Frequently Asked Questions

Regular & Accelerated Prelicensure B.S.N.

• What are the admission requirements for the program(s)?

  A full list of admission requirements for both tracks may be located under the Nursing Admissions page. Click on the name of the track to view the details. Note that while both tracks require at least 300.00 out of 400.00 points on the TEAS version V or VI and 2.90 in the same eight (8) prerequisite courses, there are different cumulative undergraduate GPA requirements for the tracks.

• Is foreign language required for admission to the program(s)?

  While foreign language is not required for admission to the Regular and Accelerated Prelicensure B.S.N. tracks, it is required for graduation from the Regular Prelicensure B.S.N. track. Those who possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution will be exempt from the language requirement.

   

  Those entering the Regular Prelicensure B.S.N. track without a previous baccalaureate degree may satisfy the language requirement in one (1) of three (3) ways:

  1. With two (2) consecutive years of a single foreign language (or American Sign Language) in high school with passing grades in all grading periods (submit HS transcripts to One Stop in this case);
  2. With eight (8) passing credit hours of a single college-level foreign or American sign language; or,
  3. Receive certification as a bi- or multilingual student (done after admission) via UNF's language department.
• Are General Education &/or Gordon Rule required for admission to the program(s)?

  General Education and Gordon Rule must be completed by the time one matriculates in the Regular Prelicensure (RPL) B.S.N. track. Applicants for the Accelerated Prelicensure B.S.N. track are exempt from these requirements based on the completion of a previous baccalaureate degree.

   

  In order to meet the General Education and Gordon Rule requirements for the RPL track, candidates may: 1) Possess a baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution prior to program matriculation; 2) Possess an Associate of Arts (A.A.) from a Florida public institution prior to program matriculation; or, 3) Meet the requirements as listed in the undergraduate catalog course-by-course.

   

  Prospective RPL candidates who are currently enrolled at any other public institution in Florida should consult with an academic advisor at their home institutions to ensure that all proper paperwork is submitted to request an A.A. prior to transferring.

   

  Prospective RPL candidates who are currently enrolled at private or out-of-state institutions should consult with an academic advisor in the Brooks College of Health Advising Office after application. They may be reached at (904) 620-2812 or at cohadvis@unf.edu.

• Do General Education and Gordon Rule requirements need to be completed to make application to the program(s)?

  No; candidates may complete General Education &/or Gordon Rule requirements while making application. However, for those seeking admission to a summer cohort, requirements must be completed by the end of the spring semester. Similarly, for those seeking admission to a fall cohort, requirements must be completed by the end of the summer semester. Candidates who are extended an offer of admission must provide proof of completion of all requirements at the mandatory BSN program orientation, Taking Flight. Failure to complete all necessary requirements may result in the revocation of admission.

• What is the Florida Civic Literacy Requirement and how can it be fulfilled?

  The Florida Civic Literacy requirement was passed by the Florida Legislature in Spring 2017 and went into effect with the 2018-2019 academic year. The requirement was developed to help ensure that students have an understanding of the basic principles of American democracy and how they are applied to our republican form of government, an understanding of the U.S. Constitution, knowledge of the founding documents and how those documents have shaped the nature and functions of our institutions of self-governance, and an understanding of landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases and how they impact law and society.

   

  The requirement applies to any student initially entering a Florida State University System (SUS) or Florida College System (FCS) institution in Fall 2018 or later (this does not include instances of dual enrollment). UNF will apply the requirement to Summer B 2018 First Time in College (FTIC) admits as well as to all Fall 2018 FTIC admits. In-state transfers with pre-Fall 2018 credits from degree-seeking enrollment at a SUS or FCS institution are exempt from this requirement unless those hours were earned only during dual enrollment while in high school and did not yield an A.A. degree prior to Fall 2018.  Unfortunately, outside of the noted dual enrollment caveat, an earned A.A. from a SUS or FCS institution will not satisfy the requirement like it does for General Education and Gordon Rule.  Please review this flowchart (link will open a PDF file) to determine if you have fulfilled the Civic Literacy requirement.

   

  For the Regular and Accelerated Prelicensure BSN tracks, this requirement must be fulfilled prior to program graduation. The requirement may be fulfilled through a variety of manners: AP Government & Politics: United States exam with a score of at least 3; AP United State History exam with a score of at least 4; CLEP American Government exam with a score of at least 50; UNF courses POS2041 Introduction to American Government or AMH2020 U.S. History since 1877 taken in Fall 2018 forward; POSX041 or AMHX020 from another FL SUS or FCS institution taken in Fall 2018 forward; by taking a statewide common exam through a SUS.

   

  The statewide common exam will be a 100-item test used by SUS institutions that is based on the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Test. Students who took the test for citizenship may not use that result to satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement. In January 2019, this exam became available to those currently enrolled at UNF through Canvas.  For more details and to self-enroll in the Civic Literacy Canvas exam course, please visit the Civic Literacy page developed by Undergraduate Studies.   

   

  Note that AICE and IB credits are not applicable as the content does not align with the learning outcomes for the requirement.

   

  Transfer courses from non-Florida state schools with the title "American History since 1877" or "American Government" must go through a syllabus review to earn credit as a Civic Literacy course. This process is similar to that completed by undergraduate transfers from non-Florida state schools for General Education and Gordon Rule.

• I've met the General Education &/or Gordon Rule requirements as a student at another FL public university or college. Does this mean that I meet UNF's requirements?

  No; General Education and Gordon Rule requirements may vary across the public universities, state colleges, and community colleges within Florida. Meeting the requirements at another Florida institution does not guarantee that the requirements for UNF have been satisfied. You should request an Associate of Arts (A.A.) from your home institution in order to ensure that you will meet the UNF requirements if you transfer.

• May I make application to the program(s) while I am still completing my Nursing prerequisites?

  Yes; however, the program does have a minimum number of prerequisites that must be done by the application deadline for the admission term sought (see next paragraph) and all prerequisites must be completed by the start of the program with a "C" or better in each.

   

  Minimum prerequisite course count policy: Applicants are required to have at least five (5) of the eight (8) nursing prerequisites completed at the time of the application deadline for the admission term sought, and of these courses, at least three (3) of the four (4) science prerequisites must be done (i.e., Microbiology, A&P I, A&P II, or Additional Science in any combination). For fall candidates, we recognize that some institutions will not have grades "completed" by the May 1st application deadline; for these candidates, please continue reading the FAQs for how to properly submit Spring Grade Report Forms (SGRF).

• May I retake prerequisites? If I retake prerequisites, which attempt is considered?

  Yes; candidates are welcome to retake prerequisites to boost the competitiveness of their academic profiles. Those applicants with multiple low grades (i.e., many "C" or "B-" grades) are strongly encouraged to retake prerequisites. Individuals seeking to retake prerequisites should consult directly with the institution at which they wish to retake such courses as some will have policies against retaking "passed" coursework. If a letter is required from the School of Nursing to confirm the need for retaking courses, please contact us at nursingadmissions@unf.edu with all pertinent details and contact information for the other institution.

   

  Due to application deadlines, courses repeated through the fall term will be considered for summer admission, while courses repeated through the spring term will be considered for fall admission. We cannot consider a repeated course until the new grade is on file with UNF.

   

  Candidates who submit grades for repeated courses after they have been notified that their nursing audits (reviews) were completed should immediately contact the Nursing Admissions Office at the above email address to report that the repeat is completed and to ensure that the new course grade is applied to the Degree Evaluation (DE). Failure to do so may impact competitive ranking for interview consideration as once a course is marked as "met" on the DE, the program will not be looking for better attempts unless directed by the applicant.

   

  The School of Nursing, when calculating prerequisite GPAs, will use the best attempt of all credits that transfer to UNF. Usually, the second (2nd) attempt holds the transfer credit, but this should be confirmed directly with the UNF One-Stop Student Services at (904) 620-5555 on a case-by-case basis, if necessary.

• Will I be permitted to take the prerequisites at another institution?

  Yes; as long as the institution is regionally accredited, candidates are welcome to take the courses at the institution of their choice.

• Are spring grades considered for summer &/or fall admission in the same year (i.e., Spring 2019 grades for Summer or Fall 2019)? If not, why and what is the last set of grades that will affect my GPA for admission?

  With respect to minimum eligibility and competitiveness, spring grades are not considered for summer admission. For example, for Summer 2019 admission consideration, Spring 2019 grades will not be available at the January 15th application deadline to impact the candidate's program eligibility or competitiveness. Grades earned through Fall 2018 and filed properly with the university will be used to determine this.

   

  Similarly, for Fall 2019 admission consideration, Summer 2019 grades will not be available at the May 1st application deadline to impact eligibility and competitiveness. Grades earned through Spring 2019 and filed properly with the university will be used to determine this.

   

  See the next FAQ re: what to do if your school (non-UNF) will not have Spring grades posted by the May 1 deadline and you are considering Fall admission.

• What if my school will not have Spring grades posted by the May 1st application deadline for the Fall admission period?

  For any applicant to a Fall cohort who is taking any Spring BSN prerequisite courses outside of UNF and whose institution will not have grades posted to the online student portal by the May 1st deadline, there is a form for documenting grades. The Spring Grade Report Form (SGRF) will be required for each outstanding Spring BSN prerequisite course; you may download this form from the Admissions area of the Nursing webpage. Generally, this form should not be sent any earlier than one week prior to the deadline unless otherwise specified by the Nursing Admissions Office, should be in .pdf format, and must be sent via email to nursingadmissions@unf.edu. Confirmation of receipt will be made via email when the form is accessed and downloaded. After the deadline, once grades are posted to unofficial transcripts in student portals, those who submitted the SGRFs should send the entire unofficial to the above email the day that grades are released AND have the institution send an official transcript update to One-Stop Student Services.

   

  If any candidate has an issue with the form or reporting spring grades, notice should be sent to the above email immediately.

   

  The SGRF submission window for Fall 2019 applicants will be 12:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

• What if I am expecting a degree and it is not yet reflected on my transcripts?

  It is highly common for program applicants to be pending Associate of Arts (A.A.) or baccalaureates when application to the program(s) is made. If the degree will not be reflected on transcripts submitted to UNF by the application deadline then the applicant must email nursingadmissions@unf.edu to report the expected degree (this will be outlined in the audit completion and reminder notices sent by the program). The email should include the applicant's name (as it appears in myWings), UNF ID (N#), degree awarding institution, expected completion date, and expected degree (i.e., A.A., B.S., M.P.H., etc.). This is due by the application deadline.

• How do I document my enrollment in missing coursework?

  Missing coursework may be documented through student schedules and written enrollment plans. Student schedules should be formatted as .pdf files while enrollment plans should be sent in the body of a new email; all materials should be sent to nursingadmissions@unf.edu.

   

  Note that for Summer applicants, grades from courses through the Fall semester are due to UNF by the Jan. 15th application deadline, and spring enrollment proof/plans are due to the School of Nursing by then. For Fall applicants, grades from courses through the Spring semester are due to UNF by the May 1st application deadline, and summer enrollment proof/plans are due to the School of Nursing by then.

   

  As with the degree plans, candidates should include their full name (as it appears in myWings), UNF ID (N#), and clearly note the term (Summer or Fall) and year to which they are applying (this is because submissions for Summer and Fall tend to overlap).

• Can I apply for both the Regular and Accelerated Prelicensure tracks at the same time?

  Only one (1) university-level application (or Change of Major) is required each admission period (this is not the same as the program application). Those who meet the eligibility requirements for both tracks will be considered for both internally and should not submit more than one university-level application as it only leads to confusion and delays processing. Candidates with complete applications who are eligible for both tracks will be reviewed for the Accelerated track and ranked overall for one of the 160 interview slots. Final admission will be based on rank post-interview; the interview list is ranked and then the 36 Accelerated students are identified first by rank. Next, the remaining candidates are ranked for the 36 Regular seats. Roughly 30-35 remaining candidates will be ranked as a waiting list. The remaining candidates, if any, will be denied.

   

  If a candidate is eligible for the Accelerated track, but does not desire it, the candidate may report this on interview day to the program.

• I have a baccalaureate degree, but I do not meet the GPA requirement for the Accelerated track. May I be considered?

  If an applicant has (or will have prior to the program's start) a baccalaureate degree, but does not meet the 3.20 cumulative undergraduate GPA required for admission to the Accelerated track, the applicant may be considered for the Regular track if his/her cumulative undergraduate GPA is no less than 2.90. Candidates with less than 3.20 will not be considered for the Accelerated track.

• Are graduate-level courses considered for admission or in my GPA calculations?

  No; graduate-level courses may not be used to influence GPA or to satisfy program prerequisites. This is because graduate courses do not transfer to the university for undergraduate-level programs. There are no exceptions to this policy.

• I'm not sure if I'm eligible to apply yet and would like to discuss my potential application with someone. What should I do or who should I contact?

  General inquiries regarding the application process and admission requirements should be directed to nursingadmissions@unf.edu. Note that transcripts cannot be reviewed or commented on prior to application and transfer evaluation with the Enrollment Services team at the university level.

   

  Additionally, outside of email inquiries, the School of Nursing offers several pre-admission workshops annually called "So You Wanna Be a Nurse?" Details are located through the right-hand menu at the School of Nursing homepage. There is typically one workshop held each semester.

   

  Further, those with programmatic questions such as how the programs operate/function, and not those related to applying/getting in, should be directed to the identified Program Directors on our contact page.

   

  Finally, the Brooks College of Health Advising Office accepts walk-ins and appointments from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday during non-peak times. During Drop/Add and registration weeks, they accept walk-ins only. It is strongly recommended that individuals phone in advance to ensure that advisors will be available; they may be reached at (904) 620-2812 and are located in Brooks Brown Hall (Bldg 39), Room 2031.

• How do I apply?

  The answer to this question depends upon one's status with respect to UNF. Let me elaborate:

  1. Candidates who are currently attending another institution are considered transfer students and will need to make application to UNF using the main undergraduate application that is available through our steps under the Nursing Admissions area. A $30 application fee for the university is required; One-Stop Student Services can address whether or not a returning applicant needs to submit a new fee. They are available at (904) 620-5555. Transfer applicants will not be admitted to UNF ahead of the Nursing program's decision unless such candidates submit other applications to enroll at UNF under another program; that is, unlike other institutions, for Nursing, you are not admitted to UNF and then to the program. Your decision comes entirely from the School of Nursing. These candidates are required to submit the supplemental program application and all TEAS score reports along with any degree plans &/or enrollment proof to nursingadmissions@unf.edu by the application deadline. Transfer applicants must apply to UNF and to the program each time consideration for the Nursing program is sought.
  2. Candidates who are former UNF students, but who are not currently matriculated at UNF, will need to reapply to UNF at the university level using the same directions as those in #1.
  3. Candidates who are enrolled at UNF but under other majors must see an academic advisor in the Brooks College of Health Advising Office (Building 39, Room 2031) prior to the program's application deadline to submit a Change of Major request. This is considered your university-level application. These candidates do not need to submit an application fee; however, as noted above in #1 and #2, a Change of Major is required each time admission consideration is desired, and TEAS scores and the supplemental application form are due each time.
  4. Candidates who are currently enrolled at UNF as pre-nursing students (less than 60 hours) do not need to submit a Change of Major or university application to be considered. Rather, such candidates will be automatically considered once they are projected to reach the 60-credit hour threshold. Sometimes this projection will occur before the student is truly ready to be considered. Pre-nursing students still need to supply the supplemental application form and TEAS scores to be considered. Automatic consideration will only take place one (1) time.
• What transcripts do I need to supply?

  Transcripts from each individual institution at which any college credit was attempted must be supplied by the deadline to the One-Stop at UNF. This includes actual transcripts for AICE, IB, AP, DANTES, and CLEP courses as well as course-by-course evaluations for any coursework taken abroad. Note that if you enrolled transiently/concurrently or attended multiple colleges or universities, a transcript from each is required. UNF will not lift, consider, or otherwise review courses that are not from the actual institutions regardless of their presence on transcripts.

• Does the School of Nursing issue early admission letters for ROTC, NCP, STA-21, MECP, or AECP/AMEDD candidates?

  Yes; the School of Nursing may extend up to two (2) early admission letters for such candidates per admission period with no more than one (1) of those letters being for the Accelerated track. For details regarding the admission requirements for such a decision, which differ from those of the general applicant pool, please contact nursingadmissions@unf.edu.

   

  *All four (4) overall letters for the 2020 admission period (two per entry term) are still available, and we started considering those candidates on Jan. 2, 2019.  Please contact Dr. Dibble at nursingadmissions@unf.edu more information.

• How are candidates selected for admission in the competitive process? What has been historically competitive?

  Selection to interview is based equally on the candidates' TEAS scores and prerequisite GPAs as long as the candidates meet minimum requirements and have submitted all requested items for review. For each application period, the School of Nursing will invite ~160 candidates to interview for admission. The behavioral interviews are conducted in groups of 4-6 candidates with a 3-person panel consisting of School of Nursing faculty members and nursing leaders from the greater Jacksonville area. Questions are non-medical, non-academic in nature. Professional attire is expected; recommendations, essays, and resumes are neither required nor desired. Final admission is based 50% on the interview process, 35% on the TEAS, and 14% on the prerequisite GPA.

   

  Since the decision process for the Summer 2010 cohorts, those offered interviews and program admission have averaged 3.67-3.82 for their prerequisite GPAs and 335-345 points on the TEAS.

• How may I prepare for the admission interview?

  Those who are currently enrolled at UNF may seek interview preparation assistance from Brooks Professional Development Services; the link for nursing interview preparation is under their left-hand menu.

   

  Those who are not currently enrolled at UNF, but who are enrolled at another institution, should seek out that institution's professional development/career services unit for similar assistance.

   

  All Regular and Accelerated Prelicensure BSN applicants who are selected to interview will be invited to attend a free interview workshop hosted by the UNF Student Nurses' Association (SNA).  This workshop is led by students who have been through the process.  While questions are not revealed, they will go over what to expect that day, how to prepare, and even what to wear.  The workshop is by invitation only and is also only available in person.  Video and live stream are not usually available; however, Facebook Live may be an option in the near future.

• Generally, what do the schedules for the Regular and Accelerated Prelicensure tracks look like?

  For the Accelerated Prelicensure BSN track, students typically have three (3) days of class throughout the first semester along with and one (1) 8-hour clinical for Fundamental Nursing Concepts in the last six (6) weeks. In their second semester, these students usually have three (3) days of class, 12-hour clinicals one (1) day per week for Med/Surg, and 10-hour clinicals one (1) day per week for eight (8) weeks (four [4] shifts for Chronic/Rehab and four [4] shifts for Psychiatric Mental Health). During the third semester, Accelerated students have three (3) days of class and two (2) 12-hour clinical days each week for Complex Nursing Concepts, Women's Health, and Pediatrics (Women's Health and Pediatrics are half-term courses that switch at midterm). In the final semester, these students have two (2) days of class and two (2) 12-hour clinical days per week for four (4) weeks; students then complete 72 clinical hours with a preceptor. For more information about how the Accelerated Prelicensure BSN track operates (not admission questions), please contact the program director, Dr. Cindy Cummings.

   

  For the Regular Prelicensure BSN track, students typically have three (3) days of class throughout the first semester along with one (1) 8-hour clinical for Fundamental Nursing Concepts in the last six (6) weeks. In their second semester, these students usually have two (2) days of class and 10-hour clinicals on day per week for eight (8) weeks (four [4] shifts for Chronic/Rehab and four [4] shifts for Psychiatric mental Health. Similarly, in the third semester, these students will typically have two (2) days of class; however, they will also have one (1) 12-hour clinical per week for Med/Surg and then four (4) 12-hour days for Women's Health. These students then complete one (1) 12-hour clinical per week for Complex Nursing Concepts and then four (4) 12-hour days for Pediatrics. In the final semester, these students have one (1) day of class and two (2) 12-hour clinical days per week for the four (4) weeks; students then complete 72 clinical hours with a preceptor. For more information about how the Regular Prelicensure BSN track operates (not admission questions), please contact the program director, Dr. Judy Comeaux.

   

  Note that clinicals may be held from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the 12-hour shifts. Some clinicals may be held on weekends. Clinical days listed in the above text do not reflect homebase community hours, which are part of one's grade and are separate from hospital clinical hours.

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

• Who is required to take the TEAS?

  The TEAS is required of all applicants to the Regular and Accelerated Prelicensure BSN tracks at UNF. There are absolutely no exceptions to or substitutions for the TEAS.

• When and where is the exam offered?

  Those needing to take the TEAS should refer to the TEAS-devoted webpage for the School of Nursing.

   

  The TEAS was offered for the final time at UNF's Office of Academic Testing (OAT) on June 7, 2017.

   

  Candidates may take the exam at any open testing center of their choice. Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) now offers the TEAS at their Kent Campus; please visit our TEAS webpage for details.

• I maxed out my testing attempts at one site. What should I do?

  If you have utilized your testing attempts with one testing site (number of attempts and testing frequency are managed by the actual testing office), simply find another site at which to test. The School of Nursing is not concerned with how many times or how frequently a candidate tests. Those policies are in place per individual testing office to help ensure everyone who needs the exam is able to take it.

• What version of the TEAS is required?

  Currently, the School of Nursing accepts TEAS version V and VI. For now, those two versions are comparably scaled and scored. This practice will remain in place as long as the TEAS scoring process remains comparable with any subsequent test versions.  We will update our candidates as information regarding any changes are issued by ATI.

   

  For now, the School of Nursing will honor TEAS version V and VI scores from no more than five (5) year prior to the admission term.

• When should I take the exam, and how should I interpret my results?

  Candidates for the Summer cohorts should take the TEAS for the first time prior to Thanksgiving in order to permit time for retesting, if necessary. Candidates for the Fall cohorts should take the TEAS for the first time prior to Spring Break in order to permit time for retesting, if necessary.

   

  To find your score for TEAS version V:

  1. review your Individual Performance Profile (IPP) and locate the column of data called "Adjusted Individual Score";
  2. remove the % sign and keep the decimal places; and,
  3. sum your four (4) bold section scores (do not round up or down). This is your score for our program's admission process. We do not use the composite score in the top right-hand corner of the report as it does not calculate from the four sections equally; instead, it places greater emphasis on certain sections and is not used by our program.

  To find your score for TEAS version VI:

  1. review your Individual Performance Profile and locate the central left section of the page where the four section scores are reported;
  2. remove the % sign and keep the decimal places; and,
  3. sum your four (4) section scores (do not round up or down). This is your score for our program's admission process. We do not use the composite score (i.e., "Total Score") reported just above the section scores as it does not calculate from the four sections equally; instead, it places greater emphasis on certain sections and is not used by our program.

  Note that you are welcome to take the TEAS as many times as you desire; while all score reports are due to the School of Nursing via email by the application deadline (and are due each time you wish to be considered), we do not and will not combine sections from different attempts. This is considered super-scoring and is not a practice honored by the School of Nursing. You must have at least a 300.00 on the TEAS in one overall attempt to be considered for an interview.

   

  Examples of the correct and incorrect TEAS reports are provided for you on our TEAS webpage.

• How do I submit my TEAS scores to the UNF School of Nursing?

  All candidates should personally submit their scores via email with the supplemental application form to nursingadmissions@unf.edu. However, candidates are welcome to order their score reports to be sent to the program by ATI (fees apply per score set). The proper score report is called the Individual Performance Profile. Examples are provided in our FAQs and on our TEAS webpage.

   

  Regardless of where a candidate tests, it is his/her responsibility to ensure that the School of Nursing has received all score reports for the previous five (5) years prior to the deadline. Do not assume that your scores arrived; if you personally send them via email as directed, you will receive a reply via email once they are downloaded by the program.

RN-BSN Bridge

• What are the admission requirements for the program?

  A full list of admission requirements for both tracks may be located through the Nursing Admissions area. From there, click on the name of the track to view the details. Note that there are online and on-campus options for enrollment. The Enrollment Selection Form (ENSF) and RN licensure (or NCLEX-RN appointment proof) must be submitted as an application checklist item. This may be done through myWings as a self-upload to the application checklist; for assistance with the application checklist document upload process, please contact One-Stop at (904) 620-5555.

   

  Acceptable documents for RN licensure or NCLEX-RN appointment proof include a copy of the RN licensure wallet card, a screenshot of the state licensure verification system, and the email from Pearson showing the date, time, and location of the NCLEX-RN testing appointment.Note that for those who submit testing appointment proof, admission cannot be granted without proof of passing the exam (generally available approximately two days after testing).

• Is foreign language required for admission to the program? How can I meet this requirement?

  While completion of a foreign language is not required for admission to the RN-BSN Bridge, it must be completed prior to a certain point to continue with program enrollment. Prior to admission, the Coordinator for Online Nursing will work with applicants on developing an approved plan for completion of this requirement. For the on-campus cohorts, the language requirement must be fulfilled by the end of the second (2nd) semester; for the online cohorts, it must be completed before the final full term in the program. Those who wish to complete the foreign language requirement alongside program enrollment may do so at UNF or with another regionally accredited institution.

   

  For those who are missing foreign language and plan to complete the language requirement while enrolled in the RN-BSN program, all of the UNF General Education & Gordon Rule, Florida Civic Literacy, and BSN prerequisite course requirements must be completed prior to admission--the maximum deficiency allowance of six (6) semester hours will not apply.

   

  Those entering the RN-BSN track without a previous baccalaureate degree may satisfy the language requirement in one (1) of three (3) ways:

  1. With two (2) consecutive years of a single foreign language (or American Sign Language) in high school with passing grades in all grading periods (submit HS transcripts to One Stop in this case);
  2. With eight (8) passing credit hours of a single college-level foreign or American sign language; or,
  3. Receive certification as a bi- or multilingual student (done after admission) via UNF's language department.
• Are General Education and Gordon Rule required for program admission?

  The program does not necessarily require General Education and Gordon Rule to be met to enroll in the program; however, those requirements must be met by a certain point in program enrollment as determined by the RN-BSN Program Director and tracked by the Coordinator for Online Nursing.  Prior to admission, the Coordinator for Online Nursing will work with applicants on developing an approved plan for completion of this requirement. Note that those who wish to complete an Associate of Arts (A.A.) at UNF or with another Florida public institution may do so alongside RN-BSN program courses for both the on-campus and online formats. A maximum deficiency of six (6) total semester hours is allowed for admission with the exception of those who are missing foreign language.

   

  Final transcripts for courses taken at all institutions outside of UNF must be submitted to the One-Stop. Admission under this policy is handled on a case-by-case scenario. Note that candidates must still have enough credit hours (60 semester hours) to matriculate in the program. Additional details regarding this policy and practice may be obtained from Online Nursing.

   

  Candidate who received an Associate of Arts (A.A.) from a Florida public institution or a baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution will be exempt from General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.

• What is the Florida Civic Literacy requirement and how may it be fulfilled?

  The Florida Civic Literacy requirement was passed by the Florida Legislature in Spring 2017 and went into effect with the 2018-2019 academic year. The requirement was developed to help ensure that students have an understanding of the basic principles of American democracy and how they are applied to our republican form of government, an understanding of the U.S. Constitution, knowledge of the founding documents and how those documents have shaped the nature and functions of our institutions of self-governance, and an understanding of landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases and how they impact law and society.

   

  The requirement applies to any student   initially entering   a Florida State University System (SUS) or Florida College System (FCS) institution in Fall 2018 or later (this  does not   include instances of dual enrollment). UNF will apply the requirement to Summer B 2018 First Time in College (FTIC) admits as well as to all Fall 2018 FTIC admits. In-state transfers with pre-Fall 2018 credits from degree-seeking enrollment at a SUS or FCS institution are exempt from this requirement unless those hours were earned only during dual enrollment while in high school and did not yield an A.A. degree prior to Fall 2018.  Unfortunately, an earned A.A. from a SUS or FCS institution   will not   satisfy the requirement like it does for General Education and Gordon Rule.   Please review this  flowchart  (link will open a PDF file) to determine if you have fulfilled the Civic Literacy requirement.  

   

  For the RN-BSN Bridge tracks (on-campus and online), this requirement may be completed alongside the program courses.  Like General Education, Gordon Rule, foreign language, and prerequisite courses, this requirement may be completed alongside program courses, but will need to be fulfilled prior to a particular point in the program. For the on-campus track, this requirement must be met by the end of the second (2nd) semester; for the online track, this requirement must be met before the final full term in the program.  A maximum deficiency of six (6) total semester hours is allowed for admission with the exception of those who are missing foreign language.

  
  

  The requirement may be fulfilled through a variety of manners: AP Government & Politics: United States exam with a score of at least 3; AP United State History exam with a score of at least 4; CLEP American Government exam with a score of at least 50; UNF courses POS2041 Introduction to American Government or AMH2020 U.S. History since 1877 taken in Fall 2018 forward; POSX041 or AMHX020 from another FL SUS or FCS institution taken in Fall 2018 forward; by taking a statewide common exam through a SUS.

   

  The statewide common exam will be a 100-item test used by SUS institutions that is based on the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Test. Students who took the test for citizenship may not use that result to satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement. In January 2019, this exam became available to those currently enrolled at UNF through Canvas.  For more details and to self-enroll in the Civic Literacy Canvas exam course, please visit the Civic Literacy page developed by Undergraduate Studies.

   

  Note that AICE and IB credits are not applicable as the content does not align with the learning outcomes for the requirement.

   

  Transfer courses from non-Florida state schools with the title "American History since 1877" or "American Government" must go through a syllabus review to earn credit as a Civic Literacy course. This process is similar to that completed by undergraduate transfers from non-Florida state schools for General Education and Gordon Rule.

• How will I know if I am missing required coursework?

  After you have applied with all required materials for the application checklist in myWings, your transcripts will be evaluated first by the university's enrollment team. Those applicants who meet the minimum GPA and credit hour requirements for the RN-BSN Bridge will then be referred to the School of Nursing for program review. At that time, the Assistant Director for Nursing Admissions will evaluate the applicant's coursework for missing requirements such as program prerequisites, General Education, Gordon Rule, Civic Literacy, and foreign language. Those applicants who fully meet requirements will be admitted and will receive a welcome notice from the Coordinator for Online Nursing Programs. Those applicants who are missing coursework will be referred to the coordinator for follow-up regarding those requirements, and the coordinator will contact the applicant to discuss a potential plan for completion. A maximum deficiency of six (6) total semester hours is allowed for admission with the exception of those who are missing foreign language. Questions about this may be directed to Online Nursing.

• How do I know if my nursing program was nationally accredited?

  If you are not sure if your nursing program was nationally accredited, you should check directly with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN; formerly NLNAC) before applying. They have a search function for program status.

   

  While more rare, you may also check with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

• I'm not sure if I should apply yet and would like additional information. Who should I contact?

  General questions regarding the application and enrollment process may be directed to UNF Online at (904) 620-3577or unfonline@unf.edu.  Information may also be obtained from https://onlinedegree.unf.edu.

• What transcripts do I need to supply? How is my GPA calculated for admission?

  Transcripts from each individual institution at which any college credit was attempted must be supplied by the deadline to One-Stop Student Services at UNF. Note that this includes actual transcripts for AICE, IB, AP, DANTES, and CLEP courses as well as course-by-course evaluations for any coursework taken abroad. Note that if you enrolled transiently/concurrently or attended multiple colleges or universities, a transcript from each is required. UNF will not lift, consider, or otherwise review courses that are not from the actual institutions regardless of their presence on transcripts.

   

  Consideration for the RN-BSN Bridge requires no less than a 2.80 overall undergraduate GPA based on the courses that transfer for credit. When transcripts are submitted as part of the application process, they are evaluated for transfer by Enrollment Services. Hours from ASN program enrollment do not generally transfer to the university. This usually applies to ASN degrees completed at community or state colleges; in some cases, ASN courses completed at universities will transfer for credit.

   

  Courses taken at regionally accredited institutions in preparation for nursing enrollment such as prerequisites and General Education courses typically comprise the overall GPA. Candidates are encouraged to review where their overall GPAs stand with their ASN hours excluded in the event that those hours do not transfer.

   

  Graduate courses will not be considered toward the GPA or course requirements for the program.

• Is work experience required for enrollment in the RN-BSN Bridge?

  Work experience is no longer required to enroll in the program.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

• What tracks do you offer at the graduate level?

  As detailed under our graduate programs area, the UNF School of Nursing currently offers DNP studies for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and the generic post-MSN DNP track. Currently, the generic post-MSN DNP and PMHNP tracks are offered online, and the generic post-MSN DNP track offers courses in the traditional-semester length and in the accelerated, 8-week length formats (must choose format upon application). Admission to the FNP and CRNA tracks is competitive and is offered only after the deadline.

   

  The UNF School of Nursing does not currently offer certificate programs.

• Are entrance exam scores required to apply?

  Entrance exam requirements vary by the different DNP tracks as noted under our admissions area. The GRE is required for all DNP-CRNA applicants, while the GRE or MAT is accepted for DNP-FNP applicants. For DNP-FNP applicants with any graduate level degree from a regionally accredited institution, entrance exam scores are waived by the program; however, it is up to such candidates to notify the Graduate School and School of Nursing of this case upon application. Additionally, entrance exam scores are not required for the PMHNP or generic post-MSN DNP tracks.

   

  For those from whom scores are required, all score reports are due to the Graduate School by the deadline. The testing companies will generally only archive scores for a five-year period. There are no extensions to the application deadlines. Candidates may take the entrance exam as many times as is desired, but the School of Nursing will not combine test sections from different attempts (known as super-scoring).

• What are the prerequisite course requirements for the FNP and CRNA tracks?

  There are three general prerequisites to these tracks; however, there is no age limit on those. Instead, applicants must have had Health Assessment, Statistics, and Research with no less than a grade of "B" in each course. Candidates with questions regarding the acceptability of their coursework should contact the appropriate program director through our contact page.

• May I transfer in graduate-level work from another institution or have course requirements waived?

  Generally, those admitted may be approved to transfer in six (6) credits. Additional questions regarding the transfer or waiving of graduate-level credits should be directed to the appropriate program director list on our contact page.

• Where are the clinical sites located for the FNP track?
  Clinical sites for the FNP track are located in the northeast region of Florida due to contractual requirements between the university and the off-campus sites.
• My BSN is from a program that is not nationally accredited by the CCNE or ACEN &/or doesn't meet the AACN's Essentials of Baccalaureate Education. May I still apply?

  For the DNP-FNP and DNP-CRNA tracks, the UNF School of Nursing recognizes that there are baccalaureate nursing programs that may not be CCNE or ACEN (formerly NLNAC) accredited. In some instances, schools may hold such accreditation now but did not when the candidate was enrolled. Questions may be directed to Dr. Michele Bednarzyk for the DNP-FNP track or to NAP Admissions for the DNP-CRNA track.

   

  This question does not apply to the PMHNP or generic post-MSN DNP tracks as they require a MSN and national certification for application.

• For the DNP-CRNA track, what is considered a critical care setting?

  The Council on Accreditation (COA) defines critical care:

   

  Critical care experience must be obtained in a critical care area within the United States, its territories or a U.S. Military hospital outside of the United States. During this experience, the registered professional nurse has developed critical decision making and psychomotor skills, competency in patient assessment, and the ability to use and interpret advanced monitoring techniques. A critical care area is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the registered professional nurse manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (such as a pulmonary artery catheter, CVP, arterial); cardiac assist devices; mechanical ventilation; and vasoactive infusions. Examples of critical care units may include but are not limited to: Surgical Intensive Care, Cardiothoracic Intensive Care, Coronary Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Neonatal Intensive Care. Those who have experiences in other areas may be considered provided they can demonstrate competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology.

• The FNP and CRNA DNP tracks enjoy competitive admission. How are candidates selected? Are any waitlisted?

  For the DNP-FNP track:

  Applications and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Assistant Director of Admissions: Nursing Programs and presented to the Graduate Admission, Progression, & Graduation Committee of the School of Nursing in mid-April, annually. Based upon the information submitted, applicants will either be selected or denied for admission. This track does not currently require an interview for admission. Candidates whose applications fully meet requirements will be considered first. If space is still available after those candidates have been selected, other candidates may be considered for part-time admission. If necessary, the program will administer a waiting list.

  For the DNP-CRNA track:

  Applications and supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Based upon the information submitted, applicants will be either selected or not selected for interview. If selected for interview, applicants will be informed by letter or email and asked to choose one of the options for available interview dates. There will be a limited number of interviews conducted on each day, and the openings will be filled in the order of the received requests. Applicants not selected for interview will receive a letter to that effect, and their application process will be concluded for the year. A waiting list is generally kept after interviews in the event that an offer of admission is declined by a candidate.

   

  CRNA programs across the nation tend to be highly competitive, and applicant profiles across programs are similar. Applicants are highly motivated, typically have several years of critical care experience (currently averaging 6 years of experience), enjoy strong GPAs and GRE scores, and some have taken additional courses in advance sciences such as physiology, organic chemistry, or biochemistry. Traditionally, the majority of nurse anesthetists come from intensive care units, particularly surgical intensive care. Acute care nursing skills and experience gained in ICU nursing are not re-taught as part of the Nurse Anesthetist curriculum. Applicants whose critical care experience is other than ICU will be considered on an individual basis, but opportunity for admission may be limited when competing against a larger pool of applicants with traditional ICU backgrounds.

• May I attend part-time?

  Part-time enrollment is available in all of the School of Nursing's graduate tracks except for the Nurse Anesthetist program. That program is full-time only.

   

  Please indicate your desire for full- or part-time enrollment on the DNP Enrollment Selection Form that is now required as part of the application process for all non-CRNA DNP tracks at UNF (effective as of October 19, 2016). Your selection will be reported to the program director &/or admissions committee, as necessary.

• How often is admission offered for the DNP tracks?

  Admission periods vary by the graduate track. The FNP, PMHNP, and traditionally-formatted generic post-MSN DNP tracks each only admit for the Fall semester annually, while the CRNA track only admits for the Spring semester annually. The accelerated, 8-week semester format of the generic post-MSN DNP track offers admission to new students at the first half of each semester for summer, fall, and spring.

• I see that there are two different formats for the generic post-MSN DNP track. What option is best for me?

  Yes, the generic post-MSN DNP track is offered online in two (2) different formats. The first format consists of traditionally-formatted semesters that follow the standard UNF academic calendar. The second format consists of accelerated, 8-week semesters that loosely follow the UNF academic calendar. Under the 8-week semester format, new students may only begin in the first half of what would be a traditional semester (referred to as 1H).

   

  While the content is the same across the two tracks, some students may find the accelerated, 8-week semester format is very intense. Candidates are encouraged to present any programmatic questions and concerns to the program director prior to making application as changing between the two options is generally limited to one (1) time maximum.

• I do not possess the necessary national certification in a specialty area. May I still apply for the PMHNP or generic post-MSN DNP tracks?

  No; all admission requirements must be met and documented with appropriate forms by the application deadline. The specialty certification requirements cannot be waived.