Online RN to BSN Programs in Florida: Comparing Top Schools
A bridge program is an effective way to improve your qualifications while still working full time. Let EduMed help you learn about flexible online RN to BSN bridge programs in Florida, their admissions requirements, tuition costs, what you can expect after you’ve enrolled, and your earnings potential as a BSN nurse in Florida.
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Inside 3 Florida Online RN to BSN Programs
An online RN to BSN program in Florida allows you to build on your existing nursing experience while maintaining the flexibility to keep working. These programs are designed specifically for licensed RNs, making it possible to complete your degree faster than a traditional BSN pathway.
Benefits of earning your RN to BSN in Florida include:
- Greater career advancement opportunities in leadership and specialized nursing roles
- Increased earning potential and stronger long-term job security
- Expanded clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice skills
- Preparation for graduate nursing programs such as MSN or DNP degrees
- Flexible online or hybrid learning formats designed for working nurses
To help you find the right fit, we researched some of the top RN to BSN programs in Florida. Below, you’ll find three affordable programs offered in fully online or hybrid formats that can help you advance your education while balancing work and personal responsibilities.
RN-BSN Bridge Track – University of North Florida
The University of North Florida offers an online RN-BSN Bridge Track for registered nurses looking to earn their BSN. The program, which can be completed in as few as three traditional semesters, includes courses in health assessment, family and community care, professional communication, nursing research, and leadership.
It offers flexibility with online coursework and community-based clinical experiences. While it’s a great program for many nurses, it’s specifically designed for those who want to learn more about population health and the political and economic influences on the healthcare system. This curriculum focus makes it ideal for anyone looking to enter administrative or leadership roles.
Duration: Approximately one year
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $142.70 per credit for Florida residents, $599.97 per credit for non-residents
Admissions Requirements:
- An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- An active registered nursing license
Curriculum:
- Health Assessment (3 Credits)
- Introduction to Nursing Science (3 Credits)
- Family and Community Assessment (4 Credits)
- Social to Professional Nursing (2 Credits)
- Perspectives in Chronicity (4 Credits)
- Ethical-Legal Considerations in Nursing (2 Credits)
- Leadership Management Concepts in Nursing (3 Credits)
- Nursing Research Translation (1 Credit)
- Community Partnerships (3 Credits)
- Community Nursing Practice (2 Credits)
- Professional Nursing Transition (3 Credits)
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RN to BSN Online – University of West Florida
The University of West Florida’s online RN to BSN program requires 32 credit hours, with courses in health assessment, professional nursing practice, and population-based public health nursing.
It can be completed in 12 months and includes 45 direct care hours. The direct care hours are completed in-person, making this program an excellent hybrid option. After completing these care hours, students can also take upper-level electives in areas of interest to them, making this a great option for those who want to specialize in a specific area of nursing.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $218.98 per credit hour in-state, $648.37 per credit hour out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree
- A minimum GPA of 2.75
- An active RN license
Curriculum:
- 30 credit hours of major courses covering:
- Health Assessment and Promotion
- Professional Nursing Practice
- Pharmacology
- Essentials of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- Care of the Older Adult
- Population-Based Public Health Nursing
- Systems-Based Nursing Leadership
- Health Education in the Community
- Pathophysiology
- Law & Ethics in Nursing
- 16 credit hours of nursing electives
RN to BSN (Online) – Lake-Sumter State College
Lake-Sumter State College offers an online RN to BSN program for licensed RNs or those eligible for NCLEX-RN. The 30-credit program can be completed full-time in two semesters or part-time in five semesters, focusing on leadership, management, research, and community health.
All courses are offered online and in a seven-week format. While lectures are fully online, the program includes in-person clinical components. These can be completed in a student’s area, not necessarily around campus. To help keep the program affordable, Lake-Sumter offers scholarships and generous financial aid packages.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $122.25 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- A minimum GPA of 2.5
- An active RN license
Curriculum:
- Professional Role Transition (3 credits)
- Evidence and Research in Nursing Practice (3 credits)
- Diversity & Global Trends (3 credits)
- Community and Public Health Nursing (3 credits)
- Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice (3 credits)
- Health Care Policy & Economics in Nursing (3 credits)
- Leadership & Management in Nursing (3 credits)
- Nursing electives (6 credits)
- Nursing capstone (3 credits)
Florida RN to BSN Student FAQs
While the spotlights above provide a good idea of what an online RN to BSN program looks like, you most likely still have questions. To help, we researched the top five most asked questions about getting an online RN to BSN degree in Florida and ways to save on tuition.
Can I earn my RN to BSN degree in Florida 100% online
It depends. You may be able to take most of your classes online, but you should expect some elements of your program to be conducted in person.
For example, the University of Florida’s College of Nursing has an RN to BSN program that allows you to take all of your classes online, but the school requires two clinical components that must be completed at local health care facilities in tandem with your online activities.
Similarly, Florida International University’s RN to BSN curriculum is completed almost entirely online, but nurses must participate in a practicum that combines an online theoretical component with in-person clinical hours.
How much do online RN to BSN programs cost in Florida?
Nursing schools in Florida provide an economical option for students in online RN to BSN programs. Although each school charges different tuition rates—whether they charge for each credit or semester—students can find cost efficient programs that give them a return on their investment.
Many schools offer generous financial aid packages as well, which can help offset some costs associated with an online RN to BSN.
How long do online RN to BSN programs take to finish at Florida colleges?
The timeline for online RN to BSN programs in Florida varies depending on the school you enroll in, whether you enroll in a program on a full-time or part-time basis, and how many credits transfer over from previous education.
For instance, at Florida Atlantic University, students can choose a course of study that allows them to finish their degrees in between one-and-a-half and three years.
In contrast, at Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, students generally complete their online degrees in 16 months and Herzing University nurses can get their BSN in as little as 10 months.
How do I get into Florida online RN to BSN programs?
To be admitted into any online RN to BSN program in Florida, applicants are required to either have an active RN license or at least be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Other criteria for admission may vary depending on the school that you’re applying to. For example, at Seminole State College of Florida, prospective students should have an associate degree or diploma in nursing and at least a 2.5 grade point average.
The University of Florida requires its applicants to have an associate degree and a 2.8 minimum GPA. In addition, the school expects prospective students to complete prerequisite courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and human nutrition.
Can I get my BSN in 6 months in Florida?
Some programs allow you to get your RN to BSN in six months, but those programs are few and far between in Florida. A more realistic timeline is nine months to one year.
One advantage of these slightly longer programs is they’re designed to be part-time. This means you can continue working while getting your degree or can more easily balance coursework with personal obligations. If you are interested in a six-month program, be aware that you will have a more intense course load as a full-time student.
Expert Insight
If you want to finish school quickly, you’ll most likely have a very tight class schedule. If you plan to continue working while enrolled, be aware that you may also need to set aside time for online groupwork with classmates as well as clinical hours at a health facility (if required by your program)…and clinical hours can easily feel like a second job.
Salary and Career Outlook for Florida BSNs
One of the benefits of earning a BSN degree is to be able to command higher salaries. According to ZipRecruiter, there is a significant difference between what RNs and BSNs earn in Florida. In fact, as of January 2025, the average hourly rate that is paid to RNs is $34.88 an hour or $66,969 annually. When Florida nurses advance in their education and earn a BSN, ZipRecruiter reports that they earn an average yearly salary of $96,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a similar salary range, noting that BSN nurses often make more than those with an associate’s degree.
On top of earning potential, a BSN also opens up more opportunities for leadership positions. 193,000 nurses are nearing retirement age, and many employers are looking for nurses with a bachelor’s degree to fill those managerial roles. Plus, a BSN also opens up more specialized opportunities and roles at Magnet-designated hospitals. Nurses who work at Magnet-designated hospitals often have higher career satisfaction rates and lower rates of burnout. The increase in professional opportunities that a BSN awards can also help you feel more personally satisfied at work.
Top Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Florida
To help you find accredited nursing schools with at least one online component and a competitive curriculum, our team ranked the best online RN to BSN programs in Florida using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). These rankings were determined based on the average tuition rate, percent of students who receive financial aid, the percent of course components that can be completed online, and the student to faculty ratio. You can learn more about our ranking methodology under the “About Our Rankings” tab below.
