Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Florida

The University of Central Florida's Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a gateway to becoming a registered nurse, offering a comprehensive curriculum across three campus locations in Central Florida. This limited-access, upper-division program is designed for students ready to embark on a demanding yet rewarding journey in nursing. With a strong emphasis on sciences and hands-on clinical rotations, graduates are well-prepared for entry-level practice and future leadership roles. The program spans five semesters, blending rigorous coursework with real-world experience in diverse healthcare settings. UCF's BSN graduates consistently exceed state and national averages on the NCLEX-RN, making them highly sought-after by employers.

• 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.

The Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the University of Central Florida is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree seeking a career in nursing. This full-time, lock-step program spans four consecutive semesters, including summers, and is available on UCF's Orlando campus. It prepares graduates for comprehensive care in various healthcare settings, emphasizing clinical nursing practice, health promotion, and leadership roles. The program is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and meets Florida's educational eligibility criteria for RN licensure. With a focus on quality care, graduates are equipped for the NCLEX-RN and diverse nursing careers. Admission is competitive, requiring prior UCF admission and a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

• 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

The Upper Division Pathway at the University of South Florida's College of Nursing is tailored for students aiming for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing without a prior bachelor's degree. This traditional program spans five consecutive semesters, including summers, and is known for its competitive admission. Located in Tampa, FL, it offers a comprehensive nursing education designed to prepare students for a successful career in healthcare. The program emphasizes rigorous academic and clinical training to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge. Prospective students should prepare for a challenging yet rewarding journey into the nursing profession.

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

The University of South Florida's Accelerated Second Degree Pathway is a fast-track nursing program designed for individuals holding a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. This 16-month, in-person program is available across three campuses, offering flexible start dates to fit your schedule. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in healthcare settings. The program emphasizes hands-on patient care and teamwork, equipping students with the skills needed for immediate impact in the nursing field. Admission requires a prior bachelor's degree, with specific application deadlines varying by campus. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to eligible students.

• 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 the University of South Florida is tailored for service members and veterans with medical training experience. This pathway allows them to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, leveraging their prior skills. The program is full-time, campus-based in Tampa, and spans five consecutive semesters, including summers. Admission is competitive, targeting those ready to transition their military medical expertise into a nursing career. Ideal for veterans seeking to advance in healthcare, this program combines rigorous academics with practical experience, preparing graduates for the demands of nursing.

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

Florida Atlantic University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a rigorous, limited-access program designed for aspiring nurses. It combines hybrid learning with extensive clinical experiences across diverse settings, totaling 840 hours. Accredited by the CCNE, the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and graduate studies in nursing. With a focus on caring science, students benefit from a distinguished faculty and a holistic approach to nursing. The program boasts a high NCLEX-RN pass rate and eligibility for AHNCC certification upon graduation. Ideal for those seeking a comprehensive nursing education with a blend of theoretical and practical learning.

• 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 in Orlando, FL, offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, blending hybrid learning with hands-on clinical experiences. Designed for aspiring nurses, the program can be completed in as little as 20 months. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced faculty, and access to state-of-the-art simulation labs. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking and clinical reasoning, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. Financial assistance, including scholarships, is available to eligible students. This program is ideal for those seeking a fast-track to a nursing career with a faith-based, whole-person care approach.

• 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 in Orlando, FL, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for those starting or advancing their healthcare careers. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person training, allowing students to graduate in as little as three years. With a focus on whole-person education, students gain hands-on clinical experiences in a world-class healthcare system. The program boasts a high NCLEX pass rate and nearly 100% job placement upon graduation. Admissions requirements include a strong academic background, with dedicated support from Student Experience Managers and a tutoring center specifically for nursing students.

• 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 is your gateway to a rewarding nursing career. Designed for students with at least 60 semester hours, this program offers a blend of rigorous academic coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. Prepare to make a difference in diverse healthcare settings with a curriculum that emphasizes community engagement and scientific study. Graduates are ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program admits students each semester, with a focus on those meeting the priority prerequisite GPA requirement. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students.

• 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

The Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN) program at the University of North Florida offers a direct path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for first-time college students. This program is designed for those eager to start their nursing career immediately, providing a solid scientific foundation and diverse clinical experiences. Students engage in community-based learning, working with underserved populations, preparing them for a dynamic healthcare environment. The curriculum also lays the groundwork for graduate nursing studies. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The program requires a 3.00 GPA for progression and offers a structured, full-time course sequence.

• 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.