University of Florida Nursing Programs: A Comprehensive Overview
The University of Florida (UF) stands out as a premier institution for nursing education, offering a range of programs designed to prepare students for the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the healthcare sector. With a strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, and patient-centered care, UF's College of Nursing is committed to shaping the future of nursing practice. The University of Florida College of Nursing’s BSN program is designed around the core principles of Care, Lead, Inspire - three essential pillars that guide students’ development into competent, compassionate, and transformative nursing professionals.
Diverse Program Options
The University of Florida has a well-respected BSN program, a DNP program, and a Ph.D. program. The College of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The university now offers four BSN options, including an accelerated BSN, and four graduate degree paths.
Traditional BSN Program: The traditional BSN is still the highlight of this robust program. The University of Florida’s baccalaureate nursing curriculum is a high-demand, limited-access program. Enrollment is limited because of the high cost of program delivery, the limited availability of clinical learning facilities, and the limited availability of qualified faculty, which are necessary to maintain appropriate faculty-to-student ratios in all clinical areas.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN): The University of Florida College of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is offered at the UF Health Jacksonville campus. Designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in another field, the ABSN program provides a fast-track path to a nursing career. All students accepted into the ABSN program may apply for these scholarships, which cover tuition and books. The 15-month program begins in May.
RN to BSN Track: The RN to BSN track allows registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing to complete their bachelor’s degree. Admits students in the fall and spring. Students must be accepted into the RN to BSN program, which is competitive.
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Curriculum Structure and Key Components
The curriculum is structured to build from fundamental nursing principles to advanced practice, with students acquiring the cognitive, affective, and technical competencies necessary for professional nursing. In the first two semesters, students focus on foundational courses that provide an understanding of the core principles of personalized nursing care. During these semesters, students will also begin gaining hands-on experience in simulated clinical settings, enabling them to apply what they’ve learned in a safe, structured manner. As students progress into the third and fourth semesters, the focus shifts towards applying knowledge in real-world clinical settings, with increased complexity in both content and outcomes. This stage of the curriculum introduces students to more complex patient care scenarios, including patients with multi-faceted healthcare needs. In the final semester, students engage in a culminating project where they must develop an innovative solution to a problem or issue relevant to the nursing profession. Students are also expected to refine their ability to advocate for patients, improve healthcare systems, and lead initiatives that drive the future of nursing practice. The baccalaureate-prepared nurse is equipped to manage complex and changing healthcare environments. Throughout the program, clinical experiences and coursework are intricately designed to prepare students to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare system. The major in Nursing prepares graduates as generalists to provide holistic care that addresses the healthcare needs of diverse individuals, families, communities, and populations across the lifespan. Nursing practice is built on nursing knowledge, theory, and research. Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. The Admissions Committee uses a holistic assessment process that considers many factors, including student experiences, attributes, and academic metrics.
Essential Requirements for Nursing Students
All admitted nursing students must complete a background check*, mandatory immunization verification (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Influenza, Tetanus, Tuberculosis), fingerprinting, and drug screening. The College of Nursing follows CDC guidelines and adheres to the safety regulations of our clinical partners. Additionally, all students must provide proof of current health insurance and certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for health care providers. *Students must disclose any arrests or criminal charges in their UF Program application. Upon disclosure, further information may be requested. All students must undergo a new background check, fingerprinting, and drug test. To progress, students admitted to the College of Nursing baccalaureate program must comply with all University of Florida progression policies and specific College of Nursing requirements. Nursing students must maintain a grade of "C" or above and a satisfactory (S) in clinical practice for all required courses, along with a minimum 2.0 GPA each semester. If a student earns a grade of "C minus" or below or an unsatisfactory (U) in any required nursing course, they may repeat that course only once, on a space-available basis. Additionally, students can repeat only one course of nursing needed and may withdraw from any required nursing course only once. Students may be required to travel from campus to assigned clinical sites as part of their clinical education. These experiences are essential for gaining hands-on training in diverse healthcare settings, ensuring students are well-prepared for professional nursing practice. To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements. Specialized equipment, uniforms, laboratory fees for clinical courses, and transportation to off-campus clinical sites are required for nursing students. International students must submit TOEFL scores demonstrating proficiency in spoken and written English. Students in the health professions are held to standards of conduct that may exceed those typically expected of university students. Adherence to the standards of acceptable conduct outlined in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and the Florida Nurse Practice Act is required.
Academic Advising and Student Support
Students can schedule academic advising appointments by contacting the Office of Student Services. Academic advisors provide personalized support for curriculum planning, class registration, scholarship information, policies, procedures, and other educational resources.
Addressing the Nursing Shortage
GAINESVILLE - The University of Florida College of Nursing will receive $3 million to help address the state’s nursing shortage. This marks the second year the college has received funding from the program, which was established in 2022 by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in another field, the ABSN program provides a fast-track path to a nursing career. Henderson, a second-career nurse herself, understands the unique challenges ABSN students face. Scholarships require a 36-month work commitment with a 12-month residency program at UF Health. Scholarships will be available to ABSN students at both the Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses. Additional lab staff will be hired, and faculty recruitment and retention efforts will be undertaken. Open labs, expanded lab access and virtual reality labs will be added, and the college’s simulation center equipment will be updated. Additionally, the college plans to expand its student services, including support for student success programs and the Academic-Practice Immersion Program where students apply academic knowledge in clinical settings.
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