Florida, known for its sun-kissed beaches, is also home to a thriving healthcare industry with a high demand for skilled nursing professionals. The health sector is booming with a growing ageing population and a focus on innovative care. Finding the right nursing program is important if you’re aspiring to join the ranks of the best nurses in the world. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Colleges in Florida for Nursing, carefully ranked to highlight Florida’s best institutions for nursing education.
Selecting the right nursing school in Florida may seem quite a daunting task. To make this decision easier, it is vital to find schools where students can be assisted in obtaining licensure and receive help in the future. One way to measure this is by considering the ‘pass rates’ of the NCLEX-RN as a yardstick of a school’s quality. Hence, our rankings are based on the NCLEX pass rates and these schools’ reputation, tuition, accreditation and acceptance rates. Below are the top 10 nursing schools in Florida in no particular order:
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University of Miami
NCLEX pass rate: 98.51%
Acceptance rate: 19%
In-State Tuition: $55,440 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $55,440 per year
Accreditation: CCNE, ACEN
The University of Miami was established in 1925 and is a well-acclaimed academic institution with more than 17,000 students enrolled in its 230-acre campus in South Florida. The School of Nursing and Health Studies of the University of Miami is ranked as one of the best nursing schools in Florida. The school offers BSN, MSN and higher degrees like DNP/Ph.D. program in nursing. One of the most notable facilities that are available in the School of Nursing is the Simulation Hospital, where actual clinical training session is given to the students, and they are exposed to situations that are very similar to the real world.
The nursing program of the University of Miami has a good reputation as students get well-placed job offers, and the school has affiliations with over 170 clinical sites in Miami. The students also have chances to attend international health immersion programs in Australia, Brazil and India, which also augments student’s education and perspective on health care at the global level. Besides offering excellent nursing courses, UM offers a research-focused nursing curriculum that is equipped with modern facilities and comprises collaborations with external institutions. This level of training, along with academics and global affiliations, makes the University of Miami the right choice of nursing school for learners in Florida and beyond.
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University of Florida
NCLEX pass rate: 92.33%
Acceptance rate: 23%
In-State Tuition: $4,477 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $25, 694 per year
Accreditation: CCNE
The University of Florida, commonly known as UF, is one of the best universities where students can study nursing. Situated in Gainesville, UF is a large public university that ranks 58th place out of 2217 institutions, according to the US News & World Report. UF’s College of Nursing is well known for the quality of its programs, and the school offers multiple BSN options, including the traditional and accelerated tracks for students. UF’s nursing program is one of Florida’s largest, with 700 undergraduate and 370 graduate students. For the undergraduate program, it is among the first 5 best nursing programs in the country and the top 10% of the graduate programs.
The College of Nursing leverages the resources of the University of Florida health sciences centre system in Gainesville and other campuses, which ensures that nursing students can interact with students in other related areas such as Medicine and Pharmacy. The college also boasts of being a research-focused institution and has been endowed by institutions of higher repute, including the National Institute for Nursing Research and the National Science Foundation. UF nursing students complete clinical rotations at UF Health Shands Hospital and other healthcare facilities in the central Florida area. Equipped with modern simulation labs as well as a specialized building under Health Professions/Nursing/Pharmacy, UF has a setup that ensures students are ready for nursing practice upon graduation.
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University of Central Florida
NCLEX pass rate: 94.61%
Acceptance rate: 23%
In-State Tuition: $4,478 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,810 per year
Accreditation: CCNE
Among the best nursing schools in Florida, the University of Central Florida’s College of Nursing ranks as one of the leading positions. As one of the largest universities in the United States, UCF has its campus situated in Orlando, Florida, where it has provided several nursing degrees namely the BSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D in nursing. The programs are nationally recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which confirms the high level of the offered education. UCF is a public university with the largest student body with nearly 70,000 students, the largest of any university with a single campus in the United States.
Among over 2,217 colleges in the United States, UCF is ranked 193, and this is no surprise as the college has a highly academically focused public image. The College of Nursing at UCF is affordable, especially for online students and veterans, while maintaining the quality of its programs. The traditional BSN program stands out in the country as the school has recorded a 100% first-time pass rate in its history. If you are looking for a reputable yet affordable nursing school, the University of Central Florida is a good option for you.
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University of South Florida
NCLEX pass rate: 94.04%
Acceptance rate: 44%
In-State Tuition: $4,559 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,473 per year
Accreditation: CCNE
The University of South Florida is a renowned learning institution that is located in Tampa, Florida, USA and boasts of having a College of Nursing that ranks among the top 50 programs in the United States. The College of Nursing at the University of South Florida (USF) is also the largest research institution in Florida. It has conducted groundbreaking studies in areas including cardiovascular, cancer, chronic illness prevention, caregivers, and biobehavioral sciences. Additionally, in 2017, the College of Nursing received more significant NIH funding than any other academic institution in the state, which speaks to the college’s strength in nursing research. It also has a suitable environment for students to conduct research with modern technology through the 2,000-square-foot Biobehavioral Lab. Initially founded as a three-year diploma program to produce nurses for Gordon Keller Memorial Hospital, the College of Nursing has expanded as a vital affiliate of the USF Health system.
Boasting over 1,400 students and 250 faculty members, the college provides a personalized setting in which students can acquire the competencies required of future nursing professionals. At the college, students develop basic clinical skills via simulation and enhance those skills during clerkship rotations through affiliated healthcare systems like Tampa General Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital, and James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital. Furthermore, students are offered a chance to engage in global healthcare missions in countries like Panama, St. Croix and Scotland. Nursing programs offered by the college include BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing, MSN – Master of Science in Nursing, DNP- Doctor of Nursing Practice, and PhD –Doctor of Philosophy degree.
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University of Tampa, Tampa
NCLEX pass rate: 100%
Acceptance rate: 26%
In-State Tuition: $30,096 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,096 per year
Accreditation: CCNE
The University of Tampa is a private institution located in the city of Tampa, Florida. The UT nursing program is well developed and constantly shows its high academic performance. For the past 7 out of 8 years, UT nursing students passed the NCLEX-RN exam on their first attempt, which shows the effectiveness of the education and training delivered by the university. This achievement puts UT in the elite group of schools in Florida to achieve a similar feat. The University of Texas has a nursing school that provides BSN, MSN and DNP programs for students. The four-year BSN program, which is offered under the School of Nursing falling under the College of Natural and Health Sciences, also stands out due to the thorough training of registered nurses (RNs) in line with the present and future needs of the healthcare sector in Florida.
Nursing program students have access to state-of-the-art facilities provided in the Graduate and Health Sciences building. This comprises of digital anatomy lab equipped with the most modern technology and hospital room simulation labs. These resources also familiarise nursing students with clinical simulation, beginning in their second year of study, to provide them with a real-life experience. Apart from simulation training, UT nursing students also go through extensive clinical practice as the school is affiliated with over 120 hospitals, clinical agencies, schools, and medical practices within the area. The program also includes international experiences, which give students practical healthcare experience in the Dominican Republic and Ghana.
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Florida International University
NCLEX pass rate: 88%
Acceptance rate: 26%
Tuition: $30,096 per year
Accreditation: CCNE
FIU is a university which was founded in 1965, and it is the largest institution of higher learning in Miami, with over 550 acres of campus for nearly 59000 students. Also, the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences is one of FIU’s distinguished colleges and is also situated in Miami. It boasts of its values-driven, evidence-based practice approach and research-oriented focus. Approved by the CCNE, FIU’s School of Nursing offers comprehensive educational programs that reflect today’s high level of technological development in the nursing field and offer students the necessary simulation technology to work on a range of real-life healthcare careers.
There are several nursing programs available at FIU, which are BSN, MSN, Post-MSN to DNP, and Post-BSN to DNP. Such programs have received national acclaim, and the institution is highly ranked among institutions offering nursing degree programs. The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences at FIU is not only an academic institution, but it is also an institution focused on training students for the profession in today’s world. In addition to using simulations and emphasizing research, students are equipped with the skills needed to be successful in different healthcare environments.
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Florida State University
NCLEX pass rate: 95.41%
Acceptance rate: 25%
In-State Tuition: $4,022 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,540 per year
Accreditation: CCNE
One of the most outstanding nursing schools in Florida is Florida State University, which offers an excellent educational foundation for nursing leaders as clinicians, researchers and educators. Hence, it is no surprise that FSU’s College of Nursing is acknowledged as one of the 100 best nursing schools. The nursing programs at FSU are competitive, and freshmen students are expected to have a GPA of 3.5, and transfer students may require a 3.0. The kind of academic background offered here allows FSU to graduate qualified nurses who are capable of handling different healthcare situations. The College of Nursing is housed in a building known as the Vivian M. Duxbury Hall which has a simulation laboratory on a higher level where students gain procedural experience.
With clinical sites like Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the school ensures that its students get in-depth practical training. FSU also has the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Center for Research and Evidence-Based Practice, through which students can get involved in meaningful research. Additionally, accredited BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are provided, and these programs guarantee a high level of preparation in nursing. FSU currently enrols more than 41,000 students, ranks among the Top 20 US public universities, and contributes to defining the future of the nursing profession in Florida and nationwide.
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Nova Southeastern University
NCLEX pass rate: 98.7%
Acceptance rate: 76%
In-State Tuition: $34,500 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,500 per year
Accreditation: CCNE
NSU’s Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing is one of the best nursing schools in Florida that provides students with all the necessary knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the sphere of nursing and healthcare. NSU was founded in 1964 and is a private, non-profit university with a focus on education and the use of technology in education. It has its main campus located in Fort Lauderdale, with additional campuses in Fort Myers, Miami, North Miami Beach, Dania Beach, and Tampa Bay to afford a convenient learning setting for learners throughout Florida. NSU College of Nursing has several programs that it presents to its students, such as BSN, MSN, DNP, as well as Ph.D. It is also important to note that these programs are accredited by the CCNE, which means that the educational level in this college is high.
Also, the Health Precinct Nursing Simulation laboratory at NSU is specialized and equipped with advanced simulations, and students are posted for clinical experience in several health facilities within Broward County. The university promotes interprofessional education, enabling nursing students to join forces with students in other health sciences, such as medical students and pharmacists. With low tuition fees and various scholarship programs, the NSU offers an affordable and quality education that prepares professional nurses, making it one of the best nursing schools in Florida.
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Jacksonville University
NCLEX pass rate: 92.94%
Acceptance rate: 58%
In-State Tuition: $43,520 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $43,520 per year
Accreditation: CCNE
Jacksonville University is among the leading universities and provides a comprehensive nursing training program with an emphasis on leadership training in the field of healthcare. The Keigwin School of Nursing was officially launched in 2017, although nursing programs have been offered at the university since 1981. Jacksonville University has a good focus on nursing education, offering a traditional BSN, online RN to BSN completion program, and the RN-MSN option where registered nurses can directly enrol in master’s programs. Although the cost of tuition here may be high compared to public universities, the quality of education and the number of programs offered to nursing students is still one of the best. Keigwin School of Nursing is known for instilling relevant skills in students, such as critical thinking, creative and clinical skill development, etc., which are helpful for the future careers of students.
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The University of North Florida
NCLEX pass rate: 96%
Acceptance rate: 71%
In-State Tuition: $4,281 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,999 per year
Accreditation: CCNE, COA
One of the best nursing institutions in Florida is the University of North Florida (UNF) School of Nursing. It has received accreditation for its programs from both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. UNF has several programs in nursing, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a Doctorate program in nursing (DNP). These programs are designed to prepare students for successful careers in nursing. UNF’s nursing programs are anchored on academic excellence, clinical competence and the production of skilful and compassionate clinicians. This reputation makes it one of the best choices among prospective nurses who want quality education and hands-on experience.
Conclusion
As the world of medicine becomes increasingly dynamic, nursing schools will have a significant part to play in shaping the coming generation of nurses. If you are considering becoming a nursing student in Florida, we hope this article has been of tremendous help to you as we have shown you the 10 best nursing schools you can choose in Florida.