The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) RN guide is a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking to become a registered nurse (RN) in the state of Florida. With a strong focus on providing high-quality nursing education, FSCJ offers an Associate in Science (AS) degree in Nursing that prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and a successful nursing career. In this guide, we will explore the FSCJ RN program, admission requirements, curriculum, and career opportunities for RNs in Florida.
Overview of the FSCJ RN Program
The FSCJ RN program is a two-year associate degree program that combines classroom instruction with clinical training in a variety of healthcare settings. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to practice as a registered nurse in a safe and effective manner. The curriculum includes courses in nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, among others. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed as a registered nurse in the state of Florida.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the FSCJ RN program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete the required prerequisite courses, including biology, chemistry, and mathematics
- Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the prerequisite courses
- Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and achieve a minimum score of 60
Applicants who meet the admission requirements will be considered for acceptance into the program. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as the program is highly competitive.
| Prerequisite Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Biology | 4 |
| Chemistry | 4 |
| Mathematics | 3 |
| English Composition | 3 |
Curriculum and Coursework
The FSCJ RN program consists of 72 credit hours of coursework, including 45 hours of nursing courses and 27 hours of general education courses. The nursing courses cover a range of topics, including nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing. The general education courses include English composition, mathematics, and social sciences.
Clinical Training
Clinical training is an essential component of the FSCJ RN program. Students participate in clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, and community health clinics. The clinical training provides students with hands-on experience in assessing patients, developing care plans, and administering medications.
The clinical training is divided into four semesters, with each semester focusing on a different aspect of nursing practice. The first semester focuses on nursing fundamentals, while the second semester covers medical-surgical nursing. The third semester focuses on pediatric nursing and mental health nursing, and the fourth semester covers leadership and management in nursing.
| Semester | Clinical Training Focus |
|---|---|
| First Semester | Nursing Fundamentals |
| Second Semester | Medical-Surgical Nursing |
| Third Semester | Pediatric Nursing and Mental Health Nursing |
| Fourth Semester | Leadership and Management in Nursing |
Career Opportunities for RNs in Florida
Registered nurses are in high demand in Florida, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting a 12% increase in employment opportunities for RNs from 2020 to 2030. RNs can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and community health organizations.
Salary and Benefits
The salary and benefits for RNs in Florida vary depending on the employer, location, and level of experience. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for RNs in Florida was $73,450 in May 2020. RNs can also expect to receive a range of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
| Employer | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | $75,000 |
| Nursing Homes | $65,000 |
| Clinics | $70,000 |
| Community Health Organizations | $60,000 |
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, completion of the required prerequisite courses, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and a minimum TEAS score of 60.
How long does the FSCJ RN program take to complete?
+The FSCJ RN program takes two years to complete, consisting of 72 credit hours of coursework and clinical training.
What are the career opportunities for RNs in Florida?
+RNs in Florida can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and community health organizations. The BLS predicts a 12% increase in employment opportunities for RNs from 2020 to 2030.
