10 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Florida in 2024

TCA Editorial Staff

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The good news is that through accelerated nursing programs in Florida, you can become a registered nurse in as few as 12 months!

And with a Florida Hospital Association report predicting a shortage of 59,100 nurses by 2035, it is a perfect time to consider transitioning into nursing to meet the demand.

All you need to have is a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Read: Guide to Accelerated Nursing Programs: What are they?

Here’s a list of the best CCNE-accredited accelerated nursing programs in Florida (they are all ABSN programs).

Table of Contents

10 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Florida Today

1. University of Miami Accelerated BSN Program

The University of Miami offers a dynamic ABSN program specifically curated for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.

This 12-month program, amounting to 55 credits, equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to excel as an RN. With start dates available in Spring (January) or Summer (May), the program provides flexible entry points to kick-start your nursing journey.

Duration: 12 months

Format: In-person

Location: Coral Gables, Florida

Tuition: $42,000. Latest rates here.

The University of Miami accelerated BSN program has in-person classes that you attend at the Coral Gables campus.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn hands-on from over 200 clinical partners, including the prestigious University of Miami Health System.

Approximately 90 students are admitted in each cohort.

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2. Florida International University Accelerated BSN Program

The FIU ABSN program is a fast-track nursing course consisting of 61 credits that you complete over 3 full-time semesters. With a single intake every year in the fall semester, this program offers an intense, fast-paced dive into nursing.

Duration: 12 months

Format: Hybrid

Location: Miami, Florida

Tuition: $12,540 (residents) & $37,751 (non-residents). Latest rates here.

Understanding the need for flexibility in today’s fast-paced world, FIU offers part of the ABSN coursework online.

Curriculum

The FIU ABSN program curriculum is rooted in hands-on, learner-centered education.

The course is designed to ensure that you acquire not only the clinical and interpersonal skills necessary for nursing, but also the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are vital in this challenging field.

You’ll delve into ethical reasoning, an essential component of healthcare delivery, which will enable you to make informed, conscientious decisions in your professional life.

By learning through evidence-based practice, you’ll become well-versed in the latest developments and best practices in nursing.

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3. University of Florida Accelerated BSN Program

The Accelerated BSN program at the University of Florida is a robust 60-credit course with 765 clinical hours. This full-time study program begins every May, spanning 4 consecutive semesters.

By the end of the following August, you will be ready to enter the world of nursing.

Duration: Approx 15 months

Format: In-person

Location: Gainesville, Florida

Tuition: Latest rates here

The University of Florida ABSN program includes a blend of classroom learning, lab activities, and supervised clinical practice experiences.

Curriculum

The program focuses on evidence-based learning and clinical reasoning.

As a student, you are introduced to the process of how medical evidence is developed and used in clinical practice. This forms the foundation for understanding and applying the research process in your nursing practice.

Also, the program will hone your clinical reasoning and patient management skills- so you can develop the ability to provide culturally competent care in today’s multicultural healthcare environment.

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4. Florida Atlantic University Accelerated BSN Program

The FAU ABSN is a comprehensive full-time program with 60 credit hours, designed to be completed in 4 semesters. The curriculum includes 840 total program hours dedicated to clinical and laboratory experience.

This ensures that you gain not only the theoretical knowledge you need, but also ample practical experience to prepare you for real-world nursing.

Duration: Approx 16 months

Format: In-person

Location: Boca Raton, Florida

Tuition: Latest rates here

Flexibility for Working Professionals

FAU understands that not everyone can commit to a full-time program.

If you’re a working professional looking for a slower-paced program, there’s a specially designed option for you: the Second Degree Part-Time BSN Track. This option is fully offered at the Davie Campus and can be completed in 2 years.

The Second Degree Part-Time BSN Track includes live classes one evening a week and online courses- including live-streaming sessions.

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5. Barry University Accelerated BSN Program

The Barry University Accelerated BSN Program is an intense, 15-month program consisting of 63 credits. It spans 4 semesters. The journey starts in spring, and if all goes well, you’ll be in your graduation gown the following May.

Duration: 15 months

Format: In-person

Location: Miami Shores, Florida

Tuition: $28,000. Latest rates here

This program admits a select group of students every year, with approximately 15-25 students accepted per cohort.

Clinicals

You’ll have the opportunity to practice your nursing skills in top-notch hospitals such as:

Baptist Health System
Jackson Healthcare System Hospitals
Memorial Healthcare System
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Holy Cross Hospital
Cleveland Clinic
North Shore Medical Center
Broward Health

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6. Jacksonville University Accelerated BSN Program

Jacksonville University offers 4 different Accelerated BSN programs at its Arlington and Palm Coast locations. JU ABSN tracks focus heavily on critical care.

Duration: 12 or 16 months

Format: In-person

Location: Jacksonville & Palm Coast, Florida

Tuition: Latest rates here

I. JU’s 16-Month Main Campus ABSN

This ABSN program on the main campus is a 16-month track that even accepts individuals with an associate’s degree.

You’ll need to be on campus 4 days a week for classes and reserve one day for clinicals. However, during the summer of your senior year, clinicals increase to two days a week.

Note that this program doesn’t offer evening or online classes and begins in the summer term (May).

II. JU’s 16-Month Palm Coast Campus ABSN

Mirroring the main campus ABSN, the Palm Coast campus offers a similar 16-month program, accepting applicants with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

You’ll need to attend in-person classes from Monday to Friday, along with a day dedicated to clinicals with Flagler Health+. It also doesn’t offer evening or online classes and commences in the fall term (August).

III. JU & Baptist Health 12-Month ABSN

In collaboration with Baptist Health, JU offers a 12-month second-degree BSN program for those who already possess a bachelor’s degree.

Classes and clinicals are held one day a week at Baptist Health. During the senior summer, the clinical frequency doubles to two days a week.

As a bonus, qualified graduates have the chance to secure a work-promise agreement from Baptist Health after graduation and licensure. This program starts in the fall term (August).

4. JU & Mayo Clinic 12-Month ABSN

Through a unique partnership with Mayo Clinic, JU offers another 12-month second-degree BSN program for individuals with a bachelor’s degree.

This program requires in-person attendance for classes and clinicals at Mayo Clinic. It begins in the summer term (May).

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7. University of Central Florida Accelerated BSN Program

The UCF ABSN is a Second Degree BSN program, specifically designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.

The program can be completed over 4 semesters, accumulating between 57-62 credits. The program has an annual start date, kicking off every Summer.

Duration: Approx 16 months

Format: In-person

Location: Orlando, Florida

Tuition: Latest rates here

Clinicals

You’ll undertake clinical rotations in culturally diverse, medically underserved communities, broadening your perspective and understanding of healthcare in varied settings.

Beyond community settings, the program also includes clinical rotations in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare agencies, further enriching your practical knowledge.

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8. University of North Florida Accelerated BSN Program

The UNF ABSN is a fast-paced, full-time program designed to be completed in 4 consecutive semesters, which is approximately 15 months.

The program, totaling 52 credits, offers a new cohort each semester – spring, summer, and fall – with up to 42 available seats in each.

Duration: Approx 15 months

Format: In-person

Location: Jacksonville, Florida

Tuition: Latest rates here

Community-Focused Curriculum

What makes this program stand out is its innovative, community-based curriculum.

This program immerses you in the community throughout your entire nursing journey, fostering strong relationships with community agencies- meaning you’ll be ‘home-based’ in a specific community for the entirety of your nursing program.

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9. ECPI University Accelerated BSN Program

The ECPI Accelerated BSN is a compact program that allows you to earn a BSN in just 12 months. It’s an intensive curriculum totaling 75 credits, but the reward is a fast-tracked transition into a noble nursing career.

Duration: 12 months

Format: In-person

Location: Lake Mary, Florida

Tuition: $10.912.50 per semester. Latest rates here

You’ll attend in-person classes at the Orlando Lake Mary, FL campus location.

Once you graduate from ECPI’s Accelerated BSN Program, you’re all set to sit for the NCLEX-RN- enabling you to start providing care for patients and making a significant difference in their lives.

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10. University of South Florida Accelerated BSN Program

The USF Accelerated BSN program is tailored for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field, and with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. It’s a full-time, 4-semester program, which means you can complete it in about 16 months.

You will complete 62 credit hours to earn your BSN degree.

Duration: 16 months

Format: In-person

Location: Tampa, Florida

Tuition: Latest rates here

The USF ABSN program has a tri-semester admission system, making the program accessible throughout the year. Depending on when you wish to start, you can choose your campus accordingly. Here’s how it works:

For a Spring start, you will be based at the Sarasota-Manatee campus.
If you choose a Summer start, your classes will be held at the Tampa campus.
Opting for a Fall start will take you to the St. Petersburg campus.

The USF ABSN Acceptance Rate

With an acceptance rate of approximately 32%, the USF ABSN program is quite competitive- a true testament to the program’s quality and reputation.

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Admission Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs in Florida

Admission requirements can vary by institution, but here are the general requirements that you will likely encounter for accelerated BSN programs in Florida:

Bachelor’s Degree: An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a non-nursing field. One exception is Jacksonville University, which has an ABSN track that accepts an associate’s degree.
Prerequisite Courses: Completion of required prerequisite courses, which usually include subjects like Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, and Chemistry. Some programs will also ask for English Composition, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Sociology, or/and Nutrition.
GPA: Typically, a minimum GPA of around 3.0 in your previous degree, but this can vary by program.
Application: Completed application form, usually submitted through an online portal.
Nursing Personal Statement or Essay: This outlines your career goals and why you’re interested in transitioning to nursing.
Letters of Recommendation: Typically, you’ll need to submit professional or academic references.
Resume or CV: This should document any relevant healthcare or volunteer experience.
Interview: Some programs may require an interview as part of the admissions process.
TEAS Exam: Most programs require scores from the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), a standardized test that measures basic academic knowledge in reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

ABSN Program	Duration
University of Miami	12 months
Florida International University	12 months
Jacksonville University	12 months
ECPI University	12 months

Approx 15 months. The UF ABSN spans 4 consecutive semesters, beginning in May and ending by August, the next year.

According to BLS, RNs make about $79,910 annually, with those in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach Metropolitan area making approximately $81,810 annually.

Disclaimer:

Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.