Identifying the best nursing program for your needs can be a daunting process, especially with all of the options available in Florida. The following guide to nursing schools contains important information on the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs offered in the state. Florida’s colleges and universities allow students to earn a nursing degree in the classroom or online in such concentrations as nursing administration and financial leadership, family nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse leader. There are also online programs that offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, which can allow students a flexible and convenient alternative. Students can earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) entirely online from the University of Central Florida.
Quick Facts
- 104 schools with nursing programs in Florida are in our database (see below).
- 81 colleges and universities offer associate’s degrees or certificates in nursing.1
- 47 colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing.1
- 20 colleges and universities offer master’s or advanced degrees in nursing.1
- 6 schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
- 1 school ranked in the Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors in 2018.3
- 8 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s programs.4
- 9 schools ranked in US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.4
Top-Ranked Schools with Nursing Programs in Florida
Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges 2018*
- Florida International University (#56 in-state, #55 out-of-state)
- Florida State University (#14 in-state, #4 out-of-state)
- University of Central Florida (#36 in-state, #41 out-of-state)
- University of Florida (#2 in-state, #2 out-of-state)
- University of North Florida (#71 in-state, #62 out-of-state)
- University of South Florida (#39 in-state, #23 out-of-state)
*Institution-wide ranking.
Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Nursing Majors 2018
- Florida Southern College
US News Best Nursing Schools: Master’s
- Florida Atlantic University (#32 tie)
- University of Miami (#32 tie)
- University of South Florida (#55 tie)
- Florida International University (#66 tie)
- Florida State University (#66 tie)
- Barry University (#82 tie)
- University of Central Florida (#87 tie)
- University of Tampa (#190 tie)
US News Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- University of Florida (#28 tie)
- University of Miami (#42 tie)
- Florida Atlantic University (#54 tie)
- Florida International University (#66 tie)
- Florida State University (#66 tie)
- University of South Florida (#66 tie)
- Barry University (#83 tie)
- University of Central Florida (#101 tie)
- University of North Florida (#114 tie)
Continue reading below to learn more about the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs available in Florida.
NCLEX Pass Rate and Accreditation Information for Nursing Schools in Florida
The following table allows you to easily compare not-for-profit Florida nursing schools on a variety of factors. Click on the arrows in the top row to sort the table. In addition to seeking a program that leads to licensure in your desired area of nursing, it’s advisable to consider accreditation as a factor in your decision. If you are considering education beyond the associate’s level, know that a degree from a school that holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a common requirement for admission to master’s degree, ADN/LVN and RN to BSN, and specialized certificate programs. You should also check to ensure that the school you are considering is approved or accepted by the Florida Board of Nursing.
| School | ADN or LVN Program | BSN Program | Graduate Nursing Program | ACEN/CCNE Accred.* | NCLEX-PN First Time Pass Rate** | # Taking | NCLEX-RN First Time Pass Rate^ | # Taking | Net Price^^ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adventist University | No | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 94% | 51 | $16,557 |
| Ave Maria University | No | Yes | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $20,693 |
| Barry University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 82% | 158 | $24,610 |
| Bethune-Cookman University | No | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 67% | 36 | $16,193 |
| Broward College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 96% | 279 | $9,417 |
| Cape Coral Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 97% | 29 | N/A | N/A | $6,525 |
| Chipola College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | 100% | 5 | 67% | 67 | $4,418 |
| College of Central Florida | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 84% | 70 | $9,463 |
| Daytona State College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 83% | 248 | $5,064 |
| Eastern Florida State College-Cocoa | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 90% | 75 | $5,800 |
| Eastern Florida State College-Palm Bay | Yes | No | No | No | N/A | N/A | 100% | 47 | $5,800 |
| First Coast Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 78% | 60 | N/A | N/A | $10,543 |
| Florida A&M University | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 78% | 73 | $12,075 |
| Florida Atlantic University | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 81% | 77 | $13,360 |
| Florida Gateway College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 80% | 99 | $4,677 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 96% | 84 | $12,948 |
| Florida International University | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 88% | 138 | $11,552 |
| Florida National University | Yes | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 44% | 16 | $19,774 |
| Florida Panhandle Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 94% | 32 | N/A | N/A | $20,059 |
| Florida Southern College | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 81% | 32 | $23,395 |
| Florida SouthWestern State College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 87% | 232 | $8,420 |
| Florida State College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 80% | 308 | $7,173 |
| Florida State University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 95% | 107 | $16,737 |
| Fort Myers Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 94% | 32 | N/A | N/A | $6,140 |
| Gulf Coast State College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | 86% | 28 | 90% | 118 | $4,577 |
| Herzing University-Orlando | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 82% | 49 | $22,688 |
| Hillsborough Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 80% | 246 | $4,940 |
| Immokalee Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 77% | 26 | N/A | N/A | $4,656 |
| Indian River State College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 67% | 37 | 83% | 88 | $1,807 |
| Jacksonville University | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 84% | 103 | $20,538 |
| Lake-Sumter State College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 82% | 88 | $4,653 |
| Lorenzo Walker Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 76% | 42 | N/A | N/A | $7,419 |
| Miami Dade College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 80% | 478 | $8,606 |
| North Florida Community College | Yes | No | No | No | 83% | 18 | 83% | 29 | $4,389 |
| Northwest Florida State College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 94% | 53 | $8,746 |
| Nova Southeastern University-Fort Lauderdale | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 85% | 159 | $24,833 |
| Nova Southeastern University-Miami | No | Yes | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 76% | 34 | $24,833 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University-Bell Glade | Yes | No | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 71% | 17 | $20,056 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University-Lake Worth | Yes | No | No | CCNE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $20,056 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University-West Palm Beach | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 90% | 41 | $20,056 |
| Palm Beach State College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 95% | 19 | 88% | 214 | $2,467 |
| Pasco-Hernando Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 89% | 183 | $5,868 |
| Pensacola Christian College | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 97% | 91 | $10,656 |
| Pensacola State College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | 89% | 18 | 73% | 250 | $7,568 |
| Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater | Yes | No | No | No | 84% | 38 | N/A | N/A | $13,776 |
| Pinellas Technical College-St. Petersburg | Yes | No | No | No | 89% | 59 | N/A | N/A | $13,776 |
| Polk State College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 86% | 139 | $9,187 |
| Remington College | Yes | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 89% | 83 | $21,990 |
| Ridge Career Center | Yes | No | No | No | 100% | 28 | N/A | N/A | $19,259 |
| Santa Fe College | Yes | No | No | ACEN/CCNE | 94% | 16 | 96% | 134 | $8,354 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 96% | 206 | $8,307 |
| South Florida State College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | 95% | 20 | 95% | 44 | $5,436 |
| Southeastern University | No | Yes | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $19,679 |
| St. John’s River State College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 83% | 84 | $6,823 |
| St. Petersburg College | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN/CCNE | N/A | N/A | 91% | 331 | $7,499 |
| St. Thomas University | No | Yes | Yes | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $23,212 |
| State College of Florida | Yes | Yes | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 96% | 111 | $10,102 |
| Tallahassee Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 88% | 65 | $4,512 |
| University of Central Florida | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 97% | 243 | $14,745 |
| University of Florida | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 93% | 185 | $14,786 |
| University of Miami | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 96% | 164 | $33,284 |
| University of North Florida | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 94% | 112 | $13,244 |
| University of South Florida | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 90% | 193 | $11,355 |
| University of Tampa | No | Yes | Yes | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 100% | 46 | $26,269 |
| University of West Florida | No | Yes | Yes | CCNE | N/A | N/A | 94% | 49 | $14,372 |
| Utica College | No | Yes | No | No | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $33,648 |
| Valencia Community College | Yes | No | No | ACEN | N/A | N/A | 96% | 196 | $5,872 |
| Withlacoochee Technical College | Yes | No | No | No | 100% | 19 | N/A | N/A | $5,499 |
*The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits ADN/ASN/BSN programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits BSN/MSN/DNP programs.5,6
**NCLEX-PN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between August 1 2014-May 30 2014.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^NCLEX-RN pass rates reported are for first-time undergraduates testing between July 1 2014-June 30 2015.7 You can compare these pass rates to the national average through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
^^The National Center for Education Statistics calculates net price from the total estimated cost of attendance, including includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses, for in-state students minus the average financial aid award (such as grants and scholarships).
Schools in Florida with Nursing Degrees
Associate’s in Nursing Programs
Seminole State College
At Seminole State College (SSC) students can expect to gain an education focused on developing technical as well as critical thinking skills. Graduates of Registered Nurse (RN) program at SSC are well-equipped to meet healthcare requirements in their surrounding communities. The curriculum is designed to help each student to gain a strong foundation in the four main components of nursing’s conceptual framework: person, environment, health, and nursing. While building on this foundation, nursing students at SSC have the opportunity to pursue further professional development through involvement with the Florida Nursing Student Association (FNSA). FNSA’s leadership activities provide many opportunities, including access to scholarship funding. The RN program at SSC is fully accredited by both the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Florida State Board of Nursing.
St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg College (SPC) offers several degree programs for students pursuing a career in nursing. SPC provides options for obtaining an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) for those with prior nursing education as well as for those without. Students with previous nursing experience who hope to obtain an ADN may appreciate the LPN to RN or the paramedic to RN transitional degree programs. Each program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and prepares students for the national exam required to become a Registered Nurse. As part of the learning experience, students can expect a combination of hands-on and classroom-based education with the added flexibility of daytime and evening classes. Students who would like to build on their RN credentials may transfer into SPC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
Florida State University
Florida State University confers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to students who successfully complete the four-year program. The first two years of the program focus on general college requirements with the second two years dedicated to fulfilling nursing core and elective coursework. Nursing majors may opt to expand their resume and their experience by studying or interning abroad. The Nursing Department offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Graduates of the BSN program are prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) with the university boasting a 95 percent pass rate for graduates taking the exam for the first time.
University of Florida
The University of Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is divided into two parts. Students spend their freshmen and sophom*ore years completing core college requirements in math, English, and science before then focusing their studies on the nursing curriculum in the junior and senior years. The Generic BSN program requires nursing majors to gain hands-on experience through clinical practic*ms. Prospective applicants to the program must fulfill foreign language requirements and maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA. The Nursing Department also features an Accelerated BSN program for students who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field. The accelerated program spans four semesters.
Utica College – Florida
Utica College, with its main campus in New York, operates a satellite campus in St. Petersburg, Florida that offers a 16 month, online Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program. Designed to allow students to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 16 months, this program includes 62 credit hours of nursing coursework and approximately 600 clinical experience hours in Tampa Bay healthcare facilities. With a focus on professional nursing knowledge and skills, the curriculum includes courses in Care of the Obstetric Population, Care of the Aging Population, Medical/Surgical Nursing Care, and Trends in Professional Nursing. The ABSN program holds approval from the Florida Commission for Independent Education and accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Master’s in Nursing Programs
Florida Atlantic University
Graduate students at Florida Atlantic University can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in one of seven tracks, including family nurse practitioner, nursing administration and financial leadership, clinical nurse leader, nurse educator, advanced holistic nursing, and adult/gerontological nurse practitioner. An individualized track, which requires 30 credits, allows students to tailor their studies to their career goals. All graduate students, regardless of their concentration, must successfully pass four core nursing courses in advanced nursing practice grounded in caring, philosophical and theoretical foundations of nursing, nursing research and evidence based practice, and advanced nursing practice: roles, policy, and finance.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program features four areas of concentration: nurse educator (online), nursing leadership and management (online), family or adult gerontology nurse practitioner (traditional), and adult gerontology clinical nurse practitioner (traditional). Students in both the online and the traditional programs may fulfill degree requirements on a full-time or a part-time basis. Graduate students pursuing the family or adult gerontology nurse practitioner or clinical nurse practitioner tracks must complete core program coursework in theory, pathophysiology, health assessment, and health assessment lab. Applicants to the nurse practitioner and clinical nurse tracks must submit GRE scores with their application materials. Qualified students generally receive acceptance into the nursing program.
Student Reviews
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Broward College
3501 Davie Rd
Davie, FL 33314
(954) 201-7350
https://www.broward.edu/
Student Review: “The nursing program at Broward College is a very good program. They offer various campuses where you can take your classes I am at the south campus. They have revamped their building and have the latest in technology. The professors are very hands on and motivating. Class sizes are not too big and the professors encourage you to work with each other in order to achieve a better learning experience. All in all, I have really enjoyed my first-year experience in the nursing program and I’m looking forward to beginning clinical at Broward college and would recommend it to anyone looking to enter a nursing program in south Florida.” – Student at Broward College
Florida A&M University
1601 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 599-3000
https://www.famu.edu/
Student Review: “Attending FAMU was the best experience of my life. While the nursing program was extremely difficult and challenging I feel that it accurately prepared me for the real world of nursing. The best thing about the nursing program was the sense of being a family. Majority of the students I started with I ended with and we still communicate to this day. There weren’t many things that I disliked but I do feel like the staff wasn’t on the same page all of the time as it relates to what is expected out of the program. Early clinical call times at the hospital also caused high stress levels and anxiety. Overall I wouldn’t trade my experience in FAMU’s nursing school for anything in the world. Thank you.” – Student at Florida A&M University
University of South Florida
4202 E Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33620
(813) 974-2011
https://www.usf.edu/
Student Review: “So I went to the University of South Florida for my nursing degree. Indeed it was hard and I had to stay up many a night studying and working my butt off to get excellent grades but it totally paid off. Just about everything I learned in this program helped me in my career. They even helped me land my first job in nursing! Also, they gave help in passing the NCLEX which was a very challenging exam. Almost all of the professors not only had extensive knowledge in the field but great personalities as well. I highly recommend this program to anyone considering the field of nursing.” – Student at University of South Florida
State College of Florida
5840 26th St W
Bradenton, FL 34207
(941) 752-5000
https://www.scf.edu/
Student Review: “The nursing program at State College of Florida was not my first program choice, but it turned out to be a great decision. I went through most of my pre-requisites online, and then applied and got accepted into the nursing program. There are information sessions very often that explain what is expected of you and what you need to be successful in the program – I attended one before I applied to the program and it was helpful. The class times aren’t very flexible, but there was lots of help available and an academic resource center that you could visit for extra help. Through this nursing program, students got experience relevant to the field and I found that I learned lots of valuable skills to be successful in my nursing career.” – Student at State College of Florida
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/index.php#Tile
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2018 Edition. New York, Penguin Random House, 2018.
4. US News Top Graduate Nursing Schools: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
5. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm
6. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): https://directory.ccnecommunity.org/reports/accprog.asp
7. Florida Department of Health: https://mqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us/MQASearchServices/NursingPrograms
