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Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Florida in 2023 (Online & On-Campus)

Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Florida in 2023 (Online & On-Campus)

Accelerated Nursing Programs in Florida
The Florida Center for Nursing shows that the demand for nurses in Florida is going up, potentially leading to a nursing shortage. This along with the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks Florida as having the 4th highest employment rate for nurses in the U.S. and it’s easy to understand why some nurses are choosing to further their nursing education by attending one of the many accelerated nursing programs in Florida.
Some individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in another area decide they want to change careers and become a nurse. Nurses that already hold licensure often decide to advance their education and skills. Pursuing an education through an accelerated nursing program in Florida likely leads to the potential for increased job opportunities.

Why Consider a Nursing Degree with an Accelerated Option

These accelerated nursing programs in Florida provide a way of pursuing the degree you want in a considerably shorter time, compared to traditional nursing programs. You receive your education from highly skilled professionals that understand the desires and goals of accelerated nursing program students. If you’re looking for an excellent RN to BSN Program in FL, an accelerated BSN program, or a geographically close nursing program in central Florida (as well as the north or south areas), these options will help advance your education.

Consider these accelerated nursing programs in Florida in 2023 for your nursing education.

1. Seminole State College of Florida

With the ability to be completed in as little as one year, and a total cost of about $5,000, Seminole State’s fully accredited RN-to-BSN Online is designed specifically for currently registered nurses (RNs) and those who are now eligible to take the NCLEX RN.  The RN-to-BSN program courses are delivered 100% online. This flexibility enables nurses to continue working while pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Seminole State’s RN-to-BSN Online program is fully accredited  by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
  • Tuition per credit hour: $79.78
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: N/A
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), ACEN

2. Valencia College

Are you a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or paramedic considering the opportunity to further your career? Valencia College offers an Associate in Science Nursing degree, accelerated track program. Complete the graduation requirements and sit for the NCLEX exam to complete RN requirements. Students complete some courses online.
  • Tuition per credit hour (Associate degree): $82.66
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 96.75%
  • Program Length: approx. 12 months
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3. Santa Fe College

The Santa Fe College BSN completion program allows current nurses with RN licensure the opportunity to complete a BSN degree. The program consists of 30 credit hours of upper-division courses along with a lab and clinical experiences.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $91.79
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: approx. Three semesters
  • Accreditation: SACSCOCCCNE

4. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University provides a Freshman Direct Admit track in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, as well as the accelerated BSN and the RN to BSN programs. The RN to BSN track allows currently licensed RNs to further their nursing education in a program with high standards and high accomplishments. FAU offers this program completely online.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $105.07
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rates: 100%
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE

5. Florida Atlantic University

Pursue an intensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated track at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Enjoy state-of-the-art classrooms at the school’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $105.07
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: SACSCCCCNE

6. University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers the Accelerated Prelicensure BSN for nursing students already possessing a bachelor’s degree. Although some Florida nursing schools only offer one point of admission, UNF features admission in summer (May) and fall term (August) to this program.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $175 – $213
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 94.29%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: SACSCCCCNE

7. Daytona State College

Daytona State College offers several nursing programs, including the Accelerated Associate of Science degree. Primarily geared towards individuals holding LPN licensure, paramedics, or registered respiratory therapists (RRT), the program allows both January and August start dates.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $79.22
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 90.46%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: ACENSACSCC

8. University of South Florida

The Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree Sequence (SBN) at the University of South Florida prepares students that already have a bachelor’s degree for a future in nursing and possibly further into a medical career. Should you later decide that you want to advance into a career as a doctor, the university also offers an accelerated MD program.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $105.07
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 92.57%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

9. University of West Florida

Realize your dream of quickly completing degree requirements for an accelerated nursing program at the University of West Florida. Choose the Accelerated BSN/MSN in Nursing Education or the Accelerated BSN/MSN Nurse Executive. Most, or all, of the work for these degrees is offered online.
The RN to MSN online program, designed for those who have previously completed an RN program and are ready to pursue advanced credentials, accepts up to 92 transfer credits and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $282.13 and $425
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 97.1%
  • Program Length: approx. 3-4 years
  • Accreditation: CCNE

10. Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College in Gainesville Florida provides the opportunity for currently licensed LPNs to advance their nursing opportunities by completing the Associate in Science in Nursing Bridge program.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $77.98
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 83.67
  • Program Length: 3.5 semesters
  • Accreditation: ACEN

11. State College of Florida – Manatee-Sarasota

Become a leader in nursing when you complete the BSN nursing program at State College of Florida – Manatee-Sarasota. Designed for individuals holding current RN licensure, the college indicates that it offers the program in a completely online format or online with some blended options. Most of the courses are in a fast five-week format.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $112.08
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: ACEN

12. Chipola College

Do you already have an RN license? Perhaps Chipola College in Marianna is the right choice for pursuing your RN to BSN degree. Broaden and strengthen your nursing skills to stay focused on furthering your nursing career.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $115
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: N/A
  • Program Length: approx. Four semesters
  • Accreditation: ACEN

13. Eastern Florida State College

Eastern Florida State College offers several nursing degrees including the Transition to Associate Degree Nursing/RN program. Ideal students are those with current LPN licensure, paramedics and registered/certified respiratory therapists.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $104
  • NCLEX First Time Pass Rate: 85.25%
  • Program Length: approx. Three semesters
  • Accreditation: ACEN

14. Indian River State College

Complete an RN to BSN degree at Indian River State College and complement your existing nursing education.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $117.10
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: N/A
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: SACSCCACEN

15. Utica College

Utica College offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree for students looking to change careers or further their nursing education. Study beyond the classroom, learning in simulation labs and participate in in-hospital clinical rotations.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $833
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 91%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), CCNE

16. Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College offers several nursing program options including the accelerated LPN to RN track. Receive 12 experiential credits just for having your valid LPN, enjoying a part-time Associate in Science (A.S.) fast-track program.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $103.32
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 88.79%
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: ACEN

17. St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg College recognizes that health care becomes more complex as new technologies enter into the realm of nursing. The College of Nursing realizes that some individuals desire a career nursing beyond the RN and offers the BSN for nurses with current RN licensure.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $122.70
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: SACS, CCNE

18. Polk State College

Polk State College in Lakeland, Florida offers the RN to BSN program for students that desire to further their education and nursing skills. Consider the fact that upper-division courses are taught in an eight-week fast-track format so that students easily progress towards graduation.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $123.89
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rates: N/A
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: ACEN

19. Broward College

Some students consider Broward College when wanting to take their nursing education to the next level. The school explains that program specifics reduce time spent in the classroom. The RN-BSN program features a combination of online and on-campus instruction, combined with labs and clinical work.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $130.89
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: N/A
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: SACSCCACEN

20. Barry University

Located in Miami, Barry University has a small student to faculty ratio, offers a wide variety of scholarships and offers a 20 percent discount to students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated Option program. AO program graduates have a higher NCLEX first-time pass rate compared to students in other Barry University nursing graduates.
  • Tuition per credit hour: approx. $145.83
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Colleges, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

21. St. Petersburg College

Start your nursing education at St. Petersburg College and continue advancing your nursing education and career outlook with programs such as the LPN to RN Transitional A.S. Nursing degree.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $111.75
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: approx. 93%
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: ACEN

22. Gulf Coast State College

Gulf Coast State College, located in Panama City, Florida, offers a variety of nursing programs including an RN to BSN program which allows students to fast track their desire to advance their nursing career.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $117.59
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: N/A
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: SACSCCCCNE

23. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida features state-of-the-art technology and utilizes “Cutting edge research” to educate nurses through the Accelerated Second Degree BSN. If you hold a bachelor’s degree but are not an RN, consider this program for your next step in nursing education.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $212.28
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 96%
  • Program Length: 60 credit hours
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

24. Lake Technical College

Lake Tech offers several programs for prospective students interested in a nursing career. One popular program is the Practical Nursing program.
  • Tuition per credit hour: approx. $108
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 85.71%
  • Program Length: approx. Three semesters
  • Accreditation: Council on Occupational Education, certified by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs, approved by Florida State Board of Nursing

25. St. Thomas University

The St. Thomas University accelerated RN to BSN program assists nurses with current RN licensure looking for the opportunity to advance their nursing education and career. The university, located in Miami Gardens, offers the accelerated program in an online format.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $228
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: N/A
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: SACSCOCCCNE

26. University of Central Florida

Preparing for a nursing Ph.D. at the University of Central Florida and a career in areas such as nursing leadership, research or a position as a faculty member in nursing requires completing a degree program such as the UCF Post-Master’s Ph.D. in Nursing. Complete this program online.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $369.65
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: approx. Four semesters
  • Accreditation: SACSCC

27. Miami Dade College

The Benjamin Leon School of Nursing at Miami Dade College offers an accelerated Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree for students holding at least a bachelor’s degree from an MDC-recognized college or university.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $82.78
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 77.80%
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation:  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC), ACEN

28. University of Florida – Gainesville

The University of Florida College of Nursing offers students with an existing bachelor’s degree the opportunity to obtain an accelerated BSN. UF believes in building on previous learning experiences. The Accelerated BSN program starts in May of each year.
  • Tuition per credit hour: approx. $265.83
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 86.76%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE

29. Nova Southeastern University

Complete your BSN degree quickly when you enroll in Nova Southeastern University. The Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing offers small class sizes and education that takes nurses with RN licensure into the future of nursing.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $418
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: N/A
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE

30. Adventist University of Health Sciences

Acquire your BSN when you enroll in the Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) online RN to BSN program. The university, which will soon become AdventHealth University (AHU), also offers RNs without an ASN the opportunity to earn the BSN after taking additional courses, not in the accelerated format.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $485
  • NCLEX First time Pass Rate: N/A
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: SACSCCCCNE, Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities

31. Jacksonville University

The Jacksonville University, Keigwin School of Nursing provides the Second Degree Program for applicants with a bachelor’s degree that want to pursue a nursing degree. Complete the application online for this very competitive program.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $560
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: 66 credit hours
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, CCNE

32. Lincoln Memorial University – Caylor School of Nursing

The Lincoln Memorial University Caylor School of Nursing offers an accelerated BSN program, located at the Florida Hospital Tampa Health Park Facility. Achieve the foundation for your continued nursing education.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $895
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: Four semesters
  • Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ACEN

33. Keiser University

Keiser University offers MSN students a fast, eight-week format for most courses. Choose from several Keiser University Florida campuses to complete your MSN degree.
  • Tuition per credit hour: approx. $800
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: approx. Three semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE

34. Florida International University

The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Florida International University explains that the ideal student in the Accelerated Option (AO) BSN program is the student looking for a career change. Highly motivated students likely enjoy pursuing this option for pursuing a nursing career.
  • Tuition per credit hour: approx. $355.55
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 86.60%
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE

35. Rasmussen College

Complete a high-intensity accelerated BSN program at Rasmussen College, where students convert their passion for nursing into a degree that yields the in-demand skills needed in today’s nurses.
  • Tuition per credit hour: approx. $310
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 84.6%
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE, Higher Learning Commission

36. Barry University

 Are you looking to advance your nursing career even further now that you have your MSN? Barry University offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) degree. Students in this program receive a 20 percent tuition discount.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $1,125
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: ext. Four semesters
  • Accreditation:  SACSCC

37. University of Miami

The University of Miami touts the university as the “Most innovative private research university in the world.” The School of Nursing and Health Studies Accelerated BSN option is a fast track option. Students have the opportunity to learn in the education-based Simulation Hospital. The program has start dates twice a year, in January and in May.
  • Tuition per credit hour: approx. $1,111
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 97.22%
  • Program Length: Three semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE

38. University of Florida

The University of Florida BS-DNP post-baccalaureate concentration builds on skills previously acquired and prepares students for a career in advanced nursing. There are several tracks available, allowing students to follow the path best suited to their personal goals. One track with a shorter number of required credits is the BS-DNP Pediatric Health concentration.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $347.91
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: approx. Seven semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE, SACS

39. ECPI University – Orlando

ECPI University – Orlando, formerly the Remington College School of Nursing, provides students the opportunity to earn an accelerated BSN in beautiful Lake Mary. Acquire your accelerated education in an environment featuring hands-on labs, including an advanced clinical simulation laboratory.
  • Tuition per credit hour: approx. $554
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 87.30%
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

40. Keiser University Sarasota

Complete an accelerated BSN at the Sarasota campus of Keiser University and take the next step towards your nursing career.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $759
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 83.33%
  • Program Length: app.16 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE

Online Accelerated Nursing Programs Available to Students in Florida

41. University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Accelerated Online Bachelor’s to BSN program has approval for Florida nurses looking to further their education in a rigorous online format. Complete your BSN online with clinical rotations in your home community.
  • Tuition per credit hour: approx. $255
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 96%
  • Program Length: approx. Two semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE, Higher Learning Commission

42. Galen College of Nursing

The Galen College of Nursing understands that not everyone has the flexibility or capability of attending all classes at the Tampa Bay-area campus. Complete your accelerated RN to BSN online and enjoy eight-week courses with 3-D animation, video presentations, and interactive content.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $395
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: N/A
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Accreditation: CCNE

43. Penn State – World Campus

The Penn State World Campus offers the accelerated RN to BSN program for students leading a busy lifestyle. Complete clinical requirements in your own hometown. Complete some courses in a fast seven-and-a-half week format. Penn State World Campus is approved to operate in Florida under SARA.
  • Tuition per credit hour: $555
  • NCLEX First-time Pass Rate: 100%
  • Program Length: approx. Four semesters
  • Accreditation: CCNE

 

Methodology

We ranked these colleges and universities by assigning scores for important features, including tuition costs and NCLEX first-time pass rates (where applicable).
We do our best to rank all schools honestly and fairly. No college or university can pay for a better ranking. If a particular college wishes to be sponsored, that school is listed separately and clearly designated SPONSORED.
Disclaimer: We make no guarantee regarding current tuition costs because colleges periodically adjust tuition. It is the student’s responsibility to know current tuition and other information.
Please contact us if you want to include your college or university in our rankings in best accelerated nursing programs in Florida.

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