fbpx
close

Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less

Best Nursing Schools in South Florida in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

Best Nursing Schools in South Florida in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

nursing schools in south floridaAre you currently a nurse seeking to further your education, and expand your nursing career opportunities? Looking for a great nursing school in FL? You’re in luck. Some of the best schools in the South Florida area offer advanced nursing practice programs that help nurses achieve a higher degree, and reach their dream of becoming a nurse practitioner, faculty member, or nurse administrator. Graduate from one of the best nursing schools in South Florida and start your career as a nurse today.

There is a critical need for qualified nurses in Florida, including in the South Florida area. The Florida Center for Nursing indicates that there is such a serious shortage of nurses in the state that by 2025, the issue has the potential for ‘crippling our healthcare system.’

The Florida Center for Nursing also demonstrates concern that the shortage poses the risk of reducing access to healthcare for residents of the state. This shortage means that graduates of accredited nursing schools in the state have the opportunity to secure employment, and potentially advance their nursing career.

Why Should I Choose a Nursing School in South Florida?

Nursing schools in Florida offer a variety of programs that prepare the nurses of the future in an ever-changing healthcare environment. While some schools offer one or two nursing programs, other colleges and universities offer several nursing programs. This allows nurses to continue their education after graduation from a degree program, and while working as a nurse. There are several schools that offer online program options for current working nurses or for students with other responsibilities that prevent them from attending school in a traditional classroom setting.

Please note that all listed tuition rates are the tuition rates for residents. Some colleges and universities charge a higher tuition rate for students residing outside the state or other designated area. The stated tuition rate does not include fees related to the school or nursing program cost of attendance. Contact each school to learn about any additional costs. Whether you’re looking for a nursing school in Miami or another city in South Florida, you’ll be sure to find an option below.

The best nursing schools in South Florida in 2024

 

1. University of South Florida

University of South Florida nursing schools in south florida

The University of South Florida offers a variety of nursing programs including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for students that have no prior bachelors degree. The program is delivered in a traditional format, with students also participating in clinical rotations at one of the school’s health care agencies or hospital partners.

This program is certified as a Global Pathway. This means that it is a major or degree program with significant global content, and provides students with the opportunity to practice and apply developing global competencies in your chosen nursing field.

  • Tuition: $105.07 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 94.44%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

2. Miami Regional University

Prepare for an advanced career in nursing when you complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at the Miami Regional University. Learn to apply evidence-based practices in nursing care, analyze and apply research and theory in nursing, along with healthcare-related technology. Students gain the knowledge to focus on safety, quality, and improved patient outcomes in nursing and healthcare settings.

  • Tuition: approx. $305.55 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: ACEN

 

3. University of South Florida

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of South Florida provides students with the highest-level degree in nursing upon graduation. Students learn to develop and exercise advanced levels of clinical judgment in nursing, accountability, and scientific knowledge. Gain the skills required of advanced level nurses that provides you with the expertise to implement and evaluate evidence-based practices, and assume expanded responsibilities.

The school is touted as a ‘preeminent research university,’ giving nurses an exceptional opportunity to achieve their goals in advanced-level nursing practice.

  • Tuition: $347.91 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

 

4. Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College offers the RN to BSN program for registered nurses (RNs) with Florida licensure that want to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, and advance their nursing education and career opportunities. Some students enter directly into the RN to BSN program after graduating from the Associate of Science in Nursing program also offered by Miami Dade College. Other students that work as an RN sometimes choose to return to school, and expand their knowledge and skills to accommodate the need for nurses to function as a professional in a frequently changing healthcare environment.

Students learn to analyze and integrate theories, concepts, and scientific knowledge in nursing, and to demonstrate excellence in communication skills, collaboration with other healthcare providers, and leadership in nursing.

  • Tuition: $82.78 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 79.22%
  • Accreditation: ACEN

 

5. Indian River State College

The Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at Indian River State College prepares students for entry level nursing positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Students learn to work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a physician, and perform a variety of duties in a healthcare setting. Learn to measure and record patient vital signs, to prepare and administer injections, record patient progress, and dress wounds.

The school indicates that the U.S. Department of Education designated Indian River State College as the 3rd most affordable school in the country. Graduates sit for the NCLEX exam.

  • Tuition: $103.83 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 84.62%
  • Accreditation: ACEN

 

6. Florida Gateway College

Florida Gateway College offers registered nurses (RNs) with unencumbered licensure and an ADN degree the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in an online format.

Prepare for your future as you expand your nursing knowledge and skills, while preparing to meet the healthcare needs of your community. The program offers a virtual simulation lab for online degree-seeking nursing students, along with the opportunity to complete the required 90 hours of clinical placement at a location in the student’s own community.

  • Tuition: $120.33 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 93.33%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

 

7. Florida International University

Florida International University offers several nursing degree program options, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with the Nurse Educator specialization. Choose this program option and gain the skills necessary to teach nursing, and function in schools of nursing, or at health care facilities.

The Nurse Educator program combines the courses that are essential to helping nurses teach future nurses the skills necessary to begin their nursing career. Learn assessment skills, instructional skills, curriculum development, and evaluation strategies for nursing education programs.

Graduates have the opportunity to sit for the NLN National Nurse Educator Certification.

  • Tuition: approx. $516.75 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

 

8. Palm Beach Atlantic University

Attend Palm Beach Atlantic University and earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in an online format, which allows registered nurses (RNs) to expand their education and nursing career opportunities. The program prepares nurses to further develop the skills necessary to provide nursing care across a variety of healthcare settings.

This program features a streamlined pathway for students that decide to further pursue their nursing education into an MSN or DNP program.

  • Tuition: $350 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 97.01%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

 

9. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers three specializations for its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, including the Executive Nurse Leadership track. Prepare for a career in healthcare leadership, as you gain advanced-level nursing skills and knowledge beyond the Bachelor of Science level.

This degree program is intended for students that hold a bachelor’s degree in any field.

  • Tuition: $692 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

 

10. University of Miami

The University of Miami prepares students for a fast-track into nursing through the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Are you a prospective student that wants to achieve your goal of obtaining your BSN degree without having to wait three or four years? This program is an ideal option for students with the commitment necessary to complete the program in just 12 months. A combination of classroom and clinical experiences prepares today’s nurses for tomorrows healthcare needs and challenges.

  • Tuition: $727.27 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 97.14%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

 

11. Florida International University

The doctoral program at the Florida International University offers dedicated nurses with the expertise to advance their nursing skills to a unique level that prepares students as dynamic leaders and researchers in the nursing field. Direct and guide evidence-based healthcare findings in a way that helps improve the health of diverse and underserved populations.

  • Tuition: approx. $759.38 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

 

12. Hope College of Arts & Sciences

Graduate from the Hope College of Arts & Sciences with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and start an exciting career in nursing. Students develop and implement critical thinking skills, communication skills, and learn to integrate professionalism, skills, knowledge, and values in healthcare delivery.

Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam.

  • Tuition: approx. $189.98 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 66.67%
  • Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools

 

13. University of Miami

The School of Nursing & Health Studies at the University of Miami offers several tracks in its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs, including the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (NP). Prepare for an advanced role in adult gerontology care in a variety of settings, including clinics, private medical practices, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care departments.

Students gain and apply contemporary clinical knowledge to perform primary care assessments and management of adult older patients, based on patient care needs.

  • Tuition: approx. $933.33 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 100%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

 

14. Barry University

Barry University students that enroll in the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the school have the potential opportunity to receive a scholarship for their tuition when they participate in an employment agreement with Baptist Health South Florida. The partnership provides students with an excellent opportunity to save on the cost of attending school while looking forward to guaranteed employment after graduation.

The program offers a contemporary curriculum for students that learn to develop and implement the qualities needed for safe, quality care in nursing, integrating health promotion, and applying leadership concepts and skills in nursing.

  • Tuition: $925 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 86.66%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

Methodology

We used important criteria that include the cost of tuition, first-time NCLEX pass rate, and accreditation to rank each school. In the event of a tie, we broke the tie by assigning a higher score to the school with the lower tuition.

We strive to be accurate, fair and honest in our representation of each school. Information is obtained directly from each school or from the NCES. No school can pay us for a higher ranking. Any supported school is listed separately and clearly labeled as SPONSORED.

Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee current tuition rates or other information because schools sometimes change these things. It is the responsibility of the student to know the cost of attending each school and the cost of each nursing program.

If you would like to have your school included in our rankings, please contact us.

Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less

Nursing Articles