Kaplan University

Kaplan University, a subsidiary of The Washington Post, was founded in 1937 as American Institute of Commerce.  Since then, the Kaplan University umbrella has branched into a full services educational group with supplemental review courses, learning centers, and academic review books in addition to onsite and online accredited degree granting programs.

The school has over 35,000 online alumni and over 200 academic programs in the Arts and Sciences, Medical and Law fields.  The Iowa based university is at the forefront of the field of online education and strives to serve a primarily non-traditional student population.  Kaplan University offers a variety of scholarships and provides special discounts to high achievers, active duty military and veterans.

Overview of Programs, Certificates, and Degrees

  • 5 certificates, 1 associate’s, 1 bachelor’s, and 2 master’s degree programs
  • Licensure valid for Florida, Certifications valid in select states including CA, FL, IA, MI
  • Courses in healthcare finance, leadership, diversity, informatics, and ethics and legal implications in nursing
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
  • Accredited Nursing Program (See Accreditation)

Kaplan University’s online nursing programs offer a variety of options for those interested in the healthcare field, regardless of your availability and educational background.

Online Nursing Degrees

Online Associate’s Degrees in Nursing

Kaplan University’s associate’s degree is the basic qualification among the 5 degree options offered.  The course can be completed entirely online, with the exception of the practicum.  Because licensure varies by state and Kaplan University is based in Florida, students must complete a practicum in a local facility.  The associate’s program is 110 units and costs approximately $40,000.

Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

The RN-BSN program (Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Program) is ideal for registered nurses seeking to increase the opportunities available to them by obtaining further education.  The course is offered completely online.  Topics covered include leadership, research, community healthy, and diversity.  Assuming you have previous credits from an associate’s degree or diploma, this course requires 91 credits and is just under $30,000.

Online Master’s Degrees in Nursing

Two master’s degree programs are offered online.  In the traditional master’s program, the leadership emphasis is evident with courses such as health care finance, human resources, and organizational theory.  Both courses can be completed entirely online, except for the practicum which can be completed with a local mentor of your choosing.  Complete with a one-on-one practicum with a mentor and a required project proposal, you are sure to graduate with hands on experience and preparation for your future nursing career.  The course ranges from 63-90 credits and $23,000 to $33,000 depending on if you choose to incorporate one of five certificate options (or specializations) into your program.

Students in the RN-MSN (Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing Program) can expect a fast-track from a diploma or non-nursing related degree to the master’s degree program.  Students who choose this track will complete significantly less coursework than completing the bachelor’s and master’s courses separately.  The emphasis is a mixture of the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.  Students can expect to complete about 90-95 and 40-43 undergraduate and graduate credits respectively depending on if they held a bachelor’s degree or nursing certificate prior to entering the program.  Tuition ranges from $46-48,000.

Certificates and Specializations

Certificate programs are an ideal option for nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree seeking to enhance their career direction and focus. The following five programs are available:

  • Adult Nursing Practitioner Certificate-Treating  adults with acute and chronic illness
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate-Working with all individuals within a family context
  • Nurse Administrator Certificate-Preparing for a career in nursing management
  • Nurse Educator Certificate-Teaching or development staff training in schools and businesses
  • Nurse Informatics Certificate-Health-Managing health care data, literacy, and knowledge

Certificate programs can take as little as 7 months and 23 credit hours to complete and range from $9,000 to $20,000.

Faculty

Kaplan University’s nursing program faculty hold PhDs, EdDs and MSN’s in the field and come from a variety of programs including online and on-ground, and of course Kaplan University’s own program.

Things to consider:

  • The nursing certificates are valid only in select states; find the current states accepting certificates on the specific program’s page.
  • All rates quoted are for tuition.  Additional fees and book costs may apply.
  • Ensure your program is accredited before you apply.

Accreditation

Associate of Science in Nursing-Florida Board of Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Iowa Board of Nursing; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Master of Science in Nursing*-Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

*Certifications: Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, and Informatics accredited with Master of Science program, Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner specializations are not accredited at this time.

Address:
Kaplan University, Pembroke Pines
10131 Pines Blvd, Suite B
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026