15 Best Nursing Schools in Florida

Florida's best nursing schoolsAs an aspiring nurse, you are probably interested in nursing salaries for different types of nurses, and you obviously have the drive, ambition and compassion to engage in a rigorous program that allows you to realize your dreams of having a medical career. In order to have the true flexibility that is a hallmark of the nursing field, however, you need to embark on a high-quality program, as are some online associates degree in nursing,  that provides you with the skills and training so you can pass the NCLEX exam. Applying for the best nursing schools in Florida that meet your needs is crucial to your long-term success. The following schools have the highest rankings for NCLEX pass rates. This indicates that an educational facility not only offers a comprehensive program, but that its teaching staff can present the material in a way that is understood by students. The next section will provide readers with some of the best nursing schools in Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Boca Raton, and Ocala.

The Best Ranking Nursing Schools In Florida

  1.  Florida National University
  2. Miller’s College of Nursing
  3. Florida Career College – Boynton Beach Campus
  4. Hope College of Arts & Science
  5. University of Tampa
  6. College of Central Florida
  7. Carleen Home Health School
  8. Institute of Healthcare Professions
  9. University of Central Florida
  10. University of North Florida
  11. Florida Atlantic University
  12. Florida Gulf Coast University
  13. University of Miami
  14. Jacksonville UniversityThe Best Nursing Schools in Florida

The Best  Nursing Schools In Florida

1. Florida National University

Since 1982, Florida National University has been providing opportunities for its students to secure jobs in career that are in high demand. In order to serve the area’s veterans more completely, Florida National University is approved by the state of Florida to provide training for veterans. With the associate of science nursing program, students who graduate successfully will be poised to obtain a direct-care position within the state. A bachelor of science (BSN) degree enables graduates to assess the health needs of patients, obtain positions of leadership, contribute to research and other duties.

  • Nursing Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Tuition Cost: $6,745 per semester
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

2. Miller’s College of Nursing

Located in Orlando, Miller’s College of Nursing offers students access to top-notch programming that successfully prepares them to sit for the NCLEX. Diligent students can complete the program in no less than five and one-half semesters, as long as they meet all deadlines for coursework and credits successfully by the exam date. With a focus on empowering students by providing them with the problem-solving skills, Miller’s College of Nursing meets during daytime hours — including summer months — so that students are ready to graduate in 18 to 20 months. The college is approved by both the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Board of Nursing.

  • Nursing Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Total Program Cost: $18,000 plus a $150 application fee
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: Pending accreditation with Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

3. Florida Career College – Boynton Beach Campus

Part of a network of ten campuses, Florida Career College offers students a plethora of medical-oriented programs including ones for nursing. Since 1982, Florida Career College has been providing individuals in the Boyton Beach area with career training with their convenient locations in Boynton Beach, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach and Lauderdale Lakes, Florida Career College provides flexible times for their classes, proven instruction and up-to-date equipment and facilities. In addition to being accredited, the college is recognized by CHEA, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

  • Nursing Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
  • Total Program Cost: Program cost was $18,184 for the 2013-2014 school year and included uniforms, books, tuition, testing fees and other supplies as applicable
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

4. Hope College of Arts & Science

Established in 2011, the Hope College of Arts & Science is a small educational facility located in Pompano Beach. Specializing solely in offering a nursing curriculum that prepares its students to sit for the NCLEX, Hope College of Arts & Science strives to provide them with the ability to problem solve, think critically and analyze critical situations. It is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education and the Florida Board of Nursing. In some cases, students can transfer credits from other educational institutions toward their degree at Hope College of Arts & Science.

  • Nursing Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
  • Total Program Cost: $25,000 with an additional $2,250 due before classes begin.
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

5. University of Tampa

The University of Tampa is a four-year university that was founded in 1931 and enrolls over 6,800 students each year. In addition to an array of liberal arts and business courses, the University of Tampa also offers science programs including a Master’s degree in nursing. With about 145 students accepted to its nursing program, the University of Tampa can ensure that each student gets the individual attention necessary to prepare to take the NCLEX.

  • Nursing Programs: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Total Program Cost: $27,044
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.5%
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

6. College of Central Florida

Located in Ocala, the College of Central Florida offers the small class sizes, flexibility and dynamic programming opportunities that today’s nursing students need. Ranked number 18 in the nation in regards to being affordable to its students, the College of Central Florida boast a campus that is rich in life experiences and welcomes the military to its ranks. In addition to a background check, this educational facility requires that prospective students meet other requirements before being admitted to its health services programs that limit the number of students that are accepted. The Florida Board of Nursing has approved this college’s curriculum.

  • Nursing Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Tuition Cost: In-state: $9,666, Out-of-State: $15,398
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, candidacy status granted by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

7. Carleen Home Health School

Boasting three convenient locations and a focus exclusively on nursing, the Carleen Home Health School awards both associate and bachelor degrees in nursing. Unique when compared to most offerings provided by educational facilities is the fact that Carleen Home Health School provides two separate options within both their associate and baccalaureate programs. The first option is designed for the individual who has no prior background in nursing while the second is intended for those who want to upgrade their knowledge base and qualify for a more expansive degree.

  • Nursing Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Total program cost: Information not located
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: Florida Board of Nursing

8. Institute of Healthcare Professions

The Institute of Healthcare Professions, located in Boynton Beach, offers a bridge program that allows LPNs to become RNs utilizing a variety of class schedules including options for Friday and Saturday. In addition to providing affordable payment plans for tuition, the Institute of Healthcare Professionals also approved for the training of veterans. The nursing program at the Institute of Healthcare Professions is designed to utilize both synchronous and asynchronous learning environments in order to offer a hybrid learning experience that appeals to many schedules.

  • Nursing Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Tuition Cost: No tuition information was located
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

9. University of Central Florida

Founded in 1963, the University of Central Florida is home to a diverse coed student body. Often referred to as UCF, this research institution is located in Orlando and has been training nurses since 1979. One of the best places to learn how to become an RN. With 61,000 enrolled students, the University of Central Florida is the nation’s second-largest university. According to U.S. News and Reports, the online graduate nursing program at this university is among the nation’s 25 best. Also, it is ranked the highest in Florida and is recognized as a “best value” university by Kiplinger’s magazine and the Princeton Review.

  • Nursing Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master’s Degree in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Tuition Cost: In-state: $212.28 per credit hour Out-of-state: $748.89
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 97.85%
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

10. University of North Florida

Founded in 1969, the  University of North Florida offers a variety of nursing programs. The University prides itself on offering a personal experience alongside its top-notch educational offerings. Steeped in a community-based curriculum that is geared toward the latest research-based trends in medicine and nursing care, the University of North Florida selected its nursing program as its flagship in 2005.

  • Nursing Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master’s Degree in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Tuition Cost: In-state: $6,394
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 96.20%
  • Accreditation: Florida Board of Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Association (CCNE), American Association of Nursing Anesthetists, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (CoA-NA)

11. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University, located in Boca Raton, has about 25,200 students enrolled within its various programs with about 1,600 students enrolled in its Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. A public, coed college, Florida Atlantic University was established in 1961 and provides an array of health professions options including certificates, graduate programs, non-degree courses, and a BSN program. In addition to traditional undergraduate programs, Florida Atlantic University also offers an RN to BSN option, an accelerated program and a freshman direct admit option to meet the diverse needs of its student body.

  • Nursing Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master’s Degree in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Tuition Cost: In-state: $6,039
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.30%
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Association (CCNE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

12. Florida Gulf Coast University

Coupling a sound sciences background with a robust liberal arts education allows Florida Gulf Coast University to deliver its graduates with the ability to thrive in the fast-changing medical environment and meet its challenges head on in a compassionate manner. With a staff that acts within an array of roles — mentor, teachers, guides, and much more –students learn through hands-on methods to deliver top-notch nursing care.

  • Nursing Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), BSN to DNP (DNP), Nurse Educator (MSN), Nurse Anesthesia (MSN)
  • Tuition Cost: In-state: $6,068
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.20%
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Association (CCNE)

13. University of Miami

The University of Miami is often called U of M, UM or simply Miami by students and residents. It has a main campus in Cape Coral with satellite campuses in Virginia Key and the Miami metro areas. With its medical campus located within the Civic Center of Miami, the University of Miami’s M. Christine Swartz Center of Nursing and Health Studies has been devoted to providing its nursing students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the ever-changing medical needs of a diverse and expanding population for more than 60 years.

  • Nursing Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), BSN to DNP (DNP), Nurse Educator (MSN), Nurse Anesthesia (MSN)
  • Tuition Cost: In-state: $42,852
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 95.80%
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS)

14. Jacksonville University

A two-year educational institution, Jacksonville University is a private, coed college that offers a highly-desirable student to teacher ratio of 11 to 1. By building their highly-regarded nursing program on a firm foundation of liberal arts, this university provides its students with the higher-level thinking skills needed to effectively utilize their medical training to meet the needs of today’s patients.

  • Nursing Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing, Doctorate of Nursing Practice
  • Tuition Cost: In-state: $29,900
  • NCLEX Pass Rate: 92.20%
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

While every effort at due diligence was attempted during the writing of this article, mistakes are still possible. Schools administrators and officials that offer these nursing programs in Florida are invited to contact us if they believe their schools should be reviewed or to make any necessary edits.