The Best Florida Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

np programs ranked

Master's level NP programs

average np program length

2-3 years

average np program cost

$334-$735 per credit hour

Online nurse practitioner (NP) programs lead to the master of science in nursing (MSN) degree and prepare graduates for careers as advanced practice nurses. Read on for information about choosing and applying to online NP programs in Florida, funding your education, and pursuing licensing. This guide also discusses potential salaries and the importance of accreditation.

We use our data-driven methodology to rank the top direct-entry master's in nursing programs, 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, program offerings, and online flexibility.

Keep reading to find out more about job opportunities and information on how to apply to nurse practitioner programs in Florida, or click here to learn more about the best Florida online NP programs on our list.

What Can You Do as a Nurse Practitioner in Florida?

Nurse practitioners receive advanced nurse training that focuses on a specific patient population, such as family health, gerontology, and pediatrics. The advantages of graduating from an online NP program in Florida and working in the state include average annual salaries that exceed $100,000 and the ability of NPs to practice autonomously as primary care practitioners without the requirement of physician supervision.

In fact, NPs perform many of the same job duties as physicians in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and specialty clinics. NPs admit and discharge patients, along with managing patient care and treatment and prescribing medications.

What to Look For in an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in Florida

When researching and selecting NP programs, students should pay close attention to key metrics that will help inform their decision-making. The list below describes these points and their importance in narrowing down nurse practitioner schools in Florida.

Admission Requirements

Checking the list of admission requirements indicates whether a candidate meets the minimum requirements for applying, such as GPA, GRE scores, prior degree, or prerequisite coursework.

Program Curriculum

NP education and practice is specialization-focused, and students should ensure that programs offer concentrations or sufficient coursework and experiences in their chosen areas.

Clinical Experience

In addition to determining if programs offer clinical experience in the specialty areas students want to pursue, scheduling, location, and the number of onsite clinical hours constitute other important factors to explore.

Accreditation

Accreditation organizations regularly assess NP programs for high-quality instruction and content and compliance with state licensure and national board certification standards.

School Graduation Rate

Graduation rate indicates whether the program effectively prepares students to meet the graduation requirements outlined by the school and readies graduates for licensure and specialty certification.

Online Learning Format and Requirements

Online learning considerations include whether students can access the required technology, including high-speed internet, and function best in asynchronous (independent) or synchronous (scheduled virtual classes) environments.

Why Is Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is a valuable factor for several reasons. Many jobs require an accredited degree, and financial aid depends on accreditation status. See below for more benefits of accreditation.

• Accreditation ensures that students receive a high-quality education and prepares graduates for their NP licensure, certification, and jobs.
• Unaccredited school credits may not transfer toward degrees at accredited programs.
• Graduate programs may not accept applicants who hold degrees from unaccredited programs if an individual decides to pursue additional degrees.
• Degrees from accredited schools and programs can lead to higher job prospects and career advancement. Many employers do not hire applicants who hold degrees from unaccredited programs.
• Licensure and certification boards typically only credential graduates of accredited programs.
• Students enrolled in unaccredited programs may not be eligible for federal financial aid.

Who Accredits Nurse Practitioner Programs?

Programs and institutions are accredited by different accreditation bodies. The following are key accrediting bodies for nursing programs and institutions:

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs
• Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education

How Do I Know an Online Nurse Practitioner Program Is Accredited?

Online NP programs undergo the same accreditation process as on-campus programs and are held to the same standards. The nurse practitioner schools in Florida listed in this guide, along with those described on other NurseJournal.org pages, all hold accreditation. Students can also check the links listed above for a list of accredited schools. Nursing program web pages also publish information about their accreditation status.

Paying for an Online Nurse Practitioner Program in Florida

Nurse practitioner programs in Florida can be expensive, and out-of-pocket costs vary depending on full-time, part-time, or accelerated enrollment, public or private school, in-state or out-of-state tuition, required credits and clinical hours, and whether students can work while they're attending school. However, numerous funding options do exist for students.

The websites below share information on various financial aid resources, including federal, state, and private loans, school-based and organizational scholarships, and other grant and award opportunities. Students can also look into tuition repayment programs through their employers or loan forgiveness offered by government agencies, along with work-study positions.

Financial Resources

Paying for Your Nursing Degree

Learn More

Guide to Financial Aid and Scholarships for Nurses

Learn More

Budgeting for Nursing School

Learn More

Financial Aid for Minority Students

Learn More

Learn More About the Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs and Schools in Florida

Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Florida FAQs

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in Florida?

First, NPs in Florida must earn credentials that allow them to become RNs. These include a nurse diploma or an undergraduate degree in nursing, such as an associate or a bachelor's. While some graduate nursing schools accept an associate, the BSN is the more common prerequisite. Students typically spend 3-4 years earning their bachelor's degree and another 2-3 years earning an MSN.

Can NPs work independently in Florida?

In 2020, Florida's governor signed legislation allowing Florida NPs to work independently as primary care practitioners. This means that they can admit, treat, manage, and discharge patients and prescribe medication. Not all states allow NPs to practice without supervision or a collaboration agreement with a physician, even though NPs perform many of the same duties as doctors.

How much do NPs make in Florida?

The annual average wage earned by Florida NPs totals $101,060. The five highest paying metropolitan areas in the state consist of Sebastian-Vero Beach with a median annual salary of $111,940, North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton ($109,430), Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford ($109,040), Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach ($108,230), and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin ($107,420).

How do I get a Florida NP license?

NPs can apply for licensure as advanced practice registered nurses from the Florida Board of Nursing once they obtain RN licensing, earned an MSN degree or higher, passed their national certification examination, and can provide proof of professional liability insurance or an exemption, along with fingerprints for a criminal background check.

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