If you’re looking to attend a nursing school and become a nurse in Jacksonville, Florida, I have good news for you.
The city is home to some of the best nursing schools in the world. To this effect, this article will contain ten of the best nursing schools in Jacksonville. And these are just a few of them.
The city also has more nursing jobs than all other professions within the medical field. This means if you attend a nursing school in Jacksonville, that may be your ticket to getting a good nursing job in the city.
The job growth for the nursing industry over the next decade in Jacksonville is estimated to increase by at least 15 percent. This estimation is according to the data gotten from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a higher than average increase when it is compared to the other industries.
There are some benefits that come with choosing a career in nursing in Jacksonville. Some of these benefits include scheduling flexibility, a benefits package including retirement plans and health insurance, job security, chances for upward mobility, low unemployment rates, and high job satisfaction.
If you are wondering where the city is located, Jacksonville is a city located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. It also has the privilege of being the most populous city in the state and the largest city by area.
The city offers several accredited schooling options for aspiring nurses. The programs offered range from entry-level programs that are designed for students who are new to nursing, all the way down to advanced practice programs for experienced nurses who want to take their careers to the next level.
In Jacksonville, there will surely be a program that can turn your nursing dreams into a reality.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Jacksonville
If you are interested in starting a career in nursing, an entry-level program is probably the best place to start.
An option for entry-level programs is the Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. This program provides students with a base-level introduction to nursing and it can be completed in a relatively short time.
Another option for entering the nursing field is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This program prepares students for their first jobs and it comes with additional coursework In research, public health, leadership, and other topics.
A traditional BSN program is designed for students who do not have any previous education in nursing. It also provides graduates with a bachelor’s degree.
Just like ADN programs, BSN programs also prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX exam). But this might take a longer time to complete and it also requires additional in-depth coursework.
Some organizations, like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, have advocated for higher degrees within the field. When nurses have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or above, there are significant benefits that are experienced, both by the nurses and patients together.
Nurses who obtain a BSN demonstrate superior technical knowledge, excellent critical thinking skills, and leadership qualities.
Also, several healthcare organizations offer incentives to nurses with degrees. These incentives can include higher pay rates, promotional opportunities, and lots more.
The List of Best Nursing Schools in Jacksonville
Most nursing schools in Jacksonville are located near hospitals that are nationally ranked. The nurses who graduated from a nursing school in the area most times can find permanent job placements within these hospitals.
These nursing schools in Jacksonville, Florida may also offer clinical hours at these hospitals as a requirement to get the degree. In addition, some of the best nursing schools in Jacksonville offer both on-campus and online courses in their nursing programs.
Whether you are looking to switch from a Registered Nurse (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN) in Florida, a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Florida, or any other type of nursing program, you are sure to find what you are looking for in any of these ten best nursing programs in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jacksonville University (JU):
JU is a private university in Jacksonville, Florida. The school shifted its focus on the 5th of September, 1956, and began building four-year university degree programs.
JU is a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
The nursing school under JU allows students to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Nursing. The school offers BSN programs, RN to BSN programs, MSN, RN to MSN, and other programs. These programs are available in both online and offline classes. The tuition fee for the school is $36,670.
Florida State College At Jacksonville (FSCJ):
FSCJ is a public college in Jacksonville, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System and the school offers a greater number of four-year bachelor’s degrees than some traditional community colleges. The college was established in 1966.
FSCJ offers multiple degree options for nurses including an associate’s degree in nursing. These options can be found in both online and offline courses.
The college also offers a 120-credit BSN program for those who want to earn a higher degree.
The college is accredited by the Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the tuition fee is $2,878.
University of North Florida (UNF):
UNF is a public research university located in Jacksonville, Florida. It is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
The Brooks School of Nursing is home to all University of North Florida nursing students. The university helps nurses achieve higher education through multiple degree pathways including pre-licensure BSN, RN to BSN bridge, accelerated BSN, and BSN to DNP. The tuition fee here is $6,394.
The graduate-level nursing programs allow for nurses to choose a specialty in the profession. UNF offers nursing students accredited RN to BSN programs.
The curriculum for these programs is packed with the required educational information any registered nurse would need to know to become a qualified and knowledgeable bachelor’s level expert. The school also adds the convenience of online learning.
Chamberlain College of Nursing — Jacksonville:
This college of nursing has accreditation status from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The school offers an onsite Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program that can be completed in just three years.
For registered nurses who are looking to advance their education and careers, the school also offers an RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Program, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online Degree Program, and an RN to BSN to MSN Online Bridge Option.
The nursing degree programs offered by Chamberlain are enhanced by experiential learning that provides students with opportunities to expand their education through a full spectrum of social, course-related, and a variety of field experiences.
The campus at Jacksonville offers state-of-the-art lab access and highly trained faculty members. The tuition fee for this school is $19,375.
University of West Florida (UWF):
UWF is a public university that was established in 1963. The UWF School of Nursing offers to help nursing students achieve their career goals.
They offer traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees (pre-licensure), RN to BSN Online program, and graduate nursing degrees for Jacksonville students.
UWF is one of the best nursing schools in Jacksonville, Florida. The college’s nursing program is ranked number 14 out of all nursing degree options located in the state.
The tuition fee is very affordable, it is $6,360. Students also get to enjoy the convenience of being able to continue working as a registered nurse while earning credits for a BSN.
Keiser University — Jacksonville:
This is a private university in Florida that offers students who are focused on their career degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels. These degrees are offered both on-campus and online.
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels.
The Jacksonville campus of Keiser University offers numerous types of nursing degrees for students.
The University has one of the best nursing schools in Jacksonville as a result of their scheduling flexibility and high post-graduation job placement rates.
One of the key components of Keiser University is that most of its programs have a fast-track option. The fast-track curriculum reduces the timeframe to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees by as much as one to two years. The tuition fee for Keiser is $20,208.
Keiser University offers degrees in Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), FastTrack Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN), Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP).
Fortis College:
Fortis College is a technical school located within the Jacksonville area. They have a tuition fee of $15,254.
The college was established in 2008 and it offers nursing school programs that are designed intentionally to prepare students who want to become Registered Nurses or Practical Nurses.
The students become RN or PN by earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or by completing the Practical Nursing program offered at Fortis. And finally passing the appropriate licensing examination.
At Fortis, students get to experience a comprehensive curriculum that balances traditional classroom activities, small group learning, and hands-on skills development.
Also, nursing students are expected to complete a required clinical that will expose them to real-world situations and allow them to learn from professionals in the field.
Nursing students are prepared with the necessary knowledge, skills, and training they need to start an exciting career path working in a variety of facilities and specialties such as emergency rooms, operating rooms, medical offices, etc.
Jersey College Nursing School Jacksonville Campus:
This nursing school offers a Practical Nursing Program and a Registered Nursing Program to nursing students in northern Florida and southern Georgia.
They have well-trained and experienced instructors and administration that offer a comprehensive education in nursing. The faculty prepares you for a real-world career in nursing.
The nursing programs at Jersey College keep the concept of flexibility in mind. Students enrolled can choose to customize how they plan to earn their nursing licenses. The school has a tuition fee of $22,000.
The University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville:
This is the largest of the three University of Florida Health Science Center Jacksonville colleges — medicine, nursing, and pharmacy. The college offers 34 accredited graduate medical education programs and 10 non-standard programs.
The University of Florida offers an accelerated BSN degree option to students who attend the Jacksonville campus. Students can also earn graduate degrees for the DNP or a Ph.D. in Nursing.
Doctor of Nursing Practice is designed for those who plan to work directly with patients while the Doctoral Degree program is intended for educators and researchers. The tuition fee for this school is $6,381.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU):
NSU is a private research university that has its main campus in Davie, Florida. The university consists of 18 total colleges, centers, and schools offering over 150 programs of study including nursing.
The University has three campuses located throughout Florida. This makes it easy for Jacksonville area students to attend nursing courses. The school is accredited to offer degrees in nursing that include a BSN, MSN, and DNP.
Each degree option can be customized to fit the student’s preferred graduation time frame. The tuition fee for Nova Southeastern University is $30,900.
How Much Does A RN Make In Florida?
The nursing salaries in Florida vary from region to region in the state. However, registered nurses in Florida earn an average of $34.62 per hour. This translates to $72,000 per year.
How Long Is Florida Nursing School?
If you are a student looking for a Florida nursing license, you must earn a two-year associate degree in nursing (ASN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).
The duration of the programs depends on the degree of the program and the student’s previous academic experience.
You are advised to enroll in programs with accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
This is because graduates of accredited programs can apply for licensure by sitting for the licensure examination.
The length of time it takes for a student to finish a program in a nursing school in Florida depends on the degree the student is after.
You can earn an ASN degree in two years or a BSN in four years. Both programs incorporate clinical work experience and students can take the NCLEX exam in the last two months of their nursing program.
Can I Study Nursing Online?
The short answer to this question is yes. Not only can you earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing online, but you can also earn an associate, or a master’s degree in nursing online.
Although, there is a longer answer to the question. The longer answer is that while you can earn your degree and complete your coursework online, you will still have to complete in-person clinical hours at a physical location.
The only exception to this is if you already have your registered nurse (RN) license, then you may be able to complete a degree program online to advance your education and potentially take on a more specialized role.
Is My Online Jacksonville Nursing Degree Less Valuable?
No, it is not. If you earned your degree from a nursing school that has been approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, then your nursing degree is just as valuable as any other nursing degree obtained from a physical nursing school.
Besides, the online programs offer the same curriculum as the traditional programs, so the format does not impact the quality.
What Are The Minimum Requirements To Become A Nurse?
Nurses are the cornerstone of any city’s health system, including Jacksonville. Their importance cannot be overemphasized, they provide medical assistance and support to patients and their families.
The requirements for Nursing will vary from school to school and course to course. This is because universities have the right to set their entry requirements. So, always check the website of the university you have in mind.
However, several schools will usually ask for some common requirements:
- 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English or Functional Skills Level 2, as well as a GCSE in a Science subject at grade C/4 or above.
- At least 2 A-Levels in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science, Health and Social Care, Psychology, Sociology, or Physical Education.
- Most universities will accept an Access to Higher Education Diploma. By studying an Access course for nursing instead of A-Levels, you will gain a foundation of knowledge, as well as study skills for degree-level learning.