The protracted nursing shortage of Florida has prompted state lawmakers to take action. In February 2019, the Higher Education and Career Readiness Committee of the Florida Legislature resolved to take a closer look at House Bill 381 as a means to address the scarcity of nursing professionals in the Sunshine State. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity estimates that the shortage of registered nurses will be greater than 480 in the current fiscal year, and this is happening at a time of rising demand for specialized nurses with advanced degrees.
When it comes to the nursing profession, there are many education and training programs, and each Florida National University nursing program offers specific goals. Registered nurses take one of the three educational paths. The Associate of Science in Nursing program takes the least amount of time, but it might limit in terms of finding that dream job of working as an administrator in the healthcare sector. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing will give you the training and knowledge to become a registered nurse as well as an administrator, and the Master’s Degree in Nursing will provide you with the higher-level training to influence how healthcare practices are conducted. After completing schooling, registered nurses must become licensed by passing a national licensing exam.
If you’re thinking about enrolling in an accredited nursing program in Miami, you’ll need to know which school and which accredited program benefits you and your career path the most. According to the American Nursing Association, there will be far more registered nursing jobs available through 2022 than any other profession, at more than 100,000 per year. With work available in hospitals, private practices, and nursing homes, and with more than 500,000 seasoned Registered Nurses (RNs) anticipated to retire by 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need to produce 1.1 million new RNs for expansion and replacement of retirees.
It should be noted that Florida is hardly the only state impacted by a nursing shortage in 2019; Indiana and Wisconsin are going through similar situations, and this an issue that is bound to have national repercussions because of an aging American population. The good news for nurses is that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing will continue to expand its licensing compact program and make it easier for RNs to transfer their licenses.
Accredited Nursing Programs at FNU
Florida National University (FNU) is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees in nursing. With two campus locations, in Hialeah and Miami, our curriculum is designed to teach you the tools needed to reach graduation as well as enter the nursing profession.
Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN)
The purpose of the Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) program is to prepare students for employment at entry-level registered licensed nursing positions. The program curriculum includes prerequisite science courses such as :
- Psychology
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Anatomy
The courses above will better prepare students towards core nursing classes such as Fundamentals of Nursing, Health Assessment, and Nursing Pharmacology. Students will then take courses that provide an in-depth look at various specialties, including:
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Community Nursing
- Maternal and Infant Nursing
Courses Offered in an ASN Program
The ADN program at Florida National University provides students a quality nursing education while teaching students the cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills needed to become a successful licensed nurse. The ADN program is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and Florida National University awards an Associate of Science Degree upon graduation when a requirement of a minimum of 72 credits have been met.
As previously explained, ADN are at somewhat of a disadvantage in the job marketplace because they are rarely considered for administrator roles. ADN graduates who work in direct patient contact will be paid about the same as RN colleagues who obtain their bachelor’s degrees, but their advancement opportunities will be diminished in comparison.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is to provide students with the knowledge to perform a variety of roles. Some nurses might not think a BSN is needed since the starting pay between an ADN and BSN might sometimes be the same. Yet, having a BSN will likely qualify you for administrative positions while an ADN would not. While getting a BSN is a significant investment in both your time and money, and you are bound to get a better return on your education investment.
Many nursing students rush into ADN programs because they want to enter the workforce as soon as possible; it should be noted that this could be a smart move insofar as leaving the option open to pursue a BSN in the future. The bottom line of BSN degrees is that they offer many career opportunities and handsome salaries that should not be ignored. To a certain extent, ignoring a chance to obtain a BSN is almost like leaving money on the table.
Courses You Can Expect to Take in a BSN Program
The main courses offered in the BSN program dive deeper into the fundamentals of nursing to help students qualify for more jobs in the healthcare industry. A BSN will prepare students in the areas of Nursing Theories and Concepts, Health Assessment, and research, leadership, and health promotion across the healthcare setting.
Graduates of the accredited BSN program will learn the knowledge and skills needed to practice patient care and also to pass the NCLEX exam. FNU awards a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion with a minimum of 120 credits.
Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN)
The Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) is a program designed to build on the knowledge students learn from earning a BSN. It is a degree that is most helpful for students who aspire a career in upper management in the healthcare sector.
Upon completion of the accredited MSN program, you can look forward to earning some of the highest salaries in this career sector; plus, you will improve your chances of landing better shifts that do not require you to work long overnight hours. RNs who go the extra mile with their education by getting their MSN can also explore lucrative specialization options such as nurse practitioner, a profession with a salary estimated by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics to be around $123,780 per year in 2021. For more information about career opportunities in the nursing field, please get in touch with one of our advisers today.
Type of Courses You’ll Take in FNU’s MSN Program
The core courses in the master’s degree program focus on Nursing Theory, Nursing Research, and Health Policy. The MSN program gives students the knowledge to study specialties in three concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, Nurse Leadership/Management, with a total of 36 credit hours required for graduation from all three concentrations.
Scholarship Opportunities for Nursing Students at FNU
At Florida National University, we offer numerous scholarship opportunities to our students, some of which include the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program as well as the City of Hialeah Parks & Recreation Scholarship. Our semester of 16 weeks is divided into two eight-week terms, but the MSN does not provide eight-week terms. Students take two courses each semester with classes offered year-round. Our academic calendar allows students to finish their programs faster than traditional programs that, in turn, get them into the workforce more quickly. We know many students are unable to attend on-campus classes, and this is why we offer many of our courses online; we can also provide a combination of online courses or on-campus courses to accommodate your schedule.
Some of the scholarships available to Florida National University nursing students are based on academic merit while others recognize community service and engagement. Qualified international students may apply for scholarships associated with associate degree programs. Even if you are not able to benefit from scholarship programs, our financial aid counselors will be happy to help you find alternatives.
Our dedicated job placement staff helps both students and alumni get ready for the workforce by building productive and positive business partnerships with potential employers. We also work with local hospitals in the private and public sectors and host job fairs, as well as offer resume, interview, and job search assistance and workshops.
If you are considering becoming a nurse, or have questions about our nursing programs, contact an FNU adviser today to plot your route to success. For a full list of FNU’s programs, you can view our entire academic catalog here. A career in nursing is waiting for you!
FNU Nursing Accreditation
BSN
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Florida National University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
MSN
The master’s degree program in nursing at Florida National University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
