Top Florida RN To MSN Programs Online

By gabriel

09/9/2022

Nurses with a Master Of Science In Nursing (MSN) are able to enjoy higher pay, better qualifications, and a greater chance of working for a prestigious magnet hospital.

But with so many RN to MSN programs in Florida, how do you choose the right one for you?

We break down the best RN to MSN programs in FL, both online and on-campus (or both!). Whether you’re a Florida native or you’ve just moved here, you’ve got multiple options for higher nursing education.

Let’s go!

Top Florida RN to MSN Programs Online

Did you know that you can earn your Master of Science In Nursing online? Online RN to MSN programs allow you to study, work, and accrue credit hours just like any other on-campus student. Many students love this “distance learning” because it gives them extra work-life flexibility. Here are some of the best!

1. South University Florida (Online)

South University

Boasting a specialization in the Family Nurse Practitioner degree program, this RN to MSN program has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is generally regarded as one of the best online RN to MSN programs available to registered nurses.

The South University School Of Nursing is an excellent pathway to advance your career goals and nursing practice, imbuing students with nursing leadership and management skills that can be harnessed in the workplace later in their nursing career.

2. University Of Central Florida (Online)

Uni of Central Florida

With 31-36 credit hours costing just $327.32 per credit hour for in-state students, this program from UCF opens up nursing career pathways to positions such as Nurse Administrator, Nursing Manager, Nurse Educator and Chief Nursing Officer.

Licensed RNs with an AS in Nursing or diploma nursing qualification who also have earned a non-nursing-related bachelor’s degree are able to apply to this program if they take some prerequisite courses beforehand. This UCF program can really open up some career advancement opportunities!

3. University Of West Florida (Online)

Uni of West Florida

Accredited by the CCNE, this 8-week course comes with a whopping 59 credit hours and very reasonable tuition rates for in-state students. This curriculum is 100% online and accepts up to 92 transfer credits.

Looking into advanced nursing practices, you’ll study subjects including evidence-based nursing practice, public health, community nursing, health systems leadership and population health promotion.

4. Herzing University (Online) 

Herzing University Logo

Perfect for RNs with an ADN or BSN, this 100% online course has multiple pathways to an MSN degree for nursing students. The University boasts an impressive faculty with extended experience, as well as a pledge to find clinical placement for full time and part time students.

This online nursing program has pathways for students to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, gain an MSN in Nursing Education, or gain an MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration.

5. Jacksonville University (Jacksonville, Online)

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University allows you to complete this MSN nursing degree in as little as 18 months, so it’s brilliant if you’re trying to learn advanced nursing practice ASAP while continuing to work or study.

Offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, this unique program is split into 8-week courses and you can start all year round, choosing between online education or in-person education on campus in Jacksonville.

You can even do a bit of both!

6. Walden University (Online)

Walden University Logo

Focused on evidence-based practice and critical thinking, Walden University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) system is a little different from the rest. They offer 2 systems – “course-based learning”, which is just traditional online education, and “tempo competency-based learning” which comes with an “all-you-can-learn subscription fee”.

Whether their style is for you or not, Florida residents can take advantage of a $1,000 grant from Walden if they apply soon, helping to reduce the cost of their health care training.

7. Bradley University (Online)

Bradley University Logo

 

Taking up 36 credit hours in total, this MSN in Nursing Administration program is open to students with a BSN, ADN, diploma, or licensed RNs with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree. This online program has multiple pathways to an MSN program for students.

Learning about statistical procedures, evidence-based practice and healthcare policy, you’ll spend 300 hours in health care settings as part of the practicum courses, though your education itself can be completed online.

8. Nova Southeastern University (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Fort Myers, Online)

Nova Southeastern Uni

With a choice of the Executive Nurse Leadership track, the Nursing Education track or the Nursing Informatics track, this RN to MSN program in Florida has flexible education options that make it easy to learn remotely.

For the practicum courses, you can gain your real-life clinical experience in a health care setting close to you so long as it matches the requirements and learning outcomes of that course. It’s very convenient!

Top Campus-Based RN to MSN Programs in Florida

Okay, so here are some of the top RN to MSN programs for nurses that can easily live and work in Florida. These RN to MSN programs all require on-campus learning and training in local Floridian healthcare settings, so make sure you’re able to commit to these requirements before admission. Here we go!

1. Palm Beach Atlantic University (West Palm Beach)

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Based in beautiful West Palm Beach, this Christian university nursing program has a focus on Christianity and spirituality, though it is still accredited by the CCNE. Here, registered nurses can earn a MSN in Health Systems Leadership.

This university boasts an impressive 12:1 student to faculty ratio and an average classroom size of just 17, so you can expect lots of help and attention when you’re studying in class. Just bear in mind that it’s a very religious setting.

2. Florida National University (Hialeah, Miami)

Florida National University

Tailored toward non-nursing graduates and foreign doctors with a US nursing license, this program from Florida National University is perfect for those who want to expand their skills as a Nurse Educator, in Nurse Leadership/Management, and as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

The standards here are pretty high, with “C” classed as a failing grade. If you’re going to go for this online nurse education, admissions requirements dictate that you achieve Bs or higher in all courses!

3. University of Tampa (Tampa)

University of Tampa

Great for nurses who want to become primary healthcare providers and clinical leaders, this MSN program has ties with over 200 health care facilities in the Tampa Bay area, so there are plenty of opportunities for nurses to get into some hands-on practical work.

Known for their strict admission requirements, the University of Tampa will only accept students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher earned in their last 60 credit hours of completed coursework. With a background check and strict application requirements, this is one of the most competitive RN to MSN online programs out there.

4. University of South Florida (Tampa)

University of South Florida

Giving you many career pathways, the USF nursing programs let you explore multiple concentrations on: 

  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing
  • Family Health Nursing
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing/Occupational Health
  • Concurrent MPH/MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing
  • Pediatric Health Nursing
  • & more!

With various education credits up for grabs depending on the concentration you choose, USF has some of the strictest admissions requirements in Florida. As well as submitting materials for review, you must pass English language requirements, a background check, immunization verification, and more.

Conclusion – Which Florida RN-MSN Program Is Your Favorite?

We hope you enjoyed our list of RN to MSN programs in Florida! Whether you want to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, a Nurse Educator, or just contribute to our healthcare system, the sunshine state is always happy to welcome new nurses!

So, do you prefer online or campus-based learning? Which RN to MSN program is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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