RN to BSN Programs in Florida

12 Min Read Published January 23, 2024
RN to BSN Programs in Florida

Looking for an RN to BSN program in Florida? Read on to learn more about going from RN to BSN in the Sunshine State, including tuition, online options, salary expectations, and job outlook. 

How to Go From RN to BSN in Florida

According to the Florida Board of Nursing, individuals must graduate from a Florida-approved or accredited nursing education program. Additionally, the program must be NCLEX-approved with a valid code.

After completing an accredited program, you must pass the NCLEX exam. Then, you may begin working as a registered nurse (RN).

Nurses going from RN to BSN in Florida will already have completed these steps. The RN to BSN program won't change your nursing licensure. Instead, these programs award you a higher-level degree that can translate to higher salaries and better job opportunities.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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RN to BSN Programs in Florida

1. Jacksonville University - Jacksonville, FL

Total Tuition
$10,200
Program Length
12 Months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options?
Yes

Jacksonville University provides a path for students to go from RN to BSN online in Florida. The school offers small classes with personalized attention in flexible 7-week terms for working professionals.

  • Application Deadline: October 31st
  • School Type: Private
  • Contact Information

2. University of West Florida - Pensacola, FL

Tuition Per Credit
$219 - $648
Program Length
12 Months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options?
Yes

The University of West Florida RN to BSN program allows ADN nurses to earn a BSN in roughly 12 months. Students can take this program entirely online except for 45 direct care hours that they complete over three classes. Students set specific goals or selected health outcomes for each direct care rotation.

  • Tuition Per Credit
    • Resident: $218.98
    • Nonresident: $648.37
  • Application Deadlines
    • Spring: October 1
    • Summer: March 1
    • Fall: May 1
  • School Type: Public
  • Contact Information

3.  University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL

Tuition Per Credit
$212 - $749
Program Length
12 Months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options?
Yes

The University of Central Florida's RN to BSN program is one of the best in 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report. Students must reside in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state throughout the program to be eligible for enrollment.

  • Tuition Per Credit
    • Resident: $212.28
    • Nonresident: $748.89
  • Application Deadlines
    • Fall: May 1
    • Spring: November 1
    • Summer: March 1st
  • School Type: Public
  • Contact Information
    • Phone Number: (407) 823-2000

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

4. Florida Atlantic University - Boca Raton, FL

Tuition Per Credit
$304 - $1,027
Program Length
3-6 Semesters
Accreditation
ACEN
Online Options?
Yes

The main selling point of Florida Atlantic University’s RN to BSN program is flexibility. Nursing students can complete this Florida RN to BSN program in three to six semesters with careful planning and help from an academic advisor. Two courses require in-person clinical appearances: Population Health and Nursing Practice Immersion.

FAU is also home to one of the best ABSN programs in Florida for students with prior non-nursing bachelor's degrees.

  • Tuition Per Credit
    • Resident: $304
    • Nonresident: $1,027
  • Application Deadlines
    • Fall: July 1st
    • Spring: November 1st
    • Summer: April 15th
  • School Type: Public
  • Contact Information
Tuition Per Credit
$236 - $649
Program Length
12 Months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options?
Yes

Consistently voted one of the top online programs in the country, nurses can go from RN to BSN in just three semesters at FIU. Students may enter one of the school's esteemed MSN programs upon graduation.

  • Tuition Per Credit
    • Resident: $235.57
    • Nonresident: $648.87
  • Application Deadlines
    • Spring: December 2nd
    • Fall: July 10th
  • School Type: Public
  • Contact Information

6. Florida A&M University - Tallahassee, FL

Tuition Per Credit
$152 - $550
Program Length
12 Months
Accreditation
ACEN
Online Options?
Yes

Florida A&M makes going from RN to BSN in Florida easy for working professionals. The university offers flexible full and part-time options with 100% online coursework. With a flexible progression plan, students will complete 30 credit and 135 clinical hours throughout the program.

  • Tuition Per Credit
    • Resident: $151.78
    • Nonresident: $549.80
  • Application Deadlines
    • Early Action: November 1st
    • Regular Decision: April 1st
  • School Type: Public
  • Contact Information
Total Tuition
$5,000
Program Length
12 Months
Accreditation
ACEN
Online Options?
Yes

Students can complete this Florida RN to BSN program in three to five semesters. Unlike other BSN bridge options, this program only requires one in-person clinical experience. Otherwise, students may attend virtual clinicals through Seminole State's community health class.

  • Seminole State Application Deadlines
    • Fall: February 13th
    • Spring: May 26th
    • Summer: November 13th
  • Nursing School Application Deadlines
    • Fall: May 17th
    • Spring: August 30th
    • Summer: January 17th
  • School Type: Public
  • Contact Information

8. Miami Dade College - Miami, FL

Tuition Per Credit
$130 - $536
Program Length
12 Months
Accreditation
ACEN
Online Options?
Yes

Students can attend Miami Dade College's RN to BSN entirely online, but the school also offers a hybrid format. Those interested in attending this program in a hybrid capacity should speak with an academic advisor. Depending on the program track students select, this course may take three to four semesters.

  • Tuition Per Credit
    • Resident: $129.89
    • Nonresident: $535.97
  • Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
  • School Type: Public
  • Contact Information
    • Phone Number: (305) 237-8888

9. University of North Florida - Jacksonville, FL

Tuition Per Credit
$199 - $679
Program Length
12 Months
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options?
Yes

The University of North Florida admits students three times yearly to its online RN to BSN program. Students typically take two courses per 8-week term. UNF doesn't require applicants to have RN experience to attend this program. So, students may start the program immediately after earning an ADN from an accredited nursing school.

  • Tuition Per Credit
    • Resident: $199.29
    • Nonresident: $679.42
  • Application Deadlines
    • Fall: July 15th
    • Spring: December 1st
    • Summer: April 15th
  • School Type: Public
  • Contact Information

About RN to BSN Programs in Florida

Students in an RN-to-BSN program in Florida can expect to take 2-4 classes per semester or term. While some colleges offer RN-to-BSN programs in a traditional format, others have condensed 7-8-week courses.

In general, RN-to-BSN programs in Florida offer courses entirely online. This format creates more flexibility for working professionals to advance their education. However, many of these programs require students to attend in-person clinical rotations.

Tuition for RN to BSN Programs in Florida

Tuition costs vary depending on the program, but most programs are roughly a few thousand dollars. Most RN to BSN programs in Florida charge by the credit hour. Therefore, the number of transfer credits you have will significantly impact the total tuition cost.

Admission Requirements for Florida RN to BSN Programs

Specific requirements for Florida RN to BSN programs will vary. You should discuss particular admission requirements for each program with an academic advisor from that school.

However, most RN to BSN programs in Florida will have these general prerequisites:

  • Florida RN license
  • Minimum 2.745 GPA
  • Prerequisite courses (per program)
  • Graduation from an accredited ADN program
  • All transcripts

How Hard Are Florida RN to BSN Programs?

RN to BSN programs focus solely on nursing courses and education, such as ethics, research, and community health. The program itself is not overwhelmingly difficult; however, students in these programs are also usually full-time working nurses. Being a working student may limit the number of courses you can take at a time and your ability to complete the program.

How Long Are RN to BSN Programs in Florida?

RN to BSN programs in Florida typically take three semesters or 12 months to complete. Since these programs are for working professionals, students can also complete them at a slower pace.

Working as an RN in Florida

RN Salary in Florida

The median annual salary for RNs is $81,220 or $39.05 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Registered nurses in Florida earn an annual mean salary of $79,910 or $38.42.

Career Outlook

The BLS estimates that RN jobs will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. It also reports that there will be an estimated 193,100 openings for registered nurses each year. Currently, there are 197,630 nurses employed in Florida.

Additionally, the Sunshine State has the third-highest employment of registered nurses nationwide. Currently, there are 197,630 nurses employed in Florida.

Where Can You Work? RN-BSN Jobs in Florida

Nurses can work in a large variety of locations depending on their interests. The largest and most common employers of nurses are hospitals. 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

Next Steps

These nine schools provide flexible options for students who want to go from RN to BSN in Florida. Earning a BSN will advance your education and nursing knowledge, and it can open you up to more competitive job opportunities. RN to BSN programs in Florida are just what you need to take the next step in your nursing journey.

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

FAQs

  • How many RN to BSN programs are in Florida?

    • Florida is home to nine RN to BSN programs for eligible students.
  • Are there online RN to BSN programs in Florida?

    • Yes! All RN to BSN programs in Florida are 100% online, except for some clinical experiences, which vary by program.
  • What is the cheapest RN to BSN program in Florida?

    • The cheapest RN to BSN program in Florida is at Miami Dade College.

 

Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education:
MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
BSN - Villanova University
BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise:
Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

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