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College of Nursing  >   Office of Student Affairs

Dear Student:

The following packet includes detailed information about the onboarding process for the RN-BSN program at the University of South Florida’s College of Nursing for the Spring 2022Spring 2023 semester.

It is essential that you read the information below in its entirety. There are several steps required before you are allowed to register for classes, as well as additional information to prepare you for your first semester in the RN-BSN program.

Classes begin on January 10th9th, 20222023. Your courses have a mandatory first day check-in online. If you do not log in to your courses and complete any required assignments by those deadlines, you will be dropped from your course(s).

Please note:

  1. The RN-BSN program will not be offering courses past summer 2023. 
  2. The program is intended to be part-time (6 credits/semester) to ensure the success of our working RN’s. Each student will have an individualized program plan created for them and placed into their DegreeWorks audit planner.
  3. Consecutive enrollment is expected in the RN-BSN program (Summer, Fall and Spring semesters) in order to ensure graduation by summer 2023. 
  4. Experiential Learning hours must be completed in the state of Florida.
  5. It is USF policy that 30 of the last 60 credits are completed at USF.

If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please contact your RN-BSN academic advisor:

Maikelyn Lopez mlopez21@usf.edu 


Appointments:  Phone and virtual appointments can be made through USF's online appointment scheduler-Archivum


We look forward to working with you!

Warm Regards,
USF College of Nursing - RN Academic Advising

 

Section 1: Prior to Registration

You will not be able to register for courses until these items have been completed and verified. You will receive an email notification that your holds have been removed and at that time you will be cleared to register at your assigned registration time. Please note: this is a manual process which can take up to 48 hours after completing the appropriate steps.

The below hyperlinks expand into multiple steps. This functionality may not work on your cell phone. You may need to view using a computer or tablet. 


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titleStep 1: Complete Intent to Enroll form in SOAR

To confirm your admission to the College of Nursing, you must complete the Intent to Enroll form via SOAR (https://hsccf.hsc.usf.edu/soar) no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5th. 

  • To complete this form, you will first log into your SOAR (College of Nursing) application (https://hsccf.hsc.usf.edu/soar).
  • Under the "Welcome" section, you will see a message saying Congratulations on being ACCEPTED…
  • Below this message will be a link to the Intent to Enroll form
  • If you would like to enroll in the College of Nursing’s Spring 20222023 program, click "I Accept Admission" and press "Submit"
    • If you have decided NOT to enroll in College of Nursing’s Spring 20222023 program program, click I DECLINE Admission and press "Submit"
    • On the next page, please indicate your ‘reason for declining’ and click "Submit" at the bottom of the page.
  • You will not receive a confirmation email
    • To view your confirmation, find your Spring 20222023 ACCEPTED application under the Applications on File section and click on the "Intent to Enroll" button
If your form is not submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 5, please reach out to your Academic Advisor.


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titleStep 2: Complete Mandatory Purchase a Background Check, Drug Screening, & Immunization Verification for the College of Nursing Online Orientation & Quiz
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titleStep 5: USF Health Immunization Form (optional depending on schedule)

The USF Health Immunization Form from Student Health Services is not the same as the Castle Branch Profile immunization requirements and cannot be used in-lieu of completing the Castle Branch immunization requirements.

  • The USF Health Immunization Form is required ONLY if you plan on attending on-campus courses for any required general education courses, Foreign Language, or State Mandated requirements.
  • The hold for the USF Health Immunization Form will always show on your student account unless you complete the above form. If you choose to only take online courses, this hold should never prevent you from registering for your courses.
  • If you plan to take on-campus classes, the form must be completed by a licensed ARNP or Physician. Office stamps and/or additional attached documentation will not be accepted in lieu of a Provider’s signature and license number. Immunization records, along with your signed USF Medical History form, can be scanned and submitted electronically on the Student Health Services website - https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-health-services/immunizations/
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titleStep 6: Attend the Virtual RN-BSN Welcome and Connect Event

We strongly encourage you to take the opportunity to join us online for the Virtual RN-BSN Town Hall Event. You'll get to meet some of the faculty that will be teaching your courses. You'll also get to meet your academic advisors. There will be a short presentation followed by question and answer session. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended.

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titleStep 7: Review Your Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements
Log into OASIS to view your Financial Aid information. Be sure to note your credit limit (if applicable). If you have any questions regarding your account, please schedule with the USF Health Office of Financial Aid by using Archivum.

Section 2: Prior to the Start of the Semester

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titleStep 1: Register for Classes!

Once you have completed the steps in Section 1 and received email notification that the holds have been removed from your account, you are able to register for your courses.

If you are seeking tuition reimbursement though your employer be sure to confirm policies and requirements prior to registration!

To register:

  • Please review that Planner tab in DegreeWorks to confirm your semester one nursing courses
  • To find the CRN, use "Student Schedule Search" accessible via OASIS. Please watch these video tutorials: https://www.usf.edu/registrar/register/index.aspx 

There will be a $100 late fee if you register after Friday, May 13th. For more information please view the fee information HERE

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titleStep 2: Obtain USF Photo ID Card

All new USF students should obtain a USF Photo ID before the start of the Summer 2022 semester.

You will need $10.00 (cash or check), a photo ID, and your USF ID number.
You can order online via their website here HERE or visit their office on campus.

  • Student Service Building (SVC) Room 1032. 

  • For more information, call 813-974-2357. 

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titleStep 3: Complete HIPAA Certification

RN-BSN students are required to complete the HIPAA certification before May 16th, 2022. 

  • Please note: if you previously completed a HIPAA certification through your employer, this can be used in-lieu of completing the certification below. Please make sure you upload to your Castle Branch Account. 
    • Access the website https://portal.castlebranch.com/ud98

    • Please select UF17hipaa:HIPAA eLearning Tracker

    • After you have completed HIPAA training, be sure to print a copy of your certificate as this must be uploaded to your Castle Branch Account.
    • NOTE: Please disable any pop-up blockers before attempting the modules. In addition, make sure to follow all on-screen instructions when exiting the modules. Incorrectly exiting the modules may result in not receiving full completion credit for your attempt. For additional assistance, please contact the Service Desk at 888-723-4263 or visit https://mycb.castlebranch.com/help for further information.
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titleStep 4: Infection Control Modules

All students must complete the infection control training before May 16th, 2022 because it is a requirement for Castle Branch.

Please complete the following COVID-19 modules/courses (2 total).

NCSBN--2 modules

You will need to register for the modules.  They are free.  Your confirmation email will come from "Canvas Catalog" and it will ask you to confirm your address for "ICRS Connections Catalog".  It will ask you to create a password and then push you to a Canvas platform.  This is not the USF Canvas platform.  Once you are "enrolled" in one course, you can click the link to the other course and "enroll" to have it added to your dashboard.  

Once you have completed both modules, click on the "badges" link.  Click on each "badge" on the button "view details" (only appears if you hover the mouse over the badge).   Do NOT click download.  Take a screen shot or picture of the window that pops up when you click "view details" that has the completion date and your email address for verification.  Please submit that screen shot in your Castle Branch.  

Module 1

COVID-19: Epidemiology, Modes of Transmission and Protecting Yourself with PPE (Links to an external site.)

Module 2

COVID-19: Nursing Care

For assistance, please contact the USF College of Nursing Student Academic Compliance Officer Mr. Shawn Afflick (safflick@usf.edu)

Step 5
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title

The All College of Nursing requires all students are required to complete a mandatory Online Orientation and quiz. Through this orientation, you will become acquainted with program and college policies.

  • Please click here to complete the Online Orientation
  • The Online Orientation satisfies the USF Orientation requirement. You do not have to attend an on campus transfer orientation but you are more than welcome to sign up if you wish.
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titleStep 3: Purchase a Background Check, Drug Screening, & Immunization Verification for the College of Nursing

All College of Nursing students are required to complete a Background Check, Immunization Verification, and Drug Screening for the College of Nursing via CastleBranch.com.  The College of Nursing has created a guide which can assist you in understanding the required documentation for Castle Branch. Please click here to access: Castle Branch 

Fingerprinting, background check, and drug testing must be completed by Friday, December 31, 2021 in order to ensure we receive results by the time courses start. Verification of health insurance must be uploaded into Castle Branch by January 3, 2022. Students that do not meet this deadline will forfeit their seat in the program. 

All other Castle Branch requirements should be completed by the first day of classes (January 10, 2022). 

Note about the COVID-19 Vaccine requirement: Receiving the COVID-19 vaccination is not required by the university or College of Nursing at this point. However, if you have received the vaccination there will be a place to upload proof in Castle Branch. 

If you are a former student returning RN to BSN student, please update any out of date vaccinations in your previous Castle Branch account. You will also need to re-do a background check and drug screen. Follow instructions below.

  1. Go to https://portal.castlebranch.com/ud98
  2. Place order
  3. Select College of Nursing
  4. Select RN-BSN
  5. UF17dt: Drug Test RE-Check
  6. UF17lev1bgre: Level 1 Background Re-Check

If you are a HCC Concurrent student, please follow the below instructions to purchase your new Castle Branch account.

  1. Purchase your CastleBranch account IMMEDIATELY using your USF email ($153)
  2. Go to https://portal.castlebranch.com/UD98 
  3. Select Place Order –> College of Nursing –> RN to BSN
  4. Select Code UF17: I am a new student ordering for the first time
  5. Once purchased you will receive instructions from Castle Branch within 48 hours
  6. The urine drug screen must be completed within 72 hours after receiving your instructions
    1. If the drug screening is not completed within 72 hours of purchase, an additional cost will be required as the drug screen package will need to be re-purchased ($38).
  7. HIPAA Instructions are below Section 2 - Step 3
  8. Infection Control Modules Instructions are below: Section 2 - Step 4

Please contact Castle Branch with any questions regarding the uploading of documentation or requirements for your profile.

When completing the waiver for the Florida FDLE Fingerprints, please follow these directions:

  • Name of Qualified Entry: University of South Florida
  • Check One: Please check "Volunteer"

The USF College of Nursing Student Academic Compliance Officer Mr. Shawn Afflick (safflick@usf.edu) can assist you if the Castle Branch Customer Service cannot resolve an issue. 

Please note that this is not a one time process. You, the student, must monitor all requirements and keep them up to date during the time of your enrollment in The College of Nursing. Failure to keep the programmatic and clinical requirements up to date will result in a HOLD on your course registration and/or clinical placement.

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titleStep 4: Review Personalized Program Plan in DegreeWorks

Your individual program plan and degree audit (showing outstanding General Education/State Mandated graduation requirements) can be accessed through USF’s online degree audit system, DegreeWorks. You can access DegreeWorks through OASIS (http://oasis.usf.edu/) using your NetID and password.

All students are highly encouraged to make an appointment with their Nursing advisor to discuss their personalized program plan. We offer appointments virtually and over the phone. Please schedule an appointment through our online appointment scheduler - Archivum.

Maikelyn Lopez mlopez21@usf.edu 

Items to note when reviewing DegreeWorks:

  • The Planner tab in DegreeWorks will show a split screen; one screen showing the full degree audit (items in green are complete; items in red are outstanding) and one screen showing your Nursing degree plan for your entire program.
    • RN Nursing coursework is intended to be taken in the order listed in your program plan. If you register for a Nursing course outside of your program plan without pre-approval, you may be dropped from that course.
    • Statistics (and its pre-requisites) should be taken before NUR4169C.
    • The High Impact Practice and Ethical Reasoning & Civic Engagements are built into your Nursing coursework and will be covered by core Nursing classes.
    • A Portfolio requirement is built into your Nursing coursework and will be graded at the end of NUR4634C in your last semester.
    • If you have outstanding USF outstanding graduation requirements, your academic advisor has made recommendations and put those into your DegreeWorks audit. If you have concerns about scheduling, please consult your Academic Advisor.
  • USF Undergraduate Admissions has taken into consideration transfer credit received from your previous institutions. However, DegreeWorks sometimes requires manual application of those credits to the College of Nursing requirements, so please let us know if you see anything missing that you think you have taken.
  • If you attended an ASN school that granted credits based on the quarter system - please schedule an appointment with your Advisor as soon as possible to ensure you will meet the final credit requirements.
  • If you attended an LPN to RN program OR a Diploma Nursing Program - please schedule an appointment with your Advisor as soon as possible to ensure you will meet the final credit requirements
  • Note that your ASN Nursing courses have not been counted for credit - if you are in need of additional credit in DegreeWorks in excess of the 30 credits in nursing and any other outstanding requirements you have, we will count your nursing courses for credit to cover the outstanding value. This will happen in your first semester once you're enrolled.

a Background Check, Immunization Verification, and Drug Screening for the College of Nursing via CastleBranch.com.  The College of Nursing has created a guide which can assist you in understanding the required documentation for Castle Branch. Please click here to access the Castle Branch  Guide.

Fingerprinting, background check, and drug testing must be completed by by the time courses start.  Students that do not meet this deadline will forfeit their seat in the program. 

All other Castle Branch requirements should be completed by the first day of classes (January 9th, 2023). 

If you are a HCC Concurrent student, please follow the below instructions to purchase your new Castle Branch account.

  1. Purchase your CastleBranch account IMMEDIATELY using your USF email 
  2. Go to https://portal.castlebranch.com/UD98 
  3. Select Place Order –> College of Nursing –> RN to BSN
  4. Select Code UF17: I am a new student ordering for the first time
  5. Once purchased you will receive instructions from Castle Branch within 48 hours
  6. The urine drug screen must be completed within 72 hours after receiving your instructions
    1. If the drug screening is not completed within 72 hours of purchase, an additional cost will be required as the drug screen package will need to be re-purchased.

When completing the waiver for the Florida FDLE Fingerprints, please follow these directions:

  • Name of Qualified Entry: University of South Florida
  • Check One: Please check "Volunteer"

The USF College of Nursing Student Academic Compliance Officer Mr. Shawn Afflick (safflick@usf.edu) can assist you if the Castle Branch Customer Service cannot resolve an issue. 

Please note that this is not a one time process. You, the student, must monitor all requirements and keep them up to date during the time of your enrollment in The College of Nursing. Failure to keep the programmatic and clinical requirements up to date will result in a HOLD on your course registration and/or clinical placement.


Expand
titleStep 3: Complete Mandatory College of Nursing unsafe-Online Orientation & Quiz

The College of Nursing requires all students to complete a mandatory Online Orientation and quiz. Through this orientation, you will become acquainted with program and college policies.

  • Please click here to complete the Online Orientation
  • The Online Orientation satisfies the USF Orientation requirement. You do not have to attend an on campus transfer orientation but you are more than welcome to sign up if you wish.


Expand
titleStep 4: Review Personalized Program Plan in DegreeWorks

Your individual program plan and degree audit (showing outstanding General Education/State Mandated graduation requirements) can be accessed through USF’s online degree audit system, DegreeWorks. You can access DegreeWorks through OASIS (http://oasis.usf.edu/) using your NetID and password.

Items to note when reviewing DegreeWorks:

  • The Planner tab in DegreeWorks will show a split screen; one screen showing the full degree audit (items in green are complete; items in red are outstanding) and one screen showing your Nursing degree plan for your entire program.
    • RN Nursing coursework is intended to be taken in the order listed in your program plan. If you register for a Nursing course outside of your program plan without pre-approval, you may be dropped from that course.
    • The High Impact Practice and Ethical Reasoning & Civic Engagements are built into your Nursing coursework and will be covered by core Nursing classes.
    • A Portfolio requirement is built into your Nursing coursework and will be graded at the end of NUR4634C in your last semester.
    • Most USF General Education requirements that you may need can be taken at any time during your program, but our recommendations are listed on your degree plan.
  • USF Undergraduate Admissions has taken into consideration transfer credit received from your previous institutions. However, DegreeWorks sometimes requires manual application of those credits to the College of Nursing requirements, so please let us know if you see anything missing that you think you have taken.
  • Note that your ASN Nursing courses have not been counted for credit - if you are in need of additional credit in DegreeWorks in excess of the 30 credits in nursing and any other outstanding requirements you have, we will count your nursing courses for credit to cover the outstanding value. This will happen in your first semester once you're enrolled.


Expand
titleStep 5: USF Health Immunization Form (optional depending on schedule)

The USF Health Immunization Form from Student Health Services is not the same as the Castle Branch Profile immunization requirements and cannot be used in-lieu of completing the Castle Branch immunization requirements.

  • The USF Health Immunization Form is required ONLY if you plan on attending on-campus courses for any required general education courses, Foreign Language, or State Mandated requirements.
  • The hold for the USF Health Immunization Form will always show on your student account unless you complete the above form. If you choose to only take online courses, this hold should never prevent you from registering for your courses.
  • If you plan to take on-campus classes, the form must be completed by a licensed ARNP or Physician. Office stamps and/or additional attached documentation will not be accepted in lieu of a Provider’s signature and license number. Immunization records, along with your signed USF Medical History form, can be scanned and submitted electronically on the Student Health Services website - https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-health-services/immunizations/


Expand
titleStep 6: Attend the Virtual RN-BSN Welcome and Connect Event

We strongly encourage you to take the opportunity to join us online for the Virtual RN-BSN Town Hall Event. You'll get to meet some of the faculty that will be teaching your courses. You'll also get to meet your academic advisors. There will be a short presentation followed by question and answer session. While not mandatory, it is highly recommended.


Expand
titleStep 7: Review Your Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements
Log into OASIS to view your Financial Aid information. Be sure to note your credit limit (if applicable). If you have any questions regarding your account, please schedule with the USF Health Office of Financial Aid by using Archivum.


Section 2: Prior to the Start of the Semester


Expand
titleStep 1: Register for Classes!

Once you have completed the steps in Section 1 and received email notification that the holds have been removed from your account, you are able to register for your courses.

If you are seeking tuition reimbursement though your employer be sure to confirm policies and requirements prior to registration!

To register:

  • Please review that Planner tab in DegreeWorks to confirm your semester one nursing courses
  • To find the CRN, use "Student Schedule Search" accessible via OASIS. Please watch these video tutorials: https://www.usf.edu/registrar/register/index.aspx 

There will be a $100 late fee if you register after Friday, January 6th. For more information please view the fee information HERE



Expand
titleStep 2: Obtain USF Photo ID Card

All new USF students should obtain a USF Photo ID before the start of the Summer 2023 semester.

You will need $10.00 (cash or check), a photo ID, and your USF ID number.
You can order online via their website here HERE or visit their office on campus.

  • Student Service Building (SVC) Room 1032. 

  • For more information, call 813-974-2357. 


Expand
titleStep 3: Complete HIPAA Certification

RN-BSN students are required to complete the HIPAA certification before January 9th, 2023. 

  • Please note: if you previously completed a HIPAA certification through your employer, this can be used in-lieu of completing the certification below. Please make sure you upload to your Castle Branch Account. 
    • Access the website https://portal.castlebranch.com/ud98

    • Please select UF17hipaa:HIPAA eLearning Tracker

    • After you have completed HIPAA training, be sure to print a copy of your certificate as this must be uploaded to your Castle Branch Account.
    • NOTE: Please disable any pop-up blockers before attempting the modules. In addition, make sure to follow all on-screen instructions when exiting the modules. Incorrectly exiting the modules may result in not receiving full completion credit for your attempt. For additional assistance, please contact the Service Desk at 888-723-4263 or visit https://mycb.castlebranch.com/help for further information.



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titleStep 4: Ordering Textbooks

Textbooks for online classes may be purchased through the USF Bookstore in three different ways:

  • Instructions on how to identify your course textbooks for the College of Nursing:
    • Go to the website - https://www.bkstr.com/usftampastore/shop/textbooks-and-course-materials
    • Option 1: You may find the books you need with your 8-digit Student ID #
    • Option 2:  Click on "Enter Courses", select "USF Tampa" as your program and the term from the drop-down menu. Then, select NUR for department, course number and section number to view and and add your selection to the cart. 
      • If you do not know certain details of your course (number or section) use your registration info from OASIS
    • *If no textbooks are listed, it may mean that your instructor has not yet added them. Contact your instructor for more information.


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titleStep 65: Review the Computer Requirements, Writing Expectations, & Campus Resource Documents

The RN-BSN program courses are 100% online (not including the experiential learning hours) and require daily access to the online classroom (Canvas) and email. 

All USF College of Nursing students are required to have a laptop/notebook computer with wireless internet connection. Students are also required to have a compatible webcam and microphone. The webcam and microphone should either be built into your notebook or be a portable model. Specific information on requirements can be found here. Students in all nursing courses are expected to meet these requirements to successfully participate in their courses. Failure to meet these technology standards may result in inability to complete course or program requirements. It is the student's responsibility to ensure all requirements are met prior to the start of the semester. The USF Computer Store offers laptop "bundles" and discounted software for registered students. For more information, visit http://www.computerstore.usf.edu.

Additionally, as a Baccalaureate program, the RN-BSN program will expect a certain level of scholarly writing. Review the following documents to help prepare for and understand the program’s requirements:


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titleStep 76: Review Canvas Tutorials and Download the App!

The following link will help you to navigate and to better understand CANVAS, USF’s online portal for classes.

Canvas has a mobile app for your tablet and phone! Follow the link below for download instructions!


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titleStep 87: Review the College of Nursing Handbook

Learn more about the College of Nursing, our academic policies, and our student resources by reading the College of Nursing Handbook found here.


Section 3: The First Week of Classes and Beyond


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titleStep 1: Mandatory First Day Attendance

Your courses have a mandatory first day check in online on May 13thJanuary9 th!  If you do not log in to your courses and complete any required assignments by the deadline, you will be dropped from your course(s).


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titleStep 2: Tuition Payment

Tuition is due at the end of the first week of classes (Friday,  May 20th at January 13th at 5pm).

  • VISA is not accepted by the Cashier’s Office for tuition payments
  • If you are seeking tuition reimbursement though your employer be sure to confirm policies and requirements prior to registration


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titleStep 3: Add/Drop

You have until Friday, May 20th January 13th at 5pm of the first week of the semester to make modifications to your schedule (add/drop) with no academic or financial penalty.


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titleStep 4: Keep up with your Academic Advisor

Your advisor cannot assist with any difficulties if they are not made aware of the problems. Please communicate any difficulties during the registration process with your advisor(s).

  • Check the Canvas RN Academic Advising message board for important deadlines and scholarship information
  • Check USF email DAILY and link to your smart phone
  • Archivum Appointments: Phone or In-Person appointments can be made through USF's online appointment scheduler -  Archivum



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titleStep 5: Review Experiential Learning Information for Semester II

The RN to Bachelor’s curriculum is designed to integrate new practice related knowledge and skills to function in the professional role as a Baccalaureate prepared nurse.  Students typically complete NUR4828C: Essentials of Healthcare Leadership & Management in the second semester of the BSN program. 

If you plan to move out of state during your RN to BSN program you must contact your advisor ASAP. Experiential Learning hours must be completed in the state of Florida.

The Experiential Learning within NUR4828C consists of 10 hours of one-on-one interviews and observational experiences. The learning is facilitated by the professor of your course using multi-modal strategies. 


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titleStep 6: Submit Final Transcripts

Once your final grades have posted and/or your degree has been awarded at your current institution in Fall 20212022, please do not forget to send an official transcript to USF Office of Admissions. If the Office of Admissions does not receive your final transcripts they can place a hold on your account which will prevent you from registering for future courses.


Dates to Remember:


November 1st
October 31st
  • Registration for spring
    2022
    2023 opens
November 5th
  • Intent to enroll deadline
December
3rd
8th
  • RN - BSN Virtual town hall Event
December 31st
  • Deadline to complete fingerprinting, background check, and drug screen
January
7th
6th
  • Last day to register for classes without late fee ($100)
January
10th
9th
  • Classes Begin - Please log into courses on the first day and complete assignments or you will be dropped for non-attendance
  • All Castle Branch requirements must be completed and approved
January
14th
13th
  • Last day to Add/Drop courses  without financial penalty by 5pm
  • Tuition is due by 5pm


 

Library Resources:

Contact Us:

USF College of Nursing,
Student Affairs
12901 Bruce B. Downs
Blvd., MDC 22
Tampa, FL 33612

Fax: 813-974-3118