The University of Miami

A private research university with more than 15,000 students from around the world, the University of Miami is a vibrant and diverse academic community focused on teaching and learning, the discovery of new knowledge, and service to the South Florida region and beyond.

In 2009, U.S.News & World Report recognized UM among the top-tier of national universities, ranking it No. 50 in its listings of "America's Best Colleges"

School of Nursing and Health Studies

The School of Nursing and Health Studies has set the standard for quality nursing and health studies in South Florida for more than 50 years. Established in 1948 as the region's first baccalaureate nursing program, the school has educated nurses at the master's level since 1976 and the doctoral level since 1985. In 2005 the school expanded its program offerings to include UM's health science program and changed its name to the School of Nursing and Health Studies. The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies offers all the resources of a top research university. Our programs include: BSN (Traditional, Accelerated, RN-BSN), BSHS, Masters Programs (anesthesia, acute care, FNP), Education and Doctoral Programs (DNP and PhD).

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Unlike many other nursing programs nationwide, the University of Miami admits students to the BSN program in the School of Nursing and Health Studies as Freshmen. UM freshmen are guaranteed progression to the upper division of the BSN providing they complete the pre-requisite coursework and maintain the required GPA. Transfer students from accredited 2 year and 4 year institutions may also apply.

The program requires a 4-year course of study for the new high school graduate and a 2-year course of study for the student transferring 60 credit hours.

The first 2 years of the 4-year program focus on general education course work and pre-requisite courses for nursing, particularly the sciences. The last 2 years of the program, for both continuing and transfer students, consists of nursing didactic and clinical course work.

Upon completion of the program, students graduate with a BSN degree and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX).

Accelerated Option (BSN)

(For students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree and no nursing experience. 1-year program)

This streamlined program is designed for individuals who possess an undergraduate degree in a field other than nursing. The 1-year (3-semester), full-time program begins in May and August. Upon completion of the program, students graduate with a BSN degree and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX).

2nd Degree Option (BSN)

(For students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree and no nursing experience. 1-year program)

This program is for individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree in a field other than nursing who prefer to complete their nursing studies over a 2-year period.

RN to BSN Transition

The school's RN-to-BSN program facilitates career advancement and opens a world of new opportunities for the Registered Nurse prepared with an Associate degree or a diploma in nursing.

The program consists of 30 academic credits with 30 additional credits awarded based on the RN license. Didactic coursework is completed on-line to accommodate the schedule of the working RN. Clinical requirements are met through arranged clinical experiences.

Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Nursing

The MSN degree prepares individuals for a variety of advanced practice nursing roles. Individuals choose from these clinical specialties:

• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Full- and part-time study)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (Full- and part-time study)
• Nurse Anesthesia (Full-time study only)
• Nurse Education (Part-time study only)

The Acute Care, Family, and Nurse Anesthesia programs meet the requirements to write for national certification examinations in the respective clinical specialty. Classes are taught on-campus and are not exclusively online.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The University of Miami's DNP program prepares nurses for the most advanced level of nursing practice.

The DNP curriculum features a one-year, full-time plan of study composed of 38 credits (12 classes) with a unique focus on health disparities. The plan of study is predetermined and lock-step; each cohort starts the program together and finishes together. Classes are offered in an executive-education format on one long weekend per month for 12 consecutive months. A long weekend is Friday, Saturday, Sunday and ½ day on Monday. Online components and practical experiences are assigned between classes. Students are encouraged to remain in the workforce, applying the knowledge and skills they acquire in the classroom in their practice environment.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

The PhD curriculum prepares nurse scientists to contribute to the growth of nursing research and education. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are studied with a focus on promoting nursing science through recognized methods of scholarship and inquiry. Students work with leading nurse scientists to develop a program of study focused in one of the following areas: Health Disparities and Minority Health, HIV/AIDS and Infectious Diseases, Family and Maternal/Neonatal Health, and Patient Safety.

The School offers two curriculum plans leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in Nursing, the 40-credit hour MSN to PhD Program and the 61-credit BSN to PhD Program. The School of Nursing and Health Studies provides attractive incentives to support qualified full-time doctoral nursing students during their programs. Assistantships provide:

• A full tuition waiver
• $3,000.00 monthly stipend
• Research or teaching assistantships (20 hrs/week)
• Student health insurance

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

The School offers certificate programs to MSN-prepared advanced practice nurses who wish to add on a new specialty area in Acute Care or Family Nurse Practitioner. Students take classes with SONHS master's students but only take the courses and are precepted for the hours that are deemed necessary to sit for certification. Each plan of study is individually tailored to fit with the student's prior academic background. Certificate students take classes in the semesters in which the courses are offered. Openings for post-master's certificate students are limited. A Psychiatric Mental Health post-master's specialty certificate program may be available to qualified cohorts of 15 students or more.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from University of Miami.