Nursing education in Florida has a direct entry option for those who already have an associate degree. This allows students to spend less time in college and start their nursing career sooner. These options have fairly competitive admission requirements, but may be worth it for the shorter program length. For example, UF offers an accelerated baccalaureate nursing program with a 26 month curriculum; this bypasses the general education courses and allows students to graduate with a BSN in just two years.

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Direct Entry Nursing Programs In Florida

There are a number of schools in Florida that allow registered nurses to complete a Master of Science in Nursing. MSN candidates will complete courses on topics like health policy and promotion, as well as nursing practicum courses.

Jacksonville University

The online RN to MSN degree program allows applicants with an Associate Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing, and a current nursing license to pursue both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing together. Students must complete 141-144 credit hours and choose from one of three MSN concentrations: clinical nurse educator, leadership in healthcare systems, or informatics in this program.

South University

The Master of Science in Nursing with a family nurse practitioner specialization is a bridge program for students who don’t have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This degree program, which is available on campus or online, requires students to complete 233 credit hours, in general education and undergraduate nursing courses, as well as MSN core and family nurse practitioner specialization courses.

University of Central Florida

There are three specializations in the University of Central Florida’s online MSN degree program: nursing leadership and management, nurse educator, and nursing and healthcare simulation. This program is designed to allow students who are licensed nurses and hold a bachelor’s degree in any field, to prepare for leadership positions. Individuals who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in nursing will have to complete prerequisite courses, such the educational role of the nurse, foundations of healthcare leadership and management, and population health.

University of South Florida

In this degree program, applicants choose from six different specializations: adult-gerontology, primary care, adult-gerontology acute care. family health nursing, nursing education, occupational health/adult-gerontology primary care, and pediatric health nursing. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in any field and may be required to complete 15-18 credit hours in prerequisite courses before moving on to the MSN curriculum.

University of Tampa

Individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree must complete a few undergraduate nursing courses before moving into the MSN curriculum at the University of Tampa’s MSN program. Students will choose from two concentrations as they complete four clinical practicums and 42-49 credit hours, depending on whether they choose the adult-gerontology nurse practitioner or family nurse practitioner concentration.

SCHOOL NAME	PROGRAMS OFFERED	TUITION (2019-2020)
Jacksonville University	RN to MSN (online); * Clinical Nurse Educator * Leadership in Healthcare Systems * Informatics	$14,274*
South University	RN to MSN: Family Nurse Practitioner (on campus and online)	$16,620*
University of Central Florida	Master of Science in Nursing (online): * Nursing Leadership and Management * Nurse Educator * Nursing and Healthcare Simulation	$6,916 (in-state); $25,759 (out-of-state)*
University of South Florida	Master of Science in Nursing; * Adult-Gerontology * Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Acute Care *Family Health Nursing *Nursing Education * Occupational Health/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care * Pediatric Health Nursing.	$8,350 (in-state); $19,048 (out-of-state)*
University of Tampa	Master of Science in Nursing	$11,142*

Sources: *NCES

How to Earn a Master of Science in Nursing

The admission requirements for a Master of Science in Nursing degree program may vary depending on the school you choose. Common requirements include a valid registered nursing license, 2-3 letters of recommendation, and at least a year’s experience working directly with patients. As a student in a direct-entry MSN program, you’ll take courses that cover topics like health policy, leadership, pathophysiology, and at least one practicum to gain additional experience working with patients.

Nursing Leadership

This course introduces registered nurses to leadership skills that will be necessary to move into an advanced practice nursing program. The course will touch on communication, promoting change in the healthcare system, and building one’s leadership skills to create a positive experience for patients and team members.

Advanced Pathophysiology

Students in this course learn about the body’s normal and unusual pathophysiological responses to different situations and stimuli. The course dives into theories, principles and current research, preparing students to learn and integrate the new concepts with the information they already know to help their patients. Topics in this course might include cellular environment, principles of genetics, and altered tissue biology.

Health Policy and Health Promotion in Advanced Nursing Practice

Advanced practice nurses and those who are looking to move into a career in administration will need to understand how healthcare policies are created, how to evaluate them, and how healthcare policy affects the role of a nurse. Topics in this course might include how healthcare is delivered and how to go about promoting good health and preventing disease. Students explore the guidelines and recommendations from a variety of sources and learn how nurses can create and implement care plans to help patients improve their health.

Nursing Practicum

The focus of this course will depend on what your chosen specialization is, but many schools require students to complete several sessions throughout their educational program. For a Family Nurse Practitioner program, each required practicum may introduce the student to patients in different age ranges and require them to work with each.

Graduate project or Capstone Course

Students are often required to complete a capstone course or graduate project in the final semester of their studies. The project that comes out of this course is often meant to show how well they’ve understood the information they’ve studied. The topic of a student’s project depends on their specialization, and the focus of a project may be on how to improve healthcare delivery to patients, or may also be about newer nursing knowledge.

There are several nursing schools in Florida that offer a direct-entry MSN program online, or in a part-time format, to allow working nurses to complete their studies and still work. A registered nurse seeking a move into advanced practice nursing will benefit from a direct-entry MSN program because the courses they take will help them to determine what populations they want to work with, and gain more experience.

A direct-entry master’s in nursing (MSN) program is for students with a non-nursing degree who would like to pursue a career as a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice nurse (APRN). APRNs are nurses that have earned their master’s degree. A registered nurse degree apprenticeship (RNDA) offers a flexible route to becoming a nurse that doesn’t require full-time study at university. You will need to secure a position as an RNDA and your employer will release you to study at university part time.

2021 Best Colleges for Nursing in Florida

Nursing is a popular major and Florida is the 3rd most popular state for students studying this major. 18,788 of the 296,913 Nursing degrees earned last year were given by colleges in Florida. With so many choices it can be a daunting task finding the best choice. This year’s Best Colleges for Nursing in Florida ranking analyzed 25 colleges and universities that offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing. We look at over 20 factors to determine the top 15% of colleges for Nursing students in Florida.

Choosing a Great Nursing School

The nursing program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality nursing program can vary widely even among the top schools. To make it into this list a school must excel in the following areas.

Overall Quality is a Must

A school that excels in educating for a particular major must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.

Over 80% of the schools in this list are in the top 28% of our overall quality ranking while the lowest ranked school on the list is still in the top 29%. Overall Best Colleges Rank  ( 418 to 17 ) Lowest Ranked Overall Top Ranked Overall

Better Early and Mid Career Salaries

Nursing graduates from colleges on this list tend to earn more after college than those from other schools. Recent nursing graduates from Florida schools with a bachelors degree earned an average of $62,846 in 2017-2018. Starting Salary  ( 60643 to 66756 ) $0 $66,400

Other Factors We Consider

In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:

• Major Focus – How much a school focuses on Nursing students vs. other majors.
• Major Popularity – How many other nursing students choose this school.
• Accreditation – Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or a recognized nursing related accrediting body.

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for Nursing students in Florida.

Best Schools to Study Nursing in Florida

The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for a Nursing degree.

Top 10 Best Nursing Colleges in Florida

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL 11th Most Popular In FL $63,700 Median Starting Salary

University of Miami is among your top options if you want to study nursing. U Miami is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Coral Gables. A Best Colleges rank of 103 out of 1,715 colleges nationwide means U Miami is a great school overall.

A preferred major for nursing undergrads, there are about 482 learners studying this degree at U Miami. Nursing majors from University of Miami get a earnings boost of about $3,172 above the typical earnings of nursing graduates.

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL 7th Most Popular In FL $66,400 Median Starting Salary

Jacksonville University is one of the finest schools in the country for nursing. JU is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Jacksonville. This school ranks 14th out of 62 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There are approximately 565 nursing undergraduates enrolled in this degree at JU. Jacksonville University nursing students

make $5,872 more than the typical nursing student.

University of South Florida – Main Campus

Tampa, FL 2nd Most Popular In FL $60,300 Median Starting Salary

It is hard to beat University of South Florida – Main Campus if you want to pursue nursing as a major. USF Tampa is a fairly large public school located in the large city of Tampa. This school ranks 5th out of 62 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There are approximately 918 nursing undergraduates enrolled in this degree at USF Tampa. After graduating, nursing students typically earn an average of $60,300 in the first five years of their career.

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL 8th Most Popular In FL $62,200 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in nursing has to take a look at Nova Southeastern University. Nova Southeastern University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale. This school ranks 16th out of 62 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

With 556 students enrolled, Nova Southeastern University is one of most popular schools to study nursing in Florida. Graduates of the nursing program earn about $62,200 in the first couple years of their career.

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL 24th Most Popular In FL $58,700 Median Starting Salary

U of F is a fairly large public school located in the midsize city of Gainesville. A Best Colleges rank of 85 out of 1,715 colleges nationwide means U of F is a great school overall.

A popular major for nursing undergraduates, there are approximately 294 learners studying this degree at U of F. Students who graduate from the nursing program make around $58,700 in their early career salary.

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL 4th Most Popular In FL $55,700 Median Starting Salary

UCF is a very large public school located in the large suburb of Orlando. This school ranks 9th out of 62 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There are approximately 780 nursing undergrads enrolled in this degree at UCF. Students who complete this program report average early career earnings of $55,700.

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL 39th Most Popular In FL $57,000 Median Starting Salary

Florida State is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. A Best Colleges rank of 160 out of 1,715 schools nationwide means Florida State is a great school overall.

A favorite choice for nursing undergraduates, there are roughly 163 learners enrolled in this degree at Florida State. Soon after graduating, nursing students typically earn an average of $57,000 in their early careers.

Florida International University

Miami, FL 10th Most Popular In FL $61,000 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb Miami, FIU is a public school with a fairly large student population. This school ranks 17th out of 62 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

A popular major for nursing undergraduates, there are approximately 483 learners enrolled in this degree at FIU. Graduates of the nursing program make around $61,000 in their early career salary.

Florida National University – Main Campus

Hialeah, FL 19th Most Popular In FL $62,000 Median Starting Salary

Florida National University – Main Campus is a small private for-profit school located in the large suburb of Hialeah. This school ranks 39th out of 62 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

With 332 undergraduates, Florida National University – Main Campus is one of most popular colleges to study nursing in Florida. Students who graduate from this degree state that they receive average early career earnings of $62,000.

Florida Southern College

Lakeland, FL 48th Most Popular In FL $59,500 Median Starting Salary

Florida Southern is a small private not-for-profit school located in the midsize city of Lakeland. This college ranks 13th out of 62 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

With 118 undergraduates, Florida Southern College is one of most popular colleges to study nursing in Florida. Graduates of the nursing program report average early career earnings of $59,500.

Best Nursing Colleges in the Southeast Region

Explore all the Best Nursing Schools in the Southeast Area or other specific states within that region.

State	Colleges	Degrees Awarded
Georgia	279	7,186
North Carolina	274	7,306
Virginia	268	6,182
Tennessee	257	5,589
South Carolina	239	3,330
Kentucky	238	5,201
Alabama	230	6,615
Mississippi	228	2,838
Arkansas	226	2,861
Louisiana	225	3,125
West Virginia	205	1,526

best accelerated nursing programs in florida

If you currently have a bachelor’s degree in any field but you’re interested in making a career change to nursing, there are numerous accelerated nursing programs in Florida that can help you do just that. These programs give you credit for the courses you’ve already taken and allow you to earn your nursing degree more quickly and affordably. You can enter an accelerated BSN program, which allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree, or you can choose a direct entry MSN program, which allows you to earn your master’s degree.

How Many Schools are Currently Offering Florida Board of Nursing Approved and CCNE Accredited Accelerated Nursing Programs in Florida?

Accelerated BSN	12
Accelerated MSN/Entry Level Masters/Direct Entry MSN	0
Total	12

Typical Accelerated BSN Programs in Florida Information

Accelerated BSN programs in FL exist to help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree quickly by giving you credit for the courses associated with your current bachelor’s degree. These programs combine lecture-style instruction, simulations, and clinicals in a fast-paced setting that prepares you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam in FL and a career in nursing.

Admission Requirements: Admission requirements for the accelerated BSN program vary from school to school, but you will need to have a bachelor’s degree to enroll. In order to better understand the requirements for entering this program in Florida, take a look at the requirements for Barry University’s program. Here, you must have:

• A bachelor’ degree in any field with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and fewer than five withdrawals, Ds or Fs combined;
• A grade of C or higher in liberal arts, science, and certain other courses;
• Two letters of recommendation;
• A personal interview deemed satisfactory; and
• Proof of completion of all prerequisites.

Before beginning clinical experiences in any of the accelerated nursing programs in FL, you will likely also need to provide proof of liability insurance and a clear drug and background screening.

Tuition Cost: Tuition costs for the accelerated BSN degree in Florida vary greatly depending on the program length, the number of courses you need to complete, and the school you choose. You may pay anywhere from $21,564 to $40,000 or more for your BSN education.

Examples
College Name	Tuition
Barry University	$28,000
Florida Atlantic University	$21,564
University of Florida	$40,000

Length: Program lengths will also vary across Florida, and some give you the ability to participate part-time as well as full-time. On average, though, it will take you between 12 and 15 months to complete your education.

Examples
College Name	Program Length
Barry University	15-Months
ECPI University-Orlando	12-Months
Florida State University	12-Months

Classes: The classes you will take build upon your current degree and focus strongly on the nursing career in Florida. You will learn about healthcare for different age groups and in different settings along with other topics designed to help you in your career.

Coursework Example – Barry University

Community/ Public Health Nursing, Family Centered Care: Mother/Baby & Women’s Health Nursing, Family Centered Care: Parent/Child Nursing, Foundations of Nursing Care, Health Assessment and Health Promotion, Health Care Policy, Advocacy & the Political Process, Introduction to Nursing Science, Nursing Leadership & Management, Pathophysiology, Patient Centered Care: Adult/Elderly Nursing, Patient Centered Care: Behavioral Health Nursing, Patient Centered Care: High Acuity Nursing, Pharmacology, Professional Role Transition, Research and Evidence Based Practice, and Senior Seminar

Clinical Training: Clinical training involves providing patient care in a medical setting under the direct supervision of faculty, an RN, or a doctor. The training may occur immediately after finishing a course, or it may occur concurrent with that course. At Barry University, for example, clinicals occur concurrently with several courses and can take place at one of 11 different facilities.

FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF 12 ACCELERATED BSN PROGRAMS IN FLORIDA FOR 2022

1. Barry University, Miami Shores

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences was formed in 2008 and is part of the schools that form Barry University. It is synonymous with quality healthcare education in the Dominican intellectual tradition since its inception. The school maintains small size classroom giving enough room for one-on-one mentoring.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Accelerated Option (BSN/AO) is a four-semester program that provides rigorous training to aspiring nurses. An affordable and fast paced option for nursing students, its graduates are known to find employment easily across the state of FL. With just 10-20 students being accepted for the accelerated option, the college advises submitting an early application, irrespective of whether you have completed all your pre-requisites or not. The 15-month program, starting spring semester each year includes courses such as patient centered care, family centered care, nursing leadership and management, teaching the skills and knowledge required to adjust to the present day demands of nursing.

2. ECPI University-Orlando, Lake Mary

ECPI University located in the beautiful Lake Mary was earlier Remington College School of Nursing. The location offers an advantage to its students in terms of providing a serene environment at the same time offering the conveniences of Orlando area such as scores of employment opportunities, entertainment and recreation options. ECPI strives to provide an engaging learning experience by maintaining state-of art labs that are equipped with human patient simulators, mannequins and medical equipment.

The 12-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students to master the practical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills critical to a nursing career. Graduates go on to find employment in primary care clinics, managed care facilities, hospitals, home healthcare, mental health agencies and military and industry. Students actively participate in the role of a professional nurse through leadership and lifelong learning.

3. Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton

Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing has since its inception earned a distinction of providing education that is dedicated to caring in nursing. Its array of nursing programs is top-rated, and its curriculum incorporates the latest recommendations from Carnegie Foundation Report and the Institute of Medicine competencies for health profession’s education, thereby making it unique and caring-based.

The Accelerated BSN program which emphasizes on acute care nursing and nursing situations associated with psychiatric and mental health takes 60 credit hours to complete.

This 15-month program requires a minimum engagement of 40 hours per week to complete the required coursework. Graduates go on to take the NCLEX-RN and there on easily find employment opportunities in nursing homes, military facilities and hospitals.

4. Florida International University, Miami

The Florida International University’s Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences (NWCNHS) offers some of the most innovative nursing programs in a caring and conducive environment. NWCNHS’s primary focus being disease prevention and management, it nurtures students to be advanced healthcare professionals, providing learning with the help of a virtual hospital, exclusive Clinical Assessment and a Simulation Teaching and Research center.

The Accelerated BSN that prepares students to become a registered nurse takes just 3 semesters to complete. The program is offered only once a year in Fall and gives preference to applicants who have volunteered and display leadership qualities. The program’s concise and comprehensive curriculum manages to cover nursing fundamentals along with advanced courses such as Childbearing Nursing, Psychosocial Nursing and Evidence based Nursing and Research in Global Healthcare.

5. Florida State University, Tallahassee

Founded in 1950, the Florida State University College of Nursing has since its inception been instrumental in creating a workforce of nurses for professional practice in diverse settings. The nursing education it offers is known to demonstrate compassion and nursing care based on equity and cultural sensitivity. The college engages in collaborative interdisciplinary work within the university, thereby promoting an environment of research and inter-disciplinary professionalism.

The full-time, 12-month Accelerated BSN that is offered every spring provides a learning experience, complete with an expert nursing faculty and technological resources. The first semester covers nursing fundamentals and generalized courses, whereas the last two semesters cover advanced courses such as Nursing Care of Women, Children and Families, Nursing Care for Acute Health Disorders and Nursing Care of Vulnerable Populations. A well-rounded clinical experience gives students the exposure and hand-on learning, required to take up advanced nursing positions.

6. Jacksonville University, Jacksonville

Jacksonville University School of Nursing, located in Jacksonville, Florida, believes in imparting a nursing education that refines and cultivates values of caring and compassion, qualities that are inherent to the profession of nursing. Its faculty nurtures a supportive relationship with its students, mentoring them beyond the classroom and encouraging them to maintain balance in their personal and professional lives.

The Second-Degree BSN program, a 16 months fast-paced course starts in May each Year and ends in August the following year. The school is selective about its admission process and admits only 41 students each year. The intensive curriculum prepares students for advanced and critical care nursing positions covering courses, some of which are Child-Rearing family practice, Critical Care Nursing and Psych/Mental Health Practice.

7. Keiser University, Ft. Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Sarasota, West Palm Beach

Founded in 1977, Keiser University in its 40 years of service has been instrumental in offering career focused education through it’s over 1000 degree programs. It is Florida’s third largest not-for-profit university having campuses in 18 locations across the state, making it convenient for students to find a campus near to them.

When you enroll for the Accelerated BSN at Keiser you can expect to graduate with desirable nursing characteristics such as compassion, patient centric approach and an ability to provide competent nursing care in a variety of settings. This 16 month-program trains students to use evidence-based knowledge and skills that are related to disease management and health and wellness, thereby working towards improving patient outcomes. The program encourages research and translating the derived data into nursing practice, enabling graduates to be better equipped at addressing common clinical scenarios in the complex healthcare system.

8. University of Central Florida, Orlando

The University of Central Florida College of Nursing welcomed its first batch of 35 students in 1979. One of the top ranked nursing colleges in the country, UCF graduates are known to do exceedingly well on the NCLEX-RN. Students greatly benefit from the college’s active participation in bringing together interdisciplinary teams of health care educators, practitioners and computer scientists to develop innovative applications for simulations that are used for training.

The Second Degree BSN offered in summer each year is a full-time rigorous program. Graduates live up to the college’s belief in touching lives, leading by example and making a difference, after going through a comprehensive curriculum that includes service learning courses with clinical rotations in diverse, medically underserved communities. You will need 57 to 62 credits spanning four semesters to graduate from this fast-paced program.

9. University of Florida, Gainesville

University of Florida College of Nursing is an integral part of the university and one of the 16 colleges at its campus. The college is recognized for its nursing scholarship, research and enjoys a world class health center, one of the only 3 in the state. What’s more, with the town of Gainesville offering a host of entertainment options, students can make the most of the sunny beaches, theme parks and a vibrant recreational culture.

The Accelerated BSN that starts in May each year takes four semesters to complete. Students gain thorough knowledge and skills through intensive classwork as well as laboratory experiences where they get an opportunity to explore clinical practice in a variety of settings. The program takes students through a curriculum, moving from nursing fundamentals to complex nursing courses such as Genetics and Genomics in Nursing, Restoration of Wellness, Leadership and Management in Nursing and Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing.

10. University of Miami, Coral Gables

The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS), located at the heart of the beautiful Coral Gables Campus brings along 70 years of expertise in healthcare education. The nursing school boasts of an outstanding faculty that is made up of some of the nation’s top educators, scientists and researchers, which together bring about a curriculum suited to serve the needs of modern-day nursing.

The Accelerated BSN is conveniently offered twice a year, in Jan and May and takes just 12 months to complete. Rigorous classwork and extensive hands on experience at a variety of its 170 clinical partners prepares students for a nursing career with health outcomes spanning a patient’s lifespan. Adding another feather to its cap, the 41,000 square-foot newly opened simulation hospital provides students an opportunity to hone their skills using a combination of high-tech mannequins and lab settings. Applicants require a minimum of 3.0 GPA in order to be eligible for the program that enrolls 70 students each summer and spring.

11. University of North Florida, Jacksonville

The University of North Florida School of Nursing has been around for 40 years and since then been providing excellence in nursing education through its several nursing programs. In 2005 the School of Nursing was selected as the university’s first flagship program.

The Accelerated Prelicensure BSN, designed for those who possess a degree in any other field is a 15 months full-time study program. Students get the flexibility to enroll twice a year as it is offered in May as well as August. The curriculum supports community service, giving students an array of opportunities to work with the vulnerable and undeserved by nurturing relationships with community agencies. The coursework prepares graduates to assume advanced nursing roles in a variety of clinical settings with professional competence.

12. University of South Florida, Tampa

University of South Florida College of Nursing has lived by its mission to prepare 21st century nurses since it was established 45 years back. With its path breaking research, it is little wonder that this college has achieved the #1 rank in Florida NIH research funding. Having 900 clinical partners; nursing students are given a substantial opportunity to undergo training in various clinical settings across the state. The 10,000 nursing alumni form a major part of the nursing workforce in Tampa Bay, all working towards improving health outcomes of the population.

The Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree requires 62 credit hours to graduate which includes 690 hours of clinical and simulation and 60 lab hours. The coursework is comprehensive and includes courses, some of which are health assessment, wellness prevention across the life span, nursing care of women, children and families, complex health nursing and psychiatric mental health nursing.

What Next After Completing My Accelerated Nursing Program in FL?

Completing your accelerated nursing program in Florida is a huge step, and it opens the door to many career opportunities. Before going to work, you will need to get your license from the Florida Board of Nursing and find the employer that works best for your needs.

Get My RN License: To get your RN license, you will need to apply through the Florida Board of Nursing, then visit the Pearson Vue website to pay for and register for the NCLEX-RN examination. After taking and passing the exam, you will receive your license, allowing you to practice as an RN in Florida.

Where Will I Work: Florida RNs work in a variety of different environments. Most work in hospitals, including in emergency rooms, surgical wings, and labor and delivery. RNs working in hospitals may work very long hours and they may also work nights, weekends, and holidays. Some nurses work in clinics and doctors’ offices that are only open during typical business days, as well. You might also opt to work in a home healthcare setting and, to a degree, choose your own hours.

Is the Career Change to Nursing Worth It in Florida?

Salary: The salary for a BSN-educated RN in Florida ranges from $46,830 to $84,530 annually for an average of $64,890. Conversely, an MSN-educated nurse practitioner can earn between $70,550 and $127,610, or an average of $99,930. RNs with more experience tend to earn higher salaries, as do those who work in more lucrative settings, such as for high-profile surgeons.

Occupation	Hourly Wage	Monthly Salary	Annual Salary
Registered Nurse with Accelerated BSN	$22.51 – $40.64	$3,900 – $7,040	$46,830 – $84,530
Nurse Practitioner with Accelerated MSN / Entry Level Masters	$33.92 – $61.35	$5,880 – $10,630	$70,550 – $127,610
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Salary Compared to All Other Occupations in Florida: Nursing pays far more than other occupations in Florida, as well. When you compare the average annual salaries of RNs ($64,890) and nurse practitioners ($99,930) across the state with the average annual salary associated with all other occupations, which is just $44,790, it is quite clear that nursing is a lucrative career choice.

Occupation	Average Annual Salary
Registered Nurse	$64,890
Nurse Practitioner	$99,930
All Other Occupations	$44,790
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Job Prospects & Security: Another important consideration when making the move to a nursing career in Florida is your overall job security. Between 2017 and 2027, it is estimated that the employment of RNs will grow some 23.45%, which is well above average and will provide a great deal of security. The prospects for nurse practitioners are even better; employment in this field will climb 44.80% in that same timeframe. As more Floridians gain access to healthcare, and as the population continues to age, more nurses and nurse practitioners will be needed to provide excellent patient care.

Occupation	Employment	10 Year New Job Growth Projection (2017-2027)	Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement)
2017	2027	Number	%
Registered Nurse	178,330	220,150	41,820	23.45%	12,290
Nurse Practitioner	10,380	15,030	4,650	44.80%	1,080
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)