2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Florida

Overview of Nursing Schools in Florida

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

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

School of Nursing

98.40% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  10501 Fgcu Blvd S, Fort Myers, FL - 33965-6565
• 
  (239) 590-1000

Nurse Admin: Anne M. Nolan, PhD, RN, FACN

Title: Director

• 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

Florida Gulf Coast University Marieb College's School of Nursing has an acclaimed nursing programs on campus in Fort Myers or online. Students can choose a hybrid format per their needs and residential location. The nursing programs are ACEN, ACME, CCNE and COA accredited. At this public institution, students can become

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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

97.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL - 34474
• 
  (352) 873-5800

Nurse Admin: Prado,

Title: Nursing programs Advisor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.20%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

College of Central Florida is located in Ocala, Florida.  They offer an RN program, a bridge program (an LPN to RN program) and an RN to BSN program.  The bridge program is designed for the nurse who holds an LPN license and the RN to BSN program is designed for

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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

97.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL - 34207
• 
  (941) 752-5000

Nurse Admin: Tammy Sawmelle, PhD, MSN, RN

Title: Assistant Dean of Nursing and Chief Nurse Administrator

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.10%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

State College of Florida - Manatee - Sarasota has campuses in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Venice, Florida.  It is the region's first and largest public college.  They offer multiple nursing programs, from an ADN program, to a BSN program to an ADN to RN and an RN to BSN program.

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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

Department of Nursing

96.41% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  401 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL - 33606-1490
• 
  (813) 253-3333

Nurse Admin: Carol Botwinski, EdD, ARNP, NNP-BC

Title: Director, Chair, Associate Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 96.41%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN

The School of Nursing programs at the University of Tampa are top ranked. A BSN and MSN are offered on campus. These programs at this public institution are ACEN, ACME, CCNE, and COA accredited. Students – many with nursing credits - enroll in a variety of fields, including adult gerontology

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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

Department of Nursing

94.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  999 Avenue H NE, Winter Haven, FL - 33881-4299
• 
  (863) 297-1000

Nurse Admin: Joan Connors, EdD, MSN

Title: Director of Nursing

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.10%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida has a varied RN program with several choices: a generic option (ASN), a transition option (for LPNs, paramedics and registered respiratory therapists seeking an RN degree), and an RN to BSN option. Students can elect various paths to pursue their education at this

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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

Nursing Program

93.92% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL - 32514-5750
• 
  (850) 474-2000

Nurse Admin: Crystal G. Bennett, PhD, MSN, RN

Title: Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.92%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN

The University of West Florida in Pensacola is a state school that offers a BSN and RN to BSN program.  These programs are CCNE accredited and open to students who hold an RN license and hold either an ASN degree or a diploma RN. This public institution follows the trend

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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

93.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL - 32304-2895
• 
  (850) 201-6200

Nurse Admin: Stephanie Solomon, DrPH, MSN, RN

Title: Dean of Health Care Programs

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.50%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

Tallahassee Community College is located in Tallahassee, Florida.  Tallahassee offers a variety of nursing programs; they offer a traditional ASN program and a BSN program.  They also offer an RN to BSN program and a Health Profession to RN program.  The Health Profession to RN program is designed for LPNs

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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

Nursing Program

93.40% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  9501 US Hwy 441, Leesburg, FL - 34788-8751
• 
  (352) 787-3747

Nurse Admin: Jessica Shearer, PhD, RN, CNE

Title: Dean of Allied Health

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.40%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Students seeking a reputable public institution turn to Lake Sumter State College Nursing School, located in the picturesque town of Leesburg, Florida. They earn their nursing degree on campus. The school ranks in the state and boasts a passing rate on the NCLEX ADN as one of the highest in

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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

92.70% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey, FL - 34654-5199
• 
  (727) 847-2727

Nurse Admin: Daryle Wane, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC

Title: BSN Program Director

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.70%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

Pasco Hernando State College (Pasco Hernando Community College) nursing school in New Port Richey, Florida has a variety of undergraduate nursing programs, granting Associate and Bachelor  level degrees.. This public institution’s nursing school has been ACEN and CCNE accredited since 1996. PHSC’s academic programs meet community needs, positioning students to

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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)

RN to BSN Program

92.60% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1768 Park Center Drive, Orlando, FL - 32835
• 
  (407) 299-2187

Nurse Admin: Ruby Alvarez, MSN, RN

Title: Interim Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.60%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

Students wishing to pursue their nursing degree in Orlando, Florida turn to Valencia College (Valencia Community College). It is known for its bridge programs: an RN to BSN program and an "Advanced Standing Track".  The latter is a unique program designed for LPNs, paramedics, registered invasive cardiovascular specialists, and registered

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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)

RN-BSN Program

92.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  111 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL - 33301
• 
  (954) 201-7350

Nurse Admin: Sara Turpel, PhD, RN, CCRN-K

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.50%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the home of Broward College, a public institution that offers an established RN program, an LPN-RN transition program and an RN-BSN program. The diverse programs in the Broward College Nursing School allow students to reach their education goals. All the programs are ACEN and CCNE accredited.

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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

College of Nursing

92.48% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  222 S. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL - 32306-1037
• 
  (850) 644-2525

Nurse Admin: Jing Wang, PhD, MPH, MSN, RN, FAAN

Title: Dean and Professor

• 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

Nursing students come to Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida to take advantage of the nursing department’s BSN program. the graduate program is acclaimed for those seeking an advanced education. There is an accelerated BSN program for those with a bachelor's degree. The veterans BSN program targets corpsmen and medics

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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

91.97% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  9250 NW 36th Street, Doral, FL - 33178-2431
• 
  (786) 501-7070

Nurse Admin: ,

• 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

91.86% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  4401 N Himes Ave, Suite 175, Tampa, FL - 33614-7095
• 
  (813) 393-3800

Nurse Admin: ,

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.86%
• Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor, Post Master's NP Certificate

South University-Tampa nursing school has a reputable Bachelor’s degree program accredited by ACME and COA. This private for-profit institution is located in Tampa, Florida. South University's degree programs prepare graduates for a career in hospitals, nursing homes and community or school clinics. Associate, Bachelor, Master, Doctoral and Post-Graduate programs are

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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

Nursing Education Program

91.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  600 W College Dr, Avon Park, FL - 33825-9356
• 
  (863) 453-6661

Nurse Admin: Mary Von Merveldt, MSN, ARNP, CPNP-PC

Title: Director, Nursing Education

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.10%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

Students who live or come to Avon Park, Florida appreciate the nursing programs at South Florida State College. The RN program include campus and online options and is ACEN accredited. Students can earn Associate and Bachelor level degrees. Undergraduate Programs - South Florida State College’s 11 month Practical Nursing (PN) program

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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

College of Nursing

91.00% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  244 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL - 33701
• 
  (727) 341-4772

Nurse Admin: Louisana Louis, DNP, RN

Title: Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.00%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

Students may begin their healthcare journey at St. Petersburg College. This public institution in Clearwater, Florida offers ACEN and CCNE accredited nursing programs. The programs include: Nursing B.S.N. Degree (RN-BSN) program, Nursing A.S. Degree, Transitional Nursing A.S. Degree for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Nursing A.A. Transfer Plan. The BSN

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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.

Nursing Salaries in Florida

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

Florida Registered Nursing Salaries

The Miami-Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area has the highest annual median wage.

Employment Outlook for NPs Through 2028 In Florida

Florida Nurse Practitioner Salaries