Nursing Programs in Jacksonville, FL
The Jacksonville area offers a number of accredited schooling options for aspiring nurses. From entry-level programs designed for those new to nursing to advanced practice programs for experienced nurses who want to take their careers to the next level, there is sure to be a program that can turn your nursing dreams into a reality. Below we have outlined your program options, as well as a listing of schools for each category.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Jacksonville, FL
If you are interested in beginning a career in nursing, an entry-level program is the place to start. One option for entry-level programs includes the Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which provides students with a base level introduction to nursing that can be completed in a relatively short time. Another option for entering the nursing field is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which prepares students for their first jobs with additional coursework in research, public health, leadership and other topics.
ADN Programs
An ADN program might be a good fit if you are interested in entering the workforce as quickly as possible, as these programs are generally faster to complete than a BSN.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
A traditional BSN program is designed for students without any previous nursing education, and provides graduates with a bachelor’s degree. Like ADN programs, BSN programs prepare students to take the NCLEX exam, but generally take longer to complete and provide additional in-depth coursework. One example of BSN programs is the program found at the University of North Florida, which includes professional courses as well as clinical/laboratory courses that focus on community-based nursing experience.
Learn more about Florida Accelerated BSN Programs.
Jacksonville RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Jacksonville | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN Students Total | 879 | 16,866 |
| NCLEX-RN Students Passed | 735 | 11,422 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 83.6% | 67.7% |
Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Jacksonville
Listed below are the top nursing schools in Jacksonville based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Florida out of 141 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- University of North Florida - #14
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Chamberlain University College of Nursing - Jacksonville
| 5200 Belfort Road Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 251-8110 |
Florida State College at Jacksonville
| 101 W State St Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 633-8100 |
Fortis College - Orange Park
| 700 Blanding Blvd #16 Orange Park, FL 32065 (185) 543-6784 x7 |
Jacksonville University
| 2800 University Blvd N Jacksonville, FL 32211 (904) 256-8000 |
Jersey College - Jacksonville
| 8131 Baymeadows Cir W Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 733-3588 |
Keiser University - Jacksonville
| 6430 Southpoint Pkwy #100 Jacksonville, FL 32216 (888) 534-7379 |
University of North Florida
| 1 UNF Dr Jacksonville, FL 32224 (904) 620-1000 |
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Jacksonville, FL
In an effort to secure higher-paying nursing positions, many ADN-educated nurses are exploring going back to school to earn a higher degree. Some schools offer specialized “bridge” programs that provide a pathway for these nurses to earn a higher degree at a faster pace than traditional entry-level nursing programs.
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs are designed for experienced RNs who would like to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Taking into account prior diploma coursework and clinical experience, these programs are generally fast to complete when compared with traditional BSN programs. The RN to BSN program at Florida State College at Jacksonville is offered on a part-time basis in three to six semesters of study to allow students to continue working while they earn their degree.
Learn more about Florida RN to BSN Programs.
RN to MSN Programs
Slightly less common than RN to BSN programs, some schools offer RN to MSN bridge programs, in which experienced RNs can earn their Master of Science in Nursing degree in an accelerated timeframe. The RN to MSN program at Jacksonville University allows RNs to earn their BSN and MSN degrees concurrently, with online courses that can be taken on a full- or part-time basis for maximum flexibility and convenience.
Learn more about Florida RN to MSN Programs.
Jacksonville, FL
Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Bachelor's - Nursing (B.S.N.)
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online post-licensure program
- Doctorally prepared faculty
- Global Scholars Distinction option
- 120 total credit hours
- Financial aid eligible
- 100% graduate employment rate
- Global healthcare focus
- Competitive total program cost
University of North Florida
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN Bridge Online
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- 30 total credit hours
- One year to complete
- Active RN license required
- Minimum 2.70 GPA needed
- Eight nursing prerequisites
- Starts Fall, Spring, Summer
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Jacksonville, FL
Demand is high for nurses with advanced practice nursing degrees, and in order to meet this demand and secure higher paying jobs, many nurses are seeking advanced degrees. Some options for APRN degrees include traditional MSN programs, post-master’s certificate programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
MSN Programs
Nurses who hold master’s degrees have a wider range of job options and are generally paid more than their BSN or ADN-educated counterparts. Time to complete an MSN program varies from school to school and whether the program is taken on a full- or part-time basis. For example, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Jacksonville University can be completed in three years of part-time study or two years of full-time study.
Learn more about Florida Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
For nurses who already hold their master’s degree but would like to learn a new discipline, some schools offer post-master’s certificate programs. Jacksonville University offers post-master’s certificate programs in several focus areas, including family nurse practitioner, nursing informatics, clinical nurse educator, and emergency nurse practitioner among several others.
Learn more about Florida Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP Programs
Doctorate-level programs are the highest level of study available to nurses. DNP programs prepare students for the highest level of clinical practice for nurses. University of North Florida offers DNP programs for nurses with a BSN degree and for nurses with an MSN degree. Nurses have their choice of focusing their doctoral study in administration or practice, based on their career goals.
Learn more about Florida DNP Programs.
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville University
- Master's - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- On-campus full/part-time options
- Board-certified faculty
- Advanced clinical simulations
- Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
- One year critical care experience
- Prepares for national certification
- Virtual reality learning
- Clinical experiences in multiple specialties
- Master's - Dual MSN/MBA Degree
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Dual degree: MSN and MBA
- 60 total credit hours
- Executive management focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Hybrid program delivery
- Active nursing license needed
- Taught by expert faculty
- Prepares for leadership roles
- Master's - Master of Science in NursingHealthcare Quality and Safety
Online Learning - Website
- Online synchronous and asynchronous courses
- Flexible 7-week course formats
- Finish in 18 months
- Small class sizes
- Individual academic advising
- Immersive virtual reality learning
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
- Active U.S. nursing license needed
- Graduate Certificate - Clinical Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- 13 credit hours
- Enrollment every eight weeks
- Aligns with NLN standards
- Requires 3.0 GPA
- Active U.S. nursing license needed
- Courses include Advanced Pathophysiology
- Focus on nursing education
- Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- 5 semesters total length
- Advanced clinical coursework
- Prepares for national certification
- Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA required
- One year RN experience needed
- Active nursing license required
- Graduate Certificate - Leadership in Healthcare Systems Post-Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online certificate program
- 12 total credit hours
- Board certification eligible
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Enrolls every seven weeks
- Active U.S. nursing license needed
- Four specialized nursing courses
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Informatics Post-Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program.
- 12 credit hours required.
- Prepares for ANCC Informatics Certification.
- Focuses on healthcare and IT integration.
- Requires 3.0 GPA for admission.
- Valid U.S. nursing license needed.
- Courses start in Fall 1 term.
- Includes practicum aligned with ANCC.
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 5-semester campus program
- Prepares for national certification
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- 1 year RN experience required
- Advanced mental health practice focus
- Flexible start dates
- Clinical practicum included
- Advanced health assessment courses
- Doctorate - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- 70 credit hours total
- 1000 clinical hours
- 3.3 minimum GPA
- National certification preparation
- Advanced nursing leadership focus
- Terminal degree in nursing
- Doctorate - BSN-DNP Leadership Cognate
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 59 credit hours.
- 1000 residency hours.
- Hybrid program format.
- Focus on leadership roles.
- Individual faculty mentorship.
- Nursing GPA of 3.3 required.
- Current RN license needed.
- Statement of intent required.
- Doctorate - Post-MSN DNP Leadership Track
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Individual faculty mentorship
- Two to three year completion
- Terminal nursing degree
- Executive-level skill development
- RN and APRN compatible
- Semester start flexibility
University of North Florida
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Prepares for ANCC certification.
- Focus on leadership and management.
- Admits up to 20 students each fall.
- Optional in-person experiences for locals.
- Requires BSN for admission.
- Evidence-based curriculum.
- Improves healthcare delivery skills.
- Master's - Nursing Management & Leadership (MSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online master's program
- Maximum 15 students admitted
- ANCC Nurse Executive certification prep
- Evidence-based healthcare management
- Flexible full/part-time enrollment
- Master's - Nursing Management and Leadership (MSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Online Master's program
- 35 total credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- 1+ year RN experience required
- Current RN licensure mandatory
- Prepares for non-executive leadership
- Aligned with AACN essentials
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Post-MSN online certificate
- 36 total credit hours
- Across lifespan mental health focus
- Minimum 3.50 graduate GPA
- 2,000 clinical practice hours required
- ANCC certification preparation
- Active NP certification needed
- No financial aid available
- Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
Campus Based - Website
- BSN-DNP and Post-MSN tracks
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Full and part-time enrollment
- Certification exam preparation
- Lifespan healthcare focus
- Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Post-MSN DNP track
- 68 total credits
- 1,100 clinical hours
- Online program format
- Full and part-time options
- 14 seats per spring term
- Nationally accredited program
- Prepares for Florida licensure