Top Florida MSN Programs
Credit: Sylvain Sonnet / The Image Bank / Getty ImagesFlorida is a popular choice for nurses pursuing a master’s degree thanks to its reputable universities, impressive healthcare job market, and competitive salaries for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
With a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, you can work more independently as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse-midwife, or nurse administrator.
Find out about MSN program expectations, admission criteria, salary potentials, and licensing requirements for APRNs in the Sunshine State. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Florida.
The Top Florida MSN Programs
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of South Florida offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) program with nurse practitioner concentrations in adult-gerontology primary and acute care, family practice, and pediatric primary care. Students who choose adult-gerontology primary care can opt for a subspecialty in occupational health nursing or earn a concurrent master of public health with an occupational health nursing subspecialty.
Students can enroll on a full- or part-time basis and must take a comprehensive exam in their concentration area at the end of the program.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Tampa, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $431 per credit hour for Florida residents; $877 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing (or bachelor's in relevant field with minimum 3.0 GPA), RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18-24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 91% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $102,723 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled50,626
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Miami Regional University
- Miami Springs, FL
- 4 year
- Campus
Miami Regional University's direct entry master of science in nursing prepares non-nursing bachelor's degree-holders to pass the NCLEX-RN and become entry-level advanced generalist registered nurses. Applicants need prior coursework in human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English composition, report writing and research, and a humanities elective.
Students can enroll full or part time. Both tracks include courses in advanced nursing inquiry and evidence based practice, foundations of nursing care across the lifespan, and nursing informatics.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Miami Springs, Florida
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $670 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree, minimum 2.5 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 20 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 69% first-time pass rate
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled818
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentNot provided
- AccreditationYes
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Full- or part-time students can earn their master of science in nursing at Florida Atlantic University and study in person or online, depending on the concentration area. Core classes include advanced nursing practice grounded in caring, philosophical and theoretical foundations of nursing, and nursing research and evidence based practice.
FAU offers the following concentrations:
- Adult gerontological nurse practitioner
- Advanced holistic nursing
- Family nurse practitioner
- Nursing administration and financial leadership
- Nurse educator
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Boca Raton, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $372 per credit hour for Florida residents; $1,027 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18-24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 88% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $92,028 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$2,522
- Out-of-state$14,374
- In-State$5,467
- Out-of-state$16,695
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled30,805
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The master of science in nursing (MSN) at Jacksonville University offers full- or part-time options and online study for some concentrations. Core MSN courses cover nursing theory and research, nursing leadership and advanced roles, and organization, delivery, and policies in healthcare.
Available concentrations include:
- Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- Clinical nurse educator
- Family nurse practitioner
- Healthcare quality and safety informatics
- Nursing leadership in healthcare systems
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Jacksonville, Florida
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $675 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 92% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $80,091 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$39,900
- Out-of-state$39,900
- In-State$14,742
- Out-of-state$14,742
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled4,053
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
St. Thomas University
- Miami Gardens, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Catholic-affiliated St. Thomas University offers online master of nursing programs in psychiatric mental health practitioner and family nursing practitioner focus areas. Admittees can study full or part time, access virtual clinical examinations, and complete clinical rotations at sites near their homes.
Both concentrations include core courses in transition to advanced practice, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and diversity in advanced health practice.
STU enrollees pay the same tuition regardless of residency, and 90% receive financial aid.
- Program(s): Master of science in nursing
- Campus: Miami Gardens, Florida
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $566 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 58% first-time pass rate
- In-State$31,800
- Out-of-state$31,800
- In-State$14,400
- Out-of-state$14,400
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled5,601
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best MSN programs in Florida, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking is from 2023.
Steps to Earning an MSN in Florida
To become a MSN-prepared nurse in Florida, you’ll need to meet both graduate program and state-specific licensure requirements. Florida is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to obtain a multistate license to practice nursing in the 38 compact states without needing additional licenses — making it easier to work across state lines and expanding job options. For advanced roles, nurses must follow the Florida Board of Nursing licensing requirements, and may apply for autonomous practice.
How to Choose the Right Florida Nursing Program for You
When you’re choosing a MSN program in Florida, there’s a few things you should consider:
- Tuition and financial aid options: Florida offers scholarships through the Florida Nurses Foundation and student loan forgiveness through Nurse Faculty Loan Programs (NFLP).
- NCLEX pass rate: Higher pass rates reveal quality preparation for licensure exams.
- Online vs. in-person requirements: Consider what works best for your schedule
- Program length: MSN program length varies, but generally takes two years to complete. Choose one that fits well with your career goals and timeline.
- Clinical hour requirements: Check if the program pairs with local hospitals and supports you in finding clinical placements.
- Accreditation: Ensures program quality, meets licensure requirements, affects eligibility for financial aid, and supports credit transfer.
Why Become a Nurse in Florida?
Although there are no mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios here, salaries are competitive. It is the third-largest state and has more seniors than any other state in the U.S., according to the Home Care Association of Florida. This means there is a particular need for nurses in home health and geriatric care. Despite this need, according to association data, Florida has the lowest ratio of home health workers across the nation – with just 14.6 per 1,000 seniors – suggesting strong job security for those in the field.
Florida is also a right-to-work state, meaning employers can’t require employees to join a union or pay union fees. Additionally, there’s various scholarships and state-specific financial aid programs available that can support your nursing education and career.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Florida
The mean salary for nurses in Florida is $88,200 for RNs and $128,340 for nurse practitioners (NPs) per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is slightly below the national averages of $98,430 for RNs and $132,000 for NPs, however the nursing demand is significantly higher in Florida. The long-term projected job growth for RNs is 12.5% and 58.5% for NPs, compared to national projections of 5.6% and 44.5% respectively.
The cost of living in Florida is about the same as the national average, with a 103.5 index compared to 100 nationwide. As such, the salaries here generally align well with local living costs. APRN salaries tend to be higher than RN salaries, so earning a MSN degree can boost your salary earning potential. For example, nurse midwives in Florida earn a mean salary of $105,650 per year and nurse anesthetists earn $236,610 annually, per the BLS.
Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Programs in Florida
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