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- Popular Accredited BSN Programs in Florida
- Key Benefits of Earning a BSN Degree in Florida
- Program Checklist: Qualities to Look for in a BSN Program in Florida
- Types of BSN Programs in Florida
- FAQs About BSN Programs in Florida
- Inside Look at Online BSN Programs in Florida
- Job Outlook & Salary Details for BSN Nurses in Florida
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Today’s Top BSN Nursing Programs in Florida
Begin a new nursing career, or build on previous nursing education and experience by earning your bachelor’s through a traditional or online BSN program in Florida.
Written By
Kenya McCullum
- Bio
Kenya McCullum is a freelance writer based in California.
last updated
Are you a Floridian that wants to dedicate your career to helping people in need by becoming a registered nurse? Or maybe you already work as an RN or LPN but are seeking more responsibility and higher pay. Whatever the case, you can get the training you need to provide effective and compassionate patient care by earning a BSN degree from a Florida college or university.
To learn more about BSN programs in Florida, continue reading this page, where you will get an overview of what the curriculum is like and recommendations for both campus and online programs. You’ll also learn about the different types of available BSN programs, the Florida job market for nursing graduates, and how much you can earn as a registered nurse in Florida. Dive in by considering our list of top programs for the 2023-2024 academic year.
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Base Methodology for EduMed’s Best Online College Rankings for the ’23-’24 school year.
One: Create list of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least 1 online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
Two: Assign Weighting
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the schools themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
Online Programs – Number of online programs in the relevant subject area.
Online Student % – Number of total students who are enrolled in at least 1 distance-learning course in the relevant subject area.
Tuition – The average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
Institutional Aid – Percent of full-time undergraduate students who are awarded institutional grant aid, as self-reported by the school.
Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Career Placement Services – Existence of this service on campus or online.
Student/Faculty Ratio
About Our Data: EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2023
| # | School Name | Type | Tuition | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of West FloridaPensacola, FL | Public | $ | 1 | University of West Florida's Online RN to BSN program allows students to build on their knowledge of nursing and find more opportunities in the healthcare industry. The program is totally online so the work can fit into students' busy schedules. Graduates will be prepared to provide top-notch, quality patient care, learning from highly experienced educators. They will find opportunities in which they can meet the growing demands of healthcare, use evidence-based nursing practice, and develop professional knowledge and a broader outlook of nursing. Program Highlights: Online RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %88% |
|||
| 2 | State College of Florida-Manatee-SarasotaBradenton, FL | Public | $ | 1 | State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota's Nursing RN to BSN is designed for current Florida RNs who would like to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The curriculum incorporates students' prior nursing education and experience, expanding on nursing practice, theory, concepts, and leadership. The program is online, with both synchronous and asynchronous course offerings. Students are required to complete the 45-hour Community and Public Health practicum. Program Highlights: Nursing RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %72% |
|||
| 3 | University of North FloridaJacksonville, FL | Public | $ | 1 | University of North Florida's RN-BSN Bridge Track Online program allows RNs to graduate in the equivalent of three traditional semesters (which takes approximately one year). Students will gain leadership skills to grow as a nursing professional, while respecting and utilizing students' existing knowledge as nurses. The program is fully online, with cohorts adjusted to accommodate full or part-time options. While coursework is delivered online, students gain experience in professional nursing at a community agency in their local area. Program Highlights: RN-BSN Bridge Track Online
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %76% |
|||
| 4 | Florida International UniversityMiami, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1 |
Online Student %65% |
||||
| 5 | Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1 |
Online Student %65% |
||||
| 6 | Lake-Sumter State CollegeLeesburg, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio24/1 |
Online Student %79% |
||||
| 7 | St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1 |
Online Student %76% |
||||
| 8 | Polk State CollegeWinter Haven, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
Online Student %80% |
||||
| 9 | Florida State College at JacksonvilleJacksonville, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio23/1 |
Online Student %77% |
||||
| 10 | Florida SouthWestern State CollegeFort Myers, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio27/1 |
Online Student %62% |
||||
| 11 | University of Florida-OnlineGainesville, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio49/1 |
Online Student %100% |
||||
| 12 | University of FloridaGainesville, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %57% |
||||
| 13 | Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %66% |
||||
| 14 | University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio30/1 |
Online Student %61% |
||||
| 15 | South Florida State CollegeAvon Park, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1 |
Online Student %66% |
||||
| 16 | Eastern Florida State CollegeCocoa, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %65% |
||||
| 17 | Chipola CollegeMarianna, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %61% |
||||
| 18 | Pensacola State CollegePensacola, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1 |
Online Student %63% |
||||
| 19 | Florida National University-Main CampusHialeah, FL | Private for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1 |
Online Student %64% |
||||
| 20 | Northwest Florida State CollegeNiceville, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio23/1 |
Online Student %70% |
||||
| 21 | Keiser University-Ft LauderdaleFort Lauderdale, FL | Private not-for-profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1 |
Online Student %50% |
||||
| 22 | Indian River State CollegeFort Pierce, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio25/1 |
Online Student %66% |
||||
| 23 | St. Thomas UniversityMiami Gardens, FL | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio10/1 |
Online Student %43% |
||||
| 24 | Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityWest Palm Beach, FL | Private not-for-profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1 |
Online Student %41% |
||||
| 25 | Santa Fe CollegeGainesville, FL | Public | $ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1 |
Online Student %55% |
||||
| 26 | Jacksonville UniversityJacksonville, FL | Private not-for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1 |
Online Student %51% |
||||
| 27 | Atlantis UniversityMiami, FL | Private for-profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Student/ Faculty Ratio25/1 |
Online Student %50% |
Popular Accredited BSN Programs in Florida
The first step to find the right BSN program in Florida for you is to survey the landscape of schools that offer this degree program. Review the two schools featured below to get an idea of some of the most popular programs out there.
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers a traditional BSN program that combines classroom learning, laboratory work, and experiences in a clinical setting. The program takes four semesters to complete and gives students the skills they need to begin their careers as a generalist nurse and build the foundation needed to further their education or pursue a nursing specialization later. Specific classes cover clinical reasoning in health assessments, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and population health. Students also learn about nursing leadership, the role of ethics and law in nursing practice, and how to provide services across the continuum of patient care. This program requires 60 credit hours of coursework, and then students go on to complete 765 clinical hours at a healthcare facility approved by the school.
To be admitted into this program, applicants are expected to pass pre-professional prerequisites, such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, human growth and development, statistics, and biology, with at least a 3.0 average. Applicants should also have a minimum overall 3.0-grade point average and at least eight to 10 hours of foreign language classes.
Barry University
Barry University’s BSN takes six semesters to complete and focuses on a contemporary curriculum that includes community-based education and opportunities to learn about how care is delivered in various settings. To be admitted, prospective students must score well on a standardized nursing program admissions test, have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and participate in an interview with the admissions committee.
Once students are admitted, they take courses that familiarize them with basic nursing practice and essential concepts through classes covering health assessment and promotion, pharmacology, nursing research and evidence-based practice, and nursing leadership and management. Also, the curriculum focuses on patient-centered care to different types of patients, from pediatric to geriatric patients and everyone in between. After completing their classroom learning, students are then expected to participate in hands-on clinical experiences, which can be provided at various sites, including Jackson Healthcare System Hospitals, Holy Cross Hospital, Miami Children’s Hospital, and North Shore Medical Center.
Key Benefits of Earning a BSN Degree in Florida
Becoming a nurse is a good choice in any state, but getting your BSN degree in Florida particularly provides a floodgate of opportunities. From the growing nursing shortage to the aging population, there are several reasons why Florida is a great state for nurses. The following are some of the benefits you can enjoy after earning your BSN in Florida.
Benefit #1
Retirement in Florida
Florida is a popular state for retirees and senior adults, and generalist nurses are in high demand. In addition to the people who move to the area to enjoy their retirement years basking in the sun, the need for nurses is expected to rise because of the professionals that are retiring in the coming years. In fact, according to the Florida Center for Nursing, by 2025, there will be a severe nursing shortage of at least 50,300 nurses because of the rising demand.
Benefit #2
Top Nursing Employer
With numerous medical centers and hospitals in the state, Florida provides a wealth of employment opportunities. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida has the third-highest level of employment for nurses in the country, with 181,670 nurses working in the state. Among the elite healthcare facilities in Florida, as ranked by U.S. News Health, are Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, AdventHealth Daytona Beach, and the University of Miami Hospital Clinics.
Benefit #3
Magnet Hospitals
There are 23 Magnet Hospitals in Florida—including Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and South Miami Hospital—which means that nurses have opportunities for growth in the profession. In fact, nurses who work at these facilities, which are known for providing superior patient care, are happier and more satisfied in their jobs than those who work at other hospitals.
Program Checklist: What to Look for in a BSN Program in Florida
When you’re looking at schools, what should you give the most weight to ensure you make the right decision? The following checklist includes the most important qualities you should look for in a BSN program in Florida.
Nationally Accredited and State Approved
First and foremost, when looking for a BSN program in Florida, you should look for one that has been state-approved and nationally accredited. Nursing programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which means they have been vetted for their quality and meet the high standards of education that nursing students need to prepare for the challenges and rigors of this career. During the accreditation process, these organizations will review the schools’ curriculum, research interests, faculty, and services to ensure students learn the skills employers look for. Also, you should look for a school that has been approved by the state. This is important because you will not obtain your license if you complete a degree from a school that has not been sanctioned by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Knowledgeable Faculty
When looking at a program, it’s important to consider who will be providing the theoretical and hands-on knowledge you need as a nurse. To find a program with qualified professors and instructors, look at the faculty website of every program you’re considering. Along with general credentials, you can also explore faculty specializations. If you aspire to specialize in a particular area of nursing, a school with faculty members in that subsection is a big plus.
Desirable Clinical Experiences
Since clinical rotations are an integral part of nursing training, you should look for schools that offer hands-on experiences at the type of facility you want to work in. As you research schools, check for the partnerships they have within the medical community to determine what types of clinicals will be available to you.
Types of BSN Programs in Florida
Traditional BSN
Traditional BSN programs are for those who have no previous nursing experience and have not already earned a bachelor’s degree. Students can apply for these programs while still in high school, and like other bachelor’s degree programs, they take four years to complete.
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
Accelerated BSN
An accelerated BSN program in Florida is designed for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing. As a result, students can transfer their general education courses, dedicate their studies to nursing classes, and take other requirements they didn’t complete during their previous degree program.
Learn more about accelerated BSN programs in Florida
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs are designed for registered nurses who have earned their associate’s degree and have an active nursing license. Since these programs, which are also called ADN to BSN programs, build on the education that nurses already have, they can complete their studies in about a year.
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
LPN to BSN
These programs, also known as bridge programs, are for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses who want to continue their education. These degrees can be completed in about two to three years. Besides taking advanced nursing coursework, students take general education classes that they would not have been required to complete in their LVN or LPN programs.
Learn more about LPN to BSN programs in Florida
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
Online BSN Programs in Florida
Online BSN programs in Florida are a great choice for those currently working and want the convenience of a distance program that allows them to fit their education into their busy lives.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs in Florida
For driven high school seniors who have a keen interest in nursing, direct-entry BSN programs in Florida present a golden opportunity to jumpstart their journey towards a nursing career. These programs allow college freshmen to embark on their nursing coursework right away.
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
FAQs About BSN Programs in Florida
How long does it take to earn a BSN in Florida?
The amount of time it takes to earn a BSN degree in Florida depends on the type of program you choose. For example, traditional BSN programs take four years to complete, while those who enroll in an accelerated BSN program can finish their degree in two years. Also, RN to BSN programs take about a year to work through the curriculum, and LPN to BSN programs are about two to three years long.
How much does a BSN program in Florida cost?
The amount you may pay for a BSN program in Florida varies depending on the school you choose. For example, those who attend a public school can generally expect to pay a lot less for their tuition than those who attend a private one. The type of BSN program will also influence the cost since some degrees take longer to finish than others. To give you an idea of the cost for your BSN degree, we have included what three different schools charge their nursing students.
What are the admissions requirements for BSN nursing programs in Florida?
Each school has its standards for admissions, but usually, when you apply to a BSN nursing program in Florida, you will be expected to:
- Have at least a 3.0 overall grade point average
- Complete prerequisite classes in math and science with at least a 3.0 average
- Earn a high score on a nursing admissions examination
- Interview with the admissions committee
Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my BSN program in Florida?
Financial aid to pay for your BSN program in Florida from several sources. During the application process, you will be able to apply for financial aid, which will give you the opportunity to be considered for scholarships, grants, and loans from your school, as well as through the federal government. There are also scholarships and grants available from the state through the Florida Department of Education. Nursing students can also get funding for their education through the Florida Nurses Association.
You can find more details about your financial aid options on our nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide.
Inside Look at 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.
For more information, visit our guide to online BSN programs.
Standout Online BSN Programs in Florida
Chamberlain University
The Chamberlain University’s online RN to BSN program is an 89-credit program that students can finish in three semesters. To be admitted, students must have an associate’s degree in nursing from a college or university that the Council accredited for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education, at least a 2.0GPA a current, and unrestricted nursing license.
When students enroll in this program, they enhance their current skills with a curriculum that focuses on how to conduct patient assessments, provide medications, create treatment plans, and work with patients and their families to implement at-home treatment for their illnesses or injuries. Students can complete 100 percent of their classes online and are not required to log into the system to view lectures at specific times. Students also take a capstone course at the end of the program to get hands-on experience using the concepts they studied throughout the program.
Florida SouthWestern State College
Florida SouthWestern State College offers an online RN to BSN program that can be finished in four semesters. Registered nurses in the program can get higher-level skills through classes on advanced health assessments, multicultural nursing, pharmacology, healthcare informatics, nursing research, and leadership in nursing practice. Students are also required to take general education classes to help them learn additional skills that will strengthen their work performance, including writing and public speaking skills and humanities and social science coursework. Foreign language competency is also required, which students can get through two semesters of coursework if they previously did not take a foreign language in high school.
Prospective students should have an active RN license and at least a 2.50 GPA. Also, students should complete prerequisites in math, science, and communication.
Job Outlook & Salary Details for BSN Nurses in Florida
It’s important to consider whether or not earning a BSN in Florida is going to be a good return on your time and money investment. The following provides information on the job prospects that could be available after you complete your degree, as well as how much money you may be able to earn.
Are BSN nurses in high demand in Florida?
According to Projections Central, between 2018 and 2028, there will be 16.1 percent job growth for nurses around the state, which amounts to a 30,530 increase in nursing positions. This is slightly higher than the national average, a projected 12.1 percent of jobs created in the country during this time—or an average of 210,400 new jobs annually.
Employment Projections for RNs in Florida
| Employment (2018) | New Jobs (2018-2028) | Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | |
| Florida | 189,820 | 220,350 | 16.1% | 14,000 |
| United States | 3,059,800 | 371,500 | 12.1% | 210,400 |
Source: Projections Central
How much do BSN nurses make in Florida?
According to ZipRecruiter, Florida nurses who have a bachelor’s degree earn an average salary of $101,603, or $35 per hour. This is higher than what nurses in the state who do not have a bachelor’s degree earn. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state average salary for registered nurses is $67,610, and the median hourly rate is $31.65. On a national level, nurses, on average, earn $77,460 annually and $35.24 per hour.
More Resources
Top Online Nursing Programs
and Schools in Florida For 2024
James Mielke
by: James Mielke
James Mielke is a freelance writer currently based in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to higher education topics, other areas of research and writing include food history, cooking, dining, and golf. After COVID-19 hastened the end of his line-cooking-as-grad-school-for-food-writing experience, he has spent the last handful of years as a full-time freelancer. He regularly contributes to multiple higher education-centric pages, including EduMed. In addition to higher education topics, he has contributed to Eaten Magazine, Food Republic, The Midwesterner, Golfweek, and the Courier-Journal. James has a history degree from Belmont University and is an unapologetic fan of the Grateful Dead.
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Shannon Daigle is a freelance writer currently living in Chicago, Illinois. A former marketing professional, she now partners with clients to develop informational and educational content.
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James Mielke
by: James Mielke
James Mielke is a freelance writer currently based in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to higher education topics, other areas of research and writing include food history, cooking, dining, and golf. After COVID-19 hastened the end of his line-cooking-as-grad-school-for-food-writing experience, he has spent the last handful of years as a full-time freelancer. He regularly contributes to multiple higher education-centric pages, including EduMed. In addition to higher education topics, he has contributed to Eaten Magazine, Food Republic, The Midwesterner, Golfweek, and the Courier-Journal. James has a history degree from Belmont University and is an unapologetic fan of the Grateful Dead.