A popular University of Florida program for those who want to get a bachelor’s degree in nursing will soon be even more convenient for residents of the Jacksonville area.
The UF College of Nursing is now accepting applications for an additional accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, degree program in Jacksonville. The accelerated BSN program is offered for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. The Gainesville-based accelerated BSN program began enrolling students in 2003 and has since become one of the college’s most in-demand programs.
The new program in Jacksonville will serve an area that will benefit from additional well-educated nurses to serve its health care needs. A 2013 report by the Florida Center for Nursing found that only 38 percent of Northeast Florida’s registered nurse workforce had at least a bachelor’s degree, falling far below the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations that the proportion of nurses with baccalaureate degrees increase to 80 percent by 2020.
“We are very excited to be able to serve this region by offering our excellent baccalaureate program in Jacksonville,” said Anna McDaniel, dean of the UF College of Nursing. “Our accelerated BSN students in Jacksonville will take the same coursework as those on our Gainesville campus and have access to the same quality of faculty and resources while being able to reside in their home location. It’s mutually beneficial for UF and the Northeast Florida region.”
Accelerated BSN programs build on previous learning experiences and transition individuals with undergraduate degrees in other fields into nursing careers. These programs are an innovative way to reach out to new student populations with a unique knowledge base and life experience who desire to make a difference as a nurse, said Kim Curry, interim associate dean for student affairs.
“It is a terrific professional opportunity for those who wish to pursue a nursing career,” Curry said. “It’s an accelerated curriculum so it will require a high level of motivation and a desire to study and work hard. We are eager to educate those in Jacksonville wishing to obtain a nursing degree from our flagship university.”
The Accelerated BSN program is four semesters and lasts 15 months. The first Jacksonville campus class of 24 students will begin classes in summer 2016. The campus will add a designated student admissions/advising officer who will visit Jacksonville regularly to meet with students. Courses will be delivered in person and online. All courses will have some online or e-learning component. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 15.
For more information about curriculum or admission requirements, please visit http://nursing.ufl.edu.