If you’re prepared to face both fulfilling and challenging opportunities, starting a career in nursing may be the right fit for you. You can make a difference in a wide range of healthcare settings from hospitals to outpatient care centers to physician offices.
Among the states with the highest number of registered nurses in the country, Florida can be an excellent place to pursue your professional goals. Attending nursing school in Florida can help put you on the path to providing compassionate patient care.
This guide outlines the various pathways to becoming a nurse in Florida to help you better envision your healthcare career journey. Remember: WCU-Miami is here to offer support every step of the way.
1. Know the Various Types of Nursing Careers
With how dynamic the healthcare field is, it may come as no surprise that there are many different nursing degrees, roles, and specialties. It can be just as difficult as it is exciting to figure out which role is the right fit for you. Here are a few different roles:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): LPNs typically work in outpatient clinics or home healthcare
settings. They provide basic care, such as taking vital signs, collecting samples, and
administering medications. Education or training needed: Post-secondary certificate or diploma
program.
Registered Nurse (RN): RNs have a broader scope of practice than LPNs, including assessing patient needs, recommending care plans, and educating patients. They often work in hospitals or specialty clinics. Education or training needed: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs): APRNs hold graduate-level nursing degrees and can specialize further, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs) or Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs). Education or training needed: Master of Science in Nursing or Doctorate of Nursing Practice.
2. Understand Different Program Options
For those aspiring to become a nurse in Florida, there are several program options to choose from. It’s important to be aware of admission requirements when choosing the right program or nursing school for you as some programs require you to hold existing credentials.
Below are some of the nursing programs available at WCU-Miami:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
This Miami ADN program is designed specifically for career changers who already have a bachelor’s degree or have previous nursing experience as a practical nurse. The program can be completed in as little as 20 months and provides an accelerated pathway towards becoming an RN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
WCU’s BSN program in Miami does not require you to have an associate degree, meaning that you can go straight into bachelor-level classes and start making a difference sooner. Through hands-on experience and access to technologically advanced simulation labs, you can earn your BSN degree in confidence in as little as 39 months. WCU-Miami offers various program paces including a flexible evening and weekend option.
LPN to BSN
The LPN to BSN program at WCU-Miami is designed to help LPNs earn their bachelor’s degree and gain the skills needed to become RNs. Your previous nursing licensure grants you credits towards your BSN degree, allowing you to complete the program in as little as 34 months at the accelerated pace.
3. Gain Hands-On Training Experience
Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience in real healthcare settings, giving you an opportunity to apply the knowledge you gained in classes to practical patient care. WCU will help you find a local clinical placement for real-world experience.
Typically, clinical rotations aren’t the first time students are exposed to real-life scenarios. At WCU-Miami for instance, students can build skills in technologically advanced simulation labs equipped with high fidelity manikins that cry, sweat, and react like real patients.
4. Obtain State Licensure
To become an RN in Florida, you’ll need to obtain state licensure. For LPNs and RNs, this involves passing the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN respectively. Check out our NCLEX-RN overview to learn more about what to expect on the exam.
If you already hold a valid nursing license from another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement through the Florida Board of Nursing.
You are also required to demonstrate that you have successfully completed an approved or accredited nursing education program. (West Coast University’s nursing programs have been granted approval from the Florida Board of Nursing.)
Once you’ve passed the appropriate NCLEX and fulfilled the additional requirements, you are officially ready to begin working as a nurse in Florida.
5. Apply for Jobs and Build Experience
With your license secured, it’s time to begin your nursing career. Consider your skills, clinical experience, and interests when deciding on what types of healthcare settings you’d like to work in.
An added benefit of attending WCU-Miami is your access to our Career Services team. From career advising to resume review, the professional Career Services staff can help you gain confidence as you navigate the job search process. Even more, you have the opportunity to connect with some of the hundreds of employers that WCU partners with.
6. Consider a Specialization
Feeling drawn to a specific area of nursing? You may want to consider pursuing a specialization. Some potential areas of specialization include, but are not limited to:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Cardiac
- Neonatal
- Nurse leadership
- Oncology
- Orthopedic
- Public Health
- Psychiatric-Mental Health
Be sure to check in with your employer about whether they provide tuition assistance.
7. Network & Join Professional Organizations
Just like with any career, networking among other nurses and healthcare professionals can empower you with more professional opportunities. One of the great things about nursing school is that you’re building your network while you’re in school. Faculty and your fellow graduates can be excellent resources as you advance in your career.
In Florida, you can join the Florida Nurses Association and gain access to professional development and other opportunities.
What’s Different About WCU-Miami’s BSN Program
As you’ve just read, there are several different pathways towards becoming a nurse in Florida. WCU-Miami can help you streamline your educational journey and help set you up for success. Our Florida BSN program offers a hands-on learning experience in the heart of Miami.
Here are some highlights of the WCU-Miami BSN Program:
- No associate degree required! Start bachelor-level classes right away
- Multiple paces:
- Accelerated Pace (complete in as little as 39 months)
- Evening & Weekend Pace (complete in as little as 44 months)
- Working Professional Pace (complete in as little as 54 months)
- No waitlists. Start making a difference sooner
- Start dates throughout the year.
Schedule an info session or get in touch with our admissions team to start your nursing journey.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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