CON Home Admissions Bachelor of Science in Nursing Working Professionals Second Degree (BSN) Program Overview of the Working Professional Second Degree program

Program Overview

Second Degree Part-Time BSN Track for Working Professionals

This program is not accepting students

Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing has launched a new second-degree part-time track in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program on the Davie Campus.  The goal of the Second Degree Part-time BSN Track is to prepare working professionals, who have a bachelor degree or higher in another discipline, as professional nurses who are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) to secure licensure as a Registered Nurse. Graduates are conferred the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

According to Dr. Karethy Edwards, Associate Dean for Academic Programs, “the part time track offers students the opportunity to continue working while pursuing their nursing degree.” Course scheduling formats will include a live class one evening a week, weekends, on-line courses, and live streaming delivery course formats. With enrollments in six consecutive semesters, students can complete their BSN degree in 2 years. 

  • Dedicated State-of-the-Art Education Facility on the Davie campus
  • Clinical experiences in Broward County
  • Each class begins and progresses through the program as a group, sharing the same sequence of classes and educational experiences

Whether you are a new or returning student in our Second-degree Part-time BSN Track for Working Professionals, we are excited to welcome you to the Fall 2022 Semester. Your degree program is a self-supporting continuing education program, which operates on a cost-recovery basis.  This means that the tuition you are charged each academic year is reflective of the costs incurred by FAU in planning and providing this specialized program.

We are pleased to inform you that as a result of the Florida Legislature’s recent decision to direct additional resources to institutions with nursing degree programs, FAU will be able to use a portion of those funds to offset the tuition costs for your program. For the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters, instead of being charged the self-supporting program’s previously published rate of $719.20 per credit hour, new and returning students will instead be billed at FAU’s regular tuition and fee rates, which are outlined at the link below:  FAU | tuition breakdown

In light of the significantly reduced tuition, new students will be responsible for all material expenses including, but not limited to, white coat, uniforms, clinical equipment and ATI Nursing Integrated Learning System software access. Returning students will incur the costs of clinical equipment and the ATI software access. 

If you are receiving financial aid, you will see this tuition decrease reflected in the amount of your award for the upcoming semester.  

The FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is nationally and internationally known for its excellence and philosophy of caring science. The FAU College of Nursing is ranked number 1 in online nursing programs in Florida and 7th in the nation by US News and World Report. In 2017, FAU BSN graduates, first time test takers, ranked among the highest (#1) in Florida and the United States. 

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202)887-6791.

Professional PBSN Estimated Tuition and additional Costs by SemesterREV 8-2022

 

Admission Requirements

   Candidates who are applying to the program need to have the following requirements successfully completed:

     1. A Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in another discipline.

     2. The following are prerequisite courses:  

  • Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
  • Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
  • Microbiology with Lab
  • College Algebra or Math for Liberal Arts 
  • Statistics
  • English Composition I
  • English Composition II
  • Introduction Sociology (or higher)
  • Introduction to Psychology (or higher)
  • Human Growth & Development through Lifespan
  • Chemistry  (*lab is not required)
  • Nutrition

 All pre-requisites must be completed with a minimum of  ‘C' grade. These courses can have been completed at any time (including over 10 years). There is no expiration date on the prerequisite courses, visit FAU TRANSFER EQUIVALENCY SERVICE to see if a class transfers into FAU appropriately. Visit CLEP for the prerequisite score needed by FAU to accept the CLEP credit. There are no entrance exams (HESI) needed for admission. There are no entrance exams as part of the application process. If a course is not already successfully completed, the applicant must provide proof of courses registration when applying. Pre-requisite courses must be completed before classes start in the anticipated semester of admission. 

   3. Undergraduate or graduate degree total GPA of a 3.0 or greater. The total GPA is considered in the overall admissions process. 

   4. Interview. If these requirements are met after the committee reviews the application, the applicant will be invited to attend the interview. The final admission decision will be communicated appropriately after the results from the conducted interview. All requirements for admission must be met, the interview is NOT the only determinant of admission.  

 

Application Process

Step 1 - Complete the Departmental Preliminary Application

Item 1: Submit Unofficial Transcript(s) or Unofficial Transcript Evaluation
Upload your unofficial transcript(s) or transcript evaluation from your bachelor’s (and master’s program, if applicable). This step is NOT required for FAU graduates, as FAU already has your transcripts. If you only have an official copy of your transcripts or evaluation, please mail them directly to our office (777 Glades Rd. Bldg. 103, SF 129 | Boca Raton, FL 33431).

If you are currently registered for pre-requisite courses, also upload proof of registration.

Item 2 (if applicable): Submit Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS Exam Score
Applicants that have completed the TOEFL or IELTS, please upload your unofficial score. This is only required for students on an F-1 visa where English is not the primary language in their home country. Applicants who have completed a minimum of two years of postsecondary education in the United States are exempt from this requirement.

Step 2- Decision and Next Steps

Upon successful completion of the interview, you will be informed of your admission status. Your admissions coordinator will then send you information for the next steps to complete the application process.

 

Program Details

 

Program Details

Click here to view the complete schedule for the two-year program

Click here to view course descriptions for all the courses to be taken during the program

This program is designed for working professionals who want to continue their education in the nursing field. Students in this program take coursework in the following format:

  • One course during the week from 6:30 - 9:30 PM
  • Lab work and clinical requirements during the weekend
  • Online courses

Financial Services

Professional BSN Tuition

Methods of Payment

  1. Federal Financial Aid
  2. Tuition Reimbursement
  3. Private Lending
  4. Military/Veterans Benefits
  5. Combination of Payment Methods

Federal Financial Aid

Students whose method of tuition payment is federal financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Students who apply for Federal Financial Aid will receive award amounts depending on their tax classification: dependent or independent.

Dependent- Eligible to receive up to $5,500 in subsidized loans, and $2,000 in unsubsidized loans.

Independent- Eligible to receive up to $5,500 in subsidized loans, and $7,000 in unsubsidized loans.

The awarded amount is divided between Fall and Spring, and any residual aid not accepted will be offered in the Summer. Once awarded, the funds can be declined, decreased or accepted. The amount of tuition covered by the financial aid is deferred until the aid award is disbursed.

View the FAU Financial Aid database for comprehensive federal loan information, forms, and resources.

Tuition Reimbursement

A copy of your company tuition reimbursement policy is required by our office, as well as the amount your employer will be covering. We will provide information to you required by your Department of Human Resources. Students who are using full or partial tuition reimbursement as their method of payment receive a grade sheet and invoice or receipt at the end of each semester. The amount of tuition covered by the tuition reimbursement policy is deferred and should be received up to 30 days after grades are posted at the end of each semester.

Students with partial tuition reimbursement declare a supplemental method of tuition payment. e.g. financial aid, which covers the remaining tuition.

Self Pay Installments

A payment plan/installment plan will ONLY be available for Fall 2022.

Private Lending

Private, credit-based lending is accepted by the university to assist students with covering full or partial tuition and fees. Lending companies include banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Students are advised to consult with the lending company regarding specific eligibility requirements, interest rates, disbursement options, repayment terms, and other factors.

Military/Veterans Benefits

Students using the GI Bill must complete the VA Certification Request form with all required documents. Upon approval, an FAU VA Official will certify eligibility for funding each semester after being registered for degree-seeking courses and based on continued eligibility. Refer to www.fau.edu/vets for further details, instructions, and resources.

Combination of Payment Methods

Upon departmental approval, students can declare any combination of tuition payment methods.

If you have any questions, please contact professionalbsn@fau.edu

FAQ

Part-Time BSN Track for Working Professionals FAQs

Who qualifies for the Working Professionals Second Degree BSN degree?

  1. Applicants with bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in another discipline.
  2. Successful completion of the following prerequisite courses:
    • Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
    • Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
    • Microbiology with Lab
    • College Algebra or Math for Liberal Arts
    • Statistics
    • English Composition I
    • English Composition II
    • Introduction Sociology (or higher)
    • Introduction to Psychology (or higher)
    • Human Growth & Development through Lifespan
    • Chemistry
    • Nutrition
    All Pre-requisites must have a minimum ‘C’ earned in these courses. Pre-requisite courses must be completed before starting the Part Time BSN track. GPA is considered in the overall admission process.  
  3. Interview

How often do you admit into program?
Application Opens: TBA ,  Entry date: TBA


How much does it cost?
Tuition for Florida Residents (FAU|Tuition Breakdown). Methods of Payment include; Financial Aid, Tuition Reimbursement. Tuition is deferred pending payment of Financial Aid and/or Tuition Reimbursement, if paperwork is submitted. Please visit the Tuition & Funding page for current tuition and fees. Tuition information can be found in the FAU University Catalog under Tuition, Fees, and Refunds.


Is there an interview?
Yes. Selected applicants will be invited to complete the interview process for the Working Professionals Second Degree BSN degree.


How do I apply?

  1. Applicants submit a preliminary application along with a copy of all unofficial postsecondary academic transcripts.
  2. After the College of Nursing reviews the preliminary application, applicants will be notified via email to complete the official online FAU application.

Once admitted, where do I send my official transcripts?
Please submit all of your official transcripts to:
Florida Atlantic University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
777 Glades Road
PO Box 3091
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991


Is there a wait list for the program?
We do use a wait list between the time we make initial admissions decisions and the start of the program. However, the wait list does not carry from cycle to cycle. If you are wait listed but not offered admission and are interested in being considered for another application cycle, you will need to reapply.


When will I receive my admission decision?
Admission decisions will be emailed. Most decisions are made within weeks of interview day.


What if I still have prerequisites left?
If an applicant has prerequisites left and wants to take them at FAU they need to apply as non-degree and then register for their prerequisites.


Do I have to take my prerequisites at FAU?
Applicants can take pre-requisites at another school and apply to FAU once completed. They must first contact FAU Registrar’s Office to make sure the course will transfer. All prerequisites must be successfully completed at the time of application.


What are the hours of the program (or how much time will be involved)?
The part time track offers students the opportunity to continue working while pursuing their nursing degree. Course scheduling formats will include a live class one evening a week, weekends, on-line courses, and live streaming delivery course formats. Depending upon the study, you will spend approximately 15-20 hours per week in classes and clinical nursing practice, which does not include study time.


Will I be required to complete a background check and drug testing?
Part of the admission process is that each student must undergo a background check and drug testing. You will be given more information about this as you progress through the process (Background Check & Health Records).


If you have any questions about the process, please contact professionalbsn@fau.edu

PBSN Contact
Vanessa Robinson

Vanessa Robinson

Program Coordinator

Phone: 561-931-9012

professionalbsn@fau.edu

Anthony Holmes

Anthony Holmes

Academic Advisor II PBSN Program

Phone: 561-409-9258

professionalbsn@fau.edu