Overview of Nursing Schools in Florida
- There are 81 nursing schools in Florida. The CCNE accredits 32 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 49 schools in Florida.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Florida is between 26.28% and 97.76%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Florida is between 64.17% and 98.69%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Florida can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Recommended Nursing Schools for Florida
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
About Nursing Schools in Florida
Florida ranks among the top states for the highest employment of nursing professions. Currently, there are more than 183,000 nurses working in various healthcare settings including hospitals, home care centres, community healthcare settings, research facilities, and so on. On average, nurses in Florida earn $70,230 annually with the most experienced professionals earning $93,500 annually. While this figure falls below the national average for the profession, the cost of living in Florida is also below the national average. With average annual job openings of 14,000, the number of nurses working in this state is expected to rise from 189,820 to 220,350 from the year 2018 to 2019.
In addition to RNs this Sunshine State is also a great work destination for Nurse Practitioners. More than 13,000 NPs are working in Florida with those with more than 20 years of experience earning $134,230. According to the US department of labor, the number of NPs working in this warm and sunny state is projected to rise from 11,100 to 15,200 from 2018 to 2028. With the annual job opening of 1,110 NPs, it can be safe to predict that Florida needs NPs to match its needs which makes it an ideal state to work as an NP.
However, Nurse Practitioners working in Florida only have Restricted Practice which means that the laws restrict their ability to engage in at least one element of NP practice. The state practice and licensure laws also require them to have career-long supervision, delegation or team management by another healthcare provider to provide patient care.
Despite this, Florida is an ideal destination for RNs and NPs alike because of the plethora of opportunities that the state gives them. If you love the outdoors and sunny weather while also enjoying the benefits of low cost of living then Florida is the best place to work as a nurse.
About Nursing Schools in Florida
Nursing is a profession that requires a wide knowledge base. It covers a wide selection of variables that affect health and wellness. The nurses in Florida are knowledgeable of the multicultural influences and social issues have on health. Nurses must be prepared to provide expert nursing services, define greater responsibilities, and prove that you are ready for bigger responsibilities. This will ensure that you are providing the best nursing care to Florida residents that is possible. RN to BSN programs build on knowledge gained while working in the field and enables nurses to meet the challenges of the field head on.
In our Florida RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Florida RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Florida, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Florida RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 49 | 51 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 76.95% | 86.76% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 26.28% to 97.76% | 64.17% to 98.69% |
Best Ranked Nursing Schools in Florida
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Florida and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 48 ADN degree programs and 31 BSN degree programs in Florida. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Florida to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Best Nursing Schools in Florida
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- College of Central Florida Ocala
- State College of Florida-Manatee−Sarasota
- The University of Tampa
- Polk State College
- The University of West Florida
- Tallahassee Community College
- Lake Sumter State College
- Pasco Hernando State College (Pasco Hernando Community College)
- Valencia College (Valencia Community College)
- Broward Community College (Broward College)
- Florida State University
- West Coast University-Miami
- South University-Tampa
- South Florida State College
- St. Petersburg College
Florida Gulf Coast University
Pass Rate
- 10501 Fgcu Blvd S, Fort Myers, FL - 33965-6565
- (239) 590-1000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.40%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Educator, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 516
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,118
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 78%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,814
Percent Admitted: 77%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
Graduation Rate: 53%
College of Central Florida Ocala
Pass Rate
- 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL - 34474
- (352) 873-5800
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 123
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,710
Book and Supplies: $1,400
Percent Received Aid: 83%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,978
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
State College of Florida-Manatee−Sarasota
Health Professions Division Nursing Department
Pass Rate
- 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL - 34207
- (941) 752-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 138
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,074
Book and Supplies: $1,500
Percent Received Aid: 71%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,875
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
The University of Tampa
Pass Rate
- 401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL - 33606-1490
- (813) 253-3333
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.41%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 390
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 98%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,616
Percent Admitted: 56%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
Graduation Rate: 60%
Polk State College
Pass Rate
- 999 Avenue H NE, Winter Haven, FL - 33881-4299
- (863) 297-1000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 152
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,366
Book and Supplies: $2,000
Percent Received Aid: 70%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,041
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 32%
The University of West Florida
Pass Rate
- 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL - 32514-5750
- (850) 474-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.92%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
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University Information
Total Faculty: 354
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,360
Book and Supplies: $1,600
Percent Received Aid: 93%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,482
Percent Admitted: 58%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Tallahassee Community College
Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education
Pass Rate
- 444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL - 32304-2895
- (850) 201-6200
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 207
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,026
Book and Supplies: $800
Percent Received Aid: 71%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,102
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Lake Sumter State College
Pass Rate
- 9501 US Hwy 441, Leesburg, FL - 34788-8751
- (352) 787-3747
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 82
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,292
Book and Supplies: $2,600
Percent Received Aid: 94%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,151
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Pasco Hernando State College (Pasco Hernando Community College)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Pass Rate
- 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey, FL - 34654-5199
- (727) 847-2727
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
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University Information
Total Faculty: 152
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,155
Book and Supplies: $1,440
Percent Received Aid: 73%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,620
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Valencia College (Valencia Community College)
Pass Rate
- 1768 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL - 32835
- (407) 299-2187
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 607
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,474
Book and Supplies: $1,266
Percent Received Aid: 80%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,988
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Broward Community College (Broward College)
Pass Rate
- 111 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL - 33301
- (954) 201-7350
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 378
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,830
Book and Supplies: $3,004
Percent Received Aid: 74%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,845
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Florida State University
Pass Rate
- 222 S. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL - 32306-1037
- (850) 644-2525
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.48%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
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University Information
Total Faculty: 2061
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,656
Book and Supplies: $1,000
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,897
Percent Admitted: 32%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
Graduation Rate: 84%
West Coast University-Miami
Pass Rate
- 9250 NW 36th Street, Doral, FL - 33178-2431
- (786) 501-7070
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.97%
- Programs:
- Award Levels:
University Information
Total Faculty: 34
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,459
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 90%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,517
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
South University-Tampa
Pass Rate
- 4401 N Himes Ave, Suite 175, Tampa, FL - 33614-7095
- (813) 393-3800
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.86%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Post Master's NP Certificate
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University Information
Total Faculty: 25
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
Book and Supplies: N/A
Percent Received Aid: 100%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,422
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 13%
South Florida State College
Pass Rate
- 600 W College Dr, Avon Park, FL - 33825-9356
- (863) 453-6661
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 66
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,165
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 75%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,562
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
St. Petersburg College
Pass Rate
- 244 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL - 33701
- (727) 341-4772
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
University Information
Total Faculty: 329
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,682
Book and Supplies: $1,600
Percent Received Aid: 75%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,088
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: N/A
Additional List of Top Florida Nursing Programs
Nursing Programs Offered by Florida Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 78
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 16
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 10
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 6
- CNL: 5
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 5
- Nurse Educator: 4
- Nurse Anesthetist: 3
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
- Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Nursing Administration: 1
- Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 1
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
Florida Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- University of Florida – Gainesville: 9
- University of North Florida: 6
- University of Central Florida: 6
- University of South Florida College of Nursing: 6
- University of Miami: 6
- Florida Gulf Coast University: 5
- Florida National University-Miami: 5
- Florida Southern College: 4
- Florida Atlantic University: 4
- Fortis College-Largo: 3
Florida RN Licensing Requirements
Before gaining licensure, prospective RNs are required to enroll in a nursing program that is approved and/or accredited by the Florida Board of Nursing. Similar to other states, Florida has an approval process for nursing programs within the state. Candidates can obtain licensure through exam, endorsement, and in some cases, through an education abroad.
RN License by Exam
Once nursing candidates have completed the educational requirements through an approved and/or accredited program by the Florida Board of Nursing, they are required to take a licensing exam. However, before a nursing candidate can have authorization to take the exam, he/she must apply to the Board. In addition, candidates must submit the following:
- Fingerprinting completed through Livescan sent to the correct Originating Agency Identification
- A combine and application and licensing fee of $175
When the state has reviewed the application, the candidate will be given instructions to register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE, which costs $200. If the candidate fails to pass the exam after three attempts, he/she will need to take an approved remedial program.
RN License by Endorsement
Applicants who are already licensed in one of the other fifty states may apply for licensure through endorsement. With the application they must submit the following:
- License verification from their current state
- $175 check or money or paid to the order of The State of Florida
Fees for fingerprinting vary depending on the fee set by the home state. Military spouses may also apply for licensure under the same requirements but for a smaller fee. They must submit military orders and proof of marriage.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Candidates who were trained in a country other than the United States are not in the jurisdiction of the NSCBN and are required to complete the NCLEX exam. This does not include all Canadian RNs who took the CNATS before August 8, 1995. They may apply for licensure by endorsement. Candidates are responsible for having their education evaluated and English competency will be evaluated if the coursework was not completed in English.
Florida Board of Nursing
Department of Health
Board of Nursing
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Bin C-02
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3252
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Florida
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Florida
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Florida and research schools in Florida offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by Florida Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Nursing Salaries in Florida
Nursing Type | Employment | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Wage |
Registered Nurses | 183,130 | $33 | $69,510 |
Nurse Anesthetists | 3,660 | $85 | $176,760 |
Nurse Midwives | 340 | $32 | $67,530 |
Nurse Practitioners | 13,010 | $49 | $101,060 |
LPN / LVN | 41,560 | $22 | $46,710 |
Nursing Assistants | 84,520 | $14 | $28,660 |
Nursing Salaries (RN) in Florida
Registered nurses in Florida are going through a transformation and recently proposed regulation requires RNs to complete a BSN within 10 years of graduation. There are approximately 6,800 registered nurse positions remain vacant within the state of Florida. The shortage is expected to continually decrease. It is predicted that Florida will have 50,000 full-time openings by the year 2025. A few reasons for such tremendous shortages include retiring nurses, an aging population, and the expansion of services to millions of citizens across the nation due to the healthcare reform.
Employment Outlook for RNs Through 2028 In Florida
State | 2018 | 2028 | Change | % Change | Avg. Annual Openings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Florida | 189,820 | 220,350 | 30,530 | 16.1 | 14,000 |
Florida Registered Nursing Salaries
The Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area has the highest annual median wage.
Area Name | Employment | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage | Entry Level | 20+ Years |
Cape Coral | 5,260 | $34 | $70,850 | $26 | $40 |
Crestview | 1,780 | $30 | $62,840 | $21 | $41 |
Deltona | 4,780 | $29 | $60,640 | $21 | $39 |
Gainesville | 5,740 | $35 | $73,430 | $26 | $48 |
Homosassa Springs | 920 | $33 | $68,100 | $25 | $46 |
Jacksonville | 16,750 | $33 | $67,590 | $24 | $42 |
Lakeland | 4,030 | $32 | $66,090 | $26 | $40 |
Miami | 53,900 | $35 | $72,300 | $25 | $48 |
Naples | 2,500 | $33 | $68,930 | $22 | $48 |
North Florida | 2,290 | $32 | $66,790 | $22 | $44 |
North Port | 6,710 | $34 | $70,240 | $25 | $42 |
Ocala | 1,950 | $31 | $63,800 | $24 | $39 |
Orlando | 21,530 | $32 | $67,330 | $23 | $41 |
Palm Bay | 4,990 | $33 | $67,600 | $25 | $41 |
Panama City | 1,230 | $32 | $66,620 | $22 | $42 |
Pensacola | 4,710 | $30 | $62,710 | $22 | $39 |
Port St. Lucie | 4,290 | $33 | $69,320 | $22 | $47 |
Punta Gorda | 1,390 | $34 | $69,780 | $26 | $41 |
Sebastian | 1,430 | $29 | $60,430 | $19 | $39 |
Sebring | 1,120 | $33 | $67,830 | $24 | $42 |
South Florida | 830 | $31 | $64,390 | $25 | $41 |
Tallahassee | 3,390 | $32 | $66,120 | $22 | $39 |
Tampa-St. Petersburg | 29,020 | $34 | $71,300 | $24 | $46 |
The Villages | 910 | $34 | $70,440 | $25 | $44 |
Employment Outlook for NPs Through 2028 In Florida
Area | 2,018 | 20,289 | Change | %Change | Avg. Annl. Openings |
Florida | 11,100 | 15,200 | 4,100 | $37 | 1,110 |
Florida Nurse Practitioner Salaries
Area Name | Employment | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage | Entry Level | 20+ Years |
Cape Coral | 440 | $44 | $91,610 | $14 | $63 |
Crestview | 90 | $49 | $102,910 | $20 | $66 |
Deltona | 310 | $52 | $108,280 | $35 | $74 |
Gainesville | 170 | $56 | $115,810 | $35 | $68 |
Homosassa Springs | 70 | $49 | $100,880 | $41 | $62 |
Jacksonville | 1,850 | $49 | $102,820 | $38 | $63 |
Lakeland | 220 | $51 | $106,280 | $35 | $66 |
Miami | 3,620 | $47 | $97,030 | $23 | $65 |
Naples | 170 | $46 | $96,540 | $19 | $64 |
North Florida | 220 | $45 | $93,040 | $28 | $60 |
North Port | 400 | $54 | $111,440 | $28 | $78 |
Ocala | 240 | $50 | $103,700 | $32 | $69 |
Orlando | 1,090 | $53 | $110,370 | $42 | $65 |
Palm Bay | 310 | $44 | $91,020 | $27 | $60 |
Panama City | 100 | $49 | $100,880 | $42 | $60 |
Pensacola | 260 | $49 | $101,160 | $38 | $62 |
Port St. Lucie | 330 | $52 | $108,690 | $35 | $76 |
Punta Gorda | 150 | $35 | $72,120 | $16 | $59 |
Sebastian | 90 | $47 | $98,750 | $14 | $67 |
Sebring | 30 | - | - | - | - |
South Florida | 60 | $57 | $119,470 | $41 | $80 |
Tallahassee | 260 | $51 | $106,740 | $40 | $64 |
Tampa-St. Petersburg | 2,080 | $47 | $98,750 | $33 | $63 |