Best programs near Jacksonville?

[Illuminati]

I really hope that this isn't an annoyingly common question! I tried to search, but I couldn't figure out how to. I absolutely hate how this site is set up! (I've used the phone app forever, not acclimating well to using the site!)

We are relocating to Jacksonville area (From Portland, OR.) for my husband's work. I am finishing my last prereq (micro) this fall, and was planning to apply to several programs in December.

Ideally I'd like to get a BSN, but I'd be willing to do the ASN and bridge later. I did some research and was overwhelmed by the amount of programs that I found. WOW! We only have a few here!

Can anyone give me any insight or recommendations?

TIA

[SherBear808]

Hi Illuminati, I hope your move went well. As for programs near Jacksonville....

1. University of North Florida offers an accelerated track or regular (traditional) track towards obtaining a BSN. The accelerated track is for someone who already has a Bachelor's degree non-nursing related. This is the track I graduated from. It takes 13 months to complete. The regular track is the traditional route. It's for students who do not have a previous degree and it takes 2 years to complete. You will receive a BSN at the end of both tracks. I highly recommend UNF!! The professors are great and the program will definitely give you the content you need to pass the boards (NCLEX). It's the cheapest route for a BSN compared to for-profit schools or private schools. With that being said, I will warn you that it is highly competitive to get in BUT don't give up. Be sure you score very well on the TEAS and do great in the interview; yes, there's an interview along with filling out an application. There are a few allnurses threads talking about it...look it up :)

2. Jacksonville University is another alternative. It's a private university and is expensive. I don't know too much about their program but I have heard that their program is also good. I don't know how long the program is but they do offer a BSN degree.

3. Florida State College Jacksonville (FSC) is the community college alternative. I believe their program is 2 years long but it's an ADN program. Most students planning to go to FSCJ also plan to take a RN-BSN bridge program after. I hear that they do have a good program.

Those are the top three around Jacksonville. Another alternative but VERY EXPENSIVE is to check out Chamberlain College of Nursing. I did check this place out and it was pricey. They were quoting me $65,000 for their BSN program (and that is not taking their pre-reqs since I already had them). If you didn't have your pre-reqs, the program would then sky rocket to $90,000. I highly recommend the top three choice listed above before Chamberlain. I hear that their program is good but a little bit un-organized.

Good luck with your choices and if you want more info about the UNF nursing process, don't hesitate to reply.