • ANP (Adult Nurse Practitioner)
  • FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
  • PNP (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)

The program can be completed in 2.5 to 5 years depending on if the student pursues full or part time study. Students in this program whose circumstances prevent completing the entire program can opt-out of the program and elect to receive the MSN qualification only. This option can be completed in 5 to 8 semesters.

MSN to DNP (Post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Program)

The MSN to DNP program prepares nurses to take a step further in advancing their careers through doctoral study. The areas of study available for the post-master’s DNP program are:

  • ACNP (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
  • ANP (Adult Nurse Practitioner)
  • Adult Health CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist)
  • FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
  • Nurse Midwifery
  • PNP (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner)
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (Nurse Practitioner)
  • NNP (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner)

Students in this program can expect to complete it in 1.5 to 3 years. Nurses who choose a specialization different from their MSN specialization or who do not have an MSN specialization may need additional time to complete coursework. The program is delivered primarily online, however students are required to attend courses in-person on occasion, and in each case will receive 2 months notice.

PhD in Nursing (Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program)

BSN to PhD

Exceptionally motivated BSN students can enroll in the BSN to PhD program to complete a PhD on an accelerated time frame. The PhD is ideal for nurses aspiring towards a career in academia or scholarly research. The program can be completed in 4 years. To be admitted, students must demonstrate an exceptional record of academic achievement.

PhD in Nursing

The traditional PhD program at the University of Florida is for nurses holding an MSN qualification. Research foci of the program are in aging and health, women’s health, bio-behavioral interventions and health policy. Preference for admission is given to students whose research interests or experiences align with the research foci of faculty and the PhD program. The program can be completed in as little as 3 years of full-time study.

North Florida PhD Nursing Consortium

Through the North Florida PhD Nursing Consortium, students from Florida A & M University, Florida State University, the University of North Florida and the University of West Florida may participate in the doctoral program offered by the University of Florida. The program delivers courses through streaming video and onsite.

Nursing Certificate Programs

Post-master’s Certificate Program

Nurses, who already hold an MSN qualification and would like to earn a national specialization in a given area, may do so through one of the College of Nursing’s many post-masters certificate programs. Upon completion of each program, nurses will earn a certificate and be eligible to take the licensing exam in their given specialty. Students may choose from the following areas of study to earn their certificate:

  • ACNP( Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
  • ANP (Adult Nurse Practitioner)
  • FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
  • Nurse Midwifery
  • Nurse Educator
  • NNP (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner)
  • PNP (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner )
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health CNS/NP (Clinical Specialist/Nurse Practitioner)
  • Clinical Nurse Leader

Nurse Educator Certificate

Nurses holding at least a master’s degree are eligible to enroll in the Nurse Educator certificate program which prepares nurses to deliver post-secondary training to aspiring nurses in an academic setting. This program is ideal for nurses with a doctoral degree seeking to teach at the post-secondary level. The program is 14 credits. Admission requirements for the program include an MSN and a current nursing license.

Contact:
University of Florida
1938 West University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32603

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