Florida International University Nursing School Review

Founded in 1972, Florida International University (FIU) is the only public, research institution in Miami. The university is large, with over 45,000 students enrolled and offering over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The university has state-of-the art resources including an eight story library, environmental preserve and 40 acre research center on campus to serve its students.

Florida International University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Review of Florida International University Nursing Degree Programs

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is home to nursing programs at Florida International University. The college strives to achieve global recognition and provide care to underserved populations. The college maintains a majority enrollment of students from ethnic minority backgrounds and has two campuses in the Miami area. With over 10 programs to choose from, Florida International University offers a wide variety of baccalaureate through doctoral level nursing degree and certificate programs. Nursing programs at Florida International University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs as well as approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing.

Florida International University Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Florida International University offers three nursing programs for students at various stages of their nursing career.

Generic BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

The Generic BSN track prepares students with no prior nursing experience to become certified nurses eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). Program requirements are strict and admission competitive. The program is limited access meaning not all students who apply are admitted to the program. Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA in previous coursework, first-time pass in all pre-requisite science courses and completion of the HESI-A2 nursing entrance exam. Upon completion of the 4 year program students are awarded a BSN.

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

The RN to BSN is a degree completion program designed for registered nurses who would like to earn a bachelor’s degree. The program is two years and assumes nurses will transfer credit from previous degree programs. The program can be completed online on a full or part time basis. Admission requirements include a 2.5 GPA overall in all coursework, a diploma or degree in nursing (though a degree is preferred). Nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field are also eligible for this course.

RN/MSN Option for Foreign Educated Nurses

Nurses who received education abroad may become an RN and earn a BSN in this unique program specifically geared towards foreign health professionals. Nurses who pass the NCLEX-RN and have a GPA of 3.2 or higher are eligible to continue in the Master of Science program. Upon completion of the program students will earn a BSN or MSN degree and are eligible to take the Advanced Registered Nurse Practice certification exam. Students in this program must be US citizens or in the process of gaining citizenship and pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Exam. The program is 8 semesters.

Florida International University Graduate Degree Programs

Florida International University offers a comprehensive variety of graduate programs for nurses interested in pursuing graduate education, from those already holding graduate education to those beginning graduate study for the first time.

MSN Child/Adult/Family Health Nursing

– Adult Health Nursing (ANP):
Nurses in this program specialize in adult care in a variety of health care settings. Upon completion of the program students are awarded a MSN and are eligible to take the national certification exam for adult nurse practitioners (ANP)

– Child Health Nursing:
Nurses are trained in health care practices to serve as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP) and are eligible to serve in a variety of health care settings including schools.

– Family Health Nursing:
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focuses on community health and disease prevention within the context of the family and may serve in a variety of health settings such as public health departments and community based agencies.

Students in the adult, child and family nursing tracks will be enrolled in their program for 6 semesters or approximately two years. Admission requirements include a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and a copy of the student’s nursing license. Students do not have to submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Prospective students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher overall and in all upper level nursing courses. Furthermore, students can participate in evening and online classes in order to simultaneously pursue their education and careers. Upon completion of the program nurses are awarded an MSN NP (Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner qualification) and are eligible to take the national certification exam in their area of specialty.

MSN Nurse Administrator

This course strives to prepare nurses for a career in the ever-changing field of health administration. Nurses will study finance, human resources and strategic planning in addition to relevant nursing courses. The program can be completed in as little as two semesters.

MSN Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing

This program prepares nurses to work in healthcare environments designed to assist adults with psychiatric and mental health difficulties. The program can be completed in 2 to 3 semesters. Nurses can complete their clinical practicum in a variety of settings from soup kitchens and community agencies to healthcare offices for PMHN practitioners.

MSN Anesthesiology/Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

The Anesthesiology Nursing Program is specifically designed for nurses with critical care experience seeking to earn a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. Nurses are carefully trained to administer and monitor patients under anesthesia. The program is 7 seven semesters.

Florida International University Doctoral Degree Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is for nurses seeking to hold leadership positions, while maintaining practice in the nursing profession. Admission requirements include a GRE score of at least 1000 and a master’s degree or post master’s certificate with advanced certification in their specialty areas as well as ARNP certification. The program focuses on improving healthcare through integrating practice with clinical research. The program can be completed in 6 semesters and includes both online and campus-based courses.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD program is ideal for nurses who pursue careers centered on academic research and aspire to lead in academic, governmental or healthcare organizations. Admission requirements include a master’s degree from an accredited institution, a statistics course at the master’s degree level and current RN licensure (international students may be waived from this requirement).

BSN to PhD

The BSN to PhD program allows nurses with a BSN degree to complete a PhD degree directly after completing a BSN. The BSN to PhD program can be completed in 5-6 years depending on full or part time study. Admission requirements for the program include a completed BSN to PhD application, GRE scores of at least 1120, 3 letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining the student’s academic goals.

Florida International University Certificate Programs

Nurses may earn certificates in most areas in which an MSN is awarded as well as Nurse Educator and Family-Focused Health Care Across Cultures. The latter two programs are for nurses seeking a teaching and education role and nurses interested in working with ethnically diverse populations respectively. Programs vary in length, though can be completed in as little as one or two semesters.

Simulation Teaching and Research STAR Center at Florida International University

Florida International University’s STAR Center provides nursing students and faculty with state-of-the-art, lifelike simulation equipment to enhance the teaching and learning environment. The center, located on the Modesto Maidique Campus, gives students the opportunity to assess their skills in trauma, surgery and clinical check-ups using real-life simulation. Web-based technology, digital imaging and closed-circuit monitoring systems support faculty efforts to prepare students for a nursing career in a variety of healthcare settings.

Contact:
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33174

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