Nursing Program FAQ's

How do I apply to a Nursing program at SCF?

Apply to State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.  Complete the prerequisites for the Nusing program earning the required minimum grade point average, take and pass the Nurse Entrance Exam and complete and submit an application during the application period.
 

How will I be contacted regarding my application status?

Students will be notified via their SCF Student e-mail account.   

How many semester hours does it take to complete the nursing program?

The basic program requires 72 semester hours (14 hours of prerequisite work, 16 hours of general academic requirements, and 42 hours of nursing course work) The transition program also requires 72 semester hours (14 hours of prerequisite work, 16 hours of general academic requirements, 28 hours of nursing course work - 14 additional hours are awarded to the LPN at the completion of the nursing program).
 

What is the estimated cost of the program?

Information is provided in our website for informational purposes only.  These costs are subject to change.  Please click the name of the appropriate program for a listing of estimated costs:  Nursing  or    LPN-RN Transition

 Does SCF offer a program for a student to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

No, SCF does not offer an LPN program. In this area, students are encouraged to contact Manatee Technical Institute or Sarasota County Technical Institute for more information about LPN programs, including admission requirements.
 

After completing two semesters of the nursing program can I take the LPN Licensure Exam?  

The Florida Board of Nursing allows applicants to apply for the Practical Nurse Examination based on practical nursing equivalency (PNEQ) IE:  Applicants who have successfully completed courses, equivalent to practical nursing education in a registered nursing program. The SCF nursing program is not based upon a 1 + 1 curriculum, and therefore two semesters does not meet practical nursing equivalency. http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/ap_licensure-RN-LPN.pdf

 When should I take the Nurse Entrance Exam?

You are eligible to take the Exam after completing A&P I, A&P II, ENC 1101 and a Gordon Rule math with no grade lower than a C in any of these courses).  After careful preparation, consider taking the Exam at this point. The results are good for three years on the TEAS V and you can continue to complete the remainder of your courses.

 How can I prepare for the Nurse Entrance Exam?

Study!  Review the information on our Nurse Entrance Exam web pages – There are specialized materials available that will help to prepare you for the exam. Go to the Prepare for the TEAS link on the left side of the Nurse Entrance Exam web page.

 If I completed the Nurse Entrance Exam at another school, can I use those results at SCF?

Yes. Order an official TEAS transcript through ATI. At the time of this posting, the transcript cost is $26. The official transcript must be sent directly from ATI to blanco@scf.edu or records@scf.edu.    Please review all of the information available on the nurse entrance exam web pages.

 I passed all of the sections of the TEAS, just not at the same time.

 All three sections of the TEAS must be passed at the same time to be considered for program application.  

What classes should I be taking, after completing all general academic courses required by the Nursing program, while applying to the RN program?

Students are encouraged to complete an American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Health Care Provider CPR course through SCF's Center for Corporate & Community Development.

Students are also encouraged to contact their Academic Advisor concerning course selection. 
 

Where should I seek advisement, if I have questions regarding the nursing program?

Please contact an Academic Advisor in Student Service/Advising Center.
 

Are there any evening or weekend options with the SCF nursing program? 

A Summer 2013 LPN transition course will be offered for working LPNs.  Minimum enrollment requirement of 10 students.  Interested students should begin taking required pre-requisite courses in summer 2012.

I'm having problems printing a CAPP/Degree Audit, what should I do?

Please follow these steps:

I have credits from another institution, how will I know if they transfer to SCF?

After applying to SCF, send official transcripts from ALL previous educational insitutions attended to the SCF Educational Records office. Transcripts will be evaluated after all are received and notify you of the evaluation by sending you an unofficial copy of your transcript.
 

I'm a transfer/new student and am having problems printing a CAPP/Degree Audit, none of my classes appear.  What should I do?

You will not be able to print a CAPP/Degree Audit until  official transcripts from ALL other colleges/universities are processed by the Educational Records office. If you have been admitted to SCF for a future term your CAPP/Degree Audit will not indicate completion of any courses.  In this case, include an unofficial SCF transcript, with your application, once your transfer credits have been processed. 
 

If I am just starting from high school, can I complete the nursing program in two years?

The Basic nursing program takes four semesters to complete. Pre-requisite and general education requirements will add additional time.  Application Requirements (prerequisites) and general academic requirements are listed in the collage's catalog and this website.  

If I finish all my required prerequisite and general academic requirements, am I guaranteed to be accepted?

The nursing program is a limited enrollment program.  Completion of all or part of the required courses does not guarantee acceptance into the next program.

Please note, the College may consider past actions of any person applying for admission or enrollment and may deny admission or enrollment to an applicant based on misconduct if determined to be in the best interest of the College. Further, failure to fully disclose information in response to all questions on the College or Nursing department application for admission may result in the applicant's denial of admission, and/or expulsion/suspension from a course, program, or the College.
 

If I enter SCF and I have earned all my required prerequisite and general academic requirements at another school, do I have to apply for admission to the nursing program?

Yes, you must make a separate application to the nursing program. 
 

As a student in the nursing program, will I have to submit to background checks?

Yes, all students entering any of the College's Health Professions programs are required to submit to Civilian Criminal Records checks. 
 

Are students in the Nursing program drug screened?

Yes, random testing will be done at intervals throughout the Program.  As the testing is random, individual students may be tested a varying number of times.
 

When I complete the Associate in Science Nursing program at SCF am I a Registered Nurse?

No, upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as a registered nurse.    
 

If I have been convicted of a crime can I become a nurse?

Any student who has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or no contest to, a crime in any jurisdiction other than a minor traffic offense will need to obtain approval from the Florida Board of Nursing for permission to take the licensure examination upon completion of the SCF nursing program.  Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) is not a minor traffic offense for purposes of this matter.  

In addition, students will not be eligible to take the examination unless their civil rights have been completely restored. 

Criminal History and Discipline Information

Florida Board of Nursing:  Conviction Record Guidelines for Applicants for Licensure & Exemption