The top master of science in nursing (MSN) programs in Florida prepare advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), a category of highly trained nursing professionals. These professionals include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, and nurse administrators and educators. APRNs earn higher salaries than other types of nurses and function with greater autonomy.
This guide to the top 10 Florida MSN degrees includes information on program expectations and how to apply. We also answer questions about potential salaries and becoming a licensed APRN in Florida.
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.
At a Glance: The Top Florida MSN Programs
- University of South Florida
- Miami Regional University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Jacksonville University
- St. Thomas University
Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our full ranking of the best MSN programs in Florida.
How Do Florida MSN Programs Work?
Florida MSN programs offer classes online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. Clinical rotations take place onsite at area 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.
Featured Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Applying to an MSN Program in Florida
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 subjects, such as health assessment, nursing research, and statistics.
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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.
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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.
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Other Requirement
Some schools may require GRE or MAT scores, an admissions interview, a year or more of RN experience, and/or a drug screening.
Why Is MSN Program Accreditation in Florida 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, quality of the teaching, and school facilities, such as libraries and computer systems. While it is not a guarantee of school quality, it is a close equivalent.
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 are going to invest time and money into an MSN degree, make sure you invest safely by attending an accredited program.
Learn More About the Best MSN Programs and Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 Top Florida MSN Programs
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Top Florida MSN Programs
Miami Regional University
- Miami Springs, FL
- 4 years
- 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
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
#3 Top Florida MSN Programs
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Top Florida MSN Programs
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Top Florida MSN Programs
St. Thomas University
- Miami Gardens, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Programs in Florida
What is the average salary for nurses with an MSN in Florida?
Florida salaries for nurse practitioners with an MSN average nearly $104,830, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average salaries in the state's highest-paying metropolitan areas range from $111,690 in Cape Coral-Fort Myers to $121,460 in Sebring.
Can I bridge an ADN to MSN in Florida?
Some of the best MSN programs in Florida offer an RN-to-MSN option. These programs usually take three years of full-time study. You must have a current and unencumbered license to apply, and typically at least a 3.0 GPA, as well as at least one year of experience.
How long does it take to become an APRN in Florida?
Full-time students can complete a Florida BSN-to-MSN program in about two years. Part-time enrollees, and RNs with an ADN, can expect to spend at least three years earning their MSN. Some APRNs may pursue a doctor of nursing practice degree, which often takes 3-4 years to complete.
What are the requirements to earn your APRN license in Florida?
Florida's Board of Nursing lists the following requirements for APRN licensing: a valid RN license; a master's degree or post-master's certification; national advanced practice certification from a nursing specialty board; proof of malpractice insurance; and electronic fingerprinting for a criminal background check.
