NURSING
Become an essential part of healthcare through our accredited nursing program that will provide the training and knowledge you need to become a Registered Nurse.
THE RIVER CAN HELP YOU…
- Qualify to sit for the Florida Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Exam
- Prepare for a rewarding career in a hospital, nursing home, physician’s office, clinic, long-term care facility or private home
- Learn essential care skills such as checking vitals, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming and transporting patients in need
- Prepare for leadership or management positions in healthcare
- Increase your earning potential
- Deepen your knowledge in areas like public health, research, and evidence-based practice
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
- Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (RN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Nursing Assistant
- Home Health Aide
Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (RN)
Associate Degrees
Location: Pruitt Campus, Port St. Lucie
Indian River State College offers a number of different degrees and certificates leading to professional licensure in the state of Florida. Some professions require both a degree and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements, or clinical hours. Student eligibility to apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam in the State of Florida is defined in 464.008, F.S., and also includes possession of a valid form of identification and a social security number. Please visit the Florida Board of Nursing to ensure your eligibility.
If you are a student who may choose to reside outside of Florida or one of the compact states after graduation, IRSC cannot confirm whether this degree program meets educational requirements for professional licensure in your state. Since the Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at IRSC 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-RN exam in a non-compact state, contact the board of nursing in the state to determine whether this degree will meet their licensure requirements.
Completion of the ADN program requirements makes you eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN in Florida or one of the nursing compact states if you apply for a multi-state license under the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). 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).
Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Table for Nursing
Registered Nurses (RNs) are essential members of a healthcare team. Knowledge and skills unique to RNs place them at the frontline of healthcare as leaders, advocates, educators and caregivers of those in need in our community. This rewarding career provides RNs the ability to work in diverse settings, caring for clients throughout their lifespan. Completing your Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) through the School of Nursing at Indian River State College prepares you for a rewarding career.
Accreditation:
The Associate Degree nursing program at Indian River State College at the Pruitt Campus located in Port St. Lucie, Florida is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is continuing accreditation.
View the public information regarding these programs at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs
Important Nursing Links & Documents
Information Sessions
Free information sessions are held periodically throughout the year. Upcoming sessions:
Orientation – Save the Dates
The School of Nursing will hold three mandatory attendance Orientations for all incoming ADN Students. Please note the dates below:
TRACK TWO
– Summer 2025 Advanced Placement/Bridge to RN General Orientation – Tuesday, March 11, 2025; 8am-4pm
Strategies for Student Success Boot Camp – July 24, 2025; 5pm-8pm
First day of Class Orientation – Wednesday, May 7, 2024; 8am
*Times are subject to change
TRACK ONE
– Fall 2025 Traditional ADN track General Orientation – Thursday, June 5, 2025; 8am-4pm
Strategies for Student Success Boot Camp – July 24, 2025; 5pm-8pm
First day of Class Orientation – TBD
For more information, email:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Bachelor’s Degree
Location: Online
Indian River State College’s RN to BSN program is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. If you are a student who chooses to reside outside of Florida, Indian River State College cannot confirm whether this degree program meets educational requirements for employment in your state. Please contact the board of nursing in your state to determine whether this degree will meet their licensure requirements.
Registered Nurses (RNs) can expand their knowledge and skills by enrolling in the RN to BSN program at the Indian River State College School of Nursing. The RN to BSN program expands students’ knowledge and abilities in leadership, evidence-based practice, community, research, and theory. The nursing curriculum includes 10 courses with asynchronous online lectures along with clinical learning experiences in three courses. Students who are completing their registered nurse education and current Registered Nurses (RNs) are eligible to apply. Start a new chapter of your nursing career and apply to the RN to BSN program at the River!
The conceptual framework upon which the nursing curriculum was developed is based on six integrating concepts as defined by the National League of Nursing (2010). The concepts are 1) context and environment; 2) knowledge and science; 3) personal development; 4) quality and safety; 5) relationship-centered care; and 6) teamwork. These concepts are basic to the understanding of nursing and the complexity of the profession.
Accreditation:
The RN-BSN nursing program at Indian River State College at the Pruitt Campus located in Port St. Lucie, Florida is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the RN-BSN nursing program is continuing accreditation.
View the public information regarding these programs at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs
Important Nursing Links & Documents
Practical Nursing (LPN)
Career and Technical Education Programs
Location: Pruitt Campus
Indian River State College offers a number of different degrees and certificates leading to professional licensure in the state of Florida. Some professions require both a degree and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements, or clinical hours. Student eligibility to apply to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam in the State of Florida is defined in 464.008, F.S., and also includes possession of a valid form of identification and a social security number. Please visit the Florida Board of Nursing to ensure your eligibility.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are trained to work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses to assist with examining and treating patients; measure and record patient vital signs; prepare and administer injections; dress wounds; assist patients with bathing, dressing and eating; and record the progress of patients.
The Practical Nursing program is a 1350 clock hour program with four courses in lecture, lab, and the clinical setting. Students will earn a vocational certificate after successful completion of the program and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam.
The Practical Nursing courses are offered part-time in the evenings and on weekends, providing a flexible format for working adults.
Important Nursing Links & Documents
Nursing Assistant
Career and Technical Education Programs
Indian River State College offers a number of different degrees and certificates leading to professional licensure in the state of Florida. 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.
After completion of the Nursing Assistant program, you are eligible to apply for practical and didactic exams through Prometric and the Florida State Board of Nursing to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the state of Florida. If you are a student who may choose to reside outside of Florida, Indian River State College cannot confirm whether this degree program meets educational requirements for certification in your state. Please contact the board of nursing in your state to determine whether this course will meet their certification requirements.
Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Table for Nursing
The Nursing Assistant program prepares students for certification and employment as nursing assistants in long-term care facilities, clinics, home care and hospitals. Students learn to identify and meet basic patient care needs for safety, vital signs, comfort, and activities of daily living.
Important Nursing Links & Documents
- Register for an Event or Information Session
- Nursing Assistant (CNA) Application Booklet
- Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program Expenses
- Nursing Assistant (CNA) Brochure
- Florida Board of Nursing Certified Nursing Pass Rate
- Graduate Outcomes
Fall 2025 Schedule
| Location | Instructor | Dates | Times | Days | Reference # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chastain Campus | Brown | 08/25/25 – 12/08/25 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | M, Tu, W | HCP0410C-31-003 |
| Dixon Hendry Campus | Smith | 08/25/25 – 12/08/25 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | M, Tu, W | HCP0410C-41-003 |
| Blackburn Education Building | Johns | 08/25/25 – 12/08/25 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | M, Tu, W | HCP0410C-71-005 |
| Blackburn Education Building | Copeland | 08/20/25 – 10/13/25 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | M, Tu, W, Th | HCP0410C-71-007 |
| Blackburn Education Building | Copeland | 10/16/25 – 12/16/25 | 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | M, Tu, W, Th | HCP0410C-71-008 |
Additional Nursing Links & Documents
Home Health Aide
Career and Technical Education Programs
You will need to complete an advising session and additional steps before you can be admitted to this program. Download the application booklet for more information. You will need to be at least 18 years old by the time you complete the course.
As a home health aide, you can be part of the team that provides essential services to patients as they regain their independence at home.
In this program, you will learn the skills you need to be a successful and compassionate home health aide, including observation, record keeping, and supporting daily needs such as nutrition, household management and safety.
This program is ideal for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who want to expand their skills and credentials.
Additional Information:
- Home Health Aide Application Book
- Home Health Aide Program Expenses
- Home Health Aide Brochure
- Health Science Physical Examination and Immunization Form
- Background Check and Drug Screening Requirements
- Home Health Aide Student Handbook
- School of Nursing Division Handbook
- Post Exposure Protocol
- CPR Training
- Report Accident (Incident) Form
- AG Student Accident Claim Form
- Liability/Accident Insurance Coverage
- Insurance Procedures
- Allied Health Program Overview
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
At Indian River State College, our students who study Nursing Assistant can go into these careers:
At Indian River State College, our students who study Nursing RN can go into these careers:
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Interested in learning more about how The River’s nursing programs can help you reach your career goals? Reach out to get more information or speak to an admissions counselor.
NEXT STEPS
APPLY TO THE RIVER
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PAYING FOR COLLEGE
We’re here to help you understand your options. From financial aid to scholarships and affordable tuition, The River is committed to making college accessible for everyone.
VISIT CAMPUS
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