MSN Degrees Online in FL: Uncovering Top Programs

Program Profiles: Popular MSN Programs in Florida

Online MSN programs in Florida have become hugely popular in the last several years due to their high level of convenience, wide variety of nursing specialization options, affordability, and academic quality. It’s important to understand, though, that “online” does not mean 100% online with no in-person requirements whatsoever. Florida online MSN programs require in-person and online students to complete hands-on training in clinical practicums or externships. Some programs also require students to travel to campus to take part in activities such as labs and short-term orientation residencies. Nevertheless, you’ll find that most online MSN programs in Florida today feature didactic coursework accessed entirely or almost entirely digitally, often in an asynchronous format that allows you to log on and attend to your studies at any time. If you want to test drive virtual learning before committing to a program, check out our resource on how to try online learning before you apply.

To give you a more detailed understanding of what distance learning means for nursing master’s students, here are examples of three Florida schools offering online MSN program options:

FAQs: Your Questions, Answered About Online MSN Programs in Florida

The information provided in the spotlights above has likely answered many of your questions about how online MSN programs in Florida work, but certainly not all of them. The following FAQs offer detailed answers to five of the most commonly asked questions by future nursing master’s students about MSN degrees and careers in general.

What can an RN with an MSN do in Florida?

Earning an MSN degree opens doors to challenging and well-paying positions that fit into two general categories:

• Nursing leadership: MSN grads fill leadership positions in a number of settings in nursing administration, nursing education, and more
• Advanced clinical practice: Specialization is the key here with examples including nursing informatics, forensic nursing, and a variety of nurse practitioner roles in areas such as adult-gerontology, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health, neonatal care, acute care, and oncology, and others

Also, if your ultimate career goal is to advance into top-tier positions in research and post-secondary education, then obtaining your MSN provides a direct link to pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice or PhD in Nursing degree.

What are the admissions requirements for MSN programs in Florida?

Admission requirements will slightly differ from program to program, but most online MSN programs include similar requirements to the following:

• Traditional MSN: BSN degree, registered nurse license, professional experience
• Accelerated MSN: ADN or BSN degree, registered nurse license, professional experience
• RN to MSN: ADN or nursing diploma, registered nurse license, professional experience
• Direct-entry MSN: Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major

Other common requirements include:

• A minimum GPA on undergraduate coursework
• Current resume or CV
• Letters of recommendation
• Professional goals statement or personal essay
• GED scores and admissions interview may or may not be needed

In order to participate in clinical practicums, students must additionally provide proof of a clean criminal background and drug screen, clear physical exam, and required immunizations.

How long does it take to earn an MSN in Florida?

The amount of time it takes for you to earn your MSN in Florida varies depending on your program’s length and course load, your earlier academic studies, and specific MSN degree type. Here are the estimated program lengths for four of the most common types of MSN programs in Florida:

• Traditional MSN: Two to four years
• Accelerated MSN: 12 to 18 months
• RN to MSN: 24 to 48 months
• Direct Entry: Two to five years

Please note that these are general estimates. Your actual completion time may be different for your MSN studies, just like the approximate timeline of most top medical careers, so be sure you’ve mapped out your course of study in detail prior to enrolling in any specific Florida MSN program.

How affordable are MSN programs in Florida?

Much like completion times, the costs of online MSN programs in Florida vary widely between schools and degree types. Factors affecting program costs include program type, whether the program is offered by a public or private school, and, whether a student is a Florida or out-of-state-resident (in regard to public school programs). In general terms, though, MSN online program in the state can be surprisingly affordable, particularly when you factor in any available financial aid help you may be eligible for (see the next FAQ for more on help in funding your MSN education).

The tuition rates quoted in program profiles above and for the three programs listed below offer a beginning point in calculating your program’s total price tag. Just remember that these figures are for tuition only and do not include additional expenses such as program fees and the costs books and study materials, physical exams and immunizations, health and malpractice insurance, and other necessary items.

Florida State University

Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN)

Total Credits: 39

$444.26/credit (Florida residents); $1,075.66/credit (out-of-state residents)

University of North Florida

Master’s in Nursing Leadership

Total Credits: 34-36

$408.10/credit (Florida residents); $932.61/credit (out-of-state residents)

Barry University

Nurse Practitioner (MSN) Family Practice

Total Credits: 48

$1,050/credit

Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my MSN program in Florida?

The logical place to start your funding assistance search is at your school’s financial aid office. Another great resource is the Florida Department of Health, with opportunities such as the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education Program (FRAME) program. Examples of other potential sources of funding include:

• Florida Nurses Association
• Florida Health Care Education and Development Foundation
• Florida Heart Research Foundation

Financial aid resources for online MSN degree programs are available to qualifying students in Florida including student loans, scholarships and grants, tuition discounts and payment plans, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and more.

Types of MSN Programs in Florida

Along with deciding to pursue your MSN degree online, you will have to determine the particular type of MSN program that’s best for you – the type that best fits your academic needs and professional goals. Here are brief descriptions of the five most common MSN program types, along with examples of current MSN programs in Florida that offer them.

Traditional MSN

Traditional MSN programs are designed for currently licensed registered nurses with a previously-earned BSN. Most programs feature all or most of their didactic coursework online with classes often delivered in an asynchronous format. Students in most programs (particularly clinically-focused ones, like nurse practitioner programs) will additionally complete substantial clinical experiences in practice settings in the student’s or school’s local area.

• Florida International University
• Florida State University

Direct-Entry MSN

Direct-entry MSN programs are for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and no nursing experience who wish to obtain their RN license and start their nursing careers with advanced knowledge and training.

• Herzing University
• Utica University

Accelerated MSN

If you’re a registered nurse whose in a hurry to earn your master’s in nursing, an accelerated MSN program might be right for you. These programs allow highly-motivated students with a previously-earned ADN or BSN degree to obtain their nursing master’s in as few as 12 months.

• St. Thomas University
• University of West Florida

RN to MSN Bridge

RN to MSN bridge programs are for licensed RNs with a previously-earned associate degree or diploma in nursing. Completion times are, not surprisingly, longer than those for BSN to MSN programs since they include additional coursework that is normally part of a BSN curriculum. Fast-track formats are sometimes available that allow students to complete their programs in as little as two years.

• Palm Beach Atlantic University
• University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Dual Master’s

Current RNs interested in advancing and broadening their careers at the same time may want to consider a dual master’s MSN program. These programs most commonly combine coursework leading to the award of both an MSN and another master’s degree (such as an MBA) in the same course of study. Other dual programs (like the FIU program linked below) allow students the option of earning an MSN in combination with a nurse educator graduate certificate.

• Jacksonville University
• Florida International University

What to Expect: Salary & Career Overview for Nurse Practitioners in Florida

Ranking the Best Online MSN Degrees in Florida

We’ve taken a look at the entire field of online MSN programs in Florida today and came up with the following list of what we believe to be the best options currently available for potential students like you. Our selections are based on a number of student-focused program components such as quality academics, cost and financial aid opportunities, degree options, study flexibility and convenience, and access to useful student support services. For more on how we made our choices, click the “About the rankings” button.