What Florida Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

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.
2026 Best ABSN Programs in Florida
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 delivers an accelerated pathway for bachelor's degree holders transitioning into nursing. Designed in collaboration with Baptist Health, this intensive program compresses nursing education into a single year through immersive learning technologies and comprehensive clinical training. Students must maintain a minimum 2.50 GPA and complete prerequisite courses. The curriculum emphasizes critical care skills, providing students with robust hands-on experiences and advanced preparation for the NCLEX examination. Military-friendly and offering scholarship opportunities, the program equips career changers with comprehensive nursing knowledge and practical skills for immediate professional deployment.
- 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
Jacksonville University's Mayo Clinic partnership creates a cutting-edge 12-Month Accelerated BSN that transforms career professionals into skilled nurses through innovative training methods. Utilizing Virtual Reality simulation and a Dedicated Education Unit model, students experience immersive learning environments. The program requires a bachelor's degree, minimum 2.50 GPA, and specific prerequisite coursework. Offering scholarships up to $10,000, the curriculum provides extensive clinical exposure across progressive care, emergency room operations, and critical care settings. Designed for motivated learners, this program ensures comprehensive nursing preparation with hands-on, technology-enhanced educational strategies.
- 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
Bachelor's - JU & St. Vincent's Ascension 16-Month Second Degree BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Jacksonville University's 16-Month Second Degree BSN, partnered with Ascension St. Vincent's, offers a comprehensive nursing transition program for associate's or bachelor's degree holders. The lock-step curriculum demands full-time commitment, featuring on-campus classes and diverse clinical rotations. Students benefit from merit scholarships and the Ascension St. Vincent's Scholars program. Admission requires a minimum 2.50 GPA and prerequisite course completion. The program strategically blends simulated learning with real-world clinical experiences, preparing students for dynamic healthcare environments. With a focus on professional growth and high NCLEX pass rates, this program effectively launches nursing careers.
- 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
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufonline.ufl.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated BSN
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Florida's Accelerated BSN program offers a dynamic pathway for bachelor's degree holders transitioning into nursing. Located across Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses, this intensive four-semester track delivers comprehensive nursing education with robust clinical immersion. Prospective students must complete prerequisite science courses, maintain a competitive 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate strong academic foundation. The curriculum strategically integrates evidence-based practice, advanced clinical reasoning, and patient management skills across diverse healthcare environments. Uniquely positioned for career changers, the program provides extensive financial support through scholarships and aid, ensuring accessibility. CCNE-accredited, graduates emerge well-prepared for professional nursing roles, equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for contemporary healthcare challenges.
- 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.
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 offers a dynamic pathway for degree holders seeking a rapid nursing career transition. Designed for professionals with existing baccalaureate credentials, this comprehensive program provides intensive clinical training and comprehensive nursing education. Students benefit from hands-on experiences, robust curriculum covering psychiatric mental health, public health, and critical care nursing. The program requires a 2.5 GPA and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN examination. With CCNE accreditation and Florida State Board approval, students receive high-quality education at competitive in-state tuition rates. Mandatory drug screening and residency requirements ensure program rigor and professional readiness.
- 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
List of Florida Accelerated BSN Programs
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.
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
Saint Petersburg, FL
Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay
- Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 3-year full-time program.
- On-campus classes.
- Starts 4x/year.
- No prerequisites required.
- Focused nursing curriculum.
- Experienced faculty.
- Modern simulation labs.
- Clinical experiences included.
- Bachelor's - BSN Fast Path Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- 18 Months Full-Time
- On Campus Classes
- Four Start Times Yearly
- For Non-Nursing Bachelor's Holders
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN® Exam
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- Diverse Healthcare Settings
- Accelerated Nursing Education
Tallahassee, FL
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN
Campus Based - Website
- Four-year BSN program
- Combines liberal arts and nursing
- Clinical practice in hospitals
- Prepares for generalist roles
- Focus on diverse patient care
- Leadership and team skills
- On-campus program
- Admissions criteria apply
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
2026 Affordable ABSN Programs in Florida
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Chipola College |
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Gulf Coast State College |
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Florida SouthWestern State College |
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University of Florida-Online |
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Florida Atlantic University |
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University of Central Florida |
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University of Florida |
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South Florida State College |
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Miami Dade College |
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State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota |
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Chasing that Sunshine State stethoscope? Dive into our Florida nursing schools guide for the complete lineup of nursing programs.
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