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 Summer 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 May 15th, 2023. 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:

The RN-BSN program will not be offering courses past summer 2023.
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.
It is USF policy that 30 of the last 60 credits are completed at USF in order to meet the residency requirement

If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please contact your RN academic advisor (see below):

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. Please note: this is a manual process so please allow 48 hours after completing the appropriate steps for registration holds to be removed.

Step 1: Purchase a Background Check, Drug Screening, & Immunization Verification for the College of Nursing & begin uploading your information

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 to which can assist you in understanding the required documentation for Castle Branch. Please click here to view the guide: Castle Branch

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, there may be a chance that it will be required in the future. If you plan to receive the vaccination you can upload documentation into Castle Branch. If you don't plan on receiving the vaccination there will be a waiver that you can request from our Compliance Officer.

To remove the Castle Branch hold on your account, you must purchase the package and complete your drug test, background check, and upload your health insurance documentation.

All other Castle Branch requirements must be completed and approved by the first day of classes (May 15, 2023).

Please follow the steps below to get started.

Purchase your CastleBranch account IMMEDIATELY using your USF email ($165)
Go to https://portal.castlebranch.com/UD98
Select Place Order –> College of Nursing –> RN to BSN
Select Code UF17: I am a new student ordering for the first time
Once purchased you will receive instructions from Castle Branch within 48 hours
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

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

The USF College of Nursing Student Academic Compliance Office (CON-COMPLIANCE@USF.EDU ) can assist you if the Castle Branch Customer Service cannot resolve an issue.

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"

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.

Step 2: Complete Mandatory College of Nursing Online Orientation & Quiz

The College of Nursing requires all students to complete a mandatory Online Orientation and quiz in order to register for courses. 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.

Step 3: 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.
- Statistics (and its pre-requisites) must be taken before Semester 3.
- 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.
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.

Step 4: Determine if You Need to Complete and Return the USF Health Immunization Form from Student Health Services (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/

Step 5: 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

Step 1: Register for Classes!

Once you have completed the steps in Section I 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 the Planner tab in DegreeWorks to confirm your semester one Nursing courses
To search and register for your courses, please watch this video tutorial:
You can also view this document for registration instructions.

There will be a $100 late fee if you register after Friday, May 12th. For more information please view the fee information HERE

Step 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 5012.
For more information, call 813-974-2357.

Step 3: Complete HIPAA Certification

RN-BSN students are required to complete the HIPAA certification by May 15th, 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.

Step 4: Ordering Textbooks

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

Visit the USF Bookstore in-person
Call (813) 974-4984 to place your order
Go to the website - https://www.bkstr.com/usftampastore/shop/textbooks-and-course-materials

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.

Step 5: Review the Computer Requirements, Writing Expectations and Campus Resources 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 .

All USF students have the ability to down Microsoft Office 365 for free. You can read more about it here: https://www.usf.edu/it/documentation/office365/personal-download.aspx

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:

Step 6: 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.

Click here for the tutorials

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

https://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/nursingnews/canvas-has-a-mobile-app/

Step 7: 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

Step 1: Mandatory First Day Attendance

Your courses have a mandatory first day check in online on May 15th! 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).

Step 2: Tuition Payment

Tuition is due at the end of the first week of classes (Friday, May 19th at 5:00 PM).

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

Step 3: Add/Drop

You have until Friday, May 19th at 5:00 PM of the first week of the semester to make modifications to your schedule (add/drop) with no academic or financial penalty.

Step 4: Keep Up With Your Academic Advisors

Advisors 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

Step 5: Submit Final Transcripts

Once your final grades have posted and/or your degree has been awarded at your current institution in Spring 2022, 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.

Welcome to the USF College of Nursing!!

Dates to Remember:

March 27th

Registration for summer/fall 2023 begins

May 12th

Last day to register without $100 late fee

May 15th

Classes Begin - Log into your courses!

Castle Branch requirements must be complete & approved

May 19TH

Last day to add/drop courses without financial penalty by 5pm

Tuition is due by 5pm

Section 1: Prior to Registration

Section 2: Prior to the Start of the Semester

Welcome to the USF College of Nursing!!

Dates to Remember:

March 27th

May 15th

May 19TH

Library Resources:

Contact Us:

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

Phone: 813-974-2191
Fax: 813-974-3118

Section 1: Prior to Registration

Section 2: Prior to the Start of the Semester

Welcome to the USF College of Nursing!!

Dates to Remember:

March 27th

May 15th

May 19TH

Library Resources:

Contact Us:

USF College of Nursing,Student Affairs12901 Bruce B. DownsBlvd., MDC 22Tampa, FL 33612Phone: 813-974-2191Fax: 813-974-3118

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

Phone: 813-974-2191
Fax: 813-974-3118

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