
Jake Flannigan, NP
June 26, 2025
Nurse practitioner programs in Florida prepare registered nurses for advanced practice in a wide range of settings, from large urban hospitals in Miami and Tampa to rural clinics in the Panhandle. CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks are offered by institutions such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, Nova Southeastern University, and the University of Miami. These programs blend rigorous coursework with extensive clinical rotations to ready graduates for national certification and Florida APRN licensure under collaborative practice agreements.
Miami, FL - Public 4-Year - fiu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Florida International University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program provides comprehensive advanced nursing education targeting holistic healthcare delivery. The 45-credit online curriculum equips students with sophisticated clinical skills for treating patients from adolescence through elderly stages. Emphasizing disease prevention and complex health condition management, this program prepares practitioners to deliver nuanced, patient-centered care. Graduates emerge as highly skilled healthcare professionals ready to address diverse medical needs across extensive age spectrums.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
FIU's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers an advanced hybrid learning experience designed to cultivate exceptional mental health nursing professionals. The 45-credit curriculum provides comprehensive training in diagnosing, treating, and managing psychiatric conditions across diverse populations and settings. Students develop sophisticated clinical competencies applicable in community mental health centers, psychiatric clinics, crisis intervention facilities, and private practices. The program prepares graduates for national certification and positions them as critical mental healthcare providers.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Florida International University's Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Pediatric Primary Care offers experienced nurses an opportunity to specialize in advanced pediatric healthcare. Designed for MSN degree holders, this online program enables comprehensive clinical skill development across multiple nursing specialties. Participants will enhance their expertise through a 32-36 credit curriculum focusing specifically on pediatric patient care. The program provides flexible clinical placement options and prepares graduates for national certification exams, positioning them for expanded professional opportunities in specialized pediatric nursing practice.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
FIU's Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner track provides advanced nursing professionals a pathway to broaden their clinical capabilities. Tailored for MSN degree holders, this hybrid program emphasizes comprehensive family healthcare across all age groups. Students navigate a 36-credit curriculum designed to develop sophisticated diagnostic and treatment skills. With flexible online and in-person learning options, graduates become well-equipped to pursue national certification and excel in diverse primary care environments, from community health centers to private practices.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida International University's Post-Graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health offers MSN graduates an intensive pathway to specialize in advanced mental health nursing. This hybrid program provides comprehensive training in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex psychiatric conditions across individual, family, and community contexts. The 35-credit curriculum combines rigorous academic preparation with flexible clinical experiences, enabling nurses to develop sophisticated interventional skills. Graduates are prepared for national certification and positioned to address critical mental healthcare needs in various clinical settings.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
USF's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program delivers comprehensive advanced nursing education, strategically developing professionals capable of providing patient-centered care across diverse life stages. The rigorous 52-credit curriculum emphasizes independent clinical decision-making, research integration, and health policy expertise. Students benefit from flexible enrollment options, preparing for national certification exams while gaining advanced practice skills. The hybrid program model enables working nurses to advance their professional capabilities without disrupting current employment.
Campus Based - Visit Website
USF's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program cultivates specialized expertise in child healthcare, offering a 45-credit master's degree designed for registered nurses seeking advanced pediatric specialization. Students develop comprehensive skills in health promotion, maintenance, and restoration within developmental contexts. The program prepares graduates for Pediatric Nursing Certification Board examinations, featuring flexible enrollment and a robust academic framework that balances theoretical knowledge with practical clinical competencies.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at USF equips nurses with advanced clinical capabilities for comprehensive adult and geriatric healthcare delivery. Spanning 45 credit hours, the curriculum emphasizes independent clinical decision-making, research proficiency, and leadership development. Graduates gain eligibility for prestigious nursing certifications, positioning themselves for high-demand healthcare roles with expanded professional opportunities across various clinical settings.
Campus Based - Visit Website
USF's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Occupational Health Nursing Subspecialty offers a distinctive 62-credit master's degree integrating advanced nursing practice with specialized occupational health knowledge. Students can select between traditional MSN tracks or concurrent MSN/MPH programs, preparing for comprehensive certification in adult-gerontology primary care. The curriculum uniquely bridges nursing expertise with public health perspectives, enabling graduates to address complex healthcare challenges across diverse professional environments.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Florida offers a Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program designed for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. This 60-credit program prepares graduates for independent and interdependent decision-making in healthcare. Students gain skills in research, health policy, leadership, and more. Graduates are eligible to take certification exams from ANCC or AANPCB. The program includes a comprehensive exam and tailored course sequences. Ideal for those aiming to enhance patient care across the lifespan.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Campus Based - Visit Website
Campus Based - Visit Website
Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University's Family Nurse Practitioner Master's program provides a comprehensive 51-credit curriculum designed to transform nursing professionals. With a hybrid learning model spanning seven semesters, students explore advanced pharmacology, health assessment, and primary care through online and on-campus formats. Located across Palm Beach and Tampa Bay campuses, the program emphasizes holistic patient care and evidence-based practice. Graduates receive extensive clinical practicum training, preparing them to meet growing healthcare demands. The military-friendly program offers flexible admission dates and multiple learning modalities, ensuring accessibility for diverse nursing professionals seeking advanced practice specialization.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Master's program offers a robust 51-credit hybrid degree for healthcare professionals. Students develop advanced skills in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment through a seven-semester curriculum. The program combines online coursework with on-site training at the Palm Beach campus, providing up to 255 clinical practicum hours. Experienced faculty guide students through comprehensive learning experiences, preparing graduates to excel in acute and geriatric patient care. The military-friendly program offers flexible learning options for working professionals seeking advanced nursing expertise.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master's program transforms passionate nurses into expert mental health practitioners. This 51-credit hybrid degree spans seven semesters, offering in-depth coursework in Neurobiology, Psychiatric Management, and Psychopharmacology. Students learn to diagnose symptoms, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication through online and on-site learning at Miramar and Tampa Bay campuses. The program focuses on advanced clinical expertise, preparing graduates to make meaningful differences in patient mental health care across diverse populations. Flexible learning options accommodate working professionals seeking specialized psychiatric nursing careers.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University's Family Nurse Practitioner Master's program provides comprehensive training for advanced nursing practice. This hybrid program combines online learning with on-site sessions at Palm Beach and Tampa Bay campuses, covering advanced pharmacology and health assessment for patient care across all ages. Requiring 51 credits and a B.S.N. for admission, students apply through NursingCAS. The program prepares graduates for high-demand healthcare roles through a rigorous curriculum and flexible learning options. Financial aid availability and military-friendly policies enhance accessibility for nursing professionals seeking career advancement.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University's Postgraduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner offers experienced nurses an accelerated pathway to advanced specialization. Tailored for M.S.N. degree holders, this program requires a 3.0 GPA and active nursing licensure. Students navigate comprehensive clinical training across online and on-site platforms, gaining targeted expertise in family healthcare. The 24-27 credit program prepares participants for national certification, providing rigorous coursework and extensive practicum experiences. With multiple campus locations and financial aid options, nurses can strategically enhance their professional capabilities while maintaining current career trajectories.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Florida State University's online Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides registered nurses with a master's degree an advanced pathway to specialize in comprehensive family healthcare. Through a rigorous curriculum featuring synchronous online classes and 585 clinical hours, students develop expertise in health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. The program emphasizes multi-theoretical learning, delivering professional training that prepares nurses to deliver high-quality care across patient lifespans. CCNE-accredited, this certificate program offers preceptor-guided clinical experiences designed to elevate nursing practice in family medicine settings.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Florida State University's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Masters Graduate Certificate equips experienced nurses with specialized skills for intensive care environments. This comprehensive online program combines sophisticated lectures, simulation exercises, and clinical rotations to prepare advanced practice nurses for complex acute care scenarios. Spanning 22 credit hours and accredited by CCNE, the curriculum focuses on diagnosing and treating critically ill patients, emphasizing advanced clinical techniques in adult and gerontological healthcare settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a transformative three-year hybrid program preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive healthcare delivery. Students gain expertise in primary care, learning to perform holistic health assessments, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments across patient lifespans. With competitive in-state tuition and flexible learning options, the curriculum emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and serving diverse populations, positioning graduates to excel in various healthcare leadership roles.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nurses a comprehensive pathway to specialized mental healthcare practice. This hybrid program develops expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex psychiatric conditions through evidence-based interventions. Students learn advanced psychopharmacology, telehealth strategies, and clinical approaches for serving vulnerable populations across diverse healthcare environments. With competitive in-state tuition and flexible online coursework, graduates are prepared to become innovative leaders in psychiatric mental health practice.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Acute Care offers a flexible hybrid program designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical specialization. Combining online coursework with minimal campus sessions, the curriculum prepares nurses for high-level acute care roles. Multiple entry pathways accommodate diverse professional backgrounds, with options for full-time and part-time study. The program meets national nursing education standards and prepares graduates for certification exams, emphasizing comprehensive clinical training across adult and gerontological healthcare settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufl.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Florida's Family Nurse Practitioner program is a comprehensive hybrid track designed to equip advanced practice nurses with exceptional primary healthcare skills. Students develop expertise in holistic patient care across all life stages, mastering health promotion, disease management, and collaborative treatment strategies. The curriculum emphasizes practical clinical experiences in diverse healthcare environments, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for dynamic nursing careers. With a focus on national certification readiness, this program positions students to provide high-quality, patient-centered care in various healthcare settings, addressing critical community health needs.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Florida's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program targets experienced critical care nurses seeking advanced specialization. This hybrid track focuses on managing complex medical needs of adult patients in high-intensity healthcare environments. Designed for professionals with minimum one-year critical care experience, the program emphasizes acute and critical illness management strategies. Graduates develop advanced clinical expertise, positioning themselves for dynamic healthcare careers with national certification eligibility and comprehensive understanding of complex patient care across adult age groups.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The BSN to DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at University of Florida prepares nurses for advanced practice in high-acuity healthcare settings. Targeting critical care professionals, this hybrid track requires minimum one-year critical care experience and focuses on managing acute, critical, and chronic illnesses across adult age spectrums. Students gain comprehensive skills in patient stabilization and management, with clinical experiences throughout Florida. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, emphasizing independent and collaborative healthcare approaches with national certification opportunities through ANCC and AACN.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Florida's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive hybrid track preparing nurses for advanced primary healthcare careers. This innovative curriculum emphasizes health promotion across patient lifespans, focusing on diagnosis and management of acute and chronic health conditions. Students gain hands-on clinical experience in diverse Florida settings, developing collaborative care skills and community-based nursing expertise. The program blends online and campus learning, providing flexibility for working professionals and ensuring graduates are well-positioned for national certification through ANCC and AANP.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Florida's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides an advanced hybrid learning experience dedicated to comprehensive mental healthcare. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills in psychiatric assessment, diagnostic techniques, and advanced clinical management, including psychotropic medication prescription. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development and mental health advocacy across patient lifespans. With clinical experiences spanning rural to urban environments, graduates acquire the expertise to deliver nuanced mental health interventions, positioning themselves at the forefront of psychiatric nursing practice with national certification eligibility.
To accommodate busy nurses, many Florida programs use a hybrid format: didactic lectures and discussions are delivered online through asynchronous modules and live webinars, while on‑campus intensives provide simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally at approved healthcare sites, allowing students to complete patient‑care hours close to home. A few schools even offer fully online didactic phases, requiring only occasional campus visits for hands‑on assessments.
| Certifying Board | Florida Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | National NP credential (AANP or ANCC) with primary‐source verification sent to the Board |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal by April 30 or July 31 (depending on assigned cycle) of even‐numbered years |
| Continuing Education | 24 contact hours every two years, including 5 in pharmacology, 2 in prevention of medical errors, and 2 in HIV/AIDS on first renewal |
| License Application Fee | $80 initial APRN licensure fee and $40 biennial renewal fee |
| Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts documenting required clinical practicum hours from an accredited NP program |
| Application Processing Time | Initial review within 30 days, with complete applications processed in about 4–6 weeks |
| License by Endorsement | Out‐of‐state APRNs must hold (or concurrently apply for) Florida RN licensure and submit primary‐source verification of NP certification |
Nurse practitioners in Florida earn an average salary of about $120,000 per year, with entry‑level positions starting near $90,000 and seasoned NPs in high‑demand specialties or metropolitan areas earning up to $145,000. Compensation packages often include sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and comprehensive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Advanced certifications, leadership roles, and educator positions can further elevate earning potential.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Florida | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Nurse Practitioner Salary | $128,340 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $61.70 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$149,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $128,340 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$111,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | ~3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~N/A | ~54,000 |
Data from Salary.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
Florida Atlantic University
|
|
|
| University of Central Florida |
|
|
| University of North Florida |
|
|
Many NPs pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for executive or academic roles. Post‑master’s certificate programs enable practitioners to add new specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research or teaching may enroll in PhD programs, while others transition into leadership roles in healthcare administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth innovation.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Florida
Concentration: Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Occupational Health Nursing - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Health - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Occupational Health - Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website