Are you searching for the best nursing schools in Florida? Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare or advancing your nursing career, finding the right nursing program is essential. In or near Florida, you’ll find a range of accredited nursing programs, from entry-level certificates to advanced nursing degrees.
Explore nursing schools in Florida to choose the right program for your future in nursing.
Florida Nursing Degree Programs
RN to BSN Programs in Florida
RN to BSN programs in Florida are tailored for registered nurses who want to expand their skills, advance in their careers, or pursue graduate education. These programs can often be completed in 12 to 18 months and focus on leadership, research, and community health. Many schools offer flexible online formats to accommodate working nurses.
RN to BSN and RN to MSN Bridge Programs by Specialization in Florida
Bridge programs in Florida provide registered nurses with clear academic pathways to higher degrees. RN to BSN programs help build leadership and public health expertise, while RN to MSN bridge programs allow for specialization in roles such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader. These programs are designed to fit into the schedules of working professionals through evening, weekend, and online formats.
Eastern Florida State College BSN, LPN, RN, RN to BSN Nursing Programs in Cocoa, Florida
Multiple Entry Points: Caters to different levels of experience and educational background, from aspiring LPNs to practicing RNs seeking a BSN.
Career Advancement: Programs are designed to facilitate career progression within the nursing field.
Hands-On Training: Emphasizes practical skills development through clinical rotations and simulation labs, preparing students for real-world scenarios.
Focus on Patient Care: Instills a strong foundation in patient-centered care, ethics, and communication skills.
Local Healthcare Partnerships: Likely collaborates with local hospitals and healthcare facilities for clinical placements and potential job opportunities.
RN to BSN Flexibility: Offers flexible scheduling options, such as online courses, to accommodate working RNs.
Broward College Nursing Programs in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Comprehensive curriculum covering foundational nursing principles, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, pediatrics, and mental health nursing.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Hands-on training using state-of-the-art simulation labs to practice essential nursing skills and critical thinking.
Emphasis on patient-centered care, ethical decision-making, and effective communication skills.
NCLEX-RN exam preparation integrated throughout the program, including practice exams, review sessions, and individualized support.
Experienced and dedicated faculty composed of registered nurses with advanced degrees and clinical expertise.
Strong career outlook with high demand for registered nurses in Broward County and throughout Florida.
Nursing Schools in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Address: 111 East Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University BSN, MSN, NP, Nursing Certificate, Pre-Nursing, RN, RN to BSN Nursing Programs in Tallahassee, Florida
Strong emphasis on serving underserved communities, reflecting FAMU's mission.
BSN program provides a foundation for entry-level professional nursing practice.
RN to BSN programs designed for working RNs to advance their education and career opportunities.
MSN programs (potentially including Nurse Practitioner tracks) offer specialized areas of study like Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs prepare graduates to provide advanced healthcare services as primary care providers.
Pre-Nursing programs offer foundational science and healthcare courses for students aspiring to enter the BSN program.
Nursing Certificate programs may focus on specialized skills or knowledge areas, such as gerontology or wound care.
Nursing Schools in Tallahassee, Florida
Address: 1500 S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tallahassee, Florida 32307
Florida Atlantic University AGNP, BSN, DNP, MSN, Nursing Admin/Leadership, PMHNP, RN Nursing Programs in Boca Raton, Florida
BSN: Provides a foundation for entry into professional nursing practice, emphasizing critical thinking and patient-centered care.
RN to BSN: Designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education and career prospects. Allows working RNs to obtain a bachelor's degree.
MSN: Offers specialization in areas such as Nursing Administration/Leadership, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), preparing nurses for advanced practice roles.
AGNP: Focuses on the healthcare needs of adults and older adults, equipping graduates to diagnose and manage a wide range of medical conditions.
PMHNP: Specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders across the lifespan.
Nursing Administration/Leadership: Prepares nurses for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, focusing on management, finance, and policy.
DNP: A terminal practice degree that prepares nurses for the highest levels of clinical practice, leadership, or scholarship, often involving research or quality improvement projects.
Chipola College ADN, BSN, Nursing Certificate, RN Nursing Programs in Marianna, Florida
Offers multiple entry points into nursing, catering to diverse student backgrounds and career goals.
Focuses on hands-on clinical experience within the Florida Panhandle healthcare community.
Provides a pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) through ADN or BSN programs.
Nursing certificate programs often prepare students for entry-level roles like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a stepping stone to further nursing education.
Curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, critical thinking, and effective communication skills.
Faculty comprises experienced nurses dedicated to student success.
May offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate working students.
Nursing Schools in Marianna, Florida
Address: 3094 Indian Circle, Marianna, Florida 32446-2053
Extensive clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Experienced and dedicated faculty committed to student success and providing personalized support.
State-of-the-art simulation labs that provide realistic hands-on learning opportunities.
NCLEX-RN preparation integrated throughout the curriculum, including review courses and practice exams.
Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed Registered Nurses.
High demand for Registered Nurses, leading to excellent job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
Nursing Schools in Altamonte Springs, Florida
Address: 177 Montgomery Road, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714
Florida College BSN Nursing Programs in Temple Terrace, Florida
Focuses on integrating a Christian worldview with nursing principles.
Emphasizes patient-centered care and holistic approaches to health.
Provides a strong foundation in biological sciences, pharmacology, and nursing theory.
Offers clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings, potentially including local hospitals and community health centers in the Temple Terrace area.
Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing positions.
May include opportunities for leadership development and professional growth.
Nursing Schools in Temple Terrace, Florida
Address: 119 N Glen Arven Ave, Temple Terrace, Florida 33617
Florida Gateway College Nursing Programs in Lake City, Florida
Comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, obstetrics, pediatrics, and community health nursing.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and community agencies.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice to provide safe and effective patient care.
Preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination through dedicated review courses, practice exams, and faculty mentorship.
Focus on patient-centered care, emphasizing communication, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
Opportunity to develop leadership skills and collaborate with interprofessional healthcare teams.
Career opportunities in a wide range of healthcare settings, with potential for advancement and specialization.
Nursing Schools in Lake City, Florida
Address: Highway 90 East, Lake City, Florida 32025-2007
Florida Gulf Coast University BSN, DNP, MSN, Nurse Educator, PMHNP Nursing Programs in Fort Myers, Florida
BSN: Prepares graduates for entry-level registered nurse positions in various healthcare settings. Often includes clinical rotations in local hospitals and community health centers.
MSN: Allows registered nurses to specialize in areas like advanced practice (e.g., Nurse Practitioner), administration, or education. May offer flexible online learning options for working nurses.
DNP: A terminal practice degree focused on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare policy. Prepares nurses to lead change and improve healthcare outcomes.
Nurse Educator: Focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to teach nursing students. Graduates are prepared to work as faculty in colleges and universities or as clinical educators in healthcare organizations.
PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner): Trains advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care, including diagnosis, treatment, and medication management, to individuals and families across the lifespan.
Focus on Southwest Florida: Programs likely incorporate the unique healthcare needs of the Southwest Florida region, potentially including geriatrics, public health concerns in coastal communities, and access to care issues.
Nursing Schools in Fort Myers, Florida
Address: 10501 Fgcu Blvd S, Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565
Concorde Career Institute-Jacksonville Nursing Programs in Jacksonville, Florida
Comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, mental health nursing, and community health nursing.
Extensive hands-on clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community organizations.
Focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for providing safe and effective patient care.
Emphasis on evidence-based practice and the integration of technology in healthcare.
Dedicated NCLEX-RN exam preparation, including review courses, practice exams, and tutoring.
Experienced and qualified nursing faculty providing personalized instruction and mentorship.
Opportunities for career advancement and specialization within the nursing profession.
Florida International University BSN, CRNA, DNP, MSN, NP, Nurse Educator, Nursing Certificate, PhD, RN Nursing Programs in Miami, Florida
Strong emphasis on serving diverse populations reflective of Miami's demographics, preparing nurses for culturally competent care.
Various entry points for nursing education, including direct-entry BSN for students without prior nursing experience and accelerated options.
Advanced practice nursing programs (MSN, DNP, NP, CRNA) often focus on specialized areas like family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology, or anesthesia.
The PhD program focuses on research and scholarship to advance nursing science and improve patient outcomes.
Nurse educator tracks prepare nurses to teach future generations and address the nursing faculty shortage.
BSN programs are typically rigorous, including clinical rotations in various healthcare settings throughout South Florida.
Certificate programs often provide focused training in specific areas, enhancing existing nursing skills or preparing for specialty certification.
Nursing Schools in Miami, Florida
Address: 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199
Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations Nursing Programs in West Palm Beach, Florida
Comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, and mental health nursing.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Dedicated faculty with real-world nursing experience providing personalized instruction and mentorship.
NCLEX-RN preparation integrated throughout the program, including practice exams, review sessions, and individualized support.
State-of-the-art simulation labs providing hands-on training in a safe and controlled environment.
Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills.
Career services assistance with resume writing, interview skills, and job placement.
Nursing Schools in West Palm Beach, Florida
Address: 5154 Okeechobee Blvd Ste 201, West Palm Beach, Florida 33417
Advance Science International College Nursing Programs in Miami Lakes, Florida
Comprehensive curriculum covering foundational nursing concepts, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-newborn nursing, pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for effective nursing practice.
Experienced faculty comprised of registered nurses with advanced degrees and practical experience.
Dedicated NCLEX-RN preparation integrated throughout the program, including practice exams, review sessions, and individualized support.
Emphasis on patient-centered care, ethical decision-making, and professional responsibility.
Career outlook: High demand for registered nurses, with excellent job opportunities and potential for career advancement.
Extensive clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations.
Dedicated NCLEX-RN preparation, including practice exams, review sessions, and individualized support.
Focus on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for safe and effective nursing practice.
Emphasis on patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making.
Opportunities to learn from experienced nursing faculty and healthcare professionals.
Excellent career outlook with high demand for registered nurses in various healthcare settings.
Arizona College of Nursing-Fort Lauderdale ADN, BSN, LPN, RN Nursing Programs in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Focuses on hands-on clinical training to prepare students for real-world nursing scenarios.
May offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate students with diverse needs, including evening and weekend classes.
Career pathways include entry-level positions as LPN/LVNs, Registered Nurses (RNs), and potential advancement into specialized fields like critical care, pediatrics, or geriatrics with further education and experience.
Programs often emphasize NCLEX exam preparation to ensure students are well-equipped to pass the licensure exam.
Potential to articulate between programs (e.g., LPN to ADN to BSN) for career advancement.
Curriculum generally incorporates evidence-based practice and current healthcare technologies.
Emphasis on patient-centered care and ethical considerations in nursing practice.
Nursing Schools in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Address: 600 Corporate Drive Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33334-3637
1. What types of nursing programs are available in Florida?
Nursing schools in Florida offer various programs, including:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs – Entry-level training for nursing assistants.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs – Typically one year of training.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – A two-year program that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam and RN licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – A four-year degree that provides more career opportunities and higher earning potential.
RN-to-BSN programs – Designed for current RNs who want to earn a BSN.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Advanced education for specialized nursing roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – The highest level of clinical nursing education.
2. How do I choose the best nursing school in Florida?
When selecting a nursing school, consider factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, clinical training opportunities, tuition costs, and program flexibility (online, hybrid, or in-person).
3. Why is nursing school accreditation important?
Accreditation ensures your program meets high educational standards. Nursing programs should be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Attending an accredited school is required for licensure and financial aid eligibility.
4. How do I check if a nursing program in Florida is accredited?
You can verify accreditation by visiting the school’s website, checking the ACEN or CCNE directories, or contacting the State Board of Nursing in Florida.
5. How long does it take to complete a nursing program?
The duration depends on the type of program:
CNA program: A few weeks to a few months.
LPN/LVN program: About 12 months.
ADN program: 2 years.
BSN program: 4 years.
RN-to-BSN program: 12-24 months.
MSN program: 2 years (after BSN).
DNP program: 3-4 years.
6. Can I complete a nursing program online?
Some programs, such as RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP, offer online coursework. However, pre-licensure programs (like ADN and BSN) require in-person clinical training.
7. What is the NCLEX, and why is it important?
The NCLEX-PN (for LPNs) and NCLEX-RN (for RNs) are national exams required for licensure. Graduating from an accredited program is necessary to sit for these exams.
8. What financial aid options are available for nursing students?
Students enrolled in accredited nursing programs may qualify for:
Federal financial aid (Pell Grants, loans, and work-study programs).
State grants and scholarships.
Nursing-specific scholarships.
Employer tuition assistance programs.
9. What are the job opportunities for nurses in Florida?
Nurses in Florida can work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare, and specialized care facilities. Advanced degrees open opportunities in leadership, education, and specialized nursing roles like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
10. How much do nurses earn in Florida?
Salaries vary based on education, experience, and location. On average:
CNA: $30,000 – $40,000 per year.
LPN/LVN: $45,000 – $55,000 per year.
RN (ADN or BSN): $65,000 – $90,000 per year.
MSN-prepared nurses: $90,000 – $120,000 per year.
Nurse practitioners and APRNs: $100,000 – $150,000 per year.