What are some well respected nursing programs in Florida?

U.S.A. Florida

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What are some of the best colleges to attend in Florida for students pursuing a degree in Nursing?

Oh yeah, I've only heard of a few Universities that is in the NLN Accrediting body. UCF, FSU, USF, UF, and more are all accredited by CCNE.

I'm a USF grad! It's an excellent school. I got a job right after passing NCLEX.

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F_nurse2b16- Of course USF is a great program! lol It is very competitive to get into but well worth all the hard work! Unlike some programs, when doing clinicals we get to stay at the same hospital throughout the whole program. There are 2 big bonuses by doing that 1) You get to know the people in the hospital AND 2) The hospital gets to know you and could likely offer you a job upon graduation. That being said, if a student is lazy and not up to par, they see that too.

The professors at USF are AWESOME! The lab and simulators are great. There is nothing that I can say we are lacking in any way. Well, parking is the only issue that comes up so get to class early.

There are 2 programs. Upper Division for those getting their first Bachelor's degree and the Second Degree Sequence for those that have a Bachelor's in another field that want to get their BSN. Fall 2012 they added additional seats to the Nursing program, so between both programs there is 120 seats available. New admitting classes begin in the Fall and the Summer. Aside from your GPA (which needs to be really good), you will also be asked to write an essay for your application. Make sure that the essay is really good because it is 40% of the points given. Then 30% for total GPA and 30% pre-req first attempt GPA.

If you are interested, when doing Community Health, there is a study abroad opportunity. The College of Nursing goes to Panama for 3 weeks. The students that I have talked to say that the experience was amazing. One even got to help deliver a baby, in Panama nurses deliver babies. My class has the opportunity to go this summer and it is about $2000 on top of tuition. Of course, if that does not interest you, the class is taken at USF with the clinical portion in the community. If money is an issue, there are also scholarships available to those that qualify.

USF has been an amazing school.

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CP2013- Orlando is a beautiful area. They're alot of beautiful areas in Florida other than Orlando and Tampa though so my mind could change. & Every university prefers their own students, but they still take transfers with whatever room is left. I'm definately applying to the nursing program at the university I attend, but it is always good to have back-ups which is why I am applying to other programs also. Nursing programs are too competitive for a student to only apply to one school. lol

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FLmed- Yeah, I've heard that USF students have an easier time finding a job due to all the hospitals in Tampa where they did their clinicals. That's a plus! lo :)l

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PalmHarborMom- Thanks for all the info!! USF was second on my list, I just needed to hear more about it, but I am for sure going to apply there. :)

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PalmHarborMom- By the way, what is the tuition at USF for a student living off campus?

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F_nrse2b216- Tuition is pretty in line with what I have seen at other public universities. This semester I am taking 13 credits and my tuition was $2799. But be prepared for the first semester.... In addition to tuition, there is about $2000 in books, supplies, required software, background check/ drug screening, uniforms etc. But that is with every college/university that I looked into. After the first semester it is pretty much books and tuition.

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PalmHarborMom- Ok. So that's $4799. That's not bad. Thanks!

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
CP2013- Orlando is a beautiful area. They're alot of beautiful areas in Florida other than Orlando and Tampa though so my mind could change. & Every university prefers their own students, but they still take transfers with whatever room is left. I'm definately applying to the nursing program at the university I attend, but it is always good to have back-ups which is why I am applying to other programs also. Nursing programs are too competitive for a student to only apply to one school. lol

Absolutely, there are many beautiful areas. There were inquiries about USF and UCF and since those were the schools I checked, I figured I would provide my experience with my research.

I agree schools are competitive but I had about a 3.4 going in to school. All my pre-reqs were done and I was ready to begin the program. I consider that I was very lucky to get in, first attempt. I know there were some with higher GPAs that didn't but they didn't have all of their courses completed an we're awaiting grades. And I was simply saying that they have first choice of local grads, and they absolutely will fill in the gaps with transfers when appropriate. (some posts from BCC/UCF cocoa, etc. describe a points system where more points are given to local residents, this is what I was referring to when I say they prefer locals)

I did not know that USF would maintain the same hospital throughout the duration. We do change up hospitals which allows everyone an opportunity to rub elbows with many different mangers in different specialities. Which also has benefits of its own in my opinion. I have found two managers who are offering me positions in two different hospitals and specialities. Makes me really excited about local opportunities.

Regardless I am sure you will find the school that is right for you and that will suit your needs the best. :)

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f_nurse, if you don't mind me asking, why did you eliminate UF from your list completely?

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Hopefulnurse24- Oh I don't mind. UF is a great school, but I am a huge NOLE fan! lol. I am applying to FSU's nursing program, but most likely going to choose USF if I get accepted for personal reasons. If I am not going to go to FSU which is the school I really love then I'm definately not going to UF.

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Oh okay, I see! Did you ever take pathophysiology since it is required for FSU?

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