Online ABSN Programs in FL: Top Programs and What to Know
Do you already have a bachelor’s degree but want to pivot into nursing? Do you want to complete your degree quickly so you can get into the workforce as soon as possible? If you answered “yes” to either question, an accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing may get you on a fast path to a BSN degree. This guide can help you navigate the best online options in Florida and how to get the most out of an accelerated BSN.
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An Insight into Florida’s Top Accelerated BSN Programs
Florida’s accelerated BSN programs provide an efficient pathway for bachelor’s degree holders to transition into nursing. These specialized programs capitalize on your existing academic credentials, allowing you to focus exclusively on nursing coursework and clinical training.
Three notable Florida institutions offer hybrid and in-person learning formats, combining online theoretical coursework with essential hands-on training. While digital learning provides scheduling flexibility, substantial in-person participation is required through clinical rotations and laboratory work to develop crucial practical skills.
These programs serve two primary audiences: professionals pursuing a career change and healthcare workers seeking to complete their BSN qualification. The accelerated format typically takes 12 to 15 months to complete, making it an efficient option for career transition. Programs blend classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences in healthcare settings, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for nursing licensure and practice.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers a hybrid accelerated BSN program in Florida. Students complete online coursework paired with in-person labs at the school’s Orlando-area campus. The nursing education journey combines the best of both worlds: flexible online learning and hands-on clinical experience. Through convenient online coursework, you’ll build your foundational nursing knowledge at your own pace and on your schedule. This theoretical understanding comes to life during immersive simulation and skills labs, where you’ll practice essential nursing techniques in person under expert guidance. Finally, you’ll take your learning into the real world through clinical experiences at Orlando-area hospitals, where you’ll begin developing your professional nursing identity alongside experienced healthcare providers. This hybrid approach ensures you’re well-prepared for your nursing career while maintaining the flexibility needed to balance your education with other commitments.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $25,792 for tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- Microbiology
- Applied Pathophysiology
- Applied Nutrition
- Lifespan Development
- Foundations of Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- Adult Health Nursing
- Behavioral Health Nursing
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family
- Leadership, Ethics, and Policy in Health Care
- Population Health
- Transition to Practice
- Evidence-Based Project Capstone
Florida International University
Via the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Florida International University hosts the accelerated option BSN (AO BSN). Given the university’s focus on hands-on learning, many requirements are in-person only. However, some courses are available online, and many are web-enhanced. Students complete in-person labs as well as clinical rotations at partner healthcare organizations, earning them the experience and hours required to apply for their state nursing license. The program has strict admissions requirements, leading to smaller class sizes and more one-on-one time with faculty. FIU also offers NCLEX-RN prep materials, some of which can be accessed online.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $12,540 resident, $37,751 non-resident
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
- GPA of 3.25 or higher in prerequisites
Core Curriculum:
- Foundations of Nursing Practice Course and Labs
- Pathophysiologic Basis of Nursing
- Pharmacologic Basis of Nursing
- Health Assessment & Promotion
- Psychosocial Nursing Course and Clinical
- Nursing Care of Adult Courses and Clinicals
- Professional Nursing Leadership: Concepts & Issues
- Care of Families: Childrearing Nursing Courses and Clinicals
- Evidence Based Nursing & Research in Global Healthcare
- Care of communities: Community Health Nursing
- Senior Synthesis and Practicum
University of Florida Miami
In as little as one year, students who have a bachelor’s degree in another field can earn their accelerated BSN from the University of Florida Miami. Students can start the program in either January or May, with courses offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Alongside in-person course lectures, students complete hands-on labs and clinical hours with an off-site healthcare partner. Due to the hands-on nature of this degree, all course components must be completed in-person. Some prerequisite courses are offered online, and the school has some virtual NCLEX study materials for nursing students.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: In-person
Cost: $43,260
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing
- Transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Online pre-immersion course
- Immunizations
- Drug test
- FBI background check
- BLS certification
Core Curriculum:
- Adult Health
- Pharmacology
- Health Assessment and Promotion
- Pathophysiology
- Women’s Health Nursing
- Child and Adolescent Health Nursing
- Evidence-based Nursing Practice
- Leadership in Nursing
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
- Role Transition
- Population Focused Nursing
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Online Accelerated BSN Program: Common Inquiries
The previous school spotlights are a great springboard for your accelerated BSN program search. However, many students have additional questions about overall licensure requirements and school selection. So EduMed has provided some common questions and answers covering financial aid, program quality, licensing procedures, and more.
Is the duration the same for all accelerated BSN programs in Florida?
Due to the state board of nursing’s strict guidelines, accelerated BSN programs in Florida follow similarly structured curriculums consisting of coursework, labs, and clinical hour requirements completed over consecutive semesters. However, program lengths and the amount of coursework required during each term vary. As you can see by the previous examples, most accelerated programs can be completed in 12 to 16 months. It’s also important to note, though, that various programs (e.g., RN to BSN programs and LPN to BSN programs) may offer shorter durations for those already holding some type of nursing license. Additionally, you may be able to find an online RN to BSN program without prerequisites.
Are accelerated BSN programs in Florida hard to get into?
Admission into an accelerated BSN program often requires a strong academic record, a previous bachelor’s degree, and demonstrated the ability to handle a demanding, fast-paced curriculum. Plus, some schools limit enrollment for each program, which means the applicant pool can be competitive and admission criteria stringent. That said, admission requirements vary by program, allowing you to match your qualifications to each school’s admission criteria.
How do I know if an accelerated Florida BSN program is of high quality?
The quality of your Florida-based accelerated BSN program is validated 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 (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). All accelerated BSN programs mentioned in this guide are accredited by either the ACEN or CCNE. You can check an accelerated BSN program’s current accreditation status by visiting the program’s website or contacting the program directly.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my accelerated BSN program in Florida?
Many BSN students are eligible for financial aid, which is 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, an abundance of scholarships and grants are available for BSN students, including those sponsored by nursing associations and private benefactors as well as “in-house” awards offered by colleges and universities.
How do I become a licensed nurse in Florida?
To practice as a nurse in Florida, you need state licensing or registration, which in turn requires that you 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 curricula of accredited BSN programs in the state follow a standard structure.
Switching Careers? Why Nursing in Florida Makes Sense
According to data from the Florida Hospital Association, by 2035, the state will face a shortage of 59,000 nurses—putting the health outcomes of the community at risk. After graduating from an accelerated bachelor’s in nursing program and passing the required tests, you can enter this in-demand field. RNs in Florida also command healthy salaries, earning an annual median wage of $86,070, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Beyond the pay and job security, many find nursing to be an impactful field to work in, allowing you to have a direct positive impact on others.
