The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Registered Nursing (RN) program is a highly competitive and rigorous program that prepares students to become licensed registered nurses. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience needed to succeed in the nursing profession. However, the program's difficulty level and admission process can be challenging for many students.
Program Overview
The FSCJ RN program is a two-year Associate in Science degree program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. The program’s curriculum includes courses in nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and nursing care of various patient populations.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the FSCJ RN program is competitive, and applicants must meet specific requirements to be considered for admission. The requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent: Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent to be eligible for admission.
- Prerequisite courses: Applicants must complete prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry with a minimum grade of C.
- TEAS exam: Applicants must take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam and achieve a minimum score of 60 in reading, 50 in math, and 50 in science.
- GPA requirement: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be eligible for admission.
In addition to these requirements, applicants must also submit an application to the program, which includes transcripts, TEAS exam scores, and a personal statement.
Admission Tips
To increase chances of admission to the FSCJ RN program, applicants can follow these tips:
- Meet the minimum GPA requirement: Applicants should strive to exceed the minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 to be more competitive.
- Prepare for the TEAS exam: Applicants should prepare thoroughly for the TEAS exam by taking practice tests and reviewing the exam format and content.
- Complete prerequisite courses: Applicants should complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C to demonstrate their ability to succeed in the program.
- Submit a strong personal statement: Applicants should submit a well-written personal statement that highlights their motivation for pursuing a career in nursing and their potential for success in the program.
Applicants can also consider taking additional courses or earning a certificate in a related field, such as certified nursing assistant (CNA), to demonstrate their commitment to the nursing profession and increase their competitiveness for admission.
Program Difficulty
The FSCJ RN program is a challenging program that requires a significant amount of time and effort from students. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in nursing, and students can expect to spend a significant amount of time studying and preparing for exams and clinical rotations.
| Course | Credit Hours | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Fundamentals | 4 | High |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | High |
| Pharmacology | 3 | Medium |
| Nursing Care of Adults | 4 | High |
Students can expect to spend a minimum of 20-25 hours per week studying and preparing for classes, in addition to attending classes and clinical rotations. The program's difficulty level is due in part to the complexity of the subject matter, as well as the significant amount of clinical experience required to complete the program.
Graduate Outcomes
Graduates of the FSCJ RN program have a high pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and are well-prepared to enter the workforce as licensed registered nurses. According to the FSCJ website, the program’s graduate outcomes include:
- NCLEX-RN pass rate: 90% or higher for the past five years
- Job placement rate: 90% or higher for the past five years
- Graduate satisfaction rate: 95% or higher for the past five years
These outcomes demonstrate the program's effectiveness in preparing students for success in the nursing profession.
What are the admission requirements for the FSCJ RN program?
+The admission requirements for the FSCJ RN program include a high school diploma or equivalent, prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry, a minimum TEAS exam score, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
How competitive is the FSCJ RN program?
+The FSCJ RN program is highly competitive, and admission is based on a points system that takes into account the applicant’s GPA, TEAS exam score, and other factors.
What is the average salary for FSCJ RN program graduates?
+According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for registered nurses in the Jacksonville, FL area is around $65,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, employer, and location.
