Online RN to MSN Programs in FL: Discovering Top Schools

Uncovering Florida’s Online RN to MSN Programs

If you’ve already earned an associate degree in nursing and want to advance your opportunities in the profession, you can try an RN to MSN program. These programs take the knowledge you’ve earned from your first degree in nursing and add it to a master’s degree program. This can help you get more advanced roles throughout the healthcare industry.

Many programs are available online or in a hybrid format for this type of coursework. It’s important to note, though, that are only two true online RN to MSN programs in Florida, and we’ve profiled them both below. We’ve also included a program that’s online but requires that you have a BSN along with your RN license, but it is still mostly online and is on an accelerated timeframe like most bridge programs. Take a look at some potential options for students like you below.

RN to MSN Student FAQs: Your Questions, Answered

Even with all the information available as you do your research into bridge programs, you still may have some questions before you take the plunge and decide on the one that’s best for you. Here are some questions most often asked by RN to BSN students, including some information that’s specific to Florida.

What type of roles can I expect once I earn my MSN?

Three are many advanced nursing jobs that accept (and often require) someone to have earned a master’s degree in science of nursing, including nursing specialties such as cardiology, critical care, or gerontology. You could also be an advanced practice registered nurse, or APRN, and work in a pediatric or medical health setting, among other options.

Healthcare leadership roles, teaching opportunities, and policy creation could also be in the cards. For students who want to pursue the highest level of nursing practice, MSN programs can be a stepping stone to continuing education and earning a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) where you can focus on roles that center on systemic change.

Is there financial aid available for my Florida RN to MSN program?

Yes; students can try for many RN to MSN loan, grant, and scholarship opportunities including several of the Florida Nurses’ Association annual awards to students. Plus, individual schools often provide scholarship opportunities or assistantships, so check with your educational choice’s office of financial aid. It’s also important to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the key to receiving available government loans and grants, for which most in-need RN to MSN students would qualify.

What should I look for in a quality RN to MSN program in Florida?

To find the best program for your needs, consider school accreditation, your current level of education, areas of interest, and what you’d like to achieve with an MSN. While the Florida Board of Nursing does not maintain a list of approved bridge programs, it encourages all advanced nursing students to choose nationally accredited programs.

What are the differences between synchronous and asynchronous online classes?

Synchronous and asynchronous are the two available delivery methods for these types of classes, and their key differences are based on the time and days you can take classes. Synchronous classes take place at set times and days while asynchronous courses can be taken on your own time, including night classes. Although you can likely coordinate synchronous courses around work, family, or personal commitments, many students choose the convenience of asynchronous courses if they are available.

What are some of the specialties I can expect as part of a bridge program for an MSN?

There are several different tracks or arcs that MSN students can take when receiving their degrees, and each one is tied to a potential role in the healthcare industry. Depending on your chosen concentration, an MSN can prepare you to manage patient care as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. You can also advance the field of nursing as a nurse educator or through nursing informatics, or expand your expertise with forensic nursing.

Top Online RN to MSN Program in Florida

Narrowing down the decision for the right school can be daunting, but we’ve done the work by analyzing different programs available for Florida students like you. After combining factors such as online learning components, the availability of student support services, affordability, and more, we’ve determined the best option with our ranking methodology (for more information, click “About the Rankings”). Find out which school made it onto our list here.

Florida RN vs. MSN Salary & Career Comparison