Florida’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. Florida has a growing healthcare system, which increases the demand for nurses. It is also home to several large healthcare organizations. Florida is projected to have a 23% estimated growth in registered nurse (RN) job openings annually between 2019-2035.
Not only will there be ample nursing jobs to choose from in Florida, but it is a great place to live. The majority of the year is sunny and warm, earning Florida the nickname the “Sunshine State.” There are a variety of places to live in Florida that can provide you with exactly what you are looking for. Southern Florida offers cities close to some of the world’s best beaches, which provide a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Or you can choose to live in the Panhandle, where cities offer a much different, small-city vibe.
While the cost of living near some of Florida’s major cities may be higher, most areas in the state are very affordable. Florida also has no state income tax, which means you’ll have more income to spend however you choose. Florida residents also benefit from discounts on some of the major attractions, like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The state offers a variety of state universities and community colleges that you can attend to earn your nursing degree. With such a wide range of nursing programs and plenty of available RN positions, Florida is an excellent location to practice nursing.
The Best Nursing Schools in Florida
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Florida to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Florida based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Florida State Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Florida ADN Nursing Program
Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations
Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, offers an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) program in addition to an LPN to ADN bridge program.
Their ADN program can be completed in 96 weeks and prepares students to work in a variety of settings in a safe and effective manner. Students use the nursing process as a framework to implement and evaluate care given to all patients across their lifespans.
Average Tuition
In-State: $28,875
Out-of-State: $28,875
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$28,875 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$28,875 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
79% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
92% |
| Students Enrolled |
412 |
| Institution Type |
Private not-for-profit college |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Florida ADN Nursing Program
Antigua College International
Antigua College International, located in Miami Lakes, Florida, offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree program. The ASN program provides a foundation of nursing knowledge that provides the necessary skills and competencies for graduates to be prepared for nursing practice.
The 81-credit program can be completed in 28 months and includes 930 lecture hours, 270 lab hours, and 450 clinical hours. In 2022, the ASN program achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate upon first attempt.
Average Tuition
In-State: $23,155
Out-of-State: $23,155
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$23,155 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$23,155 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2017-2018 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2020 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
143 |
| Institution Type |
Private for-profit college |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Florida ADN Nursing Program
Bethesda College of Health Sciences
Bethesda College of Health Sciences, located in Boynton Beach, Florida, offers an ASN degree program that reflects the holistic and caring tradition of Florence Nightingale.
The ASN program can be completed in five semesters and focuses on the general education and beginning technical skills necessary to manage patient care in the healthcare setting.
Average Tuition
In-State: $24,336
Out-of-State: $24,336
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$24,336 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$24,336 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
96% |
| Program Completion Rate 2017-2018 |
89% |
| Job Placement 2020 |
79% |
| Students Enrolled |
366 |
| Institution Type |
Private College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Florida BSN Nursing Program
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), located in Fort Myers, Florida, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program.
The BSN program curriculum is built on principles of critical thinking, communication, health promotion, cultural connectedness, and adherence to professional and ethical standards. To be admitted to the program, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0, complete all prerequisites with a C or higher, and complete the nursing entrance exam.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,118
Out-of-State: $25,162
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,118 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$25,162 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
89.2% |
| Retention Rate |
82% |
| Students Enrolled |
14,228 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Florida BSN Nursing Program
Utica University
Utica University in St. Petersburg, Florida, offers a BSN degree program. Its rigorous nursing program is built on foundational study, practical training, and clinical experience in the discipline that is complemented by comprehensive learning in the liberal arts. The state-of-the-art Albert and Gloria Shaheen Nursing Laboratory gives nursing students access to a fully equipped hospital ward with advanced learning technologies.
Average Tuition
In-State: $21,560
Out-of-State: $21,560
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$21,560 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$21,560 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
87% |
| Retention Rate |
70% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,986 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
38% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Florida BSN Nursing Program
University of Miami
The University of Miami, located in Coral Gables, Florida, offers a BSN degree program with a traditional or accelerated track. Their nursing program is affiliated with major academic medical centers and offers teaching at private and acute care hospitals as well as in the public teaching hospital system.
Average Tuition
In-State: $54,760
Out-of-State: $54,760
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$54,760 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$54,760 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.59% |
| Admission Rate |
28% |
| Retention Rate |
93% |
| Students Enrolled |
49,000 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
5% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Florida
When choosing a nursing program in Florida, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs that consistently have a high NCLEX-RN rate show that they provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is also an important piece when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards to be accredited, and some state boards of nursing may only accept programs that are accredited. If you are thinking about continuing your education, some schools may only transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN if it was from an accredited program. Additionally, some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Florida
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Florida is predicted to have an RN growth rate of 15% between 2019-2035.
U.S. News ranks Florida 27th in healthcare and 10th in best states overall, offering quality healthcare to its customers.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Florida earn an average annual salary of $79,910. While this is lower than the national average, Florida’s lower cost of living and no sales tax allows your dollar to stretch further. Florida has a wealth of RN job openings, making it an ideal location for those seeking employment in the field.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Florida
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Florida is $79,910, and it employs 197,630 nurses. Florida also employs 18,850 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $110,310.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Florida Cities for RNs |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL |
$82,280 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL |
$81,810 |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area |
$81,350 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Florida
Candidates can take multiple steps and paths to become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Each candidate will be required to complete a program approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing. Florida has 123 fully approved ADN programs and 59 BSN programs with a retention rate of 78.7% for all programs. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses decide to return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Florida, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Florida:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Florida, you will have to
renew it every two years. The state of Florida requires 16 continuing education hours every two years, which include two hours on prevention of medical errors, two hours on Florida laws & rules, two hours on recognizing impairment in the workplace, two hours on human trafficking, two hours on domestic violence, and two hours on HIV/AIDS.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Florida:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in the state of Florida.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs need to enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- License renewal occurs every two years and requires 16 continuing education hours every two years which include two hours on prevention of medical errors, two hours on Florida laws & rules, two hours on recognizing impairment in the workplace, two hours on human trafficking, three hours on the safe and effective prescription of controlled substances, two hours on domestic violence, and two hours on HIV/AIDS
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Florida
Is Florida a good place for nurses to work?
Florida is a great place to work. Known as the Sunshine State, there will be plenty of nice weather and sunshine to enjoy while living in Florida. With a predicted RN growth rate of 15%, there will be no shortage of nursing jobs to choose from.
Is Florida a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Florida is a compact state for nursing. This means that you can practice nursing with your Florida nursing compact license in any other compact state.
What are the requirements for RNs in Florida?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license annually. Every two years, the Florida State Board of Nursing requires all RNs to renew their RN license and complete 16 hours of continuing education.
How much does a Florida RN license cost?
The application fee to receive your RN license in Florida costs $175. It costs $75 to renew your Florida RN license biannually.
