Online RN to MSN Programs in FL: Reviewing Top Schools
An advanced nursing degree can help elevate your nursing career in Florida. This guide from EduMed profiles several online RN to MSN programs that can help you earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) faster than the usual timeframe. We answer some common questions from MSN students, including what’s expected from programs, the roles you may earn once you obtain an MSN, and an overview of the career salary and potential for MSN graduates.
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Profiling Florida Online RN to MSN Programs
If you’ve already earned an undergraduate degree in nursing and want to advance your career, an RN to MSN program could be your way forward. These programs take the knowledge you’ve earned from your first degree in nursing — as well as from your RN experience — and add it to a master’s degree program. Below, we’ve reviewed three top RN to MSN programs in Florida with online components. See if one of these options could be right or you.
Jacksonville University
The RN to MSN Program at Jacksonville University saves both money and time for students who want to quickly earn a master’s degree in nursing. It’s also ideal for working RNs as you will still receive individual attention during your coursework thanks to the small class sizes. The courses are offered in 7-week formats that you can start at any time. You can also get help from advisors on how to best approach your degree program on your schedule. There are also four concentration tracks from which to choose: clinical nurse educator, leadership in healthcare systems, nursing informatics, and healthcare quality and safety.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Online
Cost: Tuition is $15,000
Admissions Requirements:
- Active RN license
- Provide transcripts
Curriculum:
- Evidence-Based Nursing
- Nursing Theory and Research
- Nursing Leadership and Health Care Policy
- Information Systems and Technology for Improved Health Care
- Specialty coursework
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University of Central Florida
Among the features of the RN to MSN Program from UCF is an arc where students can learn through state-of-the-art simulation programs. Other aspects include details on how to become nurse leaders and nurse educators using curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based care and critical thinking skills. There are also classes where students can discuss social, economic, and cultural factors that affect healthcare. Students who have also earned a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can apply to this program. Financial aid options are available through UCF, including access to grants, loans, and scholarships.
Duration: 18 months to two years
Mode: Online
Cost: Tuition ranges between $10,147-$11,784 depending on track
Admissions Requirements:
- RN license
- Completed associate degree in nursing or bachelor’s degree in any subject
- Florida resident status
- Provide transcripts
Curriculum:
- Health promotion
- Pathophysiology/advanced nursing practice
- Theory for advanced practice nursing
- Specialty coursework
University of West Florida
The RN to MSN Program at UWF is tailored toward working RNs who want to be nurse educators, although there are many in-depth classes that teach advanced clinical care skills, especially for different types of patient populations. The program is broken up into either eight- or 16-week courses for convenience. This includes several practicum courses as part of the UWF curriculum where students can test out the concepts and techniques they have learned as part of live classroom or clinical facility instruction. Transfer credits are accepted from accredited schools, and financial aid is available.
Duration: Two years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: Tuition ranges between $12,750-$16,575 depending on transfer credits
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN degree
- Cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
- Complete undergraduate statistics course
- Current RN license
- Submit transcripts and resume/CV
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Nursing Science
- Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator
RN to MSN Student FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
Even with all the information available as you do your research into bridge programs, you still may have some questions before you take the plunge and decide on the one that’s best for you. Here are some questions most often asked by RN to BSN students, including some information that’s specific to Florida.
What type of roles can I expect once I earn my MSN?
Three are many advanced nursing jobs that accept (and often require) someone to have earned a master’s degree in science of nursing, including nursing specialties such as cardiology, critical care, or gerontology. You could also be an advanced practice registered nurse, or APRN, and work in a pediatric or medical health setting, among other options.
Healthcare leadership roles, teaching opportunities, and policy creation could also be in the cards. For students who want to pursue the highest level of nursing practice, MSN programs can be a stepping stone to continuing education and earning a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) where you can focus on roles that center on systemic change.
Is there financial aid available for my Florida RN to MSN program?
Yes; students can try for many RN to MSN loan, grant, and scholarship opportunities including several of the Florida Nurses’ Association annual awards to students. Plus, individual schools often provide scholarship opportunities or assistantships, so check with your educational choice’s office of financial aid. It’s also important to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the key to receiving available government loans and grants, for which most in-need RN to MSN students would qualify.
What should I look for in a quality RN to MSN program in Florida?
To find the best program for your needs, consider school accreditation, your current level of education, areas of interest, and what you’d like to achieve with an MSN. While the Florida Board of Nursing does not maintain a list of approved bridge programs, it encourages all advanced nursing students to choose nationally accredited programs.
What are the differences between synchronous and asynchronous online classes?
Synchronous and asynchronous are the two available delivery methods for these types of classes, and their key differences are based on the time and days you can take classes. Synchronous classes take place at set times and days while asynchronous courses can be taken on your own time, including night classes. Although you can likely coordinate synchronous courses around work, family, or personal commitments, many students choose the convenience of asynchronous courses if they are available.
What are some of the specialties I can expect as part of a bridge program for an MSN?
There are several different tracks or arcs that Florida MSN students can take when receiving their degrees, and each one is tied to a potential role in the healthcare industry. Depending on your chosen concentration, an MSN can prepare you to manage patient care as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. You can also advance the field of nursing as a nurse educator or through nursing informatics, or expand your expertise with forensic nursing.
Salary & Career Potential with an MSN
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Florida | $63,520 | $80,960 | $105,580 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Florida | $93,380 | $120,370 | $153,470 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Florida | 18,910 | 29,980 | 11,070 | 58.50% | 2,190 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs in Florida
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville University’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers strong partnerships with healthcare industry leaders that enhance career opportunities and practical experiences for students.
- The program features 7-week flexible online course formats with year-round start dates and options to take terms off, allowing working nurses to customize their education around their schedules.
- Students benefit from individualized academic advising and small class sizes, ensuring personalized support and guidance throughout the accelerated BSN and MSN dual-degree pathway.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Florida Gulf Coast University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at FGCU offers a seamless transition by admitting associate-degree RNs as undergraduates, allowing completion of required undergraduate bridge courses before graduate-level MSN coursework.
- Students benefit from small faculty-to-student ratios and extensive clinical internship partnerships across diverse healthcare settings, ensuring individualized attention and strong practical experience.
- The program requires evidence of at least one year of current RN practice experience, emphasizing readiness and professional background, which strengthens clinical competence and career advancement opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of South Florida
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at USF offers a fully online, asynchronous format with flexible practicum placement, allowing clinical hours to be completed at the student’s workplace or through assistance in site placement.
- Students benefit from dedicated one-on-one faculty engagement, small cohort sizes, and access to academic support services like the Writing Center, ensuring personalized attention throughout the program.
- The program’s curriculum includes specialized leadership, health informatics, and evidence-based practice courses, preparing nurses to advance into roles that improve patient safety, care quality, and healthcare system efficiency.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 75% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 29/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Central Florida
- The UCF RN to MSN Bridge program offers three specialized tracks—Nursing and Healthcare Simulation, Nurse Educator, and Nursing Leadership and Management—allowing students to tailor their advanced nursing education to in-demand career paths.
- The program leverages innovative, state-of-the-art simulation technology to provide hands-on, experiential learning that prepares graduates for leadership and educational roles in nursing.
- UCF’s bridge program enables direct progression from RN to MSN, bypassing the BSN, which accelerates degree completion and reduces overall time and cost for students.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 75% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 29/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of West Florida
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at the University of West Florida offers an accelerated path allowing students to earn a BSN on the way to their MSN, thus saving significant time and integrating degree progression seamlessly.
- It features an asynchronous online format tailored for working nurses, enabling flexible completion that fits around professional and personal commitments without set class times.
- The program’s design includes faculty expertise in nursing leadership and practical experiences through practicum courses, equipping students with advanced skills for executive and specialized nursing roles.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Barry University
- Barry University's RN to MSN Bridge program offers a unique pathway for RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, allowing them to progress directly into graduate-level coursework with only two prerequisite undergraduate courses required.
- The program provides specialized clinical placement opportunities, including hospital-based clinical education for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in approved healthcare settings.
- Barry University’s MSN program features diverse specialization options such as Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive Leadership, and Nurse Educator, enabling targeted career advancement in high-demand nursing roles.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 6/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected AdventHealth University
- Arizona State University’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers more than 80% of students access to financial aid, including scholarships and employer tuition benefits, significantly reducing the cost of education.
- The program provides two practicum experiences tailored to students’ career goals plus an applied project capstone that fosters real-world evidence-based practice development.
- ASU’s program delivers a 100% online format with six start dates per year, allowing flexible enrollment and study pace for working nurses seeking accelerated completion options.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 6/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Nova Southeastern University
- Nova Southeastern University's RN to MSN Bridge program offers specialized faculty with advanced preparation and extensive clinical experience who provide individualized advisement to support student success.
- The program features a flexible hybrid format combining online core courses with a mix of online and on-site classes, allowing students to balance learning with personal and professional commitments.
- Students complete 540 clinical practice hours under approved preceptors, ensuring strong practical skills and readiness for advanced nursing certification and diverse career opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected St. Thomas University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program offers an accelerated completion option, enabling students to finish their degree faster while balancing work commitments.
- The program features specialized career tracks tailored to advanced nursing roles such as leadership, education, or nurse practitioner preparation.
- There is a strong emphasis on high clinical placement rates and expert faculty support, ensuring students gain relevant hands-on experience and professional mentorship.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, 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 one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
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 school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
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 2025
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