About the BSN to DNP Program

Discover the BSN to DNP program at the University of Florida — a transformative journey that empowers aspiring nurses to excel in advanced practice. Our comprehensive curriculum, spanning 75 to 78 credits depending on your chosen specialty track, is designed to align with national DNP essentials and guide you toward the successful completion of your DNP project.

Online Learning with Campus Visits

Our program offers the flexibility of online learning, supplemented by periodic campus visits (one-day new student orientation) and clinical placements within the state of Florida. These visits are essential for health assessment, clinical courses, simulation training, and skill development.

Clinical Placements

Clinical placements are tailored to your geographic area whenever possible, but you may be required to travel outside your local area if necessary. We are committed to making every effort to accommodate your needs and minimize disruptions to your progress.

New! Doctor of Nursing Practice and nurse educator certificate

Doctor of Nursing Practice and Nurse Educator Certificate

Explore our dual option that allows you to simultaneously earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Nurse Educator Certificate—an opportunity to enhance your expertise and expand your career horizons.

BSN to DNP program specialties

Choose your path to specialization within our BSN to DNP program:

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for our program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• No GRE required
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing as a Registered Nurse from a school accredited by ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE.
• An overall GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Current, unencumbered Florida or multi-state RN License to practice as a registered nurse.
  • OR eligibility for licensure
• Demonstrated ability in (or potential for) clinical excellence and leadership.
  • For the Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP track, at least one year of critical care experience (ICU/Emergency Department) is preferred.
  • For the Pediatric Acute Care NP track, at least one year of pediatric acute care experience is required. ICU/Emergency Department experience is preferred.
• Students must be either a U.S. citizen, legal U.S. resident, or hold a valid visa.
• International students or students whose native language is not English are required to pass one of the following tests witha satisfactory score of:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
    • Computer-based: 213
    • Paper-based: 550
    • Web-based: 80
    • iBT Speaking Component: 26
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
    • Overall score: 6.5
    • Speaking Component: 7
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): Overall score: 79
  • Students must be either a U.S. citizen, legal U.S. resident, or hold a valid visa

Student Sponsorship: This program does not qualify for F-1 or J-1 student sponsorship. Legal Permanent Residents and non-immigrants are otherwise physically present in the U.S. and in a status that allows for full or part-time students, may pursue this program.

Health Requirements: All admitted nursing students, regardless of campus status, are required to complete a background check, mandatory immunization verification (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Influenza, Tetanus, and Tuberculosis), fingerprinting, and drug screening. Additionally, all students will be required to provide proof of current health insurance. Upon admission into the program, students will be provided with the steps to complete this process. The College of Nursing follows CDC guidelines and adheres to the safety regulations of our clinical partners.

Application Process

The University of Florida College of Nursing NursingCAS application for Fall 2024 is NOW available!

• The application deadline for Fall 2024 is February 1, 2024.
• All application requirements must be received by the February 1, 2024, application deadline to be eligible for admissions consideration.

The application process for the BSN to DNP program is a two-part application process. All applicants are required to complete the following:

• Submit the University of Florida Professional Program Application.
  • For general admissions information, please refer to the University of Florida Office of Admissions website.
• Submit the NursingCAS application for the University of Florida BSN to DNP program.
  • Submit your response to questions specified on the NursingCAS site, three letters of reference, a CV, or a resume.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended are submitted with the NursingCAS application.
  • Any necessary test scores are submitted with the NursingCAS application.
  • Please refer to the NursingCAS website for further instructions.