Program Length: Usually four years

Where It's Offered: Colleges and universities.

Tuition: Costs will vary depending on your choice of a state or public institution.

Nature of Studies: Generally the first two years of general education courses will concentrate in the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. The next two years will build on this broad liberal education base, offering nursing courses in both theory and practice. Supervised clinical practice occurs in hospitals, clinics, community health agencies, and other areas of health care delivery. Beginning research techniques and leadership are also part of the curriculum.

What You're Prepared For: You are prepared to work with individuals and families, in wellness or illness settings, providing comprehensive care. With experience, you are prepared to assume positions of leadership and responsibility in a variety of practice settings.

Other Information: The collegiate path is the route to advance into a master's in nursing program where you can specialize in nursing education, administration, research, and clinical practice. This type of program is usually the entry level to practice in community health nursing. Applicants must meet the entrance requirements of the senior college or university, as well as those of the nursing program.

Do You Have What it Takes?

Those who choose nursing must have a solid academic foundation with attention to math and the sciences. Good study habits and discipline are a must. Personal qualities should include patience, flexibility and a high level of honesty and trustworthiness. A nurse has to possess leadership qualities and be comfortable with the idea of making independent decisions and delegating to others. Good organizational skills are a must.

Baccalaureate Degree RN programs

Barry University School of Nursing
11300 Northeast 2nd Ave., Miami Shores, FL 33161; 305-899-3800
Bethune-Cookman College School of Nursing
640 Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32115; 386-481-2000

Florida A & M University School of Nursing
P.O. Box 136, Tallahassee, FL 32307; 850-599-3017

Florida Atlantic Univ. College of Nursing
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991; 561-297-3887

Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Blvd. South, Ft. Myers, FL 33965-6565; 239-590-7454

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
Department of Nursing, 795 Lake Estelle Dr., Orlando, FL 32803
407-895-7893 ex. 5764 (also Associate Degree Program)

Florida International University School of Nursing
University Park, 112000, SW 8th St, Miami FL 33199; 305-348-2000

Florida State University School of Nursing
102 Duxbury Hall, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4310; 850-644-3299

Jacksonville University School of Nursing
2800 Univ. Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32277; 904-256-7280

Nova Southeastern University
3200 South University Drive, Ft Lauderdale, FL; 954-262-1962

Palm Beach Atlantic University
Box 24708, West Palm Beach FL 33416-4708; 561-803-2000

Pensacola Christian College
250 Brent Lane, Pensacola FL 32506; 850-478-8496

St. Petersburg College Division of Nursing
PO Box 13489, St. Petersburg, FL 33733; 813-341-3618

South University - Tampa
4401 North Himes Ave Ste 150, Tampa FL 33614; 561-697-9200
West Palm Beach - 1760 N Congress Ave, WPB FL 33409

University of Central Florida College of Nursing
PO Box 162210, Orlando, FL 32816-2210; 407-823-2744

University of Florida College of Nursing
PO Box 100197, Gainesville, FL 32610; 352-273-6001

University of Miami School of Nursing
PO Box 248153, Coral Gables, FL 33124-3850; 305-284-3666

University of North Florida Division of Nursing
4567 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., Jacksonville, FL 32224; 904-620-2684

University of South Florida College of Nursing
12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33612; 813-974-2191

University of Tampa School of Nursing
401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa FL 33606; 813-253-6223

University of West Florida School of Nursing
11000 University Pkwy, Pensacola FL 32514; 850-494-3802