Admission to the BSN to MSN program is competitive and is based on a review of materials submitted and on resource availability. The applicant is responsible for compiling and submitting the complete set of materials. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Applicants must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements, as well as requirements for admission, which are listed in the USF Graduate Catalog. Certain concentrations are highly competitive.

Nurses with a BSN are prepared to enroll directly in graduate course work. The total number of credits required is specific to the nursing concentration.

Important Information: In addition to USF Student Health Requirements students should be aware that additional vaccines or screenings may be required after matriculation by clinical partners based upon federal mandate. Any exemptions related to immunizations are granted at the discretion of our clinical partners. The College cannot guarantee an exemption will be granted. Failure to be in compliance with clinical partner requirements will jeopardize the start of clinical coursework and successful program completion.

Additionally, students are required to complete a background check, drug screening, and more. Candidates for admission must meet all legal requirements to be licensed to practice nursing in the State of Florida. As such, candidates for admission must disclose any conviction or plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or no contest to a misdemeanor or felony in any jurisdiction (other than minor traffic offenses). All misdemeanors and felonies must be disclosed, even if adjudication was withheld. Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) are not minor traffic offenses for purposes of this disclosure.

Technical Standards for Admission and Progression 

Students will also be required to provide proof of current health insurance. Admitted students will be provided with the steps to complete this process.

Prior Conduct

Applicants to USF College of Nursing are asked prior conduct questions which can impact admission to the nursing program. Please note the following:

The NursingCAS application will require applicants to respond “yes” or “no” to the following questions:

Misdemeanor: Have you ever been convicted of a Misdemeanor, even if the record was sealed? 

Felony: Have you ever been convicted of a Felony, even if the record was sealed? 

Responses to questions above will be evaluated by the USF College of Nursing and will be verified through level one and level two background check post-admission. It is emphasized that a free and clear background check is mandatory for clinical partnerships, and any discrepancies may lead to ineligibility and admission rescission. Applicants must acknowledge the importance of this verification process and the implications for their application. Applicants will be required to authorize the continuation of the application review under these conditions, believing that their background check result will be free and clear. Prospective students are strongly advised to consider this requirement before applying to any program in the USF College of Nursing.

Expunged records are often not disclosed by applicants but may still appear in a criminal background check.Expunged records, records that have gone through an official expungement process, do not need to be disclosed. Sealed records or nol processed records should be disclosed. Admitted nursing students are assigned clinicals and the clinical placement sites require a level one and two background check. In the event an expunged record is reflected on one of the background checks, a student’s admission to the nursing program may be rescinded with the designated appeal process granted. If permitted to continue in the program, the College of Nursing cannot guarantee clinical placements and students may be asked to withdraw or be dismissed from the College based on the restriction at an assigned site. USF does not control, nor can USF alter the results of the background check to remove expunged records that may be reflected in the background check report.  

Graduate Applicants: Applicants who have successfully obtained an RN license in the State of Florida after the incident(s) occurred may be permitted to continue in the program. Additional review may be required.

The College of Nursing strongly recommends applicants consider withdrawing their NursingCAS application if they believe it may be affected by the background check and reapply if there is a future resolution that will provide a clear background check.

Applicants who meet the admission requirements should complete the steps below to successfully apply.

1. Submit a Graduate Admissions Application
• USF Graduate Admissions Application
• For all questions, contact the USF Admissions Office at (813) 974-3350 or visit the website
• Note: Do not upload supplemental documentation, please bypass these sections of the application (e.g., test scores, transcripts and personal statements)
2. Submit a NursingCAS Application
• NursingCAS Application
• Submit all required documentation through NursingCAS

Required Documentation: All documentation (e.g., transcripts, resume, certifications, etc.) must be submitted to NursingCAS by the deadline in order for applications to be considered.

Interview Requirement: In addition to fulfilling the application requirements, a personal interview with faculty will be required.

Learn more by attending an information session and application workshop.

International Admissions

Foreign Transcripts: All coursework and degrees completed outside the United States require a course-by-course evaluation from an approved evaluating agency. Foreign transcript evaluation services are approved by the USF Graduate School. Please note that the Florida Board of Nursing maintains its own list of approved evaluating agencies. Transcript evaluations must be received by NursingCAS electronically or in their original sealed envelopes by the deadlines posted.

English Language: Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must demonstrate English proficiency. Please see USF Graduate Catalog for more information or contact USF Office of International Admissions.

Term: Fall Only
Campus: Tampa

NursingCAS Application Opens: August 15
NursingCAS Priority Application Deadline: February 15
NursingCAS Deadline to Apply: July 1 (EXTENDED TO JULY 15!)
NursingCAS Verification Deadline: July 15

Click here for USF Admissions dates/deadlines

Note:

• All concentrations will admit students on a space available basis after the deadline to apply. See the current space availability.
• Priority admission will be limited to those meeting the priority deadline.
• The first round of admission decisions will be sent to students via email after the priority deadline of February 15th.