Best Nursing Schools in Doral, FL | 2026 BSN Rankings

Compare accredited BSN programs, tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and admissions requirements for Doral-area nursing schools.

By Hannah Pierce, BSNReviewed by TopNursing.org TeamUpdated August 14, 202615 min read
Best Nursing Schools in Doral, FL | 2026 BSN Rankings

Points of interest…

  • Doral has few in-city nursing schools, but nearby Miami-Dade County offers multiple CCNE-accredited BSN programs.
  • First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates provide a reliable indicator of program rigor and student preparation.
  • Our data-driven rankings weigh net price, NCLEX scores, completion rates, and student debt.

Top Nursing Schools & BSN Programs in Doral, FL

Doral sits at the center of one of South Florida’s fastest-growing healthcare corridors, yet the city itself houses few BSN-granting campuses. Most students commute to nearby Miami institutions, including Florida International University and the University of Miami, two top nursing schools in Florida under a 20-minute drive, or choose hybrid options like Antigua College International’s blended program. The proximity to Miami’s major hospital systems provides a steady rotation of clinical placements, but it also means applicants must weigh costs, NCLEX pass rates, and admission logistics across institutions that are not all in their backyard.

Every BSN program in this area holds CCNE accreditation, the national standard for nursing education. Despite that common thread, tuition spans from public in-state rates below $7,000 per year to private prices above $60,000. Early-career earnings in the Miami metro anchor around the statewide registered nurse median of $79,000, but program-level outcome data remains incomplete, forcing students to lean heavily on licensure exam performance and long-term salary trends when comparing options.

Best Nursing Schools in Doral, FL, Ranked

Our ranking of nursing programs near Doral, FL, focuses on accredited schools within a commutable distance, emphasizing affordability, graduation outcomes, and fit for local students. We highlight BSN, ADN, and direct-entry MSN options that serve the Miami metro area.

What we weighed
  • Institutional graduation rate
  • Net price affordability
  • Program accreditation status
  • Student-faculty ratio
  • Local clinical access
Underlying data
RankSchoolLocationNet priceBest for
#1
Florida International University
Miami, FL~$9,000/yr (est.)Miami-Dade residents pursuing a traditional BSN

Florida International University anchors the Miami-Dade nursing pipeline with its Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Its Traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, and specialized Foreign-Educated Physician pathway all use the Modesto A. Maidique Campus in west Miami-Dade, within a short drive of Doral. The college emphasizes interprofessional simulation training and places graduates across South Florida health systems.

  • 5-semester, full-time upper-division program
  • 66 total credit hours
  • Two start dates (fall and spring) each year
  • State-of-the-art S.T.A.R. Center simulation labs
  • Cohort size around 100 students annually
  • Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam
  • 4-semester accelerated track
  • 58 total credit hours
  • Designed for holders of a prior bachelor's degree
  • Limited-access competitive admissions
  • Classes held at the Biscayne Bay Campus
  • Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam
  • 8-semester accelerated pathway to both BSN and MSN
  • 102 total credit hours
  • Exclusively for foreign-educated physicians
  • Fall start; limited to 45 students per year
  • Classes on the Biscayne Bay Campus
  • Leads to NCLEX-RN and APRN certification eligibility

The University of Miami in Coral Gables offers an intensive 12-month Accelerated BSN with direct ties to UHealth and over 200 South Florida clinical partners. Its Simulation Hospital S.H.A.R.E. provides cutting-edge training, and the school reports a 97% first-time NCLEX pass rate. A Traditional BSN track is also available, both anchored in the Miami metro and accessible to Doral commuters.

  • 12-month, full-time intensive program
  • Two start dates per year (January and May)
  • 97% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate reported
  • Clinical placements at over 200 partner sites
  • Simulation hospital (S.H.A.R.E.) on campus
  • Requires a prior bachelor's degree
  • U.S. News ranked #19 BSN program
  • Lock-step course sequence with clinical components
  • Prerequisite courses required before entry
  • Online pre-immersion course in first semester
  • Focus on evidence-based practice and cultural competence

Antigua College International in Miami Lakes sits just minutes from Doral, making it the closest campus-based BSN option for local residents. The hybrid program blends online coursework with 450 clinical hours at approved sites, and small-group, interactive classes emphasize personalized attention. Its 42-month timeline and transfer-friendly policies accommodate working adults and place-bound students.

  • 120 total credit hours over approximately 42 months
  • 450 clinical hours at approved local sites
  • Hybrid format with online and in-person components
  • Small-group, interactive class setting
  • Accepts transfer credits for RNs and LPNs
  • NCLEX-RN Readiness course included
  • New sessions start multiple times per year

Florida Atlantic University's BSN is a limited-access, hybrid program based in Boca Raton, within reasonable commuting range of Doral. Students complete 840 clinical and lab hours in diverse settings, and the curriculum is grounded in caring science with an American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation endorsement. FAU is a public university with in-state tuition advantages and strong NCLEX performance.

  • CCNE-accredited hybrid program
  • 840 total clinical and lab hours
  • Limited-access, competitive admission
  • Endorsed by AHNCC for holistic nursing certification
  • In-state tuition available for Florida residents
  • Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam

Miami Regional University in Miami Springs serves career changers through a campus-based Direct Entry MSN. The program reports a 94% MSN passing rate and provides dedicated NCLEX exam preparation through its Center for Student Achievement. Its location near Miami International Airport puts it within easy reach of Doral.

  • Campus-based direct-entry MSN program
  • Reports a 94% MSN passing rate
  • NCLEX exam preparation and specialized faculty support
  • Center for Student Achievement offers tutoring and resources

SABER College in Miami offers an intensive, campus-based Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN. The program holds initial NLN CNEA accreditation and emphasizes small class sizes with individualized faculty attention. Clinical practicum experiences are integrated throughout the full-time curriculum.

  • NLN CNEA initial accreditation
  • Full-time, campus-based program
  • Small class sizes with individualized attention
  • Clinical practicum in real-world settings
  • Curriculum covers adult, pediatric, psychiatric nursing
  • Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam

Miami Dade College, with its Medical Campus in the heart of Miami, offers an affordable ASN and a fully online RN-to-BSN through the Benjamin Leon School of Nursing. The BSN can be completed in three semesters, with asynchronous classes designed for working RNs. State-of-the-art simulation centers and multiple clinical partnerships anchor the hands-on ASN experience.

  • CCNE-accredited, fully online asynchronous program
  • Can be completed in as few as 3 semesters
  • Designed for registered nurses with an associate degree
  • Two clinical courses required
  • Focus on cultural competency and evidence-based practice
  • Three concentration options available
  • Campus-based at Medical, Homestead, or Baptist Hospital campuses
  • State-of-the-art simulation center training
  • Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Competitive admission with specific prerequisites

Nova Southeastern University's Entry B.S. in Nursing, offered in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Fort Myers, can be completed in less than two years after prerequisites. The program partners with major South Florida health systems for clinical placements and offers scholarship opportunities. An accelerated BSN track at the Fort Lauderdale campus provides an even faster timeline for qualified students.

  • Complete in under two years after 56-57 prerequisite credits
  • 64 credit hours in the nursing major
  • Two start dates (fall and winter) each year
  • Available at Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Fort Myers campuses
  • Scholarships from hospital partners available
  • CCNE-accredited, 5-semester program
  • Hands-on simulation lab experience
  • Two start dates per year
  • Designed for students with a prior degree

Keiser University's Fort Lauderdale campus provides two BSN pathways: a 32-month Traditional BSN and a 16-month FastTrack BSN for students with a prior degree. Both feature small class sizes, one-class-at-a-time scheduling, and the Mobile Simulation Lab for skills practice. The school holds multiple nursing accreditations and maintains a career-focused approach.

  • 32-month, campus-based program
  • 120 total credit hours
  • CCNE, ACEN, and SACSCOC accredited
  • Small class sizes with one class at a time
  • Mobile Simulation Lab for hands-on training
  • TEAS entrance exam required
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
  • 16-month accelerated track
  • 120 total credit hours, 20 courses
  • ACEN accredited (candidacy)
  • Requires a prior bachelor's degree or transfer credits
  • Wonderlic SLE entrance exam required
  • Up to 12 transfer credits accepted

Arizona College of Nursing in Fort Lauderdale offers a 3-year, CCNE-accredited BSN with a straightforward, accelerated timeline. The program features night classes for general education, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and multiple clinical rotations across local healthcare settings. New cohorts begin every 8 weeks, providing flexible entry points for Doral-area students willing to commute.

  • CCNE-accredited, campus-based program
  • Designed to be completed in as little as 3 years
  • New sessions start every 8 weeks
  • Night classes available for general education courses
  • State-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical rotations

BSN Program Comparison: Tuition, Format & Accreditation

The following table summarizes key details for BSN programs near Doral, Florida, including estimated costs, delivery methods, and accreditation status. All programs listed hold CCNE accreditation, ensuring quality standards for nursing education.

SchoolTuition & FeesFormatAccreditation
West Coast University Miami$71,880–$86,680 total programAcceleratedCCNE
Miami Dade College$2,838/year (in-state)HybridCCNE
Florida Atlantic University$4,879/year (in-state)HybridCCNE

NCLEX Pass Rates for Doral-Area BSN Programs

Some nursing school applicants fixate on prestige; others scrutinize licensure exam performance as a concrete indicator of program quality. For BSN programs in Doral, the most accessible quality gauge is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate.

The Florida Board of Nursing publishes annual pass rates for every program, including West Coast University-Miami and South Florida College of Nursing’s Doral location. As of the 2025 reporting year, Florida’s average first-time pass rate was 81.82%, below the national average of 86.71%. That gap places Florida 47th among states, signaling that students should pay close attention to individual campus results.1

What NCLEX Pass Rates Reveal, and What They Don’t

A strong first-time pass rate suggests a program effectively prepares graduates for entry-level practice, but it’s not a standalone metric. Pairing it with graduation rates and employment outcomes creates a fuller picture. A program might report a high NCLEX rate while struggling with student retention, so balance the numbers with firsthand student feedback and job placement data where available.

Where to Find the Latest Data

The Florida Board of Nursing annual report is the authoritative source for campus-level rates. Prospective students can visit the board’s website to verify current figures for West Coast University-Miami Doral, South Florida College of Nursing, or any other accredited program. This transparency lets you ground your decision in outcomes rather than marketing claims.

Admissions & Program Formats at a Glance

What prerequisites and entrance exam scores do BSN programs in Doral require, and what flexible formats such as accelerated or RN-to-BSN tracks are available? Navigating nursing school admissions means lining up transcripts, test scores, and choosing a format that works with your life. In Doral, institutions like West Coast University Miami set clear benchmarks while offering multiple pathways to the BSN.

Prerequisites and Entrance Exams

A high school diploma or equivalency is the starting point, and many programs ask for a minimum cumulative GPA, typically 2.5 or higher, though exact cutoffs vary. West Coast University Miami evaluates applicants using one of several recognized exams: the HESI A2, TEAS, or SAT/ACT. Check which exam your target program prefers, as scores can influence admission decisions. Prospective students at South Florida College of Nursing should verify prerequisites and required tests directly with the school, as criteria can change between cohorts.

Program Formats and Timelines

Program length and structure differ significantly depending on the track you choose. West Coast University Miami offers traditional, accelerated, evening and weekend, and working professional BSN pathways, along with an LPN/LVN to BSN bridge. Total time ranges from about 39 to 54 months, with accelerated options finishing much faster.

  • Accelerated BSN: Designed for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, these intensive programs in Doral can be completed in as few as 12–18 months.
  • Evening/Weekend: Working adults often prefer this format, spreading coursework over a longer timeline to accommodate job schedules.
  • LPN/LVN to BSN: Licensed practical nurses can advance to a bachelor’s degree in roughly three years through this bridge track.

While West Coast University’s listed tracks focus on prelicensure BSN options, many colleges in the greater Miami area offer dedicated RN-to-BSN programs for current registered nurses. These typically build on an associate degree or diploma and take 12–24 months, often with hybrid or fully online delivery.

Application Deadlines and Tips

West Coast University Miami uses rolling admissions, so you can apply year-round. There is no waitlist, which means submitting a complete application early, transcripts, test scores, and any requested essays, helps you secure a spot in the upcoming cohort. Always confirm deadlines and admission requirements with each nursing school directly. Some programs may have firm cutoffs for specific start terms that differ from the rolling model.

How We Ranked These Doral Nursing Programs

Some rankings lean on reputation and selectivity; ours are driven by hard numbers that directly affect your career and finances.

What We Measure

We rank Doral-area nursing programs using four data points:

  • Net price after aid: The actual cost students pay after grants and scholarships, drawn from the College Scorecard. This ensures affordability is a primary factor.
  • Institution-wide graduation rate: This metric reflects the percentage of all first-time, full-time students who complete their degree within 150% of normal time. It's a proxy for overall student support, though not specific to the BSN program.
  • Program-level earnings: We use College Scorecard's median earnings of students one year after graduation for each institution's nursing program, where available. This gives a direct look at early-career salary potential.
  • Delivery format: Programs are scored on flexibility, whether they offer accelerated, online, or hybrid options, to accommodate working nurses or career changers.

What We Don't Measure

Our ranking deliberately excludes factors that are critical but require deeper investigation:

  • NCLEX pass rates: First-time pass rates are a key quality indicator for nursing programs. You'll find these in the NCLEX Pass Rates section above.
  • Clinical placement quality: The strength of hospital partnerships and clinical hour opportunities vary significantly; we encourage you to speak with program advisors.
  • Student satisfaction: Perceptions of faculty support, campus culture, and post-graduation job placement aren't captured by the data we use.

A Transparent Process

The graduation rate figure is institution-wide: it covers all majors, not just nursing. So a school with strong engineering completion could look better on paper than its nursing program might suggest. Pair this ranking with the admissions details and NCLEX data elsewhere on this page to form a complete picture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doral BSN Programs

Choosing a BSN program in Doral means understanding the local landscape, from campus locations to accreditation and costs. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive from prospective nursing students in the Doral and greater Miami area.

West Coast University-Miami is physically located within Doral city limits on NW 36th Street. Most other programs are in nearby communities like Miami, Hialeah, or Coral Gables. Our ranked list above highlights campus locations and allows you to filter by proximity so you can see which schools are truly local.

The total program cost for the traditional pre-licensure BSN at West Coast University Miami is approximately $140,000, including tuition and fees. The RN-to-BSN track costs less and accepts transfer credits. Check the tuition comparison table earlier in this guide for a detailed breakdown of each pathway.

Yes. West Coast University Miami offers an accelerated BSN track for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The program can be completed in as few as 34 months, blending online coursework with hands-on labs and clinical rotations at Doral-area facilities.

Registered nurses in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area earn a median annual wage of about $79,000 according to the most recent BLS data. Doral salaries align with this regional figure. Visit the salary comparison section for more details on career progression and local pay.

Search the program name on the CCNE or ACEN official directories. You can also look for the accreditation logo on the nursing school’s website. All programs in our ranked list hold either CCNE or ACEN accreditation, so you can trust that they meet national standards.

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