Orlando Area ABSN Program in Lake Mary, FL
Earn Your ABSN in as Few as 16 Months Near Orlando
The Orlando (Lake Mary, FL) ABSN program is an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing designed for people who already have a bachelor's degree or transferable college credits and want to become registered nurses. Delivered through online(See disclaimer 1) coursework and in-person learning components, the 16-month(See disclaimer 2 )ABSN is a pre-licensure program that provides a faster pathway toward obtaining a nursing license and becoming a registered nurse (RN).
This program curriculum encompasses nursing theory coursework in areas such as pharmacology and adult health. You will participate in immersive simulations and nursing skills labs to gain hands-on practice with clinical skills, while also engaging with patients during clinical rotations at nearby healthcare facilities.
ABSN vs. Traditional BSN: What’s the Difference?
The primary differences between an Orlando (Lake Mary, FL) ABSN program and a traditional BSN program are time to completion and student eligibility. The accelerated nursing program near Orlando is designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree or transferable college credits, enabling them to earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.(See disclaimer 2) In contrast, a traditional BSN is designed for high school graduates with little to no college credits who will complete courses in a more standardized undergraduate format. Further compare the differences between ABSN vs. BSN by reviewing the comparison table.
Orlando ABSN Learning Site in Lake Mary, FL
Our nursing school in Florida is located in Lake Mary, approximately 23 minutes from Orlando. The ABSN learning site is conveniently close to I-4, featuring numerous eateries in the area.
605 Crescent Executive Court, Suite 500 Lake Mary, FL 32746
View our Postsecondary State Authorizations and SARA and State Disclosures information for Florida.
What To Expect From the ABSN Program Near Orlando
Our ABSN program near Orlando provides an immersive learning experience, with plenty of practice in skills labs, immersive simulation suites and clinical rotations to help you adjust to working in a clinical environment. These in-person learning components are paired with online(See disclaimer 1) coursework for a hybrid experience that offers more convenience. The curriculum is fully integrated with our Christian worldview, which emphasizes servant leadership.
With online(See disclaimer 1) coursework, you'll complete assignments, access course materials and participate in interactive discussions through our digital learning platform. You'll engage with classmates and instructors while following a structured course schedule designed to support your academic progress.
As an ABSN student, you will have the opportunity to work at Orlando area clinical sites to gain experience providing direct patient care and interacting with patients. Your clinical experience will begin in the first semester, and you can look forward to the support of your clinical instructors along the way.
Put theory into practice in nursing skills labs and immersive simulation suites. You’ll have opportunities to apply the nursing practice while navigating patient care scenarios in a safe, risk-free environment. Each immersive simulation is followed by a thorough debriefing with your instructor.
Orlando (Lake Mary, FL) ABSN Program Details
Admission Process
Contact one of our university counselors for a review of your eligibility and personalized guidance on navigating the admission process. Admission requirements for the ABSN can vary by state, and our team can help ensure you fulfill all of the state-specific requirements.
Cost of Attendance
A university counselor can help you understand the projected cost of attendance for the accelerated BSN program near Orlando, which includes tuition and program fees. We are committed to keeping our tuition rates competitive. Institutional scholarships may be available for those who qualify.
Transfer Credits
The accelerated BSN program near Orlando may consider applicants with either a non-nursing degree, transfer credits or no prior coursework. Your university counselor may refer you to a transfer specialist to determine how many of your college credits may transfer to the ABSN program.
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Accredited Program
The immersive simulation centers for our ABSN program have been granted accreditation in the area of teaching/education by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). This accreditation recognizes expertise in nursing simulation.
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Our specialized university counselors help make the admission process as seamless as possible. Working with prospective ABSN students, these university counselors know the nuances of the program and provide personalized support throughout the admission process.
If you’re looking to gain admission into the ABSN program, follow these steps.
Talk to a university counselor
Speak with a university counselor to discuss the admission requirements and your academic background.
Complete prerequisite courses and pre-admission interview
Your university counselor will determine which prerequisite courses you need to take prior to enrollment in the ABSN. They will also help you schedule a pre-admission interview.
Apply to the ABSN program
Submit your application online, along with all required supporting documents. Make arrangements to submit your official transcripts from previously attended institutions.
Why Choose GCU for Your ABSN Program Near Orlando?
While attending nursing school in the Orlando area, you may wish to explore the activities and attractions nearby. From theme parks to crystal-clear natural springs, the Orlando area has something for everyone. Experience the nightlife, rent a boat on one of many lakes and enjoy your time earning your BSN degree near Orlando.
Orlando is home to many wildlife and cultural attractions. If you love the outdoors, you might enjoy visiting Gatorland, Lake Apopka or visiting the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden. If you prefer the indoors, there is no shortage of indoor activities to enjoy. ICON Park(See disclaimer ®) houses a collection of top attractions all in one location, including Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and The Orlando Eye, a 400-foot tall observation wheel offering gorgeous views.(See disclaimer 3)
Some reasons to attend nursing school in the Orlando, Florida area include:
Community-oriented area
The town of Lake Mary, FL, is a close-knit community that offers scenic walking paths, a walkable downtown and tree-lined streets.(See disclaimer 4)
Diverse dining options
Choose from a range of eateries near the site and throughout Lake Mary, including fresh produce and baked goods at the Lake Mary Farmers Market.(See disclaimer 4)
Outdoor recreation
Stay active during nursing school with local cycling and hiking trails, swimming spots and golf courses.(See disclaimer 4)
Top attractions
The Orlando area offers a vast selection of attractions and activities, including Fun Sport America, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, The Escape Game Orlando and Dezerland Park.(See disclaimer 3)
Median annual wage for registered nurses in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area as of May 2025(See disclaimer 5)
Nursing Career Outlook and Opportunities in the Orlando Area
Working as a registered nurse after graduating from an accelerated BSN program in Lake Mary can enable you to choose from a wide range of nursing specialties, from pediatrics to geriatrics. You’ll be joining a robust workforce that comprises over 30,000 RNs in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area.(See disclaimer 5) There are 40 hospitals and primary care medical facilities in the greater Orlando area that employ RNs.(See disclaimer 6) According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for RNs in this area was $83,550 as of May 2025.(See disclaimer 5)
ABSN Program Near Orlando: Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more about attending the accelerated BSN programs near Orlando, review some of our most frequently asked questions.
Where are ABSN programs offered?
What are the prerequisites for GCU’s Orlando ABSN program?
Can I become a registered nurse with an ABSN degree?
Where can ABSN graduates work in the Orlando Area?
Is an ABSN program in the Orlando area worth it?
What nursing specialties can ABSN graduates pursue?
Earn your BSN in as few as 16 months(See disclaimer 2) at GCU's ABSN learning site in Lake Mary, FL (near Orlando).
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
- Secondary Applicants must transfer a minimum of 60 of the required 123 credits or have completed a baccalaureate degree which includes nine prerequisite courses/labs and 10 general education courses prior to starting the core nursing courses, which can be completed in as few as 16 months. Direct Entry Applicants that do not transfer 60 credits but meet the minimum requirements can complete these credits through GCU prior to starting the core nursing courses. Depending on the state where student has enrolled or intends to complete the program, student may require additional courses. This may include, but is not limited to, additional general education courses, courses in the major, clinical courses, or a different course sequence. See the University Policy Handbook.
- Visit Orlando. (n.d.). Orlando Attractions. Retrieved July 2026.
- Visit Florida. (n.d.). Lake Mary. Retrieved July 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses, as of May 2025, retrieved July 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Registered Nurses, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- Cause IQ. (n.d.). Orlando Hospitals. Retrieved July 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How To Become a Registered Nurse. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Retrieved July 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions on Aug. 3, 2026.