Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in Florida

As a non-nurse with a bachelor's degree in another field, the best way to become a nurse is with an accelerated BSN (ABSN). ABSN programs in Florida allow students to earn their BSN quickly, sit for the NCLEX exam, and become registered nurses (RNs).

This guide will discuss getting an ABSN in Florida, including available programs, locations, and tuition costs. Additionally, we'll explore what it's like to be an RN in Florida by examining salary expectations and career outlook.

How to Earn a BSN in Florida

To become a BSN-RN in Florida, you must graduate from an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. The most common paths toward this goal are a traditional four-year degree or an accelerated BSN program.

After graduating from a BSN program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN examination. Then, you'll register for a nursing license from the State Board of Nursing in Florida. 

ABSN Programs in Florida

1. University of Florida

Students attend the University of Florida's ABSN program at the medical campus in Jacksonville in conjunction with UF Health. Students complete clinical rotations at some of the best hospitals in the state. Instructors from the Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses teach students via traditional classrooms, teleconferencing, and web-based delivery methods.

• Location: Jacksonville, FL
• Program Cost: Resident - $23,150 | Nonresident - $45,428
• Program Length: 15 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

2. Nova Southeastern University

Students interested in earning an accelerated BSN in Florida will enjoy NSU's 5-semester program. The degree includes didactic instruction and clinical rotations at various locations throughout central Florida. Additionally, NSU offers several MSN programs, allowing students to continue their education with minimal interruption.

• Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Annual Cost: $18,990
• Program Length: 5 semesters
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Private
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

3. Florida Atlantic University 

FAU currently only offers its ABSN program at the Boca Raton campus. However, starting next year, it will extend the program to its Davie Campus. This expansion will increase the number of students, graduates, and new nurses in Florida yearly.

• Location: Boca Raton, FL
• Program Cost: Resident - $21,664 | Nonresident - $52,777
• Program Length: 5 semesters
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

4. USF Health

USF offers a 12-month accelerated nursing program in Florida, one of the quickest paths for non-nurses to enter the field. The university provides the ABSN at its three campuses, each with a different start date. The increased flexibility of this program prevents students from waiting too long to start classes.

At USF Health, students learn from top faculty members who are all currently practicing nurses. They also gain experience in a state-of-the-art simulation center and clinical settings.

• Location: Sarasota-Manatee, Tampa, and St. Petersburg, FL
• Cost Per Credit: Resident - $211 | Nonresident - $575
• Program Length: 12 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

5. University of Central Florida

Students enrolled in UCF’s accelerated BSN program complete classes in Orlando, one of the largest cities in Florida. With several theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Orlando provides students with clinical placements at top hospitals and an exciting atmosphere to decompress.

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Cost Per Credit: Resident - $212 | Nonresident - $749
• Program Length: 12 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? No

6. Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University and Baptist Health's unique partnership allows students to complete a BSN degree in 12 short months. The university accepts accelerated BSN students on a rolling basis until it fills all available spaces. So, students should apply early if Jacksonville University’s program is at the top of their list.

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Program Cost: $45,050
• Program Length: 12 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? No

7. Florida International University

FIU's accelerated BSN is a lock-step program, which means students must attend and complete it full-time. The university is also highly competitive, only accepting 60 students for each cohort. Once accepted, students complete hands-on experience in the mock hospital at the Simulation Teaching and Research (STAR) Center.

• Location: Miami, FL
• Program Cost: Resident -  $16,190 | Nonresident - $41,401
• Program Length: 3 semesters
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

8. Utica University 

While primarily based in New York, Utica University offers ABSN programs near Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. Because of its hybrid format, Utica can accept more students than other ABSN programs in Florida. The university also offers three start dates per year, giving students more flexibility and convenience.

• Location: St. Petersburg, FL
• Program Cost: $55,924
• Program Length: 16 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Private
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

9. University of Miami

As a top nursing school, the University of Miami offers one of the best ABSN programs in Florida. The university graduates ABSN students in 12 short months, allowing quick access to the nursing workforce. They also have opportunities to work with over 200 clinical partners, including the University of Miami Health System and the state-of-the-art Simulation Hospital Advancing Research & Education (SHARE).

• Location: Miami, FL
• Program Cost: $42,000
• Program Length: 12 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? Hybrid

10. Barry University

Barry University boasts a fast-paced program with small class sizes, allowing for a personalized educational approach. It also offers former students a significant discount, making this an even more affordable option. However, Barry only accepts 15-25 students per cohort, making it one of the most competitive ABSN programs in Florida.

• Location: Miami Shores, FL
• Program Cost: $28,000
• Program Length: 4 semesters
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? No

11. ECPI University

ECPI University offers one of the quickest and most affordable accelerated BSN programs in Florida. The degree path allows non-nursing students to graduate with a BSN in 12 months. In addition to didactic courses, they complete clinical rotations at various locations in the greater Orlando area.

• Location: Orlando Lake Mary, FL
• Program Cost: $10,912.50
• Program Length: 12 months
• Degree Offered: BSN 
• Program Offered: Accelerated BSN
• School Type: Public
• Online Options Available? No

What to Expect in an ABSN Program in Florida

Students enrolled in accelerated BSN programs can expect to follow a “lock-step” program. “Lock-step” is a process in which students begin with learning nursing fundamentals. Then, they build their own critical thinking skills related to the field.

While programming varies depending on your school, most ABSNs in Florida combine didactic classes with clinical rotations.

Florida ABSN Program Tuition

Accelerated BSN programs in Florida typically cost between $10,000 and $60,000. Unlike traditional BSNs, ABSNs do not fluctuate in credit hours and, therefore, have a set tuition fee. So, tuition costs will remain the same as you progress through the program.

Admission Requirements 

The specific admission requirements for each ABSN program will vary. However, each will require that you possess a non-nursing bachelor's degree. 

Other standard ABSN program requirements in Florida include the following:

• Non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• 3.0 prerequisite GPA 
• Prerequisite courses (per program)
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• All transcripts 
• Application fee
• Admissions interview

How Hard are ABSN Programs in Florida?

Regardless of your state, accelerated BSN programs are incredibly time-consuming and challenging. The fast-paced and intense programs often make achieving a work-life-school balance difficult. 

Additionally, ABSN programs in Florida have limited availability, which makes them highly competitive. Their classes also solely focus on nursing content with condensed clinical hours, which can add a lot of pressure.

How Long Are Accelerated BSN Programs in Florida?

Accelerated BSN programs in Florida typically take 12 to 16 months to complete. These degrees have a set progression plan that students must follow to complete the program.

What to Expect Working as a Nurse in Florida

BSN Salary in Florida

Nationwide, RNs earn a median annual salary of $81,220 or $39.05 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nurses in Florida earn slightly less than the national average, with a median annual income of $79,910.

ZipRecruiter reports that the average salary for BSN-RNs is $34 an hour, while ADNs earn $30.

Career Outlook

Currently, 197,630 registered nurses work in Florida. However, according to BLS projections, all RN jobs will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032.

This growth is faster than the average for all other occupations. The BLS expects 193,100 openings for registered nurses each year during this time.

BSN Jobs in Florida

With an exceptionally high "snowbird" and retiree population, Florida nurses are in high demand at hospitals and long-term care facilities. However, RNs can work at various locations depending on their interests and specialties.

While hospitals employ the most significant number of nurses, other possible job locations include:

• Ambulatory healthcare services
• Government agencies
• Academia
• Medical and aesthetic spas
• Outpatient clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Private practice
• Surgery centers
• Urgent care centers
• Retirement facilities
• Mental health facilities

Next Steps

Accelerated BSN programs in Florida are a timely and cost-effective way for non-nurses to enter the career field. With a bachelor's degree in another field, you can become a nurse in just 12 short months. 

Some Florida ABSNs are more competitive than others. However, they all offer accredited nursing education and clinical rotations at some of the best hospitals in the state.

FAQs

• How long does it take to get a BSN in Florida?

  • Depending on the program, students can complete ABSN programs in Florida in 12 to 16 months. 

• What is the hourly salary of a BSN in Florida?

  • According to the BLS, nurses in Florida earn an average hourly salary of $38.42. 

• Can you be an RN in Florida without a BSN?

  • Yes, you can become an RN in Florida with only an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN). 

• What is the fastest way to become a nurse in Florida?

  • The fastest way for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to become an RN in Florida is to complete an accelerated BSN program.

• How much does an accelerated BSN cost in Florida?

  • Accelerated BSN programs are the fastest way for non-nurses with a bachelor's in another field to become an RN in Florida.