Accelerated BSN Programs in Florida

Welcome to BestNursingDegree.com’s page for accelerated nursing (ABSN) programs in Florida. No matter what your education and jobs have been in the past, your existing education could help you save time if you want to transition to a nursing career. Many nursing schools in Florida have accelerated BSN programs for students who have earned a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. You don’t have to redo your general education credits, which lets you focus exclusively on nursing theory and clinical experience. After graduation, you may be able to work in a wide range of specialties and settings. Request information from accelerated BSN programs in Florida to find the ideal school for you.

We have taken the time to compile a list of accelerated nursing programs in Florida that offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for those who already have a non-nursing degree. We have also provided you with a snapshot of what becoming a nurse in Florida may be like.

Featured Programs:

Accelerated BSN Programs in Florida: An Overview

Accelerated programs offer aspiring nursing students many advantages. Students receive credit for general college courses like English, psychology and math that they took for their first degree. Because of that, they are able to complete the BSN program in less time than a traditional bachelor’s program. This is why it’s known as an accelerated BSN.

On average, completion of the accelerated BSN program takes 10 to 18 months. The program’s focus is on nursing courses and clinical work. The second degree BSN program is also designed to prepare students for passing the NCLEX, which is the nationally required examination for state nursing licensure.

Admissions to an accelerated BSN program in Florida requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. There is also a list of prerequisite courses that must be completed, including algebra, biology, chemistry and microbiology. To make sure that students have the right skill set to begin a career in nursing, students must pass all prerequisite classes.

According to the FA Nursing Education Faculty Report (2013), there are currently 11 schools in Florida that offer 2nd degree nursing curriculum. While basic requirements for admission are similar across these schools, it is important to read about each school’s specific requirements.

Furthering your education is important even after you become a registered nurse, as you are continually improving and building on your nursing knowledge. According to the Florida Board of Nursing (2012), RNs must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each renewal period. RNs must also complete a two-hour course on the rules and laws about the practice of nursing in Florida.

Florida Accelerated BSN Programs: Curriculum

ABSN programs in Florida typically take about three semesters. One of the benefits of taking the program online is the flexibility you have to complete the required courses. Students like you who are coming into a nursing program with prior work and educational experience are often highly motivated, self directed learners. These characteristics make you highly desired by nursing educators and employers.

Please note that online students must still meet clinical experience requirements, in addition to the online coursework. Field work typically ranges from 100 to 130 hours of experience in a healthcare setting. Accredited online schools often have arrangements with local healthcare organizations to secure a clinical setting that will best meet your nursing education needs.

Typical courses in an accelerated BSN program include:

Pharmacology I and II
Theory, Practice and Principles of Nursing
Nursing Law
Current Trends in Nursing
Nutrition

After successful completion of all course study and clinical experiences, students must pass the state required NCLEX for licensure. Most of the accelerated BSN programs in Florida prepare students for this exam, and there are also webinars and workshops available for more intensive preparation.

When you are ready to investigate your options for programs, look through the schools we have listed on this page, and submit your request for information to those that offer a program you are interested in. This will provide you with even more information about how to become a nurse in Florida. And, as always, if you have any additional questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We have a nurse on staff who is ready to answer your questions!

Job Outlook and Salary for RNs in Florida

The job outlook for the employment of nurses is quite positive in Florida. According to O*net, there is a projected growth rate for nursing jobs in the state of 22% as we approach 2020, which translates into an estimated 6,670 new jobs annually. This figure is much higher than many other occupations. In addition, the median annual earnings for a Registered Nurse in Florida is over $60,000 (O*net, 2017).

Professional Nurses can embark upon many career paths and work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

home healthcare
hospice
hospitals
medical clinics
travelling nurse

With a BSN, you will be prepared for leadership and management roles within the state, which may allow you to earn even more, while utilizing your talents and experience. Bachelor’s prepared nurses learn about many different types of patients, with courses that will prepare you for specialty areas such as mental health, neonatal, and geriatric nursing.

Earning your bachelor’s in nursing through an accelerated program is an effective way to start a new career in a short period of time. Nursing is a profession filled with many opportunities, and we applaud your decision to look into this rewarding and fast growing occupation. We encourage you to take advantage of the schools listed here by requesting information about the BSN programs they offer. If you have any additional questions about nursing in Florida, you can visit the FA Board of Nursing, where you will find many valuable resources. You can also check out our nursing resources page for additional tips and guidance.