Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Are you an excellent RN in Florida whose professional development has been hampered by your lack of nursing education? An RN-to-MSN program may help turn your career around. Graduates of RN-to-MSN programs in Florida have the same options as graduates of traditional MSN programs; you can become a nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, a nurse executive, a clinical research specialist, or whatever kind of advanced practice nurse you’ve always dreamed of being. The average salary for the Sunshine State’s RN-to-MSN program graduates is $106,940 a year. Check out the descriptions below of the 6 best RN-to-MSN programs in Florida for 2024 to start the next phase of your nursing career.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2024?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 6 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Florida (Online & Campus).)
1.Jacksonville University - Jacksonville
Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Educator, Leadership in Healthcare Systems, Nursing Informatics, and Healthcare Quality & Safety
Program Details: Do you seek to enroll in one of the best online RN-to-MSN programs in Florida? Are you desiring to play advanced roles in indirect patient care? If you’ve answered yes to both these questions, then Jacksonville University is a great place to start. A well-known graduate nursing program, here you can choose from four indirect patient care roles, including clinical nurse educator, leadership in healthcare systems, nursing informatics, and healthcare quality & safety.
Regardless of the indirect patient care role you choose, you’ll complete the program within as little as 18 months. Each RN to MSN track starts with BSN core courses that teach you concepts in professional nursing, evidence-based nursing, and assessment & pathophysiology. Thereafter, you require completing MSN core courses that cover topics such as nursing theory & research, health policy, nursing leadership, and information systems & technology. The program then progresses to courses in your chosen RN to MSN specialization.
Admission Requirements: To apply to this RN-to-MSN program in Florida, you must be a baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse with a minimum GPA of 3.0. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume, statement of purpose, and copy of your RN license.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Jacksonville University RN-to-MSN Students
•Jacksonville University’s RN to MSN program is designed for working professionals and therefore the coursework is offered through a 100% online format.
•Jacksonville University’s small-sized classes allow personalized attention under the mentorship of its expert faculty.
•Not all RN-to-MSN programs in Florida award a BSN, but through Jacksonville University’s RN-to-MSN program, you’ll earn a BSN and an MSN at the same time.
2.Nova Southeastern University - Fort Lauderdale
Specialties Offered: Executive Nurse Leadership, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: If you want to make a difference in healthcare, then Nova Southeastern University’s RN to MSN program can prepare you with an excellent skillset to succeed as an advanced practice nurse. In an interprofessional learning environment, the program prepares you in six focus areas, including nurse leadership, nursing education, nursing informatics, adult gerontology care, family health, and psychiatric mental health.
Among the best online RN-to-MSN programs in Florida, this program is delivered through a blend of online and on-campus classes. If you choose to complete your RN to MSN program in any of the indirect patient care roles, you’ll require to complete 36 credits, including 15 credits in core courses and 21 credits in courses related to your chosen area of focus. The core courses educate you on topics such as advanced pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and information systems project management in healthcare. In addition, the core course also cover topics such as health promotion & disease prevention, and health policy & leadership.
On the other hand, if you choose any of the NP tracks, your RN to MSN credit requirements will go up to 51 credits. Similar to the indirect patient care tracks, each of the NP tracks first requires you to complete the core courses, after which you’ll take the NP-specialty-related courses.
All the RN to MSN tracks can be completed within two to three years, depending on whether you choose part-time or full-time. Upon completion of this RN to MSN program you’ll be eligible to take the national certification exam within your chosen focus area.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into this RN to MSN program, You must have a BSN with an overall GPA of 2.75. Also, your RN license must be current and active. The school also requires you to submit a curriculum vitae and transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Nova Southeastern University RN-to-MSN Students
•Nova Southeastern University’s RN-to-MSN program is not only more affordable than most other RN-to-MSN programs in Florida but also offers several financial aid scholarships to further help cut tuition costs.
•Nova Southeastern University’s online MSN program ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
•Nova Southeastern University’s expert faculty members offer personalized support and mentorship to help you reach your academic and professional goals.
3.University Of Central Florida - Orlando
Specialties Offered: Nursing & Healthcare Simulation, Nursing Leadership & Management, and Nurse Educator
Program Details: When you are shortlisting the best online RN-to-MSN programs in Florida, you must count the RN-to-MSN program offered by the University Of Central Florida. The school offers three specializations, including nursing & healthcare simulation, nursing leadership & management, and nurse educator. All three RN to MSN tracks are offered online with part-time and full-time options.
The nursing & healthcare simulation track prepares you to become a simulation leader, within as little as four semesters of full-time study. This 31-credit program is not only the first and only such program in FL but also among the very few in the country. The nursing & healthcare simulation coursework trains you to develop a simulation learning plan for academic and practice environments.
On the other hand, the RN to MSN program which leads to the nurse leadership track, comprises 36 credits and takes five full-time semesters to complete. The program equips you with the leadership & management skills that are required to play the role of an evidence-based healthcare leader.
If you choose to complete your RN to MSN program in nursing education, you’ll finish a 35-credit coursework that prepares you for faculty positions. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program within five semesters.
Admission Requirements: To meet the application criteria for this RN to MSN program, regardless of the track, you must have an accredited BSN and a GPA of 3.0. In addition, your RN license must be valid and unencumbered in your state of practice. To complete the application, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts, a curriculum vitae, three recommendation letters, and a personal essay.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University Of Central Florida RN-to-MSN Students
•University Of Central Florida’s online nursing education is ranked among the top in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report. The recognition comes because of the highly effective online education the nursing school offers.
•University Of Central Florida’s RN to MSN program is not only high-quality but also rather affordable compared to the other RN-to-MSN programs in Florida. In addition, the school offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities to further bring down the cost of your education.
•The University Of Central Florida has more than 25 years of experience in delivering excellent online education. The school’s RN to MSN faculty is highly trained in delivering a result-oriented digital learning experience.
4.The University of Tampa - Tampa
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: If you are a working registered nurse who is keen on entering the advanced practice field in the Sunshine State, then enrolling in the University of Tampa’s RN to MSN program can be a great idea. This RN-to-MSN program in Florida trains you for two in-demand patient-care roles of adult-gerontology primary care and family health.
Whether you choose adult gerontology or family health as your area of specialization, you’ll focus on the holistic care of diverse patient populations. You’ll be trained to provide culturally competent care as part of an interprofessional healthcare team.
Both the RN to MSN tracks start with core courses that strengthen your knowledge in concepts of advanced health assessment, clinical pharmacology, health promotion & disease prevention, and advanced pathophysiology. If you choose the adult-gerontology specialization, you’ll learn about the healthcare management of adults and older adults, whereas the family health track emphasizes the healthcare management of individuals and families across the lifespan. Depending on the RN to MSN track you choose, you’ll require completing 42 to 49 credits.
Admission Requirements: As one of the sought-after RN-to-MSN programs in Florida, admission into UT’s RN to MSN is highly competitive. To qualify for admission, you must have an accredited BSN and a GPA of at least 3.0. Also, your RN license must be active and unencumbered in Florida. The school also requires you to have at least one year of nursing work experience. To complete your application, you are required to submit your resume, a personal statement, and two recommendation letters.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential The University of Tampa RN-to-MSN Students
•With more than 200 clinical affiliations in the Tampa Bay Area, the University of Tampa provides an extensive network of clinical sites to complete your clinical training.
•The University of Tampa’s RN to MSN program is taught by acclaimed faculty members who have earned national recognition for their contributions to nursing education and practice.
•The University of Tampa offers several learning opportunities outside the classroom. In addition to participation in its student organizations, RN to MSN students have access to several professional and honorary organizations.
5.Florida National University - Hialeah
Program Details: Florida National University’s RN to MSN program builds on your graduate nursing education and prepares you to provide advanced patient care. The program, leading to an MSN does not confer a BSN. The generic RN to MSN coursework, comprising 55 credits strengthens your knowledge of core advanced practice nursing competencies
The program teaches you about physical assessment in healthcare, pathophysiology, applied nursing research, and ethical & legal aspects of nursing practice. Also, you’ll master concepts in crisis intervention, community health, and advanced health assessment. The program also covers topics such as nursing theory, advanced pathophysiology and population health, epidemiology, and statistical principles. In addition, this RN-to-MSN program in Florida makes you proficient in decision-making, health care policy, and nursing leadership & management. You’ll also become adept at health promotion, nursing research, healthcare informatics, and evidence-based practice.
Admission Requirements: To apply to this RN-to-MSN program in Florida, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited university or college. Also, your minimum GPA must 2.5. The school also requires you to submit a copy of your current RN license, in addition to official transcripts, a resume, and two letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Florida National University RN-to-MSN Students
•Florida National University nursing school consistently ranks among the best military-friendly schools in the nation. RN to MSN students coming from a defense background can expect an easy transition to student life, in addition to gaining access to financial benefits.
•Florida National University offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities to make your RN to MSN education rather affordable.
•As an RN to MSN student at Florida National University, you’ll have several student resources available to make your learning process rather seamless and fruitful. Some of these resources include writing services, academic advising, career services, and skills development.
6.South University-Tampa - Tampa
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: If you are seeking well-rounded graduate nursing education, then South University-Tampa’s RN to MSN program will be a befitting choice. This RN-to-MSN program in Florida prepares you to provide the best possible evidence-based primary care to patients across their lifespans.
The program is 42-credit coursework that includes MSN core and FNP-specific courses. The MSN core courses, comprising 20 credits teach you about advanced pathophysiology, health policy & health promotion, nursing research methods, and advanced theoretical perspectives for nursing. The FNP courses focus on advanced nursing practice, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, and the healthcare management of patients suffering from chronic and acute health conditions.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for this RN to MSN program, you must have an associate degree from an accredited school. Your minimum GPA must be 2.5. Besides, you must have an active RN license in your state of practice. To fulfill the application requirements, you must submit your transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of reference.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential South University-Tampa RN-to-MSN Students
•South University-Tampa’s RN to MSN program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and prepares you to work in a variety of healthcare settings.
•South University-Tampa nursing school’s faculty have several years of practice experience. Therefore, you’ll benefit from the valuable clinical insights that the faculty members bring to the RN to MSN classroom.
•South University-Tampa RN-to-MSN students have access to robust career services that prepare them for the transition to the advanced practice nurse workplace.
RN to MSN Programs in Other States
