[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida is a popular choice for nurses pursuing a master’s degree thanks to its reputable universities, impressive healthcare job market, and competitive salaries for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree, you can work more independently as a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/by-the-numbers/”]nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link], nurse educator, nurse-midwife, or nurse administrator.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Find out about MSN program expectations, admission criteria, salary potentials, and licensing requirements for APRNs in the Sunshine State. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Florida.[/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 Top Florida MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best MSN programs 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. This ranking is from 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Earning an MSN in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a MSN-prepared nurse in Florida, you’ll need to meet both graduate program and state-specific licensure requirements. Florida is part of the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-compact-states/”]Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)[/hen-ui-link], which allows nurses to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nursecompact.com/how-it-works/applying-for-licensure.page” target=”_blank”]obtain a multistate license[/hen-ui-link] to practice nursing in the 38 compact states without needing additional licenses — making it easier to work across state lines and expanding job options. For advanced roles, nurses must follow the [hen-ui-link href=”https://floridasnursing.gov/” target=”_blank”]Florida Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] licensing requirements, and may apply for autonomous practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”RN Requirements”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]registered nurse (RN) requirements[/hen-ui-link] in Florida are similar to other states. You’ll need to attend a nursing program, either [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link], and pass the NCLEX exam. Once you’ve passed the NCLEX, you can apply for an RN license through the Florida Board of Nursing and submit fingerprints for a background check. The RN license application fee is [hen-ui-link href=”https://floridasnursing.gov/registered-nurse/#post-5279″ target=”_blank”]$110 in Florida[/hen-ui-link], and the NCLEX is $200. RN licenses must be renewed every two years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”MSN Requirements”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn an MSN degree, you’ll need a BSN from an accredited program (or an ADN for RN-to-MSN programs), a current and unencumbered RN license, and prerequisite coursework.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you plan to become an APRN, you’ll need additional licensing and certification beyond your RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida’s Board of Nursing lists the following [hen-ui-link href=”https://floridasnursing.gov/advanced-practice-registered-nurse/” target=”_blank”]requirements for APRN licensing[/hen-ui-link]:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A valid RN license in any state[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree or post-master’s certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National advanced practice certification from a nursing specialty board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Proof of malpractice insurance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Electronic fingerprinting for a background check[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose the Right Florida Nursing Program for You[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When you’re choosing a MSN program in Florida, there’s a few things you should consider:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition and financial aid options: Florida offers scholarships through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.floridanurse.org/page/ScholarshipsGrants” target=”_blank”]Florida Nurses Foundation[/hen-ui-link] and student loan forgiveness through [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/find-funding/HRSA-25-070?utm_source=chatgpt.com” target=”_blank”]Nurse Faculty Loan Programs[/hen-ui-link] (NFLP).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NCLEX pass rate: Higher pass rates reveal quality preparation for licensure exams.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online vs. in-person requirements: Consider what works best for your schedule[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program length: MSN program length varies, but generally takes two years to complete. Choose one that fits well with your career goals and timeline.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical hour requirements: Check if the program pairs with local hospitals and supports you in finding clinical placements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]Accreditation[/hen-ui-link]: Ensures program quality, meets licensure requirements, affects eligibility for financial aid, and supports credit transfer.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Florida?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although there are no mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios here, salaries are competitive. It is the third-largest state and has [hen-ui-link href=”https://members.homecarefla.org/news/Details/report-florida-ranks-last-in-the-nation-in-access-to-home-health-care-workers-170013″ target=”_blank”]more seniors than any other state in the U.S.[/hen-ui-link], according to the Home Care Association of Florida. This means there is a particular need for nurses in home health and geriatric care. Despite this need, according to association data, Florida has the lowest ratio of home health workers across the nation – with just 14.6 per 1,000 seniors – suggesting strong job security for those in the field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida is also a right-to-work state, meaning employers can’t require employees to join a union or pay union fees. Additionally, there’s various scholarships and state-specific financial aid programs available that can support your nursing education and career.[/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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/1200000″ target=”_blank”]mean salary for nurses in Florida[/hen-ui-link] is $88,200 for RNs and $128,340 for nurse practitioners (NPs) per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is slightly below the national averages of [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/000000″ target=”_blank”]$98,430[/hen-ui-link] for RNs and $132,000 for NPs, however the nursing demand is significantly higher in Florida. The long-term projected job growth for [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/longterm” target=”_blank”]RNs is 12.5% and 58.5% for NPs[/hen-ui-link], compared to national projections of 5% and 40%, respectively, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/rpp1224c.png” target=”_blank”]cost of living in Florida[/hen-ui-link] is about the same as the national average, with a 103.5 index compared to 100 nationwide. As such, the salaries here generally align well with local living costs. APRN salaries tend to be higher than RN salaries, so earning a MSN degree can boost your salary earning potential. For example, nurse-midwives in Florida earn a mean salary of $105,650 per year and nurse anesthetists earn $236,610 annually, per the BLS.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Programs in Florida[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does an MSN make in Florida?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Florida salaries for nurse practitioners with an MSN average nearly $128,340 according to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average salaries across the state range from [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0026140″ target=”_blank”]$114,140[/hen-ui-link] in Homosassa Springs to [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0038940″ target=”_blank”]$129,720[/hen-ui-link] in Port St. Lucie.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are MSN degrees worth it?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, earning a MSN degree can certainly be worth it. It all depends on your personal, financial, and career goals. It’s a commitment of time and money to earn a graduate degree, but having a MSN degree increases your job opportunities in nursing, as well as boost your salary potential.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What MSN degree pays the most?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a MSN degree, you could become a nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, nurse educator, nurse administrator, or clinical nurse specialist. In Florida, NPs earn $128,340 per year, making them the highest-paid nurses with a MSN. Nurse administrators come in second, earning an average of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/alternate/licensed-nursing-home-administrator-salary/orlando-fl” target=”_blank”]$126,700[/hen-ui-link] annually.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does an MSN take?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes about four years on average to complete a MSN program in Florida. Your exact timeline will vary by program type, specialty, whether you attend part of full time, and your previous education. Accelerated programs and RN-to-MSN pathways shorten this time period, whereas part-time study extends it.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]