Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for accredited nursing programs near Ocala
AdventHealth Ocala now requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) for all new staff nurse positions, a policy spreading across Florida’s hospital systems. For aspiring nurses in Marion County, that means the traditional debate between associate and bachelor’s pathways now carries a direct employment consequence.
The region’s nursing programs reflect this shift. The College of Central Florida’s ADN remains a fast, economical route to licensure, while its RN-to-BSN bridge and BSN options at nearby institutions like Saint Leo University offer clear advancement tracks for those who start with a two-year degree or enter with a bachelor’s.
Weighing tuition against long-term earning potential, as BSN graduates in Ocala can expect starting wages above $30 per hour, is the practical calculation shaping enrollment choices this year.
Finding the right nursing program near Ocala means looking at schools that balance academic rigor, clinical opportunities, and value. The following list highlights top-ranked BSN, ADN, and direct-entry MSN programs within a reasonable drive of Ocala, chosen for their exceptional outcomes and relevance to aspiring nurses in the region.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | ~$7,000/yr (est.) | Aspiring nurse researchers and leaders | |
The University of Florida in Gainesville offers one of the nation's most respected BSN programs, with a curriculum that emphasizes clinical judgment, research, and leadership. UF nursing students benefit from access to UF Health's extensive clinical network and state-of-the-art simulation labs. High NCLEX pass rates and a track record of employer demand make this a standout choice for Ocala-area students willing to commute about 40 miles.
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| #2 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,000/yr | Students seeking a fast-paced 15-month BSN | |
Florida State University's BSN program in Tallahassee is a competitive 15-16 month upper-division track that combines classroom learning with diverse clinical rotations. The program's holistic admissions process considers community engagement and life experience alongside grades, making it attractive to well-rounded applicants. Graduates are prepared for RN licensure and benefit from FSU's strong alumni network across Florida.
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| #3 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | Bilingual students in a multicultural nursing hub | |
Florida International University in Miami offers multiple nursing pathways, including a Traditional BSN, an Accelerated BSN for second-degree students, and a unique Direct Entry MSN for foreign-educated physicians. As a Hispanic-serving institution, FIU emphasizes cultural competence and community health, with clinical experiences in one of the nation's most diverse healthcare markets. The Traditional BSN admits 100 students annually and features training in the state-of-the-art S.T.A.R. Center simulation facility.
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| #4 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
The University of South Florida in Tampa offers several BSN pathways to accommodate students at different stages: a traditional Upper Division Pathway, an Accelerated Second Degree track, and a V-CARE bridge for veterans with medical training. All programs emphasize patient-centered care and clinical readiness, leveraging USF's partnerships with major health systems across the Tampa Bay area. With strong NCLEX preparation and flexible start dates, USF is a practical choice for Ocala-area students seeking a comprehensive nursing education within a 100-mile radius.
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| #5 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $10,000/yr | ||
UCF in Orlando provides a Traditional BSN and a Second Degree BSN, both known for strong NCLEX performance that exceeds state and national averages. The Traditional BSN is a five-semester, limited-access program available at three Central Florida campuses, while the accelerated Second Degree track is a four-semester lock-step program in Orlando. UCF's large metropolitan setting offers diverse clinical sites, making it a convenient option for Ocala students about 80 miles away.
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| #6 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
UNF in Jacksonville offers a Prelicensure BSN for transfer students and a Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN) track for incoming freshmen, both emphasizing community-based learning and hands-on clinical experiences. The Prelicensure BSN admits students each semester and prioritizes those meeting a GPA threshold, while the FAN program provides a direct-entry four-year path with a limited cohort size. UNF's location about 100 miles from Ocala makes it accessible for students seeking a personalized nursing education.
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| #7 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | $37,000/yr (net price) | ||
The University of Miami's School of Nursing and Health Studies in Coral Gables offers a Traditional BSN, an Accelerated BSN, and a flexible RN-to-BSN hybrid option. With a prestigious reputation and a low student-faculty ratio of 11:1, UM provides personalized instruction and access to the University of Miami Health System's clinical sites. While private and farther from Ocala, its strong graduate outcomes and high earning potential attract students seeking an elite nursing education.
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| #8 | Southeastern College-West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | ~$29,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southeastern College in West Palm Beach offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, a 25-month hybrid program blending campus and online instruction. The program focuses on holistic patient care and medication administration, with admission requiring the TEAS exam and health screenings. Despite its distance from Ocala, this accredited ADN pathway provides a direct route to RN licensure for students willing to relocate or commuting from outlying areas.
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| #9 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $5,000 – $17,000/yr | ||
Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton offers a CCNE-accredited hybrid BSN that combines online coursework with 840 clinical hours in diverse settings. Known for its caring science philosophy and holistic nursing approach, FAU's program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate and eligibility for AHNCC certification. While about 260 miles from Ocala, the hybrid format reduces on-campus attendance, making it a feasible option for self-directed learners.
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| #10 | Antigua College International | Miami Lakes, FL | $29,000/yr | ||
Antigua College International in Miami Lakes provides a hybrid BSN program spanning 42 months, designed for students seeking a flexible blend of lectures, labs, and clinical hours. The curriculum emphasizes clinical judgment, leadership, and ethical standards, with small class sizes and personalized education. While far from Ocala, Antigua's hybrid format and focus on career changers may appeal to students looking for a private, student-centered environment.
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An ADN takes about two years and prepares you to sit for the NCLEX, while a BSN adds two more years and opens doors to leadership roles and Magnet hospitals. If you start with an ADN, an RN-to-BSN bridge lets you level up in as little as 12-16 months.
When choosing a nursing program, the balance between affordability and career preparation is often the deciding factor. In the Ocala area, prospective nursing students will find a range of public college programs with widely varying sticker prices, but the true cost after financial aid can be quite manageable.
According to the College Scorecard, the effective net price, the amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships, ranges from roughly $3,800 to $9,300 per year among nursing schools accessible from Ocala. For example, Indian River State College reports an average net price of just $3,815, while Florida International University's net price stands at $9,288. The University of Florida in Gainesville, less than an hour away, has a net price of $6,541, placing it in the middle of the range. All of these programs are at public institutions, which typically offer lower tuition than private schools.
Understanding net price is useful, but many students rely on loans to cover costs. Median federal student debt for graduates of these programs ranges from about $6,750 to $17,236. At Indian River State College, graduates leave with a median debt of $8,023, while those from Florida Atlantic University carry a median of $17,236. Over a 10-year repayment term, monthly payments would be roughly $80 to $180, depending on the interest rate and exact loan amount.
Keep in mind that net price figures are institution-wide averages, not guarantees. Your actual cost will depend on your unique financial aid package, residency status, and other factors. Always use a school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
NCLEX pass rates reveal the percentage of a program's graduates who pass the national licensing exam for registered nurses on their first attempt. A strong pass rate signals solid preparation and curriculum alignment with testing standards, while a low rate may point to gaps in instruction or student support. For Ocala-area schools, the Florida Board of Nursing publishes annual first-time pass rates, allowing you to compare programs side by side.
The NCLEX is designed to ensure entry-level nursing competence, and first-time pass rates are the metric most widely reported. They reflect the share of graduates who pass within the initial testing window after completing their degree. When reviewing rates, consider multi-year trends, not isolated years, because a single dip can occur due to a small cohort size or a curriculum update.
For context, Florida’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for U.S.-educated nurses has recently ranged between 82% and 84%.2 Nationally, the first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated nurses was 86.7% in 2025.1 Programs consistently near or above these benchmarks demonstrate reliable test readiness. If a program’s rate falls significantly below the state average, it may warrant a closer look at its remediation policies and clinical placement quality.
When evaluating schools like the College of Central Florida, Rasmussen University’s Ocala campus, or Taylor College, check the Florida Board of Nursing’s website for the latest program-specific pass rates. Pay attention to whether the rate applies to ADN or BSN graduates, as exam performance can vary between degree levels. A program with a pass rate above 90% is particularly notable in a competitive market, while one sliding below 80% may indicate students need extra preparation to pass.
BSN graduates in Ocala step into a nursing job market where the cost of living and regional employer mix create a salary range that sits comfortably between Florida’s state averages and local demand for skilled staff. While national registered nurse wages often trend higher, Ocala’s proximity to major healthcare networks and a lower cost of living can make a BSN a high-value credential that pays off quickly.
Registered nurses across the country earned a median annual wage of $93,600 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the bottom tenth making about $66,030 and the top tenth reaching $135,320. Florida’s numbers run a bit lower: the mean annual wage was $82,850, the 10th percentile sat at $66,670, and the 90th percentile reached $110,530.1 In the Ocala metropolitan area, wages typically mirror these Florida averages, though starting offers at large hospital systems can nudge toward the higher end of the state’s range for nurses with a BSN.1
AdventHealth Ocala and Ocala Regional Medical Center, part of HCA Healthcare, are the two largest healthcare employers in Marion County. Both actively recruit BSN-prepared staff for medical-surgical, critical care, emergency, and specialty units. Job postings often list salary bands that align with Florida’s statewide RN figures, and many include sign-on bonuses or tuition reimbursement for continuing education, which further enhance total compensation.
Demand for BSN-trained nurses remains strong across north-central Florida. Retiring nurses, population growth, and an emphasis on Magnet designation standards push area hospitals to prioritize baccalaureate-level hiring. This trend supports job stability and can shorten the time it takes to advance into leadership or specialized roles. While program-specific employment outcomes are not yet published for many Ocala-area schools, graduate surveys and employer partnerships indicate that BSN holders typically secure positions within months of licensure.
What should you look for when choosing a nursing program in Ocala?
Accreditation ensures your program meets national standards and qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX. In Ocala, the College of Central Florida’s ADN1 and RN-to-BSN2 tracks hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Other programs may be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Confirm a program’s status directly through the Florida Board of Nursing or the school’s website. Employers and graduate schools look for this credential.
Entry requirements vary. For the College of Central Florida ADN, you need a minimum 2.0 overall GPA and a 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses.1 The paramedic-to-ADN bridge requires a TEAS score of at least 60%.3 The CF RN-to-BSN program does not require an entrance exam but expects a 2.0 overall GPA and 2.5 prerequisite GPA.2 Other area schools set their own bars; check their sites for GPA minimums, TEAS cutoffs, and acceptance rates, and see how they stack up among nursing schools in Florida.
Hands-on training depends on clinical placements in Marion County hospitals and clinics. Ask programs about their affiliations with local facilities like AdventHealth Ocala or other providers. Strong ties can mean more diverse experiences and less travel.
Many working nurses need part-time or online options. The RN-to-BSN route is frequently offered in hybrid or fully online formats, allowing you to keep your job. Traditional ADN programs may be more rigid with daytime classes. Inquire about evening or weekend tracks if you need them.
Always verify accreditation directly, as it affects NCLEX eligibility and employer recognition. For a deeper look at licensure exam performance, review the NCLEX pass rates section.
Looking for quick answers about nursing education in Ocala? We have rounded up common questions about local programs, costs, and career paths. Here are the essentials for aspiring nurses in Marion County.
