Best Nursing Schools in Florida

Debra Riley

Published

At Nurse Salary Guide we try to give the most up to date information available. Here we have compiled a list of the best nursing schools in Florida as an easy guide to finding the right school for you. Of course in a state the size of Florida there are many more schools to chose from – but start your search here – with our top rated recommendations.

Considering a career as a Registered Nurse – you can earn a pretty good salary with lots of potential for future growth. Check out our nurse salary in Florida page for a detailed breakdown of nursing salaries.

Florida’s Ten Best Nursing Schools

1. University of Tampa

01 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

The graduate and baccalaureate programs prepare future nurses for the demanding role ahead. They have ample opportunities to learn and become a proficient health care professional.

Programs on offer  include:

  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
  • DPN- Doctor of Nursing Practice

2. Florida Gulf Coast University

10501 FGCU Blvd S, Fort Myers, FL 33965

FGCU offers a wide range of programs for training the nurses of the future. They have a 100% graduate employment record and an excellent pass rate for those sitting exams for the first time.

Programs on offer include:

  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • MSN- Nurse Anesthesia
  •  MSN- Nurse Educator
  •  Nurse Educator Certificate
  • B.S.N. to D.N.P. – Nurse Practitioner
  • M.S.N. to D.N.P.
  • B.S.N. to D.N.P. – Nurse Anesthesiology
  • M.S.N. to D.N.P. – Nurse Anesthesiology

3. Seminole State College of Florida

100 Weldon Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773

This school of nursing offers a great program with excellent results.  Statewide 72.68% of graduates pass on their first attempt but here the figure is 98.8% . They also have a great record of graduates gaining employment, currently 97%.

Programs on offer include:

  • AS Degree- Associate in Science Nursing RN
  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN-BSN

4. Valencia College

800 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811

The nursing program on offer at Valencia College is accredited by ACEN, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and is approved by the State Board of Nursing. It prepares students for a role in nursing in the healthcare field and allows for future career development.

Program on offer:

  • AS Degree- Associate in Science Nursing RN

5. State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota

5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207

The ASN program allows for two methods for obtaining your qualifications. One is for students with no previous experience, the other for LPN’s who want to advance their career.

Programs on offer:

  • AS Degree- Associate in Science Nursing RN
  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN-BSN
10 best florida nursing schools

6. University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL 33124

The School of Nursing and Health Studies offer a multitude of programs and have state of the art facilities for students, including an innovative lab where students can practice every day scenarios in a safe environment.

Programs on offer include:

  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
  • DPN- Doctor of Nursing Practice

7. Tallahassee Community College

444 Appleyard Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32304

Graduates of the nursing program at TCC are trained to care for patients in a clinical setting and have

a great reputation as caring nurses . They are well prepared for passing the NCLEX-RN examination.

Programs on offer include:

  • AS Degree- Associate in Science Nursing RN
  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing

8. Pensacola Christian College

250 Brent Ln, Pensacola, FL 32503

This school teaches nurses to use both scriptural and scientific techniques while tending to the care of their patients. It prepares nurses for passing the NCLEX-RN examination

Programs on offer include:

  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

9. Northwest Florida State College

100 E College Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578

With Florida experiencing a shortage of RN’s this school offers a great course for returning and pre-service nurses. The majority of graduates start working within a few months.

Program on offer:

  • AS Degree- Associate in Science Nursing RN

10. University of Central Florida

4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816

This college offers a wide range of programs for the nurses of the future. With a great reputation it provides Florida with highly trained and qualified healthcare staff.

Programs on offer include:

  • BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • MSN – Master of Science in Nursing

I hope this selection of nursing programs in Florida provides you with a great starting point in your search. Chosing a nursing school is a big step, one you want to get right first time! Take your time and consider all of your options before making any commitment.

Remember to check out some of our other Florida nursing resources:

CRNA Schools in Florida – for nurses looking for a great career progression into nurse anesthesia.

Nurse Practitioner programs in Florida – gives a useful list of the top rated NP courses available – worth a look if you are considering this career path in Florida.

Top 10 Hospitals in Florida – looking for the best hospitals in Florida? Great for nurses considering where to work and of course for patients trying to decide on which hospital to attend.

We are continually growing this website so check back again soon and find more information.

Thanks for reading and good luck!