Top Florida MSN Programs 2024 & 2025
The best master of science in nursing (MSN) programs in Florida cater to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), a cohort comprising highly skilled nursing professionals encompassing nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, and nurse administrators and educators. APRNs, distinguished by higher salaries and increased autonomy, are pivotal players in the nursing landscape.
This comprehensive guide to Florida’s top 10 MSN degrees provides insights into program expectations, application procedures, potential salaries, and the path to becoming a licensed APRN in the Sunshine State. Aspiring to embark on a career as an advanced practice registered nurse in Florida? Navigate through these rankings to assess the state’s preeminent MSN offerings.
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Utilizing a data-driven approach, we employ a methodology rooted in metrics we consider most pertinent to students, such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings, facilitating your search for an MSN program that aligns with your goals.
At a Glance: Top Florida MSN Programs
1. University of South Florida
2. Miami Regional University
3. Florida Atlantic University
4. Jacksonville University
5. St. Thomas University
Explore key considerations when selecting a program, or delve into the comprehensive ranking of the finest MSN programs in Florida.
How Florida MSN Programs Operate
Florida’s MSN programs present a variety of learning formats, including online, on-campus, or a hybrid model. Clinical rotations occur in healthcare organizations within the region. Those holding a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) should anticipate a two-year commitment for full-time study to attain their MSN. Part-time enrollment offers flexibility but extends the timeframe, allowing registered nurses (RNs) to continue their employment. Accelerated RN-to-MSN programs in Florida, designed for learners with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and an RN license, typically span three years.
Florida’s Leading MSN Programs for 2024 & 2025
MSN coursework aligns with the student’s specialization areas, encompassing advanced health assessment, nursing informatics, nursing leadership, and pharmacology.
Florida secures the fourth position among U.S. states for the anticipated long-term employment growth of nurse practitioners from 2020-2030, projecting a substantial 71% increase. This data underscores that investing time in a Florida MSN program can translate into heightened career opportunities.
Navigating the MSN Application Process in Florida
Securing admission to top MSN programs in Florida is competitive, with many institutions accepting only 40-50% of applicants. Prospective candidates typically need a BSN from an accredited program (or an ADN for accelerated RN-to-MSN programs in Florida), a current and unencumbered RN license, and prerequisite coursework covering health assessment, nursing research, and statistics.
Admission Materials
Prepare to submit an application, a personal statement or essay, two or more professional and academic references, a resume or CV, and a criminal background check.
GPA Requirement
Most programs set a minimum GPA requirement at 3.0, with some preferring a 3.2 GPA. Additionally, a grade of “C” or higher in prerequisite courses is a common stipulation.
Other Requirements
Certain schools may necessitate GRE or MAT scores, an admissions interview, a year or more of RN experience, and/or a drug screening.
The Importance of MSN Program Accreditation in Florida
Nursing program accreditation involves a thorough assessment of a program’s ability to prepare graduates for safe and effective nursing practice. An impartial panel of evaluators, including practicing nurses and nurse educators, scrutinizes the program’s curriculum, student outcomes, faculty qualifications, teaching quality, and school facilities. While accreditation is not an absolute guarantee of school quality, it is a close equivalent. Reputable MSN programs in Florida are accredited, and this resource exclusively lists accredited programs. Graduates from unaccredited programs face limited employability, as few employers consider them, and accredited schools generally do not accept their transfer credits.
Investing time and resources into an MSN degree should align with safety, and attending an accredited program ensures a secure investment. Explore More About the Best MSN Programs and Schools. Refer to our methodology for insights into how we formulate our rankings.
Please note that these rankings involve advertising-supported content from NurseJournal.org, and program-specific details may vary. We rely on publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and all data is current as of the article’s publication date.
Top Florida MSN Programs 2024 & 2025
#1 University of South Florida
Location: Tampa, FL
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
The University of South Florida’s MSN program offers concentrations in adult-gerontology primary and acute care, family practice, and pediatric primary care for nurse practitioners. Adult-gerontology primary care students can choose a subspecialty in occupational health nursing or pursue a concurrent master of public health with an occupational health nursing subspecialty.
Enrollment options include full or part-time, culminating in a comprehensive exam within the chosen concentration.
Program Type: Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Tampa, Florida
Institution Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $431 per credit hour for Florida residents; $877 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (or relevant field with minimum 3.0 GPA), RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 18-24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 91% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $102,723 for master’s graduates (College Scorecard)
Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $4,559
– Out-of-state: $15,473
Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $8,350
– Out-of-state: $19,048
Retention Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 49%
Students Enrolled: 50,626
Percent Online Enrollment: 90%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Miami Regional University
Location: Miami Springs, FL
Duration: 4 years
Format: Campus
Miami Regional University’s direct entry MSN program prepares non-nursing bachelor’s degree-holders to pass the NCLEX-RN and become entry-level advanced generalist registered nurses. Applicants need prior coursework in human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English composition, report writing and research, and a humanities elective.
Enrollment options include full or part-time tracks, featuring courses in advanced nursing inquiry and evidence-based practice, foundations of nursing care across the lifespan, and nursing informatics.
Program Type: Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Miami Springs, Florida
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $670 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, minimum 2.5 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 20 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 69% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition: Not provided
Average Graduate Tu
ition: Not provided
Retention Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: Not provided
Students Enrolled: 818
Percent Online Enrollment: Not provided
Accreditation: Yes, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
#3 Florida Atlantic University
Location: Boca Raton, FL
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Full- or part-time students at Florida Atlantic University can earn their MSN and study in person or online, depending on their concentration. Core classes include advanced nursing practice grounded in caring, philosophical and theoretical foundations of nursing, and nursing research and evidence-based practice.
Concentrations offered include:
– Adult gerontological nurse practitioner
– Advanced holistic nursing
– Family nurse practitioner
– Nursing administration and financial leadership
– Nurse educator
– Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Program Type: Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Boca Raton, Florida
Institution Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $372 per credit hour for Florida residents; $1,027 per credit hour for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 18-24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 88% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $92,028 for master’s graduates (College Scorecard)
Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $2,522
– Out-of-state: $14,374
Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $5,467
– Out-of-state: $16,695
Retention Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 75%
Students Enrolled: 30,805
Percent Online Enrollment: 97%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Jacksonville University
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Jacksonville University’s MSN program offers full- or part-time options and online study for some concentrations. Core MSN courses cover nursing theory and research, nursing leadership and advanced roles, and organization, delivery, and policies in healthcare.
Available concentrations include:
– Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
– Clinical nurse educator
– Family nurse practitioner
– Healthcare quality and safety informatics
– Nursing leadership in healthcare systems
– Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Program Type: Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Jacksonville, Florida
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $675 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 92% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $80,091 for master’s graduates (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
Percent Online Enrollment: 64%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 St. Thomas University
Location: Miami Gardens, FL
Duration: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Catholic-affiliated St. Thomas University offers online MSN programs with concentrations in psychiatric mental health practitioner and family nursing practitioner focus areas. Admitted students can study full or part-time, access virtual clinical examinations, and complete clinical rotations at sites near their homes.
Both concentrations include core courses in transition to advanced practice, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and diversity in advanced health practice.
STU enrollees pay the same tuition regardless of residency, and 90% receive financial aid.
Program Type: Master of Science in Nursing
Campus: Miami Gardens, Florida
Institution Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $566 per credit hour
Admission Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, minimum 3.0 GPA, RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
On-Campus Requirements: No
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 58% first-time pass rate
Average Undergrad Tuition:
– In-state: $31,800
– Out-of-state: $31,800
Average Graduate Tuition:
– In-state: $14,400
– Out-of-state: $14,400
Retention Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 60%
Students Enrolled: 5,601
Percent Online Enrollment: 36%
Accreditation: Yes, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently Asked Questions About MSN Programs in Florida
What is the average salary for nurses with an MSN in Florida?
Nurse practitioners with an MSN in Florida earn an average salary of nearly $104,830, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries in the state’s highest-paying metropolitan areas range from $111,690 in Cape Coral-Fort Myers to $121,460 in Sebring.
Can I bridge an ADN to MSN in Florida?
Some of the best MSN programs in Florida offer an RN-to-MSN option. These programs usually take three years of full-time study, requiring a current and unencumbered license to apply, along with at least a 3.0 GPA and at least one year of experience.
How long does it take to become an APRN in Florida?
Full-time students can complete a Florida BSN-to-MSN program in about two years. Part-time enrollees and RNs with an ADN can expect to spend at least three years earning their MSN. Some APRNs may pursue a doctor of nursing practice degree, which often takes 3-4 years to complete.
What are the requirements to earn your APRN license in Florida?
Florida’s Board of Nursing outlines the following requirements for APRN licensing: a valid RN license; a master’s degree or post-master’s certification; national advanced practice certification from a nursing specialty board; proof of malpractice insurance; and electronic fingerprinting for a criminal background check.
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