Once famous as the home of the elusive fountain of youth, today it’s the accredited nursing degree programs in Florida that are really grabbing people’s attention. With campuses from Niceville to Miami and all points in between, the variety of quality BSN programs in the Sunshine State offers students the opportunity to take their RN credentials further or break into the booming field of nursing. Courses are available both online and on campus, and students gain practical experience at state-of-the-art simulation facilities or through partnerships with local Florida health care providers. To see more accredited nursing degree programs in Florida, visit Nursing Degree Programs in Florida (O-Z).

Barry University

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

One of the largest Catholic universities in the southeastern U.S., Barry University recently earned recognition from Forbes for being among “America’s Top Colleges”. Founded in 1940, Barry University today consists of two Colleges and seven Schools, including the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS). Boasting both classroom and clinical facilities, Barry’s CNHS offers one of the most flexible accredited nursing degree programs in Florida.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The CNHS allows students to pursue the Nursing BSN via four alternative tracks designed to suit individual needs and career aspirations: 1) Pre-Nursing Option, 2) Traditional BSN Option, 3) Accelerated BSN Option, and 4) RN to BSN Online Option. Involving two years of general education and nursing prerequisites, the Pre-Nursing option prepares students to enroll in either the Traditional or Accelerated BSN Options. The Traditional BSN Option allows students to complete the final two years of educational requirements needed for the nursing degree, while the accelerated alternative allows students to fulfill their nursing degree requirements in just 15 months. The Online RN to BSN alternative is a 15-month program specifically designed for RNs with an associate’s degree or state-recognized diploma in nursing. In addition to traditional classroom work, the Judith A. Balcerski Nursing Resource Center & Wallace Gilroy Clinical Simulation Nursing Laboratory utilizes the newest technology to provide hands-on experience in a simulated health care setting.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
Barry University
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
11300 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
Phone: (305) 899-3100
Email: admissions@barry.edu
Website: https://www.barry.edu/nursing/bsn/

Florida Atlantic University

Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing

A public university founded in 1964, Florida Atlantic University was recently recognize by The Princeton Review as #146 among the “Best Southeastern Colleges” in the U.S. Known both nationally and internationally for its care-based approach to nursing, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is housed in an eco-friendly building dedicated in 2006 with the goal of translating the Caring philosophy and aspects of feng shui to architectural design.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

As one of the most competitive accredited nursing degree programs in Florida, the FAU Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) upon completion of the program’s 840 required clinical and laboratory hours. Thanks to the College of Nursing’s special accreditation, students can also apply for American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation (AHNCC) certification upon graduation. In 2014, the College began offering the freshman-direct admission track, which allows students to study nursing during their first semester of baccalaureate study. The Upper Division Nursing Major is accessible via the Freshman-Direct Admit program, the Traditional BSN, the Accelerated BSN, or the RB-BSN track. Financial aid opportunities include the Gerrie Helwig Scholarship, the Global Scholarship Alliance, the Peter and Elinka Ordway Nursing Scholarship Endowment, Palm Healthcare scholarships, and the U.S. Public Health Service Student Extern program.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
Florida Atlantic University
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: (561) 297-3040
Email: admissions@fau.edu
Website: http://nursing.fau.edu/index.php?main=2&nav=88

Florida Gulf Coast University

College of Health Professions and Social Work

Florida Gulf Coast University was founded as a public university in 1991 and is currently ranked sixth in the state university system. U.S. News and World Report has recently ranked FGCU #87 among regional universities in the southern U.S. The College of Health Professions and Social Work at FGCU offers one of the most acclaimed accredited nursing degree programs in Florida.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The full-time Bachelor of Science in Nursing from FGCU prepares students for a fulfilling career in nursing by offering a broad-based general education curriculum complemented with prerequisite nursing courses. The learning outcomes of the program are various and include successful assessment of clinical settings, accountability, understanding and following ethical and professional standards, being able to identify the roles of different regulatory agencies, and the ability to balance safety and nursing care in diverse settings. Students also hone their critical thinking and communication skills as part of the general education requirements for the program. Financial aid is available to eligible students in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment. Courses cover general education requirements as well as common prerequisites like Microbiology with Lab and Nutrition, Human Health, and Wellness. Courses for the nursing major include Gerontological Nursing, Patient Care Management and Nursing, Community & Public Health Nursing, and Critical Care Nursing.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
Florida Gulf Coast University
College of Health Professions and Social Work
10501 FGCU Blvd
South Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
Phone: (239) 590-7878
Email: admissions@fgcu.edu
Website: http://www.fgcu.edu/CHPSW/Nursing/BSN/

Florida International University

Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Established in 1965, Florida International University is the second largest in the state and the largest university in southern Florida. Washington Monthly recently praised the university, ranking it #53 nationally. U.S. News and World Report has also recently singled out the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, placing it at #90 among national nursing programs.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The FIU BSN program is one of the most accessible accredited nursing degree programs in Florida. Offering traditional, accelerated, RN to BSN, FEP (Foreign Educated Physician) to BSN, and Medic to Nurse BSN options, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing provides high quality nursing education to veterans, medical professionals, and those just starting out in the field of nursing. Clinical training is a cornerstone of the FIU nursing program and undergraduate nursing students fulfill their clinical education requirement in groups, receiving the guidance of a qualified nursing instructor at a local health care facility. The university’s STAR, or Simulation, Teaching, and Research, facility offers state-of-the-art simulation training that utilizes the latest technology to take patient care training to the next level. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses (RNs).

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
Florida International University
Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Modesto A. Maidique Campus – AHC 3
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199
Phone: (305) 348-7703
Email: admiss@fiu.edu
Website: http://cnhs.fiu.edu/nursing/undergrad/bsn-programs/

Florida Southern College

School of Nursing

A private university founded in 1883, Florida Southern College was recently ranked among the top 10 Southern Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelors by U.S. News and World Report. Meanwhile, The Princeton Review just named FSC one of the Best Southeastern Colleges. The School of Nursing offers one of the most technologically advanced accredited nursing degree programs in Florida.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The 136 credit hour BSN from the FSC School of Nursing prepares students to take the RN licensing exam. Combining small classroom size with practical experience in some of the most fast-paced clinical settings in the country, the BSN program of study includes 40 general education hours and 96 hours in the nursing major. Nursing classes including Applied Pathophysiology, Obstetric and Newborn Nursing Care, Psychiatric Nursing Care, Pediatric Nursing Care, and Evidence Based Health Care. The two-credit hour internship allows students to further their practical experience, while the FSC chapter of the Florida Nursing Student Association provides students with important networking and professional development opportunities.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
Florida Southern College
School of Nursing
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 680-3912
Email: kplacek@flsouthern.edu
Website: http://www.flsouthern.edu/academics/majors/nursing.aspx

Florida State University

College of Nursing

Founded in 1851, Florida State University was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as the 43rd best public university in the country in 2014. The FSU College of Nursing was established in 1950 and today continues a tradition of collaboration with The Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Center for Research and Evidence Based Practice, which includes opportunities for undergraduate research.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

FSU offers two of the most sought-after accredited nursing degree programs in Florida: the traditional BSN and the accelerated BSN, or ABSN. The traditional track is a two-year course of study following completion of the nursing prerequisites and FSU general education requirements. The ABSN is a 12-month full-time course of study that prepares students to take the RN licensing exam. FSU offers a number of financial aid options, including several scholarships, like the Christina Tully Memorial Scholarship and the Emilie and Walter Schaefer Scholarship. Courses include Nursing Care of Adults with Acute/Chronic Health Disorders (plus an associated laboratory course), Nursing Care of Women, Children and Families along with the related lab course, Nursing Leadership in Systems of Care, and Professional Perspectives in Nursing. The Professional Nursing Internship allows students to gain real world experience before transitioning into the nursing profession.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
Florida State University
College of Nursing
Vivian M. Duxbury Hall
98 Varsity Way, MC 4310
Tallahassee, FL 32306
Phone: (850) 644-3296
Email: info@nursing.fsu.edu
Website: http://nursing.fsu.edu/Academics/Traditional-BSN-Program
http://nursing.fsu.edu/Academics/Accelerated-BSN

Herzing University

Orlando Campus

The Orlando Campus of Herzing University opened its doors as Herzing College in 1995. Today, the university offers one of the most coveted accredited nursing degree programs in Florida, with both on campus and on-line alternatives to suit any schedule.

Bachelor in Nursing

The traditional Bachelor in Nursing from Herzing University prepares students for the RN licensing exam and to move on to graduate work if management, nursing faculty positions, or advanced practice are among the student’s career aspirations. The 32-month traditional BSN prepares students for administrative or teaching positions in nursing as well as for direct patient care in a variety of clinical settings. The RN to BSN option is offered both online and on campus and allows registered nurses to use their experience as health care professionals to transition to the Bachelor of Science in nursing and further career advancement.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Contact
Herzing University
Orlando Campus
1865 SR 436
Winter Park, Florida 32792
Phone: (407) 478-0500
Website: http://www.herzing.edu/career-programs/undergraduate-degrees/healthcare/bsn-bachelor-in-nursing

Keiser University

Originally founded in 1977 as The Keiser School, U.S. News and World Report ranked Keiser University 14th in the southern U.S. in its 2014 list of the Best Regional Colleges for Veterans. Keiser was also recently recognized by Community College Week, which ranked the university 5th in the country among programs offering associate’s degrees in nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

As one of the most cutting edge accredited nursing degree programs in Florida, the Keiser University BSN is a completion program designed specifically for RNs seeking to fulfill their academic and career goals by obtaining the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The university offers the program at a number of Florida locations from Pembroke Pines to West Palm Beach. Students can also complete the program online through the Fort Lauderdale Online Division. In addition to nursing prerequisites and general education requirements, the BSN includes 60 upper division credit hours. Classes include Crisis Intervention, Nursing Role and Scope, Conflict Management in Healthcare, and Nursing Leadership and Management. General Education courses include Critical Thinking and Interpersonal Communication for Professionals as well as the three-credit Performance Evaluation.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
Keiser University
Daytona Beach Campus
1800 Business Park Boulevard
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: (386) 274-5060
Website: http://www.keiseruniversity.edu/nursing-bs/

Northwest Florida State College

Health Sciences Department

Originally founded as Okaloosa-Walton Junior College in 1963, Northwest Florida State College took on its current form in 2008. The College operates seven different campuses in Florida, including the Chautauqua, Elgin Air Force Base Center, Fort Walton Beach, Field Center, Niceville, Robert L.F. Sikes Center, and the South Walton Center campuses. The NFSC Health Sciences Department offers one of the top ranked accredited nursing degree programs in Florida.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Northwest Florida State College BSN prepares students to take the RN licensing exam by fulfilling the necessary prerequisites. The Health Sciences Department follows a scientific and holistic approach to nursing and graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program have the academic training and practical experience necessary to participate as nurses in a variety of clinical settings. Students can obtain financial aid through a variety of means, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work study opportunities. Students who are already RNs may enter the program directly, while those wishing to enter the nursing field for the first time can begin their career with the Associate of Science in Nursing. Offered online, the course also includes clinical practice sessions that can be fulfilled at approved health care facilities throughout the state of Florida.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
Northwest Florida State College
Health Sciences Department
100 College Blvd.
Niceville, FL 32578
Phone: (850) 678-5111
Email: Walkerm@nwfsc.edu
Website: http://www.nwfsc.edu/Academics/Departments/HealthSciences/Nursing/RNtoBSN/index.cfm

Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Division, College of Allied Health Nursing

Established in 1964 as the Nova University of Advanced Technology, Nova Southeastern University is a private research university. Washington Monthly recently named NSU #239 in the country and The Princeton Review has recognized the university as having one of the best distance learning graduate programs. Part of the Health Professions Division of the University, the College of Allied Health and Nursing publishes the Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

NSU offers one of the most accommodating accredited nursing degree programs in Florida, with a traditional four-year track, an entry-level track, and a RN-to-BSN track. The traditional BSN is meant for college students wishing to focus on nursing as part of their academic training. The 10-semester traditional program includes a variety of general education, science, and nursing courses. Classes for the nursing major include Foundations of Health Assessment, The Business of Health Care, Health Care Ethics, and Concepts of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. The entry-level BSN is designed for students who have already fulfilled their prerequisite courses for the bachelor’s degree and who would now like to transition into the nursing major. The RN to BSN track helps students transition into baccalaureate nursing education by maximizing their existing experience and educational training as RNs. The University offers several financial aid opportunities, including veteran’s benefits, loans, scholarships, work study, and grants.

Accreditation

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Contact
Nova Southeastern University
Health Professions Division
College of Nursing
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-7796
Phone: (800) 541-6682
Email: http://www.nova.edu/contactus/index.html
Website: http://www.nova.edu/nursing/#tabs1-undergrad

The accredited nursing degree programs in Florida include both traditional four-year and accelerated BSN programs designed to prepare students to take the licensing exam, while many universities also offer programs designed specifically for RNs wishing to leverage their nursing experience to further their careers.