The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Florida
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If you're considering nursing schools in Florida, the Sunshine State has much to offer. Florida is home to top nurse practitioner (NP) programs, and more than 20 Magnet hospitals recognized for supporting nurses and advancing nursing excellence. Florida nurse practitioners can earn six-figure salaries in an in-demand field. The projected employment growth rate for NPs is well above the national average.
Learn about becoming a nurse practitioner in Florida, potential salary information, and the top NP programs.
How to Choose a Nurse Practitioner Program in Florida
Ask yourself the following questions when deciding on the right nurse practitioner (NP) program in Florida:
-
Cost and Aid
Is the tuition affordable? What are the financial aid options? In addition to federal aid, look for Florida-specific and school-specific scholarships. -
NCLEX Pass Rate
How did the school's graduates score on the National Council Licensure Examination? While this may not relate directly to NPs, high NCLEX pass rates can indicate effective nurse training. Programs may post them online, or you can check-circle the state nursing board's site. -
Program Format and Length
How long will it take to earn your degree? Is accelerated or part-time study available? Do you want to study online or in person? -
Clinical Placements
Are there options near your home? Are they offered in your specialty? Does the school assist in finding placements? -
Accreditation
Is the program's accreditation recognized by the Florida Board of Nursing?
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in Florida
Florida nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $107,600, nearly 12% less than the national median salary for all NPs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, nurse practitioner salaries increase to roughly $112,000 after adjusting for the cost of living.
The BLS's 2020-2030 projected job outlook for Florida NPs is 71%, much higher than the national employment growth projection of 46% for the same period. In fact, Florida ranks fourth among U.S. states for the highest projected growth of nurse practitioner employment.
| Location | Employment | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 18,530 | $107,600 |
| United States | 258,230 | $121,610 |
Salaries for Nurse Practitioners in Florida
Employment levels and average annual salaries for NPs vary in Florida's top-paying metropolitan areas. But, salaries in these cities outpace the state average. NP average pay in the top three metro areas also exceeds the national average.
| Metropolitan Areas | Employment | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Tallahassee | 360 | $137,960 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | 720 | $128,000 |
| Port St. Lucie | 420 | $123,670 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | 310 | $120,220 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | 680 | $119,820 |
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Florida
To become a Florida nurse practitioner, you need a master of science in nursing (MSN) or post-master's certification. You must also submit proof of national advanced practice certification.
Nurse Practitioner Requirements
- Earn a graduate nursing degree. An MSN is the minimum degree required for licensing and certification. Some NPs hold doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees.
- Apply for national advanced practice certification in your concentration area and earn a passing score on the applicable exam.
- Submit an application for licensure to the Florida Board of Nursing, along with a $110 fee.
- Schedule fingerprinting with Livescan Service Provider.
- Submit proof of national certification to the Board.
- Submit proof of malpractice insurance (or exemption) to the Board.
The Best Nursing Schools in Florida
Begin your search with our rankings of the best nurse practitioner programs in Florida. Find the right program to help you advance your nursing career.
How We Rank Schools
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Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that's best for you.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
JU offers a family nurse practitioner (FNP) program beginning each fall. JU's flexible track allows students to attend full-time or part-time in small classroom settings, providing more one-on-one time with instructors. JU's clinical placement team manages students' clinical placements, helping to ensure quality fieldwork experiences.
Candidates must hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA. They must also submit an online application, unofficial transcripts, a resume, a statement of intent, and have an active U.S. nursing license.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $700
- Program Length: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.44% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
FIU provides four unique tracks within their master of science nurse practitioner program, including adult-gerontology primary care, pediatric primary care, and dual nurse educator certificates in both areas.
Applicants must hold a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA and a current Florida RN license. They must also submit an online application with fee, a written essay, a curriculum vitae, and three professional reference letters.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Year: $28,282-$30,796 (in state); $50,966-$55,496 (out of state)
- Program Length: 6 semesters (full-time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 45-49 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.74% (2019)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Barry University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Barry University's NP family practice program offers diverse courses in delivering care across all ages. Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. They also need a current U.S. RN license with at least one years' experience in a full-time, clinical registered nursing position. Prospective students must also submit transcripts and two letters of recommendation from professional references.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $990
- Program Length: 7 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 48 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.18% (2019)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Miami offers an MSN family nurse practitioner program with a full-time and part-time track, allowing for curriculum flexibility. Notable courses include adult gerontology and maternal child health in primary care practice. Candidates need a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an introductory statistics course. They must also provide official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $2,421
- Program Length: 3 semesters (full-time); 5 semesters (part-time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 37 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98.51% (2019)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Everything Else You Need to Know About Nurse Practitioners Programs in Florida
What are the most popular nurse practitioner specialties in Florida?
The most popular NP specialization in Florida is family nurse practice, followed by adult care, according to a 2019 Journal of Nursing Regulation study. Most NPs surveyed chose primary care family nurse practice, while those working with adults selected acute care.
What experience is necessary to become a nurse practitioner in Florida?
Most nursing schools in Florida require or prefer at least one year of registered nurse experience before applying to a graduate-level nurse practitioner program.
Can you become a nurse practitioner online in Florida?
Yes, many Florida nursing schools offer online nurse practitioner programs. Typically, you complete coursework through asynchronous or synchronous class sessions. But, you must attend clinical experiences in-person at healthcare facilities near your home. Some programs may require attendance at on-campus orientations, labs, or intensives.
What is the starting salary for nurse practitioners in Florida?
The lowest 10% of earners (typically NPs just beginning their careers) make $63,880 in Florida, reports the BLS. As NPs gain experience, the median (50%) salary totals $107,600, and the top 90% reaches $136,290.