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Author: Kenya McCullum
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Kenya McCullum is a professional writer and researcher with over twenty years of experience. She has authored hundreds of feature-length articles, guidebooks, and in-depth content, specializing in healthcare topics including women's health, fitness, mental health, addiction, and nutrition, as well as challenges faced by healthcare providers. McCullum also has extensive expertise in higher education, online learning, continuing education, and professional development. Throughout her career, she has interviewed numerous leaders in the healthcare and education sectors. She holds a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in English.
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Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
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Online BSN Programs in FL: Comparing Top Schools

Are you thinking about earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Florida? In this guide, we’ll discuss many factors – accredited programs, career paths, tuition costs, admissions requirements, financial aid opportunities, and flexible online options. Whether you’re a first-time student or a working nurse who wants to advance their career, EduMed will help you take the first step toward a rewarding future in nursing.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

An orange stylized graduation cap with the letter "E" forms part of the design, set against a white circular background.
Author: Kenya McCullum
An orange stylized graduation cap with the letter "E" forms part of the design, set against a white circular background.
Kenya McCullum Arrow up right
Staff Writer
Kenya McCullum is a professional writer and researcher with over twenty years of experience. She has authored hundreds of feature-length articles, guidebooks, and in-depth content, specializing in healthcare topics including women's health, fitness, mental health, addiction, and nutrition, as well as challenges faced by healthcare providers. McCullum also has extensive expertise in higher education, online learning, continuing education, and professional development. Throughout her career, she has interviewed numerous leaders in the healthcare and education sectors. She holds a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in English.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingPre-Nursing
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Editor: Wes Ricketts
Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
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FIND THE PROGRAM FOR YOU

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If you’re considering a BSN program, you’re thinking about your future. These programs offer the flexibility of online learning, so you can learn about nursing theory and similar subjects from the comfort of home. But, you also need to get hands-on experience through in-person clinicals at local healthcare facilities. Most BSN programs are in a hybrid format, so you’ll get the best of both worlds – you can study at your own pace while gaining practical experience.

Yes, earning a BSN takes a large time commitment – usually around four years. But, you’ll gain opportunities to move into higher-paying roles and potentially take on more responsibility in the nursing field.

When you decide on a BSN program in Florida, think about how it fits into your life, whether it’s accredited, and if it meets the state’s nursing requirements. Read on if you want more details on how online BSN programs work.

The University of Florida

The University of Florida offers an RN to BSN degree program. It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN with a mix of classroom learning and real-world clinical experience.

This program is flexible – if you’re a working registered nurse, the RN to BSN track is fully online. If you prefer a traditional BSN degree, the school offers evening and weekend clinicals to fit your schedule. The university makes it easier to earn a degree without putting your life on hold.

Duration: Five semesters (part-time study)

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $129.18 per credit hour (online tuition and fees for Florida residents)/$552.62 per credit hour (online tuition and fees for non-Florida residents)

Admissions requirements:

  • Associate degree in nursing from an accredited program
  • Minimum GPA of 2.8 in all nursing coursework
  • Active, unencumbered Florida RN license or enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
  • Must obtain RN licensure by end of the first semester in the program
  • Must complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher
  • Must meet general education requirements set by the University of Florida
  • Out-of-state coursework might require additional evaluation upon admission.

Curriculum:

  • Clinical Reasoning: Health Assessment
  • Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Practice
  • Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
  • Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
  • Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
  • Public Health Nursing
  • Leadership and Management in Nursing
  • Professional Nursing Transformation
  • Leadership and Innovation in Nursing Practice

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

University of North Florida

The University of North Florida (UNF) offers an RN to BSN bridge track program that gives students real-world experience through clinical rotations, including some weekend shifts. The school’s faculty is experienced, and the program is accredited by the CCNE. UNF graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN, with a 94% pass rate for first-time testers in 2024.

The traditional BSN track is full-time and requires students to attend classes in person. But, the online RN to BSN option is designed for working nurses. The program is rigorous, so balancing a job with it can be difficult. UNF stands out because of its community-based, population-focused approach, which allows students to experience hands-on learning with local healthcare providers.

Duration: Approximately one year (equivalent to three traditional semesters)

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $199.29 per credit hour (tuition and fees for Florida residents)/$679.42 (tuition and fees for non-Florida residents)

Admissions requirements:

  • Must complete an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
  • Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States
  • Must complete required general education courses, including English Composition, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences
  • Must complete any required foreign language and Civic Literacy courses for university graduation
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • Completed UNF online application for undergraduate admission

Curriculum:

  • Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
  • Family and Community Care
  • Professional Communication
  • Critical Thinking and Research
  • Leadership Competencies
  • Ethical and Legal Concepts
  • Leadership and Management

Lake-Sumter State College

Lake-Sumter State College’s RN to BSN degree program allows registered nurses to advance their education while balancing work and life. The program includes clinical components – like the Capstone course and Community and Public Health courses – that let students schedule their clinical hours locally. This makes the program convenient for working professionals.

The program is accredited by ACEN; it meets high educational standards and prepares graduates to take nursing licensure exams. Online courses are offered in a fast-paced seven-week format, so you can move through the program at your own speed. Whether you’re juggling a job, a family, or both, you can earn a BSN with this flexible program.

Duration: Two semesters (for full-time students) or five semesters (for part-time students)

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $122.25 per credit hour (tuition for Florida residents)/$460.30 (tuition for non-Florida residents)

Admissions requirements:

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Current unencumbered Florida or Compact RN license or be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN
  • Official transcripts of completed coursework

Curriculum:

  • Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice
  • Evidence and Research in Nursing Practice
  • Community and Public Health Nursing
  • Diversity and Global Trends
  • Professional Role Transition
  • Leadership and Management in Nursing
  • Health Care Policy and Economics in Nursing
  • Nursing Capstone

FAQs for Online BSN Students in Florida

Starting your journey toward earning a BSN degree in Florida is exciting, but it’s natural to have some questions about the process. So, we put together clear and simple answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you move forward with confidence.

What is the attrition rate for BSN programs?

If you’re considering a BSN program, understanding the attrition rate is important; it shows how many students don’t finish. For example, Barry University’s BSN program had a 58% completion rate in 2020, meaning 42% of students left the school before graduating. The retention rate for all nursing programs in Florida is 78.7%.

Students leave nursing programs for different reasons like challenging coursework, financial struggles, and/or personal obligations. Before you choose a BSN program in Florida, look at its attrition rate and the support services that are available. The right school will give you the best chance to succeed and reach your goal of becoming an RN.

Are there opportunities for clinical placements in specialized areas?

Many RN to BSN programs in Florida offer clinical placements in specialized areas like pediatrics, oncology, geriatrics, and critical care. Schools collaborate with hospitals and clinics to give students hands-on experience in clinical settings.

This is a great way to explore healthcare settings like trauma units or neonatal ICUs and figure out what interests you. Each program varies, so it’s a good idea to check which ones offer these specialties. Getting early exposure helps you decide what kind of nurse you want to become.

How do BSN programs support students who need remediation?

If you’re in a BSN program in Florida and find yourself struggling, don’t worry – there’s plenty of support available. Schools typically offer tutoring, academic advising, and peer mentoring to help students stay on track. Schools can create personalized remediation plans, which might include extra coursework, review sessions, and/or faculty-led study groups. Some programs provide online resources and tutoring centers for additional support.

BSN programs with financial aid sometimes help cover tutoring costs. Each school is different, so you should check with your program to determine the specific resources that are available to help you succeed.

What research opportunities are available for BSN students in Florida?

BSN students in Florida have plenty of opportunities to conduct research, which helps them gain hands-on experience. At the University of Florida, students can get involved with projects at the Florida Blue Center for Health Care Quality or the Center for Palliative Care Research and Education.

Direct-entry BSN students at Florida Atlantic University have access to the Office of Nursing Research and Scholarship. And Florida International University’s Simulation Teaching and Research Center lets students explore real-world scenarios in a controlled setting. These programs help students build skills they can use in advanced nursing roles.

How do BSN programs in Florida incorporate technology into nursing education?

Many BSN programs in Florida use technology to make learning more hands-on. For example, the University of Central Florida features a healthcare simulation center where students can get real-world clinical experience in a controlled setting. The FVI School of Nursing and Technology focuses on practical skills gained through simulations and labs, so graduates feel confident stepping into healthcare roles. Many of these schools offer financial aid to help with costs. These tech-driven programs help students learn the skills they need for a nursing career.

Top Online BSN Programs in Florida

Suppose you’re reluctant to enroll in an online BSN program in Florida because you are unsure about the quality of education. In that case, you can rest assured that online programs provide the same curriculum that students on campus complete. When you enroll in these programs, although you will take your classes online, you will be expected to participate in laboratory work on campus to get the practical experience you need to fully understand the course material. Like traditional programs, online BSN programs in Florida require that students complete clinical work in a healthcare facility approved by the nursing school to meet state licensing requirements and get the practical experience employers demand.

# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition Students w/ Aid
1
1
100% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
96% Students w/ Aid
2
55% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
79% Students w/ Aid
3
62% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
60% Students w/ Aid
4
4
60% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
37% Students w/ Aid
5
62% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
48% Students w/ Aid
6
6
60% Online Enrollment
$$$$ Tuition
99% Students w/ Aid
7
56% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
76% Students w/ Aid
8
47% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
66% Students w/ Aid
9
44% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
68% Students w/ Aid
10
35% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
65% Students w/ Aid

Kenya McCullum AUTHOR

Kenya McCullum is a professional writer and researcher with over twenty years of experience. She has authored hundreds of feature-length articles, guidebooks, and in-depth content, specializing in healthcare topics including women's health, fitness, mental health, addiction, and nutrition, as well as challenges faced by healthcare providers. McCullum also has extensive expertise in higher education, online learning, continuing education, and professional development. Throughout her career, she has interviewed numerous leaders in the healthcare and education sectors. She holds a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in English.

Read More About Kenya McCullum

Wes Ricketts EDITOR

Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.

Read More About Wes Ricketts
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