School of Nursing

Prepare to lead with compassion, clinical excellence and confidence through the many UWF School of Nursing undergraduate, graduate and certificate nursing programs. Whether beginning a nursing career, completing a bachelor’s degree as a registered nurse or pursuing advanced practice, leadership or education roles through a graduate degree, students gain the knowledge and skills to improve health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

Mission

To be a catalyst for excellence and innovation by delivering high-impact, competency-based educational experiences. In collaboration with clinical practice partners, we are committed to preparing nurses who can meet the evolving healthcare needs of all populations. Our aim is to cultivate nurses who excel at every level of professional practice and who are guided by a commitment to excellence, integrity, fairness, belonging, and compassionate care for all.

Vision

As transformational leaders, we prepare future nurses in person-centered care, enhancing their knowledge, skills, and competencies to improve regional quality of life. Committed to excellence in clinical practice and lifelong learning, our competency-based approach equips graduates to be proficient, compassionate caregivers with strong clinical judgment, communication, and ethical decision-making. We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment that respects different perspectives and supports individualized learning needs. By addressing the broader factors that influence health, we empower future nurse leaders to confidently meet society’s evolving healthcare needs with confidence and compassion

Values

The UWF School of Nursing is committed to compassionate, person-centered care grounded in ethical practice, accountability and excellence. We foster innovation, collaboration, continuous learning and open communication to prepare nursing professionals who advance the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Direct Entry MSN Program

The Entry into Practice "Direct Entry" Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for those who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree and now wish to obtain their nursing degree to become a licensed registered nurse. Scholarships will be available for this program. The University of West Florida School of Nursing achieved an overall 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025, while the Direct Entry MSN program achieved a 100% pass rate.

For more information, please email cohnursing@uwf.edu.

Big values. Bigger impact.

We move with purpose. Driven by a care and concern for our fellow man—and the world—we're creating the next generation of healthcare professionals who are impacting their communities and the world, not just because of what they do, but because of the way they do it. Whether you are interested in a B.S. in Nursing (Pre-licensure) degree or our RN to BSN Online program, the UWF School of Nursing can help you achieve your goal of becoming a nurse!

The School of Nursing is now offering on-campus tours. To schedule a tour, please email us at cohnursing@uwf.edu.

UWF School of Nursing News

The Princeton Review Top Online Nursing Programs

The UWF Online Master of Science in Nursing has been ranked a Top Online Nursing Programs of 2022 by the Princeton Review. This prestigious recognition highlights online programs that offer flexibility, affordability, access to innovative technologies, students from a diversity of career backgrounds and global opportunities.

UWF nursing graduates NCLEX-RN pass rates

UWF Dr. D.W. McMillan Traditional BSN graduates have a 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2025.

UWF Dr. D.W. McMillan RN to BSN Program #2 Ranked Online RN-BSN Program in Florida 2023

We are thrilled that the University of West Florida's online RN-BSN has been recognized as one of the best in Florida for 2023 by RegisteredNursing.org.

FNP Pass Rates

UWF FNP graduates have had a 3-year average pass rate of 93% on the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners FNP Certification Exam.

Melissa Albright, BSN, RN MSN Nurse Educator presented a Simulation Debriefing workshop for SON faculty

Melissa Albright, BSN, RN is a MSN Nurse Educator student graduating next month. Melissa presented a Simulation Debriefing workshop for SON faculty. Her mentors during her nurse educator practicums have been Dr. Tina Ho and Dr. Jill Van Der Like.