Online BSN Programs in FL: Comparing Top Schools
Begin a new nursing career, or build on previous nursing education and experience by earning your bachelor’s through a traditional or online BSN program in Florida.
Are you a Floridian that wants to dedicate your career to helping people in need by becoming a registered nurse? Or maybe you already work as an RN or LPN but are seeking more responsibility and higher pay. Whatever the case, you can get the training you need to provide effective and compassionate patient care by earning a BSN degree from a Florida college or university.
To learn more about BSN programs in Florida, continue reading this page, where you will get an overview of what the curriculum is like and recommendations for both campus and online programs. You’ll also learn about the different types of available BSN programs, the Florida job market for nursing graduates, and how much you can earn as a registered nurse in Florida. Dive in by considering our list of top programs for this academic year.
Key Benefits of Earning a BSN Degree in Florida
Becoming a nurse is a good choice in any state, but getting your BSN degree in Florida particularly provides a floodgate of opportunities. From the growing nursing shortage to the aging population, there are several reasons why Florida is a great state for nurses. The following are some of the benefits you can enjoy after earning your BSN in Florida.
Benefit #1
Retirement in Florida
Florida is a popular state for retirees and senior adults, and generalist nurses are in high demand. In addition to the people who move to the area to enjoy their retirement years basking in the sun, the need for nurses is expected to rise because of the professionals that are retiring in the coming years. In fact, according to the Florida Center for Nursing, by 2025, there will be a severe nursing shortage of at least 50,300 nurses because of the rising demand.
Benefit #2
Top Nursing Employer
With numerous medical centers and hospitals in the state, Florida provides a wealth of employment opportunities. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida has the third-highest level of employment for nurses in the country, with 181,670 nurses working in the state. Among the elite healthcare facilities in Florida, as ranked by U.S. News Health, are Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, AdventHealth Daytona Beach, and the University of Miami Hospital Clinics.
Benefit #3
Magnet Hospitals
There are 23 Magnet Hospitals in Florida—including Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and South Miami Hospital—which means that nurses have opportunities for growth in the profession. In fact, nurses who work at these facilities, which are known for providing superior patient care, are happier and more satisfied in their jobs than those who work at other hospitals.
Program Checklist: What to Look for in a BSN Program in Florida
When you’re looking at schools, what should you give the most weight to ensure you make the right decision? The following checklist includes the most important qualities you should look for in a BSN program in Florida.
Types of BSN Programs in Florida
Traditional BSN
Traditional BSN programs are for those who have no previous nursing experience and have not already earned a bachelor’s degree. Students can apply for these programs while still in high school, and like other bachelor’s degree programs, they take four years to complete.
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
Accelerated BSN
An accelerated BSN program in Florida is designed for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing. As a result, students can transfer their general education courses, dedicate their studies to nursing classes, and take other requirements they didn’t complete during their previous degree program.
Learn more about accelerated BSN programs in Florida
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs are designed for registered nurses who have earned their associate’s degree and have an active nursing license. Since these programs, which are also called ADN to BSN programs, build on the education that nurses already have, they can complete their studies in about a year.
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
LPN to BSN
These programs, also known as bridge programs, are for licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses who want to continue their education. These degrees can be completed in about two to three years. Besides taking advanced nursing coursework, students take general education classes that they would not have been required to complete in their LVN or LPN programs.
Learn more about LPN to BSN programs in Florida
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
South Florida State College
Online BSN Programs in Florida
Online BSN programs in Florida are a great choice for those currently working and want the convenience of a distance program that allows them to fit their education into their busy lives.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs in Florida
For driven high school seniors who have a keen interest in nursing, direct-entry BSN programs in Florida present a golden opportunity to jumpstart their journey towards a nursing career. These programs allow college freshmen to embark on their nursing coursework right away.
Examples of Florida Nursing Schools with This Program
FAQs About BSN Programs in Florida
How long does it take to earn a BSN in Florida?
The amount of time it takes to earn a BSN degree in Florida depends on the type of program you choose. For example, traditional BSN programs take four years to complete, while those who enroll in an accelerated BSN program can finish their degree in two years. Also, RN to BSN programs take about a year to work through the curriculum, and LPN to BSN programs are about two to three years long.
How much does a BSN program in Florida cost?
The amount you may pay for a BSN program in Florida varies depending on the school you choose. For example, those who attend a public school can generally expect to pay a lot less for their tuition than those who attend a private one. The type of BSN program will also influence the cost since some degrees take longer to finish than others. To give you an idea of the cost for your BSN degree, we have included what three different schools charge their nursing students.
What are the admissions requirements for BSN nursing programs in Florida?
Each school has its standards for admissions, but usually, when you apply to a BSN nursing program in Florida, you will be expected to:
- Have at least a 3.0 overall grade point average
- Complete prerequisite classes in math and science with at least a 3.0 average
- Earn a high score on a nursing admissions examination
- Interview with the admissions committee
Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my BSN program in Florida?
Financial aid to pay for your BSN program in Florida from several sources. During the application process, you will be able to apply for financial aid, which will give you the opportunity to be considered for scholarships, grants, and loans from your school, as well as through the federal government. There are also scholarships and grants available from the state through the Florida Department of Education. Nursing students can also get funding for their education through the Florida Nurses Association.
You can find more details about your financial aid options on our nursing scholarship guide and financial aid guide.
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Job Outlook & Salary Details for BSN Nurses in Florida
If you are interested in studying nursing but are still unsure about moving forward, the data below can help you decide. Registered nurses in Florida earn competitive salaries, with the average being $80,960. The 10th percentile of earners make $63,520, and the 90th percentile make $105,580. As you consider your options, think about your specific geographic location. In Homosassa Springs, the median salary for RNs is $76,220. The 10th percentile of earners make $61,190, and the 90th percentile make $105,560. In the Lakeland-Winter Haven area, the salary range is $59,470 to $94,810, with the median being $78,050. There will also be significant growth in the industry. In the United States, an additional 193,100 jobs will be added to the profession annually, a 5.60% increase. In Florida, there will be a 12.50% increase in jobs, which is 14,110 per year. You can find more information in the tables below.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Florida | 202,780 | 228,070 | 25,290 | 12.50% | 14,110 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $63,520 | $80,960 | $105,580 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $64,750 | $82,810 | $103,650 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $59,570 | $79,580 | $93,600 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $58,140 | $78,960 | $95,790 |
| Gainesville, FL | $69,270 | $81,430 | $104,980 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $61,190 | $76,220 | $105,560 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $61,750 | $79,800 | $100,560 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $59,470 | $78,050 | $94,810 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $65,000 | $83,590 | $110,330 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | $65,580 | $81,850 | $137,620 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | $63,740 | $80,170 | $99,800 |
| Ocala, FL | $61,900 | $72,530 | $92,560 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $64,070 | $80,870 | $102,150 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $60,630 | $79,530 | $99,000 |
| Panama City, FL | $59,170 | $76,340 | $97,700 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | $59,630 | $71,700 | $93,250 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $58,620 | $77,600 | $101,870 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $60,990 | $78,830 | $96,910 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | $63,860 | $78,560 | $93,610 |
| Sebring, FL | $62,140 | $79,600 | $98,060 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $57,650 | $73,880 | $96,470 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $65,340 | $82,320 | $105,770 |
| The Villages, FL | $61,830 | $78,400 | $113,090 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online BSN Programs in Florida
Suppose you’re reluctant to enroll in an online BSN program in Florida because you are unsure about the quality of education. In that case, you can rest assured that online programs provide the same curriculum that students on campus complete. When you enroll in these programs, although you will take your classes online, you will be expected to participate in laboratory work on campus to get the practical experience you need to fully understand the course material. Like traditional programs, online BSN programs in Florida require that students complete clinical work in a healthcare facility approved by the nursing school to meet state licensing requirements and get the practical experience employers demand.
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Why We Selected University of Florida:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,477
- Average Institutional Aid$5,593
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course63%
- % of Students Receiving an Award88%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Why We Selected University of North Florida:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$3,996
- Average Institutional Aid$3,350
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
- % of Students Receiving an Award65%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Why We Selected University of South Florida:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,559
- Average Institutional Aid$3,166
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course71%
- % of Students Receiving an Award74%
- Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Why We Selected The University of West Florida:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$3,735
- Average Institutional Aid$4,154
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award50%
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
Lake-Sumter State College
Leesburg, Florida
Why We Selected Lake-Sumter State College:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$3,292
- Average Institutional Aid$1,560
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course79%
- % of Students Receiving an Award49%
- Student/Faculty Ratio24/1
Polk State College
Winter Haven, Florida
Why We Selected Polk State College:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,483
- Average Institutional Aid$2,152
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course80%
- % of Students Receiving an Award33%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, Florida
Why We Selected Daytona State College:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$3,072
- Average Institutional Aid$2,720
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- % of Students Receiving an Award46%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Chipola College
Marianna, Florida
Why We Selected Chipola College:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,365
- Average Institutional Aid$3,676
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course61%
- % of Students Receiving an Award51%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, Florida
Why We Selected Eastern Florida State College:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$2,048
- Average Institutional Aid$2,560
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course65%
- % of Students Receiving an Award49%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
South Florida State College
Avon Park, Florida
Why We Selected South Florida State College:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$3,135
- Average Institutional Aid$1,057
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- % of Students Receiving an Award52%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
