15 Best RN to BSN Programs in Florida for 2025 [Complete Guide]
Your path to higher earnings in nursing starts with RN to BSN programs in Florida. The state’s registered nurses earn an average of $88,200 annually. Nationwide, RNs make a median salary of $93,600 per year or $45.00 per hour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the RN field to grow 6% in the next decade, which outpaces most other careers.
Florida’s best RN to BSN programs cater to nurses who have already earned their Associate’s Degree in Nursing. The Sunshine State ranks third in the country for RN employment, and local schools have stepped up to meet this demand. Many programs now offer online options that let you build leadership and analytical skills while keeping your current job. This piece highlights 15 top programs that can take your nursing career further in 2025.
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University provides a flexible online RN to BSN program that helps working registered nurses advance their careers. The program stands out among Florida’s nursing schools because of its tailored approach and decades of nursing education experience.
Program overview
JU’s RN to BSN program takes just 12 months to complete in as little as 12 months for full-time students, and part-time options are available too. Students can access the curriculum online through streaming video technology, which works great for busy professionals. The program gives 30 credit hours for an active RN license. Students need to complete 30 more credit hours of BSN-level nursing courses to reach the required 120 credit hours. This setup gives students flexibility without compromising academic standards.
Features
The program has unique features that make it different from other Florida RN to BSN programs. Small class sizes let students get individual attention, and dedicated academic advisors help them plan their course progression. Students can start their courses year-round and take breaks when needed. JU’s strategic collaborations with healthcare industry leaders create networking opportunities and career growth possibilities.
Tuition & costs
The RN to BSN program costs start at $10,200. Online RN to BSN courses cost $340 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. Active duty military members pay a reduced rate of $250. General education credits are available at $200 per credit hour. These rates make JU’s program one of the more affordable options among Florida’s RN to BSN programs.
Admission requirements
Students need an active U.S. nursing license and unofficial transcripts from their previous colleges and universities. They should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Students with lower GPAs might need to submit extra documents like a Statement of Intent or Letters of Recommendation. Rolling admissions let students apply and begin studying at different times throughout the year.
University of West Florida
The University of West Florida (UWF) runs one of Florida’s top-rated RN to BSN online programs. UWF’s steadfast dedication to quality education and flexibility creates an ideal path for registered nurses ready to advance their careers.
Program overview
The CCNE-accredited RN to BSN program at UWF lets students finish their nursing degree in just one year while they keep working. Nurses can advance their education without career interruptions thanks to the program’s online format. Students build on their nursing knowledge through a curriculum that uses adult learning theory to develop professional skills and expand their practice. The faculty brings rich experience from nursing specialties of all types.
Features
UWF’s program stands out with its Workforce Scholarship that can fully cover costs for registered nurses who are currently hired. The career benefits are significant – BSN-prepared nurses earn approximately $94,000 annually, which is $20,000 more than ADN-prepared nurses. About 70% of employers prefer nurses with BSN credentials, and 25% of hospitals require a BSN for new hires. The curriculum covers health assessment, evidence-based practice, gerontological nursing, and leadership skills.
Tuition & costs
Florida residents pay $218.98 per credit hour, with total program costs around $7,007.36. Out-of-state students pay more at $648.37 per credit hour, bringing their total to about $20,747.84. Students can get tuition waivers that cover up to 75% of non-resident costs, which drops out-of-state tuition to $341.67 per credit hour or $10,933.44 total. Students must pay a $30.00 application fee.
Admission requirements
Students need to complete nursing prerequisites with a ‘C’ or better and hold an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. They must pass Statistics (STA 2023) with a ‘C’ or better, have no more than 12 hours of outstanding non-major coursework, and hold a current unencumbered U.S. RN license. The program requires a minimum 2.75 GPA for all college coursework. Students can apply by August 8 and October 3 for Fall terms and December 5 for Spring term in 2025.
University of Central Florida
Ranked among the best nursing schools in 2024 by U.S. News & World Report, UCF’s nursing program stands out as a top choice to advance your nursing career through its complete RN to BSN program.
Program overview
UCF offers a fully online RN to BSN program that enhances your nursing expertise and prepares you to take on leadership roles in healthcare settings of all types. Students need 30 credit hours to graduate and can finish the program in three semesters with full-time study or spread it across ten semesters part-time. The program lets you start in summer, fall, or spring, so you can begin your studies according to your schedule.
Key features
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits this program, which guarantees high-quality education that meets professional standards. Students earn the same respected degree online as campus-based learners. The curriculum has core courses in professional nursing practice, pathophysiology, nursing research, and healthcare policy. UCF produces the highest number of newly licensed BSN nurses in Florida’s state university system, and 92% of graduates stay in Florida.
Tuition & costs
Florida residents pay about $179.19 per credit hour, with total program costs under $6,000. Non-resident students face higher rates at $679.42 per credit hour. Students also need to budget for textbooks and a one-time clinical tools subscription fee. The university provides scholarships and federal financial aid options to help with expenses.
Admission requirements
You need an active RN license in Florida or a Florida NLN Compact State. The program asks for a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA and completion of seven out of eight nursing prerequisite courses before admission. Students must complete general education requirements, Gordon Rule, and Civic Literacy components to graduate. The university accepts applications three times a year with multiple start dates.
Florida Atlantic University
The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University takes a caring-based approach to nursing education in its RN to BSN track. This program stands out, especially when you have work commitments and want to advance your career.
Program overview
FAU’s RN to BSN track combines fully online didactic courses with in-person clinical experiences you can complete in your local community. The program gives you flexibility with Spring, Summer, or Fall semester start dates. You can choose from 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-semester plans that fit your progression needs. Students must complete 30 credit hours at FAU, while 30 additional credits come from your previous associate degree or diploma nursing program.
Key features
FAU’s nursing program centers on a caring-based philosophy that shapes every aspect of education. The College of Nursing’s building design reflects this philosophy with meditation spaces and healing environments. The program has earned national rankings and accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Yes, it is worth noting that all nursing programs at FAU have American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation endorsement, which makes graduates eligible for AHNCC certification.
Tuition & costs
Florida residents pay $203.29 per credit hour at the undergraduate level. Out-of-state students pay $721.84 per credit hour. The estimated total cost of the RN to BSN program comes to $16,159.73, which includes books, course materials, supplies, and equipment. Students can access financial aid options to help with these expenses.
Admission requirements
The program requires:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- A current unencumbered RN license in your state of residency
- 60 lower division college credits from an accredited institution
- An associate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CNEA accredited program
- A grade of ‘C’ or better in all required prerequisite courses
Transfer students must apply by July 1 for Fall, November 1 for Spring, and April 15 for Summer. Students who receive preliminary acceptance need to complete a federal background check and fingerprinting.
Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) stands out as a top choice for registered nurses. The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers an accelerated RN to BSN online program that paves the way for career growth in Florida’s competitive healthcare world.
Program overview
FIU’s online RN to BSN program takes just one year (3 semesters) to complete, which works great for busy professionals. The program needs 33 extra credits of upper-division online coursework and 27 credits through clinical proficiency evaluation. This adds up to 120 credits when combined with your 60 lower division credits from your Associate of Science in Nursing degree. After graduation, you can apply for advanced nursing degrees like Master’s of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, or BSN to PhD programs.
Features
The nursing program got its Board of Regents approval in 1982. It holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Florida State Board of Nursing. The program puts a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice through research. What makes this program special is how it prepares healthcare professionals to become providers and leaders. They learn to deliver high-quality, culturally competent care in modern global environments.
Tuition & costs
The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers various financial aid options for students who qualify. Students can apply for several scholarships throughout the academic year. The Academic Works scholarship search tool helps FIU students find and apply for over 100 scholarships funded by alumni and friends.
Admission requirements
You’ll need an active Florida RN License without restrictions or enhanced licensure through the Nurse Licensure Compact. The program requires a 3.2 cumulative GPA from an ACEN-accredited ASN or diploma nursing program. All prerequisite grades must be C or higher. You should have at least 60 transferable lower division general education college credits. The program also requires you to meet Florida’s Gordon Rule requirements, University Core Curriculum requirements, and University foreign language requirements. From Summer 2025, FIU will accept credits from Portage Learning that appear on Geneva College transcripts.
Florida A&M University
Florida A&M University’s School of Nursing started in 1904 and became Florida’s first baccalaureate program in 1936. The school proudly stands as the oldest continuing baccalaureate nursing program at a historically black institution in the United States.
Program overview
FAMU’s accelerated online RN-BSN program helps registered nurses improve their qualifications. Students need to complete 30 credit hours at FAMU through courses that expand their previous nursing education to meet today’s healthcare demands. The program lets students choose between full-time and part-time study options. Full-time students can graduate in three semesters while part-time students typically finish in five semesters. Working professionals benefit from asynchronous online coursework.
Key features
National accreditation validates FAMU’s program quality and lines up with industry standards. The curriculum has vital courses like Transition to Professional Nursing, Healthcare Policy, Population Health, Nursing Informatics, and Leadership and Management in Nursing. Students who graduate are ready to deliver high-quality, culturally appropriate care to patients from various backgrounds. Students can balance their work life while pursuing higher education thanks to the program’s flexibility.
Tuition & costs
The program costs about $151.78 per credit hour for in-state students, which totals $4,553.40 for 30 credits. Students also pay transportation and access fees ($163.00), ID card fees ($10.00), and a one-time orientation fee ($35.00). The total program cost comes to approximately $4,761.40.
Admission requirements
You need these qualifications to join:
- An Associate of Science degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- A current valid, unrestricted, unencumbered RN license
- 60 hours of general education with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Prerequisite courses in chemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, psychology, human growth and development, nutrition, and statistics
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
The program accepts applications twice a year with deadlines on July 1st for fall admission and December 1st for spring.
Seminole State College of Florida
Seminole State College of Florida stands out with its available and budget-friendly RN to BSN program. The program caters to working nurses who need flexibility and quality education.
Program overview
Working professionals can continue their jobs while pursuing higher education through the 100% online RN to BSN program at Seminole State. Students can complete this fully accredited program in just 12 months or take it at their own pace. The program builds on existing nursing knowledge and prepares future leaders through courses that fit different schedules.
Key features
The program earned accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in 2018, showing its steadfast dedication to national nursing education standards. The curriculum emerged from partnerships with Central Florida healthcare providers to ensure real-world relevance. Expert instructors focus on helping students succeed. While all courses happen online, students participate in virtual simulations and hands-on learning during their final Capstone course.
Tuition & costs
The program’s affordability sets it apart from other Florida RN to BSN programs. Most students complete their degree for about $5,200, which covers tuition, fees, and books. Students save over $10,000 per year compared to state universities like UF, FSU, and UCF.
Admission requirements
Students need an Associate in Science degree or Diploma in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution. They must have a current RN license or be eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam, along with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Seminole State’s A.S. Nursing graduates enjoy an easy transition into the BSN program.
Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College’s Benjamin Leon School of Nursing ranks #8 among the nation’s top 10 most affordable online RN to BSN programs.
Program overview
MDC offers an asynchronous online and blended RN to BSN program that helps registered nurses advance their careers. Students can complete the program in just three semesters, with flexible full-time and part-time options. The program builds on the Associate of Science in Nursing foundation and requires 30 credits that students typically complete in three to five semesters.
Key features
The program’s award-winning faculty teaches using innovative technology and provides hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs. Students learn cultural competency, evidence-based practice, and ways to achieve equitable health outcomes. The curriculum focuses on quality, safety, and information technology to develop strong nurse leaders. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education fully accredits the program.
Tuition & costs
Florida residents pay approximately $4,346.70 for the 30-credit program. The resident’s per-credit hour rate of $129.89 covers tuition ($91.79), student services ($9.18), and additional fees.
Admission requirements
Students need these qualifications:
- An active Florida RN license without restrictions or eligibility after recent graduation
- An A.S. Nursing degree from a regionally accredited college
- A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Completed prerequisite courses and general education requirements
University of North Florida
The University of North Florida’s fully online RN to BSN program earned a prestigious High-Quality (HQ) designation. This recognition shows that courses meet rigorous, research-based design standards based on national Quality Matters rubric.
Program overview
Registered nurses can complete their BSN in about one year through an adjusted online format with 6- and 8-week terms. Students usually take two courses per 8-week term. New cohorts begin every January, May, and August. The coursework happens completely online and provides community experience opportunities. Students can identify local agencies to complete their clinical hours.
Key features
UNF’s curriculum focuses on current nursing practice trends through web-enhanced technology and personalized attention. The program creates a learning environment that helps registered nurses improve their health assessment skills. Nurses can become experts in family and community care, strengthen their communication abilities, learn to analyze nursing research, and develop leadership capabilities.
Tuition
Florida residents pay $199.29 per credit hour, while non-Florida residents pay $679.42 per credit hour. Students need 60 credits to graduate—30 from required nursing courses and 30 validated through an active Florida nursing license.
Admission requirements
Applicants must have:
- Active RN licensure in their state of residence
- Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
- Students must complete the program within three years after starting
University of Florida
The University of Florida College of Nursing offers a flexible RN to BSN program through UF Online. Working nurses can advance their careers without compromising their professional commitments.
Program overview
Students can complete UF’s RN to BSN program in five semesters with part-time online study. The curriculum helps registered nurses develop problem-solving skills that enhance their professional practice. Graduates become skilled at managing complex and changing healthcare environments. Students need 121 total credits with 61 junior/senior-level credits. The program awards 30 upper-level credit hours based on current RN licensure and a completed professional portfolio.
Features
The program’s three core principles—Care, Lead, Inspire—shape students into competent, compassionate nursing professionals. UF, Florida’s flagship university, provides extensive resources and excellent teaching through UF Health. The College of Nursing ranks as the #1 BSN program in Florida and stands among the top 20 nationally in U.S. News & World Report. The RN-to-BSN online program holds the #1 national ranking.
Tuition & costs
Florida residents pay $129.18 per credit hour, which includes $111.92 tuition and $17.26 in required fees. Non-resident students pay $552.62 per credit hour. Florida residents’ total estimated program cost comes to approximately $15,501.60. Students must also cover compliance costs: $36 for Exxat Approve, $29 for drug testing, and $73 for background check. Additional semester fees apply for materials, equipment, and software.
Admission requirements
Students need an Associate of Science degree in nursing from an ACEN-accredited program and must maintain an active, unrestricted Florida RN license. The program requires a minimum 2.8 overall GPA and C grades or better in all pre-professional courses. Applicants should submit a resume/CV, two professional references, and a statement of intent that outlines program expectations and career goals.
Santa Fe College
Santa Fe College offers a fully online RN to BSN program that holds CCNE accreditation through 2029.
Program overview
The college’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program serves registered nurses with accredited Associate in Science Nursing degrees. Students complete 30 credit hours of upper division coursework that covers leadership, nursing theory, research, culture, pharmacology, and community health. The program delivers all courses through asynchronous online instruction. One course includes an online lab component while two others feature planned clinical practice.
Features
The program equips students to work in nursing roles throughout healthcare settings. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows BSN-qualified registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $81,220 as of May 2022. This degree enables graduates to pursue advanced nursing education through MSN and doctoral programs.
Tuition & costs
The 30-credit program costs Florida residents $3,793.20, while non-residents pay $12,864.90. Students must also budget for distance learning fees ($300) and books ($400). The total program cost reaches $4,493.20 for residents and $13,564.90 for non-residents.
Admission requirements
Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 overall college GPA and hold a nursing degree from an ACEN or NLN CNEA accredited program. The college requires submission of RN license numbers. Final acceptance depends on completed background checks and immunizations.
Florida SouthWestern State College
Florida SouthWestern State College’s online RN-to-BSN degree completion program gives registered nurses the tools they need for advanced roles. The program shapes tomorrow’s nursing leaders through comprehensive education.
Program overview
FSW’s RN-to-BSN Program requires 120 total credit hours and 30 credits of upper-division coursework. Students can learn more advanced viewpoints while developing better critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The program works well for busy professionals through its fully online courses.
Key features
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has accredited this high-quality program. Students study professional issues, informatics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, research, advanced health assessment, multicultural nursing, community health, and leadership. Graduates can advance their careers in academia, community health, management, and leadership roles.
Tuition & costs
Florida residents pay $125.71 per credit hour, which adds up to $3,771.30 for required nursing courses. Non-resident costs are higher by a lot at $795.34 per credit hour, totaling $23,860.20. Students must also pay a $30 application fee, $25 nursing application evaluation fee, and about $455 for health examination, immunizations, and background screening.
Admission requirements
Applicants must have:
- Valid, active, unrestricted Florida RN license
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- At least 60 transferable credit hours from accredited institutions
The program accepts applications for fall (August 1), spring (December 1), and summer (April 1) start dates.
Broward College
Broward College offers a well-respected RN to BSN program. The hybrid format works great for professionals who want to improve their nursing qualifications while maintaining work-life balance.
Program overview
Broward College’s RN-BSN program covers 123 total credit hours. The curriculum combines lower-division AA and AS coursework with upper-division nursing studies. Students take online lecture classes that go together with one another with two practicums requiring in-person attendance. The program lets students choose between a full-time track completed in 15 months (4 semesters) or a part-time option that provides more scheduling flexibility. BSN courses are structured in focused 8-12 week blocks throughout each semester to optimize learning.
Features
The program has earned dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The curriculum gives you the technological expertise and cognitive abilities needed to become influential healthcare professionals in interdisciplinary settings. Graduates leave ready to deliver quality healthcare in complex, global environments.
Tuition & costs
Florida residents pay $130.89 per credit hour for on-campus courses and $135.89 for online courses. Out-of-state students pay $589.45 for on-campus classes, but can take advantage of substantially reduced online rates at $319.75 per credit hour. The complete 120-credit program costs about $14,748.
Admission requirements
Students need an Associate degree from an accredited institution, a valid Florida nursing license without restrictions, and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Applications are accepted three times a year: August-October for Spring entry, January-March for Summer, and April-June for Fall. Students must complete health screenings, background checks, and finish all general education prerequisites with ‘C’ grades or higher.
Keiser University
Keiser University demonstrates its “students first” philosophy through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program that helps registered nurses advance their careers.
Program overview
Registered nurses can complete Keiser’s RN to BSN program in just 12 months. The curriculum strengthens students’ critical thinking, leadership, management, and research capabilities while teaching physical assessment and health promotion in healthcare settings of all types. The program requires 60 credit hours, including 36 hours of upper-division nursing courses that cover global trends, public policy, nursing informatics, and community nursing.
Key features
The program stands out by offering both online and on-campus options with round-the-clock technical support. Students get individual attention from instructors thanks to small class sizes. The flexible schedule allows students to take one or two classes at a time, which helps them balance their education with work and family commitments. The program has earned accreditation from both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition
The program’s total cost is approximately $25,000, though official figures may vary by source.
Admission requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing
- Possess an active, unrestricted RN license
- Maintain a minimum grade of ‘C’ in all courses
St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg College stands out with one of Florida’s most affordable RN to BSN programs. The college offers a complete online program that delivers quality education at budget-friendly rates.
Program overview
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has accredited the college’s RN to BSN program through 2032. Students need 40 upper-division credits to graduate – 32 core nursing credits and 8 elective credits. Full-time students can complete the program in just three semesters. The program uses an 8-week module format, and students can take one or two courses per modmester.
Features
The program focuses on multicultural nursing, global trends, and informatics. Students can complete their coursework at any time because classes run in a fully asynchronous online format. The program accepts applications year-round and currently has no waiting list.
Tuition & costs
The program’s total cost for in-state students is $5,540. Students pay $1,822.10 in the first semester, $2,065.50 in the second, and $1,652.40 in the final semester. Out-of-state tuition is much higher at $18,582.25 total.
Admission requirements
Students need an unencumbered RN license and an AS/AAS nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution. They must also maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Florida
These top 15 RN to BSN programs in Florida open up multiple paths to advance your nursing career while you keep working. Florida proves to be a perfect place for nursing education thanks to its reliable healthcare system and growing need for qualified professionals. Working nurses can finish their degree in just 12 months through flexible online formats designed just for them.
Program costs vary by a lot between schools. Miami Dade College charges around $4,000, while private universities like Keiser cost up to $25,000. On top of that, schools provide financial aid, scholarships, and tuition waivers to help cut down expenses.
You’ll need an active RN license, completed prerequisite courses, and a minimum GPA between 2.0 and 2.8 to get admitted. Make sure you check each program’s specific requirements before you apply.
Your BSN degree benefits reach way beyond the classroom. BSN nurses earn higher salaries—about $94,000 per year—and get more chances to move up into leadership roles. More employers now prefer or need BSN credentials for their new hires.
Right now is the perfect time to advance your nursing education. Florida ranks as the third-highest employer of registered nurses in the country. The RN field expects 6% growth over the next decade, so your BSN investment will bring strong professional returns. Pick a program that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals, then move forward to boost your nursing credentials and expand your career opportunities.