Best Nursing Schools in Florida in 2024

Known as the Sunshine State, Florida is currently home to over 187,920 employed registered nurses earning an average salary of $72,000 per year. With over 216,510 new nurses needed in the state by 2030, Florida ranks 4th in the U.S. for most nurses required to meet future health demands. Selecting one of the state’s exceptional nursing programs ensures you’ll receive top-tier training to prepare for this rapidly growing career field.

As the 4th highest state for the number of nurses required by 2030, Florida needs over 13,250 new registered nurses per year making it a prime location to begin your nursing career after graduation. In this article, we provide a list of the best nursing schools to help you make your pick. The schools on this list ranked high in terms of NCLEX pass rates, accreditations, and faculty credentials, among others.

• There are 85 nursing schools in Florida.
• The CCNE accredits 38 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 52 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Florida is between 64.08% and 97.93%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Florida is between 33.33% and 97.53%.
• RNs currently employed in Florida are 187,920.
• RNs in Florida earn an average of $72,000 per year or $34.62 per hour.
• Florida needs 216,510 new RNs by 2030 or 13,250 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Florida

Florida offers a wide variety of accredited nursing programs to prepare students for licensure and rewarding careers in the field of nursing. When considering programs, you’ll choose between diploma programs, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees in nursing.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

Some key factors to weigh when selecting a nursing program in Florida include accreditation status, NCLEX exam pass rates, cost, program formats offered (online, in-person, accelerated, etc.), availability of financial assistance, focus areas available, and more. We’ll explore all of these aspects throughout this guide.

All nursing programs and schools must meet standards set by the Florida Board of Nursing, which provides oversight for the licensure process for becoming a registered nurse (RN) or advancing as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

Key factors when choosing a nursing program

Key aspects to research about Florida nursing schools include:

• Cost, scholarships availability, loan repayment assistance
• Accreditation status: ACEN or CCNE accredited
• Variety of degree tracks and specialization options
• Ranking and reputation, graduation + NCLEX pass rates
• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Online and in-person formats? Accelerated options?
• Quality + quantity of clinical rotation opportunities
• Student supports like advising, mentoring, networking

Getting a handle early on about program options, cost of attendance, job outlook, plus licensure requirements will ensure you make the most informed choice when committing to nursing school.

Overview of Florida Board of Nursing

The Florida Board of Nursing provides regulatory oversight for all approved nursing education programs as well as handles the licensure process and license renewal for RNs and APRNs in the state. They also handle complaints against nurses and disciplinary actions if necessary.

When researching schools, look for confirmation the program is Board of Nursing-approved. Once you graduate and pass the necessary exams (NCLEX-RN for undergraduate nursing graduates, and certification exams for NPs), you must apply for licensure through the Board of Nursing to practice legally as an RN or APRN in Florida.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Florida?

Online Nursing Programs for Florida Students

Many RN-to-BSN bridge programs and Master’s in Nursing programs offer distance education options. But can Florida students attend any online nursing program? The answer is yes.

The key is choosing an appropriately accredited program among the range of nursing programs in the nation. You want to ensure quality standards are met no matter if the academic courses are being completed online. Reputable programs will have sought accreditation, the gold standard of educational oversight.

For RN-to-BSN and Master’s programs, you still may have some in-person requirements for clinical training hours depending on the state and program. But accredited online MSN and BSN completion programs can provide superb flexibility and options for Florida nurses aspiring to advance their education.

Just confirm before applying or enrolling that the distance program accepts students residing in Florida, as some online schools only operate officially in certain states.

No matter if you pursue a predominantly online nursing program or a campus-focused pathway, the key is ensuring credibility through proper nursing accreditations.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

For those who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher already in a different field and want to transition careers into the nursing realm, an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) can significantly expedite this career change in roughly 12-18 months. These intensive, full-time curriculums cover nursing prerequisites along with standard BSN nursing courses in an accelerated timeline so graduates still qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam for state licensure upon completion.

Here are the schools offering high-quality accelerated BSN programs in Florida:

Best ABSN Schools in Florida

• Best ABSN Programs in Florida

Prerequisites and admission requirements typically include:

• Holding at minimum a Bachelor’s degree in any field
• Complete all remaining nursing prerequisites if any gaps exist from prior college coursework
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (some programs differ)
• Competitive GRE scores
• Essays and professional references illustrating passion for nursing

The typical ABSN program structure involves a fast-paced learning environment alongside 500+ hours of clinical rotations:

• Around 12-18 months duration if pursuing full-time
• Cover nursing fundamentals to advanced concepts and evidence-based practice
• Develop necessary knowledge, hands-on abilities, leadership capacities
• Form meaningful relationships with nursing faculty/clinical instructors

Look closely at admissions rates + NCLEX exam pass rates to gauge the quality of various Accelerated BSN programs available when researching options. Thoroughly understanding the intensity and dedication involved is crucial before applying.

Factor how the schedules compare in terms of aligning any work obligations or personal responsibilities you may have outside of school if hoping to continue working while in an ABSN program. Having a clear roadmap from the start will set you up for success on the accelerated path to joining this meaningful medical field.

RN to BSN Programs

For registered nurses who hold an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma and already passed boards to gain RN licensure, RN-to-BSN bridge programs present an ideal option for pursuing higher nursing education in a flexible, career-advancing format a BSN unlocks.

Here’s a list of the best schools for pursuing an RN to BSN degree:

Best RN to BSN Schools in Florida

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Florida

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing allows RNs to expand their medical knowledge and also equips them with invaluable leadership competencies to take on additional responsibilities in guiding team-based care. BSN-educated nurses drive better patient outcomes through their enhanced ability to coordinate care across healthcare teams and systems. Many employer settings have been elevating hiring standards, requiring a BSN minimum particularly in specialized acute care units.

Other prime advantages of earning a BSN include:

• Career advancement – Opens access to higher nursing roles
• Higher earning potential – BSN-prepared nurses earn ~$6,000 more per year on average
• Leadership development – Build skills in delegation, policy advocacy, systems thinking
• Enhanced clinical competency – Care for sicker, more complex patients requiring greater critical thinking
• Graduate program eligibility – BSN is baseline to pursue MSN, DNP to advance as nurse practitioner, CRNA, nurse educator

There are a few main RN to BSN program formats to consider to accommodate working nurse schedules:

• Fully online BSN programs with no required campus visits
• Hybrid models with a mix of online learning + occasional campus requirements
• Part-time pathways spacing out the curriculum over 2-4 years

When researching schools, look closely at:

• Cost per credit hour, scholarships + financial assistance offered
• Transfer credit policy and prior nursing coursework applied to degree

Programs with generous transfer credit acceptance can significantly expedite an RN’s journey to finally attaining that coveted BSN credential in alignment with long-term nursing career aspirations. Leveraging past Associate Degree in Nursing or diploma nursing education means less repeating of courses and lighter course loads to balance life obligations outside academics. Upon completion, RNs are awarded with a bachelor of science in nursing degree.

Evaluate options based on total flexibility, cost savings via transfer credits, availability of key nursing specializations preferred, plus entry requirements like minimum GPA and nurse licenses. Identifying an RN-to-BSN program facilitating learning while working – whether online, hybrid or local – is fully achievable for driven nursing professionals in Florida.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Those wanting to specialize by becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) through securing a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree have fantastic in-state options, plus increased online accessibility. This graduate degree qualifies nurses for advanced roles such as:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Prescribe medications and diagnose health conditions as primary and specialty care providers in clinics, hospitals, private practice, etc.
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – Specialize in delivering + monitoring anesthesia at hospital surgery centers and may serve as first assistants to doctors
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) – Provide OB/GYN care + deliver babies; can open private practices or work alongside physicians
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Work directly with patients while developing improvements in practice standards on nursing specialty units (pediatrics, oncology, etc.)
• Nursing Administration – Oversee operations, staff coordination, financial reporting and budgets for nursing departments

Florida offers full-time and part-time pathways to MSN specializations across campus and online MSN programs to allow working nurses to upskill conveniently around their schedules. Expect a 2-3 year timeframe to complete a graduate nursing degree depending on prior undergrad coursework in statistics, research, etc. that may fulfill MSN prerequisites.

When researching MSN programs in Florida, look for:

• Variety in NP population foci: Family, Adult-Gerontology, Pediatrics, Psych-Mental Health, etc.
• Competitiveness – MSN programs can be highly competitive for admission
• Accreditation – CCNE or ACEN credentials
• Examination pass rates – Certification exams needed for APRN licensure
• Tuition cost, clinical hour requirements – 500+ direct patient care hours
• Graduate assistantships, scholarships, loan repayment programs
• Carefully required undergraduate statistics coursework – Often required before applying

Identify any particular nursing specialization preferred then vet programs based on cost, format convenience, clinical rotation access in your locale, career outcomes, plus licensure support. Prepping early for MSN success!

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

For driven nurses looking to provide primary care or specialize in a specific medical field through advanced diagnostics, assessment, prescribing abilities and greater autonomy, becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) ranks as a rewarding option. Demand for these advanced caregivers continues rising. Nurse practitioners carry incredible responsibilities but also earn excellent compensation given the immense value they bring to streamlining public health.

Here is a list of Florida Schools offering top Nurse Practitioner Programs:

Best NP Schools in Florida

• Best NP Programs in Florida

You must secure your RN license and a Master’s of Science in Nursing first before qualifying to sit for the necessary NP certification exams to gain licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Then you’ll be authorized to provide complete medical care in clinics, private practices, hospitals and beyond as an NP.

When researching schools with NP tracks, identify focus areas that interest you as well as ideal work environments post-graduation to hone in on compatible specializations, such as:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Provide frontline healthcare for patients across the lifespan from pediatrics to geriatrics; can work in clinics, telehealth companies, etc.
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – Care for issues affecting adults and aging populations specifically; work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health settings, private practices
• Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) – Help treat conditions requiring immediate medical intervention in chaotic emergency rooms and critical access sites
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) – Care exclusively for infant, child + adolescent wellness spanning from primary to specialty care in clinics, hospitals
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – Provide counseling, therapy, prescribe medications + treatment plans to support those facing mental health disorders and substance abuse of all ages and backgrounds
• Plus expanding options like the Acute Care NP who provides frontline intensive treatment for seriously ill patients who are typically in a hospital, rehabilitation facility, long-term care center or clinic requiring advanced nursing expertise beyond a standard RN skillset.

Evaluate programs based on population foci offered, primary vs specialty care tracks, academic + clinical hour requirements, and cost. Expect 500 supervised clinical hours at minimum for NP certification eligibility. Identify any preferences for part-time, accelerated or RN to NP options as well – there are versatile pathways to advancing as an NP!

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

For those committed to exploring the pinnacle of nursing practice or pioneering new standards in healthcare research, Florida offers top-tier options for reaching doctoral heights through either the research-focused PhD in Nursing pathway or the clinically-oriented Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These terminal degrees sit at the apex of nursing education, unlocking senior roles in advanced specialization, executive administration, policy advocacy, groundbreaking research plus nursing academia.

There are key differences in outcomes between the DNP vs PhD in Nursing relating to interests in influencing practice vs. research:

DNP Overview

• Equips nurses with the peak of clinical expertise + competency through 1000 hours of immersive training
• Ideal for those pursuing high-level administration and APRN roles – CRNA, CNM, NP seeking greatest autonomy in practice
• Offered in BSN-to-DNP and Post-Master’s DNP formats
• Culminates with a practice-based Capstone project solving clinical issues

PhD Overview

• Grants doctors of nursing the credentials to actively develop new nursing theories through intensive research
• Leads to senior faculty and scholar roles guiding cutting-edge inquiry
• Typically requires a BSN + MSN to qualify for competitive entry
• Culminates with a dissertation expanding academic nursing knowledge

For PhD programs, examine faculty research interests + specialties to discern compatibility of advising support for proposed dissertation topics. Also investigate funding options like scholarships or graduate assistant roles to fund these extensive 4-7 year doctoral journeys.

Both the DNP and PhD pathways signal dedication to radically evolving standards of care and nursing influence at the bedside and on administrative boards alike. Florida needs more brilliant nursing minds leading practice transformations!

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Florida

Alongside a wealth of nursing program options, Florida stands out as an exceptional location to launch your career once licensed. As the third most populous state fueling a massive healthcare system, nursing job growth is exploding to keep pace rising population health demands. Other advantages include:

• Nursing Shortage – Like most states, FL faces pressing nurse staffing shortages across virtually all healthcare settings
• High Compensation – Nursing salaries in Florida tend to run higher than national averages currently
• Varied Work Environments – Choose from major hospital systems, world class research facilities, diverse community clinics, telehealth platforms and more
• Ample Job Opportunities – Openings span specialized units like pediatrics, oncology, geriatrics, plus general nursing roles

Florida’s allure as a hub of vibrant locations prone to attracting growing masses means ensuring populations keep thriving via expanded patient access and nursing excellence remains paramount. Allow your compassion to catalyze community wellness!

How to Earn Your Florida Nursing License

To gain licensure approval allowing legal practice as an RN or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) within Florida, you must complete the necessary steps set by the state’s Board of Nursing:

Earning RN Licensure

1. Graduate from a Board of Nursing-approved RN diploma, Associate or Bachelor’s in Nursing program
2. Register for and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam
3. Apply for state licensure by endorsement through the Florida Board of Nursing
4. Renew license every 2 years to maintain active status

Earning APRN Licensure

1. Hold an active, unencumbered registered nurse license
2. Graduate from an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
3. Pass applicable national certification exam for chosen APRN specialization
4. Apply for advanced registered nurse practitioner licensure by endorsement
5. Comply with any ongoing renewal requirements

Top in-demand nursing specializations to consider in Florida include:

• Emergency Department (ED) RN
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) RN
• Labor + Delivery / Maternity RN
• Oncology RN
• Pediatric RN
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) RN

You can also specialize further down the line through focused BSN+, MSN or DNP pathways or stackable certifications once establishing initial RN experience.

Florida continues facing pressing nurse staffing shortages with RN roles expecting 20% job growth by 2030. Competitive nursing salaries also rise each year given short supplies yet heavy demands.

Get ready to tap plentiful nursing opportunities upon licensure supporting Florida’s communities!

Finding the Right Nursing School in Florida

With endless options, narrow your selection by checking for proper accreditations ensuring program quality, analyzing grad outcomes like licensure pass rates and gauging affordability.

Accreditation

Scrutinize that Florida nursing schools hold accreditation through either:

• ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

This confirms critical standards are fulfilled in developing competent, practice-ready nurses. It also eases multistate license transfers.

NCLEX Pass Rates

The NCLEX national exam tests nursing knowledge for RN licensure. Strong pass rates indicate effective teaching and curriculum quality. Peruse these scores!

Tuition Costs + Scholarship Availability

Contrast program costs and availability of scholarships, grants plus loan repayment assistance through the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program and more.

Aim for your ideal nursing specialty focus offered, attaintable entry benchmarks, student support systems and value-driven cost when selecting the perfect Florida nursing program fit! Let your empathy drive positive patient outcomes.

Getting Licensed as an RN in Florida

Upon completing Board of Nursing-approved nursing program coursework, you’ll apply for licensure and register for the NCLEX-RN exam. Check out key steps:

Licensure Steps

• Graduate from ACEN or CCNE accredited Florida nursing diploma, ASN or BSN program
• Pass the NCLEX-RN national licensing exam
• Apply for RN licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing
• Renew license every 2 years by completing continuing ed courses

In-Demand Specializations

Research competitive nursing realms like emergency medicine, oncology, pediatrics, critical care and operating room nursing. Seek specialty certifications later on to advance expertise!

Job + Salary Outlook

Florida mirrors positive national projections of ample RN employment growth and rising salary rates. Deploy your passion for uplifting patient outcomes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Schools in Florida

What are some of the top nursing schools in Florida?

Florida is home to many accredited nursing schools that offer quality undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. The state has several schools that rank in the top 10 best nursing schools in the nation, like the University of Florida College of Nursing, Florida State University College of Nursing, and the University of Miami School of Nursing. Other top schools in Florida include the University of Central Florida College of Nursing, Florida International University Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing, and the University of South Florida College of Nursing.

When choosing a nursing school in Florida, consider factors like program offerings, cost, location, rankings, and accreditation. Many schools available in Florida offer excellent BSN programs as well as graduate programs like MSN and DNP degrees. Look for schools located in convenient areas like Central Florida, South Florida, and North Florida.

What types of nursing programs are available at Florida colleges and universities?

The state of Florida offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs across its many colleges and universities. Nursing programs available in Florida include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to prepare students for professional nursing practice.

In addition, universities in Florida offer several graduate nursing programs as well, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, and PhD in Nursing programs. Specialty MSN tracks are also available, like Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Education, and more. Accelerated BSN programs and RN-to-BSN programs are other options for earning a BSN degree.

When researching nursing programs in Florida, look for ones accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

What factors should I consider when choosing a nursing school in Florida?

There are several key things to consider when selecting which nursing school in Florida to attend. First, ensure the program and school are accredited. Next, consider factors like cost, program offerings that align with your career goals, location and campus environment, rankings, acceptance rates, and more.

If aiming to become an advanced practice registered nurse, look for schools in Florida that offer graduate nursing programs like DNP and MSN degrees. Seek out schools with excellent pass rates on board certification exams as well as high job placement rates after graduation. Schools located in metro areas can provide good clinical training opportunities. Reach out to current students and alumni to gain additional insight on different nursing programs in the state. Thoroughly researching all your options will enable you to choose one of the many excellent nursing schools available in Florida.

What role does the Florida Board of Nursing play in the overseeing of nursing programs?

The Florida State Board of Nursing (FLSBN) serves a critical role in overseeing and regulating nursing education programs across the state. The FLSBN approves and monitors nursing schools’ curriculums to ensure they adequately prepare students for licensed nursing practice. Additionally, all nursing schools in Florida must meet stringent standards and guidelines set forth by the FLSBN to achieve accreditation for their degree programs.

The Florida Board of Nursing also ensures nursing programs maintain high educational standards for continued accreditation over time through periodic reviews and evaluations. So when researching accredited nursing schools in Florida, you can feel confident that FLSBN-approved programs offer quality education that aligns with important industry benchmarks.

How do Florida nursing schools compare nationally?

Florida has many exceptional nursing schools that rank highly among programs nationwide. For example, the University of Miami’s graduate nursing programs place it among the top nursing schools in the country each year. Additionally, schools like the University of Florida and Florida State University are consistently recognized as top programs nationally by publications like US News for their acclaimed research, academics and faculty.

Overall, Florida colleges have several nursing programs placing in the top 50 nationally in areas like pediatric and psychiatric mental health nursing according to rankings by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. With stringent oversight by the FLSBN and national accrediting bodies, nursing students in Florida can feel assured they are getting excellent preparation meeting benchmarks among the best programs in the nation.

More of the Best Nursing Schools in Florida

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Florida State Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

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