University of Florida

The University of Florida College of Nursing, established in 1853, pioneers nursing education with the first Florida Nurse Practitioner programs and PhD in Nursing Science, fostering a community of innovation and excellence to empower students for impactful healthcare careers.

Discover University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

School Ranking: A+
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University of Florida is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, NP, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Student Demographics

  • 21 Average Age
  • 44% Men
  • 56% Women
  • 0% Veterans
  • 79% White
  • 15% Hispanic
  • 14% Black
  • 2% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

The University of Florida (UF) is a public institution that was founded in 1853.

The UF College of Nursing provided the first Florida Nurse Practitioner programs as well as the first PhD in Nursing Science program.

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

RN to BSN: A 100% online program for RNs interested in receiving a BSN.

Traditional BSN: The traditional BSN program can be completed by new freshmen in 4 semesters.

Accelerated BSN: This degree program is for students who already possess a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and would like a fast track to a BSN.

RN-BSN Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • Associate's degree in nursing from an accredited program
  • GPA of 2.8 or higher from an associate's in nursing program
  • Active, unencumbered Florida RN license

Accelerated BSN Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • Bachelor's degree or higher from accredited college or university in a field other than nursing
  • GPA of a 3.0 or higher, calculated on the most recent 60 credits taken toward the bachelor's degree or cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or higher on master's degree or doctoral degree
  • Required proficiency in spoken and written English

Graduate

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is an advanced terminal degree in the nursing field designed to prepare expert nurses in specialized advanced practice.

BSN to DNP

The curriculum has been consolidated to accommodate the national DNP essentials and incorporate a clear path for development of the DNP project.     

BSN to DNP Sub-specialties

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • BSN with upper division GPA of 3.0 or higher from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program
  • 500 or higher on each of the verbal and quantitative sections in the prior version of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test; new version minimum score of 153 in the verbal section and 144 in the quantitative section/analytical writing section optional
  • Eligibility for license to practice as a registered nurse in Florida

MSN to DNP

Length of program: 35 credits to be completed in 5 semesters or 1 1/2 years.  The program is designed for the working nurse and follows the national standards for DNP.

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  1. MSN from CCNE or NLNAC accredited program with GPA of at least 3.0
  2. 500 or higher on verbal and quantitative sections in the prior version of the GRE; new version minimum score of 153 in the verbal section and 144 in the quantitative section/analytical writing section optional
  3. Current license or eligibility for licensure as an ARNP in Florida

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD)

The PhD in Nursing Science is designed to prepare nurse scholars to become scientists who advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and health care.  Students who enter into the program become qualified members of the nursing faculty to help educate new nursing students and fill the gap of the nursing faculty shortage.

Program Options

  • BSN to PhD
  • MSN to PhD

BSN-PhD Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • BSN from a nationally accredited program with a minimum nursing GPA 3.5
  • GRE minimum scores of 160 verbal and 148 quantitative sections/analytical writing optional
  • RN Licensure in Florida
  • U.S. Citizen, legal U.S. resident or hold a valid visa

MSN-PhD Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • MSN from a nationally accredited program with a GPA of 3.5
  • 500 or higher on each of the verbal and quantitative sections in the prior version of the GRE; new version minimum score of 153 in the verbal section and 144 in the quantitative section/analytical writing optional
  • Eligibility for RN licensure in Florida
  • U.S. Citizen, legal U.S. resident or hold a valid visa

Certificate Programs

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Educator
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has accredited all programs at the College of Nursing.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Recognitions and Rankings

Top ten percent of all graduate degree-awarding nursing schools in the nation.

Largest BSN graduating class in the state each year and graduates exceed the state and national pass rates on the licensure exam for nurses, the NCLEX-RN.

MONEY Magazine ranked UF #40 Best Colleges For Your Money (2018-2019).

Forbes (2019)

  • #68 Top Colleges
  • #13 in Public Colleges
  • #37 in Research Universities
  • #11 in the South
  • #20 America's Best Value Colleges

US News & World Report (2020)

  • #35 (tie) in National Universities
  • #91 in Best Value Schools
  • #55 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
  • #8 (tie) in Top Public Schools
  • #5 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs
  • #4 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans
  • #24 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • #107 (tie) in Best Global Universities

NICHE (2019)

  • Best Big Colleges in America #11 of 131
  • Top Public Universities in America #12 of 672
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in America #43 of 599
  • Best Colleges in America #62 of 1,647
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in America #83 of 1,591
  • Best Value Colleges in America #99 of 1,590
  • Best College Campuses in America #123 of 1,408
  • Best College Locations in America #471 of 1,553
  • Best Colleges in Florida #1 of 75
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in Florida #1 of 71
  • Best Value Colleges in Florida #1 of 67
  • Top Public Universities in Florida #1 of 37
  • Best Big Colleges in Florida #1 of 9
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in Florida #2 of 54
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in Florida #2 of 24
  • Most Conservative Colleges in Florida #22 of 25
  • Best College Locations in Florida #35 of 70

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