Online RN to MSN Programs in Florida: Reviewing Top Schools
Florida needs advanced nurses. If you’re an RN looking to earn your master’s, online RN to MSN programs in Florida offer a convenient and affordable option. Learn how these programs work, review tuition, get details on admission, and see what a MSN can do for you after graduation.
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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.
Here we review three top RN to MSN programs in Florida with online components to determine which option could be right for 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.
Program concentrations:
- Clinical Nurse Educator
- Leadership in Healthcare Systems
- Nursing Informatics
- 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
Florida RN to MSN Student FAQs
Even with all the information available as you do your research into RN to MSN 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 students, including some information that’s specific to Florida.
What type of roles can I expect once I earn my MSN?
With an MSN, you can take on roles in a variety of nursing specialties such as education, healthcare policy, informatics, research, and healthcare leadership. You could also be an advanced practice registered nurse, or APRN, and work in a pediatric or psychiatric health setting, among other options.
If you want to pursue the highest level of nursing practice, MSN programs can be a stepping stone to furthering your education and earning a doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) where you can focus on making changes at the leadership level.
Expert Insight
Many MSN students choose to specialize in advanced practice registered nursing roles (APRN) which require an advanced license. The most popular is nurse practitioner. Prior to 2025, you could become a nurse anesthetist with a master’s degree, but now you need a doctoral degree. But if you earn an MSN, you’re that much closer to earning a DNP in no time should you decide to return to school.
Is there financial aid available for my Florida RN to MSN program?
Yes, you can apply 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 prospective school’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?
You should look for a program that has nursing program accreditation. Accreditation means that a program has been given a stamp of approval for meeting high educational and professional standards. Your RN to MSN program should be nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
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 online classes take place at set times and days while asynchronous courses can be taken on your own time, including at night. 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?
As a Florida MSN student in a bridge program, you will be prepared for specialty APRN roles such as nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist.
You can also advance as a non-APRN nursing leader in nursing informatics, forensic nursing, and nursing education. It all depends on your chosen degree concentration.
Expert Insight
A master’s degree in nursing can propel you into so many roles. My specialty is nursing education and my MSN qualified me to not only teach, but to write courses as well. As an MSN holder, you will serve in a leadership capacity in whatever specialty you choose.
Florida 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.
