Online LPN to BSN Programs in Florida: School Reviews & More

Inside Popular Online LPN to BSN Programs in Florida

Wondering what a quality LPN to BSN nursing program in Florida looks like and how to find the right one for you? If you’ve already done a bit of research, then you’re likely aware of the limited number of LPN to BSN nursing programs available in Florida today. However, we’ve profiled three comprehensive programs that are designed for working LPNs interested in earning a bachelor’s degree. Due to the hands-on nature of nursing, all programs feature a hybrid model with at least some in-person requirements paired with online learning options. Read on to learn what you can expect from typical LPN to BSN programs (aka online bridge programs) in Florida.

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FAQs from Future LPN to BSN Online Students

After checking out some prospective programs, most students have questions about LPN to BSN programs, and we’re here with some answers. From transfer credits to job searching, we have you covered with the knowledge you need to embark on this path.

What should I look for in an LPN to BSN program in Florida?

First and foremost, make sure that any potential program holds both approval with the Florida Board of Nursing and accreditation with organizations like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The nursing board establishes key requirements for education and licensure and approves programs with those criteria in mind. A degree from a state-approved program means you can begin and continue practice without additional steps.

Likewise, accreditation agencies recognize programs that meet industry-wide standards. These standards include learning outcomes and readiness for the NCLEX-RN examination.

What additional nursing skills and knowledge will I gain in an LPN to BSN program in Florida?

LPN to BSN programs build upon—and offer credit for—your previous experience and training as a practical nurse. They prepare you for more focused work at higher levels of employment by deepening your knowledge and expanding your skills. You’ll complete courses in topics such as patient-care management, human wellness and nutrition, mental health, and pathophysiology. You can also explore your own interests through electives in subjects like reproductive health, gerontology, and community nursing.

Armed with new conceptual tools and theoretical models, you’ll turn your attention to practical applications and professional development. Practicum components and field placements further prepare you for leadership roles in nursing and cultivate new modes of clinical reasoning

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LPN to BSN program in Florida?

Financial aid can make a big impact on your wallet. Scholarships, grants, and other awards lessen a student’s financial burden both during their academic studies and following graduation. Fortunately for LPN to BSN students, several funding and financial aid resources are available.

The best place to begin your financial aid search is with the individual schools offering LPN to BSN programs, which often extend nursing-specific awards to new and incoming students. Professional nursing associations and organizations like the Florida Nurses Association also provide scholarships and grants. Additionally, some employers offer tuition assistance opportunities.

Will earning my LPN to BSN degree online or through a hybrid program impact my ability to get certified or licensed?

Compared to in-person options, completing an online LPN to BSN program in Florida will not impact your licensure eligibility or professional standing. As long as you attend a program with accreditation and state approval, you will be well-positioned to expand your scope and move beyond the LPN role. Online programs use the same content and learning outcomes as in-person offerings.

Employers look for qualified, competent nurses that can provide quality care in a variety of circumstances. They do this by hiring candidates licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing, a credential you will hold following graduation and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN. The way your courses are delivered, whether they were online or in-person, is not a major point of consideration.

Are hybrid and online LPN programs more affordable than campus programs in Florida?

Both in-person and hybrid/online programs cost about the same on paper. But it’s worth looking beyond tuition rates alone to determine your actual total education cost. For example, studying online can save you money in terms of the transportation costs of traveling to and from campus to attend classes in-person. However, some schools tack on a technology fee over and above tuition for these online courses. So research tuition and fees costs thoroughly prior to enrollment.

Comparing Salaries and Careers: LPN vs. BSN

The leap from LPN to RN can open doors to remarkable career advancement opportunities in Florida’s healthcare sector. Career trajectory data reveals a compelling story. While LPNs experience modest 3% national job growth, RNs enjoy double that rate at 6%, reflecting the expanding scope and demand for registered nurses.

Beyond growth rates, the financial rewards are substantial. RNs command a median salary of $86,070 representing a dramatic increase from the $59,730 median for LPNs. Top performers in the RN field can earn upwards of $132,680 annually, compared to LPN peak earnings of $77,870. This salary boost accompanies expanded professional opportunities, as RNs qualify for specialized roles, leadership positions, and advanced practice pathways that remain out of reach for LPNs.

Ultimately, working as an LPN has a circumscribed number of responsibilities and abilities, and those who earn a BSN and RN licensure will practice more freely as nurses as part of the care team. Those with an RN can also go on to earn additional certifications, pursue advanced degrees, or take on leadership roles like becoming a charge nurse. From an array of perspectives, becoming an RN through LPN to BSN bridge programs is an excellent way to bolster your career prospects.

Whether you choose to work as an LPN or an RN, there are many options for employment in Florida. However, those who work as registered nurses will encounter significantly more opportunities. Nationwide, the job growth outlook for LPNs is 5.3%, while for RNs, it is 5.6%. These figures increase substantially in Florida, where LPNs experience a 12.7% growth rate and RNs see a 12.5% growth rate from 2022 to 2032. This translates to approximately 14,110 new openings for RNs each year, particularly in areas where "snowbirds" reside and more medical care is available and necessary.

Regarding income, an LPN can earn a decent living, but the additional years of education to become a registered nurse can make a significant difference. LPNs in Florida have a median annual wage of $56,730, whereas RNs enjoy a much higher median pay of $80,960. In fact, RNs can earn over six figures when they reach the 90th percentile in the profession, with earnings of $105,580. The charts below provide more information about what RNs can expect after earning their degree in Florida.