Online nursing degrees are growing in popularity, so we've compiled a comprehensive list of schools to help future nursing students identify the best online nursing programs in Florida for 2023. Florida students can pursue nursing education options from practical nursing certificates to BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees. Prospective nurses will apply to the Florida Board of Nursing for their initial licensure and renewals. Florida is a compact state, so nurses licensed here are eligible to work in other compact states.
Our 2023 list includes Florida colleges that offer online nursing programs and have NCLEX data available to help you determine which programs offer the best pass rates.
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2024 Best Online Nursing Programs in Florida
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate | Online Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Coast State College | 92.86% | 1,131 |
| University of Central Florida | 100.0% | 14,407 |
| Jacksonville University | 91.33% | 589 |
| Pasco-Hernando State College | 96.23% | 4,465 |
| Florida International University | 91.67% | 15,274 |
| Santa Fe College | 91.11% | 3,152 |
| University of Florida | 88.99% | 9,153 |
| University of North Florida | 91.43% | 3,203 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | 91.23% | 7,157 |
| University of South Florida Online | 90.63% | 9,813 |
Becoming a Nurse in Florida
Florida is one of the nation's top employers of nurses. The state boasts the second highest number of nurse anesthetists, third highest number of certified nursing assistants (CNAs), fourth highest number of registered nurses (RNs), fifth highest number of licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and third highest number of nurse practitioners (NPs). RNs can also pursue an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license.
Florida nursing programs aim to provide students a well-rounded education in healthcare by focusing on biology, anatomy, chemistry, physiology, and nutrition. Aspiring nurses will need to fulfill several requirements to earn their desired license, such as completing an approved program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Learn more about online nursing programs and requirements in other states by exploring our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:
Nursing Degrees by State
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How To Get Certified Nurse Aide Certification in Florida
To be eligible for CNA certification in Florida, individuals must submit an application, pay the exam fee, undergo a background screening, and pass the CNA exam. Applicants are not required to complete a state-approved training program prior to taking the exam, but this adds the requirements that the applicant be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma (or equivalent).
The Florida CNA certification exam is administered by the testing assessment provider Prometric. Applicants must pass both the written and skills portions of the CNA exam within three attempts. Failing to do so requires the completion of a board-approved training program before an applicant can reapply.
CNA Renewal in Florida
CNA licenses must be renewed every two years in Florida. Renewal requires that the CNA licensee has performed and been paid for duties related to nursing within the last two years.
How To Get a Practical Nurse License in Florida
Students hoping to receive their LPN license in Florida will first need to complete an accredited, state-approved program. The next steps include submitting an application and paying the associated fee, registering for the NCLEX-PN and paying the associated fee, submitting fingerprints through an approved provider as part of a background check, and passing the NCLEX exam.
Students have three opportunities to pass the NCLEX exam. Those who do not pass after the third try must complete an additional nursing education program approved by the board before applying for another test.
LPNs interested in eventually becoming RNs may be able to apply their previous experience towards credits in an online LPN to RN bridge program. These programs are available in LPN to ADN (associate degree in nursing) or LPN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) formats.
Florida LPNs earn an annual mean wage of $53,780, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the demand for this career to grow by 6% nationwide by 2031.
LPN Renewal in Florida
The renewal date for LPNs occurs every two years on July 31. LPN license holders must complete their continuing education requirements, send in their complete applications for the license renewal, and pay a fee to renew their license.
How to Get an Registered Nurse License in Florida
Students interested in obtaining a Florida RN license must have graduated from an accredited nursing program. Applicants will submit an application and pay the associated fee, register for the NCLEX-RN and pay the associated fee, submit fingerprints through an approved provider as part of a background check, and pass the NCLEX exam. Applicants who already have an RN license in another state may apply for licensure by endorsement.
As with the LPN requirements, those who fail the exam can apply to retake it, but failing three times requires the student to complete another educational program before trying again.
RNs in Florida earn an annual mean wage of $79,910, with job opportunities across the country continuing to increase by 6% over the next decade.
RN License Renewal in Florida
Florida RN licenses expire every two years. Nurses hoping to renew their licenses must complete the required continuing education courses, submit a completed renewal application, and pay the associated fee.
How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in Florida
Florida APRN licenses are granted to existing RN license holders. Applicants must complete a master's degree or higher in nursing and receive certification in their chosen nursing specialty before their application will be accepted. Florida recognizes the APRN specialties of nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), certified nurse midwife (CNM), and certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA).
Once these requirements are met, APRN candidates can begin the process by submitting an application and paying the licensing fee. APRNs who will be dispensing medication must also submit a dispensing application and pay an additional fee. Applicants will also need to provide fingerprints for a background screening through an approved provider, submit either proof of malpractice insurance or an exemption, and provide proof of their specialty certification through a national certifying body.
Pursuing an APRN can lead to a lucrative career in Florida. Nurse anesthetists, which are generally the highest paid nursing specialization, can earn an annual mean wage of $200,000 or more. Nurse practitioner wages average around $100,000 per year.
APRN License Renewal in Florida
APRN licenses expire every two years on April 30 and July 31. To renew, APRN license holders must complete the required continuing education, submit a completed renewal application, confirm their primary practicing address, and complete a form confirming their financial dependability.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Florida
Is It Possible to Get a Nursing Degree Online in Florida?
Yes, you can earn a nursing degree online in Florida. Schools offer traditional, bridge, and accelerated programs. Traditional online BSN programs can take full-time students up to four years to complete. RN to BSN and RN to MSN bridge programs may take up to three years to finish, and accelerated online BSN programs can be completed in as little as a year.
Many of Florida's online nursing programs are accredited. The most recognized accrediting organizations for nursing schools include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). You can search the Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to find institution and program accreditation records.
How Many Nursing Schools Are in Florida?
There are 49 schools with nursing programs in Florida. Many offer online nursing programs.There are also many kinds of online nursing certification programs you can consider.
How Long Is a Nursing Program in Florida?
A nursing program's length depends on the type of nurse you want to become. Most programs will take between 2 and 4 years to complete with a full-time schedule. You can become a licensed nurse through an online associate nursing program in Florida, but a BSN takes four years. There are also several 2 year online nursing programs in Florida.
How Long Does It Take To Become an RN in Florida?
An RN must complete an accredited Florida nursing program, which can take two to four years depending on previous education. This can be an online nursing program or online RN program. Once you have applied for an RN license, it may take a few weeks to have the license application approved and to schedule your NCLEX exam. Once you’ve passed your exam, it takes a few more weeks to receive your license.
How Do I Become a Nurse in Florida?
You can become a nurse in Florida by attending an online nursing school that’s been accredited by the Florida Department of Education. After graduation, apply for a license, provide fingerprints for a background screening, pass the NCLEX exam, and pay all associated fees. Then, you’ll receive your nursing license.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 11/30/2023