Explore the Best RN Programs in Florida for Career Growth
Florida is a top destination if you're considering becoming a registered nurse (RN) or advancing your nursing career. With a growing population, thriving healthcare sector, and various accredited nursing schools, you have plenty of options. Whether you're pursuing an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the Sunshine State offers top-quality training and supportive academic environments.
Why Florida is a Hotspot for Nursing Education
Florida combines academic excellence with clinical experience at hospitals, clinics, and community facilities. Warm weather and a diverse demographic also offer real-world perspectives for students in nursing programs. The state supports future healthcare professionals through hands-on training, NCLEX-RN preparation, and flexible learning options like online RN to BSN programs.
Other key benefits include:
- High demand for RNs due to a large retirement population
- Competitive starting salaries for registered nurses
- Reputable nursing schools with CCNE or ACEN accreditation
- Multiple pathways: ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN, and bridge programs
Top-Ranked Nursing Schools in Florida for Registered Nurses
Here are some of the most respected institutions offering BSN or RN programs in Florida, based on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, and student satisfaction.
University of Florida (UF) – Gainesville
- Program: BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Specialties: Research-oriented programs and leadership development
UF's College of Nursing prepares students for leadership roles and evidence-based practice. Its graduates consistently achieve high NCLEX-RN pass rates and enter competitive BSN careers across Florida and nationwide.
University of Central Florida (UCF) – Orlando
- Program: Traditional BSN, Second Degree BSN, Online RN to BSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Known For: One of the largest nursing programs in the state
UCF offers both on-campus and flexible online options. Its online RN to BSN track is excellent if you're a working RN looking to expand career options without putting your professional life on hold.
Florida State University (FSU) – Tallahassee
- Program: BSN, Accelerated BSN, Graduate Nursing Programs
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Emphasis: Clinical readiness and community health
FSU’s nursing program balances clinical skills and public health exposure. Through simulation labs, internships, and rigorous coursework, students leave fully prepared for Florida’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
University of Miami – Coral Gables
- Program: BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Advantages: Private institution offering smaller class sizes and advanced clinical placements
University of Miami stands out with its high-tech simulation labs and individualized student support. If you value close mentoring while pursuing your BSN, this is a powerful choice.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – Boca Raton
- Program: Traditional BSN, RN to BSN, Graduate Programs
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Focus: Holistic nursing philosophy and cultural competence
FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing emphasizes caring science. Its programs are student-focused and designed to elevate your clinical thinking and patient care expertise.
Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Florida for Second-Degree Students
Already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree? Florida schools offer top-tier accelerated BSN programs (ABSN) that fast-track your nursing credentials.
Top ABSN programs include:
- University of Florida – 15-month intensive track
- Florida Atlantic University – Full-time 4-semester program
- University of Central Florida – Hybrid model with clinical rotations
These are ideal if you want to switch careers and enter the nursing field quickly.
How to Choose the Right Nursing School in Florida
Finding the best RN program in Florida depends on your goals, location, and lifestyle. Ask yourself these questions:
- Are classes available online, on-campus, or both?
- Does the school offer clinical placements in your desired healthcare setting?
- What is the NCLEX-RN pass rate for recent graduates?
- Is the program accredited by groups like CCNE or ACEN?
- Does the school offer support services like career coaching or tutoring?
These considerations help you match your lifestyle with a top-quality education.
Benefits of Earning Your BSN in Florida
Though you can start your nursing career with an associate degree, many employers now prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A BSN opens doors to:
- Higher average salaries
- Leadership and administrative positions
- Specialized nursing fields like pediatrics or oncology
- Future advanced practice degrees (e.g., Nurse Practitioner or CRNA)
Florida nursing schools prepare you to grow quickly in this rewarding field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an RN in Florida?
It typically takes 2 years to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and 4 years for a traditional BSN degree. Accelerated BSN programs for second-degree students usually last 12–18 months.
What is the average salary for a registered nurse in Florida?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs in Florida earn a median annual wage of around $79,910 as of May 2023. Salaries vary depending on location, experience, and degree level.
Is online RN to BSN accepted in Florida?
Yes. Many Florida nursing schools offer fully online RN to BSN programs that are CCNE-accredited. These are ideal for working nurses aiming to complete their BSN flexibly and affordably.
Which Florida nursing schools have the highest NCLEX-RN pass rates?
Top Florida nursing schools by NCLEX-RN pass rates often include the University of Florida, University of Miami, and University of Central Florida. These schools report consistent pass rates above 90%.
Which degree is better: ADN or BSN?
Both degrees qualify you for licensure as an RN, but a BSN provides more career opportunities, higher salaries, and preparation for advanced nursing roles. Many hospitals and healthcare systems in Florida now prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses.
