Why Earn Your Nursing Degree at Saint Leo University?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Saint Leo University is a competitive, limited-access nursing program designed to prepare students for success as professional caregivers and healthcare leaders in today’s complex medical environments.
If you’re looking for a nursing degree in Florida that blends clinical excellence, leadership development, and hands-on experience, Saint Leo delivers.
This program is offered:
Campus
The Direct-Entry Freshman BSN degree program begins with a combination of arts and sciences and nursing courses in the first two years, followed by nursing major courses in years three and four.
Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
NCLEX-RN Preparation & Licensure Eligibility
Graduates of the Saint Leo University BSN program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN® (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) — The licensure exam is required to become a Registered Nurse.
Start Your Nursing Journey at Saint Leo
Join a values-driven university committed to:
- Academic excellence
- Community engagement
- Ethical healthcare leadership
- Preparing nurses who lead with compassion and confidence
👉 Apply Today - NursingCAS
👉 Request Information
👉 Schedule a Campus Visit
Undergraduate Nursing Program Details
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is inspired by a “simple to complex” course curriculum, educating students on the foundations of professional nursing and then advancing to coursework in acute care, population and global health, and chronic care and End-of-Life-Care (ELNEC) and palliative nursing concepts, as well as research to assure life-long focus on evidence-based nursing practice.
View BS Nursing Curriculum Plan
View BS Nursing Course Descriptions
Additional information about tuition, fees and cost of attendance can be found at https://www.saintleo.edu/tuition-financial-aid/tuition
Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Saint Leo University is a direct-admit nursing program as a freshman. Students who meet admission requirements are admitted directly into the BSN major as freshmen and begin taking nursing coursework during their freshman and sophomore years.
Admission to the BSN program does not guarantee progression into junior-level clinical nursing courses. Students must maintain all progression requirements and successfully complete designated prerequisite and support coursework to be eligible to continue into the upper-division nursing curriculum.
Students may enter the BSN program during either the Fall or Spring semester. Transfer students may also be admitted directly into the BSN major if admission requirements are met and space is available.
Progression to Junior-Level Nursing Courses
To progress into junior-level nursing courses, students must submit an application through NursingCAS during the sophomore year and meet all progression requirements. Progression is competitive, and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee selection.
To be considered for progression into the junior-level nursing sequence, students must:
- Earn a cumulative college grade point average (GPA) of 3.30 or higher by the end of the semester preceding progression.
- Complete all required non-nursing prerequisite and support courses for a total of 54 credit hours; and NUR 301, and NUR 303 prior to beginning junior-level nursing courses.
- Earn a grade of C or better in all required prerequisite and support courses except College Algebra (MAT 151), Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (BIO 140/BIO 140L), Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (BIO 150/BIO 150L)
Earn a grade of B or better is required in the following courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, and College Algebra with grades of B or better before the application deadline.
- Prerequisite courses may be repeated only once.
- Take all sections of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) examination and submit official scores through NursingCAS. A minimum composite score of 72 is required. To remain competitive, higher scores are recommended. The TEAS may be attempted up to three times within a calendar year, with a minimum of 30 days between attempts.
- Be in good academic standing with Saint Leo University.
Clinical Compliance Requirements
Students selected for progression into junior-level nursing courses must successfully complete all clinical compliance requirements by the designated deadline, including:
- Health history and physical examination
- Required immunizations and health documentation
- Drug screening
- American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Background check and any additional requirements established by clinical agencies
Progression into clinical nursing courses is contingent upon satisfactory completion of all compliance requirements.
Transfer Students
Students transferring from another institution may be admitted directly into the BSN program if admission requirements are met. Transfer students who have attended another nursing program must be eligible for progression and in good standing at their previous institution.
Catalog course descriptions and course syllabi may be required to determine equivalency of prerequisite coursework.
NOTE: the Nursing Program does not accept transfer credit from StraighterLine or Sophia Learning for:
- Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
- Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
Application Timeline
The application period for progression into the Fall 2027 junior-level nursing cohort opens August 6, 2026.
- Priority Application Deadline: March 1, 2027
- Extended Application Deadline: May 31, 2027
Admission to junior-level nursing courses is competitive, and successful applicants often exceed the minimum progression requirements.
A Contemporary BSN Program Built for Today’s Healthcare System
Saint Leo’s nursing curriculum combines:
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Generalist nursing practice
- Applied clinical judgment
- Evidence-based nursing research
- A strong Culture of Health framework
Students develop advanced skills in:
- Interprofessional communication
- Patient-centered care
- Population and global health
- Acute and chronic care
- End-of-life and palliative nursing (ELNEC concepts)
Our curriculum follows a “simple to complex” progression, beginning with foundational nursing principles and advancing into specialized, high-impact clinical practice areas.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge from nursing and other disciplines in forming the basis for clinical judgement and nursing practice.
- Demonstrate communication and collaboration skills to support achievement of positive health outcomes.
- Apply current evidence in nursing practice and principles of safety and quality in health care in care delivery.
- Demonstrate knowledge of nursing interventions supportive of a Culture of Health in delivery of holistic, person-centered care that supports achievement of positive health outcomes.
- Demonstrate professionalism consistent with the ANA Code of Ethics and the role of the BSN-prepared nurse in accordance with best practice, professional and regulatory standards, and the Saint Leo University Core Values.
- Apply organizational and leadership skills in systems-based practice to improve health.
- Engage in population health partnerships to support and improve population health outcomes which emphasize promotion of health and well-being/disease prevention, chronic disease care, regenerative or restorative care, and hospice/palliative/supportive care.
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How will you gain real experience?
The BSN degree program builds on arts and sciences course content to extend prior learning. In addition, nursing coursework goes from simple to complex which positions students to learn more complex content.
Experiential learning in lab, simulation, and clinical settings is emphasized to prepare students for a successful transition into a meaningful role as a registered nurse with their future employer.
What can you do with an undergraduate nursing degree?
The bachelor of science in nursing program positions graduates for entry level employment in a variety of settings following completion of the national licensing exam, NCLEX-RN, and supports career advancement into leadership positions and graduate nursing degree programs.
Program Testimonials
Saint Leo’s nursing program gave me courage to have confidence in myself and my skills. Doing the DEU program expanded my knowledge and independence in my skills. After completing the DEU program, I felt confident in every unit I went to.
Grace Lundfelt
I chose Saint Leo’s nursing program because of its dedication to building a brand new nursing program that is committed to excellence and student success. The program's emphasis on hands-on clinical experience with the DEU preceptorship model and a supportive learning environment aligns perfectly with my goals as a future nurse.
Emma Hayhurst
Our simulations were very well thought out and creative, using the most up-to-date technology, allowing us to experience certain health situations such as delivering babies and providing wound care.
Laynee Marsee Graduate of the inaugural nursing class; Graduated May 2025
I got to apply everything I learned in real time with a single preceptor. The hands-on experience made the lectures come to life and helped me build confidence in my skills. (Regarding Saint Leo Nursing Program's partnership with Advent Health Zephyrhills dedicated education)
Avae Valenti - Graduate of the inaugural nursing class; Graduated May 2025<
Being a part of a program that just is going to grow and grow as the years go by, and to be remembered as the first class is really special.
Nathanael Allen - Graduate of the inaugural nursing class; Graduated May 2025
Being part of the first Saint Leo Nursing cohort has been an incredibly unique and rewarding experience. There was something really special about growing alongside the program. We had the chance to help shape the culture and set the tone for future nursing classes. It wasn’t always easy—there were definitely growing pains—but the sense of community, support, and dedication from the faculty made a huge difference. I felt seen, heard, and truly supported, both academically and personally.
Graduate Brenna Reinhard
Saint Leo University’s First Graduating Class of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, 2025. (Photo Courtesy of Mary McCoy) Seated (from left to right): Laynee Marsee, Emily Gray, Kimberly Cotal, Grace Lundfelt, Mekhai Dinnard, Martina Encomienda; standing from left to right: Brenna Reinhard, Ava Valenti, Emma Hayhurst, Emily Edwards, Alexis Musser, Nathanael Allen
College of Health Professions
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Through a growing number of degree programs at the new College of Health Professions, health-minded students can earn a degree that prepares them for a variety of roles in health care fields that impact the health and well-being of our communities.
Dedicated to the advancement of health care, the College of Health Professions is expert in offering innovative programs in Nursing, Social Work, and Health Care Administration.
