FNU Expands Online Learning for Hialeah Students

Florida National University (FNU) now offers expanded online learning options for Hialeah residents, providing more flexible educational pathways. The university's distance learning program uses Blackboard Ultra for its degree and certificate courses, targeting working adults and students seeking convenient educational opportunities.

FNU's online courses are hosted on Blackboard Ultra, a browser-based system that includes assignments, exams, discussion forums and lecture materials. The platform also features Blackboard Collaborate for live interaction with instructors and classmates, including virtual sessions and office hours. While accessible on desktops, laptops and hybrid devices, mobile phones and tablets are not recommended for primary use due to potential browser compatibility issues.

Students need a recent version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. Many courses require Microsoft Office for assignments. FNU provides enrolled students with a university email, student portal login and Blackboard credentials. Technical support for Blackboard is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. via phone or an online request form at fnu.edu. A dedicated support line assists students experiencing technical difficulties during exams or coursework.

FNU's online programs follow structured academic terms with set deadlines, designed to help students manage their time and stay motivated. A 2024 Brookings Institution study indicated 43% of online students struggle with motivation and 28% with time management. FNU's approach balances flexibility with accountability.

Several programs are fully online, including the MBA, RN-to-BSN and MSN degrees. Online options also exist for Bachelor of Science degrees in Respiratory Therapy, Criminal Justice, Psychology and Health Services Administration. However, programs requiring clinical hours, labs or practicum sequences, such as the ADN, Physical Therapist Assistant and Respiratory Therapy AS degrees, require on-campus or clinical attendance for those components. These in-person requirements are often mandated by state licensing boards and are crucial for maintaining FNU's accreditation from bodies like CCNE, ACEN and CAPTE.

FNU offers a hybrid model for students needing both online and in-person components. These students complete lecture-based coursework online while attending labs or clinicals on campus. Graduates from online programs receive the same credential as on-campus students, with no distinction on the diploma regarding the delivery format. The university's SACSCOC regional accreditation and applicable programmatic accreditations (CCNE, ACBSP, CAPTE) apply equally to all degrees, regardless of delivery format.