Find Top Online RN to BSN Degree Programs in FL

Uncovering Florida’s Online RN to BSN Programs

You’ve put in the time and work, earned your RN license, and started a successful nursing career in Florida. As a caring nurse who loves what you do and wants to keep making a difference in the lives of patients, you may be thinking of ways to build upon your skillset, improve your job prospects, and raise your salary ceiling. After all, Florida has one of the highest employment levels for nurses with over 200,000 employed nurses.

Earning a BSN degree from a Florida university is a great way for you to achieve these goals—and if you enroll in an online RN to BSN program in Florida, you can build on your current experience and earn your bachelor’s degree quickly while you continue working as an RN. To help you decide if a RN to BSN program is right for you, we researched some of the best programs in the state. Below are three affordable programs that are either offered fully online or in a hybrid format.

All You Need to Know: RN to BSN Students FAQs

While the spotlights above provide a good idea of what an online RN to BSN program looks like, you most likely still have questions. To help, we researched the top five most asked questions about getting an online RN to BSN degree in Florida and ways to save on tuition.

Can I earn my RN to BSN degree in Florida 100% online?

It depends. You may be able to take at least a portion of your classes online, but you should expect some elements of your program to be conducted in person. For example, the University of Florida’s College of Nursing has an RN to BSN program that allows you to take all of your classes online, however, the school does require that you participate in two courses, health assessment and public health, which have clinical components that must be completed at local health care facilities in tandem with your online activities. Similarly, Florida International University’s RN to BSN curriculum is almost entirely completed online, but nurses must participate in a practicum that combines an online theoretical component with in-person clinical hours.

How much do online RN to BSN programs cost in Florida?

Nursing schools in Florida provide an economical education option for students in online RN to BSN programs. Although each school charges different tuition rates—whether they charge for each credit or semester—students can find cost efficient programs that give them a return on their investment. Plus, many schools offer a more affordable in-state tuition rate for Florida residents that sometimes extends to all online learners. Many schools offer generous financial aid packages as well, which can help offset some costs associated with an online RN to BSN.

How long do online RN to BSN programs take to finish at Florida colleges?

The timeline for online RN to BSN programs in Florida varies depending on the school you enroll in, whether you enroll in a program on a full-time or part-time basis, and how many credits transfer over from previous education. For instance, at Florida Atlantic University, students can choose a course of study based on their individual needs that allows them to finish their degrees in between one-and-a-half and three years. By contrast, at Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, students generally complete their online degrees in 16 months and Herzing University nurses can get their BSN in as little as 10 months.

How do I get into Florida online RN to BSN programs?

In order to be admitted into any online RN to BSN program in Florida, applicants are required to either have an active RN license or at least be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Other criteria for admission may vary depending on the school that you’re applying to. For example, at Seminole State College of Florida, prospective students should have an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing and at least a 2.5 grade point average. The University of Florida requires its applicants to have an associate’s degree and a 2.8 minimum GPA. In addition, the school expects prospective students to complete prerequisite courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and human nutrition.

Can I get my BSN in 6 months in Florida?

While there are some programs that allow you to get your RN to BSN in six months, those programs are few and far between in Florida. A more realistic timeline is nine months to one year. One advantage of these slightly longer programs is that they’re designed to be part-time. This means you can continue working while getting your degree or can more easily balance coursework with personal obligations. If you are interested in a six-month program, be aware that although you’ll be able to progress in your career quicker, you will have a more intense courseload as a full-time student.

Salary and Career Outlook for RN to BSN Track

One of the benefits of earning a BSN degree is to be able to command higher salaries. According to ZipRecruiter, there is a significant difference between what RNs and BSNs earn in Florida. In fact, as of January 2025, the average hourly rate that is paid to RNs is $34.88 an hour or $66,969 annually. When Florida nurses advance in their education and earn a BSN, ZipRecruiter reports that they earn an average yearly salary of $96,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a similar salary range, noting that BSN nurses often make more than those with an associate’s degree.

On top of earning potential, a BSN also opens up more opportunities for leadership positions. 193,000 nurses are nearing retirement age, and many employers are looking for nurses with a bachelor’s degree to fill those managerial roles. Plus, a BSN also opens up more specialized opportunities and roles at Magnet-designated hospitals. Nurses who work at Magnet-designated hospitals often have higher career satisfaction rates and lower rates of burnout. The increase in professional opportunities that a BSN awards can also help you feel more personally satisfied at work.

Top-Rated Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Florida

To help you find accredited nursing schools with at least one online component and a competitive curriculum, our team ranked the best online RN to BSN programs in Florida using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) . These rankings were determined based on the average tuition rate, percent of students who receive financial aid, the percent of course components that can be completed online, and the student to faculty ratio. You can learn more about our ranking methodology under the “About Our Rankings” tab below.