Florida Nursing Schools and Programs

Florida is home to several large healthcare organizations, such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Tampa General Hospital. As a state with a growing healthcare system, the increased demand for nurses is supported by many nursing programs in Florida. This includes the use of high-ranking hospitals for clinical rotations.

Nurses can find many opportunities to advance their careers and learn new skills in Florida. There are also advanced practice programs that support the increasing demand for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

This page explores how to become a nurse in Florida, salary data, and available nursing programs in the state.

Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Florida.

The top nursing schools in Florida are conveniently distributed throughout the state. The nursing programs on this list give students the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to succeed.

Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools 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.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a nursing school in Florida. Consider the program’s tuition rate and financial aid options. Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This federal application is used by all public and some private colleges and universities to determine financial aid status.

Some students may also be eligible for fee waivers, exemptions, or scholarships specific to Florida. You can find more information from the Florida Department of Education. Students in Florida may be eligible for the:

The nursing program must be accredited so you can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) offered by the National Council of the State Board of Nursing (NCSBN). All states use this exam to issue nursing licenses. Schools that best prepare students have a higher pass rate.

During the pandemic, and in response to the nursing shortage, some schools have created self-paced online classes or have included additional online classes.

Of the 545 Magnet hospital designations given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), 23 are in Florida. As you choose a nursing program, consider if the school has clinical rotation placements at one of these hospitals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida ranks as the third highest employer of nurses by state, second only behind California and Texas. The demand is also expected to rise in the coming years.

The cost of living in Florida is slightly less than average in the U.S., supported in part by the taxes from the tourist industry. The state offers a unique blend of beautiful weather, recreational activities, and diverse culture. Florida is known for attracting seniors during their retirement years. However, there are several factors that make the state appealing to all age groups.

Florida excludes state income tax, and housing costs remain lower than in many other parts of the country. Beautiful beaches and opportunities for outdoor activity and entertainment borders the state on the east and west.

The projected employment growth rate is much higher than the average growth rate in the United States. This could signal poor nurse-to-patient ratios until staff openings can be filled.

According to the American Nurses Association, to date, there are no staffing regulations or laws in Florida. This means no mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios must be met. Florida was one of the country’s first right-to-work states and is an “at-will” employment state. The right-to-work law means that an employee can quit without giving notice, and an employer can terminate employment without giving any reason. Although, the termination must not violate any anti-discrimination laws.

Florida is also a recipient of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title VIII Nursing Workforce Programs. This money supports programs that provide healthcare to people in need. This can include patients experiencing financial or medical challenges and the geographically isolated. Florida received $8.2 million from Title VIII funding.

The job outlook for registered nurses (RNs) and APRNs in Florida is bright. This is likely fueled by a rapidly growing population. The median salary for an RN is $67,510 in Florida as compared to the $75,330 national figure. Florida ranks 35th out of all states for its RN median and average salary.

The median salary of an APRN in Florida is $100,930, while the national number is $111,680. Additionally, the projected employment growth for APRNs in Florida is 36.9%.

While the overall cost of living in Florida is slightly below the U.S. average, some areas come with higher living expenses. The following metropolitan areas offer an above-average salary.

Your journey through nursing school starts with choosing an educational path. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine called for increasing the BSN-prepared workforce to 80%. As the American Association of Colleges of Nursing explains, this educational path helps the RN better meet the demands of the career.

BSN-prepared nurses go to school for four years. However, you may start your nursing career with an ADN degree that can be completed in two years. Some programs allow you to complete a BSN in as little as nine months after graduating from an ADN program. The advanced degree increases your salary potential and improves patient outcomes.

By law, the application must be reviewed within 30 days of being submitted. According to the state board of nursing, there is no set time to review an initial application or an application for endorsement. Since Florida is part of the eNLC, nurses with an eNLC license may practice in Florida without applying for a license.

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in available nursing programs in Florida to meet the demands of the nursing shortage. Strong employment prospects and competitive pay for nurses have fueled the growth in programs. Nearly every metropolitan area now includes nursing schools that graduate ADN, BSN, and MSN-prepared nurses. For example, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area offers 10, and Fort Lauderdale offers 32 nursing programs.

The cost of nursing schools in Florida can vary by location and whether the school is public or private. Estimates of the average cost for a BSN program range from $40,000-$200,000, and the average cost of an ADN program can range from $6,000-$100,000.