Students may enter the programs at one of three levels, as:
- Student taking general college courses.
- Student specifically seeking the Associate degree courses.
- Registered Nurse seeking to complete the Bachelor's degree requirements.
Associate of Science Degree in Nursing
The purpose of the Associate of Science degree in Nursing program is to prepare competent, entry-level nurses to provide wholistic nursing care to individuals and families in a structured environment. The program is grounded in Christian principles, organized in a progressive manner, and built on a foundation of arts and sciences. The program provides the educational foundation for those who choose to pursue a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing. The curriculum for the Associate of Science degree program requires two calendar years or five trimesters of full-time study. Upon completion of the Associate degree requirements, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Students may apply for admission to Associate degree nursing courses at any time while they are completing their prerequisite courses. Applications must be received three months prior to the trimester in which the applicant wishes to begin. On-campus students admitted to the Department of Nursing have sequential access to both the Associate Degree Nursing program and the Baccalaureate Degree program. Upon successful completion of the Associate degree requirements, students must inform the Office of Enrollment Services of their intention to progress to the online Baccalaureate degree program and identify the trimester of desired enrollment. Students are strongly encouraged to take their NCLEX-RN and complete any and all internship-type programs necessary for employment prior to beginning the on-line Baccalaureate nursing courses.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
The FHCHS Department of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) designed to prepare professional nurses to provide wholistic healthcare to individuals, families, and communities. The program is grounded in Christian principles and integrated with courses from the arts and sciences that enrich the course of study and contribute to the development of a broad worldview of nursing. A graduate from this program is prepared to use theory and research-based knowledge as a designer, coordinator, and manager of wholistic healthcare in diverse settings. The program provides a foundation for the graduate to enhance professional growth, facilitate career mobility, and establish a foundation for graduate studies.
This program is structured to provide two plans of study leading to the BS Nursing degree:
- The Four-Year Option (FYO) BSN for the beginning (pre-licensure) student
- RN-BS Completion Option (CO) for the Associate or Diploma Registered Nurse.
The Four-Year Option
The Four-Year Option Bachelor of Science in Nursing blends the traditional classroom, electronic resources, and clinical settings. This blended learning modality provides easy access to course content at any time, and helps students apply the knowledge gained in the classroom in a practical way. The curriculum for the FYO requires four calendar years or a minimum of nine trimesters of full-time study. Upon completion of the FYO requirements, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Students have up to seven years (84 months) from their admission to the College to complete the program.
The Completion Option
The RN-BSN Completion Option provides registered nurses quality instruction through a multi-dimensional distance learning environment, allowing students to further their education while maintaining their current professional careers. Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences collaborates with Embanet-Compass Knowledge Group, LLC in the delivery of the distance education CO. Students participate in a virtual community of learners and are mentored via online communication. The lead instructor and section adjuncts monitor student success. Students have up to five years (60 months) from their start date to complete the program.
