Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Florida

University of Central Florida's Traditional BSN program offers an intensive nursing education across three Central Florida campuses. This upper-division, limited-access pathway requires ACT or SAT entrance exams and spans five rigorous semesters. Emphasizing scientific foundations and hands-on clinical experiences, students engage in diverse healthcare settings, preparing for comprehensive nursing practice. The program's robust curriculum focuses on developing skilled professionals who consistently outperform state and national NCLEX-RN averages. Military-friendly and cohort-based, UCF's BSN prepares graduates for immediate entry-level nursing roles and potential future leadership positions.

• Nationally accredited program.
• Available at three campuses.
• Five semesters to complete.
• Limited access, upper-division.
• Strong emphasis on sciences.
• Clinical rotations included.
• Daytime nursing courses.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
• Sought-after by employers.
• Exceeds state averages.

UCF's Second Degree BSN program provides a specialized pathway for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders seeking nursing careers. This four-semester, full-time track offers comprehensive clinical training and health promotion preparation. Competitive admission requires a prior bachelor's degree and focuses on developing advanced nursing competencies. The CCNE-accredited program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN examination through intensive coursework and practical experiences. Students explore diverse healthcare environments, gaining skills in comprehensive care delivery and leadership development, making graduates highly competitive in the nursing profession.

• Full-time lock-step program
• Four consecutive semesters
• Orlando campus only
• CCNE accredited
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Non-nursing bachelor's required
• Clinical nursing focus
• Health promotion emphasis
• Leadership role preparation
• Competitive admission

University of South Florida's Upper Division Pathway offers an innovative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program targeting students without a prior bachelor's degree. Located in Tampa, this five-semester track provides comprehensive nursing education with highly competitive admission standards. Students experience rigorous academic and clinical training designed to transform aspiring healthcare professionals. Prospective candidates should anticipate a challenging curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and comprehensive skill development. The program strategically prepares students for successful nursing careers through intensive coursework and practical experiences across multiple healthcare settings.

• Five consecutive semesters.
• Highly competitive admission.
• Located in Tampa, FL.
• For non-nurses without prior degree.
• Comprehensive nursing education.

USF's Accelerated Second Degree Pathway represents a dynamic 16-month nursing program specifically engineered for bachelor's degree holders transitioning from non-nursing disciplines. Spanning three campuses with flexible start dates, this intensive program prioritizes comprehensive patient care training and teamwork skills. Graduates receive robust preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination, positioning them for immediate healthcare employment. The curriculum combines advanced theoretical instruction with extensive clinical practicums, ensuring students develop sophisticated nursing competencies. Financial aid opportunities and scholarships complement this accelerated pathway, making professional nursing education more accessible.

• 16-month program duration
• In-person modality
• Multiple campus options
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Requires prior bachelor's degree
• Flexible start dates
• Focus on patient care
• Teamwork emphasis
• Career opportunities in healthcare
• Financial aid available

The Veteran to BSN (V-CARE) program at University of South Florida provides a specialized nursing pathway exclusively designed for military service members and veterans with existing medical training. This full-time, five-semester campus program in Tampa transforms military medical expertise into professional nursing credentials. Competitively structured, the program leverages participants' prior healthcare experiences while delivering comprehensive nursing education. Ideal for veterans seeking meaningful healthcare careers, V-CARE combines academic rigor with practical skill translation, creating a unique educational environment that honors military service while preparing graduates for advanced nursing roles.

• Full-time campus program
• Five consecutive semesters
• Competitive admission
• For veterans with medical training
• Tampa campus location

Florida Atlantic University's BSN program offers an innovative hybrid nursing education that strategically prepares students for dynamic healthcare environments. With 840 clinical training hours across diverse medical settings, students gain comprehensive practical experience complementing robust theoretical learning. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes caring science and holistic nursing approaches, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for professional practice. Prospective students should anticipate a competitive limited-access admission process. The curriculum supports strong NCLEX-RN exam preparation and provides pathways for advanced graduate nursing studies. Notable strengths include distinguished faculty, high certification potential, and a curriculum designed to cultivate skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals ready to address complex medical challenges.

• Hybrid learning format
• 840 clinical hours
• CCNE accredited
• High NCLEX-RN pass rate
• Eligible for AHNCC certification
• Distinguished faculty
• Holistic nursing approach
• Prepares for graduate studies
• Limited access program
• Diverse clinical settings

AdventHealth University's Associate of Science in Nursing delivers an accelerated pathway to registered nursing certification through a strategically designed 20-month hybrid program. Students engage with cutting-edge simulation laboratories and experience hands-on clinical training within the AdventHealth network. The curriculum rigorously prepares students for the NCLEX-RN examination, emphasizing critical clinical reasoning and comprehensive patient care techniques. With small class sizes and experienced practicing faculty, the program offers personalized learning experiences. Financial assistance opportunities and a faith-based educational approach further enhance the program's appeal. Graduates emerge well-prepared for immediate nursing practice with strong foundational skills and professional competencies.

• 20-month completion time.
• Hybrid learning format.
• Small class sizes.
• State-of-the-art simulation labs.
• Experienced, practicing faculty.
• Focus on critical thinking.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• Financial assistance available.
• Faith-based education.
• Whole-person care approach.

AdventHealth University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides a comprehensive, faith-driven pathway into professional nursing. This innovative hybrid program uniquely combines online learning with immersive clinical training, enabling students to complete their degree in approximately three years. Students benefit from an exceptional 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and direct access to the AdventHealth system, ensuring robust practical experiences. The curriculum emphasizes whole-person care and critical thinking, preparing graduates for immediate nursing roles. Entrance exam requirements typically include SAT or ACT scores, with competitive academic backgrounds preferred. Nearly 100% job placement and a strong NCLEX pass rate distinguish this program as a top nursing education option in Florida.

• Hybrid program format.
• Graduate in 3 years.
• High NCLEX pass rate.
• Nearly 100% job placement.
• 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
• Hands-on clinical experiences.
• Dedicated nursing tutoring center.
• Whole-person education focus.
• Affiliation with AdventHealth system.
• Personalized student support.

The University of North Florida's Prelicensure BSN program equips aspiring nurses with comprehensive skills for modern healthcare challenges. Targeting students with 60+ semester hours, this rigorous program blends academic excellence with immersive clinical training. Students explore diverse healthcare environments while developing critical community engagement strategies. Admission occurs each semester, with priority given to candidates meeting specific GPA requirements. The curriculum strategically prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, offering robust financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Prospective students should be prepared to demonstrate academic proficiency and commitment to nursing as a transformative profession. SAT or ACT entrance exams are typically required for admission consideration.

• Full-time course of study
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Community-based curriculum
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Admissions each semester
• Priority GPA requirement
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships for eligible students
• Strong foundation for graduate study
• Engagement with community agencies

UNF's Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN) program provides an innovative direct-entry pathway for first-time college students passionate about nursing careers. This comprehensive four-year BSN track offers structured, full-time learning with a cohort-based approach limited to 50 students. Participants engage in extensive community-based experiences, working with underserved populations while building a strong scientific foundation. The program emphasizes progressive learning, requiring a minimum 3.00 GPA for academic advancement. Students receive comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam and develop skills for potential graduate nursing studies. Strong emphasis is placed on hands-on clinical training and community health perspectives. SAT or ACT entrance exams are mandatory for program entry.

• Direct entry for freshmen.
• BSN in four years.
• Diverse clinical experiences.
• Community-based learning approach.
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
• 3.00 GPA required for progression.
• Full-time, structured sequence.
• Strong foundation for graduate studies.
• Cohort-based learning.
• Limited to 50 students per cohort.