Best Nursing Schools in Florida
Florida's nursing workforce is growing rapidly to serve the nation's fastest-growing senior population. With 60+ approved nursing programs, no state income tax, and year-round clinical placement opportunities across major hospital systems, Florida is one of the most strategic states to launch a nursing career.
Top Florida Nursing Schools by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Florida's major universities lead with 88%+ pass rates. Community colleges provide accessible ADN pathways.
| University of Florida | BSN | 95% |
| University of Miami | BSN | 93% |
| University of South Florida | BSN | 91% |
| Florida State University | BSN | 90% |
| Jacksonville University | BSN | 89% |
| UCF College of Nursing | BSN | 88% |
| FIU Nicole Wertheim | BSN | 87% |
| Florida Atlantic University | BSN | 84% |
| Miami Dade College | ADN | 83% |
| Broward College | ADN | 81% |
Florida Nursing Job Market
Different regions of Florida offer distinct clinical training environments and specialty focus areas. Your choice of program location can significantly shape your nursing career trajectory.
Miami–Dade
International & Bilingual Nursing
Jackson Memorial, Baptist Health, and Nicklaus Children's serve a diverse, bilingual patient population requiring culturally competent care.
Tampa Bay
Oncology & VA Nursing
Moffitt Cancer Center and James A. Haley VA Hospital provide specialty oncology and veterans' health training.
Orlando
Pediatric & Trauma
Orlando Health, AdventHealth, and Nemours Children's Hospital offer major pediatric and Level I trauma rotations.
Jacksonville
Military & Community
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and Naval Hospital Jax provide unique research and military nursing pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurses make in Florida?
The average RN salary in Florida is approximately $73,000/year (BLS 2024). Combined with no state income tax and lower cost of living, Florida's effective nursing compensation competes with higher-nominal-salary states.
How many nursing schools are in Florida?
Florida has 64 approved nursing programs across BSN, ADN, and graduate tracks. Major universities (UF, USF, UCF, FIU) all have well-regarded BSN programs.
Is there a nursing shortage in Florida?
Yes. Florida projects a shortage of 60,000+ nurses by 2030, driven by population growth and the nation's largest 65+ population. This means near-guaranteed employment for new graduates.
What is the fastest way to become a nurse in Florida?
The fastest route is a 2-year ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) at a community college like Miami Dade College or Broward College, followed by NCLEX-RN licensure. Accelerated BSN programs (12–18 months) are available for those with a prior bachelor's degree.
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