[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida is home to several large healthcare organizations, such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Tampa General Hospital. As a state with a growing healthcare system, the increased demand for nurses is supported by many nursing programs in Florida. This includes the use of high-ranking hospitals for clinical rotations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can find many opportunities to advance their careers and learn new skills in Florida. There are also advanced practice programs that support the increasing demand for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This page explores how to become a nurse in Florida, salary data, and available nursing programs in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and [hen-ui-link href=”/state/florida/nurse-practitioner-programs/”]programs in Florida[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/florida/msn-programs/”]top nursing schools in Florida[/hen-ui-link] are conveniently distributed throughout the state. The nursing programs on this list give students the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to succeed.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several factors to consider when choosing a nursing school in Florida. Consider the program’s tuition rate and financial aid options. Students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This federal application is used by all public and some private colleges and universities to determine financial aid status.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some students may also be eligible for fee waivers, exemptions, or scholarships specific to Florida. You can find more information from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.fldoe.org/schools/higher-ed/fl-college-system/academic-student-affairs/financial-aid.stml” target=”_blank”]Florida Department of Education[/hen-ui-link]. Students in Florida may be eligible for the:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida Student Assistance Grant Program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida Work Experience Program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nursing program [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]must be accredited[/hen-ui-link] so you can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) offered by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/665.htm” target=”_blank”]National Council of the State Board of Nursing (NCSBN)[/hen-ui-link]. All states use this exam to issue nursing licenses. Schools that best prepare students have a higher pass rate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During the pandemic, and in response to the nursing shortage, some schools have created self-paced online classes or have included additional online classes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Of the 545 [hen-ui-link href=”https://resources.nurse.com/magnet-hospitals-in-your-state” target=”_blank”]Magnet hospital designations[/hen-ui-link] given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), 23 are in Florida. As you choose a nursing program, consider if the school has clinical rotation placements at one of these hospitals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida ranks as the third highest employer of nurses by state, second only behind California and Texas. The demand is also expected to rise in the coming years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/fl” target=”_blank”]cost of living in Florida[/hen-ui-link] is slightly less than average in the U.S., supported in part by the taxes from the tourist industry. The state offers a unique blend of beautiful weather, recreational activities, and diverse culture. Florida is known for attracting seniors during their retirement years. However, there are several factors that make the state appealing to all age groups.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida excludes state income tax, and housing costs remain lower than in many other parts of the country. Beautiful beaches and opportunities for outdoor activity and entertainment borders the state on the east and west.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The projected employment growth rate is much higher than the average growth rate in the United States. This could signal poor nurse-to-patient ratios until staff openings can be filled.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the American Nurses Association, to date, there are no staffing regulations or laws in Florida. This means no mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios must be met. Florida was one of the country’s first [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/right-to-work-laws-and-bills.aspx” target=”_blank”]right-to-work[/hen-ui-link] states and is an “at-will” employment state. The right-to-work law means that an employee can quit without giving notice, and an employer can terminate employment without giving any reason. Although, the termination must not violate any anti-discrimination laws.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida is also a recipient of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hrsa/advisory-committees/nursing/meetings/2018/Title-VIII-nursing-workforce-programs-final-2018.pdf” target=”_blank”]Title VIII Nursing Workforce Programs[/hen-ui-link]. This money supports programs that provide healthcare to people in need. This can include patients experiencing financial or medical challenges and the geographically isolated. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Policy/State-Resources/Florida.pdf” target=”_blank”]Florida received $8.2 million[/hen-ui-link] from Title VIII funding.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job outlook for registered nurses (RNs) and APRNs in Florida is bright. This is likely fueled by a rapidly growing population. The [hen-ui-link href=”/state/florida/rn-salary/”]median salary for an RN[/hen-ui-link] is $67,510 in Florida as compared to the $75,330 national figure. Florida ranks 35th out of all states for its RN median and average salary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median salary of an APRN in Florida is $100,930, while the national number is $111,680. Additionally, the projected employment growth for APRNs in Florida is 36.9%.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the overall cost of living in Florida is slightly below the U.S. average, some areas come with higher living expenses. The following metropolitan areas offer an above-average salary.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Florida[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Cape Coral-Fort Myers[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$72,310[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$71,060[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Gainesville[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,860[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Punta Gorda[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,720[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$70,490[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your journey through nursing school starts with choosing an educational path. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine called for increasing the BSN-prepared workforce to 80%. As the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/impact-of-education” target=”_blank”]American Association of Colleges of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] explains, this educational path helps the RN better meet the demands of the career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To practice as an [hen-ui-link href=”/state/florida/nurse-licensing-requirements/”]RN in Florida[/hen-ui-link], you must first complete an accredited [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN program[/hen-ui-link]. Once you have graduated, you may apply to take the NCLEX examination. Passing this examination is required to obtain your state licensure from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://floridasnursing.gov/licensing/licensed-practical-nurse-registered-nurse-by-examination/” target=”_blank”]Florida state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For licensures, you must have graduated from an accredited program and have your fingerprints submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Applicants who answer “yes” to questions about their health history, have a criminal history, or were denied licensure in the past must submit additional documentation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]renew their state license[/hen-ui-link] every two years. They should submit 27 continuing education (CE) credits and a $75 fee if they have an active license and wish to remain active. This fee varies and can be as much as $240 if your license has expired.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida is part of the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm” target=”_blank”]Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC)[/hen-ui-link]. This is an agreement between participating states that allows a nurse to hold a license in one state and practice in another.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To practice as an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRN in Florida[/hen-ui-link], you need to graduate from an accredited [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] program. Starting in 2025, all certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) must have graduated from a DNP program to practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Florida State Board of Nursing, you gain a separate RN and APRN license in Florida. You must have a certification through a specialty program to obtain your state APRN license. This fulfills the CE requirements for your RN license, since you must maintain CE requirements to renew your specialty certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The applicant must submit fingerprints, proof of certification through a national certifying body, and proof of malpractice insurance. The APRN license and application fee is $110 and an additional $100 for a dispensing license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Florida MSN Programs” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/florida/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Best Florida Online Nurse Practitioner Programs” href=”/state/florida/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an RN in Florida?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN-prepared nurses go to school for four years. However, you may start your nursing career with an ADN degree that can be completed in two years. Some programs allow you to [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]complete a BSN[/hen-ui-link] in as little as nine months after graduating from an ADN program. The advanced degree increases your salary potential and improves patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to get a Florida nursing license?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]By law, the application must be reviewed within 30 days of being submitted. According to the state board of nursing, there is no set time to review an [hen-ui-link href=”https://floridasnursing.gov/help-center/how-long-will-it-take-to-get-my-license/” target=”_blank”]initial application[/hen-ui-link] or an application for [hen-ui-link href=”https://floridasnursing.gov/help-center/how-long-does-it-take-to-be-approved-for-licensure-by-endorsement/” target=”_blank”]endorsement[/hen-ui-link]. Since Florida is part of the eNLC, nurses with an eNLC license may practice in Florida without applying for a license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many nursing programs are in Florida?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Over the past decade, there has been an increase in available nursing programs in Florida to meet the demands of the nursing shortage. Strong employment prospects and competitive pay for nurses have fueled the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nursingschoolsalmanac.com/articles/list-accredited-nursing-schools-florida” target=”_blank”]growth in programs[/hen-ui-link]. Nearly every metropolitan area now includes nursing schools that graduate ADN, BSN, and MSN-prepared nurses. For example, the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area offers 10, and Fort Lauderdale offers 32 nursing programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does nursing school cost in Florida?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of nursing schools in Florida can vary by location and whether the school is public or private. Estimates of the average cost for a BSN program range from $40,000-$200,000, and the average cost of an ADN program can range from $6,000-$100,000.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]