Nursing Degree Online in Florida: 7 Top Accredited Schools

You can earn a nursing degree online in Florida, especially if you’re already an RN. Florida colleges and universities offer fully online RN-to-BSN programs, as well as MSN and DNP tracks, with coursework delivered remotely while clinical or practicum experiences are conducted locally. These programs are typically accredited and aligned with the Florida Board of Nursing requirements, so you remain eligible for licensure, career growth, and advanced practice.

Types of Nursing Degree Online in Florida

When people talk about “nursing degree online Florida,” there are several common pathways, depending on your current status (licensed RN vs not) and your goals (BSN vs advanced degree):

1. RN → BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Online: This is the most common online nursing degree for working RNs. You take your theory, leadership, community health, and research courses online. Clinical or practicum requirements (if any) are often arranged in your local community.

2. MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) Online: For RNs who already have a BSN, or in some cases, for RNs entering through a bridge program. Advanced roles — nurse educator, nurse leader, and administration — are typical outcomes. Many programs combine online coursework with a practicum, capstone, or residency.

3. DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) / Post-MSN DNP Online: For highly experienced RNs or nurse leaders looking for a terminal degree. Coursework is online, while practice hours or project requirements are completed in partnership with local healthcare sites.

4. Competency-Based / Flexible Format Programs: Some schools may use self-paced, competency-based models, especially for working professionals. These allow you to leverage experience, take fewer credits, or accelerate depending on mastery.

Why Accreditation and Florida Board of Nursing Approval Matter

Choosing the right online nursing program in Florida means checking two critical things:

• Accreditation:

  • Look for programs accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing).

  • Accreditation ensures quality education, eligibility for federal financial aid, and that your degree will be respected by employers and other institutions.

• Florida Board of Nursing Approval:

  • The program should be approved or recognized by the Florida Board of Nursing. This ensures that after graduation, you can sit for the NCLEX (if applicable) or meet state licensing requirements.

  • Without such approval, even a “degree” from a program might not qualify you for licensure, which undermines your goal as a nurse.

Read Also: Best Route to take from Nursing to Medicine

Important caution: In Florida, there have been historical cases of diploma mills or fraudulent nursing credentials. It is especially vital to verify both accreditation and state approval. Some forum users also strongly warn about programs that are “approved” but not truly accredited.

Step-by-Step Practical Path to Earning a Nursing Degree Online in Florida

Here’s a practical, actionable guide for how to go from applying to graduation and licensure:

A. If You Are Already an RN (e.g., ADN or Diploma Nurse)

1. Check Your RN License: Ensure your Florida RN license is active and unencumbered. If you’re licensed in another state, check whether Florida’s Board of Nursing allows reciprocity or endorsement.

2. Choose an RN → BSN Program: Use the schools listed below (in the next section) to pick programs that are fully online or almost fully online. Focus on: credits required, tuition, and how they handle practicum or capstone.

3. Apply and Submit Transcripts: Obtain official transcripts from your ADN/diploma program. Many online BSN programs in Florida require a minimum GPA in prior nursing coursework.

4. Plan for Practicum or Clinical Work (if required): Even online programs often have a capstone course or community health clinical. Make a list of possible local sites and ask the school how they place students.

5. Study and Complete Coursework: Take your online courses, complete assignments, participate in any synchronous or asynchronous discussions, and maintain communication with academic advisors.

6. Finish the Program and Document Your Clinical Hours: Collect proof (evaluations, time logs, preceptor signatures) of any in-person practicum or community-based experience.

7. Advance Your Career or Continue Education:

   • After graduation, you may advance to leadership, management, or education roles.

   • If you want to go further, look into MSN or DNP programs online.

B. If You Want an MSN or DNP (Advanced Degree)

1. Verify Prerequisites: Many MSN programs require an active RN license + a BSN degree. For DNP, you might need an MSN or certain practice hours. Check each school’s admission criteria.

2. Apply to Online MSN / DNP Programs: Use the schools below, especially those that support online practicums or have local partnerships.

3. Arrange Preceptorship / Practicum Locally: Once admitted, work with program staff to find a clinical/preceptor site in your community.

4. Complete Coursework and Community Project: Online coursework + practicum/project → build your leadership or clinical capacity.

5. Graduate and Leverage Your Degree:

   • For MSN: move into nurse management, education, administration, or care innovation roles.

   • For DNP: become a nurse executive, policy influencer, or clinical scholar.

Top Accredited Nursing Degree Online in Florida

Here are several Florida schools offering reputable online nursing programs, with details:

Advantages and Opportunities of Online Nursing Programs in Florida

Studying nursing online in Florida gives you real opportunities:

1. Flexibility for Working Nurses: Many RN-to-BSN and MSN programs are structured around working professionals — accelerated terms, 6- or 8-week courses, and self-paced learning.

2. Affordable Pathways:

   • Seminole State’s RN-BSN (~$5,200) is very competitive.

   • Public universities like UF and UWF may be more affordable for Florida residents, especially compared to out-of-state tuition.

3. Career Advancement:

   • With a BSN, you’re more competitive for hospital leadership, education, or community roles.

   • Advanced degrees (MSN, DNP) open doors to nurse educator, policy, management, or advanced practice roles.

4. Licensure and Quality:

   • Accredited programs ensure you can sit for the NCLEX or advanced licensure.

   • Approved programs align with Florida Board of Nursing expectations, making career progression smoother.

5. Local Practicum, National Reach: Even though coursework is online, most programs require a local practicum or community-based experiences — combining flexibility with hands-on training.

Read Also: Can I get into CRNA School with an Entry-level Master of Science in Nursing?

Practical Checklist: How to Choose the Right Online Program in Florida

Here’s a checklist to guide your decision:

1. Verify Accreditation: Confirm whether the program is CCNE or ACEN (or other recognized bodies).

2. Check Florida Board of Nursing Status: Make sure the school is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing so you can pursue licensure or the NCLEX.

3. Compare Costs and Format:

   • How many credits are required?

   • Tuition per credit or flat program cost?

   • Are there shorter terms (6- or 8-week)?

   • Does the program offer self-paced options (like competency-based)?

4. Understand Practicum Requirements: Ask: Where do you complete your capstone or clinical hours? Who helps place students locally?

5. Look at Program Outcomes:

   • Graduation rates

   • First-time NCLEX pass rates (if BSN program)

   • Alumni opportunities (MSN or DNP)

6. Student Support and Advising: For online students, support is crucial: academic advisors, success coaches, tech help, and practicum coordinators — check how accessible they are.

7. Admission and Application Timing:

   • What are the application deadlines?

   • What prerequisites do you need (science courses, credits, license)?

   • Are there rolling admissions or only fixed start dates?

Licensing, Clinicals, and Regulatory Requirements in Florida

Even for online nursing degrees, you must satisfy hands-on and licensure requirements:

1. Clinical Hours / Practicum:

   • Many online BSN programs (like UF) require local clinical hours.

   • Capstone or community health projects may count toward these practicum hours — coordinate with your program to find local sites.

2. Florida RN Licensure (NCLEX):

   • After completing your nursing program, if it’s a BSN route that prepares you for clinical practice, you’ll apply to the Florida Board of Nursing to sit for the NCLEX-RN.

   • Make sure your program is approved or recognized by the Florida Board, so you’re eligible.

3. Advanced Practice (MSN / DNP):

   • Some DNP or MSN programs require a practice project, preceptor hours, or on-site residency. Confirm how your chosen school handles this.

   • Use local healthcare networks, hospitals, or clinics for practicum.

4. Continuing Education and Certification:

   • After you graduate, maintain license requirements (CEs, renewal) per the Florida Board of Nursing.

   • For advanced roles (e.g., nurse educator), you may also seek national certification (e.g., through the ANCC).

Cost, Financial Aid, and Timeline for Online Nursing Programs in Florida

Typical Timelines

• RN → BSN Online: Usually 12–24 months, depending on whether you study part-time or full-time.

  • Example: UWF’s 30-credit RN-BSN is designed to finish in about 12 months.

  • Seminole State: 12 months possible.

• MSN (Online): 1.5–3 years, depending on program structure, part-time vs full-time, and required practicum.

• DNP (Post-MSN): Often 2–4 years, depending on the school, credit load, and project requirements.

Cost Factors and How to Manage Them

• Tuition per Credit: Check with each school for their per-credit cost and whether there are different rates for Florida residents.

• Fees and Clinical Costs: You may need to budget for background checks, immunizations, fingerprinting, or required travel for practicum.

• Financial Aid Options:

  • Federal Aid: If the program is accredited, you should be eligible for FAFSA, federal loans, and grants.

  • Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many healthcare employers in Florida support BSN or MSN completion — ask your HR or nursing education department.

  • Scholarships: Look for state-specific scholarships, nursing grants, or local hospital-based funding.

Sample Cost Strategies

1. Pick Public Programs When Possible: Public colleges or state universities (e.g., UWF, UF) may be more affordable than private ones.

2. Study Part-Time: Spread out the cost over more terms, allowing you to work and pay as you go.

3. Employer Partnerships: Partner with hospitals or clinics that offer education assistance for nursing staff.

4. Use Financial Aid + Scholarships Smartly: Combine federal aid with scholarships to minimize out-of-pocket.

Risks, Red Flags, and Safety Tips for Online Nursing Programs in Florida

Because of past issues in Florida, it’s especially important to be careful. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Diploma Mills / Scam Schools: There have been real cases in Florida involving fraudulent nursing degrees.

• Approved vs Accredited: Some schools may be “approved” by a state board but not nationally accredited. That can limit your employment prospects, licensure portability, or future study.

  For example, in online forums, nursing students warn:
  “If it’s not accredited … there is a chance you will not be allowed to take boards … employers … want nurses from … truly accredited schools.”

• Lack of Clinical Authenticity: A fully “online” degree that claims no hands-on clinicals is a red flag — real nursing education must include a clinical practicum or simulation.

• Poor Support: If a program doesn’t provide academic advising, practicum placement help, or online student support, it may be difficult to complete successfully.

What to Do to Stay Safe:

1. Verify accreditation via CCNE or ACEN websites.

2. Check the Florida Board of Nursing to confirm that the school and program are approved.

3. Ask for NCLEX First-Time Pass Rates. Reputable programs publish their outcomes.

4. Talk with Current Students or Alumni: Ask in forums, reach out to program admissions, or contact the school to connect with students.

5. Review Clinical Requirements: Confirm how and where clinical or practicum hours are completed — ask for a sample syllabus or terms sheet.

Final Thoughts

You absolutely can get a nursing degree online in Florida, especially if you are already a licensed RN. Several accredited and reputable Florida institutions — like the University of Florida, University of North Florida, University of West Florida, Eastern Florida State College, Seminole State, and Florida Academy of Nursing — offer RN-to-BSN, MSN, and even DNP programs with real quality and licensure alignment.

However, because of past fraud and diploma-mill concerns, it’s extra important to:

• Confirm accreditation (CCNE / ACEN)

• Verify the state Board of Nursing approval

• Understand clinical and practicum requirements

• Watch out for red flags and ask for outcomes

If you follow the step-by-step plan and use the checklist I laid out, you can confidently apply, complete your degree, and advance your nursing career — all from Florida, while balancing work and life.