Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in Florida 2026

<h3 id="section---HighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">High School Diploma or GED</h3><p>Students hoping to pursue healthcare careers need to start by earning a high school diploma or equivalent. This is a necessary prerequisite for any college-level nursing program, including accelerated programs that provide some of the fastest ways to become a nurse. </p><p>Taking extra science courses in high school can help prepare you for the rigors of nursing education. Some especially beneficial subjects include anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry. </p><h3 id="section---NursingEducation">Nursing Education</h3><p>Nursing education can range from <a href="https://learn.org/articles/12_month_accelerated_nursing_programs.html">12-month accelerated nursing programs</a> to traditional four-year degrees. There are certificate programs, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees that can all lead to different nursing careers. </p><p>The type of program you enroll in will vary depending on your previous level of education and experience. We'll look at some fast nursing programs in greater depth later in this article. </p><h3 id="section---NCLEXExam">NCLEX Exam</h3><p>The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is an important part of becoming a nurse. After completing your training program, you will complete either the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exam, depending on the type of nursing license you are pursuing. </p><p>The exam is computer-based, and you will take it at a testing center in your local community. Upon passing the exam, you can then obtain licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing. </p><h3 id="section---FloridaLicensureRequirements">Florida Licensure Requirements</h3><p>To obtain a registered nursing or licensed practical nursing license in Florida, you'll need to submit an application with all necessary fees to the Florida Board of Nursing. To be eligible, you must have graduated from an accredited program approved by the Board. </p><p>You'll also need to submit to a criminal background check via fingerprinting. Once your application materials have been reviewed, you'll receive authorization to sit for the NCLEX exam and, upon passing the exam, you'll receive your license within seven to 10 days. </p><h2 id="section---FastestWaysToBecomeANurseInFlorida">Fastest Ways To Become a Nurse in Florida</h2><p>As noted earlier, there are various types of programs available that meet the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a>. Let's look at some of the nursing programs that offer the fastest average completion times. </p><h3 id="section---LPNProgram">LPN Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> 12 to 18 months </li></ul><p>LPN programs, also known as LVN programs, train students to become licensed practical nurses. These entry-level professionals work under the supervision of registered nurses to provide basic patient care and assistance. </p><p>LPN programs typically are completed on campus, as they contain various hands-on components such as skills practice and clinical experiences. Students with no more than a high school diploma or GED can finish these programs and begin working as LPNs in as little as one year. </p><h3 id="section---AcceleratedBachelorOfScienceInNursing">Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One year </li></ul><p>An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree is specifically designed for those who already hold a bachelor's degree (or significant transfer credits) in an unrelated field. It's a degree for career changers looking for the most efficient way to break into nursing. </p><p>ABSN programs build on students' previous college experience, so they don't have to repeat general education requirements, giving them an efficient way to quickly earn a second degree. They are often hybrid or in-person programs and can be completed in as little as a year. </p><h3 id="section---RNToBSNBridgeProgram">RN-to-BSN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>If you are already licensed as a registered nurse but are looking to complete a BSN degree, an RN-to-BSN bridge program may be the best option for you. These post-licensure degrees are for students who have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and are looking to get their bachelor's degree. </p><p>RN-to-BSN programs are frequently available in fully online, flexible formats designed for working nurses. Students completing coursework on a full-time basis can often graduate in as little as a year. </p><h3 id="section---LPNToRNBridgeProgram">LPN-to-RN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years </li></ul><p>LPN-to-RN bridge programs are for licensed practical nurses hoping to become registered nurses. They provide additional training and coursework to help students earn an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing. </p><p>These programs may offer in-person and hybrid options and often involve various clinicals and skills practice. Students can complete them in as little as one to two years </p><h3 id="section---AssociateDegreeInNursing">Associate Degree in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> Two years </li></ul><p>An ADN program is the best way to become an entry-level RN fast if you have no college credits. This type of degree can be completed in about two years. </p><p>ADN programs blend coursework, clinicals, and skills labs to give students a well-rounded introductory nursing education. Some schools may offer hybrid or online coursework, but these programs are typically delivered in person. </p><h2 id="section---FastestNursingDegreesInFlorida">Fastest Nursing Degrees in Florida</h2><p>If you're ready to get your LPN or RN license quickly, completing a short-term or accelerated education program may be ideal. Let's look at some top options to consider in Florida. </p><h3 id="section---1.EasternFloridaStateCollege">1. Eastern Florida State College</h3><p>Eastern Florida State College is a public school in Cocoa, FL. It offers an LPN-to-RN bridge program in campus-based and hybrid formats through its Melbourne campus. </p><p>The program leads to an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and makes it possible for LPNs and other entry-level healthcare professionals to pursue an RN license quickly. The program takes about 13 months to complete and consists of 72 total credit hours. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $104 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 13 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) </li></ul><h3 id="section---2.JacksonvilleUniversity">2. Jacksonville University</h3><p>Jacksonville University is a private school enrolling around 4,000 students. Among its various degree options is a 12-month ABSN program. </p><p>The program is available exclusively on-campus and admits students for the fall semester each year. Students learn hands-on skills, like taking vital signs and administering medications, through skills labs; supervised nursing practice is obtained through clinical experiences. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $815 to $1,625 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) </li></ul><h3 id="section---3.UniversityOfMiami">3. University of Miami</h3><p>The University of Miami is a prestigious private university located in Coral Gables, FL. It offers a 12-month ABSN program for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. </p><p>The program offers start dates in January and May each year and requires full-time commitment. Students gain hands-on practice at more than 200 partner healthcare systems, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $2,644 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfCentralFlorida">4. University of Central Florida</h3><p>The University of Central Florida is a public school in Orlando. It offers an online RN-to-BSN program that admits all qualified RNs. </p><p>The program consists of 30 credit hours and features full-time and part-time study options. Students can choose from three yearly start dates and may complete the program in as little as three semesters or one year. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $179.19 per credit hour </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE </li></ul><h3 id="section---5.UniversityOfNorthFlorida">5. University of North Florida</h3><p>The University of North Florida is a public school in Jacksonville. Its RN-to-BSN bridge program can be completed online in as little as 12 months. </p><p>Students benefit from accelerated six- and eight-week course sessions and study year-round — with classes and new start dates available in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. </p><p>The full-time program must be completed in a specific course sequence, which includes both clinical and laboratory experiences, as well as fully online coursework. </p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $6,390 per year </li><li><b>Program length:</b> 12 months </li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> SACSCOC, CCNE </li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We endeavor to feature the best colleges when creating our rank lists. We used the following criteria to select the RN programs above: </p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools listed are accredited, and the nursing programs maintain accreditation from the CCNE or the ACEN. </li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> Each of the accredited nursing programs is known for providing top-notch learning opportunities. </li><li><b>Program length:</b> The programs featured are some of the quickest in Florida, as they can be completed within 12 to 13 months. </li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestWayToFinishNursingSchoolInFlorida">FAQs About the Fastest Way To Finish Nursing School in Florida</h2><p>If you still have questions about becoming a nurse quickly, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions. </p><h3 id="section---HowLongIsNursingSchool">How Long Is Nursing School?</h3><p>The amount of time it takes to become a nurse depends on your level of education and whether you've worked in healthcare settings before. Those with bachelor's degrees in some other field, or those pursuing LPN training, can finish nursing school in as little as a year. </p><p>Those looking to become RNs who have no previous training will spend two to four years in school. Regardless of how long it takes, conducting your research about the programs and having the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_laptops_nursing_students.html">best laptop for nursing students</a> can set you up for success as you progress through your nursing courses. </p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesANursingDegreeCost">How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?</h3><p>The cost of your degree can vary widely depending on whether you attend a public or private school and the type of degree you pursue. LPN training programs typically cost only a few thousand dollars in total, while an ABSN program from a top private school such as the University of Miami may cost upwards of $60,000 to $70,000. </p><p>Attending <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheap_online_colleges_that_accept_fafsa.html">cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> can help you save on your degree and graduate with little or no debt. </p><h3 id="section---CanYouBecomeAnRNInOneYear">Can You Become an RN in One Year?</h3><p>Yes, it is possible for those with previous college experience, especially those who have earned a bachelor's degree, to become an RN in one year. Students without this academic background typically take two to four years to complete the necessary RN training. </p><p>If you are new to college and looking for a fast track into nursing, becoming an LPN may be your best bet, as you can often complete LPN training in as little as a year. </p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>If you're ready to start looking for nursing jobs in the healthcare system, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges or universities to find out more about their programs and choose the right option for you.</p>