Key Takeaways
- Fort Lauderdale and Broward County offer a strong nursing education ecosystem anchored by Broward College, Nova Southeastern University, and multiple private institutions.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a national median of $81,220 per year, and South Florida nursing wages are competitive with or above this figure due to high cost of living.
- Broward Health, the public hospital district serving Broward County, is one of the largest public hospital systems in the Southeast and a primary employer of nursing graduates.
- Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines is one of the nation's most recognized public healthcare systems and a sought-after nursing employer in South Florida.
- South Florida's international population creates demand for bilingual nurses, with Spanish, Creole, and Portuguese language skills significantly enhancing career opportunities.
- Nova Southeastern University offers a comprehensive nursing program portfolio from BSN through DNP, including an accelerated BSN for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees.
Fort Lauderdale: South Florida's Nursing Crossroads
Fort Lauderdale sits at the center of Broward County, a densely populated coastal community of approximately 1.9 million people with one of the most active healthcare markets in Florida. Sandwiched between Miami-Dade to the south and Palm Beach County to the north, Broward County's healthcare system serves a diverse, multilingual, and rapidly growing population that creates consistent and significant demand for registered nurses across every specialty.
For aspiring nurses, Fort Lauderdale offers a combination of program options -- from community college ADN pathways to doctoral-level programs at Nova Southeastern -- and a job market anchored by major public hospital systems that offer stable employment, strong benefits, and genuine career advancement opportunities. The South Florida healthcare market also has unique characteristics that affect nursing careers: a large retiree and seasonal population, significant international patient volume, and the ongoing challenges of serving one of the most economically and culturally diverse populations in the country.
This guide covers the nursing programs accessible from Fort Lauderdale, the healthcare employers who hire graduates, and the career and compensation picture for nurses in South Florida.
Broward College -- Nursing Programs
Broward College is the most accessible and affordable nursing education option in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area. As a Florida public college, Broward College offers in-state tuition rates that are a fraction of private university costs, and its nursing programs have strong local employer relationships.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Broward College's ADN program is a two-year associate degree (after completing prerequisites) that prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), recognized by Florida Board of Nursing and Broward County healthcare employers.
Broward College ADN graduates have strong NCLEX pass rates and are well-regarded by local employers. The program's clinical rotations take place at Broward Health facilities, Memorial Healthcare System hospitals, and other area healthcare providers, giving students hands-on experience in the actual employment environments they will encounter as licensed nurses.
The ADN pathway is particularly valuable for career-changers, students who need to minimize student debt, or those who plan to complete a BSN through an RN-to-BSN bridge while working. The two-step approach -- ADN followed by BSN completion -- is a proven strategy in South Florida's nursing market.
Practical Nursing Certificate
Broward College also offers a practical nursing (LPN) certificate program, providing the fastest path into paid nursing practice. LPN positions in South Florida typically earn $38,000-$52,000 per year, and the LPN credential serves as a platform for bridge programs to RN licensure. Long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices in Broward County are consistent employers of LPNs.
Nova Southeastern University -- Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing
Nova Southeastern University in Davie (adjacent to Fort Lauderdale) is the largest private university in the Southeast by enrollment and offers one of the most comprehensive nursing education programs in South Florida. NSU's nursing programs span the full academic continuum:
Traditional BSN
NSU's traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares pre-licensure students for NCLEX-RN through a rigorous curriculum with clinical rotations at area healthcare facilities. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and admits students after completion of prerequisite coursework with competitive GPA requirements.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
NSU's accelerated BSN is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and want to complete a BSN in an accelerated timeframe, typically 12-16 months of intensive study. The ABSN is one of the fastest-growing nursing program types nationwide, attracting career-changers who have the academic foundation to handle an accelerated pace.
For South Florida professionals considering nursing as a career change -- a common scenario in a region with many people who entered hospitality, finance, or other industries and later became interested in healthcare -- the ABSN is an efficient pathway that leverages existing academic credentials.
RN-to-BSN Completion
NSU offers an RN-to-BSN completion program that is available online for working nurses with associate degrees. This flexible format allows nurses in Fort Lauderdale to advance their education while continuing to practice. The RN-to-BSN at NSU is particularly relevant as Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare increasingly require or prefer BSN preparation for hiring and advancement.
MSN Programs
NSU's Master of Science in Nursing program offers multiple specializations including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Nurse Educator. The FNP and psychiatric NP tracks are especially relevant given South Florida's large primary care access challenges and significant behavioral health needs. NP salaries in Fort Lauderdale area typically range from $105,000 to $135,000 or more.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
NSU's DNP is the terminal clinical degree in nursing, preparing advanced practice nurses for the highest levels of clinical practice and healthcare leadership. Post-master's and post-BSN pathways are available.
Keiser University -- Fort Lauderdale
Keiser University is a Florida-based non-profit institution with a significant presence in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Keiser offers nursing programs including ADN and BSN options. As with any non-public institution, prospective students should carefully review total program cost, NCLEX-RN pass rate data (publicly available through the Florida Board of Nursing), and employer recognition compared to public college alternatives.
Florida Atlantic University -- Boca Raton (Near Fort Lauderdale)
Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton is approximately 30 miles north of Fort Lauderdale and serves the northern Broward and southern Palm Beach nursing education market. FAU's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing offers BSN and graduate nursing programs with a distinctive caring science philosophy. For students in northern Broward County, FAU is an accessible option for baccalaureate and graduate nursing education at a public university price point.
South Florida's Healthcare Employer Landscape
Broward Health
Broward Health is the public hospital district for Broward County and operates four major hospitals: Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Broward Health North in Pompano Beach, Broward Health Imperial Point in Fort Lauderdale, and Broward Health Coral Springs. The system employs thousands of nurses and is one of the most important public employers in the county.
Broward Health offers nurse residency programs for new graduates, competitive wages for the South Florida market, and a range of specialty units at its flagship Level I Trauma Center at Broward Health Medical Center. Working at a public hospital district also provides access to Florida Retirement System (FRS) benefits for qualifying employees.
Memorial Healthcare System
Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines is one of the nation's most recognized public healthcare systems and is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in Florida. Memorial operates Memorial Regional Hospital (a Level I Trauma Center), Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, and several other facilities. Memorial is known for a strong nursing culture and has historically attracted nurses from across the region and country.
Memorial Healthcare is a sought-after employer for Fort Lauderdale nursing graduates. The system offers competitive wages, nurse residency programs, and a clinical environment that includes specialty services like cancer care, cardiac surgery, and pediatrics that provide rich professional development opportunities.
Holy Cross Health
Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale is a Catholic health system that is part of Trinity Health. Holy Cross is a Magnet-designated hospital -- the American Nurses Credentialing Center's highest recognition for nursing excellence -- which is a significant indicator of nursing practice quality and a career differentiator for nurses who want to practice in a Magnet environment.
Cleveland Clinic Florida
Cleveland Clinic Florida operates a major hospital and outpatient center in Weston, adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale market. Cleveland Clinic's national reputation for clinical excellence and its South Florida facilities attract nurses who want to practice in an environment with strong institutional support for specialty care and professional development.
Wages and Career Trajectory for Fort Lauderdale Nurses
South Florida wages for registered nurses are typically at or above the BLS national median of $81,220, reflecting the region's higher cost of living. Here is the typical compensation range for Fort Lauderdale-area nurses:
- New graduate RN (0-1 year): $57,000-$68,000 per year at major Broward hospitals
- Staff RN (2-5 years, medical-surgical): $65,000-$82,000 per year
- Specialty unit RN (ICU, ED, OR, NICU): $73,000-$95,000 with shift differentials
- Nurse practitioner (FNP, AGACNP, PMHNP): $105,000-$135,000+ in South Florida
- Travel nurse assignments in Fort Lauderdale: $80,000-$120,000+ annually during high-demand periods
South Florida's bilingual and multilingual nursing market adds another income dimension. Spanish-speaking RNs are in particularly high demand throughout Broward County given the region's large Hispanic population. Some employers offer language differential pay or give significant preference to bilingual candidates in competitive hiring situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing schools are in Fort Lauderdale, FL? Fort Lauderdale area nursing programs include Broward College (ADN, LPN), Nova Southeastern University (BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP), Keiser University, and Florida Atlantic University in nearby Boca Raton. Broward College is the most affordable; NSU is the most comprehensive.
Is it hard to get a nursing job in Fort Lauderdale after graduation? Fort Lauderdale has a strong nursing job market. Graduates from accredited programs with good NCLEX pass rates can generally expect to find employment at Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare, Holy Cross, or other area employers within a few months of licensure. Nurse residency programs at the major health systems are competitive but provide the best entry-level support.
What do nurses earn in Fort Lauderdale, Florida? New graduate RNs in Fort Lauderdale typically earn $57,000-$68,000 per year. Experienced specialty nurses earn $73,000-$95,000 or more. Nurse practitioners in the Fort Lauderdale area typically earn $105,000-$135,000. South Florida wages reflect both the national RN shortage and the area's high cost of living.
Fort Lauderdale's nursing education landscape, anchored by Broward College's affordable ADN pathway and NSU's comprehensive graduate programs, combined with one of Florida's most active healthcare employer networks, makes Broward County a strong place to build a nursing career. The diversity of the population, the density of the healthcare system, and the genuine demand for nurses across every specialty creates a career environment where motivated, licensed nurses can build exactly the practice they want.
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