Atlassian uses cookies to improve your browsing experience, perform analytics and research, and conduct advertising. Accept all cookies to indicate that you agree to our use of cookies on your device. Atlassian cookies and tracking notice, (opens new window)
The purpose of this page is to provide information to admitted and currently enrolled students in the MSN and DNP programs.
Prospective students are encouraged to utilize our Prospective Student Advising services, as our academic advisors must give priority to currently enrolled, active nursing students. Prospective students are provided specific services to assist with the application process (including Information Sessions and Walk-In Advising) and can also contact our Admissions Advisor, Tina Dinh with questions.
Academic advising is a collaborative student-centered education process through which the advisor helps the student set and achieve academic goals; acquire relevant information and services; and make responsible decisions consistent with the student’s values, interests, goals, abilities, and degree requirements.
Academic advising is a shared responsibility, with students and advisors working together to develop and enhance educational plans and to promote academic success toward the realization of goals. However, the student, not the advisor, bares the ultimate responsibility for educational planning, course registration, meeting course prerequisites, adhering to policies and procedure, and progressing towards graduation requirements.
Advising is personalized to consider the individualized needs of each student, which may include appropriate referral services. In the College of Nursing, the academic advisor is a professional staff member who is knowledgeable in the curriculum of the nursing programs, university policies and resources, and all functions of the College of Nursing.
All students are encouraged to consult with their advisors at any time. Currently enrolled students can request a Microsoft Teams meeting by contacting your advisor directly by e-mail or con-gradadvising@usf.edu.
Go Bulls!
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program
The College of Nursing Graduate Clinical programs are not online programs. The programs are hybrid and will require students to come on-campus various times throughout the program. Students should also expect to attend live on-line course meetings.
We do not have a summer break. The College of Nursing graduate programs run through the summer on the alternative nursing calendar. A link to the official university calendar for alternative calendar start and end dates can be found here.
No. Some classes are only offered once or twice per academic year. This is why it is imperative to stick to your academic plan, especially with the anticipated curricular changes.
Yes, however there are limitations. Please contact CON-GradAdvising@usf.edu upon full acceptance to get the transfer process started.
Some things to note are:
· USF College of Nursing will only match courses credit for credit.
· Courses must not be a part of a closed degree plan.
· Courses taken in quarter hours will only be accepted if they meet the equivalency for semester hours (1 Semester = 1.5 quarter units).
· The maximum credits that could be accepted is 12. We do not accept clinical courses.
· Accepted courses are at the full discretion of the program director and the Office of Graduate Studies.
Students are eligible to switch from FT to PT, however, students cannot switch from PT to FT.
Students who do not progress in the FT plan must transition to a PT plan.
Full time students take four classes in their first two semesters while part-time students take two classes their first four semesters. Students are advised to check their program plan to ensure they have registered for all courses according to their program plans.
Yes. Tutoring services is available via KNACK for select graduate courses.
Work is not considered an excused absence.
Students admitted to the MSN program cannot transfer into the DNP program. The DNP program is a different degree level, therefore, students would need to revisit the admissions process and apply for the MSN-DNP program after completion of the MSN.
Students can change their concentrations with the approval of their current and prospective concentration directors. Please note students cannot change concentrations into the Family program from another concentration. It is our most popular and competitive concentration, therefore, students wanting to change to family must withdraw from their program and revisit the admissions process. Students can only change concentrations after their first semester is completed and they are in good academic standing.
Students cannot major in two concentrations.
Students who would like additional certifications can seek a post-masters/grad certificate or enter the DNP program and retool by taking additional master’s level courses, plus the DNP courses.
No, students cannot be awarded a second master’s degree in nursing.
All students are flagged as non-FL residents until they declare otherwise. You can update your status by submitting a reclassification form and supplemental documentation. Visit the residency page for more information. For further questions, please contact the USF Office of Admissions.
Textbooks can be purchased at the USF Bookstore. Once you are registered, books can be ordered by entering your student ID number or the course code. More information on ordering books can be found in Step 9 of the onboarding link.
A parking permit is required anytime you are parking on a USF campus. If you do not want to buy a semester parking pass you can purchase a daily pass on the day’s you will be on campus. More information on parking passes can be found in Step 10 of the onboarding link.
Lab coats can be ordered from the USF Bookstore in person or online. More information can be found in Step 12 of the onboarding link. If you are a DNP student, you will receive your labcoat at the DNP White Coat Ceremony. Unfortunately, this ceremony does not apply to MSN students.
Please reach out to CON-Compliance@USF.edu. You can also read more information in Step 2 of the onboarding page provided in your admission notification.
It is not a USF or CON requirement however clinical site partners may require this vaccination. If students have a religious or other exemption, they can email CON-Compliance@usf.edu for an exemption form.
Course Registration
You can register for courses according to your assigned time ticket in OASIS. This time may differ from the first day of registration. Course registration is staggered to accommodate registration for all USF students. If you do not have a ticket time, contact USF’s Registrar. Please visit Step 5 of the onboarding packet for more information.
Permit protected classes mean you can only register for a class you have been assigned a permit. You cannot register for just any course within the College of Nursing. By permit protecting the courses, this ensures students remain on track with their education plan and we maintain track of available learner seats in the program.
The CON advisors do not pre-register students for any courses. Due to financial implications, students are responsible for their own registration.
This means you have not updated your immunizations with USF Student Health Services. Please visit Step 5 of the onboarding packet for more information.
If you need help with registering for courses you can click here. Please remember that CON classes are permit protected and you can only use the provided permit codes in your OASIS account. Step 5 of the onboarding page has more information.
Financial Aid
The CON academic advisors are limited in advising students regarding their personal financial records. For assistance, please contact the main USF Office of Financial Aid.
On the Tuition, Fees & Payment menu select "View Account Summary and Pay My Bill"
Your current account balance is shown near the top of the page. All charges and payments are summarized by term.
If you are expecting an outside agency to pay for your tuition and fees, the Student Accounting Office must be provided with an authorization to bill that agency. You can find more information here.
The University does not offer payment plans. All tuition is due by Friday of the drop/add period.
First, please review the Progression Policy that will outline repercussions or breaking progression in your program plan.
Students who are taking extended leaves of absence may encounter curriculum changes upon their return. The faculty will be pushing through a new curriculum and returning students may need to adjust their program plans to the new curriculum if some courses are no longer offered. For students in the MSN program, they may be required to complete additional credits and clinical hours.
Pausing enrollment for 1-2 semesters
Student remains active in the program.
After 3 or more consecutive semesters of non-enrollment, the student will become an inactive student. To resume, the student would need to be either reinstated or reapply. Approval to return to the program will depend on learner seat or clinical placement availability.
Pausing enrollment between 1-2 years
Students can submit a Leave of Absence. Advisors can set this up in DocuSign after the student submits a letter for the packet.
Students requesting a LOA must specify the reasons for the leave, as well as the duration.
Requested LOAs may be approved for up to two years and cannot be less than one year.
LOA paperwork must be submitted before the add/drop week of the semester they are expected to being their LOA.
Students have 7 years to complete a doctoral degree, but an official LOA will “pause the clock” on the time to degree.
Students can return earlier than expected by contacting the Registrar to update their student status.
The Progression Policy still applies and there will need to be a learner seat available for the student to resume.
Schedule your advising appointment directly with your advisor. Never schedule an appointment during a class or lab time. If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, notify the advisor at least 24 hours in advance.
Be familiar with the curriculum, which is available to you through materials received upon admission and/or the university’s Graduate Catalog.
Monitor your academic progress by periodically reviewing your academic history and program plan.
Take an active role in your advising session by being prepared to discuss your educational plans and goals.
Come prepared to your appointment with any materials you want to discuss.
Be aware of any financial aid or scholarship requirements that may impact your academic planning. Review your scholarship requirements prior to your appointment so you can communicate with your advisor about these requirements when planning for future semesters.
Ask questions if you don’t understand a requirement or policy, or if you have a specific concern.
Be honest with your advisor about your academic performance, grades, and career goals.
Be aware of important deadlines (first day attendance, drop/add, withdrawal deadlines, etc.) and academic policies.
Consult with your advisor in advance on issues related to academic progress, a change in program, courses to be taken at another institution, withdrawal from courses, or withdrawal from the university.
Make decisions and take responsibility for your academic career.
Follow up on any referrals made by your academic advisor.
Check your university email account on a daily basis. Read any emails or letters that are sent to you by your advisor, the faculty, and the College of Nursing.
Communicate professionally with your academic advisor. Always be sure to leave your name, university identification number (U#) and contact information in any email or voicemail correspondence.
As a student, what can I expect from my advisor?
You can expect your advisor to:
Be accessible to you during reasonable hours through appointments, telephone, and/or email.
Understand the curriculum, admission and progression requirements for the College of Nursing, graduation requirements, and University policies.
Provide accurate information.
Discuss specific University and College of Nursing requirements, procedures, and deadlines.
Help you define and develop realistic goals and discuss the linkage between academic preparation and career opportunities.
Assist you in planning programs of study, both short- and long-term, that are consistent with your abilities and interests such as course load, academic background, program demands, and employment or personal commitments.
Help you identify special needs and acquaint you with services and programs provided by the College of Nursing and the university.
Refer you to other services, departments, and specific individuals as special needs are identified.
Monitor your progress toward educational goals and keep accurate, up-to-date records of your academic progress.
Respect your right to privacy of educational records and discuss confidential information only with appropriate individuals and for the purpose of serving your best interests.
Help you assume responsibility for your decisions and actions.
