Best Nursing Schools in West Palm Beach FL in 2024 (On-Campus & Online)

Nursing has the highest number of workers compared to all other medical professions. The education of future nurses has become a hot-button topic. Since most patients have more interactions with nurses over doctors, advocacy organizations stress the importance of advanced nurse training. Organizations like the American Association of Colleges of Nursing are working with nursing schools in West Palm Beach and around the nation to provide improved access to undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees.

Maybe you’re looking for school nurse jobs in West Palm Beach, FL or maybe specialize in another area. Many healthcare organizations are looking to hire nurses who obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or above. Bridge programs from nursing schools in West Palm Beach FL allow for registered nurses to earn their BSN degrees in some of the best BSN programs in Florida. They are done in an abbreviated timeframe and usually through online programs. An online nursing school in West Palm Beach may also offer virtual study plans for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) enrollees.

The nursing industry is expected to grow by as much as 15 percent over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Florida is a popular location for retirees, so the need for qualified nurses is significantly higher compared to other states. Within the state, over 177,000 registered nurses are currently employed with the number expected to reach over 200,000 through the next decade. Besides a large number of job openings in the field of nursing, benefits also include employment security, competitive benefits, promotional opportunities, and high starting salaries.

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Nursing schools in West Palm Beach FL

Prospective and current nurses will find available programs at community colleges, technical schools, state colleges, and private universities. Medical centers are located throughout Palm Beach County and usually have arrangements with local nursing schools for students to fulfill clinical requirements. Top Palm Beach hospitals include Jupiter Medical Center, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Palms West Medical Center, and Delray Medical Center. The preceding hospitals were all given an A grade for safety in 2018 by the Leapfrog Group. After graduating nursing school in West Palm Beach, the healthcare worker may go on to secure positions at these hospitals as well as local schools, medical offices, and government offices. Salaries for registered nurses located in the area are competitive with average earnings exceeding $65,000 annually. With a BSN degree or above, pay grades can reach $100,000 or more per year.

To prepare for admittance to a nursing school in West Palm Beach, the prospective student should compare local programs. Each college will have different admissions requirements such as minimum GPA and standardized test scores. Bridge programs and graduate-level degrees typically require RN licensure. Florida offers some great RN to BSN programs for those looking to advance their education.

The following are the top nursing schools in West Palm Beach and some of the best nursing schools in Florida, with on-campus and online courses for prospective nurses.

1. Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College is one of the best accredited nursing schools in West Palm Beach, FL. At Palm Beach State College, prospective nurses have the option to earn an entry-level associate’s degree or use past RN experience to receive credit within the BSN program. The RN to BSN option can be done in approximately a year by taking four courses during three consecutive semesters. For nurses who plan to transfer, the Associate of Arts track for nurses allow them to complete most general education requirements. Individuals who wish to prepare for the NCLEX and become registered nurses, enroll in the Associate of Science in Nursing degree. Palm Beach State College is a top nursing school in Palm Beach County due to low tuition costs and accessible medical technologies for students.

• Tuition: $2,444
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACEN)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, AA, AS
• Minimum Program Length: 1 year

2. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University has one of the most competitive nursing programs in Palm Beach County. The college has traditional BSN, MSN, DNP and PhD degrees, as well as part-time programs designed for working professionals. The part-time BSN was designed for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. This program can be finished in just two years by enrolling in six consecutive semesters. Florida Atlantic University is the perfect choice for those looking for flexibility since course delivery formats include evening classes, online courses, and live-streaming lectures.

• Tuition: $203.29 per credit – FL resident
• Admissions: BSN degree program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 4 years

3. South University

South University has nursing degree programs online and at its West Palm Beach satellite location. The nursing school in West Palm Beach has a BSN degree program and RN to BSN bridge available at their campus. The same number of credits is needed for the bridge option, but clinical experience is applied toward degree requirements. To graduate with a BSN from South University, 180 total credits are required. Online graduate degrees and certificate programs available include Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Informatics, and Family Nurse Practitioner.

• Tuition: $17,014
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation:  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, Post-Graduate Certificates
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

4. Keiser University

Keiser University is a nursing school in West Palm Beach with programs for RN preparation as well as programs for current registered nurses. Those who have yet to become licensed in the state may enter the associate or bachelor degree program at the college. At the West Palm Beach campus, a hybrid BSN option is available for students to finish their BSN requirements in just 7 semesters. The RN to BSN allows for completion in only 12 months of study. Online and on-campus MSN and DNP programs are also offered through Keiser University. Keiser University promises a high return on investment due to the accelerated pace of their programs.

• Tuition: $21,008
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: ADN, RN to BSN, BSN, MSN, DNP
• Minimum Program Length: 1 year for RN to BSN, 2 to 4 years for all other programs

5. Southeastern University

The bachelor degree program from Southeastern University was designed to prepare students to take and pass the NCLEX-RN and secure leadership nursing positions. To receive the BSN degree from the college, a total of 130 credit hours must be completed in nursing and general education classes. Southeastern University provides career preparation, simulation lab access, and academic mentorship to nursing students.

• Tuition: $25,870
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: BSN
• Minimum Program Length: 4 years

6. Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University aims to educate a new class of Christian healers at its School of Nursing. The private nursing school in West Palm Beach has multiple programs for those new to the field as well as previously established nurses. A traditional BSN is available as well as RN to BSN, RN to MSN, and DNP degree tracks. The RN to BSN is finished through online courses in just five semesters. Highlights of the school include ministry trips abroad for nursing assignments and internships at local hospitals during the junior year of studies.

• Tuition: $31,450
• Admissions: RN license for bridge programs
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: BSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP
• Minimum Program Length: 1.5 years for RN to BSN bridge, 2 to 4 years for all other programs

7. Bethesda College of Health Sciences

A competitive registered nurse program in the West Palm Beach area is offered at the Bethesda College of Health Sciences. The technical college is geared toward working professionals looking to advance their careers in the medical field. The accelerated program is five semesters long and upon graduation, the student has an associate’s degree and has met the qualifications to take the NCLEX-RN. Course delivery is done on campus at the nursing school in Palm Beach County.

• Tuition: $18,000
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Commission for Independent Education
• Degree Options: ADN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

8. Florida Career College

Florida Career Colleges offers two program options to enrollees: an associate degree track with the courses needed to take the NCLEX-RN or an LPN to RN transition bridge. The standard program takes 122 weeks to complete, but the LPN transition option reduces course load based on proficiency during entrance exam. The college has multiple campuses throughout Florida, including a nursing school in West Palm Beach.

• Tuition: $21,500
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
• Degree Options: ADN
• Minimum Program Length: 2.5 years

9. International College of Health Sciences

The International College of Health Sciences has an accelerated 22-month associate degree program for prospective nurses. In the first six months of study, all courses are done completely online. At the conclusion of the program, students should be eligible to take and pass the NCLEX-RN. Unlike many other technical associate-level nursing schools in West Palm Beach, the International College of Health Sciences is accredited through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACEN).

• Tuition: $24,00
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACEN)
• Degree Options: ADN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

10. Capscare Healthcare Education

Capscare Healthcare Education offers a fast-paced associate degree program for those looking to get licensed as a registered nurse quickly. A total of 75 credits are needed for graduation with program requirements typically completed within two years. An LPN can opt to take a proficiency exam and earn up to 21 transfer credits. Capscare provides flexible scheduling options including evening and part-time class times.

• Tuition: $34,461
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Commission for Independent Education
• Degree Options: ADN
• Minimum Program Length: 1.5 to 2 years

11. Medworld Academy

Medworld Academy provides a 16-month associate degree program to Florida students. The nursing school in West Palm Beach has a course schedule that includes subjects such as anatomy, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and leadership management. At the end of the program, graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX and become licensed registered nurses.

• Tuition: $35,000
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Not Available
• Degree Options: ADN
• Minimum Program Length: 16 Months

12. Burnett International College

An associate degree program for prospective nurses is available through Burnett International College. The degree track is available to individuals with no nursing experience and those who obtain LPN licensure. A total of 74 credits is needed for graduation with duration times lasting about a year and a half. The nursing program at Burnett International College is fast-paced to help prepare students quickly to take and pass the NCLEX-RN.

• Tuition: $36,281
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Commission for Independent Education
• Degree Options: ADN
• Minimum Program Length: 1.5 years

13. Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations

The Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations is a popular nursing school in West Palm Beach for entry-level healthcare workers. The non-profit technical school has an associate-level program for those looking to qualify for the NCLEX-RN. A total of 72 credits are needed for degree conferment with program completion usually finished in less than two years. The private college does carry a significant expense compared to other schools but has a high rate of post-graduation job placement.

• Tuition: $39,300
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation:  Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Degree Options: ADN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

Bonus Online Schools

The following schools offer their nursing programs completely online, so if students in Palm Beach wish, they can choose to attend their nursing school completely online.

Utica College Online

Utica College has online courses for BSN completion alongside a master’s level degree in nursing. The college’s RN to BSN bridge can be done in just 16 months of full-time attendance. To qualify for the bridge program, nurses must’ve earned their initial RN state licenses in the last 10 years. Graduate-level options for online study are MSN with a specialization in Nursing Leadership, Nursing Education, or Family Nurse Practitioner. Utica College has flexible course schedule times to work with any schedule and a low tuition cost for a private university.

• Tuition: $21,382
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, MSN
• Minimum Program Length: 16 months

Maryville University Online

Maryville University has a 100 percent online degree option for nurses with current RN licenses. Available degrees from the college are an RN to BSN bridge, MSN, BSN to DNP bridge, and DNP. All curriculums use past clinical experience to reduce graduation times. Current BSN degree holders can earn their doctoral degrees in just 40 months of online study. The RN to BSN track is typically completed within three consecutive semesters. Graduate-level degrees have specializations such as Mental Health, Pediatrics, and Adult Gerontology.

• Tuition: $28,470
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, BSN to DNP, MSN, DNP
• Minimum Program Length: 3 semesters for RN to BSN, 2 to 4 years for all other degree options

Misericordia University Online

Misericordia University provides online degrees to West Palm Beach registered nurses who obtain a previously earned BSN. The enrollee can choose between the MSN program or the BSN to DNP bridge. Graduate program completion times range between two and three years of online study. Within nine months of conferment, Misercodia University nurses have a 100 percent post-graduation job placement rate.

• Tuition: $30,740
• Admissions: BSN
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: MSN, BSN to DNP, DNP
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 4 years

Benedictine University Online

At Benedictine University’s virtual campus, experienced nurses can enter into the RN to BSN bridge program or MSN degree track. The RN to BSN degree can be finished in just one year of full-time study. Program outcomes for the online degrees are very positive with 95 to 100 percent of graduates finding employment within their field in less than a year.

• Tuition: $34,290
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation:  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, MSN
• Minimum Program Length: 1 year for RN to BSN, 2 years for MSN

Sacred Heart University Online

Sacred Heart University’s online nursing programs are open to registered nurses and graduate students with at least a BSN. Sacred Heart University has one of the few online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree tracks. Bridge programs include RN to BSN and RN to MSN—both options allow students to apply work experience toward degree requirements for faster graduation times.

• Tuition: $41,420
• Admissions: RN license for bridge programs
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP, FNP
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 4 years

West Coast University Online

West Coast University has virtual degree programs available to students living in all areas of the nation, including the West Palm Beach area. Programs include an accelerated RN to BSN bridge with a 12-month graduation timeframe. Graduate-level online programs include RN to MSN, MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certifications. MSN degree specialties include Public Health, Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics, Advanced Generalist, and Nursing Educator. The DNP program is completed fully online with doctoral degrees earned in just 24 months. Clinical hours required for all programs can be done at the student’s location in West Palm Beach.

• Tuition: $28,000
• Admissions: RN license for bridge programs
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP, Post-Master’s Certificates
• Minimum Program Length: 1 year for RN to BSN, 2 years for all other programs

Ranking Methodology

All nursing schools in West Palm Beach were ranked on three criteria: annual tuition costs, nursing degree options available, and program outcomes (graduation rates and NCLEX-RN pass rates). Tuition costs made up of 50 percent of each school’s score while program availability and outcomes were calculated equally for the other 50 percent. The availability of any nursing program and tuition rates are subject to change from year to year. If any nursing schools in West Palm Beach were omitted or any colleges note an error, please contact our editorial team to make the necessary corrections.

Prospective and current nursing students are invited to visit RNtoBSNProgram.com to learn more about the best nursing schools around the globe. Reviews highlight multiple degree options that are made available online, on-campus, and through hybrid nursing programs.