University of Central Florida Nursing School Review

The University of Central Florida (UCF) was established in 1963 as Florida Technological University. Today the campuses serve 11 counties and over 58,000 students. Student life at the University of Central Florida is among the most vibrant in the nation with activities such as the UCF Equestrian Club and service learning opportunities.

Students also participate in conferences and organizations related to their field of interest. Based in the resort town of Orland, home to Disneyworld and Universal Studios among other amusement parks, students will never have a dull moment. The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Nursing Degree Programs

Nursing programs at the University of Central Florida consistently rank among the programs that receive the most funding from the National Institutes of Health. The College of Nursing offers modern classrooms and laboratories in addition to top qualified faculty that participate in all aspects of learning including teaching, academic research and community service. The College of Nursing was founded in 1979, and today continues to offer bachelors, masters and doctoral degree programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the bachelors, masters and Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The bachelor’s degree program is approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing.

University of Central Florida Undergraduate Nursing Programs

The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs at the University of Central Florida are varied and delivered in several formats to accommodate a variety of students and nurses at different levels of their education. Admission requirements for the BSN programs include earning a 2.0 GPA or higher in pre-requisite courses including Anatomy and Physiology (1 and 2), statistics, introductory psychology or sociology and a course in human development.

Other prerequisites include an approved physical life science (such as chemistry), nutrition and Microbiology.

Basic BSN

Students apply to this BSN program after completing their general education and nursing prerequisites normally before their junior year. This program can be completed in 5 semesters, after which students will be earn a BSN degree and become eligible to take the national certification exam for registered nurses, NCLEX-RN.

The following three programs are for students without previous nursing education, who would like to complete a nursing degree and take the NCLEX-RN for national certification.

Concurrent ASN (Associate of Science in Nursing) to BSN

The Concurrent ASN to BSN program allows nurses to complete their ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) and RN to BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) coursework simultaneously. Students in this program enroll in the ADN program offered through one of two partner schools, Seminole State College and Valencia College. Upon completing the ADN, students will have earned most of their BSN credits and complete the remaining BSN courses in just 1 or 2 terms. The program is delivered partially online and can be completed in 6 or 7 semesters. Upon completion, students will earn an ADN and BSN degree and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

Accelerated BSN

The Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program is for nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, and would like to earn a BSN. Students can complete this program in just 4 terms, and upon completion will earn the BSN qualification and are eligible to sit the exam for national certification as a registered nurse, NCLEX-RN.

Students who are RNs (Registered Nurses) are eligible for one of the following three programs, all of which are delivered online.

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

The RN to BSN program is designed for RNs who have completed a diploma or degree program in nursing an also hold an Associate of Arts (AA). The program may offer face-to-face classes, though this is not guaranteed. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a BSN. The course can be completed full or part time and completion time will vary on course plan.

ASN to BSN Program

The ASN (also referred to as ADN) to BSN program, is for RNs who hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (RN to ADN) and would like to earn a BSN degree. This program is ideal for nurses who do not hold an AA, which is required for the RN to BSN program. This course may offer face-to-face classes, though this is not guaranteed.

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

The RN to MSN program allows RNs who would ultimately like to earn a MSN, to earn a BSN and MSN in less time than it would take to earn both separately. First, students are admitted to the RN to BSN program, upon completion of which courses are taken for the MSN. To be admitted to this program, a student must be a RN with an AA or meet the general education requirements for the University of Central Florida. Once in the MSN track, students are able to complete one of three specializations –Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator, or Nursing Leadership and Management.

Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

Two specializations, Nurse Educator and Nursing Leadership and Management, are offered for the traditional MSN program at the University of Florida, which is delivered entirely online. Students are not required to take the GRE and should consult with a nursing advisor before formally applying to the program. Admission requirements for the program include two letters of recommendation, a BSN from an accredited institution and nursing license in the state or country in which the applicant will practice. The Nurse Educator track is 41 credits, and the Nursing Leadership and Management Track is 36 credits. The programs are 2.5 academic years, and upon completion students receive the MSN qualification.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program offers advanced nursing study for nurses who would like to remain in practice, rather than taking a role in academia or research, which the doctoral PhD qualification usually leads to. The DNP program can be completed after earning a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.

Post-Baccalaureate DNP Program

The Post-Baccalaureate Program is for nurses who hold a BSN, and are seeking to earn a doctoral degree. Students in the program can choose one specialization from the following three-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner), A/G NP (Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner) and A/G CNS (Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist). Students will be eligible to take licensing exams in their specialty upon completion of the program. In addition to a DNP, students will earn an MSN or certificate qualification related to their specialty. Depending upon the specialty and plan of study (part or full time), the program can be completed in 4 to 5 years.

Post-Master’s DNP Program

Nurses holding an advanced practice MSN or certificate can enroll in the Advanced Practice Nurse DNP program. The DNP program is designed for nurses holding an MSN or certificate seeking to pursue the highest qualification available in advanced practice nursing. The program can be completed in 2 to 3 years, full and part time respectively. The Nurse Executive DNP program is also a post-masters program ideal for current nurse executives seeking a doctoral level qualification. The program can be completed in 3 years.

PhD in Nursing (Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing) Program

The PhD in Nursing is designed for nurses who want to teach at the post-secondary level, and pursue research. Students in this program should have an MSN qualification and can complete it in 3 to 4 years.

Certificate Programs

Nurses with a BSN or higher, can pursue a graduate certificate as a Nurse Educator or CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), which can be completed online. Either program can be completed in approximately one year.

Contact:
University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32816

[wpgmza id=”209″]