The University of South Florida (USF) is a prestigious research university founded back in 1956. The USF College of Nursing offers a variety of educational choices for students seeking admission for a nursing degree. Along with several other undergraduate programs, USF offers a Second degree also called an Accelerated Nursing Program. The accelerated nursing program is for students who have already got a bachelor’s degree.
About This Degree:
This accelerated Second Degree pathway offers a nursing degree for the students through a four-semester / 16-month program. This program is perfect for those students having the intellectual ability, time management skills, and emotional fortitude. Like all other pre-licensure pathways, the Accelerate Second Degree pathway provides graduates the degree through the NCLEX-RN nursing licensure examination. The graduates of this program are currently making an impact in hospitals and consistently exceed state and national averages in first-attempt pass rates.
Career opportunities:
In addition to the hospital setting, several other career opportunities exist:
- Education
- Community and public health
- Government services
- Research
- International Health
This degree also opens doors for pursuing graduate studies in nursing MSN, DNP, and PH.D.
USF accelerated nursing program acceptance rate
The acceptance rate for USF accelerated second-degree nursing program is 49.2%.
Tuition and Fee of each program for local and international students:
The USF tuition rates and other college expenses are assessed per credit hour by course level, and the cost will vary according to your residency status and course type (online, clinical, etc.)
Tuition costs for the accelerated BSN degree at the University of Florida vary greatly depending on the:
1. Program length
2. Number of courses to complete
3. School you choose
The average tuition cost for the accelerated second-degree program ranges between $21,564 to $40,000 for the accelerated BSN student. If you are a student of USF College of Nursing, there will be additional fees:
- To cover CPR training
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Textbooks
- Course software
- Clinical uniforms
- Equipment and other expenses depending upon the program
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Eligibility criteria for the Accelerated Second-degree Nursing program:
USF follows the following eligibility criteria for the accelerated second-degree nursing pathway:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The bachelor’s degree must be earned and conferred before the nursing application deadline
- Admission to the University of South Florida (USF)
- “Verified” NursingCAS application
- Overall undergraduate GPA must be at least 3.0
USF Accelerated Nursing Program Prerequisites
The Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing pathway is for students who have a baccalaureate degree in another field and wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This program is a full-time, limited access nursing pathway and has the following prerequisites:
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Admission to the University of South Florida
- “Verified” NursingCAS application
- 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA
- Completion of the 8 state-mandated nursing prerequisites with a C grade or better before the nursing application deadline
- Completion of the Civics Literacy exam before the intended term of entry
- Complete the Bull Nurse Virtual Interview Assessment
Duration of the Accelerated Second-degree Nursing Program:
This accelerated Second Degree pathway offers a nursing degree for the students through a four-semester / 16-month program.
More: University Of South Florida ABSN Program
Curriculum:
The accelerated second-degree nursing pathways consist of 4 consecutive semesters and amidst the students every semester. It has the following curriculum:
- Spring – Sarasota-Manatee
- Summer – Tampa
- Fall – St. Petersburg
Financial Aid:
There are various financial benefits for the students in USF as well. USF offers scholarships and financial aid to deserving students for the accelerated second-degree pathway. There is college financial assistance as well. Following scholarships and financial aids are offered for the students in the accelerated second-degree program:
1. Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship: These are annual scholarship grants which are awarded to accredited educational institutions and USF is one of the qualifying institutions. USF disperses funds to deserving women.
2. USF Scholarships: Scholarships for undergraduates are based on both need and merit and do not have repaid.
3. Private Funds: Many private organizations also provide scholarship opportunities. These organizations include:
- Fastweb
- HRSA
- Bureau of Primary Health care
- Florida Prepaid College Plans
- Florida Bright Futures
Apply Dates
The Accelerated Second-Degree nursing pathways at USF follow the following deadline and orientation dates:
USF Tampa Campus – Summer Entry Only
September 1 | USF application becomes available |
December 1 | USF application priority deadline |
December 1 | NursingCAS application opens |
January 10 | Official transcript submission priority deadline |
February 1 | NursingCAS application closes |
February 1 | USF transfer application completion deadline |
February 15 | NursingCAS application “verified” status deadline |
March 1 | Bull Nurse Virtual Interview Assessment deadline |
March 1 | Admission to USF deadline |
TBA | Nursing Orientation |
USF St Petersburg Campus – Fall Entry Only
September 1 | USF application becomes available |
February 1 | USF application priority deadline |
April 1 | NursingCAS application opens |
May 15 | Official transcript submission priority deadline |
June 1 | NursingCAS application closes |
June 1 | USF transfer application completion deadline |
June 15 | NursingCAS application “verified” status deadline |
July 1 | Bull Nurse Virtual Interview Assessment deadline |
July 1 | Admission to USF deadline |
TBA | Nursing Orientation |