Choosing a CNA to RN bridge program in Miami can be overwhelming—but we’ve made it easier by reviewing every top option, not just the ones with the biggest advertising budgets. Whether you’re looking for speed, flexibility, affordability, or hospital-based experience, the right program for you is out there—and we’ve done the research so you can focus on finding your best fit. Below are concise overviews of several highly regarded programs, each with its own strengths:
1. Nursing RN Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN)
Multiple track options, rigorous prerequisites, high flexibility
Miami Dade College’s ASN program is designed for students seeking RN licensure and offers multiple pathways: Generic (full- and part-time), Accelerated, and Transition for LPNs. All options lead to eligibility for the NCLEX-RN and are taught at the Medical, Homestead, and Baptist Hospital campuses, depending on the track.
The curriculum spans 72 credits and includes key subjects like medical-surgical nursing, pediatric and psychiatric care, pharmacology, and community health. Students complete the program in 3 to 7 semesters, depending on the chosen track. Classes are cohort-based and follow a lock-step format.
Admission is competitive and requires a 2.5 GPA, strong science grades, recent coursework in anatomy and physiology, and a TEAS score above 60%. Students must complete a milestone review before being considered for acceptance. Estimated tuition is $8,511.84. While demanding, the program provides flexible locations and is structured to support upward mobility into BSN-level study.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 2+ years (varies by track: 3–7 semesters) |
| Format | In-person classroom and clinical training |
| Schedules | Varies by track:- Generic Full-Time: 4 semesters- Generic Part-Time: 7 semesters- Transition Full-Time: 3 semesters- Transition Part-Time: 5 semesters- Accelerated: 3 semesters |
| Address | 950 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33127 |
| Phone | (305) 237-4141 |
| Website | mdc.edu/nursingrn |
2. University of Miami – Accelerated BSN
12-month BSN for degree holders
The Accelerated BSN program at the University of Miami is a full-time, intensive track designed for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. It takes one year to complete and includes both clinical and classroom instruction. Start dates are offered in January and May.
This program stands out for its pace, structure, and access to over 200 clinical partners, including the University of Miami Health System. Students follow a fixed plan of study, progressing through 55 credit hours over three semesters. Clinical-heavy courses include adult health, pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, and community nursing. A zero-credit online pre-immersion course must be completed before starting.
All students pay nursing-specific fees each semester and must cover the cost of background checks and HESI testing. The program is highly structured and designed for those who are fully committed to becoming registered nurses within a short time frame.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 12 months (3 semesters) |
| Format | Fully in-person classroom and clinical instruction |
| Schedules | Full-time; classes begin in January or May |
| Address | M. Christine Schwartz Center for Nursing and Health Studies, 5030 Brunson Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146 |
| Phone | (305) 284-2508 |
| Website | sonhs.miami.edu/academics/bachelors-programs/accelerated_bsn |
3. Active Health Institute – Associate of Science Degree in Nursing
Hybrid format, bilingual support, adult-focused coaching
Active Health Institute offers a 72-credit Associate of Science in Nursing program designed for students aiming to become Registered Nurses. The program runs for approximately 86 weeks (6 semesters) and uses a hybrid model with both online and in-person instruction. Courses are taught in English with bilingual instructors available for Spanish-speaking students.
This program stands out for its adult-learner focus, offering flexible class schedules, NCLEX-focused instruction from day one, and mentorship-driven teaching. Bilingual instruction, job placement support upon licensure, and a strong emphasis on holistic nursing make it accessible for working students.
The curriculum includes nursing fundamentals, patient assessment, pharmacology, and clinical experiences that build critical thinking and practical skills. To apply, students need a high school diploma or equivalent, two recommendation letters, and a minimum score of 70% on the entrance exam. An interview and prior transcript evaluation are also part of the process.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | Approximately 86 weeks (6 semesters) |
| Format | Hybrid (online and in-person) |
| Schedules | Flexible class schedules designed for working students |
| Address | 6520 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33144 |
| Phone | (305) 648-3293 |
| Website | https://ahimiami.com/associate-nursing/ |
4. FVI School of Nursing
22-month hybrid ASN program with strong NCLEX prep
FVI’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is a 22-month hybrid program offered at its Miami and Miramar campuses. The format blends in-person classes, simulation labs, and clinical training with some online instruction. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for RN licensure through hands-on skill-building and progressive learning in both general education and nursing-specific courses.
What sets this program apart is its strong focus on NCLEX preparation from day one, along with small class sizes and personalized support from faculty and success coaches. Students gain clinical experience at local hospitals and healthcare providers like Memorial Health System and HCA Florida. Labs are equipped with high-fidelity patient simulators to replicate real hospital environments.
The program is ACEN-accredited and includes job placement assistance. It’s designed with working adults and parents in mind, offering flexibility and structured guidance throughout the training process.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 22 months |
| Format | Hybrid (in-person classroom, simulation labs, clinicals, and some online components) |
| Schedules | Designed for working adults; contact school for specific class times |
| Address | 7757 W Flagler St #220, Miami, FL 33144 |
| Phone | (305) 665-1911 |
| Website | https://fvi.edu/program/nursing-program/ |
5. Larkin School of Nursing – Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Small class sizes, hospital-based exposure
Larkin School of Nursing’s ASN program stands out for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and direct access to the Larkin Health System, which includes two acute care hospitals and multiple specialty centers. Students complete the program in six semesters (approximately 24 months) and graduate eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
The curriculum includes 24 general education and science credits and 48 nursing core credits, for a total of 72 semester hours. Classes cover foundational nursing skills, pharmacology, psychiatric care, pediatrics, maternal health, and nursing leadership. Hands-on clinical training is integrated throughout the program and includes lab and simulation components.
Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, HESI entrance test, interview, immunization records, and a background screen. Classes are held at the South Miami campus. There is no waitlist, and textbooks are included in the tuition. The school holds ABHES accreditation and ACEN candidacy status.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | Approximately 24 months (6 semesters / 96 weeks) |
| Format | In-person, with classroom instruction, labs, and clinicals |
| Schedules | Weekday classes; office hours for inquiries are Monday–Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Address | 6140 SW 70th Street, 3rd Floor, South Miami, FL 33143 |
| Phone | (305) 284-7723 |
| Website | https://larkinschoolofnursing.com/en/associate-science-degree-nursing/ |
6. Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology – ASN Program
Two-track RN program with commuter access and simulation training
This Associate of Science in Nursing program offers two tracks at the Miami Gardens campus: a 90-week traditional route for new students and a 75-week bridge option for licensed LPNs, paramedics, or respiratory therapists. Both tracks are designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level nursing jobs.
Courses blend classroom instruction with hands-on training in advanced simulation labs. The curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and nursing-specific clinicals. Bridge students must complete prerequisite courses and a transition course before entering the core nursing curriculum.
Classes are held on campus with support services that include access to a case study library and healthcare technology tools. Admission requires a TEAS entrance exam and standard prerequisites, including a high school diploma or GED. The campus is easily accessible by public transit, making it a commuter-friendly option for students in the Miami area.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | Traditional: 90 weeks; Bridge: 75 weeks |
| Format | In-person with hands-on simulation training |
| Schedules | Daytime classes; exact schedule not specified |
| Address | 1000 Park Centre Boulevard, Suite 112, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 |
| Phone | (305) 627-3001 |
| Website | https://www.cambridgehealth.edu/two-year-nursing-degree-in-miami/ |
7. West Coast University – Miami Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Accelerated, no waitlist, LPN-friendly
The ADN program at West Coast University in Miami offers an accelerated, hands-on path for current CNAs and LPNs seeking to become registered nurses. Designed to be completed in as little as 20 months—or just 12 to 17 months with accepted transfer credits—the program includes 67 credits spread across four semesters. Students attend classes in person at the Doral campus, where they benefit from simulation labs, one-on-one tutoring, and NCLEX prep resources.
There’s no waitlist, and multiple term start dates are available throughout the year. LPNs with an active license can transfer up to 12 credits from previous training, potentially reducing tuition and program length. The curriculum covers foundational sciences, pharmacology, mental health nursing, maternity care, and advanced medical-surgical nursing. Tuition ranges from approximately $41,000 to $57,000 depending on credit load and term start.
Students also receive support for clinical placement, licensure prep, and job search assistance.
| Category | Details |
| Duration | 20 months (can be reduced to 12–17 months with accepted transfer credits) |
| Format | On-campus, full-time |
| Schedules | Multiple term start dates per year; structured by semester |
| Address | 9250 NW 36th St, Doral, FL 33178 |
| Phone | (786) 501-7070 |
| Website | westcoastuniversity.edu |
🕒 Fastest Path to RN
If speed is your priority and you already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, the University of Miami’s Accelerated BSN is the fastest route at just 12 months. It’s rigorous, full-time, and highly structured—ideal for career changers ready to commit fully. However, it’s not a fit for current CNAs without a degree, and it comes at a higher tuition cost.
🧑💻 Most Flexible for Working Adults
Active Health Institute and FVI School of Nursing offer hybrid formats and flexible schedules, making them ideal for working students or parents. Active Health offers bilingual support, while FVI emphasizes NCLEX prep from day one with smaller class sizes and coaching support.
💸 Most Affordable Traditional Option
Miami Dade College offers the lowest tuition—around $8,500—making it a standout for affordability. With multiple track options (including part-time and transition), it supports both recent grads and healthcare workers. Be prepared for a competitive application process and strict course sequencing.
🏥 Best for Hospital Access
Larkin School of Nursing provides direct exposure to the Larkin Health System, giving students a hospital-based learning environment from day one. The small class sizes and included textbooks are helpful perks, especially for those seeking hands-on, in-hospital experience.
🚌 Best for Commuters
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology and West Coast University stand out for commuter access and ease of entry. Cambridge offers two tracks—traditional and bridge—with simulation-based learning and a streamlined process for LPNs, paramedics, and respiratory therapists. West Coast University accepts transfer credits (up to 12) and offers no waitlist, making it attractive for those who need a fast start and can handle an accelerated on-campus format.
🧠 Where You’ll Learn the Most (Hands-On)
West Coast University and FVI offer advanced simulation labs that mimic real hospital settings. This is key for developing clinical confidence before entering the workforce. West Coast also provides 1:1 tutoring and clinical placement help, which can be invaluable.
✔️ Our Overall Recommendation
There’s no one-size-fits-all program here—and that’s a good thing. Start by narrowing your goals: Are you looking for speed? Affordability? Flexibility? Then reach out to each school you’re considering. Talking to an admissions rep can help clarify class schedules, financial aid, credit transfer policies, and clinical rotations—all things that can make or break your experience.
We especially recommend reaching out to any programs that offer bridge options if you’re an LPN or paramedic, as timelines and credit acceptance can vary. The best programs won’t just fit your schedule—they’ll support your success from start to NCLEX and beyond.