Nova Southeastern University

Emphasizing practical training and individualized education, NSU empowers students to excel in nursing. Established in 1964, NSU stands as a distinguished private, non-profit university dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare through unparalleled academic offerings. Schools Scholarships Student Support

(1 review)
  • Status: Private; Non-Profit
  • Classification: State Institution
  • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
  • Accreditations: ACEN CCNE
  • Address: 3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33314
  • Telephone: 1-800-541-6682
  • Request Information

School data is current as of 2023-2024 calendar year. Data is provided by the U.S. Department of Education and the College Scorecard.

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private, non-profit institution that was founded in 1964.

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

After completion of most of the prerequisites, students can continue for two years and three months to become an RN through the Entry BSN program. Completion of the BSN prepares graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX) and makes them eligible for state licensure as a registered nurse (RN). To apply to the Entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, applicants must apply through the centralized application service NursingCAS. Courses are delivered online and at multiple on-site locations. Campus locations include: Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Fort Myers, and Miami.

RN to BSN

This program is designed for currently licensed RNs.

RN to BSN applicants must have graduated from a college or university that is regionally accredited and a nursing program accredited by the ACEN or CCNE. Applicants who graduated from a diploma program will be reviewed on an individual basis. Applicants must possess a current, unencumbered RN license.

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

RN to MSN

RNs wishing to advance quickly to higher levels have the option to apply directly to the MSN program. The BSN is awarded upon successful completion (Dual credits for BSN and MSN degree).

After completing the undergraduate coursework, students can choose between nonclinical or clinical MSN tracks. The nonclinical MSN offers concentrations in Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Executive Nurse Leadership. The clinical MSN-APRN features concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • BSN and/or RN to MSN degree
  • For those with a major in Nursing (BSN) an overall GPA of 3.0 is required
  • For those with a BS or BA in a field other than nursing, an overall GPA of 3.0 is required
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from a regionally accredited college or university and the nursing degree must be accredited by the ACEN or the CCNE
  • Current, unencumbered, active state of Florida RN license from the jurisdiction of the practicum
  • Living within a 150-mile drive from the program campus
  • 12-months of active independent clinical practice

Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificates

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • MSN from a regionally accredited college or university and the nursing degree must be accredited by the ACEN or CCNE
  • GPA of 3.0 in MSN degree
  • Current, unencumbered, active State of Florida nurse practitioner license
  • Living within a 150-mile drive from the program campus
  • 12-months of active, independent clinical practice

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is fully online. This practice-focused terminal degree prepares graduates for specialty clinical practice or executive leadership.

To apply to the DNP program applicants must apply through the centralized application service NursingCAS.

Admission (not all inclusive)

  • MSN or closely related field from regionally accredited or internationally accredited school
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 from master's degree
  • Current US RN licensure with no restriction
  • Two evaluation (reference) forms
  • Writing sample
  • Official documentation of all supervised post baccalaureate practice hours from a regionally accredited or internationally accredited school

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD in Nursing, focusing on Nursing Education, is also online except for an on-campus new student orientation and a 1-week Summer Institute at the Ft. Lauderdale campus. Attendance is mandatory for these events. This immersion experience prepares students to transition into research, leadership, and teaching in a college setting.

To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, students must apply through the centralized application service NursingCAS.

Accreditation

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC).

The BSN, MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Rankings and Recognition

US News & World Report (2019-2020)

  • #191 (tie) in National Universities
  • #93 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
  • #215 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs
  • #189 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's

Forbes (2018-2019)

  • #522 Top Colleges
  • #333 in Private Colleges
  • #212 in Research Universities
  • #118 in the South

NICHE (2019)

  • Best Colleges for Nursing in America #110 of 599
  • Best College Campuses in America #116 of 1,408
  • Best College Dorms in America #158 of 1,370
  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #165 of 1,592
  • Top Private Universities in America #211 of 975
  • Best College Locations in America #301 of 1,553
  • Best Colleges in America #317 of 1,647
  • Most Liberal Colleges in America #682 of 687
  • Best Value Colleges in America #695 of 1,590
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in Florida #5 of 24
  • Best College Campuses in Florida #6 of 41
  • Top Private Universities in Florida #6 of 38
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Florida #10 of 75
  • Best Colleges in Florida #11 of 75
  • Best Value Colleges in Florida #12 of 67
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in Florida #17 of 54
  • Most Liberal Colleges in Florida #18 of 18
  • Best College Locations in Florida #24 of 70
  • Best Value Colleges in Miami Area #3 of 18
  • Best Colleges in Miami Area #4 of 18

College Factual ranked NSU #22 Best Colleges for the Money in Florida (2018-2019).

NSU is ranked by the Washington Monthly as the 259th Best National University.

Nova Southeastern University is classified as a Doctoral/Research University Carnegie Foundation.

Nova Southeastern University has been listed in the 2018 Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Florida by Nurse.org.

2018 NCLEX Pass Rates

  • Fort Lauderdale - 88.07%
  • Miami - 85.33%
  • Fort Myers - 93.33%

Format & Tuition of Available Program

DISCLOSURE: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click on a link.


RNgrad21

   1 of 1 member found this review helpful 1 / 1 member

Worst nursing school in Florida. The administrators are psychologically abusive, they make serious mistakes, they have ZERO respect for students. For example, I personally witnessed the Dean (Rutherford, marcia) INSULT a student who was trying to start a family and get pregnant with her husband and the Dean said, “perhaps you should avoid making bad decisions while in our program.” The Dean implied that getting pregnant was a bad idea. I’ll never forget that. She said that in front of 100+ zoom attended town hall meeting. This is just one of the MANY things that happen in secret at that school and people are too afraid to talk about it. Additionally, NSU is very cheap. They force students in 2nd semester to RE-USE sweaty gloves in the lab. This is DISGUSTING. This caused a COVID INFESTATION. I strongly advise anyone interested in nova nursing to GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.  The administrators at this school are getting away with so much.., we need to stop them by not giving them tuition money. Go to west coast, Miami Dade, Fiu or UM. Stay away from disgusting nova! 

Share this review


Link to review