Online Nursing Programs in Florida: Pathways at UNF and West Coast University

The University of North Florida offers fully online nursing programs that deliver high-quality, flexible education tailored to meet the needs of students throughout Florida and beyond. Similarly, West Coast University offers online nursing programs in Florida designed to support registered nurses and advanced practice nurses as they pursue higher degrees. Our nationally recognized programs blend academic excellence with the convenience of online learning to empower you to pursue your goals on your terms.

University of North Florida (UNF) Online Nursing

As a UNF Online student, you can expect concierge-style support from your dedicated Student Success Coach. Collaborating with your program advisor and director, your coach will guide you through your academic journey, connect you with vital resources, and help you make the most of your online learning experience. In addition to undergraduate options, UNF provides advanced pathways such as the Post-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP PMHNP and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Certificate.

The RN to BSN Bridge Program

The RN to BSN Bridge online degree is for students who are Registered Nurses (RNs) and who desire to further their nursing education and expand their career opportunities by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The broad knowledge base found in the BSN program provides the opportunity for RNs to gain the competencies necessary to excel in the current and future healthcare job market.

• Delivery: Fully Online
• Term: Accelerated (6/8 weeks)
• Credit Hours: 30
• Starts: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Time to Complete: 1 Year (Three Semesters) if Enrolled Full-Time

Admission Requirements and Application Process

To qualify for the RN-BSN program, applicants must have an active RN License in their state of residence and a nursing degree (AS, AAS, or diploma in Nursing) from a nationally accredited nursing program. Additional requirements include:

• Completion of at least 60 transferable credit hours with a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.70
• 8 nursing prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better (including Social Science, Lifespan Developmental Psychology, Elementary Statistics, Human Nutrition, Microbiology with Lab, Anatomy & Physiology I&II with Labs, and one additional science)
• General education requirements as determined by the state of Florida and the university
• A foreign language requirement and a civic literacy requirement

Note: Standardized tests are not required for admission to the RN-BSN program.

The application process consists of two steps. Step 1: Apply through NursingCAS and submit supporting documentation. The NursingCAS application fee is $65 for the first application and $50 for each additional application. Step 2: Submit the University of North Florida Supplemental Questions. Once you submit your NursingCAS application and indicate the University of North Florida, you will receive an email with instructions on how to pay the UNF non-refundable $30 application fee. Both steps must be complete by the following deadlines: Fall: July 1; Spring: Nov. 15; Summer: April 1.

West Coast University (WCU) Nursing Pathways

WCU’s online nursing programs are structured to meet the needs of nurses at different career stages. From bachelor’s completion programs to master’s specializations and post-master’s certificates, these programs are designed with working professionals in mind. If you’re located near Miami, you can also explore campus-based undergraduate nursing degrees at WCU-Miami.

RN to BSN and RN to MSN Options

The RN to BSN program at WCU allows licensed registered nurses with an associate degree to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online. The Accelerated Plus pace allows students to complete the program in as little as 8 months. For registered nurses who want to bypass a separate BSN program, WCU offers an online RN to MSN program. Students can choose from specializations such as:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leader
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Advanced Practice: MSN and DNP

WCU’s online MSN program helps provide opportunities for Florida nurses who want to expand their scope of practice or move into leadership roles. For those seeking the highest level of expertise, the online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program focuses on advanced decision-making in healthcare systems, health policy, and transformational leadership. The DNP program can be completed in as little as 20 months at the Accelerated pace. While coursework is fully online, certain advanced practice programs include on-site clinical experiences in approved healthcare settings.

Program Summary and Pacing Comparison

• UNF RN to BSN: 1 Year (Three Semesters) at full-time enrollment.
• WCU RN to BSN: As little as 8 months at Accelerated Plus pace.
• WCU DNP: As little as 20 months at Accelerated pace.
• Support: Concierge-style coaching (UNF) and 24/7 flexible course access (WCU).