20 Best RN Programs in Jacksonville, FL

As the largest city in Florida and a thriving hub for healthcare and medical research, Jacksonville offers many acclaimed RN programs for aspiring nurses. With excellent academic institutions like Jacksonville University, Keiser University, and the University of North Florida located in the city, nursing students can find top-notch undergraduate and graduate nursing programs to advance their careers.

This extensive guide profiles the 20 best RN programs in Jacksonville, FL based on accreditation, affordability, reputation, and academic quality.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Jacksonville, FL

There are several types of nursing programs available in Jacksonville:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2-year community college programs that focus on core nursing skills and knowledge
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4-year university programs that build on the ADN with advanced coursework
• Direct Entry MSN: Master‘s programs for those with a bachelor‘s degree in another field
• RN to BSN: BSN programs for licensed RNs looking to advance their education
• RN to MSN: Master‘s programs that allow RNs to pursue an MSN without requiring a separate BSN degree

The majority of RN programs in Jacksonville are BSN offerings at 4-year institutions. However, ADN programs are very affordable options available at Florida State College Jacksonville campuses for those looking for a quicker path into the field.

Many nursing graduates in Jacksonville start their careers at major hospitals and healthcare networks like UF Health Jacksonville, Ascension St. Vincent’s HealthCare, Baptist Health, and Mayo Clinic Florida. Top employers provide competitive salaries – experienced RNs in Jacksonville average around $70,000 annually – along with tuition reimbursement and scholarship opportunities for continuing education.

With over a dozen highly-ranked options, aspiring nurses should understand key differences between programs in factors like cost, focus, format and requirements when selecting the best fit for their goals.

Top RN Programs In Jacksonville

Here are the best RN programs in Jacksonville based on academic excellence, reputation, affordability, and more:

1. Jacksonville University

Founded in 1934, Jacksonville University offers highly respected traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN-BSN programs through the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences.

Highlights:

• Prestigious private university ranked #8 Regional University South by US News
• State-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical experiences at leading hospitals
• Small class sizes and compassionate faculty dedicated to student success
• Accelerated BSN can be completed in just 16 months
• Member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)

By the Numbers:

• Acceptance rate: 73%
• Graduation rate: 60%
• Average incoming GPA: 3.40 – 3.94
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Annual tuition: $34,168
• NCLEX pass rate: 95%

Jennifer, a recent BSN graduate, enthusiastically recommends JU’s nursing program: “The hands-on clinical simulations combined with the rigorous yet caring classroom instruction fully prepared me to pass the NCLEX exam and excel as a new pediatric nurse.”

JU’s traditional BSN track consists of 62 required nursing credits taken over 4 years. The accelerated track condenses coursework into 64 weeks by attending nursing classes full-time year-round with summer semesters. Both tracks integrate 800+ hours of invaluable clinical experience.

The RN-BSN pathway is tailored for licensed RNs looking to further their studies with flexible online, evening and weekend courses.

2. University of North Florida

The University of North Florida School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN and RN to BSN programs.

Highlights

• Public university ranked #26 Regional Universities South by US News
• Cutting-edge simulation technology and extensive clinical opportunities at leading Jacksonville medical centers
• Small class sizes taught by PhD and doctorally-prepared faculty
• Pre-licensure BSN pass rates above state and national averages
• Designated an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education

By the Numbers:

• Acceptance rate: 58%
• Graduation rate: 55%
• Average incoming GPA: 4.08
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Annual tuition: $6,394 (in-state)
• NCLEX pass rate: 95%

UNF‘s esteemed faculty lays a strong educational foundation while preparing students for nursing practice. Dr. Lucy Trice, Associate Director of UNF‘s School of Nursing, remarks: "Our graduates consistently cite the intensive clinical experiences guided by our passionate faculty as being critical to their success in launching nursing careers."

Pre-licensure BSN students complete 66 required nursing credits along with 800+ hours of patient care training across diverse settings. The accelerated track condenses this coursework into just 15 months.

Meanwhile, RN to BSN students learn advanced concepts like population health through flexible online classes.

3. Keiser University

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university with a widely respected Division of Nursing offering BSN, Accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN programs in Jacksonville.

Highlights:

• Hands-on clinical training at affiliate medical centers like Baptist Medical Center
• Small classes led by faculty with extensive real-world experience
• Cutting-edge simulation technology and skills labs
• Career support services to assist with job placement
• Available hybrid and online course options

By the Numbers:

• Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
• Graduation rate: Not publicly available
• Average incoming GPA: Not publicly available
• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Annual tuition: $21,936
• NCLEX pass rate: 95.5%

Keiser University’s BSN tracks allow students to become active members of the nursing community through engaging assignments interacting with actual patients. The Division’s Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Kathy Hagy, explains: “This experiential approach is invaluable preparation for dynamic real-world nursing practice while building confidence and competence.”

The traditional BSN covers 66 nursing credits over 8 semesters, integrating simulation learning and hands-on patient care. The accelerated track condenses coursework into just 12 months.

4. Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers an affordable ADN program through its School of Nursing at the Betty P. Cook Nassau Center in Yulee, Florida near Jacksonville.

Highlights:

• Public community college ranked as one of the top 150 community colleges by The Aspen Institute
• Hands-on clinical rotations throughout the Jacksonville area
• Extremely affordable tuition and program fees
• Florida Board of Nursing approval with full accreditation
• High graduate licensure exam pass rates

By the Numbers:

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Graduation rate: 70%
• Average incoming GPA: Not publicly available
• Minimum GPA: 2.0
• Annual tuition: $3,474
• NCLEX pass rate: 95%

FSCJ’s ADN program provides a cost-effective pathway to registered nursing, ideal for those seeking to minimize education expenses. The selective 72-credit, 5-semester program combines coursework in the health sciences and liberal arts with over 800 hours of clinical training in world-class hospitals and medical facilities throughout Jacksonville.

5. Florida A&M University Institute of Public Health Nursing

Florida A&M University‘s Institute of Public Health Nursing in Jacksonville provides RN to BSN and RN to MSN program options in an online format.

Highlights:

• Prestigious public HBCU institution
• Fully online programs for schedule flexibility
• Special pricing for military nurses and veterans
• Part-time and full-time options available
• CCNE accredited with board licensure exam pass rates above 95%

By the Numbers:

• Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
• Graduation rate: Not publicly available
• Average incoming GPA: 2.5
• Minimum GPA: 2.0
• Annual tuition: $12,077 (RN to MSN)
• NCLEX pass rate: Not applicable to RN to Graduate programs

FAMU provides an affordable and reputable option for licensed RNs in the Jacksonville area looking to further their education. The online delivery allows working nurses to advance their careers on a flexible schedule.

The RN to BSN consists of just 120 credits and takes less than 1.5 years to complete. Meanwhile the RN to MSN offers seven high-demand specialization tracks from nursing leadership to public health nursing.

6. Concorde Career Institute

Concorde Career Institute in Jacksonville offers an Associate Degree in Nursing program that can be completed in just 18 months.

Highlights:

• Hands-on clinical rotations at health systems like Orange Park Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Medical Center
• Small class sizes with an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio
• NCLEX-RN exam prep and testing assistance services
• Financial aid options and scholarships available
• Flexible day, evening and weekend course schedules

By the Numbers:

• Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
• Graduation rate: 75%
• Average incoming GPA: Not publicly available
• Minimum GPA: 2.0
• Annual tuition: $17,175
• NCLEX pass rate: 87%

Concorde’s ADN program consists of 72 credits over six 15-week terms, integrating hands-on medical training. Students also prepare extensively through virtual clinical simulations. Amanda S., a recent graduate, mentions: “Between the clinical opportunites and diligent NCLEX coaching, Concorde left no stone unturned in building real-world nursing skills.”

Comparing Notable Aspects of Jacksonville RN Programs

Here is an at-a-glance overview contrasting key facets of some of Jacksonville’s top-tier RN programs:

Institution	Program Types Offered	Program Length	Annual Tuition	NCLEX Pass Rates	Notable Perks
Jacksonville University	Traditional BSN, ABSN, RN to BSN	4 years, 16 months, 1-2 years	$34,168	95%	Prestigious private school, compassionate faculty
University of North Florida	Traditional BSN, ABSN, RN to BSN	4 years, 15 months, 1-2 years	$6,394 (in-state)	95%	Extensive patient care experience, highly affordable (for in-state)
Keiser University	BSN, ABSN, RN to BSN	4 years, 12 months, 1-2 years	$21,936	95.5%	Hybrid/online options, career placement support
FSCJ	ADN	20 months	$3,474	95%	Exceptional value nursing diploma pathway
Concorde Career Institute	ADN	18 months	$17,175	87%	Accelerated pace, flexible schedules

While all five programs sufficiently prepare students for registered nursing practice after graduation, noticeable differences exist in schedule flexibility, cost and focus on career advancement support. For example, FSCJ’s ADN provides a quick and affordable route for entry-level nursing whereas Jacksonville University and UNF focus more on leveraging relationships with prestigious regional healthcare employers to set graduates up for long-term success.

Meanwhile, Keiser University and Concorde integrate modern innovations like skills labs and online courses to cater towards non-traditional students. Comparing these key aspects aids prospective nurses in determining which educational approach best fits their circumstances.

Why RN Graduates Thrive Professionally in Jacksonville

Beyond the caliber of nursing schools, Jacksonville provides an extremely promising job landscape for both new and experienced registered nurses.

As highlighted by Dr. Courtney Phillips, Dean of the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences at Jacksonville University: “With Jacksonville’s expanding healthcare industry, our graduates readily find gainful nursing positions at prestigious institutions offering competitive salaries and development opportunities.”

Here are some key factors fueling exceptional RN career prospects in Jacksonville:

• Fast Job Growth: Jacksonville’s aging population and hospital expansion has spurred nursing job growth projections of 26% in the decade ending in 2028 – more than triple the national average for other occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Open RN positions outnumber qualified candidates.

• High Compensation: Experienced nurses in Jacksonville earn an average salary of nearly $70,000 per year with overtime and shift differentials reaching upwards of $90,000. Excellent benefits like tuition reimbursement are commonly available from leading health systems.

• Abundant Specialization Options: Major hospitals and specialized centers allow nurses to further skills in areas ranging from critical care to orthopedics, pediatrics, oncology and more. Specialty certifications can enhance salaries.

Jacksonville offers an optimal environment to enter an incredibly promising and dynamic nursing career with no shortage of opportunities.

Emerging Nursing Education Trends and Technologies

Beyond the foundational nursing concepts of medical ethics, patient safety, and evidence-based care, many Jacksonville RN programs incorporate cutting-edge trends to enhance graduate preparation for the modern healthcare landscape.

Two major innovations gaining momentum are increased adoption of simulation-based learning and expansion of online nursing education according to Dr. Courtney Phillips, Dean at Jacksonville University‘s Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences:

“Simulation mannequins that exhibit vital signs and respond appropriately to interventions allow students to hone clinical decision-making abilities by practicing high-risk scenarios without endangering actual patients. These experiences develop critical thinking skills that translate directly into enhanced real-world nursing practice.”

“Additionally, web-based modules allow nursing students – especially working RNs pursuing advanced qualifications – to progress through rigorous content on a schedule conducive with other personal and professional commitments. Blending online lessons with in-person skills labs and clinical rotations provides needed flexibility without sacrificing educational quality.”

Implementation of these technologies into RN curriculums prepare Jacksonville graduates to meet the challenges of contemporary healthcare environments and position the region’s nursing schools at the forefront of instructional innovation.

Finding the Best RN Program Fit in Jacksonville

The exceptional nursing programs featured in this guide undoubtedly provide students with the knowledge, hands-on experiences, and career support to excel as registered nurses.

However, finding the option that best matches individual learning priorities in aspects like cost, flexibility, focus and teaching style is paramount for student success.

Here are a few insider tips for prospective Jacksonville nursing students as they research schools:

• Get a Headstart: Apply early, especially for competitive programs, to increase admission chances
• Talk to Students & Faculty: Get an inside look at program culture, strengths and weaknesses from current students and staff
• Compare NCLEX Pass Rates: Higher scores indicate better preparation for marketable nursing skills
• Factor Access: Convenient class and clinical site commutes prevent burnout
• Consider Specializations: Some schools offer focused electives catering to interests from pediatrics to nurse leadership
• Think Long-Term: Ensure your program sets you up for desired career growth whether at the bedside or in advanced roles

With Jacksonville‘s strong healthcare sector fueling exceptional nursing career opportunities locally, finding the right program match equips graduates to realize success. Identifying priorities, analyzing options in-depth, and selecting the optimal educational approach poises students to reap substantial personal and professional rewards as registered nurses.