Best RN Programs in Florida for 2024

College of Central Florida is located in Ocala, Florida.  They offer an RN program, a bridge program (an LPN to RN program) and an RN to BSN program.  The bridge program is designed for the nurse who holds an LPN license and the RN to BSN program is designed for the nurse who already holds an RN license.

State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota has campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Venice, Florida.  It is the region's first and largest public college.  They offer multiple nursing programs, from an ADN program, to a BSN program to an ADN to RN and an RN to BSN program.

While it is one of many nursing programs in Florida, State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota prides itself on an exception education for the profession. The School of Nursing of this a public institution is located in Bradenton. There are several other campuses: Lakewood Ranch and Venice. In fact, it is the region’s first and largest public college.

Undergraduate Programs - The college offers multiple nursing programs from an ADN program to a BSN program to an ADN to RN and an RN to BSN program. All are ACEN accredited. The degrees in registered nursing can be completed via campus and online formats. The four-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degrees are designed to prepare students for high-demand careers. Students enjoy exceptional instruction and wide-ranging resources. Students appreciate attending a local institution for a favorable tuition and easy logistics. Of note, the NCLEX ADN passing rate is consistently high and the college’s state ranking is in the top tier.

The program for the Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) entails coursework on campus and guided clinical experiences in health care agencies in Manatee and Sarasota counties. The Associate in Science Program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Students can choose to complete their chosen program in two ways: the basic approach is for those with no previous nursing credits, and the transition approach to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Whatever track is pursued graduates go on to administer care to patients in acute and chronic settings. They function well on a health care team and provide guidance to less-skilled workers during the implementation of nursing care.

Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida has a varied RN program with several choices: a generic option (ASN), a transition option (for LPNs, paramedics and registered respiratory therapists seeking an RN degree), and an RN to BSN option. Students can elect various paths to pursue their education at this public institution. These nursing programs are ACEN accredited. The school recognizes the strong demand for RNS and serves the community with its compassionate and caring graduates. They are trained to minister comprehensive care to their patients in a variety of clinical settings. The School of Nursing believes in continuous learning and the role of advancements in technology within a rapidly changing medical landscape. Polk State College offers a truly immersive AS nursing education with the opportunity to advance through the RN to BSN program.

Undergraduate programs -  The Nursing Associate Degree Program is on a limited access basis and has two education tracks. Students can complete their RN degree in one to two years. The RN to BSN degree program is for graduates with an associate degree or diploma in nursing seeking to advance their education and career goals. Students will gain a deep understanding of nursing leadership and interpersonal communication. The AS and Baccalaureate are available at the Lakeland and the Winter Haven campus.

Of note, RN to BSN students are predominantly employed at the start the program and maintain employment after graduation. Ninety percent of the currently-enrolled BSN students are Polk State AS holders, who enter shortly after graduation. Many Polk BSN graduates are accepted into Master’s degree programs.

Tallahassee Community College is located in Tallahassee, Florida.  Tallahassee offers a variety of nursing programs; they offer a traditional ASN program and a BSN program.  They also offer an RN to BSN program and a Health Profession to RN program.  The Health Profession to RN program is designed for LPNs and paramedics to achieve their RN license.

Tallahassee Community College Nursing School is a public institution located in Tallahassee, Florida. A variety of nursing programs are available to students: a traditional ASN program and a BSN program. They also offer an RN to BSN path and a Health Profession to RN program. This program is designed for LPNs and paramedics to earn an RN license.

Undergraduate Programs – Tallahassee Community College offers Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Registered Nursing on campus during spring and fall semesters. It is a highly-regarded educational institution in its field with a high NCLEX ADN passing rate. Facilities and resources are ample and state of the art. A quality education and exposure to clinical settings is the foundation of the future nurses of tomorrow. The Nursing (R.N.) A.S. degree consisting of 72 credit hours prepares students to function at the top level in entry-level registered nursing positions. Registered nurses are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, home health, public health, schools, physician’s offices, nursing homes, educational organizations and other settings.

This program meets all requirements of the Florida Department of Health’s Board of Nursing standards. The AS degree in nursing at Tallahassee Community College (including the Healthcare Professional-to-RN) is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The nursing school is a limited-access and limited enrollment program.

Students seeking a reputable public institution turn to Lake Sumter State College Nursing School, located in the picturesque town of Leesburg, Florida. They earn their nursing degree on campus. The school ranks in the state and boasts a passing rate on the NCLEX ADN as one of the highest in the state. The nursing programs are all accredited. The program is limited and has specific entry requirements. Submission of a syllabus from each healthcare course completed or currently enrolled in is mandatory It will include course learning outcomes, course schedule, and all related lab and clinical activities Upon enrollment, attendance is mandatory for all classes, labs and clinical experiences. Flexibility is offered with varying days, evenings and weekend schedules so that students may choose to be employed while studying.

Undergraduate Programs - The degrees at Lake Sumter State College in Registered Nursing are at the associate level. Students earn 72 credit hours and are prepared to enter the workforce with the requisite skills and experience. A rewarding healthcare future is at hand for graduates. The Nursing (R.N.), A.S. degree qualifies students to function effectively and safely in entry-level registered nursing positions.

Students will travel for their clinical experiences in Tallahassee and the surrounding communities. Of note students may request to transfer into a TCC healthcare program from the same discipline at another college/university.

Pasco Hernando State College (Pasco Hernando Community College) nursing school in New Port Richey, Florida has a variety of undergraduate nursing programs, granting Associate and Bachelor  level degrees.. This public institution’s nursing school has been ACEN and CCNE accredited since 1996. PHSC’s academic programs meet community needs, positioning students to enter the job market or seamlessly transfer to the next level of education. Graduates obtain employment with options in maternity wards, emergency rooms, home health agencies, and doctor’s offices. The benefits of an RN are multiple for well-educated nurses.

Undergraduate Programs – For those seeking a degree in Registered Nursing, the college offers both campus and online formats. Students learn to provide care through assessment, the implementation of treatment plans and by monitoring patient progress. They progress from coursework and lab time to clinical exposure. They are qualified to enter the ranks of professional RNs, capable of superior patient care in a variety of settings

Students wishing to pursue their nursing degree in Orlando, Florida turn to Valencia College (Valencia Community College). It is known for its bridge programs: an RN to BSN program and an "Advanced Standing Track".  The latter is a unique program designed for LPNs, paramedics, registered invasive cardiovascular specialists, and registered respiratory therapists who wish to enter the program and become an RN.

Undergraduate Programs - the associate level degrees at this public institution are all ACEN accredited. The degree types earned a Valencia College in Registered Nursing is offered to students on campus to take advantage of the full-time expert faculty and the superior hands-on facilities. Graduates enter the workforce well equipped to succeed in a variety of settings or go on for graduate work in the field at a four-year school.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the home of Broward College, a public institution that offers an established RN program, an LPN-RN transition program and an RN-BSN program. The diverse programs in the Broward College Nursing School allow students to reach their education goals. All the programs are ACEN and CCNE accredited. The nursing schools’ mission is to produce competent, compassionate, and culturally sensitive nursing graduates prepared for professional practice, including legal and ethical decision-making in the promotion of community health. Hands-on training takes place in the skills lab prior to the required clinical hospital experiences. High and low-fidelity mannequins are available to enhance skill. Theory courses complements the clinical application of skills.

Undergraduate Programs – The level of nursing programs offered to nursing students at Broward College include Associate, Bachelor and RN to BSN degrees. They all take place on campus in superior facilities with ample resources. The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing will prepare the graduate for a career as a registered nurse. There are two full-time program options: the Generic Option and the LPN-RN Transition Option. A flexible part-time generic option is suggested for full-time working students. Of note, the school has a high NCLEX ADN passing rate and ranks in the top five institutions in the state.

Students may begin their healthcare journey at St. Petersburg College. This public institution in Clearwater, Florida offers ACEN and CCNE accredited nursing programs. The programs include: Nursing B.S.N. Degree (RN-BSN) program, Nursing A.S. Degree, Transitional Nursing A.S. Degree for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Nursing A.A. Transfer Plan. The BSN is offered on campus and online for maximum flexibility. The mission of the nursing program is to meet the demands of the changing healthcare industry.

Undergraduate program – Students seeking to become part of the healthcare system choose an Associate, Bachelor or RN to BSN degree. the education program at SPC’s College of Nursing has been honed over six decades to provide the sought-after skills of the practitioners of tomorrow. The Associate in Science degree program trains candidates to become a Registered Nurse while the Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares them to take their knowledge to a higher level.

The Simulation Center for Excellence in Nursing Education (SCENE) is the pride of the campus. It is a multi-million, dollar state-of-the-art lab and supportive environment in a realistic clinical setting for students to learn and master nursing skills. Located in the Health Education Center, it fosters the development of critical thinking essential for the professional nurse.

Daytona State College is located in Daytona Beach, Florida.  Their college offers $15,000 in scholarships to its nursing and allied health students.  Nursing programs available are a practical nursing program, a transition into professional nursing (an LPN to RN program), an ADN program and a BSN program, which is actually an RN to BSN program and limited specifically to those already holding an RN license.

Students who live or come to Avon Park, Florida appreciate the nursing programs at South Florida State College. The RN program include campus and online options and is ACEN accredited. Students can earn Associate and Bachelor level degrees.

Undergraduate Programs - South Florida State College’s 11 month Practical Nursing (PN) program is for students seeking a career certificate in practical nursing. The two-year Associate in Science degree (AS) in generic nursing earns 72 credit hours in a full-time day program. Students can chose the full-time day LPN to RN track (transition nursing) that runs for 13 months. There are January, June, and August terms. The Bachelor of Science degree (BS) is taken online. This flexible option earns 120 credit hours. Applicants must be an RN, and they may start at the term they choose. A comprehensive SFSC Nursing Student Handbook is provided to all students. It offer information and answers to questions about the school’s mission, policies, and attendance requirements. Also included are learning outcomes, campus safety, classroom and lab conditions, and the mentoring program.

Galen College of Nursing is a private institution in Saint Petersburg, Florida that offers an ACEN accredited nursing program on six campuses. Founded in 1989 in Louisville, Kentucky, the college has a sole focus on nursing education. Among other state campuses, it trains students in Tampa Bay, Miami, and

Applicants must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) diploma. For the MSN, they provide evidence of a previously earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in lieu of a pre-admission test score. Located in Pembroke Pines, Galen has been the largest educator of nurses in the South for over thirty years with a mission to elevate the student experience and inspire the nursing students who graduate each year.

Undergraduate and graduate Programs – Students enroll at Galen to pursue their Associate degree. They study on campus for coursework with the experienced and supportive faculty members and maximum exposure to the advanced simulation lab and other superior facilities. Candidates may be new to the field or seek to advance in their nursing career. The Tampa Bay campus offers PN, LPN to ADN Bridge, ADN, and a three-year BSN. All programs meet the highest educational standards and include hands-on learning. A new campus in Miami offers a BSN, AND, and LPN to ADN bridge program.

Graduate Program – The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is earned online for those with a BSN. Specialty options include nursing and healthcare leadership and nurse educator. Galen’s mission is to expand access to a quality graduate education and prepare diverse learners to demonstrate excellence and compassion in nursing.

Indian River State College is located in Fort Pierce, Florida.  Their nursing program is unique in that it uses a "guided pathway" program.  Students may opt to begin as a nursing assistant, eventually becoming an LPN, then progressing towards their RN.  Finally, the BSN is available for students that have completed their RN at IRSC.

Saint Johns River State College is located in St. Augustine, Florida.  Their nursing department offers an ASN program and an LPN Bridge to ASN.  Their programs are labeled as "limited access" programs, meaning they are exclusive and only offer a limited amount of spots into their programs.

Florida Keys Community College is located in Key West, Florida.  Florida Keys Community College is the southernmost institution in the Florida College System.  They offer an ASN program and accept LPNs and EMTs on a case-by-case basis into their program.