Considering an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) in Florida is more than a fast track to licensure—it's a direct response to the state's pressing nursing shortage. Florida's rapidly growing and aging population, record hospital expansions, and high rates of retirement among RNs have left healthcare employers scrambling to fill critical bedside and community health roles. ABSN students—often career-changers with proven academic discipline—can enter the workforce in 12–18 months, giving hospitals and clinics a pipeline of practice-ready nurses without the multi-year wait traditional programs require. If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, an ABSN can position you to meet Florida's demand quickly while advancing your career in one of the nation's most dynamic health-care markets.

2025 Best ABSN Programs in Florida

Looking for the best ABSN programs in Florida? RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the top programs to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. We make it easy to compare options and make an informed choice. Check out our rankings to start your nursing journey today. Learn how we rank programs here.

#1

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufonline.ufl.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Florida-Online offers an Accelerated BSN program tailored for those holding a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, seeking a swift transition into nursing. This rigorous, campus-based program in Gainesville and Jacksonville is completed in four consecutive semesters, integrating comprehensive classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. Applicants must have completed prerequisites in anatomy, physiology, and statistics, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum is centered on evidence-based practice, enhancing clinical reasoning skills, and preparing students to care for diverse patient groups. With accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, financial aid options, and scholarship opportunities, this program stands out for its commitment to accessibility and excellence in nursing education.

  • Fast-track four semesters.
  • Campus-based in FL.
  • 3.0 GPA required.
  • Clinical practice included.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Accredited program.
  • Diverse patient training.
  • Evidence-based practice focus.
  • Prerequisites in sciences.
  • Scholarships offered.
#2

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL - Private 4-year - ju.edu

Bachelor's - JU & Baptist Health 12-Month Second Degree BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Jacksonville University's 12-Month Second Degree BSN Program, in collaboration with Baptist Health, offers an accelerated pathway for bachelor's degree holders to enter the nursing field. This intensive program spans just one year, blending academic rigor with practical clinical experiences. Admission criteria include a prior bachelor's degree, a minimum 2.50 GPA, and completion of prerequisite courses. Unique to this program is its focus on critical care, enhanced by immersive learning technologies. Financial aid options, including scholarships, support students in achieving their nursing goals. Graduates emerge ready to tackle the NCLEX and excel in their nursing careers, backed by a strong educational foundation.

  • 12-month duration
  • Campus-based program
  • Requires bachelor's degree
  • Minimum 2.50 GPA
  • Prerequisite courses needed
  • Focus on critical care
  • Immersive learning technologies
  • Scholarships available
  • High NCLEX pass rates
  • Clinical experience included

Bachelor's - JU & Mayo Clinic 12-Month Second Degree BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Partnering with Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville University presents a 12-Month Accelerated BSN program tailored for swift entry into nursing. This program stands out for its use of Virtual Reality simulation, offering an innovative hands-on learning experience. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.50 GPA and fulfill specific prerequisite requirements. The curriculum is enriched by the Dedicated Education Unit model, ensuring comprehensive clinical training. With scholarships reaching up to $10,000, the program is accessible to ambitious career changers eager to make their mark in healthcare, preparing them thoroughly for the challenges of the nursing profession.

  • 12-month duration
  • Campus-based program
  • Partnership with Mayo Clinic
  • Virtual Reality simulation training
  • Dedicated Education Unit model
  • Scholarships up to $10,000
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Minimum 2.50 GPA
  • Prerequisite courses needed
  • Summer entry term
  • In-person classes and clinicals
  • Lock-step curriculum
  • No evening or online classes
  • Clinical community experiences
  • Progressive care training
  • Critical care exposure
  • Emergency room operations
  • Professional growth focus
  • Flexible clinical scheduling
  • Positive staff relationships

Bachelor's - JU & St. Vincent's Ascension 16-Month Second Degree BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Jacksonville University's 16-Month Accelerated BSN program, in alliance with Ascension St. Vincent's, is designed for individuals with an associate's or bachelor's degree aiming for a nursing career. This program efficiently combines simulations, clinical rotations, and coursework over 16 months. It features a lock-step curriculum requiring full-time dedication, with classes held on-campus four days a week and clinicals one day. Admission requires a minimum 2.50 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses with a 'C' or better. Scholarship opportunities, including a merit-based award for all admitted students, make this program an attractive option for those transitioning into nursing, promising a high NCLEX pass rate and diverse clinical experiences.

  • 16-month program duration
  • Spring entry term available
  • On-campus classes four days a week
  • Clinicals one day a week
  • Scholarship opportunities available
  • Minimum GPA requirement of 2.50
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Lock-step curriculum
  • No evening or online classes
  • Partnership with Ascension St. Vincent's
  • Merit scholarship for admitted students
  • High NCLEX pass rate
  • Clinical rotations in multiple locations
  • Requires full-time commitment
  • Designed for career changers
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#3

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu

Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Central Florida's Accelerated Second Degree BSN program is tailored for those with a prior bachelor's degree seeking a swift transition into nursing. This on-campus program, accredited by CCNE and approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing, emphasizes a robust nursing curriculum and practical clinical experiences to ready students for the NCLEX-RN. With an affordable in-state tuition rate of $212.28 per credit hour, the program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission and encompasses 57 credit hours of advanced nursing studies, including specialized courses in public health, psychiatric mental health, and critical care nursing. No ACT or SAT is required for entrance, making it accessible for career changers.

  • Accelerated program for degree holders
  • Campus-based learning
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • CCNE accredited
  • Florida State Board approved
  • In-state tuition $212.28
  • Out-of-state $748.89
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
  • 57 credit hours
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Comprehensive nursing curriculum
  • Mandatory drug screening
  • 2.5 GPA in nursing major
  • 30 UCF residency hours
  • Research course prerequisite
  • Public health nursing included
  • Psychiatric mental health focus
  • Critical care introduction
  • Professional nurse seminar
  • Health assessment lab
  • Pathophysiology for nursing
  • Pharmacology for nursing
  • Family nursing care
  • Community health nursing
  • Nursing practicum required
*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2023 survey (NCES).

List of Florida Accelerated BSN Programs

Florida offers several Accelerated BSN programs for those looking to fast-track their nursing career. These programs are designed for students who already have a bachelor\'s degree in another field. Below is a table listing schools across Florida, their locations, key program features, and links to more details. This info helps you find the right program to start your nursing journey quickly.

Jump to City:

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated

    Campus Based - Website

    • Intensive four-semester program.
    • Full-time academic study required.
    • 3.0 cumulative GPA needed.
    • Science GPA of 3.0 or higher.
    • Prerequisites must be C or better.
    • Available on Boca and Davie campuses.
    • Cost varies by credit hour.
    • Scholarships available.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Five-semester completion.
    • Campus-based program.
    • 64 total credits required.
    • Daytime and nighttime options.
    • Clinical rotations included.
    • Scholarships available.
    • NCLEX readiness preparation.
    • Experienced nursing faculty.

Gainesville, FL

University of Florida

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Four consecutive semesters.
    • Starts each May.
    • Campus-based learning.
    • Includes clinical practice.
    • Diverse healthcare settings.
    • Evidence-based practice focus.
    • Clinical reasoning skills.
    • Patient management training.

University of Florida-Online

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Fast-track four semesters.
    • Campus-based in FL.
    • 3.0 GPA required.
    • Clinical practice included.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Accredited program.
    • Diverse patient training.
    • Evidence-based practice focus.

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville University

  • Bachelor's - JU & Baptist Health 12-Month Second Degree BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month duration
    • Campus-based program
    • Requires bachelor's degree
    • Minimum 2.50 GPA
    • Prerequisite courses needed
    • Focus on critical care
    • Immersive learning technologies
    • Scholarships available
  • Bachelor's - JU & Mayo Clinic 12-Month Second Degree BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month duration
    • Campus-based program
    • Partnership with Mayo Clinic
    • Virtual Reality simulation training
    • Dedicated Education Unit model
    • Scholarships up to $10,000
    • Bachelor's degree required
    • Minimum 2.50 GPA
  • Bachelor's - JU & St. Vincent's Ascension 16-Month Second Degree BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 16-month program duration
    • Spring entry term available
    • On-campus classes four days a week
    • Clinicals one day a week
    • Scholarship opportunities available
    • Minimum GPA requirement of 2.50
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Lock-step curriculum

University of North Florida

  • Bachelor's - Prelicensure Accelerated Nursing (BS in Nursing)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accelerated BSN program
    • Requires 3.40 prerequisite GPA
    • Four-semester duration
    • Campus-based learning
    • Hands-on clinical experience
    • Competitive admission process
    • Focus on professional nursing concepts
    • Prepares for diverse healthcare settings

Miami, FL

Florida International University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Option Bachelor of Science in Nursing (AO BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Four semesters full-time.
    • 61 credits required.
    • Annual fall admission.
    • NCLEX-RN® eligibility.
    • Biscayne Bay Campus location.
    • For bachelor's degree holders.
    • Competitive admissions process.
    • Prepares for graduate studies.

Orlando, FL

University of Central Florida

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accelerated program for degree holders
    • Campus-based learning
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • CCNE accredited
    • Florida State Board approved
    • In-state tuition $212.28
    • Out-of-state $748.89
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 4 consecutive semesters
    • Nationally accredited program
    • Holistic admissions process
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Clinical experiences across settings
    • 150 seats per admission cycle
    • Comprehensive clinical preparation
    • Preparation for RN licensure

Tampa, FL

University of South Florida

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree Pathway

    Campus Based - Website

    • 16-month duration
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • In-person modality
    • NCLEX-RN exam preparation
    • Multiple campus options
    • Summer, fall, spring starts
    • Prior bachelor's degree required
    • Hands-on patient care focus
*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

2025 Affordable ABSN Programs in Florida

Finding affordable ABSN programs in Florida is key for students aiming for a Bachelor\\\'s degree in nursing by 2025. The table lists 10 schools across FL, offering programs with various highlights and tuition ranges. Affordable and low-cost options are crucial, making education accessible without heavy financial burden. This helps students focus on their studies and future careers in nursing. The data provided gives a clear view of what\\\'s available, helping you make an informed choice based on cost and program features.

School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
University of Central Florida
  • Accelerated program for degree holders
  • Campus-based learning
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • CCNE accredited
  • Florida State Board approved
  • In-state tuition $212.28
  • Out-of-state $748.89
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
  • $5,100 - $7,600 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $18,000 - $27,000 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
University of Florida-Online
  • Fast-track four semesters.
  • Campus-based in FL.
  • 3.0 GPA required.
  • Clinical practice included.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Accredited program.
  • Diverse patient training.
  • Evidence-based practice focus.
  • $3,100 - $4,700 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $13,300 - $19,900 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
University of Florida
  • Four consecutive semesters.
  • Starts each May.
  • Campus-based learning.
  • Includes clinical practice.
  • Diverse healthcare settings.
  • Evidence-based practice focus.
  • Clinical reasoning skills.
  • Patient management training.
  • $5,100 - $7,700 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $22,900 - $34,400 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Florida Atlantic University
  • Intensive four-semester program.
  • Full-time academic study required.
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA needed.
  • Science GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Prerequisites must be C or better.
  • Available on Boca and Davie campuses.
  • Cost varies by credit hour.
  • Scholarships available.
  • $3,900 - $5,900 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $13,900 - $20,800 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Barry University
  • 15-month program duration
  • Small class sizes
  • $7000 per semester tuition
  • $50 per credit fee
  • Scholarships available
  • 20% discount for Barry graduates
  • Spring semester start
  • Clinical at top hospitals
  • $26,800 - $40,100 (Undergraduate)
Miami Dade College
  • Accelerated BSN program
  • Campus-based learning
  • Mandatory 3-day orientation
  • Level Two background screening
  • Health record required
  • Specific vaccinations needed
  • CPR/BLS certification
  • Financial aid available
  • $2,300 - $3,400 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $7,700 - $11,600 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
University of North Florida
  • Accelerated BSN program
  • Requires 3.40 prerequisite GPA
  • Four-semester duration
  • Campus-based learning
  • Hands-on clinical experience
  • Competitive admission process
  • Focus on professional nursing concepts
  • Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
  • $4,800 - $7,200 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $15,500 - $23,300 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*Dataset citation: NCES. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Chasing that Sunshine State stethoscope? Dive into our Florida nursing schools guide for the complete lineup of nursing programs.

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