Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Florida

Florida is home to some of the top nursing programs in the nation, as well as various high-paying and secure career opportunities. That's why we've ranked the best nursing schools in Florida to help you decide which is right for you. 

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Florida

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors including,

• Reputation
• NCLEX pass rate
• Tuition
• Acceptance rate, when available
• Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible 

Our selection panel includes 5 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

• Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
• Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
• Chaunie Brusie, BSN, RN
• Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN
• Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

Because nursing careers take different forms, the top 10 Florida nursing schools are ranked in no particular order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florida Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 

• Florida employs 187,920 nurses, the fourth highest in the nation.
• There are 21.84 employed nurses for every 1,000 jobs in Florida, higher than the national average.

The only downside to Florida is the annual mean wage for nurses; in May of 2021, nurses in Florida earned a mean wage of $72,000, lower than the nation’s mean wage of $77,600.

However, the wage nurses might earn depends on where they live. According to the BLS, nurses in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach earned a mean wage of $74,220, while nurses in Panama City earned just $68,820.

With high nursing employment across the state, nurses should be able to find a job in whatever area they want, whether it be a metropolitan area or a small coastal town.

Next Steps

Picking the best schools for your situation is the first step to earning a BSN and becoming a nurse. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential schools, you’ll want to take a closer look at each school, the nursing program, and the potential outcomes.

In order, you’ll want to:

• Get in touch with each school’s admissions offices. The admissions office will tell you what the requirements for the university and nursing program are. This is an important step to find out if you’re eligible for the program.
• Meet the nursing school requirements. Nursing programs often have their own admissions process separate from the university. You may be required to submit additional resources, such as letters of recommendation or volunteer experience. 

This step is critical. Don’t apply to a school where you won’t be eligible for the nursing program.

• Submit your application(s). Even if you only have one dream school, apply to more than one university. One school may offer a scholarship you can’t resist!

When applying, items you’ll need to submit include:

• • High school transcript (GPA)
  • ACT and/or SAT scores
  • College entrance essay(s)
  • Letter(s) of recommendation

Again, see what other requirements each school and nursing program has. Gather your materials early on, too – it will make the application process much easier!

If at any point you feel confused or lost, contact an admissions representative. Their job is to help you through the application process. 

Choosing a Nursing School

Your dream school just accepted you! But you’ve found out that the nursing program has a low admissions rate, and you might not be eligible to join the program.

Scenarios like this are more common than you’d think. That’s why taking multiple factors into account is the best way to ensure you’re going to the right school.

Factors you should look at when comparing schools include:

• Annual tuition and total program cost (these can be different)
• Cost of living at or near the school
• Acceptance rate (both for the school and the nursing program)
• Length of the program (is it accelerated for four-year?)
• Nursing program outcomes
• Distance from hospitals (will you have to commute for clinicals?)
• Scholarships or grants offered by the school
• Accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation  

Accreditation is how schools can prove that their programs are high-quality. If a school is unaccredited, you may not be eligible for forms of financial aid. Nurses also might be turned away from potential employers if their degree is from an unaccredited school. 

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

If a school is accredited by one of these institutions, then their nursing program adheres to strict national standards.

Getting an RN License in Florida

Florida is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), so becoming an RN in Florida means you’re also eligible to work as a nurse in 37 other states and two territories.

To become an RN, you’ll need to:

• Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
• Pass a criminal background check and submit your fingerprints
• Apply to become a nurse via the Florida Board of Nursing

If you complete a BSN from an accredited Florida university, you should be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. After that, you’ll just need to submit some extra information and pass a background test. Then you’re set to begin your nursing career!

Conclusion 

As one of the top employers for nurses, there are plenty of opportunities available in Florida. However, to give yourself the best chance of finding a high-paying job, you’ll want to earn a BSN from an accredited school. Once you complete your BSN, you’ll be on track to become an RN and start a long, successful nursing career!

References:

BLS

Florida Board of Nursing