The University of West Florida Usha Kundu, MD College of Health will launch an Entry into Practice (Direct Entry) Master of Science in Nursing program in Fall 2023. The five-semester, in-person graduate program will be offered on UWF’s Pensacola campus and Emerald Coast location, is a direct pathway to the nursing profession.
Why this matters: The registered nursing shortage in Florida is projected to increase from 11,500 to 37,400 registered nurses by 2035 based on data from the Florida Physician and Nursing Workforce 2021 report commissioned by the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida. Registered nurses can find employment opportunities with a mean annual wage of $89,010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Dig Deeper: “The Entry into Practice Master of Science is unique because this is designed for students that already have a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Crystal Bennett, the UWF School of Nursing director. “They’ve already attended a university, already have a bachelor’s degree, possibly in the sciences, but it could be in another discipline. This program allows them to change their careers, go into nursing and complete an entry-level nursing degree in five semesters.”
The deadline to enroll in the upcoming fall semester has been extended to Friday, Aug. 4. Dr Bennett said, “Folks can call 850-473-7756. Don’t worry if you get a voicemail; my staff is working really hard, and they will return your call. “
For more information about the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, visit uwf.edu/ukcoh.
