Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Nursing School Review

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, more commonly known as Florida A&M University (FAMU) is a historically black university (HBCU) founded in 1890. Continuing its legacy as a land-grant institution, Florida A&M University seeks to promote research, engaging educational opportunities and service to the community.

The college welcomes students of all backgrounds and has over 10,000 students enrolled each year. The university is particularly known for its band, which competes in large band competitions in the Southeastern United States. The Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Florida A&M University.

Review of Florida A&M University Nursing Degree Programs

FAMU has a dedicated faculty and long history of providing nursing education. The university strives to provide an education to nursing students that will be relevant to the health care issues throughout the lifetimes of both  urban and rural populations. Since the University is located in the state’s capital, the college strives to positively impact local nursing legislation. Nursing programs at Florida A&M University are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

The university has bachelors and masters degree programs. Students who do not meet all of the requirements to begin their nursing education, but desire to study nursing may be admitted to the university as a “pre-nursing” student which does not guarantee their admission to the nursing program. The nursing program at FAMU is very competitive and as a general rule students must have a 2.7 GPA to enter. Because admission is limited to 50 students each admission cycle (fall and spring) admission is not guaranteed.

Florida A&M University Undergraduate Nursing Programs

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Degree Program at FAMU seeks to educate nurse generalists, able to work effectively in a variety of settings. In the duration of this four year program, students will work in a variety of health care settings, large and small to develop the skills necessary to pursue nursing at hospitals, community health care facilities, and provide in home care. Nurses are concurrently enrolled in theory and clinical practicum courses so that they may apply the theoretical nursing concepts they are learning as a nursing student. Students may complete the first two years of the general education requirements at another college, and upon completion of the four year program are awarded a BSN degree.

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

The RN to BSN fast-track program is ideal for practicing registered nurses holding an associate’s degree or diploma who desire to earn a BSN degree. The BSN degree is a great option for registered nurse as it opens the door to more opportunities and is the first step towards more responsibility and leadership opportunities in nursing. The program can be completed in as little as one calendar year for nurses who desire a fast-paced option. Nurses will benefit from the same clinical opportunities and education as traditional BSN students.

Florida A&M University Graduate Degree Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Program for Advanced Practice Nurses (APN)

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program at Florida A&M University seeks to train generalist nurses to become Advanced Practice Nurses (APN) who can effect change, inform practice and take leadership in the healthcare setting. Upon completion of the program, nurses are awarded a MSN degree in their chosen concentration as an Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Students then have the option of taking 1 of 2 certification exams depending on their specialty. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA) national certification exam is for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners and for the Adult/Geronotological Specialty, nurses may take the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s national certification examination. Upon completion of the certification exam, students desiring to be designated as an APN in Florida can apply for this licensure.

Faculty have an important role in both programs providing the scaffolding opportunities necessary for nurses to learn skills to become an APN nurse. The curriculum of the program is based on standards set forth by the Association of American Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPN).

Florida A&M University Doctoral Degree Programs

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Degree Program in Nursing Program (In collaboration with the University of Florida and Florida State University)

The PhD in Nursing Science Program prepares nurses for doctoral study using two-way interactive video in which students can see and interact with their professors. The doctoral program incorporates Florida A&M students and Florida State University students in a distance learning format. Though distance learning, the video content of the classes will be delivered on the campuses of the respective universities. The PhD in Nursing Science degree will be conferred by the University of Florida. 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.

Florida A&M University Certificate Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) Program

Nurses who have completed an MSN, but would like to specialize in either Adult/Gerontological Care or Women’s Health can participate in Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University’s post-master’s certificate (PMC) program. The program largely offers the same opportunities as the MSN program, allowing students to take a certification exam, participate in practicums, and receive concentration specific knowledge in their area of nursing study. Outcomes for the program are that nurses will be able to successfully interact with their colleagues including nurses and other health professionals who influence the healthcare environment and interpret, assess and apply relevant research. Nurses are awarded a certificate upon completion of the program, and may apply for licensure as an APN in addition to taking the same concentration specific exams for which the MSN program prepares nurses.

Florida A&M University School of Nursing Technology Center

The technology center available in the School of Nursing building at FAMU is a facility specifically for nursing students and faculty of the university. There are many resources available that nursing students will find useful such as tutorials and software for programs used by nurses and nursing facilities in the healthcare industry. Technical support is also available to nursing students and faculty.

Contact:
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, FL 32307

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