Bsn Program Length In Florida
BSN programs in the state are often 4 years long, or 8 semesters with summers off. Each institution can offer accelerated courses depending on labor market needs, faculty interest, and student demand. Accelerated courses are increasingly popular as the government moves to bring every RN to the BSN level.
Accredited Nursing Schools In Florida
Accreditation is one of the most important criteria to consider when selecting your college. An accredited institution offers courses that meet strict criteria and professional standards. This is important because:
- It creates a standardized level of education.
- Students must study at accredited institutions to receive financial aid from the government.
- If you wish to transfer your credits later, the accreditation status of your current school is essential.
- Employers will consider the accreditation status of the institution when hiring you .
Jacksonville University Keigwin School Of Nursing
The nursing programs at Jacksonville University blend a liberal arts education with clinical experiences to educate tomorrows nursing professionals. Several bachelors, masters, doctoral, and post-graduate programs meet the needs of the schools diverse student body. The school makes the list of the top 200 nursing schools in the nation, according to U.S. News.
The faculty at the Keigwin School is very focused on individualized student success. And as such, the nursing programs at Jacksonville University are designed to give students the flexibility and individual attention they need to succeed. For example, class sizes are kept small to ensure good faculty-to-student ratios. Whats more, undergraduates can choose from a traditional track or accelerated 12- or 16-month tracks for career-change students who already have a degree. Plus, a flexible and online RN-to-BSN program is available as well the program can take as little as 9 months and is offered at a very low tuition rate.
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Lpn To Rn Programs In Florida
It is not uncommon for Licensed Practical Nurses to pursue registered nursing. In this instance, interested practical nurses can enroll in an LPN to RN program. The LPN to RN pathway takes into consideration a student’s prior practical nursing education and experience, making the total program length shorter than a traditional RN program.
Nursing Schools In Jacksonville Fl

Nursing schools in Jacksonville FL are conveniently located nearby nationally ranked hospitals. One example of a top-tier medical facility in the area is the Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville. The hospital is nationally ranked in numerous specialties including cancer, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and pulmonary surgery. Additional nationally ranked medical centers in Jacksonville include the Baptist Medical Center, Flagler Hospital, and UF Health Jacksonville. Nurses who finish their schooling in the area often find permanent job placements within these facilities. Certified nursing assistant schools in Jacksonville, FL are some of the best. Nursing schools in Jacksonville, FL may also offer clinical hours at these hospitals toward degree requirements.
Jacksonville is the largest metro area by mass in the United States. Within the city are both beaches and downtown areas. Jacksonville has a very low employment rate with just 3 percent of residents without a job. Salaries for nursing jobs are competitive with the average BSN nurse in Florida making more than $75,000 annually. As an added benefit, the overall cost of living is lower in Jacksonville than the rest of the country.
The following are the top nursing schools in Jacksonville FL with on-campus and online courses for prospective nurses. Whether youre looking for an RN to BSN program in Florida, a Florida BSN program, or another type of nursing program, youll be sure to find an option here.
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Admission Requirements For Bsn Programs In Florida
Admission requirements for BSN programs vary however, the following is an average sampling of what your university may demand in order to admit you:
- Completed and submitted school application ahead of deadlines
- Fee waiver application with ACT, SAT, or NACAC scores attached
- Submit an ACT or SAT score of at least 19 or 500, respectively.
- Transcripts from high school or the GED must be submitted.
- If applicable, submit your TOEFL score.
Class Sizes In The Top Nursing Schools In Florida
The advantage of a larger student body is that theres more opportunity to make friends. There is also a higher number of competitors that can spur you on to do better. The downside is that the class sizes are bigger, meaning that students get less individual attention.
Whether this suits you depends on the type of student you are. If youre a self-starter and can follow along with the notes on your own, large class sizes wont bother you. On the other hand, if youre a bit more hesitant or need more explanation, it might be better to attend a smaller class.
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Sat Range For The Top Nursing Programs In Florida
To make it into one of the best schools, you should perform on your SATS as well as possible. The average minimum SAT score for acceptance ranges from 1150 to 1250. Students with scores of 1300 and above stand the best chances.
Only one school listed here will consider scores under 1000, so students must aim higher at all times. In addition to entry criteria, SAT scores may also affect your chances of receiving a grant or financial aid.
Best Bsn Programs In Florida In 2020
Florida not only has plenty of sandy beaches but also has more opportunities for nurses than any other state. So we created a list of the best BSN programs in Florida to help you get started! With an increasingly large retired population, the demand for highly educated and trained nurses is needed more than ever. That demand is expected to continue to grow for the next two decades. With increased demand comes a need to receive an education that aligns with nursing career goals and expectations of employers. It is critical to attend one of the best nursing schools in Florida that have the programs and specialization you need to match your goals. Luckily Florida is home to some of the best nursing programs in the nation.
The largest area predicted for job growth in the healthcare industry of Florida is, not surprisingly, critical adult care, nursing centers, assisted living facilities, and home health care. Florida is home to some of the nations largest health care agencies and they are constantly on the lookout for educated, qualified individuals to hire within their nursing positions.
While there are many nursing programs in Florida, some are definitely better than others. Each program has its strengths, so be sure to find the one that provides what you want and need. We even provided a list of accelerated nursing programs in Florida.
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Overview Of Nursing Schools In Florida
- There are 81 nursing schools in Florida. The CCNE accredits 32 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 49 schools in Florida.
- On average, attending an RN program in Florida will cost you between $1,846.00 and $31,164.00 per year.
- In Florida, the average undergraduate student borrows between $4,725.00 and $14,000.00 per year.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average, the NCLEX passing rate range for Florida ADN students is between 26.28% and 97.76%.
- On average, the NCLEX passing rate range for Florida BSN students is between 64.17% and 98.69%.
- The average annual salary for a registered nurse in Florida is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses throughout the country and in Florida can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Top Nursing Schools In Florida
- Ph.D., English, University of Pennsylvania
- M.A., English, University of Pennsylvania
- B.S., Materials Science & Engineering and Literature, MIT
If you’re looking for a good nursing school in Florida, the number of options can be daunting. A total of 154 institutions in the state offer some kind of nursing degree. If we limit the search to non-profit colleges and universities, we’re still left with 100 options.
The nursing degrees with the best income potential and career options tend to be at the bachelor’s degree level or higher. But even if we restrict our search to four-year colleges and universities, Florida still has 51 options for nursing degrees.
The schools below all offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing, and most also offer graduate degrees at the master’s and doctoral level. The schools were selected based on the clinical experiences they offer, the size and reputation of the programs, the success of graduates, and the campus facilities.
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Bachelors In Nursing Programs
Florida State University Florida State University confers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to students who successfully complete the four-year program. The first two years of the program focus on general college requirements with the second two years dedicated to fulfilling nursing core and elective coursework. Nursing majors may opt to expand their resume and their experience by studying or interning abroad. The Nursing Department offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Graduates of the BSN program are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination with the university boasting a 95 percent pass rate for graduates taking the exam for the first time.
University of Florida The University of Floridas Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is divided into two parts. Students spend their freshmen and sophomore years completing core college requirements in math, English, and science before then focusing their studies on the nursing curriculum in the junior and senior years. The Generic BSN program requires nursing majors to gain hands-on experience through clinical practicums. Prospective applicants to the program must fulfill foreign language requirements and maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA. The Nursing Department also features an Accelerated BSN program for students who already possess a bachelors degree in another field. The accelerated program spans four semesters.
Uwf Nursing Graduates Post Top Scores On National Licensure Exam

The University of West Florida School of Nursing topped the state and national averages for 2020 by wide margins, as 95.97% of its graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurses on their first attempt. UWF surpassed the national average for first-time pass rate by over five percentage points and exceeded the state mark by nearly 10 points.
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University Of Tampa Score 76
NCLEX score: 100%
Tuition rate: $29,162
The University of Tampa is located in central Florida. In seven of the past eight years, University of Tampa students have received a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN on the first try. Its one of the few schools in Florida to achieve this. The program allows nursing students to get global, hands-on experience in places like the Dominican Republic and Ghana.
The school offers the following nursing programs for students:
- BSN
Tuition rate: $53,112
The University of Miami is one of the most recognizable schools in the nation. This school offers one of the best nursing programs. The school provides a 41,000-square-foot Simulation Hospital Advancing Research and Education, which is a worldwide destination for simulated education, research, and life science technology and innovation.
The school offers the following nursing programs for students:
- BSN-DNP
The Benefits Of Adn Programs
Obtaining your ADN degree has a lot of perks. For starters, the costs of an ADN are substantially lower than those of a similar BSN, and the starting wage is nearly the same.
Second, smaller class sizes create a more intimate learning atmosphere, which is an excellent approach to learn and share sympathetic nursing care strategies.
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What Are The Factors To Consider Before Choosing Nursing Schools In Orlando Florida
For a profession like nursing, you need to be trained by the best hands. Otherwise, your time in school will be a waste because you will never get a license to practice.
As crucial as that is, you need to consider a list of factors that makes a school worthy of your application.
Here are the factors to consider prior to choosing a nursing school in Florida:
- Tuition cost.
- The acceptance rate of the nursing program.
- Scholarships or grants are offered by the school.
- The school must be accredited
- Length of the program
Buyers Guide How To Select Best Nursing Schools In Florida
The nursing profession is challenging at whatever level you work in, and its relatively competitive . While there are some elements that youll only learn about in the working environment, you must have a solid grounding in theory before you start your career.
Choosing the right school is the first step towards advancement. In this section, well go through what is essential to consider when weighing up your options.
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Choosing The Best Rn Program For You
Where you complete your RN program can help shape your future career in nursing and other health sciences. Your undergraduate degree can also influence which advanced practice degrees you choose to pursue later.
First you have to choose between a bachelor of science in nursing or an associate degree in nursing program. More and more employers require new nurses to have a BSN, though many will also hire ADNs who agree to complete their BSNs over the next couple years.
Youll also need to consider the economic side of each degreein some cases, it may be more affordable to get your ADN so you can start working as a nurse, then enroll to get your BSN online and qualify for employer tuition assistance but in other cases, it may actually be faster and more affordable to go straight for your BSN if thats your ultimate goal
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Then youll have to decide whether to enroll in a large or small nursing school, an accelerated or four-year degree, and much more. Each factor can influence your career.
Any given program might not work for some students but could be perfect for you. Nursing schools are intentionally different to best educate specific students.
The demands of your current life will also influence your choices. More and more leading universities offer online RN programs, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before Looking At Nursing Schools Ask Yourself These Questions:
So before applying for degrees, ask yourself:
- Do I want to study at a large or small school?
- Do I want a private or public education?
- Do I prefer to study in a busy city or a small town? Am I planning on starting a nursing career in the same city or town as the college/university?
- Nursing licenses are offered by states, so is there a specific state where I want to start my nursing career?
- Do I want to earn a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN? Or, do I want to go even further into advanced practice by earning a master’s of science in nursing , doctorate of nursing practice , or a Ph.D. in nursing?
- Do I want to become a nurse educator after practicing in the healthcare setting for a few years?
- Do I need an online or hybrid option?
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Advantages Of Bsn Programs
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting a strong upward trend in nursing jobs, many students feel it’s good value to invest in their education by pursuing a BSN. Like the ADN program, the BSN prepares nurses to attend to a patient’s immediate needs but the additional nursing theory makes these candidates suitable for the management or other leadership roles. BSN candidates are also well positioned to continue their studies and achieve their MSN.
Financial Aid For Florida Nursing Students

In an effort to attract as many new students as possible to its nursing programs, Florida schools and medical centers offer some financial aid and other monetary incentives for students. This has the effect of helping nursing students cover their tuition costs, while allowing Florida to draw freshly graduated nurses to its many understaffed medical centers.
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What Can I Expect In Pursuing A Nursing Program
Nursing programs vary in specific coursework, but many core classes remain consistent across the field. Nursing students take introductory courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, psychology, and statistics. They also study patient assessment, medical terminology, and health information technology.
Specialized courses, certifications, and licenses build expertise in subsets of nursing. The following information details common specializations in the nursing field.
Best Nursing Schools In Florida In 2021
If you want to give your nursing career the best chance of success, getting the proper education is one of the top ways for a right head start. But with all the schools available, how do you know youre applying to the right one? Which school is the right fit for your needs? Find out more about the best nursing schools in Floridaby reading our comprehensive review below.
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How Many Nursing Schools Are In Florida
Florida as a country has about 104 nursing schools and colleges with approved programs scattered across Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Central Florida.
Also, 81 colleges and universities on the list issue associates degrees or certificates in nursing. 47 colleges and universities issue bachelors degrees in nursing and 20 colleges and universities offer masters or advanced degrees in nursing.