The Top Nursing Schools in Florida
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Florida is home to excellent hospitals and medical centers, offering many different career opportunities for nurses who choose to go to school and work in the state. Florida's registered nurses (RNs) can access several advantages, including competitive salaries and a number of excellent nursing schools and training programs.
Florida is known as the Sunshine State for good reason, and it is an ideal location for people who enjoy being outside. With a growing state population, there is also a growing need for medical care — especially for senior citizens. In this guide, you'll discover more about the top nursing schools and programs in Florida.
How to Choose a Master's in Nursing (MSN) Program in Florida
Several factors should be considered as you choose between nursing programs in Florida, including the delivery format. As an adult student, you may have responsibilities that prevent you from moving. Online programs with minimal or no on-campus requirements can help you meet your at-home obligations while continuing to advance your education. Online programs may also be ideal if you're working full time.
Additionally, many online programs have lower overall costs for students. And the advances in software and program delivery mean your education matches that of your peers attending on campus.
Other factors that should be considered when choosing a nursing school in Florida are a program's graduation and acceptance rates, financial aid options, and accreditation. The graduation rate offers insight into the scholastic assistance a program offers students, while accreditation affects your financial aid options, ability to transfer credits, and eligibility to sit for your national board exams.
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Career Outlook for Nurses in Florida
Nursing is a growing profession across the United States, and this is especially true in Florida. According to information shared by O*Net OnLine, many nursing roles in Florida are projected to grow significantly faster than the national average in the coming years.
Additionally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida employs the third-most registered nurses and the third-most nurse practitioners among states in the U.S. The state employs 21.46 registered nurses and 2.01 nurse practitioners per thousand jobs.
| Career | U.S. Projected Growth (2021-2031) | Florida Projected Growth (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant | 5% | 10% |
| Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse | 6% | 11% |
| Registered Nurse | 6% | 15% |
| Nurse Practitioner | 46% | 71% |
Salaries for Nurses in Florida
Based on Florida's need for advanced healthcare providers, nurses who advance their education to become nurse practitioners can access more job opportunities and higher salaries. In general, the more advanced your level of education, the greater your salary potential.
| Career | Median Annual Salary in Florida |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant | $32,250 |
| Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse | $50,200 |
| Registered Nurse | $77,710 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $107,600 |
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Florida
The general educational requirements to become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) are standardized across the U.S. This is part of the accreditation process that ensures nurses receive a relevant, quality education. The Florida Board of Nursing regulates licensure in the state.
APRN Requirements
After you earn an MSN or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) in Florida, you’ll need to complete a few additional steps to practice as an APRN.
For example, applicants must submit proof of national advanced practice certification from an approved specialty board. Nurses must also provide proof of malpractice insurance or the documentation necessary for exemption. Finally, APRNs seeking licensure must also submit electronic fingerprints and additional documentation if they have a criminal or disciplinary history.
Application fees include $110 for licensure, but these can vary depending on license verification and fingerprinting. Applications are reviewed within 30 days. To continue practicing, APRNs in Florida must renew their license every two years. This process includes paying a $60 fee and completing 24 hours of continuing education from an approved provider during each renewal cycle.
The Best Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Florida
Start your search for the best nursing schools in Florida. Our ranking will help you find a program that meets your needs to 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.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
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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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AdventHealth University
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Orlando-based AdventHealth University offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) online with a family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialization. Coursework is available 24/7, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Clinical placements are completed on site.
Admission requires an associate of science in nursing (ASN) or a bachelor of science in nursing. ASN-holders may need to complete bridge or prerequisite courses. Additional requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA; a current, unencumbered RN license; and two years of direct patient care.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $670
- Program Length: Two years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 37-39 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 68.25% (January 1-March 31, 2023)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Enrollees in Jacksonville University's master of science in nursing (MSN) program can choose among eight tracks:
- Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- Clinical nurse educator
- Family nurse practitioner
- Healthcare quality and safety
- Informatics
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- RN-to-MSN
- Nursing leadership in healthcare systems
Students can study full- or part-time to complete core and specialization courses.
Applicants submit transcripts from their undergraduate nursing programs and must have an RN license and a 3.0 GPA. Those with lower GPAs may submit GRE/GMAT scores and recommendation letters.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $700
- Program Length: 18-24 months full time
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: Varies by specialization
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes (for some tracks)
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.82% (January 1-March 31, 2023)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Florida Atlantic University, located in Boca Raton, lists five specialization tracks for master of science in nursing students: adult-gerontological nurse practitioner; advanced holistic nursing; family nurse practitioner; nursing administration and financial leadership; and nurse educator.
Core courses can be taken in–person or online, and some tracks offer fully online study. Depending on the specialization, the program may require on-site clinical placements and part-time study.
Admission requires a bachelor of science in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and courses in basic statistics and nursing research.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $372 for Florida residents; $1,027 for out-of-state students
- Program Length: Varies by specialization
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 33-49 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes (for some tracks)
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 67.92% (January 1-March 31, 2023)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Palm Beach Atlantic's master of science in nursing (MSN) program offers three health leadership points-of-entry for those with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) or an RN license. The Christ-centered curriculum integrates faith, sociocultural understanding, and lab technology. The hybrid program features online courses and in-person classes and clinicals.
Admission requires a BSN, an RN license, a 3.0 GPA (or submission of GRE scores), and one year of RN employment. Non-BSN-holders can apply to the RN-to-MSN track. Upper division dual enrollment BSN-to-MSN study is also available to qualified applicants.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $920
- Program Length: Varies by track
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36-76 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77.27% (January 1-March 31, 2023)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The University of Tampa
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of science in nursing program at the University of Tampa features a part-time curriculum that focuses on cultural congruency, holistic assessment, and patient inclusion and collaboration.
Students can concentrate in adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner or family nurse practitioner. The department maintains affiliations with some 200 Tampa Bay healthcare facilities for clinical rotations.
A competitive admissions process requires a bachelor's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and a Florida RN license. Applicants with non-nursing bachelor's and RN licenses may qualify for pre-MSN admission.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $709
- Program Length: Eight semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 42-49 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86.84% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Nova Southeastern University offers master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees in advanced population health; executive nurse leadership; education; informatics; and nurse practitioner (NP) tracks in adult-gerontology acute care, family, and psychiatric mental health.
The Fort Lauderdale-based program maintains partnerships with area hospitals for funding and clinical opportunities.
Admission requires a bachelor's degree; a 3.0 GPA or 2.75 GPA with 24 months of nursing practice; and an RN license. NP track applicants need a year of clinical experience and residence within 150 miles of campus.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $733
- Program Length: 4-7 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 36-51 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes; Some tracks are fully online
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.34% (January 1-March 31, 2023)
- 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, a Catholic institution in Miami Shores, features two master of science in nursing options: family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. First-year core courses include advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology; advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning; and health promotion, disease prevention, and epidemiology.
Applicants must hold a bachelor of science in nursing and an RN license. Non-nursing degrees are considered on a case-by-case basis. Other admission requirements include a year of full-time clinical experience as an RN and a 3.0 GPA.
Program Snapshot
- Cost Per Credit: $1,020
- Program Length: 2-3 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 48-51 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 69.57% (January 1-March 31, 2023)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Miami, based in Coral Gables, lists three master of science in nursing (MSN) specialties: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (NP), adult-gerontology primary care NP, and family NP. Core courses include advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, concepts in advanced practice nursing, and research and evidence-based advanced practice nursing.
MSN admissions requires a bachelor of science in nursing or bachelor's degree in a relevant science; an RN license; a 3.0 GPA; and an introductory statistics course. The adult-gerontology acute care track requires a year of critical care experience.
Program Snapshot
- Total Program Cost: $42,840-$45,288
- Program Length: 3-6 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 35-37 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.22% (January 1-March 31, 2023)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of science in nursing program at Florida Southern University offers tracks in adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nursing administrative leadership, and nurse educator. Core courses cover leadership, role development, and advocacy; and evidence translation and quality improvement. Students attend class one day a week on the Lakeland campus.
Applicants need a bachelor of science in nursing; a 3.0 GPA; a C or higher in health assessment, nursing research or evidence-based practice, and statistics or biostatistics; and an active Florida RN license.
Program Snapshot
- Cost per Credit: $650
- Program Length: Varies by track
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 32-47 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: Yes
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Keiser University offers a master of science in nursing online or at its Fort Lauderdale campus during the day or evening. Working nurses can take 1-2 classes at a time. The curriculum focuses on preparing graduates for nursing leadership or education.
Admission requires a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited school, a 3.0 GPA, an RN license, and a nursing practice site for clinical rotations.
Keiser also offers family nurse practitioner and women's health nurse practitioner tracks.
Program Snapshot
- Cost: $3,580 per 3-5.99 credits
- Program Length: 12-22 months
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 33 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% (January 1-March 31, 2023)
- 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 Nursing in Florida
How much does a nurse practitioner license cost in Florida?
The cost of an APRN license in Florida varies depending on the price of the national certification examination in your specialty. Typically, certification costs $200-$350. Additionally, the license application and licensure fee in Florida is $110.
What is the hardest part of NP school?
For many students, the most difficult part of becoming an NP is integrating and using the information they learn. Nursing students do not simply memorize facts and recite them back, like students in other disciplines may do. Instead, after gaining knowledge across several platforms, such as physiology, chemistry, pharmacy, and nursing, they must integrate this information to care for patients.
How much money do nurse practitioners make in Florida?
The median annual salary for nurse practitioners in Florida is $107,600. However, nursing salaries are influenced by a worker's employer, certification, and experience.
What education do you need to be an NP in Florida?
The Florida Board of Nursing requires APRNs to have an MSN or DNP to practice as an NP. Additionally, nursing programs must meet the board's guidelines, and an aspiring NP must have passed a national advanced practice certification exam in their specialty.