Nursing

Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Nursing gives students a thorough grounding in the principles, skills, and clinical experiences required for entry-level nursing practice. The ASN program covers every core component of the nursing process, from assessment and nursing diagnosis to planning, intervention, and evaluation of care. Students complete coursework in nursing fundamentals, nursing pharmacology, and clinical courses covering adult health care, maternity nursing, pediatric nursing, and behavioral health. Clinical rotations take place across approved health care agencies, giving ADN students direct exposure to real clinical environments where they apply their nursing skills alongside experienced professionals. The program prepares nursing students to pass the licensing examination and provides the academic foundation needed to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing should they choose to continue their education.

The College of Nursing at Keiser University utilizes a “students first” philosophy to increase access to nursing education for a diverse student body at the undergraduate and graduate level and prepares students to provide holistic nursing care to improve individual, community, and global health outcomes.

The ASN program prepares students to meet the following program student learning outcomes:

1. Students will utilize effective interdisciplinary collaboration within a health care environment;
2. Students will integrate evidence based technologies to support clinical decision making;
3. Students will utilize clinical judgment and reasoning to promote optimal patient care;
4. Students will model behaviors of professionalism in the pursuit of excellence;
5. Students will possess the necessary breadth of knowledge and skills for obtaining entry-level employment as a professional registered nurse.

Admission requirements for the Associate of Science in Nursing program include:

• An acceptable background check in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act (upon enrollment and again prior to the start of nursing major if needed)

• Personal interview with the Program Director or designee, and approval from the Admission Committee.

• Minimum grade of “B” for pre-requisite courses: Human Anatomy/ Physiology I and II

• Minimum grade of “C” for pre-requisite courses: Microbiology, Intermediate Algebra, Life Span Development, and general education courses

• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for general education/ prerequisite courses

• Satisfactory drug screening and completion of ALL required health screening (immunizations) in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and clinical requirements

• A Wonderlic SLE minimum score of 23 is required. The exam must be administered on site at a Keiser University campus. Applicants who fail to achieve the minimum required score on the Wonderlic SLE will be allowed to retest after a 24-hour period. If the candidate fails to achieve the minimum required score on the retest, the candidate may retest after 60 days. A fourth attempt may be made 120 days after the third attempt. Applicants who do not achieve the required score after four attempts must wait 12 months before re-starting the Wonderlic SLE testing cycle.

• The ADN program at Keiser emphasizes small class sizes, giving each nursing student more direct access to nursing faculty than they would find at larger institutions.
• Clinical experiences span a variety of approved health care agencies, providing exposure to medical surgical nursing, mental health nursing, maternity care, pediatric nursing care, and more.
• The program also supports prospective students from all backgrounds, including recent high school graduates, career changers, working professionals, and military veterans.
• The Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) supports student preparation throughout the program, helping ADN students build toward successful NCLEX-RN exam performance.

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the university’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

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Keiser University participates in federal and state financial aid programs. Students may apply for Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, and Federal Work Study through the FAFSA (School Code: 015159). Florida residents may qualify for the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) and the EASE Grant. Keiser University also offers institutional scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. An undergraduate pre-licensure Nursing Resource fee of $642 per core course applies. Tuition is $12,408/semester full-time.

Graduates of Keiser University’s associate nursing program earn the Associate of Science in Nursing and qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, opening the door to entry-level registered nurse roles across a wide range of healthcare organizations and clinical environments. This associate degree program also prepares nursing graduates to continue their education, with a clear pathway into a bachelor’s degree or BSN program for those seeking career advancement.

Career Pathways in Nursing

• Registered nurse in a hospital setting
• Pediatric nursing care
• Maternity and labor and delivery
• Outpatient clinic nurse
• Home healthcare services provider

• School or community health nurse
• Rehabilitation center nurse
• Urgent care center nurse
• Military and veteran healthcare nurse

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Nursing Career

• Safe medication administration techniques
• Patient centered care principles
• Clinical judgment and nursing process application
• Mental health nursing fundamentals
• Medical surgical nursing competencies
• Effective communication skills within health care teams
• Ethical decision making in professional nursing practice
• Nursing skills for a range of clinical environments

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Where can I complete the ASN program at Keiser University?

The Associate of Science in Nursing at Keiser University is delivered on-campus across multiple Florida locations. Clinical rotations take place at approved health care agencies near each campus, giving ADN students real-world exposure to clinical environments throughout the program.

What's the difference between an associate degree and a bachelor's degree in nursing?

The associate degree in nursing (ADN or ASN) prepares students for entry-level registered nurse roles and qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. A bachelor’s degree in nursing, such as Keiser’s BSN program, builds on that foundation with additional coursework in leadership, research, and community health, and opens the door to a broader range of career and educational opportunities.

What careers can I pursue with an Associate of Science in Nursing?

Graduates of the ASN program qualify as registered nurses upon passing the NCLEX-RN exam and can pursue entry-level nursing roles in hospitals, home healthcare services, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, mental health nursing settings, medical surgical nursing units, and more.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.

Is financial aid available for nursing students?

Yes. Students in Keiser University’s associate nursing program may qualify for grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Military veterans may also qualify for education benefits. Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all available options and create a plan that fits your situation. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.

Is the ASN program accredited?

Twelve Keiser University campuses and four off-campus instructional sites offering the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000, fax 404-975-5020. www.acenursing.org.

What admission requirements apply to the ASN program?

• Receive a satisfactory background check (upon enrollment and again prior to the start of nursing major)
• Interview with the nursing program director or designee
• Advancement to the nursing major of the ASN program is contingent the following:
• A composite score of 60 or higher on (current version) the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) nursing entrance examination within a maximum of 3 attempts in a 12-month period. The student who is unsuccessful after 3 attempts may file an appeal for a 4th attempt that is reviewed by the Nursing Program Director and the Academic Dean. (See TEAS appeal process below)
• Minimum grade of “B” for prerequisite courses: Human Anatomy/Physiology I and II (BSC2085C and BSC2086C)
• Minimum grade of “C” for pre-requisite courses: Microbiology (MBC2000C), Intermediate Algebra (MAT1033), Life Span Development (DEP2004), and general education courses)
• Good academic and non-academic standing
• Satisfactory drug screening and completion of ALL required health screening (immunizations)

How long does it take to complete the Associate of Science in Nursing?

The ASN program at Keiser University takes approximately 25 months to complete. This estimate may vary based on transfer credits, course load, and satisfactory completion of all prerequisite and nursing major courses.

How much does it cost to earn this degree?

Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify. For more detailed cost information, please contact an admissions advisor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs.

What nursing major courses make up the ASN program?

The nursing major courses for the Associate of Science in Nursing includes:

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Nursing Pharmacology
• Basic Adult Health Care
• Advanced Adult Health Care
• Maternity Nursing Care
• Pediatric Nursing
• Nursing Roles Practicum

General education requirements in behavioral science, English, mathematics, natural science, humanities, and computers round out the full 72-credit-hour program. Your academic advisor will guide your course path based on your goals and any transfer credits.

Twelve Keiser University campuses and four off-campus instructional sites offering the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, 404-975-5000, fax 404-975-5020. www.acenursing.org.

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about Keiser University accreditation.