What are some well respected nursing programs in Florida?

CP2013 · Oct 26, 2012

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

Where in Florida are you planning to live during school? Are you relocating or living in an area already?

f_nurse2b16 · Oct 26, 2012

Location isnt an issue. I am willing to go anywhere in Florida that has a good Nursing program.

CP2013 · Oct 27, 2012

Location isnt an issue. I am willing to go anywhere in Florida that has a good Nursing program.

Are you looking for ADN programs or BSN programs?

Depending on where you want to work in Florida is also a consideration.

For instance, in Orlando the hospitals love to see the UCF BSN students. But it's because they have a BSN. They also hire from Seminole State College, Valencia State College, Kaiser, Remington, Herzing, etc.

In North Florida, they love to see their local grass, UF, UNF with their BSN and then the smaller colleges with their ADN.

Basically hospitals like to see that you are already a local of the area. With how tough jobs can be sometimes, that could be a simple deciding factor for one new grad over another.

Obviously your 4 year colleges with a BSN program have a solid reputation within the state. But as long as the school is accredited by NLN that's a plus. Check the NLN website for accreditations, schools may lie.

If money isn't an issue, go for your BSN at one of the universities.

f_nurse2b16 · Oct 27, 2012

I'm looking for BSN programs. Yes, I've heard this from many people. Definately taking this into consideration. :up: . Would you happen to know anything about USF's Nursing program?

f_nurse2b16 · Oct 27, 2012

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.

CP2013 · Oct 27, 2012

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.

There are a few accrediting boards. I just remember NLN off the top of my head.

I attend UCF so I am not sure about any other specific programs. I have heard good things about UCF, USF and UF. Mainly. Those were my top choices but I honestly only applied to UCF because I knew I was competitive enough. I said a a prayer I asked God for the blessing, and here I am about a year away from graduating!

I think it's just best to know where you want to work and live. Then pick a school based on that. If you live in Tampa, don't go to UCF and expect Tampa hospitals to pick you over their local USF grads. No education is magically better in that regard. They really do check your address to see if you live in the area and look to see that you went to school in the area.

I have had 4 tech interviews and have always been chosen because I was a local. They were excited to see my dedication to the community. They asked if I was planning to live there for a long time and I was able to say I grew up there, gained a love for the community that gave me my sense of responsibility and kindness, and I would love nothing more than to give back.

While this is true, if as a nurse somewhere else is giving me a better opportunity for growth, I can't say I wouldn't have a tough decision ahead.

PalmHarborMom · Oct 27, 2012

I attend USF but have heard other good things about all the other big universities (UF,FSU,UNF, UM). The private universities were just too expensive for me to consider.

CP2013 · Oct 27, 2012

I attend USF but have heard other good things about all the other big universities (UF,FSU,UNF, UM). The private universities were just too expensive for me to consider.

I agree. And private schools seem to only offer an associates degree.

Also, based on the community you live in, you know what the good schools are. For instance Full Sail University versus UCF for film or communication. People in the community know that only out of towers who don't know any better pick Full Sail. They are taking over parts of Orlando, and still aren't even respected at times.

Bigger is not always better!

f_nurse2b16 · Oct 28, 2012

Well I am originally from Naples Fl, but doing my pre-reqs here in Tallahassee. As I've said location isn't an issue, but the 2 cities I was planning on living in after college are 1. Tampa or 2. Orlando. Leaning more towards Tampa though. I am familiar with alot of the universities in Fl, except for UCF. I've heard of it but don't know much about it. I have friends there who say they love it though. UF is TOTALLY off my list! lol

f_nurse2b16 · Oct 28, 2012

PalmHarborMom- Well since you attend USF, how good is THEIR program? lol

CP2013 · Oct 28, 2012

I was born and raised in the Orlando area. I love UCF. Their program is great. Well respected in the area as its one of the only physical schools for a BSN. Everyone else seems to be doing RN-BSN online.

The teachers I have had have been really great as far as answering questions, encouraging us to further out education. They truly inspire me every day. Some of the class just aren't my cup of tea, but I don't mind writing papers. I hate APA but I somehow still enjoy writing the papers. Sometimes the courses just truly don't interest me, but my instructors make the difference. I have made almost all A's because my instructors truly encourage a sense of independence, autonomy, responsibility, and eagerness to learn.

It all just depends like I said about where you want to live and work. Competitiveness for jobs is about the same in Orlando as it is in Tampa. I have heard that Tampa isn't as nice as some places in Orlando. The places in Tampa I have been to just weren't my kind of town. I prefer a quaint lifestyle, with a commute from suburbs to city, not city to metropolis.

I will say that some schools don't like to see pre-reqs from our of the area, and may give preference to locally done courses. That's probably the only downside. UCF doesn't much care, not sure about USF.

Both campuses are beautiful though and I am sure that you won't be sorry with either choice. :)