Pre-Nursing Timeline (FSU BSN Track)

This timeline serves as a general guide for the Pre-Nursing track at Florida State University, specifically for students aiming to apply to the Traditional BSN program. The BSN program begins every fall and is limited access and highly competitive. Admission is based on GPA, prerequisites, healthcare experience, and a proctored written essay. For personalized planning, meet regularly with your FSU Pre-Nursing and Academic Advisors via Campus Connect.

 
 

year 1

Courses: General Biology I (BSC 2010 + lab), General Chemistry I (CHM 1045 + lab), College Algebra (MAC1105) or higher, English Composition, General Psychology.

  • Resources:

    • Join FSU’s Pre-Nursing Advising Group and relevant student organizations like FSU Nursing Club via NoleCentral.

    • Schedule a Pre-Nursing advising appointment through myFSU Campus Connect to review course planning and BSN requirements.

  • Experience:

    • Begin volunteering in a hospital, nursing home, or clinic to gain patient interaction hours.

    • Research what FSU’s College of Nursing looks for in successful applicants: https://nursing.fsu.edu

SUMMER 1 – CLINICAL EXPOSURE

  • Continue gaining hands-on experience with patients (ideally in CNA, hospice, or clinical assistant roles).

  • Complete or make progress on General Education (Liberal Studies) and nursing prerequisite courses.

 

year 2(BSN Application Year)

Courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II (PET3322 & PET3323), Human Nutrition (HUN1201), Microbiology (MCB 2004 + lab), Lifespan Development (DEP 2004), Statistics (STA 2122 or 2023).

  • BSN Prerequisites must be completed or in-progress by Spring of Year 2.

  • Maintain a strong science GPA (3.7+ recommended) for BSN competitiveness.

  • Prepare your proctored essay, and continue building healthcare service hours.

BSN APPLICATION

  • Apply to FSU’s Traditional BSN program in early Spring of Year 2 for Fall admission (usually due mid-February).

  • Application includes:

    • Completed prerequisites

    • Competitive GPA

    • Healthcare experience

    • Proctored essay (writing sample done on-site)

For more information visit the College of Nursing website.

 

year 3– BSN PROGRAM BEGINS

If accepted, you’ll begin nursing school in Fall of Year 3.

  • Focus on core nursing curriculum including:

    • Fundamentals of Nursing

    • Health Assessment

    • Pharmacology

    • Clinical Rotations (hospital placements begin)

  • Join professional organizations like FSNA or Student Nurses Association.

 

YEAR 4 – ADVANCED CLINICALS & GRADUATION

  • Complete advanced coursework:

    • Adult Health Nursing

    • Pediatric, Psychiatric, OB, and Community Nursing

    • Leadership in Nursing

  • Attend BSN Capstone and prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

  • Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from FSU.

AFTER GRADUATION

  • Sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed Registered Nurse.

  • Begin working as an RN or apply to graduate programs (e.g., Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNA, etc.).