The Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Florida for 2025
Credit: kali9 / E+ / Getty ImagesFlorida is fast becoming one of the most attractive states for nurse practitioners (NPs). According to Projections Central, the state could see nearly 2,190 NP job openings annually between 2022 and 2023.
For registered nurses (RNs), advancing to an NP role offers increased earning potential and greater clinical autonomy while helping to address Florida’s growing demand for primary and specialty healthcare providers.
Our guide ranks the best NP programs in Florida and includes resources on program characteristics, admission requirements, and career opportunities available to NPs after graduation.
The Best NP Programs in Florida for 2025
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$43,520
- Out-of-state$43,520
- In-State$16,293
- Out-of-state$16,293
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled3,957
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Barry University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$32,000
- Out-of-state$32,000
- In-State$17,820
- Out-of-state$17,820
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled6,836
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$55,440
- Out-of-state$55,440
- In-State$41,580
- Out-of-state$41,580
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled19,593
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Southern College
- Lakeland, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$39,700
- Out-of-state$39,700
- In-State$17,765
- Out-of-state$17,765
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled3,281
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the nurse practitioner programs and schools in Florida, making it easier to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is for 2025.
Using Our Rankings: What To Look for in a Florida NP program
The following key metrics contribute to our overall ranking of the best NP programs in Florida. By using these measures to evaluate programs of interest to you, you can make an informed decision about your education.
Admission Requirements
Different admission requirements, such as overall GPA and previous clinical experience, may influence which programs you find attractive. Program prerequisites ensure that you have the necessary academic background to succeed in a fast-paced and rigorous program.
Specializations
When choosing between NP programs, focus on the specializations. For example, if you are interested in either adult-gerontology or pediatrics, you can immediately rule out Florida NP programs that do not offer these concentrations.
Program Curriculum
NP programs either award a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Compare the course requirements to find NP programs in Florida that match your interests and career goals. You can also check whether programs allow you to choose electives.
Clinical Experience
All NP programs require clinical hours, yet each school’s approach may be different. Some programs offer robust assistance with finding appropriate clinical placements, and others may leave the arrangement of clinical placements completely up to the student.
Another important consideration involves the required number of clinical hours, which range from 500 to 1,000 hours.
Accreditation
NP program accreditation is a crucial factor to consider. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the two most widely accepted accrediting bodies for nursing programs. All NP board certifications require that you attend an accredited program to be eligible for examination.
Program Length
Program length may vary. Full-time MSN programs typically take 24-30 months, while some part-time Florida NP programs may take longer than 36 months to complete. DNP programs require 2-3 years for nurses with an MSN or 3-4 years for those with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Board Certification Pass Rate
The student pass rate of various NP board certification exams reflects the quality of education at a particular school. A consistently low annual pass rate may signal that the program does not properly prepare students for successful board exams and subsequent clinical practice.
Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?
Program accreditation can determine the success of your education and career. Accredited programs follow the best academic and clinical practices for preparing NPs. For example, programs must meet industry-specific clinical hour, faculty qualification, and board certification requirements to earn and maintain accreditation.
Attending an accredited NP program can determine:
- Eligibility for licensure and certification exams
- Acceptance to post-master’s or doctoral programs
- Access to financial aid, including grants and scholarships
- Ability to transfer your nursing license to another state
Every program included in our ranking is accredited by either the ACEN or CCNE.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Florida
While each Florida NP program determines their own admissions process and requirements, most programs require the following:
- A BSN degree from an accredited institution (CCNE or ACEN)
- A valid RN license in the state where you practice
- 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience
During the admission process, applicants may need to submit a resume, personal essay, or statement of intent. Programs often require letters of reference from academic, professional, or clinical supervisors, as well.
What Can You Do with a Degree from a Florida NP Program?
Florida NPs provide primary and specialty care with greater autonomy than RNs. One in a class of nursing professionals known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), NPs can diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, and treat patients in their specialty area.
NPs can earn significantly higher salaries than RNs. Florida NPs report a median annual salary of $129,010, according to BLS data from 2024, while RNs earned a median salary of $93,600 per year.
There are many areas of clinical specialization for students earning an NP degree, including:
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
- Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP-BC)
- Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner certification (AGACNP-BC)
- Emergency room nurse practitioner (ENP)
- Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP-BC)
- Women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP-BC)
- Certified primary care pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP-PC)
- Certified acute care pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP-AC)
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
Florida Nurse Practitioner Occupational and Salary Data
Florida employs more NPs than any other state, according to BLS data. The greater Miami area also ranks among the metropolitan areas with the most NP jobs.
Total NP Employment
24,690
Median Hourly Wage
$61.70
Annual Mean Wage
$128,340
Source: BLS, 2024
| Rank | Top Florida Metro Area | Annual Mean Wage for NPs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $143,240 |
| 2 | Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $136,210 |
| 3 | Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $132,730 |
| 4 | North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $131,490 |
| 5 | Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $129,910 |
Frequently Asked Questions About NP Programs in Florida
Yes, Florida could see nearly 2,190 job openings for NPs annually from 2022-2032, according to Projections Central. With 58.5% projected job growth, Florida is one of the most favorable states for becoming an NP.
Related Career Resources for NPs and Nurses in Florida
Florida Nursing Schools and Programs
There are several ways to become a nurse in Florida. This page explores different paths to becoming a nurse, salary data, and available nursing programs in the state.
Become an RN in Florida: Requirements, Licensing, and Employment Outlook
Learn more about how and the process to become a registered nurse in Florida.
Nurse Practitioner Specialties: Explore Different Types of NPs
An advanced nursing degree can offer flexibility and higher pay. These eight types of nurse practitioner specialties afford options in primary and acute care.