The Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Florida for 2025

Why We Chose This School: 

The Jacksonville University family nurse practitioner program prepares students to provide acute and chronic care to patients across the lifespan. Students can complete the program on a full or part-time schedule. Real-world learning experiences include clinical placements and an on-campus simulation center. 

We like this program because students can benefit from small class sizes, an academic advisor, and a dedicated team to help learners find clinical placement in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau counties in Florida.

The program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), may require applicants with a GPA below 3.0 to submit GRE/GMAT scores and letters of recommendation.

Highlights:

• Offers a family nurse practitioner postgraduate certificate for students with an MSN
• MSN/MBA dual-degree program available 
• Ranked in the top 10% for ROI nationally 

Considerations:

• Has the lowest percentage of students awarded loans on our list
• Has the lowest online enrollment of programs on this list
• Has the lowest retention rate of programs on this list

Why We Chose This School: 

FIU’s MSN nurse practitioner program is offered through the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Science. Coursework includes a research project, thesis, or master's paper. 

Students receive help in finding clinical placements inside a four-county area. You may choose another placement but must establish a contract with the clinical partner before the rotation begins. Students must complete 630-770 clinical hours, depending on the chosen clinical track.

One reason we like this program is the dual-track option they offer students. This includes a clinical MSN program in adult-gerontology or pediatric primary care and an MSN nurse educator certificate, opening more opportunities for nurses who want to practice clinically and teach. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the master's program. 

Highlights:

• Has the lowest in-state and out-of-state tuition on our list
• Has the highest online enrollment of programs on our list
• Dual-track students need only 12-20 more credits for the second degree

Considerations:

• Online students outside the four-county area must find clinical placement
• Dual-track students complete an additional 210 clinical hours
• You cannot take a semester off or deviate from the program schedule

Why We Chose This School: 

Barry University's family nurse practitioner program is part of the College of Health and Wellness, which also offers programs in health services administration, counseling, and occupational therapy. The program prepares graduates to care for patients from infancy to eldercare. 

Students must secure a preceptor for clinical practice. Most semesters, students take two classes ranging from 5 to 9 credits for a total of 48 credits to graduate. Classes include differential diagnosis, advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, and a five-credit practicum in the final semester.

We like this MSN program because the diverse student population contributes to students learning about and gaining a greater appreciation of cultural differences.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the MSN program, and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs accredits the MSN nurse anesthesia program.

Highlights:

• Awards 100% of student's financial aid and the highest percentage of student loans on our list
• Students praise the professorial engagement and teaching
• MSN students receive a 25% tuition scholarship

Considerations:

• Has the lowest graduation rate among the programs on this list
• ANCC certification pass rates fell 24% from 2020-2022

Why We Chose This School: 

The University of Miami family nurse practitioner program offers students two tracks to practice. The first is an MSN following graduation from an accredited BSN program. The second is a BSN-to-DNP program that leads to a terminal nursing degree. 

Students complete courses in the Simulation Hospital Advancing Research and Education (SHARE), offering extended reality simulation in clinical, education, and research settings. 

We like the University of Miami because it emphasizes hands-on care throughout the curriculum. The program matches students to a network of over 200 clinical, nonprofit and global partners. The clinical partnerships include some of South Florida's leading health systems. 

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the master's and doctorate programs.

Highlights:

• Has the highest graduation rate among the programs on this list
• In-state and out-of-state tuition is identical
• Has the highest mean earnings six years after enrolling in the program

Considerations:

• Has the highest in-state and out-of-state tuition on our list
• Has the lowest graduate admission yield and rate on our list

Why We Chose This School: 

The Florida Southern College family nurse practitioner program’s faculty and staff actively engage with students throughout their education. Applicants must submit three videos answering prompts, and eligible candidates will complete an interview. 

Students meet one day per week for classes and complete the curriculum in six semesters. Courses include leadership, advanced diagnostics, and informatics. The program helps prepare students for national certification and provides a simulation and clinical learning center to develop clinical skills in a realistic but safe setting.

We like the Florida Southern College MSN program because they actively support you throughout your program. The program assigns clinical sites to streamline the placement process.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the MSN program.

Highlights:

• In-state and out-of-state tuition are the same
• 100% of students receive financial aid
• A GRE score is not required for admission

Considerations:

• Low graduation rate
• Lowest income six years after enrollment on this list
• Students are assigned preceptors