Online LPN to BSN Programs in Florida: School Reviews & More
LPN to BSN nursing programs in Florida offer a quick and convenient way to advance your nursing career, especially if you hold a practical nursing license in the state. Our start-to-finish guide walks you through salary outlooks, answers to common questions, and spotlights three Florida LPN to BSN programs with online components.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareSocial WorkPre-Nursing EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
NursingNursing Ed.Jump To Section
Achieve Test Prep
PROGRAM: LPN to RN/BSN
We help thousands of LPNs/LVNs work towards achieving their Associate Degree in Nursing or RN. The Test-Out Bridge Program makes achieving your RN faster and affordable, and previous college credits will count toward your advanced degree.
Inside Online LPN to BSN Programs in Florida
Wondering what a quality LPN to BSN nursing program in Florida looks like and how to find the right one for you? If you’ve already done a bit of research, then you’re likely aware of the limited number of LPN to BSN nursing programs available in Florida today. However, we’ve profiled three comprehensive programs that are designed for working LPNs interested in earning a bachelor’s degree.
Due to the hands-on nature of nursing, all programs feature a hybrid model with at least some in-person requirements paired with online learning options. Read on to learn what you can expect from typical LPN to BSN programs (aka online bridge programs) in Florida.
Herzing University
Herzing University understands the challenges faced by busy LPNs looking to level up to a BSN degree. So its LPN to BSN path features flexible scheduling, virtual services, and lifelong support. Students can choose the 28-month course for a BSN or a 20-month path for an ASN.
Herzing University has rolling admissions so you can apply when you’re ready and begin on one of three annual start dates. Both degree options prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN, although the BSN program will offer you higher earning potential as bachelor’s degrees have quickly become industry standard.
Duration: 28 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $87,600
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Minimum TEAS score of 58 (if GPA is 2.5 to 2.99)
- Active LPN license
- Background check, drug screen, immunizations
Core Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Professional nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Family nursing
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Leadership and management
- Community and public health
- Evidence-based practices
- Informatics
- Policy, trends, and ethics
- Review of nursing concepts
- Practicum
West Coast University-Miami
West Coast University-Miami offers an LPN to BSN program designed for licensed practical nurses seeking RN credentials, with flexible completion options ranging from seven to 10 semesters. The program features no waitlists, state-of-the-art simulation labs with high-fidelity mannequins, and dedicated clinical placement support. Students practice scenarios in medical-surgical units, pediatrics, and mental health settings.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning with mannequins that simulate real patient conditions and reactions. WCU provides comprehensive support including one-on-one tutoring and licensure exam preparation, with evening/weekend and working professional schedule options available.
Duration: Seven to 10 semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $66,430
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Admissions interview
- Minimum HESI score of 76
- Enrollment agreement
- Current LVN license
Core Curriculum:
- Professional nursing
- Pharmacology
- Physical assessments
- Medical surgical nursing
- Mental health/psychiatric nursing
- Nutrition
- Expanding/developing family and community
- Public health
- Research
- Capstone
- Labs
- Practicums
Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University offers an online BSN program that allows qualifying students with an LPN or LVN license the opportunity to earn their BSN with up to nine proficiency credits, following various skills and proficiency tests.
Offering online, campus hybrid, and evening/weekend schedules as well as locations in Jacksonville and Miramar, the BSN program also provides access to professional and peer nurse tutors and NCLEX prep. The three-year program doesn’t require prerequisites, eliminating a potential barrier to entry.
Duration: Three years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $91,500
Admissions Requirements:
- Enrollment representative interview
- Transcripts from previous institutions
- HESI assessment
- Drug screen, background check, fingerprinting
Core Curriculum:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Transition to nursing profession
- Health and wellness
- Biological chemistry, microbiology
- Health assessments
- Pathophysiology, pharmacology
- Fundamentals of patient care
- Adult health
- Nutrition
- Mental health
- Information systems
- Pediatrics, maternal-child nursing
- Community health
- Capstone
Expert Insight
LPNs and BSN-prepared RNs share many of the same roles. The primary differences you may notice while studying in an LPN-to-BSN program are the focus on planning and managing all aspects of a patient’s care, as well as handling complex care situations, among other leadership roles.
FAQs from Florida LPN to BSN Students
After checking out some prospective programs, most students have questions about LPN to BSN programs, and we’re here with some answers. From transfer credits to job searching, we have you covered with the knowledge you need to embark on this path.
What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Florida?
First and foremost, make sure that any potential program holds both approval with the Florida Board of Nursing and accreditation with organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Benefits of board-approved, accredited programs:
- Establishes key requirements for education and licensure
- Holds nursing programs to industry-wide standards
- Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN examination
A degree from a state-approved program means you can begin and continue practice without additional steps.
What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Florida?
LPN to BSN programs prepare you for more focused clinical work at higher levels of employment by deepening your knowledge and expanding your skills. These programs build upon—and offer credit for—your previous experience and training as a practical nurse.
Some required courses:
- Patient-care management
- Human wellness and nutrition
- Mental health
- Pathophysiology
- Electives (e.g., reproductive health, gerontology, and community nursing)
LPN to BSN programs teach you nursing concepts and theories which may be applied to practice during your clinical rotations at health facilities. You’ll also learn about professional development, leadership in nursing, and new modes of clinical reasoning.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN to BSN program in Florida?
Yes, financial aid is available for LPN to BSN students in Florida. Scholarships, grants, and other awards lessen a student’s financial burden both during their academic studies and following graduation.
Several funding and financial aid resources are available to LPN to BSN students:
- Nursing-based awards to new and incoming students, offered by individual schools
- Scholarships and grants from professional nursing associations and organizations, such as the Florida Nurses Association
- Tuition assistance opportunities through employers
Will earning my LPN to BSN degree online or through a hybrid program impact my ability to get certified or licensed?
Compared to in-person options, completing an online LPN to BSN program in Florida will not impact your licensure eligibility or professional standing. As long as you attend a program with accreditation and state approval, you will be well-positioned to expand your scope and move beyond the LPN role. Online programs use the same content and learning outcomes as in-person offerings.
Employers look for qualified, competent nurses that can provide quality care in a variety of circumstances. They do this by hiring candidates licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing, a credential you will hold following graduation—whether from an online or in-person program—and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN.
Are hybrid and online LPN programs more affordable than campus programs in Florida?
Both in-person and hybrid/online programs cost about the same on paper. But it’s worth looking beyond tuition rates alone to determine your actual total education cost.
For example, studying online can save you transportation costs associated with traveling to and from campus to attend classes in-person. However, some schools tack on a technology fee on top of tuition for these online courses. So research tuition and fees costs thoroughly prior to enrollment.
Expert Insight
Another point to consider when paying for school is if you want to enroll full- or part-time. How soon do you want to graduate? This could impact how much you pay. I attended my BSN program in-person as a full-time student. For my graduate nursing studies, however, I chose an online part-time program for the affordability, convenience, and slower pace.
Comparing Salaries and Careers: LPN vs. BSN
Whether you choose to work as an LPN or an RN, there are many options for employment in Florida. However, those who work as registered nurses could encounter significantly more opportunities. Nationwide, the expected job growth for LPNs is 5.3% from 2022-2032, while for RNs, it is 5.6%. These figures increase substantially in Florida, where LPNs are slated to experience a 12.7% growth rate and RNs should see a 12.5% growth rate. This translates to approximately 14,110 new openings for RNs each year, particularly in areas where "snowbirds" reside and more medical care is available and necessary.
Regarding income, an LPN can earn a solid wage, but the additional years of education to become a registered nurse can make a significant difference. LPNs in Florida have a median annual wage of $56,730, whereas RNs enjoy a much higher median pay of $80,960. In fact, RNs can earn over six figures when they reach the 90th percentile in the profession, with earnings of $105,580. The charts below provide more information about what RNs can expect after earning their degree in Florida.
| Occupation | Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Florida | $45,780 | $56,730 | $68,750 |
| Registered Nurses | Florida | $63,520 | $80,960 | $105,580 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation | Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Registered Nurses | Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | Florida | 37,770 | 42,580 | 4,810 | 12.70% | 3,520 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
