Online Nursing Schools in FL: Your Guide to Top Programs
Registered nursing is one of the fastest-growing occupations in Florida. According to Projections Central, the demand for RNs is expected to grow 12.5% between 2022 and 2032. Online nursing programs in Florida can prepare you for a career through flexible, remote classwork. Explore your degree options, find top accredited FL schools, and get key licensing info in this EduMed student guide.
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NursingNursing Ed.Types of Online Nursing Programs in Florida (with Examples)
Florida’s growing demand for nurses has led many colleges and universities to offer affordable and flexible online nursing programs. These programs span all levels (from associate to doctoral degrees) making it easier for students at any stage of their career to enter or advance within the nursing field.
While every program is structured differently, most feature a blend of online coursework and in-person clinical training. Key features to look for include:
- Program format: 100% online or hybrid options combining virtual and hands-on learning
- Clinical requirements: In-person rotations at approved healthcare facilities
- Credit load: Varies by degree level and specialization
- Flexibility: Many programs accommodate working professionals
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is approved by a recognized nursing accrediting body
By choosing an accredited program that fits your schedule and career goals, you can gain the skills and credentials needed to meet Florida’s growing healthcare needs.
Undergraduate Online Nursing Programs in Florida
Undergraduate nursing programs include certified nursing programs (CNA) for those who want the quickest way to begin a nursing career. Associate and bachelor’s registered nurse programs (ADN and BSN) are for students just beginning their RN careers. There are also accelerated bachelor’s for those with bachelor’s degrees in other fields (ABSN).
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNA programs in Florida train students to support registered and practical nurses through tasks like bathing, dressing, and transporting patients. You can become a CNA with about 120 hours of training, with programs at community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals, and even the Red Cross. Many offer online coursework with in-person clinicals.
Example: Florida State College at Jacksonville – Nursing Assistant CNA
- Cost: $1,228
- Length: 5 weeks
- Mode: In-person and hybrid
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Becoming an LPN in Florida takes one to two years, requires both classroom and in-person training, and leads to the National Council Licensure Exam for PNs (NCLEX-PN). Accredited LPN programs in Florida prepare students for entry-level nursing positions in a range of care settings by covering topics like general science, nursing fundamentals, and patient care.
Example: Rasmussen University – Practical Nursing (LPN Program)
- Cost: $25,339
- Length: 12 months
- Mode: Online and on-campus
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Nursing associate degrees (ADN or ASN) take two years and lead to the NCLEX-RN. Most programs are in-person for both classroom learning and clinicals with some exceptions from out-of-state schools offering to train Florida nurses online. Many ADN programs allow for smooth transfer of credits to BSNs and MSNs.
Example: Herzig University – Online ASN Program
- Cost: $925 per credit
- Length: 24 months
- Mode: Online and in-person
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
BSN programs in Florida are almost exclusively in person with the exception of out-of-state schools offering online courses. Typically for beginning college students, BSN programs include significant prerequisites (sometimes offered online) in addition to nursing coursework and clinicals. A BSN includes eligibility for the NCLEX-RN and often connects to graduate-level degree programs.
Example: Herzig University – Online BSN Program
- Cost: $755 per credit
- Length: 36 months
- Mode: Online and in-person
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
For those who want to switch careers and already have a bachelor’s degree, Florida ABSN programs are often the best pathway into nursing. Many offer a fast-track nursing education of a year or two, though program length is determined largely by the number of transfer credits, and are similar to BSN programs.
Example: Grand Canyon University (Orlando) – Accelerated BSN Program
- Cost: $29,830 per year
- Length: 16 months
- Mode: Online and in-person
Graduate-Level Online Nursing Programs: Florida Edition
Nursing graduate and post-graduate degree programs include nursing master’s (MSN), doctoral (DNP and PhD), and post-graduate certificates. They build on BSNs and provide in-depth study and specialization. They often involve research, professional skills, and practical application and are for RNs wanting higher levels of leadership, teaching positions, or focused skillsets.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Online MSN programs in Florida provide the next step for students with BSNs by focusing on more specialized coursework. These programs typically require 30 credits and take two years to complete. MSNs prepare RNs for advanced practice and leadership roles and provide evidence-based knowledge and up-to-date skills in specializations like nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology.
Example: University of Central Florida – Online Nursing, MSN
- Cost: $327,32 per credit
- Length: 5 or 7 semesters
- Mode: Online
Expert Insight
MSN programs include two types of coursework: basic nursing courses (similar to the ones you take in an RN program, but at an advanced level) and specialty courses. For example, My MSN focus is Nursing Education. In the beginning of my MSN program, I took basic courses including ‘Advanced Nursing Practice’ and ‘Advanced Health Assessment’. Towards the end, I took nursing education courses, including ‘Teaching & Curriculum’, and ‘Testing & Evaluation.
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
The highest level of nursing degree, the nursing doctorate (DNP or PhD), focuses on specialization. It cultivates the skills and knowledge needed to bring the highest level of evidence-based clinical expertise to patients (DNPs) or lead to teaching other nurses in higher education (PhDs). Online doctoral programs can be completed relatively quickly.
Example: Barry University – Nursing PhD
- Cost: $1,195 per credit
- Length: Varies
- Mode: Online
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Available to students who have MSNs, these certificate programs give the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in a certain area of nursing. Requiring less time and money than full degree programs, certificate programs are alternatives to degree programs for learning about topics like adult gerontology, nursing education, and psychiatric mental health.
Example: Florida State University – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master’s Certificate
- Cost: $444.26 per credit
- Length: 6 to 12 months
- Mode: Online
Bridge Programs for Florida Nurses
Nursing bridge degree programs in Florida prepare LPNs to become RNs. They also help ADNs earn bachelor’s degrees and give BSNs access to doctoral programs. There are also bridge programs for non-nursing majors to enter the profession. Nursing bridge programs are flexible with online options and schedules but still have in-person clinical requirements.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
LPN bridge programs open a clear academic path towards securing RN licensure. LPN to RN bridge programs support those working in the field who want to take advantage of the professional opportunities that come with RN certification, and some lead to BSNs. They typically include online coursework and in-person clinicals.
Example: Eastern Florida State College – Transition to Associate Degree Nursing RN
- Cost: $10,800
- Length: 13 months
- Mode: On-campus, hybrid
RN to BSN
For working RNs interested in expanding their career options, RN to BSN programs in Florida provide accelerated learning pathways by incorporating completed prerequisites. Some online RN to BSN programs only take a year. In addition to the relatively quick completion, some programs support working RNs through online and hybrid learning options.
Example: University of North Florida – RN-BSN Bridge Track
- Cost: $199.29 per credit
- Length: One year
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
RN to MSN programs in Florida allow RNs to earn MSNs and jump to more advanced nursing roles. Often structured with the working nurse in mind, these programs offer the flexibility to balance work and home responsibilities. Through accelerated BSN coursework and MSN studies, graduates find careers in specialized environments like management to advanced nursing practice.
Example: Jacksonville University – RN-MSN
- Cost: $350 per credit
- Length: 18+ months
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
Nurses with bachelor’s degrees can prepare for advanced practice nursing roles through BSN to DNP programs, many completely online. DNP nurses can apply research to clinical practice and deliver evidence-based care to patients. They participate in both classroom learning and clinical placements and allow for specializations in a variety of areas.
Example: Jacksonville University – Family Nurse Practitioner Cognate
- Cost: $750 per credit
- Length: 8 semesters
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs prepare non-nursing majors to become RNs, fast-tracking them using credits from previous college degrees. These programs teach nursing knowledge, leadership skills, and clinical experience through online learning and in-person clinicals. Graduates of direct-entry MSN programs can enter advanced practice roles and continue to doctoral programs.
Example: Chamberlain University (Miami) – Direct Entry BSN
- Cost: $695 or $710 per credit
- Length: 3 years
- Mode: Online or on-campus
Florida Licensing Information & Requirements for RNs
As you consider your nursing niche, it’s important to understand the RN licensing requirements specific to Florida. The Florida Board of Nursing outlines the various requirements to become licensed, though if you plan to attend nursing school out-of-state, the school’s nursing curriculum may not have Florida licensing in mind.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
Prior to obtaining RN licensure in Florida, you must complete a degree from an institution accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These commissions ensure the education you receive provides the necessary training to become a competent nursing professional. Programs include associate to master’s degrees, military nursing education, and nursing bridge programs. A school’s website should indicate who accredits it.
2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
Prior to taking the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, adequate preparation is critical. Imagine completing all required coursework, graduating from your nursing program, and then failing to secure your RN license. Coursework can play a big role in preparing you for this exam, but you also need time to prepare. Most high-quality programs also include NCLEX prep in their coursework. In addition, myriad free online resources exist for this exam — take advantage of them.
3 – Apply for State Licensure
The Florida Board of Nursing offers an online application with the required application fee due at submission. You must also submit fingerprints through a service provider approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This meets Florida’s required background screening for professionals who provide service to children, the elderly, and disabled individuals. Remember that every state has its own licensing requirements, so make sure your school leads to licensure in Florida.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
Maintaining your RN license in Florida involves renewing your license online, paying a renewal fee, and completing the required number of continuing education credits every two years. RNs must complete one hour of continuing education per month for 24 credits per licensure period. In addition to 16 hours of general continuing education courses, RNs cover areas like prevention of medical errors, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Mandatory courses must be from a Florida Board of Nursing approved provider.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Florida nurses can gain additional training and credentials in a specialty area, including critical care, oncology, pediatrics, and gerontology. Typically, there is a certification exam for each area. Gaining these certifications can lead to better career opportunities and higher pay. Various nursing organizations offer these training and credential programs, and continuing education is usually required to maintain them. Even more significance is the improved patient care and better clinical outcomes resulting from certified nursing care.
Expert Insight
Some hospitals encourage their RNs to seek specialty certifications. Some even go as far as paying their nurses’ certification exam fees and offering them a pay raise for holding certification. A few years into my nursing career, I decided to earn a Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification for my own professional development. This not only led to a salary increase, but it also brought more career opportunities as time went on, particularly in the nursing education space.
RNs in Florida: Career & Salary Outlook
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $66,670 | $82,850 | $110,530 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $66,960 | $86,090 | $106,230 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $63,070 | $81,270 | $101,390 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $68,420 | $82,140 | $119,220 |
| Gainesville, FL | $72,740 | $84,710 | $109,200 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $59,740 | $75,580 | $109,660 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $65,460 | $80,850 | $100,980 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $64,600 | $81,080 | $98,490 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $68,040 | $85,610 | $127,240 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $69,900 | $85,140 | $142,960 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $65,550 | $82,850 | $103,640 |
| Ocala, FL | $64,230 | $76,410 | $94,980 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $65,980 | $81,430 | $107,810 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $61,510 | $79,840 | $101,200 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | $59,690 | $78,620 | $108,990 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | $65,960 | $79,920 | $100,830 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $70,520 | $80,160 | $101,840 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $63,690 | $80,500 | $103,550 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL | $67,040 | $78,530 | $98,990 |
| Sebring, FL | $67,990 | $82,690 | $101,860 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $61,420 | $75,990 | $100,980 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $67,960 | $84,290 | $114,960 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $63,130 | $81,440 | $121,120 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Showcasing the Best Online Nursing Programs in Florida
Numerous nursing schools in Florida have online degree programs, but it’s important to remember that not all are created equally. Recognizing that many students are busy with other commitments, the list below of the best online nursing programs in Florida offering flexible online education, accreditation, and affordable prices. See the About the Rankings pop-up for details on how schools were chosen and ranked, then continue reading for details on the best online nursing programs in Florida.
