Best ADN Programs in Florida
When looking for a Florida Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) so you can become a registered nurse (RN), it can be hard to know where to begin.
It can be doubly confusing because some programs don’t offer ADNs, but they offer Associate in Science (A.S.) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degrees, all of which can lead to RN careers. You may also find Associate of Arts (A.A.) programs in nursing, which don’t lead to RN futures but instead prepare you for bachelor’s study.
Below, you can learn a bit about the differences between programs, general information about Florida RN programs, and then look through a list of the top 24 ADN programs in Florida.
Many ADN programs require students to be CNA certified. Premier Nursing Academy offers free CNA classes at our Pinellas Park and Bradenton campuses:
Top 24 Associate Degree in Nursing Programs in Florida
The schools below are recognized by the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) and have at least one other accreditation, typically from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The order of the list is based on the schools’ average pass rates for 2018-2020.
Accreditated by the ACEN
The State College of Florida (SCF) offers an Associate of Science in nursing with two tracks: A basic program for newcomers to the field and one for those transitioning from LPN to RN. The programs focus on acute and chronic care with clinical work available in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The basic program requires 42 hours of coursework and clinical hours. In comparison, the LPN to RN track takes 32 hours to complete.
For the transition program, SCF requires a current LPN license and, if you’re employed, a letter from your employer. Ideal candidates have worked in acute or extended care facilities.
Estimated Total Tuition
Basic Program: $7,378.56
Transition Program: $6,363.76
More information about the basic program and transition program tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
Seminole State College of Florida is unique because it not only offers an A.S. and A.A. pre-major nursing pathway, but they also have an A.S. to BSN program, allowing you to take associate and bachelor’s courses simultaneously.
The A.S. in nursing program intends for students to become RNs upon graduation. This pathway takes 72 credits to complete.
Seminole’s A.A. nursing pathway doesn’t lead to an RN license but prepares students to transfer to a public college or university in Florida. This program comprises 60 hours.
Their unique concurrent A.S. and B.S. degree program allows students to go for their RN and bachelor’s at the same time. The bachelor’s portion of the degree occurs online, and thanks to the program’s concurrent nature, students begin their higher-level classes with half of those credits already completed. All told, this option takes six semesters to complete.
Students must already be accepted to Seminole State before applying to their nursing programs, and not everyone is accepted.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident Associate: $5,760
Nonresident Associate: $22,824
Resident Bachelor’s: $3,573 (plus associate costs)
Nonresident Bachelor’s: $12,740 (plus associate costs)
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the SACSCOC
College of Central Florida-Citrus Campus offers an ADN program. Coursework takes about four semesters or two years to complete. Courses are available in a hybrid format; if you don’t have a computer, you can use one at the school.
As this campus only offers the program full-time, they highly recommend not being employed while taking classes. You also need to plan for some clinicals to happen in Ocala.
Besides providing classes like behavioral concepts, professional issues in nursing, and developmental concepts, the school offers benefits to help students succeed in their program, like childcare.
If you’re looking for bridge or part-time programs, you can find those on the College of Central Florida’s Ocala campus.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident: $8,130.24
Nonresident: $31,550.40
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
Tallahassee Community College’s registered nursing A.S. program aims to prepare students for entry-level nursing careers and their NCLEX-RN exams. The program takes 72 credit hours to complete, lasting five terms, though you may be able to complete the program faster via their Pathways program.
To gain admission, you need to complete 21 general education credit hours with a C or better. Then, you’ll move on to nursing courses, including (but not limited to):
A strong piece of evidence that TCC’s program works is that in spring 2020, 100% of students who took the NCLEX passed.
Estimated Total Tuition
Residents: $7,260
Nonresidents: $27,883
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN and SACSCOC
Lake-Sumter State College offers an ASN degree leading toward an RN, with various tracks underneath this umbrella, including:
The programs allow you to transfer not acceptable just medical experience for the bridge options but also general education credits from any previous time spent in postsecondary education regardless of which track you’re on.
The school teaches foundational skills and how to handle chronic, acute, and critical illnesses with hands-on work at skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and community health groups in all programs. Training ends with a practicum involving an internship
Estimated Total Tuition
Residents: $7,757
Nonresidents: $32,007
Bridge: Varies by hours needed
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the SACSCOC
The award-winning Broward College has one of the best NCLEX pass rates in the nation at 97%.
Broward’s health sciences A.S. programs include two nursing options: generic R.N. and LPN-R.N.
The generic RN program is for people who don’t currently have their LPN licenses. You need to complete your general education courses before applying to the nursing program—entry is not guaranteed. If you are accepted, including general education and nursing classes, you’ll complete 75 credit hours.
Like the generic RN program, the LPN to RN track requires both general education and nursing-specific classes, though this is for a total of 72 credit hours. However, your total number of credits may be lowered based on previous learning and work experience.
If you’re a high school junior in Broward County—including if you’re homeschooled—you may be able to participate in their Dual Enrollment Program. This allows you to take high school and Broward College classes simultaneously, earning you high school and college credit with reduced tuition fees. While you can’t earn your degree this way, you could get many general education courses out of the way before starting that program.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident: $5,904
Nonresident: $22,205
Bridge: Varies by hours needed
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACCRED
South Florida State College offers five nursing programs, including a certificate in practical nursing, a bachelor’s degree, and three associate options: generic nursing, evening/weekend generic nursing, and transition nursing (LPN to RN).
The generic and evening/weekend generic options take 72 credits over approximately two years to complete, while the transition path takes up to 72 hours over 13 months. For the transition track, you can take previous experience and apply it to your hours, hence the massive difference in time required—35 hours of training are mandatory, though. All associate program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Some high school students may be eligible to take dual credit classwork in general education subjects, potentially lowering the overall cost and time to graduate.
100% of the generic RN graduates had jobs within nine months of graduation from 2017 to 2019.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident: $7,590.24
Nonresident: $28,455.12
Transition: Varies by hours needed
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
Polk State College boasts an exceptionally high NCLEX-RN pass rate at 95.92%, which is notably higher than both the state and national averages. Between that and their great program pass rate, they’re worth looking into if you’re in the Winter Haven area.
The college has three nursing programs, one RN to BSN and two Associate of Science tracks: generic and transition.
The generic program is for those who have no previous medical experience. However, those who qualify for the transition program can take this one if they prefer. This track requires 23 prerequisite hours and 49 program-specific credits.
Polk State’s transition program is unique because it’s not just open to paramedics and LPNs; respiratory therapists and qualified military medics are also allowed to apply. While this technically requires the same number of credits as the generic program, some classes may be waived based on previous experience.
Estimated Total Tuition
Generic Nursing: $14,000 Transition Program: $13,000
More information about the generic nursing and transition program tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
Valencia College has three A.S. in nursing programs: traditional, accelerated, and concurrent ASN to BSN Nursing classes are only available on their West (Orlando) and Osceola (Kissimmee) campuses, with some restrictions:
You can also earn your BSN or advanced certificate in echocardiography or leadership in healthcare at Valencia.
Graduates of the associate programs are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, and their students pass at a 90% to 100% rate.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident Traditional: $7,459
Nonresident Traditional: $28,149
Concurrent: Additional $105 per bachelor’s hour (may vary)
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
PHSC offers several Associate in Science programs in health fields, including an LPN to ADN transition program, RN nurse paramedic transition program, and an RN program. The transition programs are only available on the Porter campus.
The RN program takes 72 hours to complete over four or six semesters. You must get a B or higher in every class—you may not continue the program if this doesn’t occur. In addition to standard nursing classes, 15 credit hours must be completed in residence.
Like other transition programs, while the nursing degree takes 72 hours to complete, those moving from LPN or paramedic to RN may use previous experience to lower the number of hours they take.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident LPN to RN: $2,630
Nonresident LPN to RN: $10,026
Resident Paramedic Transition: $3,261
Nonresident Paramedic Transition: $12,433
Resident RN: $4,418
Nonresident RN: $16,844
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the SACSCOC
Northwest Florida State College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing and an LPN to RN program.
They have a Simulation Center that brings in cutting-edge technology to help students practice their skills in realistic ways.
The two-year ASN program had a first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 98.72% in 2019, significantly higher than both the state and national averages. Over 90% of graduates find employment within six months of completion.
The school has had flat tuition for several years, allowing them to remain as affordable as possible.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident ASN: $7,496.64
Nonresident ASN: $28,657.44
Resident LPN to RN: $6,351.32
Nonresident LPN to RN: $24,279.22
More information about ASN and LPN to RN tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
SPC’s nursing college offers A.S., LPN to A.S. transition, A.A. transfer plan, and a B.S. in nursing pathways.
Their ASN program is a full RN program for those with no nursing background.
The LPN to A.S. transition allows current LPNs to transfer some of their backgrounds to their ASN coursework, potentially shortening their time in school and lowering their total cost.
SPC’s Associate of Arts training program is for students who aren’t RNs and ultimately want to attend bachelor’s programs. The benefit of this option is it prepares students for higher-level work while likely lowering their overall costs, as associate programs are generally less expensive than bachelor’s ones.
The ASN and LPN to A.S. routes require 72 hours to complete, with the latter potentially being shortened by previous experience. The A.A. program involves 60 hours.
A unique class offered in the ASN and transition options is psychosocial nursing, which focuses on holistic care of patients of all ages.
A benefit to choosing this school is their Simulation for Excellence in Nursing Education (SCENE), a simulation lab allowing students to undergo realistic training under the eye of educators to be fully prepared for fieldwork.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident ASN and Bridge: $8,064
Nonresident ASN and Bridge: $27,864
Resident A.A.: $6,720
Nonresident A.A.: $23,220
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
Santa Fe College has three associate degrees in nursing:
In 2019, 93% of their graduates passed their NCLEX-RN exams on the first try, and 95% of them gained employment within six months of completion.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident ASN: $7,687
Nonresident ASN: $27,569
Resident Bridge: $6,619.74
Nonresident Bridge: $23,740
Resident A.A.: $6406
Nonresident A.A.: $22,974
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
In addition to a BSN program, Daytona State offers an Associate of Science in nursing.
Daytona State recommends students spread their general education courses throughout the degree program rather than exclusively frontloading them, an unusual suggestion for nursing schools. The courses last for 72 credit hours over approximately five semesters. If you plan to continue to their BSN program, you need to complete their six hours of humanities classes required by the Associate of Arts program.
Another unique aspect of the program is its focus on providing culturally and spiritually sensitive treatment to future patients.
Their current tuition rates are based on their 2018-2019 school year; the best way to get exact amounts is to contact the school.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident: $6,144
Nonresident: $23,920
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
IRSC offers a ton of degrees in their health sciences department, including an ASN and RN to BSN program.
Their associate program allows students to choose between two tracks:
Indian River State College has a special focus on cultural enrichment and partners with other organizations to encourage involvement with community and global health issues.
In 2019, 100% of graduates had jobs within six months. As of spring 2020, this applied to 95% of their graduates.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident: $7,476
Nonresident tuition is higher but not specified for the nursing program. Contact IRSC for more information.
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the SACSCOC
Palm Beach State College’s health sciences department has three nursing options: RN to BSN, A.A., and A.S. Their nursing programs focus on the caring and humanistic aspects of the field.
The A.A. option is for those who want to transfer to bachelor’s programs in their junior years, likely saving money in the long run.
Those who complete the 72-hour nursing A.S. degree program, which takes two to three years based on full- or part-time attendance, are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. They can enter as beginners or transition students, need a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, and have passed various science prerequisite courses and the HESI A2 exam. A good number of the prerequisites are available online.
A unique aspect of the school is their waiving of fees and tuition for homeless students.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident A.A./A.S.: $7,272
Nonresident A.A./A.S.: $26,136
Resident BSN Courses: $91.79 per credit
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the SACSCOC
Keiser University’s A.S. in nursing program comprises 72 hours, 42 of which are specifically in nursing. Nursing courses include, but aren’t limited to:
In 2018 and 2019, the Ft. Lauderdale campus’ graduates passed the NCLEX at higher rates than the national average, and 100% of their graduates found jobs within 12 months of program completion.
Estimated Total Tuition
KU uses a net price calculator to determine costs. This means cost estimates will vary based on the information you enter.
Accreditated by the ACEN
St. John’s River has an in-person five-semester A.S. program and a four-year A.S. to BSN program online.
Their hands-on A.S. program can be completed in about two years. The school’s classrooms are designed to resemble hospitals and use realistic scenarios to prepare students for the outside world. They also use the latest equipment to help ensure students are ready to work upon graduation.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident: $5,677
Nonresident: $22,718
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
NFC has programs for nearly everyone in the beginnings of their nursing journeys, from LPNs to bachelor’s candidates.
Their A.S. in nursing program takes 72 hours to complete and focuses on medical surgical nursing. Courses occur three days a week, though students’ clinical rotations vary.
The LPN to RN bridge program also requires 72 credit hours, though up to 10 hours can be subtracted based on previous experience. If all 10 hours are accepted, this program takes three semesters to complete. Classes are held two days a week, again with clinical hours varying.
Estimated Total Tuition
A.S.: $7,800
Bridge: $6,609
Tuition costs include many supplies and state examination costs.
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the SACSCOC
FSCJ’s health studies department has options for nearly anyone who wants to enter healthcare, including practical nursing, BSN, ASN, and nursing bridge programs.
The ASN program takes 72 hours to complete, with all classes requiring a minimum of a C. 42 of these hours are nursing-exclusive, and they offer unique classes in families in crisis-complex health problems. They also require a for-credit NCLEX preparation course.
Their LPN or paramedic to RN program was named one of the top paramedic to RN programs by RegisteredNursing.org in 2020. Previous experience could cut down on the required 72 hours for graduation.
In the 2018-2019 school year, 91.3% of their students completed the program, and 98.7% gained employment soon after graduation.
Estimated Total Tuition
ASN: $7,551 total
Bridge: Varies by hours transferred
Nonresident costs vary. Contact the school for tuition information.
Tuition costs include many fees.
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
Gulf State State College has an A.A. with a focus on nursing and an ASN program. The school promises small classes and one-on-one attention from teachers, and 90% of their graduates recommend the program to others.
Their Associate of Arts option is for students who plan to move on to a bachelor’s program. Most classes are general education courses, though you can focus more on nursing-related work toward the end. It lasts 60 credit hours over two years if attending full time or up to four years if enrolled part-time.
The ASN program aims to prepare students for RN licensure. They have the following options available:
The programs involve common courses like maternal and pediatric nursing and more unusual ones like psychiatric-mental health nursing. The full ADN program takes 72 hours to complete, while the others vary based on how many credits transfer.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident ADN: $5,256
Nonresident ADN: $21,168
Transition: Varies by hours
Resident A.A.: $4,380
Nonresident A.A.: $17,640
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
Hillsborough Community College’s Associate of Science in nursing takes 72 hours to complete, with prerequisites taking one year, the basic program lasting four additional semesters, and the transition option taking three additional semesters.
The A.S. program is for those with no previous nursing experience, while the transition option is for current LPNs.
The school offers state-of-the-art simulation equipment, diverse faculty and student bodies, and on-site instructors during clinical rotations. HCC is partnered with several four-year schools to help those who want to earn their bachelor’s degrees have a leg up.
Estimated Total Tuition
Resident: $7,770
Nonresident Prerequisites: $24,860
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the SACSCOC
Miami Dade College has a pre-nursing Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in nursing.
The A.A. doesn’t prepare for nursing practice but for transfer to a BSN program. It takes 60 credits over two years and allows students to complete general education and introductory nursing courses. The nursing courses require a separate application from the general education classes.
The ASN program takes two or more years and 72 credit hours, leading toward NCLEX-RN eligibility for successful students. Students in the program take classes in various areas, including unusual ones like nursing leadership and psychiatric nursing.
As of their last reporting year, 96% of their students gained employment quickly after graduation.
Estimated Total Tuition
A.A.: $7,093.20
ASN: $8,511.84
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
Accreditated by the ACEN
Rasmussen College was named the top educator of ADN graduates in the United States based on the Associate Degree Registered Nurse conferrals in IPEDs. They offer several different programs, including a professional nursing associate degree.
The associate program takes around 18 months to complete if attending full time, even though they require 102 credit hours than most other schools’ 72. Some classes are available online, while others must be completed on-campus. Not only do courses focus on clinical skills, but Rasmussen also works to build students’ confidence and help them understand how health issues affect both patients and their families.
Estimated Total Tuition
$40,290
More information about tuition costs can be found on the school’s website.
What is the Difference Between ADN, A.S., and ASN Programs?
ADN, A.S. focusing on nursing, and ASN pathways are virtually identical. They all take about two years of full-time study and can lead to RN careers when completed successfully.
When there are differences—which are defined more by individual schools than by the nursing field—they come down to academic/theoretical vs. clinical skills. ADN programs may include more non-clinical classes, like nursing leadership or research, while A.S. and ASN programs might exclusively involve clinical work (except for general education prerequisites).
What Do These Schools Have in Common?
Florida’s top ADN programs have several commonalities, though some deviate from these norms.
They tend to be “limited access” programs. While many community colleges have open acceptance, meaning everyone gets in, those taking doesn’t guarantee admittance to the nursing program. You need to apply for the nursing program separately, with a minimum GPA from general education courses and a passing TEAS score before being granted admission to the nursing program. Even then, some programs don’t accept everyone due to the space available.
Many, though not all, offer one or more of the following: