Become an RN in Florida:
FAQs at our Tampa Campus
Become a Registered Nurse with a BSN degree at Arizona College of Nursing – Tampa. Below you will find some of the frequently asked questions that future RN’s often ask our campus faculty and staff.
How long does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)?
The length of time it takes to become an RN with a BSN can vary depending on the program and the student’s prior educational background. Bachelor’s degrees often take 4 years to complete, but with our 3-year BSN program, you can complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 3 years.
If you have completed some college credit or have a degree in another field, qualifying transfer credits can shorten your program length. To learn more about the pathway to becoming an RN with a BSN degree in Florida, contact an admissions representative at our Tampa campus.
Preparing Future RNs at Arizona College of Nursing – Tampa
Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This is because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. An LPN program typically takes about 1-2 years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. While the time commitment to complete an LPN program is relatively short, LPNs often find their employment opportunities very limited.
Click here to read our blog post comparing a LPN Program with a BSN Program.
Registered Nurses in Florida have a median salary of $77,710 per year.
As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in Florida range from a low rate of $61,190, per year, to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $100,060 per year.
Updated 09/2023. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?st=FL
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3
We make it easy to apply for transfer credit. You’ll need to request two things from your previous institution(s):
- An official transcript
- A copy of the course catalog
Read more about Arizona College’s transfer requirements.
Students of all ages and backgrounds who qualify may be eligible for a variety of financial aid programs and payment options including:
- Federal student loans
- Federal PELL and SEOG grants
- Eligible State-based grant programs
- Private educational loans
- Military veteran educational benefits (ex: Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®)*
*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. The Falls Church, Hartford, Cincinnati, Cleveland, St. Louis, and Chesapeake Arizona College of Nursing campuses are not approved to train eligible Veterans and their dependents.
Yes. While every student’s schedule may vary due to prior academic experience, you’ll start your BSN degree program with evening general education courses. In addition, some general education courses are offered in a convenient on-campus/online hybrid format.
We offer general education courses in the evening because we know students are busy and often can’t immediately change their entire schedule when starting Nursing school.
Once you begin your Core Nursing courses, your schedule will shift to daytime classes.
As of 2020, there were 189,120 RNs employed in Florida.
Registered Nurses jobs in Florida are projected to grow by 15% between 2020 and 2030.
RN employment in the United States is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, creating 203,200 new nursing jobs.
Updated August 2023: Data Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=FL
There are various parts of the cost to become a nurse in the state of Florida. First, you must complete an accredited nursing program.
Next, RNs in Florida must pay an Examination Fee ($100) and an additional $175 to the Florida Board of Nursing. This fee covers the application and licensure.
Source: https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-florida.html
After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course.