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.
RN to BSN Programs in Florida
1. Jacksonville University
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.
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- Total Tuition: $9,450
- Program Length: 9 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Private
- Online Options Available? 100% online
2. University of West Florida
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.
- Location: Pensacola, FL
- Tuition Per Credit Hour:
- In-state: $218.98
- Out-of-state: $648.37
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? 100% online with a required 45 direct care hours
3. University of Central Florida
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.
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Tuition Per Credit Hour:
- In-state: $212.28
- Out-of-state: $748.89
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
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Online Options Available? 100% online with 45 direct care hours
4. Florida Atlantic University
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.
- Location: Boca Raton, FL
- Tuition Per Credit Hour:
- In-state: $304
- Out-of-state: $1,027
- Program Length: 3 semesters
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? 100% online with in-person clinicals
5. Florida International University
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.
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Location: Miami, FL
- Tuition Per Credit Hour:
- In-state: $235.57
- Out-of-state: $648.87
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? 100% online with in-person clinicals
6. Florida A&M University
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 hours and 135 clinical hours throughout the program.
- Location: Tallahassee, FL
- Tuition Per Credit Hour:
- In-state: $151.78
- Out-of-state: $549.80
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? 100% online coursework and 135 clinical hours
7. Seminole State College of Florida
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.
- Location: Sanford, FL
- Total Tutition: $5,000
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? 100% online
8. Miami Dade College
Students can attend Miami Dade College's RN to BSN fully 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.
- Location: Miami, FL
- Tuition Per Credit Hour:
- In-state: $129.89
- Out-of-state: $535.97
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? 100% online
9. University of North Florida
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.
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- Tuition Per Credit Hour:
- In-state: $199.29
- Out-of-state: $679.42
- Program Length: 12 months
- Degree Offered: BSN
- Program Offered: RN to BSN
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? 100% online
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 will require in-person clinical rotations that students must attend.
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, your number of transfer credits 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.
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