Top Florida MSN Programs
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Sylvain Sonnet / The Image Bank / Getty ImagesThe top master of science in nursing (MSN) programs in Florida prepare advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) — a category of highly trained nursing professionals that includes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives. APRNs earn higher salaries than other nurses do and function with greater autonomy. MSN programs in Florida also prepare graduates to become nurse administrators or nurse educators.
Explore the top 10 Florida MSN programs. Find out program expectations, admission criteria, salary potentials, and licensing requirements for APRNs in Florida.
Popular Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Top Florida MSN Programs
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,559
- Out-of-state$15,473
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled50,626
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Miami Regional University
- Miami Springs, FL
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$0
- Out-of-state$0
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled818
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,522
- Out-of-state$14,374
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled30,805
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$39,900
- Out-of-state$39,900
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled4,053
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
St. Thomas University
- Miami Gardens, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,800
- Out-of-state$31,800
- Retention Rate49%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled5,601
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
How Do Florida MSN Programs Work?
MSN programs in Florida offer classes online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. Clinical rotations take place onsite at local healthcare organizations.
Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)-holders can expect to spend two years of full-time study earning their MSN. Part-time enrollment may require a longer timeframe but allows RNs to continue working. At some schools, learners with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and an RN license can pursue accelerated RN-to-MSN programs in Florida, which take about three years to complete.
MSN coursework corresponds to the student’s specialization areas, but the typical curriculum includes advanced health assessment, nursing informatics, nursing leadership, and pharmacology.
Florida ranks fourth among U.S. states for projected long-term employment growth of nurse practitioners from 2020-2030, with a projected increase of 71%. This data indicates that time spent in a Florida MSN program can lead to increased career opportunities.
Applying to a Florida MSN Program
Admission to the top MSN programs in Florida can be competitive, with many schools accepting only 40-50% of applicants. Candidates generally need a BSN from an accredited program (or an ADN for accelerated RN-to-MSN programs in Florida), a current and unencumbered RN license, and prerequisite coursework in health assessment, nursing research, and statistics.
- Admission Materials: Expect to submit an application, a personal statement or essay, two or more professional and academic references, a resume or CV, and a criminal background check.
- GPA Requirement: Most programs set a minimum GPA requirement at 3.0, but some may prefer a 3.2 GPA. A grade of C or higher in prerequisite courses is also a common requirement.
- Other Requirement: Applicants must have an active RN license and clean drug screen to participate in clinicals. Some schools may require GRE or MAT scores, an admissions interview, and a year or more of RN experience.
Why Is Florida MSN Program Accreditation Important?
Nursing program accreditation is an extensive evaluation of a program to determine how well it prepares its graduates to practice nursing safely and effectively. An impartial group of evaluators, including practicing nurses and nurse educators, reviews the program’s curriculum and student outcomes, such as grades and board certification scores.
They also look at faculty and staff background and qualifications, the quality of teaching, and school facilities, such as libraries and computer systems.
The best MSN programs in Florida are accredited, and this website only lists accredited programs. Few employers consider graduates of unaccredited programs; no accredited schools will accept their transfer credits.
If you plan to invest time and money into an MSN degree, make sure you invest safely by attending an accredited program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida MSN Programs
Florida salaries for nurse practitioners with an MSN average nearly $119,710, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average salaries across the state range from $100,250 in Homosassa Springs to $133,110 in Tallahassee.
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