12-Month ABSN Programs in Florida: Accelerated Nursing Online

If you've already built a strong academic foundation with your bachelor's degree, and now you're seeking a career that truly makes a difference, nursing might be the right path. The good news is that you can enter this vital field sooner than you think.

If you're a Florida resident ready to become a registered nurse quickly, accelerated BSN programs provide an efficient pathway. These fast-track nursing programs online are designed to transition you swiftly into the profession.

Below, we'll help you find the fastest way to become a nurse by exploring one-year accelerated nursing programs so you can begin your rewarding journey.

What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?

An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program offers a swift path into the nursing profession for college graduates. This option is specifically designed for you if you already hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing.

These intensive programs condense a traditional four-year BSN curriculum into a much shorter timeframe, generally 12 to 18 months, with many leading to completion in just one year.

This is an efficient way to become a registered nurse or further your professional qualifications. At the end of your ABSN program, you'll be ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam, which opens doors to future opportunities in specialized nursing roles. For example, after gaining experience as a registered nurse, you could pursue further education to become a certified registered nurse in a particular area.

Are There Any 12-Month ABSN Programs in Florida?

Yes, Florida offers many 12-month ABSN programs for those who already possess a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and aim to transition into nursing efficiently. Programs across the state combine rigorous online coursework with essential hands-on lab simulations and extensive clinical experiences to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

While there are currently no online or hybrid programs available, you can earn your degree quickly and efficiently with an in-person, accelerated degree program. Let's look at a few of your options below.

Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Florida

Here, we've put together a list of BSN degree programs that you can complete in about 12 months. Explore these accredited programs to find a good fit for your education.

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida's Accelerated BSN program provides a swift pathway for individuals holding a non-nursing bachelor's degree to become registered nurses. This intensive, full-time program is completed on campus over 12 months, offering a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous classroom instruction with extensive hands-on clinical practice.

Students gain valuable experience in diverse healthcare settings, preparing them for the NCLEX-RN exam and a successful nursing career. Classes are primarily in-person at the Gainesville and UF Health Jacksonville campuses, incorporating web-enhanced learning for a well-rounded educational experience. The program is designed for motivated individuals seeking a challenging yet rewarding career change into the nursing field.

Estimated tuition cost: $212 per credit hour (in-state); $955 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Program length: 12 months

Financial aid: The University of Florida Office for Student Financial Affairs provides various funding opportunities, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs, to help eligible students finance their education.

Accreditation: CCNE

2. Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University's accelerated BSN program offers a rigorous, fast-paced pathway for students with a prior bachelor's degree in another field to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This intensive program is completed in just 12 months of full-time study, moving through a comprehensive nursing curriculum.

Students receive instruction in vital nursing concepts and participate in supervised clinical experiences. The program prepares graduates for entry-level professional nursing roles and qualifies them to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.

Estimated tuition cost: $203 per credit hour (in-state); $838 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Program length: 12 months

Financial aid: This university provides assistance for students applying for federal student aid, scholarships, and other financial assistance programs to support their education.

Accreditation: CCNE

3. University of Miami

The University of Miami's School of Nursing and Health Studies provides a 12-month ABSN program, which is often recognized as a leading nursing school. This program is tailored for you if you hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing discipline and are seeking to enter the nursing workforce quickly.

The curriculum includes intensive classroom learning and practical clinical experience through partnerships with over 200 clinical sites, including the University of Miami Health System. You'll gain crucial hands-on training in diverse settings and prepare thoroughly for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Estimated tuition cost: $ 14,420 per semester

Program length: 12 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and various loan options are available to help finance your studies.

Accreditation: CCNE

4. Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University (JU) offers an accelerated BSN program, including a 12-month option through partnerships with Baptist Health and Mayo Clinic. These intensive programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and wish to quickly transition into a nursing career.

Here, nursing students can take advantage of virtual reality simulations and clinical rotations at respected healthcare facilities. Through this program, you'll gain practical skills and a solid foundation to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Estimated tuition cost: $70,000

Program length: 12 months

Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and federal aid programs can help fund your education at JU.

Accreditation: CCNE

5. University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers an ABSN program for those who have already completed a bachelor's degree in a different field. This program provides a focused pathway to a nursing career, designed for completion in 15 months of intensive study.

The curriculum prepares graduates for the complexities of modern healthcare by providing strong foundational knowledge and practical skills in various nursing specialties. This includes hands-on learning in simulation labs and rotations in diverse clinical settings, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Estimated tuition cost: $12,736.80

Program length: 15 months

Financial aid: You can receive both federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and various loan options to help make your nursing education affordable.

Accreditation: CCNE

6. Florida Atlantic University

The intensive, full-time ABSN program at Florida Atlantic University is completed in 16 months over four semesters. Students receive thorough instruction in patient care, pharmacology, and health assessment, alongside extensive clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.

The program is offered on the Boca and Davie campuses and is highly demanding, requiring significant time commitment for classes, labs, and clinical experiences. By the end of the program, you can become general clinical practitioners and sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.

Estimated tuition cost: $21,664 (in-state); $52,776 (out-of-state)

Program length: 16 months

Financial aid: Financial resources include federal and state aid programs, institutional scholarships, and other funding opportunities.

Accreditation: CCNE

7. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida's Accelerated Second Degree Pathway offers a quick transition into a nursing career for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This full-time, sequential program spans 16 months, encompassing four consecutive semesters. It prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN examination and a variety of nursing roles in hospitals, research, education, and community health.

The program is offered on three campuses — Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee — and focuses on in-person learning for its extensive clinical requirements and hands-on patient care.

Estimated tuition cost: $211 per credit hour (in-state); $575 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Program length: 16 months

Financial aid: Federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to students seeking resources to fund their nursing degree program.

Accreditation: CCNE

8. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida's Accelerated Second Degree BSN program is a fast-paced, intensive program completed over four consecutive semesters, offering a direct route to earning a BSN and becoming eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam.

This program is primarily campus-based in Orlando and requires in-person participation for critical clinical requirements and lab work. This ABSN degree program teaches the skills needed for a wide array of nursing roles across various healthcare settings, supporting your transition into professional nursing practice.

Estimated tuition cost: $212.28 per credit hour

Program length: 16 months

Financial aid: The University of Central Florida offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment.

Accreditation: CCNE

9. Florida International University

Florida International University's (FIU) Accelerated Option BSN (AO BSN) is a program spanning four full-time semesters. At FIU, you'll learn comprehensive nursing knowledge and practical skills for the modern healthcare environment.

Students engage in extensive clinical experiences at partnered healthcare facilities and utilize advanced simulation labs. The program, located at the Biscayne Bay Campus, begins each fall and maintains a strong focus on hands-on learning, with many requirements completed in person.

Estimated tuition cost: $12,540 (in-state); $37,751 (out-of-state)

Program length: 16 months

Financial aid: Florida International University's OneStop provides information and services related to financial aid, helping students navigate options such as federal grants, loans, and various scholarship opportunities.

Accreditation: CCNE

10. Nova Southeastern University

You can earn your BSN degree in 16 to 18 months (five semesters) at Nova Southeastern University. Students here benefit from advanced patient-care technology, including high-tech simulations, and complete clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. The curriculum requires 64 total credits, with coursework available at various Florida campuses, including Fort Myers and Miami.

Estimated tuition cost: $19,749

Program length: 16 to 18 months

Financial aid: Undergraduate students can take advantage of federal aid, institutional scholarships, and other funding opportunities to help with educational costs.

Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

When we put together our list of top accelerated BSN programs, we look at several important things. This helps us make sure we are highlighting quality educational choices.

• Accreditation: We primarily consider programs that have accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• Financial aid: We chose to feature ABSN programs offered at colleges that extend multiple forms of financial aid to their students, including federal and state aid, scholarship opportunities, and other funding sources.
• Program reputation: We consider the overall standing of the university and its nursing school. Factors like rankings, the quality of instructors, and how well former students perform all contribute to a program's reputation.

FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs

Here are some frequently asked questions about ABSN programs in Florida, addressing common concerns regarding cost, educational requirements, program duration, and career prospects.

How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Florida?

The cost of an online accelerated BSN program in Florida can vary significantly depending on the institution, ranging from approximately $12,000 to over $98,000 for the full program, as demonstrated by the diverse tuition rates among the schools listed above.

Factors such as in-state versus out-of-state residency, additional fees, and living expenses all contribute to the overall cost. Prospective students should carefully review each program's financial aid page and investigate opportunities like scholarships and grants, as many affordable institutions are among cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA, potentially easing the financial burden.

Learn More: Cheapest Accelerated Nursing Programs

What Education Do You Need To Be a Nurse in Florida?

The most common educational requirement for nurses is a BSN degree from an accredited program. While an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a diploma can also lead to RN licensure, the BSN is increasingly preferred by healthcare employers in Florida and is often required for career advancement.

After completing an approved nursing program, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain their state license.

What Is the Shortest BSN Program in Florida?

The shortest time to earn your BSN in Florida is one year. Fortunately, there are several accelerated BSN programs in Florida that offer 12-month programs. These include programs at the University of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, the University of Miami, and Jacksonville University.

What Is the Starting Salary for a BSN nurse in Florida?

The starting salary for a BSN-prepared nurse in Florida can vary based on location, employer, and additional certifications. As of May 2024, the median annual wage for Registered Nurses in Florida was $82,850, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While this represents the median for all RNs, including those with more experience, new graduates with a BSN can expect to start their careers with competitive salaries, often increasing with experience and specialization.

Launch Your Nursing Career Today

Discover online nursing degrees featured here on Learn.org and take the first step toward making a significant impact in the lives of others. Contact the schools you're interested in and learn how you can apply today.