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: 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.
Vision: Be the aspirational leader in nursing education, research and practice.
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 the CON Compliance team at con-compliance@usf.edu.
Program-Specific Requirements
Students must be admitted by the USF Office of Admissions in addition to applying to the College of Nursing through NursingCAS. Students must have the Tampa campus as their home campus.
Student Computer Requirement
https://health.usf.edu/nursing/undergraduate/student-resources (click Computer Requirements)
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 Trailblazers Living Learning Community – Housing at the Tampa campus
The Nursing Trailblazers LLC, located in Poplar Hall, creates a unique opportunity for nursing 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 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, second baccalaureate undergraduate student.
- Completed application to the College of Nursing through NursingCAS 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.
- Minimum 3.0 nursing prerequisite GPA.
- Completion of at least seven of the eight nursing prerequisite courses by the published deadline for the intended term of entry.
- Note: Students that are enrolled in their one, final nursing prerequisite past the application deadline must complete the course 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. If the course is graded on a +/- system, a C- grade is acceptable.
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 through NursingCAS prior to the published deadline for the intended term of entry.
- Minimum 3.60 cumulative GPA on all undergraduate work.
- Minimum 3.0 nursing prerequisite GPA.
- Completion of at least seven of the eight nursing prerequisites courses by published application deadline for the intended term of entry
- Note: Students that are enrolled in their one, final nursing prerequisite past the application deadline must complete the course 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. If the course is graded on a +/- system, a C- grade is acceptable.
- Completion of English Composition I, English Composition II, and State General Education Mathematics with a C grade or better by published application deadline.
- Completion of the University’s foreign language entrance requirement (FLENT) and University General Education requirements by the intended term of entry.
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 through NursingCAS 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.
- Minimum 3.0 nursing prerequisite GPA.
- Completion of at least seven of the eight nursing prerequisites courses by published application deadline for the intended term of entry
- Note: Students that are enrolled in their one, final nursing prerequisite past the application deadline must complete the course 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. If the course is graded on a +/- system, a C- grade is acceptable.
- Completion of English Composition I, English Composition II, and State General Education Mathematics with a C grade or better by published application deadline.
- Completion of the University’s foreign language entrance requirement (FLENT) and University General Education requirements by the intended term of entry.
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, visit the College of Nursing website and click Handbook.
https://health.usf.edu/nursing/undergraduate/student-resources.
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 written response submission and receive a passing score.
- Successfully complete NUR 3825 - Introduction to the Profession of Nursing Credit(s): 2 Grade of “C” or better (view the Grading & Nursing Progression Policy above).
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
Global Pathways
http://www.usf.edu/gcp/students/index.aspx
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
https://health.usf.edu/nursing/undergraduate/programs/upper-division
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree
https://health.usf.edu/nursing/undergraduate/programs/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.
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
Academic advising for the College of Nursing is available for admitted undergraduate and graduate nursing students.
The College of Nursing Student Affairs Office supports undergraduate nursing academic advising. We are 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 academic advisor by scheduling online via https://usf.appiancloud.com/.
Graduate nursing students who have been admitted to the USF College of Nursing MSN or DNP pathways should email con-gradadvising@usf.edu to connect with their academic advisor. Students admitted to the DNP Nurse Anesthesiology program should email melissajay@usf.edu, and admitted PhD students should email emilychambers@usf.edu.
Contact Information
College of Nursing Office of Student Success
MDN 1002 (see map https://health.usf.edu/maps-directions)
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Please schedule an appointment to visit with our admissions or advising team.
Prospective Student Appointments and Information Sessions: https://usfjira.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CON/pages/19253199097/Information+Sessions
Admitted Nursing Student Appointments: https://usf.appiancloud.com/suite/sites/archivum
Programs:
Pathway
Pathway
Department of Nursing