The timeline to become a registered nurse in Florida depends on which educational pathway you take. You can become an RN in 4 years if you pursue an undergraduate degree in nursing at an accredited institution. Alternatively, you can become an RN in under 2 years if you enroll in an accelerated program by earning an associate’s degree. No matter which degree you get, you will still have to pass the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse.
Here, we explore these options to help you decide which FVI nursing program in Florida is right for you.
Florida RN Requirements
The Florida Nurse Practice Act sets state requirements for registered nurses (RNs). RNs must graduate from a state-approved or accredited nursing education program with a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) program code. That code confirms students’ eligibility for the state RN licensure exam, which students must pass to work in the state.
Approved nursing programs include an Associate Degree in Nursing (AND), which can be earned at FVI in as little as 22 months, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which typically takes four years for full-time students.
Upon completing a state-accredited Florida nursing program, graduates must register and pass the NCLEX-RN. It can take 1-3 months to prepare for the exam. If you don’t pass the RN exam after three tries, you must complete an NCLEX remedial course in Florida to take it a fourth time.
Benefits of ASN Programs
At FVI, we believe every student should have the opportunity to become a nurse. However, some potential students may feel a nursing degree is out of reach. FVI’s ASN program is a fast and financially viable way to make the dream of nursing a reality.
Here are some of the advantages of ASN education programs for RNs.
- Cost: Depending on the school, a BSN can average anywhere from $30,000 to $130,000. Not only is the cost of an ASN considerably lower, but FVI’s dedicated financial aid team helps students manage education costs and make school more affordable through federal grants, loans, private financing, scholarships, and other resources.
- Time:It typically takes four years to complete a BSN program, possibly longer if you’re a part-time or transfer student. FVIs ASN program allows nursing students to obtain the necessary skills and training in just 22 months to take the NCLEX earlier and start working as a Florida registered nurse sooner.
- Flexibility: Unlike large colleges and universities where you may feel like a number, FVI tailors nursing programs to the needs of traditional and non-traditional students alike. From personal support and mentoring to evening and weekend classes to work with your schedule, we ensure every student has the tools to succeed.
- Room for growth: After earning an ASN, you can continue your studies and obtain a BSN at another institution. Although requirements will vary from school to school, many BSN programs allow students to transfer some or all prior credits from an accredited nursing program like FVI.
FVI: Nursing Programs Designed for Real Life
Whether you are a working student, a parent, or a professional from another field, we know every nurse’s career journey is unique. With our ACEN-accredited ASN program, you can shorten your path to becoming an RN while building meaningful relationships and growing professionally along the way. Visit Learn more about FVI’s nursing school in Miami and our nursing school in Miramar, or apply online today!
