NURSA:BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated Option Program

Specialized Admissions Requirements for the Accelerated Option of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Accelerated Option (AO)-BSN degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, comprised of 62 lower division credits transferable from prior baccalaureate or graduate degree, that must include all nursing prerequisites.

A criterion-based point system is used for admission evaluation of applicants to the A.O. BSN program. Contact an advisor for information on the point system. Applicants must apply by the published deadline to be considered for admission. Once a class is filled, there are no deferred admissions. Previous applicants who wish to be considered for admission in the next application cycle must submit a new application, along with any supporting documentation.

Applicants to the Accelerated Option (A.O.) Program must submit an application for admission to the University and must follow the regular University procedures. Applicants must also complete an A.O. college application. Applicants must be admitted to the University before admission to the A.O. nursing major. All admission documents must be submitted, and courses must be completed by the posted college application deadline preceding the admission for A.O. students. Students interested in the A.O. program should contact the College to make an appointment with the Office of Student Services advisors as early as possible. The College is located on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, (305) 348-7709, or call the Biscayne Bay Campus (305) 919-4421

The Accelerated Option (A.O.) Program is a specialized admissions status program; and therefore, admission is competitive based on previous academic performance, utilizing a holistic student approach, and additional criteria for entry into the BSN Program. A criterion-based point system is used for the admission evaluation of applicants to the A.O. program.

To be admitted to the A.O. Program, applicants must:

(1) Have earned a baccalaureate degree from an (US Department of Education recognized accrediting agency) accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0; (62 transferable credits)

(2) Have completed all nursing prerequisites with a minimum of a “C” grade;

(3) Have a minimum GPA of 3.25 for all nursing prerequisites;*

(4) Have completed all required prerequisite science courses within the last 10 years;

(5) Have met entry requirements for computation and reading skills; and

(6) Be recommended for admission by the Undergraduate Nursing Admissions Committee.

Program Objectives 

Upon completion of the BSN, graduates will be able to:  

(1) Synthesize knowledge from nursing and related disciplines in the provision of care to clients within the health-illness continuum throughout the life span. 

(2) Utilize creative leadership to promote quality health care and patient safety in a rapidly changing multicultural, multiethnic, and global environment. 

(3) Synthesize and apply evidence and research findings from nursing and from other disciplines to improve or change nursing practice. 

(4) Use appropriate and current technology and skills in the delivery of safe and effective patient care.

(5) Function as an advocate and change agent in influencing healthcare policies, delivery, economics, and health disparities to improve the quality of health for diverse populations. 

(6) Collaborate and communicate with members of the health care team in the delivery of individualized, cost-effective and ethical health care services. 

(7) Demonstrate an understanding of accountability, responsibility, values, and standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct that impact on the role and practice of the professional nurse. 

(8) Utilize theoretical knowledge and clinical competencies in caring for culturally diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings.

Program Policies 

Students who enter FIU without an Associate of Arts (AA) degree, transfer from out-of-state, or transfer from a private community college must meet the FIU core curriculum requirements. See a nursing advisor (305) 348-7703 in the Office of Student Services for admission information. 

Nursing students are responsible for transportation expenses related to clinical experiences. They are required to carry health and accident insurance.  To safeguard the health of clients, nursing students are required to submit proof of health examination and immunizations upon entry into the nursing program. Students must submit proof of basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification (American Heart Association) prior to entering clinical courses in the nursing major.  This CPR certification must cover the period of enrollment in the program.  

The Florida Board of Nursing and clinical agencies require the disclosure of arrest and conviction records for misdemeanors and/or felonies; therefore, this information will be required at the time of application.  Applicants are required to submit to criminal background checks and drug testing. Expenses associated with background checks and drug testing (including repeat testing) are the responsibility of the student. Findings may affect a student’s ability to participate in clinical experiences and complete the program, and/or obtain registered nurse licensure.  

In addition to undergraduate tuition and fees, nursing students may be charged a fee for courses with an “L” suffix for laboratory supplies. 

Students who request a transfer from another nursing program must provide a letter of good standing from the nursing program in which they were enrolled. 

The College reserves the right to terminate a student from the nursing program for reasons related to the inability to carry out professional responsibilities safely.  

Note: The programs, policies, requirements, and regulations listed in this catalog are continually subject to review in order to serve the needs of the University’s and College’s various publics and to respond to the mandates of the Florida Department of Education, Board of Governors, the Legislature, and other regulatory and accrediting agencies. Changes may be made without advance notice. Please refer to the General Information section for the University’s policies, requirements, and regulations. Please refer to the College's website for updated information on nursing.

Admissions Requirements for Foreign-Educated Physicians (FEPs) Seeking a BSN Degree

Applicants must:

(1) Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA

(2) Have a Doctor of Medicine degree from an accredited medical school outside of the U.S. shown through the completion of a course by course evaluation obtained through a NACES accredited evaluation company (naces.org). Student must provide translations of their Doctor of Medicine transcript from a NACES (naces.org) accredited company. FIU will review all college/university transcripts in-house at no additional charge to students.

(3) Have a minimum of 550 on Paper-Based TOEFL exam, or 80 on the Internet-Based Test (TOEFL), or minimum of 6.5 IELTS band score, or completion of ENC 1101 and 1102 from a regionally accredited college or university. *TOEFL Paper-Based Exam is offered at the FIU English Language Institute (eli.fiu.edu).

(4) Applicant cannot have previously obtained an RN license.

(5) Applicant must apply to FIU Undergraduate Admissions (admissions.fiu.edu), the Nursing AO-BSN Program and Nursing CAS by no later than the posted deadline.

(6) Applicant must have successfully completed the following nursing prerequisites (with grade of ‘C’ or above): statistics, human growth & development across the life span, and human nutrition. Transcripts will be evaluated by NWCNHS.

(7) Applicant must complete all prerequisite courses no later than the SUMMER A term of the year in which they are applying for; bachelor’s degree must be conferred no later than the SPRING term of the year in which they are applying; AND have been completed within the last 10 years. If older than 10 years, they must be repeated.

(8) Applicant must provide a copy of their social security card and ensure they are in compliance with Board of Nursing requirements for licensure.

(9) The Florida Board of Nursing and clinical agencies require the disclosure of arrest and conviction records for misdemeanors and/or felonies; therefore, this information will be required at the time of application. Applicants are required to submit to criminal background checks and drug testing. Expenses associated with background checks and drug testing (including repeat testing) are the responsibility of the student. Findings may affect a student’s ability to participate in clinical experiences and complete the program, and/or obtain registered nurse licensure.

FEP applications require the following prerequisites ONLY:

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There are no majors associated with this program.

There are no tracks, specializations, concentrations, areas of emphasis, or other curricular offerings associated with this program.