Programs
About the College
The College of Nursing is an integral part of USF Health and the University of South Florida. We strive to live by our mission to employ the core values of excellence, innovation, inclusion, and respect to educate future nurses, advance nursing science, and implement evidence-based clinical practice to improve health and wellness. 
At the College of Nursing, the faculty and staff strive to assist students in excelling in a high-impact, innovative research and entrepreneurial environment. Students can choose from a baccalaureate, master’s, Doctorate of Nursing Practice, and Ph.D. Nursing science degrees. We offer the V-CARE pathway, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway, created for service members and veterans who have completed training as Army or Air Force medics and Navy corpsmen.
Mission, Vision, Values
Mission: USF College of Nursing provides innovation and leadership in preparing 21st-century nurses to demonstrate excellence in research, education, and clinical care while promoting health and wellness in our community and around the world.
Vision: By educating students from diverse demographics, we ensure that our USF Bull nurses mirror the populations they serve.
Values: Respect, Integrity, Inclusion, Excellence, Innovation, Partnership
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the University of South Florida is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
The University of South Florida (USF) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctorate degrees.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of South Florida.
College-Level Requirements
The College of Nursing is a specialized admissions college and uses selective criteria for the admission of students. Any student who applies to the undergraduate program in the College of Nursing is initially coded as “pre-nursing” prior to official acceptance to the College of Nursing. Final admission to all Nursing programs is conditional upon passing a Level 2 background check.
Admission Requirements
In addition to University admission requirements, the College of Nursing has additional admission requirements for each pathway. Please review admission requirements for the specific pathway to which you are applying.
Background Checks, Fingerprinting, Drug Testing and Immunizations
All students who are admitted to the College of Nursing are required to complete a background check, drug screening, and immunization verification. In addition, students are mandated to carry health insurance during their enrollment in the College of Nursing. All required documentation should be submitted via https://portal.castlebranch.com/ud98.
- The requirements are as follows: MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Documentation of a Tdap booster, TB skin test, CPR certification from the American Heart Association, a flu shot, HIPPA, and health insurance.
- All requirements must be completed by the first week of class to matriculate.
- The Castle Branch account must be created with a USF email address, which is only available to students who have been admitted to the College of Nursing.
- Final admission to all nursing majors is conditional upon passing a Level 2 background check. Students who do not pass the level 2 background check will not be refunded the cost by either the college or Castle Branch.
For Castlebranch.com questions regarding requirements, documents, or status, please contact Castle Branch at (888) 914-7279.
Program-Specific Requirements
Students must be admitted by the USF Office of Admissions before they can submit their application to the College of Nursing (Students must have the Tampa campus as their home campus).
Student Computer Requirement
https://usf.box.com/s/ytq1ettwdjri1qi0e01issc4gn00dxii
All USF College of Nursing students are required to have a laptop/notebook computer with wireless internet connection. Students are also required to have a compatible webcam and microphone; the webcam and microphone should either be built into your notebook or be a portable model. Specific information on requirements can be found via the link provided.
Students in all nursing courses are expected to meet these requirements to successfully participate in their courses. Failure to meet these technology standards may result in inability to complete course or program requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all requirements are met prior to the start of the semester.
Nursing Living Learning Community – Housing at the Tampa campus
The Nursing LLC, located in Poplar Hall, creates a unique opportunity for nursing, pathway students to live and study together. Students co-enroll in critical prerequisite course work, participate in special events and activities designed to introduce them to the healthcare profession, and network with College of Nursing administrators, faculty, and student leaders. Students also enjoy in-hall academic advising throughout the year, as well as in-hall tutoring for selected courses! To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.usf.edu/housing/residential-learning/llc-major/pre-nursing.aspx
Nursing Programs
The RN to BSN (NRN) is for students currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse. The RN to BSN pathway allows an RN with a diploma or an associate’s degree in nursing from an institution accredited by either the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or the WASC Senior College and University Commission to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Criteria for Nursing: RN to BSN Degree:
- Admission to the University of South Florida (Tampa campus) as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.
- Completed application to the College of Nursing prior to the published deadline for the intended term of entry.
- An overall GPA of 2.50 or higher on all undergraduate work (excluding Associate of Science Nursing courses).
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing from an institution accredited by either the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or the WASC Senior College and University Commission; nursing diplomas will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
- Residence in the state of Florida with evidence of a current Florida RN licensure in good standing.
- Completion of the following prerequisite courses by the application deadline for the intended term of entry with a minimum grade of “C” in each:
The Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree pathway (SBN) is for students who have a baccalaureate degree in another field and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and who have completed all the nursing pre-requisite courses may be considered for admission into the Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree pathway; upon completion, students will earn a second bachelor’s degree. This is a full-time, specialized admissions program, as mandated by the state, and is structured sequentially. Admission is competitive.
Criteria for Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree
- Admission to the University of South Florida (Tampa campus), as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.
- Completed application to the College of Nursing prior to the published deadline for the intended term of entry.
- Completion of first bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by either the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or the WASC Senior College and University Commission at the time of application to the USF College of Nursing.
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on all undergraduate work.
- Completion of at least seven of the eight nursing prerequisite courses by the published deadline for the intended term of entry.
- Note: Any outstanding nursing prerequisites must be completed by the program state date, with a minimum grade of C or better, while maintaining a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0.
- Participation in a formal interview with College of Nursing faculty, if selected.
If a student receives a grade of less than C in any two prerequisite courses while declared as pre-nursing, the student will be required to select another major at the University of South Florida. Grade forgiveness will not apply to the mandated requirement of changing the major. In addition, if a student does not meet the minimum GPA to be eligible to apply for admission following 60 completed hours and all prerequisite courses attempted, the student will be required to select another major at the University of South Florida.
The Upper Division pathway (NUR) is our traditional baccalaureate nursing pathway for students who have completed nursing prerequisite courses and university general education requirements. This is a full-time, specialized admissions program, as mandated by the state, and is structured sequentially. Admission is competitive.
Criteria for Nursing: Upper Division:
- Admission to the University of South Florida (Tampa campus), as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.
- Completed application to the College of Nursing prior to the published deadline for the intended term of entry.
- Minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA on all undergraduate work.
- Completion of at least seven of the eight nursing prerequisites courses by published application deadline for the intended term of entry
- Note: Any outstanding nursing prerequisites must be completed by the program start date, with a C or better, while maintaining a cumulative GPA equal to or greater than 3.0.
- Completion of English Composition I, English Composition II, and State General Education Mathematics requirement by published application deadline.
- Completion of the University’s foreign language entrance requirement (FLENT) and University General Education requirement by the intended term of entry.
- Participation in a formal interview with College of Nursing faculty, if selected.
If a student receives a grade of less than C in any two prerequisite courses while declared as pre-nursing, the student will be required to select another major at the University of South Florida. Grade forgiveness will not apply to the mandated requirement of changing the major. In addition, if a student does not meet the minimum GPA to be eligible to apply for admission following 60 completed hours and all prerequisite courses attempted, the student will be required to select another major at the University of South Florida
The Veteran to BSN (V-CARE) pathway allows service members and veterans with medical training experience as Army or Air Force medics or Navy corpsmen the opportunity to receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree. Graduates may then take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn their RN license. Prerequisites can be completed at an institution accredited by either the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or the WASC Senior College and University Commission with completion of nursing coursework at the Tampa campus.
The V-CARE pathway is a full-time, specialized admissions program, as mandated by the state, and is structured sequentially. Admission is competitive.
Criteria for Nursing: Veteran to BSN (V-CARE):
- Admission to the University of South Florida (Tampa campus) as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.
- Completed application to the College of Nursing prior to the published deadline for the intended term of entry.
- Applicants must have U.S. Army Medic, U.S. Air Force Medic, or U.S. Navy Corpsman training and experience to be a candidate for the V-CARE pathway.
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on all undergraduate coursework.
- Completion of the nursing prerequisite courses by the published application deadline for the intended term of entry.
- Students who do not have all prerequisite courses completed by the Fall admission cycle may be eligible for conditional admission.
- Note: Any outstanding nursing prerequisite courses must be completed by the program start date, with a C or better, while maintaining a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.0.
- Completion of English Composition I, English Composition II, and State General Education Mathematics requirement by the published application deadline.
- Participation in a formal interview with College of Nursing faculty, if selected.
- Completion of the University’s foreign language entrance requirement (FLENT) and University General Education requirements by the intended term of entry.
- Submission of a professional resume.
Grading & Progression Policy
In addition to the University’s policies on progression, The College of Nursing holds a progression policy for all students within the nursing undergraduate program. Students admitted to all nursing pathways at The College of Nursing are required to earn a minimum grade of C in didactic courses and an S in lab/clinical courses. Progression in the pathways is based on GPA, course content and overall performance in lab/clinical. Failure to meet the grade minimum may result in dismissal from the College.
For further information on progression and grading policies, please visit the College of Nursing Handbook:
https://health.usf.edu/nursing/current-students/handbooks.
Other Program Information
NCLEX-RN Examination
Upon successful completion of the program requirements and upon recommendation by the Dean, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) leading to the registered nurse (RN) license to practice nursing.
The College of Nursing cannot guarantee that the Board of Nursing will authorize students with criminal or substance abuse histories to complete NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance (1) to address such situations with the College of Nursing and the Board of Nursing as early as possible and (2) to notify the College of Nursing Compliance Officer within 72 hours on any changes in conduct records, including arrests, convictions, changes to RN license status, or other activities that impact the background investigation or the ability to practice that occur at any time during their program of study.
Other Nursing Pathways
Freshman Nursing Pathways
Freshmen Nursing Pathway (FNR) is a distinct pathway for first time in college (FTIC) students who have been admitted to the university as nursing majors. Those students who meet high SAT/ACT scores and a competitive high school GPA will be offered admissions into the Freshmen Nursing Pathway. Students admitted into this pathway will follow progression criteria established by the College of Nursing to remain in the pathway. This is a full-time, specialized admissions program, as mandated by the state, and is structured sequentially. Admission is competitive.
- Maintain a 3.6 overall GPA.
- Complete the Nursing state-mandated prerequisites at the University of South Florida with a minimum grade of “B” or better.
- 5 of 8 prerequisite courses completed by the fall semester of the student’s sophomore year. The remaining three prerequisite courses must be completed in the fall semester of the sophomore year.
- Complete General Education requirements and the Foreign Language Entrance Requirement (FLENT) by the end of the spring semester of the sophomore year.
- Complete the Civics Literacy requirement by the end of the spring semester of the sophomore year.
- Participate in a formal interview with the College of Nursing faculty and receive a passing score.
- Successfully complete NUR 3825 - Introduction to the Profession of Nursing (2 credits) Grade of “C” or better (Nursing Progression Policy).
The University of South Florida (USF) & Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Concurrent Pathway allows students to enroll in select RN to BSN courses at USF as a non-degree student (beginning in second semester of Year 1) while completing the ASN degree at HCC. Students will remain in non-degree status at USF until awarded the ASN. After graduating from HCC’S ASN program, students will be eligible to sit for the National Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Criteria for Admissions:
- Students must complete the steps for admission as a degree-seeking student at USF/HCC before they may be considered for the Concurrent Pathway.
- Students must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0.
- Students must meet the definition of residency at each institution to qualify for in-state tuition.
- Student must be admitted into HCC’s nursing program.
- Students must be admitted as non-degree seeking students into USF and be eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student into USF’s College of Nursing upon completion of the ASN portion of the USF/HCC Concurrent Pathway.
As a condition of membership in the USF/HCC Concurrent Pathway, students must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain active enrollment status at both institutions.
- Comply with your designated plan of study.*
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 for admissions into the concurrent program.
- Comply with each institution’s policy regarding progression & compliance.
- Acquire a valid RN license within 3 months of completion of the ASN.**
* If students are not successful in following the plan of study, they can no longer remain in the USF/HCC Concurrent Pathway.
** If a student is not able to obtain a valid RN license within 3 months of completing the ASN, the student will be unable to take the remaining RN to BSN courses at USF until they have successfully passed. Students who are off plan for the USF/HCC Concurrent Pathway will no longer be able to remain in the USF/HCC Concurrent Pathway but can apply for the RN to BSN pathway at USF through Undergraduate Admissions and the College of Nursing.
Nursing Honors Program B.S. to PhD Accelerated Pathway
The Honors College has partnered with the USF College of Nursing to provide first-time in college (FTIC) freshmen with an accelerated pathway into the USF PhD program. This pathway allows Honors College students majoring in nursing the opportunity to receive admission to the College of Nursing and complete a PhD in Nursing Science degree in seven years, provided that the student continues to meet all the benchmarks of the program, including a successful interview with the College of Nursing. This is a full-time, specialized admissions program, as mandated by the state, and is structured sequentially. Admission is competitive.
Criteria for Admission:
- Admission to the University of South Florida’s (Tampa campus) Honors College as a Nursing student.
- Minimum SAT score of 1360 or a combined ACT of 29.
- Minimum 3.8+ weighted high school GPA, as calculated by USF Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
- U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency (this pathway does not admit international applicants).
As a condition of membership in the Nursing Honors Program B.S. to PhD Accelerated Pathway, students must meet the following requirements:
- Maintenance of a 3.6 GPA with grades of B or better in all state-mandated nursing prerequisites.
- Adherence to approved program plan of study.
- Completion of BSN degree and successful Florida RN licensure by the start of the PhD program.
Baccalaureate Degree Pathways
A Global Pathway is an undergraduate major or degree program that has significant global content and align with the goals of USF’s Quality Enhancement Plan, the Global Citizens Project. Global Pathways provide students with the opportunity to practice and apply global competencies through the major or degree program. Students in the Global Pathway programs are well-positioned to earn the Global Citizen Award and become eligible to apply for a study abroad scholarship offered by the Global Citizens Project. The following programs are designated as Global Pathway Programs:
Nursing – BSN Upper Division Major
ttp://health.usf.edu/nursing/
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree
http://health.usf.edu/nursing/academics/second-degree
The Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree pathway (SBN) is for students who have a baccalaureate degree in another field and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and who have completed all the nursing pre-requisite courses may be considered for admission into the Accelerated Second bachelor’s Degree pathway; upon completion, students will earn a second bachelor’s degree. This is a full-time, specialized admissions program, as mandated by the state, and is structured sequentially. Admission is competitive.
RN to BSN (Online)
https://health.usf.edu/nursing/undergraduate/programs/rn-to-bs
The RN to BSN (NRN) pathway is for students currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse. The RN to BSN option allows an RN with a diploma or an associate’s degree in nursing from an institution accredited by either the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or the WASC Senior College and University Commission to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Upper Division
https://health.usf.edu/nursing/undergraduate/programs/upper-division
The Upper Division pathway (NUR) is our traditional baccalaureate nursing pathway for students who have completed nursing prerequisite courses and university general education requirements. This is a full-time, specialized admissions program, as mandated by the state, and is structured sequentially. Admission is competitive.
Veteran to BSN (V-CARE)
https://health.usf.edu/nursing/undergraduate/programs/vbsn
The Veteran to BSN (V-CARE) pathway allows service members and veterans with medical training experience as Army or Air Force medics and Navy corpsmen the opportunity to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Graduates may then take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn their RN license. Prerequisites can be completed at an institution accredited by either the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or the WASC Senior College and University Commission with completion of nursing coursework at the Tampa campus. The V-CARE pathway is a full-time, specialized admissions program, as mandated by the state, and is structured sequentially. Admission is competitive.
Advising Information
Advising for the College of Nursing is available for admitted nursing students at the USF Health Wellness, Engagement, Leadership & Learning (W.E.L.L.) building (MDA) location at 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 22, Tampa, FL 33612-4766. See for https://health.usf.edu/nursing/undergraduate/advising more information.
The College of Nursing Student Affairs Office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and closed on University holidays. You may schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor by scheduling online via https://usf.appiancloud.com/.
In order to schedule a meeting with an advisor in this college, please use https://usf.appiancloud.com/.
Contact Information
College of Nursing Advising
MDA 1002 in The WELL (see map https://health.usf.edu/~/media/Images/Nursing/Advising/USF%20Health%20The%20WELL.ashx?la=en)
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(813) 974-2191
nurstudent@usf.edu
Prospective Students: For more information, see https://confluence.usf.edu/display/CON/Information+Sessions
Pathway