The Best Florida Nurse Practitioner Programs 2023
Florida is quickly becoming one of the most appealing states for nurse practitioners (NP), with Projections Central predicting over 9,500 job openings by 2030. Embark on the journey to become a nurse practitioner in Florida by exploring the top-ranked NP programs and schools in the state.
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Nurse practitioner programs serve as your gateway to a potentially fulfilling career as a highly skilled and in-demand healthcare professional. Selecting from the various available programs can be perplexing, given that their successful completion demands a significant investment of time, money, and personal resources. This ranking guide aims to assist you in making an informed choice by reviewing the top 10 Florida nurse practitioner programs, elucidating admission requirements, emphasizing the importance of program accreditation, and outlining potential career paths after earning a graduate nurse practitioner degree.
Employing a data-driven methodology, we rank the best ADN-to-MSN (RN to NP) bridge programs, simplifying the process of finding a program that suits your needs. Our methodology is anchored in metrics that we consider most significant to students, encompassing academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
The Best Florida Nurse Practitioner Programs 2024 & 2025
We utilize publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.
#1 Florida International University
Miami, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Florida International University, a nationally recognized public research institution, offers over 190 programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, including 130 online options. Tailored for working professionals, the Master of Science in Nursing features four specialty nurse practitioner tracks.
The adult-gerontology, pediatric, and psychiatric mental health tracks each require 45 credits for completion. The family nurse practitioner specialty demands 49 credits. Regardless of their population focus, all students undertake foundational core courses in nursing theory, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and research methods.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing-Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Miami, Florida
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $4,101 per semester for Florida residents; $9,015 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: BSN; minimum 3.0 GPA; current State of Florida RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: Six semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 91.3% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $166,709 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
58,836
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
86% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Encompassing 240 acres in Coral Gables, the University of Miami caters to a diverse student body of over 17,000. Established in 1948 as the first collegiate nursing program in South Florida, the School of Nursing and Health Studies provides a Master of Science in Nursing with family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care, and adult gerontology primary care tracks.
MSN students follow a lock-step plan of study, completing courses in sequence each semester.
Program: Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Coral Gables, Florida
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $15,096 per semester
Admission Requirements: BSN; minimum 3.0 GPA; undergraduate statistics course; current RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: Three semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 91.3% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $95,591 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,080
Out-of-state
$52,080
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$39,060
Out-of-state
$39,060
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
33%
Students Enrolled
17,809
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
As one of 12 schools in the State University System of Florida, the University of West Florida boasts an enrollment of over 13,000 students across 110 undergraduate and graduate programs. The 45-credit family nurse practitioner program equips students for advanced practice registered nurse roles and doctoral studies.
The curriculum comprises a direct care core, specialized courses, and 600 clinical hours. Students are required to attend a virtual immersion orientation and skills workshop the summer before commencing their clinical practicum placements.
Program: Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Pensacola, Florida
Type: Public
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $378 per credit for Florida residents; $1,037 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: BSN; minimum 3.0 GPA; undergraduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or better; current RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: Seven semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 94.4% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $58,454 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,735
Out-of-state
$16,004
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,088
Out-of-state
$22,166
Retention Rate
84%
Admission Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
13,061
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Barry University
Miami, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Founded by the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1940 as a Catholic institution, Barry University has transformed from a small women’s college into a major South Florida institution catering to an inclusive student body of 9,000. The Master of Science in Nursing offers a 48-credit family nurse practitioner and a 51-credit adult-gerontology acute care specialty track. The College of Health and Wellness extends a 25% tuition discount to students admitted into the MSN program.
Program: Master of Science – Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Miami, Florida
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $990 per credit
Admission Requirements: BSN; minimum 3.0 GPA; undergraduate statistics and research courses with a grade of “B” or better; current RN license; at least one year clinical experience
Minimum Time Commitment: Seven semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 82.4% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $111,492 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,600
Out-of-state
$30,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,820
Out-of-state
$17,820
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
7,515
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Jacksonville University
Jacksonville, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Situated on the St. Johns River in northeastern Florida, Jacksonville University oversees more than 100 academic programs, including offerings in business, marine science, engineering, and nursing.
Designed for working nurses, the Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s emphasizes individual attention and small classes. The flexible schedule allows full-time students to attend on-campus classes for 6-11 hours every Wednesday, while part-time students dedicate 3-6 hours on Wednesdays. Students gain professional learning experiences through virtual reality labs, telepresence robots, a cutting-edge simulation center, and clinical placements.
Program: Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus: Jacksonville, Florida
Type: Private
Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Tuition: $675 per credit
Admission Requirements: BSN; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 85.1% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $82,440 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$39,900
Out-of-state
$39,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,742
Out-of-state
$14,742
Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
4,053
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
64% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
What to Consider in a Florida Nurse Practitioner Program
Various essential metrics contribute to our comprehensive evaluation of the best Florida NP programs. By using these criteria to assess programs of interest, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your needs.
Admission Requirements
Admission criteria for each institution will generally align. Some nuanced distinctions, such as overall GPA and prerequisites for prior clinical experience, may influence the appeal of specific programs.
Specializations
When weighing NP programs, focus on their specializations. For instance, if your interest lies in adult-gerontology or pediatrics, Florida nurse practitioner programs not offering these concentrations can be promptly eliminated from consideration.
Clinical Experience
While all NP programs mandate clinical hours, the approach varies. Some programs actively support finding suitable clinical placements, while others leave this entirely in the hands of students. Additionally, the number of required clinical hours, ranging from 500 to 1,000 hours, can impact program selection.
Accreditation
Accreditation of nurse practitioner programs is pivotal. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are widely recognized accrediting bodies. Board certifications necessitate attendance at an accredited program.
Program Duration
Program length can significantly differ, especially for individuals juggling work, parenting, or other commitments. Full-time programs spanning 24-30 months are common, while part-time Florida nurse practitioner programs may extend up to 36 months.
Board Certification Pass Rate
The pass rate for nurse practitioner board certification exams reflects a school’s education quality. A consistently low pass rate may indicate inadequate preparation for board exams and subsequent clinical practice.
Significance of Florida Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation
Accreditation is central to the potential success of your education and career in Florida nurse practitioner programs. All programs featured in our rankings hold accreditation, with the ACEN and CCNE being the certifying bodies.
Attending a non-accredited NP program can lead to serious consequences, including:
1. Ineligibility for certification exams
2. Non-transferability of credits for further education
3. Overlooked by certain employers
4. Limited access to financial aid
5. Challenges in transferring nursing licenses to other states
Application to a Florida Nurse Practitioner Program
Admissions processes may slightly vary among Florida nurse practitioner programs, necessitating research. Here are examples of admission requirements for several programs:
– A BSN from an institution accredited by CCNE or ACEN
– Successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course
– Possession of a valid RN license in the state or county of practice
– Submission of application form, residency form, recommendations, essay/personal statement, and resume
– 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience
– Application fee
– Additional admission materials such as a resume, personal essay, letters of reference, and proof of RN licensure may be required.
Career Paths with a Degree from a Florida Nurse Practitioner Program
Florida nurse practitioner programs equip graduates for roles as highly valued advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These programs offer education for nationally approved nurse practitioner specializations.
The degree conferred by NP programs is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specific clinical focus, typically taking 30-40 months to complete. Specializations include:
– Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
– Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC)
– Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC)
– Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
– Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP-BC)
– Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC)
– Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-PC)
– Acute Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP-AC)
– Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
In Florida, there were 14,880 NP jobs in 2021, with a median annual salary of $120,680 and an average annual salary of $118,040. The average hourly rate for Florida NPs was $50.40, and job growth is projected at 70.8% from 2020 to 2030. Top metro areas for average NP salary include Sebring, Port St. Lucie, Gainesville, Panama City, and Cape Coral – Ft. Meyers. This data is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs in Florida
How long is NP school in Florida?
Most NP programs in Florida take 2-3 years for a full-time student with a bachelor’s degree in nursing to complete. Some programs offer accelerated online options, allowing nurses to earn their MSN in about 18 months. Accelerated nursing options are also available for individuals without an undergraduate degree in nursing.
How long does it take to get an NP license in Florida?
To become an NP in Florida, a valid nursing license and a master’s degree are required. It typically takes about six years to qualify for the license, including 3-4 years for a bachelor’s and an additional 2-3 years of study for the MSN.
What skills do you learn in NP school in Florida?
Common skills learned in any Florida nurse practitioner program include advanced physical assessment, comprehensive patient history-taking, accurate entry of patient data into electronic medical records, conflict resolution, motivational interviewing, therapeutic communication, mental health evaluation, advanced understanding of pharmacology, advanced understanding of pathophysiology and the diagnostic process, and procedural skills such as joint injections, pelvic exams, skin biopsies, and suturing.
What financial aid options are available for NP schools in Florida?
Financial aid and scholarships for nurse practitioner students can come from various sources, including private and civic organizations (e.g., Rotary Club), nursing associations (e.g., National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Indian Health Service), federally funded student loan programs, federally funded grant programs, and alumni-funded scholarships.
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