University of South Florida Nursing School Review

The University of South Florida (USF) is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and serves over 45,000 students. The University of South Florida operates as system of individually accredited campuses (with the exception of USF Polytechnic, which is pursuing accreditation), with locations in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Lakeland and Sarasota Florida. The University of South Florida was founded in 1956.

Nursing Degree Programs

The College of Nursing at the University of South Florida is one of twelve colleges in the University of South Florida system. The BSN, MSN and DNP nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing.

USF Undergraduate Nursing Programs

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Program

The University of South Florida, College of Nursing has three options for students who would like to earn a BSN. Students who have not yet earned an RN license may enroll in the Upper Division or Second Degree Sequence. Students holding an RN, may enroll in the RN to BS program.

Upper Division Sequence (Traditional BSN)

The Upper Division sequence is for nurses who have upper class standing and have met all general degree requirements and nursing prerequisites. Students who are admitted to the university as freshman will study pre-nursing. Admission requirements for the program are competitive and include a 3.2 or higher GPA in all coursework. Upon completion of the program, students will earn a BSN and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become an RN (registered nurse). After pre-requisites are complete, the program is 6 semesters long.

Second Degree Sequence (BSN for students with bachelor’s degrees)

Students who hold a bachelors degree in another field, but would like to study nursing can complete the Second Degree Sequence. Students are prepared with nursing training to earn the BSN and receive national certification as an RN through the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon completing pre-requisites students can complete the program in 4 semesters. Admission requirements to the program include a minimum 3.0 GPA in all college coursework and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

RN to BSN

The RN to BS (more commonly known as RN to BSN) program at the University of South Florida prepares RNs to take the next step in their education and careers by earning a BSN. Students can pursue one of three unique focus areas programs-Leadership/Management, Patient/Staff Education or Clinical Excellence. The program can be completed in 5 semesters after pre-requisites are met.

USF Graduate Nursing Programs

MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)

The University of South Florida has MSN programs both for nurses with a BSN or a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Specialization areas for advanced study in the nursing program include Adult Health, CNL (Clinical Nurse Leader), Family Health, Nursing Education, Oncology, Pediatrics, Adult/Occupational Health, Psychiatry/Mental Health and Nurse Anesthesia. General requirements for admission to the master’s program include a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of the BSN degree and a nursing license in good standing. Certain programs have additional requirements. The Adult and Family Health specializations are very competitive and students admitted are likely to exceed the minimum admission requirements. The oncology specialization prefers students to have at least one year of work experience. The programs range from 41 to 72 credits. Upon completion of the program nurses will be eligible to take the certification exam for specialization in their area of study.

MSN (for students without BSN degrees)

Specializations and requirements are generally the same for the MSN program for students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA or higher in college coursework. The pediatrics specialization is not available in this course option. Upon completion of the 41-72 credit specialization program students are awarded an MSN and are eligible to take the specialization exam in their area of study.

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

The RN to MS (more commonly RN to MSN) program provides RNs the opportunity to progress from an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or diploma program to the MSN program in nursing. Nurses are eligible to earn a BSN while completing the program if all general education and foreign language requirements are met.

DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Program

The DNP program is for MSN qualified nurses seeking to enhance their understanding of advanced practice nursing. Admission requirements for the program include a minimum 3.0 GPA in master’s coursework, a competitive score on the GRE (Graduate Record Exam), national certification in a specialization and an advanced practice nursing license (includes CNS, NP, CNM, CRNA certifications). In addition, nurses must have completed the following courses with a minimum “B” grade in their MSN programs: Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Physical Assessment, Research, and Theory.

PhD in Nursing (Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing) Program

BS to PhD (Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Philosophy) Nursing Program

The BS to PhD (more commonly referred to as BSN to PhD) program at the University of South Florida offers bachelor’s degree students the opportunity to purse a research-based doctoral degree in nursing while earning an MSN along the way. Admission requirements for the program include demonstrated research and leadership aptitude, personal interview and a 3.0 GPA or higher in the BSN program.

MS to PhD (Master of Science to Doctor of Philosophy) in Nursing Program

The MS to PhD (more commonly referred to as MSN to PhD) program at the University of South Florida is for MSN students seeking to earn a doctoral degree based in research. Admission requirements for the program include demonstrated research and leadership aptitude, a personal interview and a 3.0 GPA or higher in the MSN program.

University of South Florida Nursing Certificate Programs

Post-Master’s Certificate

Nurses who have earned an MSN and would like certification in a specific area can enroll in the post-master’s graduate certificate program. Graduate certificates are available in the following areas:

  • CNL (Clinical Nurse Leader)
  • Nursing Education
  • ANP (Adult Nurse Practitioner)
  • FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
  • ONP (Oncology Nurse Practitioner)
  • Occupational Health
  • Hospice, Palliative Care and End of Life Studies

University of South Florida Non-Degree Programs

Nursing courses are available on a limited basis to non-degree seeking students in need of additional courses to complete a program or to meet prerequisites. Contact the USF College of Nursing to determine your eligibility to take a nursing course.

Contact:
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL 33620

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