associate Degree in Nursing (r.n.)
Gulf Coast State College offers a number of different degrees and certificates leading to professional licensure. Some professions require both a degree and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements, or clinical hours. If your future plans include achieving licensure or certification, you should know that requirements vary by state.
For the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing programs, completion of program requirements makes you eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) RN or NCLEX-PN in Florida or one of the other 27 nursing compact states if you apply for a multi-state license under the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). A list of current compact states can be located on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website (https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm). If you are a student who resides outside of Florida or one of the compact states, Gulf Coast State College cannot confirm whether this degree program meets educational requirements for professional licensure in your state. Since the ADN program at Gulf Coast State College is nationally accredited, the curriculum should meet the requirements of other states; however, some states have requirements in addition to the program’s curriculum. If you wish to take the NCLEX exam in a non-compact state, please contact the board of nursing in the state to determine whether this degree will meet their licensure requirements.
The Practical Nursing program is approved by the FBON and conforms to FDOE curriculum specifications. The curriculum should meet the requirements of other states; however, some states may have requirements in addition to the program’s curriculum.
Gulf Coast State College offers a full time 2-year Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Successful completion permits the graduate to take the national exam to obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) license. The Associate of Science degree in Nursing prepares the graduate to work in a position in nursing. An Associate Degree in Nursing may be the first step in nursing to prepare the RN for further studies (through university programs) to progress in the profession to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, then a Masters of Science in Nursing degree, and then a Doctoral degree.