Explore Online Associate Nursing (ADN) Programs in Florida
The best online associate degrees in nursing offer quality healthcare training in a flexible format. See what the best programs can do for you.
If pursuing a career in nursing aligns with your academic and professional goals, there’s no better place to do so than the state of Florida. The state is home to a wealth of opportunities for aspiring nurses. And while there are multiple pathways to nursing licensure, an online associate degree in nursing (ADN) in Florida offers the flexibility you need to balance your academic, clinical, professional, and personal obligations.
Nursing students in the Sunshine State are uniquely positioned to make the most of a booming healthcare landscape. While national nursing job projections point to a modest 6% growth over the next decade, nursing jobs in Florida are estimated to grow by as much as 15% over that same time. As a result, nursing graduates can expect an expanding job market that comes with thousands of annual job openings.
But how do you get to the point where, nursing license in hand, you are ready to land that first post-graduation nursing job? That’s where we come in. In this page, we explore online associate degree in nursing programs in Florida, highlight standout schools, and dive into what you need to know to find the best program for you.
Keep reading to see which online ADN programs in Florida top our list and how you can jumpstart your nursing career.
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, Florida
Public
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida
Public
Polk State College
Winter Haven, Florida
Public
Lake-Sumter State College
Leesburg, Florida
Public
Florida SouthWestern State College
Fort Myers, Florida
Public
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, Florida
Public
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
Bradenton, Florida
Public
Spotlight Schools: Inside Online ADN Programs in Florida
It can be overwhelming to decide on a course that will change your future. We went ahead and found some popular online ADN programs in Colorado designed with busy students like you in mind so you don’t have to stress over finding a great one.
Herzing University
Herzing University is a private institution that offers online degree programs in a wide array of fields, including allied healthcare. Herzing’s Orlando campus is home to an associate degree in nursing program where students supplement in-person classes with online coursework.
This 72-credit program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and offers students a flexible learning format that allows them to effectively juggle their responsibilities in and out of school. In addition to general education classes, students tackle core nursing courses such as nursing fundamental concepts, medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and family nursing. Before graduation, students also complete an in-person, semester-long nursing practicum.
Prospective students interested in Herzing University’s ASN program must hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Top-performing students with a GPA above 3.5 do not need to provide entrance exam scores or prerequisite grades in science coursework. Applicants below this GPA threshold may be required to submit TEAS scores and/or have a 3.0 in college-level science classes.
Seminole State College of Florida
Seminole State College of Florida has four campuses and is home to an associate degree in nursing program that full-time students can complete in about two years. In addition to boasting a 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate, Seminole State nursing graduates have a job placement rate of over 94%.
The curriculum in this 72-credit, ACEN-accredited program, includes required courses such as foundations of nursing, concepts of basic medical-surgical nursing, concepts of mental health nursing, and nursing skills. Students also gain extensive hands-on experience through a degree-culminating practicum focused on client care management. After graduation, students interested in continuing their education can enroll in Seminole State’s online RN-to-BSN program.
Prospective students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must provide academic transcripts and TEAS scores. They must also pass a background check and receive all necessary vaccinations before engaging in clinical work.
What to Look for in Online ADN Programs in Florida
Not all online associate degree in nursing programs in Florida are created equal. As a result, it’s vital that you consider the factors that are common across standout ADN programs. From accreditation to NCLEX pass rates, these elements can impact both your academic experience and career prospects. Keep reading to review the essential elements that make up a quality ADN program.
Accreditation
In short, accreditation is an official stamp of approval that validates an online ADN program in Florida, ensuring a nursing program is sufficiently rigorous and leads to licensure. Accredited programs offer student services that supply support both inside and outside of the classroom. When seeking out ADN programs in Florida, be sure to favor schools accredited by the ACEN or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Clinical Placement Opportunities
Practical, hands-on experience plays a massive role in preparing you for your nursing career. The best online ADN programs in Florida offer meaningful clinical placement opportunities that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in a safe and supervised clinical setting. Developing skills is essential, and standout ADN programs help you do so through strong partnerships with healthcare institutions in the community.
Graduation & Job Placement Rates
Completing coursework and gaining extensive hands-on clinical experience is a great start, but does a prospective nursing program help facilitate your transition to real-world professional opportunities? An online ADN program in Florida’s effectiveness in transitioning students from education to employment is reflected in graduate and job placement rates. Be sure to evaluate these metrics before you enroll.
Licensure Approval
Sure, you’re tackling a couple of years of work to become a nurse, but you can’t practice if you don’t secure a license from the Florida Board of Nursing. Graduates from standout online ADN programs in Florida meet the requirements to secure their licenses, and the best programs facilitate a seamless transition to licensure and professional practice in nursing.
NCLEX Pass Rates
Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is crucial for launching your nursing career. When sorting through the best online ADN programs in Florida, prioritize schools that can demonstrate high NCLEX pass rates and prepare students for success. The best programs place a strong emphasis on equipping nursing graduates with the knowledge and know-how necessary to pass the exam and start their nursing careers in Florida.
Certification & Licensure Requirements in FL
As you start down the path toward becoming an RN in Florida, it’s worth reading up on the steps to earning and maintaining your nursing license after graduation. From continuing education to registering with the Florida Board of Nursing, this section digs into some of the vital requirements you’ll need to meet as an aspiring nurse in Florida.
Continuing Education
Maintaining your RN license in Florida involves completing continuing education requirements. Florida RNs renew their licenses every two years and must complete 24 hours of continuing education credits to do so. Continuing education helps ensure that Florida nurses keep up with developments and evolving best practices in the field, resulting in high-quality patient care and professional growth.
Criminal Background Check
Completing a thorough criminal background check is a necessary step to securing your nursing license in Florida. Background checks help guarantee patient safety, and while some criminal histories may not automatically disqualify prospective nurses, transparency in this process is vital and helps ensure a smooth licensure process.
NCLEX-RN Examination
Successfully completing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses is potentially the most pivotal step in obtaining your RN license in Florida. Aspiring nurses in Florida must pass this standardized test to demonstrate their competence and preparedness for nursing practice. As a result, the top online nursing programs in Florida strive to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for the exam.
Registration with the Colorado State Board of Nursing
The final step of securing your nursing license involves registering with the Florida Board of Nursing. The Florida Board of Nursing reviews licensure applications and confirms that graduates have met all requirements, thus playing an essential role in overseeing the state’s nursing field while bolstering public health.
FAQs About Online Associate Nursing Programs in Florida
If you’re thinking about pursuing a nursing career in Florida, you likely still have a few questions. In the following section, we answer some of our readers’ most pressing concerns. Keep reading for answers about the best online ADN programs in Florida and what they can do for you.
How long do Florida ADN programs take to complete?
While your graduation timeline can vary depending on your status as a full-time or part-time student, online ADN programs in Florida typically take about two years to complete. For example, the 72-credit associate degree in nursing program at Miami Dade College combines clinical and theoretical coursework and takes full-time degree-seekers two years to complete.
How much do online associate nursing programs cost in Florida?
The cost of your online ADN program in Florida can vary depending on whether a school is public or private, you attend classes full or part-time, and whether you pay in-state tuition. If you attend a public institution like Seminole State, you can expect to pay as little as $80 per credit. That said, nursing students also pay additional fees for labs, books, supplies, background checks, and more.
Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in Florida?
Yes, financial aid options are common for students attending online ADN programs in Florida. Students typically have access to state scholarships, federal aid, grants, and work-study programs. During your application process, you’ll complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help determine your eligibility for various financial aid opportunities. Be sure to check out our guide to help you pay less for education.
What does the job market look like for graduates of Florida associate in nursing programs?
Florida’s job market for nurses is trending upward and growing faster than national job numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, national nursing jobs are projected to grow by 6% by 2032. On the other hand, Florida nursing jobs are projected to grow by as much as 15% between 2020-2030. Data points to more than 13,000 annual job openings for nurses in the Sunshine State.
Resources & Support for Online ADN Students in Florida
Making decisions about nursing school and a prospective nursing career can be overwhelming and you’ll likely need some support. Thankfully, prospective Florida nursing students like yourself have access to a long list of resources that can help ease your transition into this career. We spotlight five essential resources for you below.
- Florida Center for Nursing – The Florida Center for Nursing offers vital data and insights into nursing workforce trends, helping current and future nurses keep up with the industry’s evolving landscape.
- Florida Board of Nursing – The Florida Board of Nursing’s website is your one-stop shop for all your licensing and renewal needs. Additionally, the site links to vital resources spanning from training programs to various nursing associations and organizations.
- Florida Nursing Students Association – The Florida Nursing Students Association is a student-run organization that offers resources to the state’s thousands of nursing students. This group not only supplies mentorship and networking opportunities for future nurses and leaders, but also advocates for affordable and accessible healthcare.
- Scholarships & Online Resources for Registered Nursing Students – Determining how to pay for college can be a significant challenge for many nursing students. Be sure to check out our page on scholarships and various online resources that can help you fund your education.
- Mental Health & Wellness for Nursing Students – Nurses and nursing students experience immense pressure, and this pressure can take its toll. Managing and maintaining your mental health and wellness often directly correlates with your performance. Be sure to review our guide to mental health and wellness for nursing students to ensure you can take care of yourself and your patients.
