Program at a Glance
- Program
- Bachelor
- College(s)
- College of Nursing
- Department(s)
- Nursing Practice
4-5
Years
- In State Tuition
- Out of State Tuition
Prepare to Help Lead the Future of Healthcare
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree prepares you to provide comprehensive care in a variety of acute, community and rehabilitative settings. The program emphasis includes clinical nursing practice, health promotion and maintenance, and preparation for assuming leadership roles. The baccalaureate curriculum also provides you with the foundation for graduate study in nursing if you choose to continue your education.
With flexible, convenient and affordable options, you can complete you degree while balancing school, work and life. Ready to get started? Explore the application process and requirements for UCF BSN degrees. Please note that UCF nursing programs are limited access. You must be admitted to UCF before you can apply to the College of Nursing’s BSN program.
Nationally accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our nursing programs meet the educational eligibility criteria for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in the state of Florida.
Traditional BSN
The traditional BSN provides you with a basis for professional nursing practice. The program has four tracks: traditional, accelerated second degree, concurrent and RN to BSN. Admission is limited and occurs once a year on UCF’s Orlando, Cocoa and Daytona Beach campuses. You’ll want to apply to this program prior to your junior year of college.
Second Degree BSN
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and are now pursuing a career in nursing, you’ll want to select the second degree BSN track. A full-time ‘lock-step’ program, it takes four consecutive semesters to complete, including summers. Admission is limited and occurs each summer on UCF’s Orlando campus.
Concurrent ASN to BSN
This path provides qualified students with an opportunity to take ASN courses at approved state colleges while concurrently taking BSN courses at UCF. You’ll complete your ASN degree with more than half of your BSN credits already earned, allowing you to complete your BSN degree from UCF sooner.
- Seminole State/UCF Concurrent Track
- Valencia College/UCF Concurrent Track
- Florida College System Concurrent Track
RN to BSN
If you’re currently a registered nurse with an associate degree or diploma in nursing, the RN to BSN track provides you with an opportunity to earn a BSN. Each applicant is reviewed individually and guided to prevent repetition of previous coursework. Courses are primarily online with some face-to-face classes. Contact the College of Nursing for specifics on the RN to BSN program.
Highlights
UCF educates the most newly licensed BSN nurses in the state university system.
A significant number of UCF BSN graduates choose to stay in Florida after completing their degree — 92% of them.
The NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate of recent BSN graduates is 97% which far exceeds both state and national averages.
Florida has one of the highest employment levels of registered nurses who earn an annual mean wage of $69,510.
Nursing BSN Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by track. Please note that you first must be admitted to UCF before you can apply to the College of Nursing’s BSN program.
Start Your Application Today
Ready to get started? Take the next step to save your spot at UCF.
1
Check out the application process and requirements for UCF BSN degrees. Questions? Reach out the College of Nursing for assistance.
2
Start your UCF undergraduate admissions application at least three months before before the BSN application deadline.
Apply Today
Nursing Skills You'll Learn
- Identify emerging healthcare problems, appraising current evidence, and its potential for application to improve outcomes.
- Demonstrate effective professional communication as part of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating to provide for optimal health outcomes.
- Analyze the healthcare policy process for the improvement of healthcare for all.
- Demonstrate competence in the management of information and the application of technology to deliver quality care.
- Develop health promotion and disease prevention interventions at the individual and population level to improve health.
- Actualize professional values such as altruism, autonomy, integrity, social justice and respect for human dignity.
- Provide the highest quality of nursing care across the lifespan and continuum of healthcare environments.
Career Opportunities
- Hospital Nurse
- Nurse Case Manager
- Nurse Informatics Specialist
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Staff Nurse
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Colleges & Campus
With a focus on innovation, research and student success, UCF earns high marks for social mobility and fields that serve the region and nation.
Colleges & Campus
29 Gilman Scholarships Awarded to UCF Students — Setting a University Record
The award provides students who otherwise may not have the resources to study abroad an opportunity to do so.
University of Central Florida Colleges
Burnett HonorsArts and HumanitiesBusinessCommunity Innovation and EducationEngineering and Computer ScienceGraduate StudiesHealth Professions and SciencesMedicineOptics and PhotonicsSciencesUndergraduate StudiesHospitality Management
The BSN program prepares graduates who will be able to:
- Integrate concepts from liberal education with nursing curriculum to enhance critical thinking and implementation of quality care.
- Integrate principles of leadership and management through intra- and inter- disciplinary collaborations to address client needs and outcomes.
- Foster scholarship in nursing practice through identification of emerging health care problems, appraising current evidence, and its potential for application to improve outcomes.
- Demonstrate effective professional communication as part of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating to provide for optimal health outcomes.
- Analyze the health care policy process for the improvement of health care for all.
- Demonstrate competence in the management of information and the application of technology to deliver quality care.
- Develop health promotion and disease prevention interventions at the individual and population level to improve health.
- Actualize professional values such as altruism, autonomy, integrity, social justice, and respect for human dignity.
- Provide the highest quality of nursing care across the lifespan and continuum of healthcare environments.
For individuals who are not Registered Nurses. The College of Nursing has a demanding curriculum. The classes are work-intensive and courses include clinical practice in a variety of settings. Due to this, it is strongly recommended that students be at least one-year post-high school prior to applying to the basic nursing program. Students with concerns or questions should contact the College of Nursing Undergraduate Student Services Office for an appointment with an academic advisor.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing. The Nursing (B.S.N.) program will meet the educational eligibility criteria for the National Council for Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for obtaining a license to practice as a registered nurse in Florida. Out-of-state instructional limitations apply to this degree program. For more information on this and how this program may prepare you in that regard, please visit
https://apq.ucf.edu/files/Licensure-Disclosure-Nursing-BSN.pdf
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements: Advanced
62 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- NUR3065 - Health Assessment (2)
- NUR3065L - Health Assessment Lab (1)
- NUR3028 - Essentials of Nursing Practice (3)
- NUR3028L - Essentials of Nursing Practice Lab (1)
- NUR3755L - Essentials of Nursing Practice Clinical (2)
- NUR3616 - Health Promotion Across the Lifespan (2)
- NUR3616L - Health Promotion Across the Lifespan Clinical (1)
- NUR3125 - Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice (3)
- NUR3145 - Pharmacology for Nursing Practice (3)
- NUR3225 - Nursing Care of the Adult I (3)
- NUR3225L - Nursing Care of the Adult I: Clinical Practice: (2)
- NUR3816 - Professional Nurse Seminar (1)
- NUR3445 - Nursing Care of Families (4)
- NUR3445L - Nursing Care of Families Clinical (2)
- NUR3165 - Nursing Research (3)
- NUR4837 - Health Care Issues, Policy, and Economics (3)
- NUR4227 - Nursing Care of the Adult II (4)
- NUR4227L - Nursing Care of the Adult II: Clinical Practice (3)
- NUR4535 - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (3)
- NUR4535L - Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical (2)
- NUR4257 - Introduction to Critical Care Nursing (3)
- NUR4945L - Nursing Practicum (4)
- NUR4828 - Nursing Leadership, Management and Role Transition (3)
- NUR4637 - Public and Community Health Nursing (3)
- NUR4637L - Public Health Nursing Clinical (1)
Restricted Electives
3 Total Credits
- Earn at least 3 credits from the following types of courses: One College of Nursing elective. A list of approved restricted elective courses is found in the myKnight audit.
Grand Total Credits: 65
FAQs
Does UCF have a BSN program? ›
UCF's Traditional BSN program is nationally accredited and available at three campus locations in Central Florida. This limited-access, upper-division program prepares students for entry-level practice as well as advancement into leadership and graduate studies.
How long is the BSN program at UCF? ›A full-time 'lock-step' program, it takes four consecutive semesters to complete, including summers.
Is University of Central Florida good for nursing? ›Our faculty are renowned for their expertise and contributions to nursing science, and include multiple fellows of national organizations, six endowed chairs (the most at UCF), numerous certified advanced healthcare simulation educators and certified healthcare simulation educators, an advanced certified healthcare ...
Is it hard to get into UCF nursing program? ›The nursing program at UCF is competitive. In 2021, only 32% of applicants were accepted, according to UCF.
Can I get a BSN without being an RN? ›Do I Have to Be an RN to Get a BSN? For an RN to BSN program, yes. But there are other options for going straight into a BSN program without an RN license. UTA also offers this type of pre-licensure BSN program online.
How much is a nursing degree at UCF? ›| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Florida Resident Tuition | $1,987 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Other Fees | $723 |
| Estimated Off Campus Cost of Living | $7,462 |
| Item | Type of Nursing School | |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Private For-Profit | |
| Tuition & Fees | $8,671 - $28,060 | $40,061 - $187,875 |
| Books & Supplies | $3,790 - $9,100 | $3,790 - $9,100 |
| Total Cost | $12,461 - $37,160 | $43,851 - $196,975 |
A BSN, which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is an undergraduate-level degree for registered nurses (RNs) that introduces nurses to topics such as patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety and quality within the healthcare system.
How do you become a BSN in Florida? ›- Determine which nursing credential to pursue. ...
- Research and apply to nursing programs. ...
- Check-off entrance requirements and apply. ...
- Complete your nursing coursework. ...
- Gain hands-on experience in clinicals. ...
- Obtain state licensure. ...
- Find your first nursing job.
UCF continues to rise in the rankings for its nursing degree programs. In the 2023 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Central Florida is ranked No. 51 among the nation's Best Undergraduate (BSN) Nursing Programs – the highest ranking in university history.
How long is Florida nursing school? ›
Today in order to become a Registered Nurse, (RN), you must take one of two paths. The first is to attend a two-year community college for an associate degree. While the second is to attend a four-year university for a baccalaureate degree.
What is UCF acceptance rate? › How many hours a week should a nursing student work? ›Several graduating nursing students and the Nursing Department strongly recommend that you DO NOT WORK as you complete this program. If you do have to work; try to work less than 15 hours per week during the semester. This is no exaggeration.
How many days a week are nursing clinicals? ›Time management can be a real life-saver throughout your nursing clinical experience. During your clinical rotations, you will generally be in a facility anywhere from five to eight hours a day, once a week.
How do I get into UCF nursing program? ›- Apply to UCF. Undergraduate students apply 3 months prior to nursing deadline.
- Apply to an Undergraduate Nursing Program. Use your UCF ID to complete online application.
- Apply to a Graduate Nursing Program. Submit after your advising appointment.
Any registered nurse with or without a BSN has passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam and obtained nursing licensure. The distinguishing difference between a BSN nurse and an RN is that BSNs hold a bachelor's degree in nursing while RNs have an associate degree.
Why is a BSN better than an ADN? ›A BSN degree is a bachelor's degree, typically a four-year program, that is a step higher than an ADN degree. Registered nurses with this degree not only go to school longer, but they also gain a more in-depth education compared to those with an ADN degree.
What comes after BSN in nursing? ›A four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree also results in an RN designation. Once you have your BSN, you can then opt to pursue more education with a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree to choose from a full array of high-paying, high-demand nursing jobs.
How do I become an RN in Florida? ›How to Become an RN in Florida. Individuals seeking a Florida nursing license must earn a two-year associate degree in nursing (ASN) or a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). Program duration depends on the degree and a student's previous academic experience.
How long is the FAU accelerated nursing program? ›It is an intensive 12-month program of full-time academic study for motivated individuals looking for a challenging and stimulating career in nursing. The program begins each May in the first summer session.
Does UCR have a nursing program? ›
UCR does not grant a bachelor's degree in nursing. Students interested in a four-year undergraduate nursing program should apply directly to a college/university with a nursing program. Transferring from UCR to a nursing program is difficult since such programs offer few positions for transfer students.
How much does a BSN nurse make in Florida? ›As of Sep 29, 2022, the average annual pay for the BSN jobs category in Florida is $80,750 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $38.82 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,552/week or $6,729/month.
What is the #1 nursing school in Florida? ›1. University of Miami, Coral Gables. About University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies: Faculty and administrators at the University of Miami's School of Nursing and Health Studies understand that health care is in a period of rapid transformation.
Which nursing degree is best? ›...
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is the best nursing degree an individual can earn for a career as a:
- Nurse Researcher.
- University Professor.
- Nurse Administrator.
Nurses in clinical practice tend to list their licensure first followed by degrees and then certifications. For example: RN, BSN, CCRN. Nurses who are academic educators list their academic degrees first followed by licensure and then certifications. For example: DNP, RN, CNE.
Can I be a nurse without a degree? ›While nursing is a practical, hands-on profession, it also requires special technical competencies and clinical analysis skills that will potentially save people's lives. As such, you cannot become a Nurse without a degree in nursing.
What do BSN do? ›Graduates with a BSN can work as bedside nurses in medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices. They can also pursue careers as nurse educators, health policy nurses, nurse recruiters, nurse informaticists, forensic nurses, clinical research nurses, or nurse health coaches.
What is a BSN vs RN? ›BSN, ADN, RN: The Difference in The Letters
BSN means bachelor of science in nursing, ADN means associate degree in nursing, and RN means registered nurse. BSN is a diploma from a 4-year program: A person with a BSN has graduated from a four-year nursing program at a college, university, or nursing school.
The American associates of colleges of Nursing states, "Within 4 to 6 months of completing their programs, 94% of BSN graduates and 92% of MSN graduates have secured job offers." This proves that most RN graduate nurses are finding positions, only not quite as quickly as they would like to.
How many years of college does it take to be a nurse practitioner? ›Nurse practitioners are required to have either a master's or a doctoral degree in nursing. As a result, it usually takes six to eight years of schooling to become a nurse practitioner [5,6,7].
What nursing school has the highest Nclex pass rate in Florida? ›
The University of Tampa is located in central Florida. In seven of the past eight years, University of Tampa students have received a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN on the first try. It's one of the few schools in Florida to achieve this.
Is Florida a good state for nurses? ›Florida is one of the top employers for nurses nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Florida ranks #3 for the highest employment of nurses by state.
What is the passing rate for Nclex in Florida? ›You Can Get Your Nursing License by Endorsement in Florida
After the state board has received all required documentation and fees, most nurses receive their Florida RN or LPN license within 4-5 weeks. Timing varies by seasonal demand. The state does not issue temporary licenses.
In the United States overall, the average registered nurse salary is $82,750 and the median (50th percentile) is $77,600. California, with RN salaries averaging $124,000, is the highest-paying state for nurses as of May 2021 (according to the BLS). $63,460 lower than California's average is South Dakota, at $60,540.
What are the requirements for nursing? ›Student must acquire at least a matric education standard and have passed Mathematics, English, a First/Home Language, Life Orientation and Life Science.
What GPA do I need to get into UCF? ›GPA: 3.93 – 4.42 (recalculated academic core) SAT: 1280 – 1370 (Evidence-based Reading and Writing + Math) ACT: 27 – 31 (composite)
What major is UCF known for? ›The most popular majors at University of Central Florida include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Psychology; Engineering; Visual and Performing Arts; Education; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Computer and ...
What is the lowest GPA UCF will accept? ›Rank in the top 10 percent of your high school class or have a recalculated GPA of 3.9 or above (if your high school does not provide rankings)
How much sleep do nursing students get? ›On average, students in nursing school get 5.69 hours per night. That's probably because they're busy studying enough to get through their four-year degree program for a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a relevant diploma from an approved program.
How many breaks do nurses get? ›
Under California law, workers must receive at least one break of at least 10 minutes for every four work hours. Nurses and other workers can choose to waive these breaks but must have a written agreement with their employer in order to do so.
How many days off do nurses get? ›...
Registered Nurses Enjoy an Above Average Number of Paid Vacation Days.
| Length of Employment | Registered Nurses | All Workers |
|---|---|---|
| After 10 Years | 24 | 21 |
| After 20 Years | 26 | 23 |
Many students need to work during school, whether to pay for classes, support their family members, or continue to support themselves – they have responsibilities that persist throughout the duration of the program. It's estimated that around 25% of all nursing students in the U.S. continue to work in some capacity.
Do you get paid for clinicals? ›No, students do not get paid for clinicals in nursing school. They are an extension of your comprehensive nursing education. While clinicals require students to work in real clinical settings, clinicals are an experiential learning opportunity that provides students with hands-on skill development.
Can you work during nursing clinicals? ›Between attending class, completing clinicals and studying for exams, a full-time work schedule may not be feasible for many nursing students. However, do not let this discourage you. It is possible to work part-time while in nursing school.
How long is the BSN program at UCF? ›The nursing program at UCF is competitive. In 2021, only 32% of applicants were accepted, according to UCF.
How much is a nursing degree at UCF? ›| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Florida Resident Tuition | $1,987 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| Other Fees | $723 |
| Estimated Off Campus Cost of Living | $7,462 |
- Determine which nursing credential to pursue. ...
- Research and apply to nursing programs. ...
- Check-off entrance requirements and apply. ...
- Complete your nursing coursework. ...
- Gain hands-on experience in clinicals. ...
- Obtain state licensure. ...
- Find your first nursing job.
A BSN, which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is an undergraduate-level degree for registered nurses (RNs) that introduces nurses to topics such as patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety and quality within the healthcare system.
How long is Florida nursing school? ›
Today in order to become a Registered Nurse, (RN), you must take one of two paths. The first is to attend a two-year community college for an associate degree. While the second is to attend a four-year university for a baccalaureate degree.
What is UCF acceptance rate? › How much does a BSN cost in Florida? ›| Item | Type of Nursing School | |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Private For-Profit | |
| Tuition & Fees | $8,671 - $28,060 | $40,061 - $187,875 |
| Books & Supplies | $3,790 - $9,100 | $3,790 - $9,100 |
| Total Cost | $12,461 - $37,160 | $43,851 - $196,975 |
BSN, ADN, RN: The Difference in The Letters
BSN means bachelor of science in nursing, ADN means associate degree in nursing, and RN means registered nurse. BSN is a diploma from a 4-year program: A person with a BSN has graduated from a four-year nursing program at a college, university, or nursing school.
Education Requirements in Florida
At minimum, candidates seeking a Florida nursing license must hold an associate degree from an accredited program. However, many employers and professional nursing organizations recommend a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Nurses in clinical practice tend to list their licensure first followed by degrees and then certifications. For example: RN, BSN, CCRN. Nurses who are academic educators list their academic degrees first followed by licensure and then certifications. For example: DNP, RN, CNE.
Why are BSN nurses better? ›Nurses with BSNs will be better equipped to manage nursing teams and supervise student nurses on clinical rounds. They also have the foundation they need to proceed on to Master of Science in nursing (MSN) programs and beyond, giving employers a potential supply of advanced practitioners in the future.
What comes after BSN in nursing? ›A four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree also results in an RN designation. Once you have your BSN, you can then opt to pursue more education with a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree to choose from a full array of high-paying, high-demand nursing jobs.
What kind of nurses get paid most? ›- Family Nurse – $113,000.
- Urgent Care Nurse – $113,000.
- Oncology Nurse – $113,000.
- Orthopedic Nurse – $115,000.
- Cardiac Nurse – $116,000.
- Emergency Room Nurse – $116,000.
- Neonatal Nurse – $127,000.
- Nurse Anesthetist – $189,000.
- Johns Hopkins University.
- Duke University.
- Emory University.
- University of Pennsylvania.
- University of Washington.
- Columbia University.
- Ohio State University.
- University of Michigan--Ann Arbor.
Is becoming an RN hard? ›
You're headed for a great career, one that's rewarding, challenging, and always exciting. But nursing school is notoriously difficult. Most nursing programs require high GPAs and impressive scores in math, chemistry, biology, psychology, and other demanding subjects. It's also extremely fulfilling.
What GPA do I need to get into UCF? ›GPA: 3.93 – 4.42 (recalculated academic core) SAT: 1280 – 1370 (Evidence-based Reading and Writing + Math) ACT: 27 – 31 (composite)
What major is UCF known for? ›The most popular majors at University of Central Florida include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs; Psychology; Engineering; Visual and Performing Arts; Education; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Computer and ...
What is the lowest GPA UCF will accept? ›Rank in the top 10 percent of your high school class or have a recalculated GPA of 3.9 or above (if your high school does not provide rankings)