If you’re interested in becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can help you start your career. If you’re already an RN, a BSN may help you qualify for more career opportunities.
But what does it take to get a BSN degree in Florida? What classes do you need before applying? And what should you expect once nursing school begins?
Whether you’re starting your nursing education or building on an existing nursing degree, here’s a step-by-step guide to earning your BSN.
7 Steps to Earning a BSN in Florida
Step 1: Choose Your BSN Pathway
There are two main ways to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree in Florida. The relevant path depends on whether you’re already a licensed Registered Nurse.
Pre-Licensure BSN Program
If you’re not yet an RN, a pre-licensure BSN program allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree while preparing for your nursing license.
You’ll complete college coursework and professional nursing classes. You’ll also gain hands-on experience through clinical training.
After graduating, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet Florida’s licensing requirements to become a Registered Nurse.
RN-to-BSN Program
Already have an Associate Degree in Nursing and an active, unrestricted Florida RN license? An RN-to-BSN program lets you build on your previous education to earn your bachelor’s degree.
These programs focus on advanced nursing knowledge rather than repeating the entry-level training you’ve already completed.
FVI’s RN-to-BSN pathway offers online classes, making it easier to continue your education while working as a nurse.
Step 2: Complete Your BSN Prerequisites
Before applying to a BSN program in Florida, you’ll need to meet certain academic requirements. These vary by school. At FVI School of Nursing and Technology, the requirements depend on whether you’re applying to the pre-licensure BSN or RN-to-BSN pathway.
Pre-Licensure BSN Prerequisites
At FVI School of Nursing and Technology, you don’t need a previous college degree, but you must complete 24 credits of required college-level courses before admission.
FVI’s pre-licensure BSN program requires students to complete the following six courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology with Lab: 8 credits
- Microbiology with Lab: 4 credits
- English Composition I: 3 credits
- General Psychology: 3 credits
- College Mathematics: 3 credits
- Effective Communication: 3 credits
At FVI, you must earn at least a B in Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology and at least a C in the other four courses.
If you’ve already completed some of these courses at another college, FVI’s Admissions team can review your transcripts to determine which credits can count toward the BSN prerequisites.
If you still need to take prerequisite courses, many community and state colleges allow you to enroll in individual classes for college credit without pursuing a degree. Before registering, check with FVI to confirm that the courses and credits will meet its BSN admission requirements.
RN-to-BSN Applicants
If you’re applying to FVI’s RN-to-BSN pathway, you must already have an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
Instead of the pre-licensure prerequisite requirements listed above, FVI evaluates your previous nursing education and college coursework to determine which credits may count toward your BSN.
You’ll also need to submit official college transcripts for an individual transfer-credit evaluation.
Step 3: Find the Right BSN Program and Apply
BSN programs in Florida differ in their clinical training and class schedules. They also vary in the academic support they provide.
When comparing nursing schools, consider these important factors:
- Accreditation and approval: Verify the school’s accreditation and applicable nursing program approvals.
- Clinical training: Find out how much hands-on experience the program provides.
- NCLEX-RN preparation: If you’re pursuing your first RN license, look for a program that includes preparation for the licensing exam.
- Class schedules: Consider whether the program’s online and in-person requirements fit your responsibilities.
- Student support: Ask about tutoring and access to instructors.
- Career services: Find out what assistance is available as you prepare to enter the workforce.
Once you’ve selected a school, contact its Admissions Department to begin the application process.
You’ll typically need to submit an application and provide the academic records required for your pathway. RN-to-BSN applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Pre-licensure applicants should confirm which high school and college records are needed.
Ask about application deadlines and when your entrance exam results and other required documents must be submitted.
At FVI, Admissions Counselors provide one-on-one guidance to help students understand the application process and prepare for enrollment.
Step 4: Take the Required BSN Entrance Exams
Many nursing schools require applicants to pass an entrance exam before being admitted to a BSN program.
One commonly used exam is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). It measures your knowledge of reading and math. It also tests science and English language skills.
FVI’s BSN program requires applicants to earn a minimum TEAS score of 58.0. Applicants must also complete the required Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) assessment. Both the pre-licensure BSN and the RN-to-BSN Pathway require applicants to meet these entrance exam requirements.
Before taking an entrance exam, ask your school’s Admissions Department about testing dates and preparation resources. Confirm the required passing score and whether you can retake the exam if needed.
Step 5: Meet the Other BSN Admission Requirements
In addition to prerequisite courses and entrance exams, nursing schools have other requirements that applicants must meet.
Pre-Licensure BSN Admission Requirements
For FVI’s pre-licensure BSN program, these include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
- Completion of the 24 required prerequisite credits listed in Step 2
- TEAS score of at least 58.0 and completion of the SLE assessment
- Health clearance signed by a physician
- Clear Level 2 background check
- Negative 10-panel drug screen
RN-to-BSN Admission Requirements
Already a Registered Nurse? FVI’s RN-to-BSN pathway has different admission requirements.
To apply, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- An Associate of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution
- An active, unrestricted Florida RN license
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
- TEAS score of at least 58.0
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended for an individual transfer-credit evaluation
- Health clearance signed by a physician
- Clear Level 2 background check
- Negative 10-panel drug screen
FVI’s Admissions team can help you review the requirements for your specific program.
Step 6: Complete Your BSN Coursework and Clinical Training
After enrolling, you’ll begin the coursework needed to earn your bachelor’s degree.
What you study depends on whether you’re entering nursing for the first time or completing an RN-to-BSN pathway.
Nursing Classes and Coursework
Pre-licensure BSN students study the knowledge and skills needed to care for patients.
Common subjects include:
- Foundations of Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Adult Health Nursing
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership
- Nursing Research and Informatics
You’ll learn how to assess patients and develop nursing care plans. You’ll also study how to make safe clinical decisions.
Students in RN-to-BSN programs focus more on advanced subjects such as leadership and evidence-based nursing practice. Courses also address how nurses can support community health and improve patient care.
Hands-On Clinical Training
If you’re working toward your first RN license, clinical training is a major part of your education.
During supervised clinical rotations, you’ll practice caring for patients in healthcare settings. Simulation and skills labs also let you develop nursing skills in a controlled learning environment.
FVI’s pre-licensure BSN program includes more than 900 clinical hours. Its hybrid format combines online General Education and BSN Core courses with in-person professional nursing classes and clinical education.
FVI’s RN-to-BSN pathway is different. It features asynchronous online coursework for licensed nurses and includes a limited capstone practicum.
Step 7: Graduate and Meet Your Nursing Career Requirements
After completing the required coursework, your next steps depend on which BSN pathway you followed.
For Pre-Licensure BSN Graduates
If you’re earning your first nursing degree, graduating is an important milestone. But you aren’t automatically a licensed RN.
To become licensed in Florida, you’ll need to:
- Meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the NCLEX-RN.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
- Satisfy the Florida Board of Nursing’s other licensure requirements.
BSN programs help students prepare for the exam through nursing coursework and clinical education.
Graduation does not guarantee employment or licensure.
For RN-to-BSN Graduates
If you’re already a licensed RN, completing your BSN gives you an additional nursing credential.
Some hospitals and healthcare employers prefer or require a BSN for certain positions. Your bachelor’s degree may also help you meet the admission requirements for graduate nursing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a BSN in Florida
How much does a BSN cost in Florida?
Tuition varies by program and institution. For specific cost information at FVI, visit the Consumer Information page or speak with the Admissions team.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Start by completing the FAFSA to find out whether you’re eligible for federal grants (such as the Pell Grant) or student loans. Scholarships may also be available. The U.S. Department of Education’s federal student aid guide outlines eligibility and aid options in more detail.
Do you have to be an RN before starting a BSN program?
No. If you aren’t a nurse yet, you can pursue a pre-licensure BSN program that prepares you for initial RN licensure.
If you already hold an associate nursing degree and an active, unrestricted Florida RN license, you can explore an RN-to-BSN pathway to complete your bachelor’s degree.
Can you become a Registered Nurse without a BSN degree?
Yes. An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is another educational pathway to becoming an RN.
After completing an eligible ASN program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN and meet the applicable state licensing requirements.
Some nurses choose to begin their careers with an ASN and return to school later for their BSN.
Can I work while earning my BSN?
FVI’s BSN programs are designed with flexibility in mind. The pre-licensure BSN uses a hybrid format — general education and BSN core courses are available online, while professional nursing courses and clinical rotations take place in person. You’ll need to plan your schedule around required clinical hours, but the online coursework gives you more control over the rest of your time.
The RN-to-BSN pathway is fully online and asynchronous, built specifically for nurses who are already working.
Will my employer help pay for an RN-to-BSN program?
Some hospitals and healthcare organizations offer tuition reimbursement or education assistance for nurses pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Check with your human resources department or nursing leadership team to find out what may be available to you.
What can I do with a BSN that I can’t do with an ASN?
Both degrees lead to the same RN license. However, a BSN may help you qualify for nursing positions that prefer or require a bachelor’s degree. Examples include roles in nursing leadership, case management, clinical education, and community health. A BSN is also typically required for admission to graduate nursing programs.
Earn Your BSN Degree in Florida at FVI School of Nursing and Technology
Ready to take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in nursing?
FVI School of Nursing and Technology offers two pathways to earning your BSN: a pre-licensure program for students pursuing their initial RN licensure, and an RN-to-BSN pathway for licensed Registered Nurses who want to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Whichever BSN pathway you choose, you’ll learn from master’s- and doctoral-prepared faculty who bring years of real-world nursing experience to the classroom. Flexible online learning options make it easier to balance your education with other responsibilities.
In the pre-licensure BSN program, you’ll develop practical skills in simulation labs and put them to work during more than 900 hours of supervised clinical training. This hands-on experience helps you build confidence in caring for patients and develop the clinical judgment you’ll need as a nurse.
What sets FVI apart is its commitment to each student’s success. Dedicated Success Coaches provide one-on-one support throughout your education, helping you stay on track and address challenges along the way. From your first conversation with Admissions through graduation, FVI’s team is committed to helping you reach your educational goals.
Contact FVI’s Admissions team to learn more about program requirements and how to get started.
