How To Become a Nurse in Florida 2025

Nurses play many vital roles in providing patient care — they also make up the largest portion of the healthcare sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 194,500 jobs for registered nurses (RNs) are projected to become available each year over the next decade.

This article explores the fundamentals of how to become a nurse, as well as the requirements in Florida. You'll learn what job duties an RN manages, how long it takes to become a nurse, the steps to becoming an RN, and more. We also highlight a few of the top accredited nursing programs at Florida colleges and universities. If you're ready to launch your nursing career, read on to learn more.

What Does an RN Do?

Certified registered nurses provide patient care, coordinate with physicians and other healthcare professionals, and provide advice to patients and their families. RN duties include:

• recording patients' symptoms and medical histories
• administering patients' treatments and medicines
• performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results
• educating patients and their caregivers on how to manage injuries and illnesses

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Florida?

The exact timeline to become a nurse in the state of Florida will depend on your chosen nursing program and commitment as a full-time or part-time student. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, for example, typically takes two years of full-time study. A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program generally takes four years to complete on a full-time basis.

There are options for accelerated nursing programs online. If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can enroll in an accelerated BSN program (also known as an ABSN program) and earn your BSN in one year.

3 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Florida

The following steps outline the process of becoming a registered nurse in the state of Florida, including the educational requirements for nurses and the requirements to receive an RN license from the Florida Board of Nursing.

Step 1: Enroll in a Nursing Program

Your nursing education must begin with an accredited nursing degree program. You can either earn your ADN or your BSN degree. Both programs include theory coursework, labs, and hands-on clinical experiences to hone your nursing practices.

Programs must be approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. The best quality programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Step 2: Pass the Licensure Exam

After you graduate, you will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN assesses for knowledge of safe and effective care environments, health promotion and maintenance, physiological integrity, and psychosocial integrity. The NCLEX-RN exam is not graded on a scale — instead, nursing candidates either pass or fail the exam.

Step 3: Apply for Licensure

Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, you must apply for your nursing license through the Florida Board of Nursing. Necessary items include your exam results, your official transcripts, a $110 application and license fee, and more. You will also need to undergo a background check and submit your fingerprints electronically. After you've taken the exam and submitted your application documents, you should receive your RN license within seven to ten days.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Florida

This list highlights some of the top degree programs at Florida nursing schools. While all accredited programs must include in-person learning components, there are online nursing programs that offer coursework online.

1. Daytona State College

Daytona State College is a mid-sized public school in Daytona Beach, FL, that offers a comprehensive two-year ADN program. Coursework is in-person, and clinical experiences take place at local healthcare facilities like hospitals and ambulatory care centers.

The traditional ADN program track is four semesters long; there is an accelerated pathway for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), paramedics, and respiratory therapists. Financial aid is available for nursing students via grants, loans, and scholarships.

• Estimated tuition cost: $79 per credit (in-state); $311 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

2. Eastern Florida State College

Located in Melbourne, FL, Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) has an ADN program that has been continually educating nursing students since 1966. EFSC's associate degree program emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and providing holistic care to diverse populations.

In addition to its traditional two-year degree pathway, EFSC also has a 13-month transition to RN program. Paramedics, respiratory therapists, and LPNs receive advanced standing and move directly to nursing coursework, enabling them to earn their ADN at an accelerated pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $104 per credit (in-state); $405 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

3. University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) is a highly regarded public university in Gainesville, FL. UF has a traditional BSN program for students looking to pursue their bachelor's degree. The program's coursework encompasses contemporary nursing practices, evidence-based care, and ethical and legal guidelines. U.S. News & World Report ranks UF's College of Nursing programs as number one in the state of Florida and among the top twenty in the country.

The BSN program curriculum is conducted mainly in person and takes four years to complete. For students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree looking for an accelerated option, UF has an ABSN program that can be completed in 15 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $149 per credit (in-state); $856 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Florida International University

Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University (FIU) offers a traditional BSN degree program through its Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Classes are primarily conducted in person, and clinical practices are enhanced at FIU's state-of-the-art STAR Center.

In addition to federal and state grants and loans, FIU nursing students may be eligible for special scholarships. Students must first apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.

• Estimated tuition cost: $206 per credit (in-state); $619 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU) has a nationally recognized BSN program available to students at its Tallahassee, FL, campus. Coursework is mainly in-person; clinical experiences take place around campus at clinics, hospitals, and community health agencies. Nursing students also participate in lab work to help develop their clinical skills.

FSU offers various financial aid opportunities to its students. Financial assistance is available as grants, loans, and scholarships, such as the Bright Futures Scholarship.

• Estimated tuition cost: $215 per credit (in-state); $721 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Florida

The national healthcare system has a growing need for professional nurses. The BLS reports that nursing jobs are expected to increase by 6% each year for the next decade. There are many opportunities for registered nurses and nurse practitioners to grow professionally.

The average median salary for nurses is $94,600. However, the average salary for RNs varies according to your degree level and your industry specialty. For example, if you have a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you will generally earn more than a nurse with an ADN.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Florida

The following answers address some frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse in Florida, from nursing education program costs to the fastest nursing degrees.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Florida?

Nursing degree costs vary significantly, as total education costs depend on your degree program, school, applicable financial aid, and more. ADN programs are typically the least expensive degrees you can earn, averaging roughly $20,000 for total education costs. BSNs can cost between $40,000 and upwards of $200,000 or more.

To keep your education costs low, you can apply to online colleges that accept FAFSA. Online classes often cost less than in-person classes, and FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Particular education courses are required before being accepted into certain nursing degree programs. You can take these courses as part of a traditional BSN four-year track, or you can take self-paced nursing prerequisites online to fulfill the education requirements.

Nursing prerequisites are typically science- and math-based, though some social science and humanities courses are required. Prerequisites include: biology, nutrition, chemistry, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology. You can ensure your online learning process goes smoothly with one of the best laptops for nursing students.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse depends on your education and career goals. If you have no prior higher education, the traditional two-year ADN degree path is the fastest way you can become a registered nurse. If you hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can enroll in an accelerated pathway to earn your ABSN in 16 months or fewer.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

Nursing degrees are, by their very nature, relatively challenging. Coursework encompasses advanced science and chemistry classes and hands-on clinical experiences. However, some nursing degrees are less challenging than others.

An ADN program is less intensive than an accelerated BSN program. The easiest nursing degree for you will depend on your personal preferences and time commitment capacity.

Find a Nursing Degree

There are many opportunities to advance your nursing career. We invite you to explore our partner institutions on Learn.org to discover which best suits your continuing education goals.