Skip to Main Content
oneColumn

RN-BSN Bridge Track Online

This program is for those who are already Registered Nurses (RNs) and who desire to further their nursing education and expand their career opportunities by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). The program curriculum is offered online and is open to applicants who hold active RN licensure in their states of residence. Opportunities for in-person engagement are available for Palm Coast area residents.  Today's healthcare arena is increasingly complex with its high-tech focus in the hospital, its shift toward population-based healthcare management in the community, and the increasing influence of political and economic forces on all phases of healthcare. The broad knowledge base found in a B.S.N. provides the opportunity for RNs to gain the competencies necessary to excel in the current and future healthcare job market.

The faculty use web-enhanced technology combined with individualized attention to focus learning on the most current trends and competencies necessary for professional growth and advancement. The curriculum provides a strong scientific base of study with unique opportunities to work with vulnerable and under-served populations. The B.S.N. at UNF offers registered nurses a learning environment in which to:

  1. increase competency in health assessment across the lifespan;
  2. gain the expertise necessary for the care of individuals within the context of family and community;
  3. expand professional and interpersonal communication skills;
  4. use critical thinking skills to evaluate nursing research for its application to practice; and,
  5. broaden leadership competencies needed for the 21st century.
high quality online course design at unfThe RN-BSN program is proud to have earned the High-Quality (HQ) course design designation. This significant accomplishment indicates that the courses have met rigorous, research-based course design standards. HQ standards are centered on the best practices in instructional design and online learning using the national Quality Matters rubric and standards.

RN-BSN Online Accelerated Program

The fully online program allows registered nurses to complete the program in the equivalent of three (3) traditional semesters (approximately one year). Palm Coast (Flagler, St. John’s, and Volusia County) region residents can voluntarily participate in concierge advising, an in-person orientation, and face-to-face educational experiences.  While strongly encouraged to benefit the educational experience, all in-person activities are optional.

The online format, includes 6- and 8-week terms (two 8-week terms are the equivalent of one traditional 16-week term; the summer terms are each 6 weeks). With this format, students will typically take two (2) courses per 8-week term. The RN BSN online accelerated program enrolls a new cohort every January, May, and August. Coursework is completely online with concierge advising, optional in-person orientation and in-person educational enrichments offered at the Palm Coast site. Opportunities to travel to national conferences and professional nursing organization meetings with UNF faculty and attend curated healthcare events at the UNF Jacksonville campus are available.

The community experience provides an opportunity for students to gain experience and connect with professional nursing. Those enrolled in the online cohort will identify a community agency in Flagler, St. John’s, or Volusia County at which to complete most of the community experience hours. Examples of agencies include homeless shelters, public or community health organizations, refugee resettlement programs, hospital case management, hospital outreach programs, home care agencies, health departments or clinics, and organizations or non-profits such as the SMA Healthcare, Halifax Healthcare, Flagler Cares, Flagler County Health Department.

Work experience as a RN is not required for enrollment in the online program.

Tuition and fees for distance learning programs may vary. Standard Florida resident/non-Florida resident tuition rates apply.  Refer to the UNF Tuition & Fees page for more detail. For information regarding tuition waivers, please see our page on University accepted waivers.

Provided below are several tools and resources for distance learners to review:

Distance Learning Student Services

Online Accelerated-Term Information

To learn more, call or text (904) 620-3577 or schedule a phone conversation with a UNF Online Student Success Coach.

Additional Program Details

Full- and part-time enrollment options are available.  

Two types of courses make up the nursing curriculum: professional courses and clinical/laboratory courses. Clinical/laboratory courses are distinguished by the C or L that follows the course number. The nursing curriculum is a full-time course of study and follows a specific sequence. The required program courses may not be fulfilled by transfer credit; all courses must be taken in the program.

Total credit requirements for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are 60 credits. Of these 60 credits, 30 credits are the required nursing courses listed above; the remaining 30 credits are awarded based upon validation of previous nursing knowledge through the submission of proof that one holds a clear and active Florida registered nursing license. When the criteria have been satisfied, 30 credits will be placed in escrow until the semester of graduation. The student will then graduate with a total of 60 nursing credits.