Florida International University - Florida Review

Florida International University (FIU) School of Nursing has awarded entry-level baccalaureate degrees in Nursing for the past 25 years.

All undergraduate and MSN-level tracks of study are fully accredited by the regional authority, SACS, as well as the Florida Board of Nursing (for entry-level BSN program), and CCNE, a Nursing accrediting body. Graduates of the BSN entry-degree program are eligible to take the license examination to become a Registered Nurse. In addition to the BSN-entry option, RN's seeking the BSN degree may enroll in a computer-enhanced degree completion option.

In addition to FIU, there are two more university-based Nursing programs in Miami-Dade County, Florida, which private universities offer. Private universities charge significantly higher tuition than in-state fees, although the margin of difference has narrowed. On the other hand, out-of-state tuition compares with local private universities such as Barry University in Miami Shores and the University of Miami in Coral Gables.

Graduate students, with proof of Florida residency, pay more per semester hour than undergraduates (2009-2010 academic year: $340.68 graduate vs. $128.30 undergraduate tuition; $844.76 per hour -- graduate out-of-state vs. $541.60 for undergraduate). Therefore, FIU's MSN and PhD students pay graduate tuition rates, which are more than double the undergraduate schedule.

Prospective entry-level students will want to take note of the passing percentage of first-time State Board (NCLEX) by FIU's BSN graduates. Middle of the road summarizes the average quarterly performance rates for FIU graduates. FIU has boasted peaks as high as 97% in the past 7 years, but has reached a recent 5-quarter average of 85%. First-time NCLEX examinees statewide in Florida average between 80-86%.  Chances are better that graduates of programs in five states have a 90% or higher chance to pass the NCLEX on the first try. These states are: Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Oregon, and Louisiana.

Technology has been a strength of FIU during the current and previous administrations. Library periodicals and circulating materials achieve merit thanks to shared resources among all units of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Also a strength FIU offers is its selective and competitive admissions policies. Given that almost 58% of Miami-Dade households do not speak English as the first or dominant language, it is no meager achievement that this commuter and public university maintains a pool of highly qualified applicants.

MSN tracks as much diverse as geared to both traditional classroom and distance-education options. Nurse practitioner options include Adult Health, Family Health, Child Health, Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Nursing Anesthesia. Graduates are eligible to complete certification examinations in sub-discipline, and may apply for advanced practice licensure (ARNP) with the Florida Board of Nursing. In addition to these MSN tracks, there is a comprehensive administrative option for nurse executives and several sub-specialty certificates. A PhD program was added a little over 5 years ago.

A final note must be added about the first in the nation entry-level nursing program exclusively for graduates of foreign medical schools. Voice of America recently produced an English-language report about this BSN track. It may be accessed at the following URL: http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-04/2008-04-07-voa39.cfm?CFID=294211071&CFTOKEN=94790043&jsessionid=66306bc71f83b58dc5987b142a664e6d4c4c