BSN Programs Miami, FL

For decades, the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) was the most common route taken for entry into the profession. A major shift in hiring trends that began in 2010, increased enrollment in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and now the degree is the most popular credential among registered nurses.

The requirement for the more intensive degree has not slowed interest in the profession and enrollment in nursing programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession will experience unprecedented job growth through 2028 due to the increasing numbers of patients in need of care and greater access to health care.

The BSN nurse is prepared to meet shifts in the delivery of care including the emphasis on preventative care, complexities in the management of chronic conditions, and longer lifespans of today’s patients. It is for these and other reasons most job listings indicate BSN preferred or required. Most hospitals will only hire a BSN prepared nurse to achieve Magnet Recognition. The U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force also require active duty registered nurses to hold a baccalaureate degree to practice. Apart from being able to land a job, the BSN also gives nurses greater career mobility and better salaries. They will receive greater satisfaction in practice as they employ their leadership, clinical judgment, critical thinking, and ability to read and interpret research and information technology to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction in the health care system.

Barry University – College of Nursing and Health Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Barry University has community-based education as its foundation to prepare students for professional nursing practice. The curriculum covers all the essential areas that will enable graduates to deliver competent nursing care in a variety of health care settings. Clinical rotations aid the development of practical skills, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and leadership. Clinical partners include Baptist Health System, Memorial Healthcare System, Cleveland Clinic, Holy Cross Hospital, Plantation General Hospital, Aventura Hospital, and others. Students will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses to practice nursing in the United States. Through an ongoing partnership with Baptist Health South Florida, students may qualify for a scholarship in exchange for a commitment to employment after graduation.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120

Duration: 2 years – after completing the prerequisite courses

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites – English Composition and Research, Fundamentals of Speech, Introductory Human Anatomy (with lab), Introduction to Human Physiology (with lab), Introduction Microbiology (with lab), Elementary Probability & Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Any History, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Philosophy Distribution, Bio-Medical Ethics, Theology Distribution, Humanities and Arts Distribution, Introduction to Computers

Courses – Introduction to Nursing Science, Essentials of Nursing Education, Pathophysiology, Health Assessment and Health Promotion, Foundations of Nursing Care, Pharmacology, Patient Centered Care: Behavioral Health Nursing, Patient Centered Care: Adult/Elderly Nursing I, Research and Evidence Based Practice, Patient Centered Care: Adult/Elderly Nursing II, Family Centered Care: Mother/Baby & Women’s Health Nursing, Family Centered Care: Parent/Child Nursing, Patient Centered Care: High Acuity Nursing, Population Centered Nursing & Healthcare, Nursing Leadership & Management, Professional Role Transition, Senior Seminar

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the program
  • Obtain a minimum 3.2 cumulative college GPA – should have no more than 5 withdrawals, Ds, or Fs
  • Obtain a minimum grade C for liberal arts courses
  • Obtain a minimum grade C for science courses
  • Attend an interview with the Admissions Committee
  • Take and pass a standardized nursing program admission exam
  • Submit documentation of up-to-date immunization record
  • Complete the Hepatitis B form
  • Complete the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Insurance Waiver
  • Complete the Annual Physical Form
  • Provide proof of health insurance and must maintain throughout the program

Program Cost:

The estimated cost of tuition is $14,850 per semester (12-18 credits). Additional expenses such as textbooks, insurance, CPR, supplies, and transport to the clinical site are not included in the cost. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

  • Website: https://www.barry.edu/nursing/bsn/
  • Address: 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
  • Phone: 305-899-3800
  • Toll-free: 1-800-756-6000, ext. 3800
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.71%

St Thomas University

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program at St Thomas University utilizes lectures, labs, clinical rotations, and research opportunities to produce nursing professionals capable of practicing in a wide variety of settings. Hands-on learning in labs and clinical rotations will give students the opportunity to develop clinical competencies. Research is included as a major part of the program to develop critical thinking, the ability to ask questions and find answers, and discovery of the unknown. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Admission to the program is competitive. Selection is based on meeting the criteria, including cumulative GPA, prerequisite course GPA, interviews with admissions, written essay, references, and resumes. An online only RN to BSN option is available for Registered Nurses to complete the BSN.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120

Duration: 2 years – after completing the prerequisite courses

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites – Anatomy and Physiology I & Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II & Lab, Chemistry for the Health Sciences with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, English Composition I, English Composition II and Literature, College Level Mathematics, Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Principles of Nutrition, Statistics, Basic Microcomputer Applications

Courses – Nursing Theories & Concepts, Pathophysiology, Foundations of Nursing, Foundations of Nursing Clinical, Pharmacology & Dosage Calculations I, Health Assessment & Promotion/Lab, Nursing Research & Evidence-Based, Pharmacology & Dosage Calculations II, Nursing Informatics, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing II, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Nursing and Adult System II, Nursing and the Adult System II Clinical, Community and Public Health Clinical, Nursing in Global Healthcare, Nursing Care of Families: Childbearing Nursing & Women’s Health, Nursing Care of Families: Childbearing Nursing & Women’s Health Clinical, Nursing Care of Families: The Parent & Child, Nursing Care of Families: The Parents & the Child Clinical, Nursing Leadership & Management, Nursing Practicum, NCLEX Review

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the program
  • Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or higher for all prerequisite courses
  • Complete the Change of Major Form after completing the prerequisite courses – if enrolled at STU
  • Complete background check and drug screening (10-panel drug screen)
  • Submit immunization records and completed physical examination form – immunization must include Varicella, MMR, TB, Hepatitis B, and Influenza
  • Have a current CPR card – American Heart Association approved
  • Meet HIPAA compliance

Program Cost:

The estimated cost of tuition is $15,450 per term (12-18 credits). Additional expenses such as textbooks, insurance, CPR, supplies, and transport to the clinical site are not included in the cost. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

University of Miami – School of Nursing and Health Studies

Students enrolled at the BSN program at the School of Nursing and Health Studies will learn from renowned scholars and use cutting edge technology that will help them to transition seamlessly into practice. Clinical rotations at a major academic medical center, private acute hospital, and public teaching hospital provide opportunities to apply the theory learned in the classroom. Students will learn how to synthesize nursing knowledge from the natural and behavioral sciences, arts, humanities, and nursing science, make clinical decisions using concepts of organizational theory and systems leadership, use information management and patient care technology in various health care settings, communicate effectively and collaborate with the health care team to improve outcomes, and advocate for patients in political-socioeconomic settings. They will also commit to lifelong learning and apply the principles of quality improvement in care. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses. The school offers a RN transition option for RNs with an associate degree or diploma to obtain a BSN degree. An accelerated option is designed for students seeking a second baccalaureate degree.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 121

Duration: 4 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites – General Biology w/Lab, College Algebra, Human Anatomy w/Lab, General Psychology, Systemic Physiology, Chemistry for Life Science I w/Lab, Principles of Nutrition, Theories and Concepts of Nursing, Seminar in Inter-professional Healthcare Practice, Introductory Statistics in Health Care, Intro to Microbiology for Nurses, Growth & Development

Courses – English Composition I, University Experience, Arts and Humanities or People & Society, English Composition II, Arts & Humanities or People & Society, Adult Health, Pharmacology, Health Assessment and Promotion, Pathophysiology, Adult Health II, Women’s Health Nursing, Child and Adolescent Health Nursing, Adult Health II, Theories Research and Evidenced Based Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Epidemiology for Population Based Care, Public Health Nursing, Leadership in Nursing, Role Transition, Nursing Elective

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.7 – Freshman applicants
  • Must have a minimum transfer GPA of 3.5 – transfer applicants
  • Submit SAT scores of 1100 in reading and critical math or an ACT composite score of 24
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C
  • Provide proof of current immunizations including influenza vaccine, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Tdap, and TB screen
  • Provide a report of a completed physical examination
  • Submit documentation of current CPR/BLS certification
  • Pass a background check and two drug screen tests through American DataBank

Program Cost:

School of Nursing fees for students enrolled in a clinical class will cost $1,440. Students must purchase a laptop, textbooks, and equipment to complete the course requirements.

Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences

FIU Nursing’s Generic BSN program offered at the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences includes didactic courses and clinical experiences combined with simulation education activities in the S.T.A.R. Center. The clinical activities are critical to the learning process, and through strong partnerships with health care facilities, FIU is able to give students various experiences in a real-world setting. Students will work alongside leading health care professionals to benefit from their expertise and experience. Teaching scenarios at the STAR Center include the use of digital imaging systems, web-based technologies, and closed-circuit monitoring that will help students develop confidence in their clinical judgment and critical thinking abilities before practicing in a real-world environment. New students are admitted once a year in the Fall semester. The Generic BSN is a limited-access program that has a competitive admissions process.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 70 plus prerequisite courses

Duration: 2 years

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites – Intro to Psychology, Intro to Ethics, Any Intro to Statistics, Human Growth & Development, Nutrition, Human Anatomy w/lab, Human Physiology w/lab, Intro to Microbiology w/lab, Survey of Chemistry w/lab

Courses – Foundations of Nursing Practice, Foundations of Nursing Practice Lab, Foundations of Nursing Practice Clinical, Pathophysiological Basis of Nursing Practice, Health Assessment & Promotion, Nursing Care of Adults, Nursing Care of Adults I Clinical, Pharmacologic Basis of Nursing Practice, Psychosocial Nursing, Psychosocial Nursing Clinical, Inter-Professional Approaches to Health Care, Nursing Care of Adults II, Nursing Care of Adults II Clinical, Evidence-Based Nursing & Research in Global Health Care, Professional Nursing Leadership: Concepts & Issues, Integrative Nursing Care I, Care of Families: Childbearing Nursing, Care of Families: Childbearing Nursing Clinical, Integrative Nursing Care II, Nursing in Global Health Care Systems, Care of Communities: Community Health Nursing, Nursing Care of Older Adults, Senior Clinical Practicum, Senior Nursing Synthesis

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed FIU Undergraduate Application to be fully admitted to FIU
  • Submit the required application fee and official transcripts
  • Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C
  • Create a NursingCAS Account to submit an application to the nursing program
  • Take the TEAS exam and upload the Individual Performance Profile of ATI TEAS results
  • Record and upload a 3-minute video essay answering: What does nursing mean to you and your decision to pursue a career in nursing, personal experiences and characteristics that will make you a better nurse, and how you plan to impact your community and the profession of nursing
  • Upload Extracurricular Activity Documentation – must include dates, number of hours, and job duties on an official letterhead
  • Request one copy of each official transcript from every college, university, or professional school attended in a sealed envelope to NursingCAS directly

Program Cost:

Resident tuition for students enrolled in the generic BSN is $14,390 per year. The calculation includes fees, textbooks, and supplies. Several financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for eligible students.

West Coast University

West Coast University Miami’s hosts a BSN program designed to equip adults with critical nursing skills to meet growing health care needs. The class size is limited to offer personalized instruction and lots of hands-on training using advanced simulation technology. Students will gain real-world practice through clinical activities in various health care facilities. Through partnerships with Miami Children’s Hospital and Baptist Health South Florida, WCU gives students a competitive edge in their job search. Other partners include Camillus Health Concern, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, and Larkin Community Hospital. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120

Duration: 8 semesters

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

Prerequisites – Written Communication I, Written Communication II, Oral Communication, Critical Reasoning, College Mathematics, Statistics, Psychology, Life Span Psychology, Cultural Pluralism, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Chemistry, General Microbiology, General Education Capstone, Pathophysiology, Medical Ethics and Issues

Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing, Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum, Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing Practicum (On Campus), Pharmacology, Physical Assessment, Medical Surgical Nursing – Promoting Wellness, Medical Surgical Nursing, Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness in the Mentally Ill, Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing: Promoting Wellness in the Mentally Practicum, Nutrition in Health and Disease, Expanding Family and Community, Developing Family and Community (PEDS), Public Health Nursing, Public Health Nursing Practicum, Research in Nursing, Principles of Leadership and Management, Disaster Management, Issues and Trends in Nursing, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness in the Critically Ill, Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing: Promoting Wellness in the Critically Ill Practicum, Integration of Nursing Practices, Nursing Capstone, Integration of Nursing Concepts

Admission criteria:

  • Obtain a minimum summative score of 192.3 or a composite score of 58.7 on the TEAS exam or a minimum score of 80 on the HESI exam
  • Obtain criminal background clearance
  • Submit documentation of up-to-date immunizations
  • Have current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Health Providers
  • Provide a current Fire Card
  • Submit a satisfactory drug screen report
  • Meet the requirements of the “Essentials of RN Job Functions”
  • Provide proof of health insurance coverage
  • Meet any clinical site requirements

Program Cost:

The estimated total program cost of $95,700 includes general education and core courses, registration fee, textbooks, uniforms, supplies, licensure preparation, technology fee, and supplemental resources.

Florida National University

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Florida National University prepares students to become licensed registered nurses to deliver safe and competent care in the health care system. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to assume entry-level registered nursing positions. They will now how to use their knowledge of nursing principles to demonstrate high standards of professionalism in practice, use critical thinking skills and good judgment to apply clinical expertise, and demonstrate a high standard of integrity and ethics in practice. Admission to the program is competitive.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 120

Duration: 8 semesters

Method of instruction: Traditional

Course titles:

General education courses – English Composition I, English Composition II, Fundamentals of Oral Communication, Advanced Writing and Research, Biomedical Ethics or Ethics, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Chemistry, Introduction to Chemistry Lab, Microbiology, Principles of Nutrition for Health Care, College Algebra, Introduction to Statistics, Introduction to Information Technology

Courses – Fundamentals of Nursing, Physical Assessment in Health Care, Pathophysiology, Adult Health Nursing I, Pharmacology, Nursing Role and Scope, Adult Health Nursing II, Nursing Research, Psychiatric Nursing, Culture in Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Maternity and Newborn Nursing, Nursing Leadership and Management, Professional Nursing Practicum, Community Nursing

Admission criteria:

  • Take a Diagnostic Test or provide proof of completing College Algebra and English Composition at an accredited institution
  • Submit an application for admission to the program
  • Submit two professional references
  • Complete and submit a local police report
  • Submit a completed essay – minimum 250 words – explaining the choice of nursing as a career, strengths and weaknesses, and personal motivations
  • Submit official transcripts of courses completed with a grade C or better
  • Attend an admission interview

Program Cost:

The estimated cost per semester is $6,475 for 12 credits. Additional costs include background check fee, textbooks, ID card fee, uniforms, activities fee, lab fee, and registration fee.

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.