Olivia Chen, NP
June 19, 2025
RN to BSN programs exist to provide registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing who seek BSN education as their next step. The bridge programs help nurses improve their clinical expertise together with leadership abilities through enhanced knowledge of healthcare systems. The increasing demand of Florida’s elderly population and population growth requires BSN-prepared nurses to serve an essential function.
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - famu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's RN-BSN program, offered online asynchronously, provides a flexible and efficient path for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree. As an HBCU, it emphasizes inclusivity and can be completed in just three semesters full-time or five part-time, requiring 30 credit hours at FAMU. This nationally accredited program allows credit for prior nursing education, enhancing professional skills without entrance exams like ACT or SAT, and prepares students for advanced study and diverse healthcare careers.
Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufl.edu
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The University of Florida's RN to BSN online program provides a flexible and affordable option for registered nurses to advance their careers. Designed for RNs with an associate's degree, it emphasizes analytical and leadership skill development through virtual simulations and community-based clinical hours. No specific concentration is offered, and as a bachelor's level program, it does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. With a minimum GPA of 2.8, this program is military-friendly and supports progression to graduate nursing education.
Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu
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The University of Central Florida's RN to BSN program is a fully online offering designed for licensed registered nurses seeking to advance their education. With a focus on flexibility, it allows working professionals to complete 62 credit hours remotely, covering advanced nursing practice, health assessment, research, and leadership. In-state tuition is affordable at $212.28 per credit hour, and students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Clinical practice occurs in the student's home community, and the program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, making it accessible for career growth in nursing.
Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - unf.edu
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The University of North Florida's RN-BSN Bridge Online program offers a flexible path for registered nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, requiring an active RN license and a minimum 2.70 GPA. With 30 credit hours and a one-year completion time, it includes eight nursing prerequisites and starts in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. This fully online program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, focusing on enhancing clinical skills and career advancement without a specified concentration.
Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufonline.ufl.edu
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The University of Florida-Online offers a fully online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This flexible and affordable program requires an active RN license and a 2.8 GPA, with no entrance exam needed. Students benefit from part-time study options, 90 clinical hours through virtual simulations, and a curriculum focused on developing analytical and leadership skills. Graduates are prepared for diverse healthcare roles and further graduate education, making it an ideal choice for working professionals.
The state of Florida delivers multiple flexible RN to BSN programs which serve working nurses in various ways. Online programs are widely available to students who want to take their courses from any location at any time. The program structure features interactive content with discussion boards and deadline assignments which help students stay on track without requiring classroom attendance. Various educational institutions provide hybrid programs which combine online study with scheduled face-to-face meetings. Multiple educational institutions run evening and weekend classes that cater to nurses who want classroom learning with flexible timing. All RN to BSN programs in Florida follow strict academic standards and require students to complete a community-based practicum.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Florida |
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| Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University |
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| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale |
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| Certifying Board | Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduation from an FBON‑approved BSN program, NCLEX‑RN pass, and fingerprint‑based background screening |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal on the last day of your birth month every two years |
| Continuing Education | 24 contact hours per renewal cycle, including 2 hours medical error prevention, 2 hours Florida laws and rules, 2 hours impairment recognition, 2 hours human trafficking, 1 hour HIV/AIDS, plus 2 hours domestic violence every third cycle |
| License Application Fee | $110 application/licensure fee to FBON and $200 NCLEX registration, Live Scan fingerprint fee varies (~ $80) |
| Clinical Hours | Verification of all required didactic coursework and clinical practicum via official transcripts |
| Application Processing Time | Approximately 4–6 weeks for complete applications, temporary permit issued within 5–7 business days of approval |
| License by Endorsement | $110 endorsement application/licensure fee, submit verification of active RN license, approved transcripts, proof of continuing competency, and fingerprints |
The average yearly compensation for registered nurses working in Florida reaches about $82,000 while their pay levels differ according to location, professional experience, and field specialization. Nurses who complete their BSN degree tend to receive higher salary payments especially when working in leadership positions or specialized units. Healthcare organizations including hospitals and healthcare systems base their payment systems on an educational hierarchy to reward nurses who hold advanced degrees. The salaries for nurses tend to be higher in urban regions including Miami, Tampa and Orlando because these areas face increased demand and higher living expenses. The nursing profession in Florida maintains a promising outlook because the employment demand will increase until 2032. The rising population numbers together with rising healthcare requirements drive this demand for nurses.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Florida | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $74,500 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $35.82 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$90,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $74,500 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$50,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 18% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~4,000 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Coast State College |
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| Lake-Sumter State College |
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| College of Central Florida |
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BSN holders in Florida have numerous career advancement opportunities available to them. BSN graduates become qualified to take leadership positions such as charge nurse, nurse manager and clinical coordinator. The BSN program prepares students to continue their education in graduate studies at the MSN and DNP level for nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and nursing education careers. The BSN preparation allows nurses to take certification exams for critical care, oncology and public health specialties which boost their professional credentials. Healthcare systems across the board require BSN degrees for employee advancement opportunities and clinical ladder program entry. The combination of research education and community health knowledge with leadership training enables nurses to support policy creation and quality enhancement projects. Nurses holding a BSN degree tend to join interdisciplinary teams and participate in organizational decision-making processes. The BSN degree enables nurses in Florida to advance their influence on patient care while achieving long-term career objectives in the state’s active healthcare sector.
Additional Nursing Programs in Florida
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