Are Bsn Registered Nurses In High Demand In Florida
As indicated in the chart below, job growth rates for Florida RNs are strong and have outpaced those for RNs nationwide by a good margin. And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , thats particularly true in major Florida metropolitan areas like Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa. Employment rates for all occupations, including those for RNs, have understandably taken a bit of a hit across the board recently due to Covid 19. Still, job growth estimates for RNs have remained relatively strong. And once the nation emerges from the pandemic, you can expect that RNs will continue to be in particularly high demand in the job market.
Job Outlook for Registered Nurses in Florida
| Employment |
Certifications And Licensure For Nursing Majors
Nursing majors can enhance their employability and career options by obtaining professional credentials, such as RN licensure. Many nursing positions require official licensure from the state board. Nursing majors can also earn various other nursing-related credentials that demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills. See below for three credential options for nursing majors.
About The Program Nursing Accelerated Option
The Accelerated Option program is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a non-nursing field and wish to pursue a career in professional nursing. Our rapid-paced, high quality AO program is delivered over four semesters and begins in the spring each year. Small class sizes allow for more interaction between students and their professors throughout this rigorous course of study.
Our program is competitively priced to meet the needs of the second-degree seeking students. Tuition is $7000 per semester + $50 per credit/per semester nursing program resources fee. Additionally, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is pleased to offer a wide variety of privately funded scholarships, in both spring and fall, which can help AO students offset out-of-pocket expenses.
Program Highlights:
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Why Should I Consider An Accelerated Nursing Degree / Second Degree Bsn
If you already have bachelors and are hoping to make a career change into nursing doing one of these programs may be just the path for you. You wont have to waste time taking core courses such as history and English. Instead you can just jump right in and focus on the nursing specific courses. Another advantage of getting your BSN is that if you decide to further your career even more later and earn your PhD or become an advanced practice registered nurse , you will have the required degree to apply.
How Do I Know If An Accelerated Florida Bsn Program Is Of High Quality
The quality of your Florida-based accelerated BSN program is assured in two ways. The first is program approval by the Florida Board of Nursing. The second is proper accreditation, particularly programmatic accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . All accelerated BSN programs mentioned in this guide are accredited by either the ACEN or CCNE. You can check an accelerated BSN programs current accreditation status by visiting the programs website or contacting the program directly. You can also check the status using these ACEN and CCNE program search engines.
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Your Second Career Is Possible
As one of the top accredited nursing schools in Orlando and Central Florida, Herzing Universitys degree program equips you with the education you need to take advantage of your prior credits, pursue a new career and become a new you.
Jobs you can get with a bachelors of science degree in nursing
A bachelor of science in nursing qualifies you for new opportunities, specialty roles and responsibilities as a registered nurse . You may specialize in patient care in pediatrics, emergency or intensive care as an RN in a hospital, or move on to a nurse manager or nursing director role.
Its really up to you. Getting your BSN opens many more doors to pursue a career you can mold to your strengths and specialties. As you earn more responsibility you may consider a masters degree in nursing to become a family nurse practitioner, nurse educator or pursue a role in nursing leadership.
Second Degree Accelerated Bsn Programs
Second-degree BSN nursing programs, also known as accelerated BSN programs are designed to allow you to earn your Bachelor of Science in nursing in less than the typical four years. The accelerated, web-based second-degree bachelor of science in nursing program is meant for students who have bachelors degrees in other non-nursing degrees. This degree is a great match for students who wish to make a career change/switch. The nursing program is referred to as accelerated because it does not take the usual four years applicable to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree .
The second degree BSN program enables baccalaureate graduates with other non-nursing degrees to complete a nursing BSN in 18 months or fewer for accelerated second degree BSN programs.
Usually, taking an accelerated second degree in nursing allows the nursing faculty to recognize your first bachelors degree credits decreasing the necessary general education credits you would need to take. After the exemptions, the remaining credits are compressed into a shorter curriculum period and therefore, the ability to complete studies in a relatively short time frame.
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How Much Do Absn Programs Cost
It always comes down to money. Luckily for you there are a ton of ways to pay for your nursing education. It is also worth noting that the price of doing a second degree BSN will depend on the school you attend. Private schools will almost always cost more than public ones and both offer comparative quality educations. There are also various programs listed below that can help you pay for your nursing education. Here are price examples from a public and private school:
- Boston College: $1,404/credit or $42,120/year
The Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness program and Public Service Loan Forgiveness are two examples of programs that will pay for your education if you commit to working in medically underserved areas. This can help take the financial pressure out of pursuing a second bachelors degree. Some other repayment options are listed here:
- Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
- Military Programs
Our handy state guides are designed to help you find scholarships offered in your state as well!
What Can I Do With This Degree
- Accelerated Program
Students who earn a BSN degree may explore the following careers:
- Careers for graduates who earn a BSN degree include:
- Acute Care: Hospitals
- Adult Day Care, Assisted Living Facilities, and Retirement Homes
- Public Health
- Home Healthcare, Hospice, Palliative Care
- Long-term care: Skilled Facilities
- Outpatient Facilities
- Eligible for Leadership and Management Positions in Long-Term Care, Hospitals, and Community Settings
- Specialty Areas: ICU, ER, CCU, NICU, Pediatrics, Medical-Surgical, Rehabilitation, Occupational Health, Perioperative Practice, OB & Women’s Health, & Mental Health, School Nurse, Clinical Research, Health Policy, Health Coach, Physicians’ Offices & Clinics, Travel Nursing, Educational Units, and Staff Development
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Curriculum Overview For Accelerated Bsn Program In Florida
Practice as a nurse in Florida and all other states requires state licensing or registration, which, in turn, requires applicants to complete an approved nursing education program and pass a state-approved competency exam. In Florida, nurse licensing and certification is administered by the Florida Board of Nursing, which has strict requirements for nursing education programs. As a result, the curriculums of accredited BSN programs in the state follow a standard structure, all consisting of the following same three fundamental components:
1.Prerequisite Coursework
All programs require students to complete several state-mandated nursing-related prerequisite courses prior to beginning their accelerated BSN curriculum . The general education requirements that are normally a part of a bachelors degree program are satisfied or waived in your accelerated BSN program through the acceptance and transfer process. Any general education deficit is normally made up by completing the needed coursework either before or during the accelerated BSN program.
2.Nursing Classes
3.Clinical Training
Why A Bs In Nursing
A growing number of hospitals are only hiring nurses with baccalaureate degrees, and industry trends suggest that an associate degree in nursing could eventually become obsolete. There is also mounting evidence of our countrys increasing demand for baccalaureate-educated nurses as a means to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
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Whats Next After Your Accelerated Bsn Program In Florida
The goal of earning your BSN degree, of course, is to launch your career as an RN. Once youve earned your degree, though, you will still need to take care of a number of tasks before starting your professional nursing practice. Heres a look at the steps youll take to become a working RN in Florida:
- Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program .
- Apply for RN registration and pay the appropriate application fees with the Florida Board of Nursing . You can apply online here.
- Register and pay to take the exam with Pearson VUE. Schedule and take your NCLEX RN exam at a Person VUEs testing location. Test results are transmitted directly to the BON.
- Receive your initial RN license, which is issued within seven to 10 days of passing the exam.
Once youve received your Florida RN license, you are authorized to practice as an RN anywhere within the state.
Format Of An Accelerated Nursing Program
Accelerated nursing degrees offer the opportunity for an individual with a bachelors degree in another subject to take the coursework necessary to sit for the exam to become a registered nurse . Also known as a second-degree nursing program, an accelerated nursing degree provides an accredited fast-track into a professional career. As a result, most accelerated programs are highly selective and follow an intensive course format.
The most popular accelerated programs range from an average of 12 to 15 months in length. Coursework may include classes in physiology, patient-centered care, pharmacology, and research-based practice. In addition, most accelerated programs offer clinical training in a hospital or medical setting under the supervision of a registered nurse or faculty member. Upon completing the curriculum and required clinic hours, students take the National Council Licensure Examination and go on to seek employment in Florida-based healthcare facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing demand is expected to grow faster than average for all professions, making the accelerated BSN one of the most desirable degree programs in the country.
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What Is An Accelerated Nursing Program
The Accelerated Nursing Degree also known as Second Degree BSN program is specifically designed for people who have already earned bachelors degree in another field and wish to become a Registered Nurse. These programs may also be referred to Direct Entry or Accelerated BSN programs. Typically, a Second Degree BSN program will take about 9 to 14 months to complete. It may take longer if you choose to enroll part-time. By earning your BSN you will be regarded as a highly employable nurse.
Learn additional information about BSN programs in our Bachelors of Science in Nursing Guide. A BSN is one of the degrees you can earn in order to become a registered nurse . BSN programs prepare you through classwork and clinical experiences to sit for the NCLEX exam and work as an RN.
How Much Do Nurses With A Bsn Earn
Having your BSN will give you a lot of flexibility in the type of salary you can earn. This, along with being an overall fulfilling career will makes nursing a desirable path. Your salary will change depend on where you work. Urban locations will pay more, but your cost of living will also likely be higher. Community health centers may not pay as much as private ones, but you will also be more likely to be eligible for the loan forgiveness programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows RNs earning a median of $66,640 annually. You can earn the most in California, Hawaii, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Oregon at a salary between $80,000 to $96,000.
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Jacksonville University Launches Accelerated Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
February 16, 2021Academics, All Sections, Health, Slider, University Highlights
Jacksonville University, in partnership with Baptist Health, has launched an accelerated path to earning a bachelor of science in nursing. The second-degree program offers qualified individuals an opportunity to complete their BSN degree in 12 months and earn a work-promise agreement from Baptist Health upon graduation and licensure. The program is reflective of the universitys commitment to graduating exceptional, job-ready professionals in a way that rapidly addresses the ever-increasing need for qualified nurses in northeast Florida.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only deepened the demand for talented, qualified nurses to care for Floridas growing and aging population, especially with tens of thousands of experienced nurses approaching retirement in the next 10 years in our state, said Jacksonville University President Tim Cost. We want to close that gap, and its fitting that we will tackle this challenge with our long-time partners at Baptist Health, who first joined us in 1981 to develop and launch Jacksonville Universitys school of nursing.
The accelerated BSN program combines premier nursing education and faculty expertise from Jacksonville Universitys esteemed Keigwin School of Nursing with hands-on skills training from Baptist Healths experienced and talented clinical nurses. Individuals with a bachelors degree in any field are eligible for the accelerated degree program.
How Much Do Bsn Programs In Florida Cost
Total program costs for accelerated BSN programs in Florida can vary substantially from program to program. This is due to several factors, most significantly whether the program is offered by a public or private institution and, regarding public school programs, whether youre a Florida or out-of-state resident .
To get an idea of what you might pay for your Florida accelerated BSN program, take a look at the cost figures included in the school spotlights in this guide. Also, here are current cost figures for three other accelerated BSN programs in Florida :
Barry University
Total cost : $24,000
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Required Courses In General Education
Students enrolled in this bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 33.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. A minimum of 9.00 semester credit hours must be upper level . Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for Herzing University courses that would satisfy these requirements. *12.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications3.00 Semester Credit Hours in General Education Electives 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science * Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 33.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines.
Curriculum Design For 2nd Degree Accelerated Nursing Programs
Most schools only have a full-time curriculum which requires a fastpaced learning mode. The curriculum takes the shape of prerequisites courses , and typical nursing courses. Typical nursing curriculum includes all nursing courses taken by direct entry BSN nurse students. Core nursing courses like research methods in nursing, patient care, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, laboratory methods, nutrition, and clinical practicum are taught. Students must also take credits in medical ethics, and generalized training on nurse specialty fields like psychiatry, informatics, public health, pediatrics among others.
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Financial Aid Affordable For You
If youre a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate, you may qualify for our merit-based scholarships with awards up to $17,000, based on your cumulative GPA and standardized test scores. Scholarships are available for freshmen , transfers, international, DACA, and Dreamer applicants. Using your admissions application, we automatically determine your eligibility.
More than 90% of our students receives some form of financial assistance. Apply to see if you qualify for a full array of federal and state financial aid programs. Just submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid . Complete it as soon as possible since funds may be limited. Barry’s federal school code is 001466. Curious about qualifying? Take a look at our Net Price Calculator.
Explore our scholarship system to see if you qualify for scholarships funded by alumni, private donors, corporations, and others.
Online Accelerated Nursing Programs
Many schools now have at least partially online options for completing your BSN. These programs can enable you to continue working and meet other life goals while you pursue your education. These programs use technology to deliver classes online and allow you to complete assignments and class discussions from the comfort of your own home. They will also work with you to help you get obtain clinical experiences near your home or in a location convenient for you.
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Can I Get Financial Aid To Help Pay For My Accelerated Bsn Program In Florida
If you qualify, yes, and most BSN students will. Financial aid opportunities for accelerated BSN students are available across a range of funding sources, the most common being the federal student loan. The federal government is also a great source for loan repayment opportunities for nursing students. In addition, theres an abundance of scholarships and grants available for BSN students, including those sponsored by nursing associations and private benefactors and in-house awards offered by colleges and universities themselves. Examples of programs with robust financial aid offerings for nursing students include Florida Atlantic University and the University of Florida.
The best way to find out about specific financial aid opportunities for your Florida accelerated BSN program of choice is to contact the schools financial aid office. And be sure to check out our nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide for more information and advice on funding your accelerated BSN program.