According to the Florida Division of Medical Quality Assurance, about 189,440 licensed RNs were active in the state in 2011, while about 16,240 RNs received their initial licensure. Even so, the Florida Center for Nursing estimates 6,800 RN positions remain vacant in the state. The RN shortage is expected to worsen, the Center predicts, with an estimated additional 50,000 full-time RNs needed in Florida by 2025. Factors for the shortage include retiring nurses, an aging population, and changes in healthcare reform.
Yet, because of insufficient clinical sites and nursing faculty, 50 percent of qualified applicants were denied admission to RN programs during a recent academic year. Florida matches the national average with about 36 percent of RNs possessing a BSN degree. A BSN degree offers training in leadership and management that allows nurses to progress in their careers. Even though it's tough to enter an RN to BSN program, numerous options make it easier. And online programs in other states may be open to Florida nurses as well.
Programs to consider:
- Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton). The FAU RN to BSN program is also offered at Port St. Lucie and Davie. Courses are available fully online, through classroom attendance with some videoconferencing, or a combination. A minimum of 110 hours of contact hours at one of the clinical affiliates throughout the state is required to fulfill the nursing practicum.
- Florida International University (Miami). FIU's RN to BSN program can be taken online. Of the required 120 credits, 60 lower division credits may be transferred, 30 clinical credits may be challenged by exam, and 30 credits must be received from FIU. Students must complete a clinical practicum for graduation. The program may be completed in one year of full-time study.
- Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami Kendall, Orlando). Nova's program is offered through an online track, or a combination track of online and on-site courses available at the campuses listed above. A student can complete the program in 18 months (five terms), depending on the number of semester hours taken each term.
Listed below are all of the nationally accredited RN to BSN programs with campus locations in Florida.
 Chamberlain College of Nursing
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 Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
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 South University
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 University of Phoenix
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMSCampus Location(s): Multiple LocationsAccreditation: CCNE accreditedRN to BSN Programs:
RN to BS in Nursing |
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Barry University (Miami Shores, FL)
Program Name: RN to BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Bethune-Cookman College (Daytona Beach, FL)
Program Name: RN-BSN Program
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Edison State College (Fort Myers, FL)
Program Name: BS in Nursing
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Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Tallahassee, FL)
Program Name: Fast Track RN-BSN Program
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: RN to BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Florida International University (Miami, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: RN-BSN Track Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited
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Florida National College (Hialeah, FL / Miami, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: RN to BSN Program
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Florida Southern College (Lakeland, FL)
Program Name: RN to BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Florida State College at Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL)
Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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Jacksonville University (Jacksonville, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Keiser University (Fort Lauderdale, FL / Jacksonville, FL / Lakeland, FL / Melbourne, FL / Pembroke Pines, FL / Port St. Lucie, FL / Sarasota, FL / Tallahassee, FL / West Palm Beach, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program
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Miami Dade College (Miami, FL)
Program Name: RN to BSN
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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Northwest Florida State College (Niceville, FL)
Program Name: RN to BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: RN-to-BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited
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Pensacola State College (Pensacola, FL)
Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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Rasmussen College (Fort Myers, FL / New Port Richey, FL / Ocala, FL / Pasco, FL / Tampa/Brandon, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: RN to BSN Program
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St. Petersburg College (Pinellas Park, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: RN-BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota (Bradenton, FL / Venice, FL)
Program Name: RN to BSN Program
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The University of Tampa (Tampa, FL)
Program Name: RN to BSN Completion Program
Accreditation: NLNAC accredited
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University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: RN to BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)
Program Name: RN-to-BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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University of North Florida (Jacksonville, FL)
Program Name: RN-to-BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited, NLNAC accredited
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University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)
Program Name: RN to Bachelors Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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University of West Florida (Pensacola, FL)
ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Program Name: RN to BSN Program
Accreditation: CCNE accredited
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