Florida is fast becoming one of the most attractive states for nurse practitioners (NP). According to Projections Central, the state could see nearly 2,680 NP job openings annually from 2024-2034.

For registered nurses (RN), advancing to an NP role offers increased earning potential and greater clinical autonomy while helping to address Florida's growing demand for primary and specialty healthcare providers.

Our guide ranks the best NP programs in Florida and includes resources on program characteristics, admission requirements, and career opportunities available to NPs after graduation.

The Best NP Programs in Florida

How We Rank Schools

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the nurse practitioner programs and schools in Florida, making it easier to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Using Our Rankings: What To Look for in a Florida NP program

The following key metrics contribute to our overall ranking of the best NP programs in Florida. By using these measures to evaluate programs of interest to you, you can make an informed decision about your education.

Admission Requirements

Different admission requirements, such as overall GPA and previous clinical experience, may influence which programs you find attractive. Program prerequisites ensure that you have the necessary academic background to succeed in a fast-paced and rigorous program.

Specializations

When choosing between NP programs, focus on the specializations. For example, if you are interested in either adult-gerontology or pediatrics, you can immediately rule out Florida NP programs that do not offer these concentrations.

Program Curriculum

NP programs either award a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Compare the course requirements to find NP programs in Florida that match your interests and career goals. You can also check whether programs allow you to choose electives.

Clinical Experience

All NP programs require clinical hours, yet each school's approach may be different. Some programs offer robust assistance with finding appropriate clinical placements, and others may leave the arrangement of clinical placements completely up to the student.

Another important consideration involves the required number of clinical hours, which range from 500 to 1,000 hours.

Accreditation

NP program accreditation is a crucial factor to consider. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the (CCNE)are the two most widely accepted accrediting bodies for nursing programs. All NP board certifications require that you attend an accredited program to be eligible for examination.

Program Length

Program length may vary. Full-time MSN programs typically take 24-30 months, while some part-time Florida NP programs may take longer than 36 months to complete. DNP programs require 2-3 years for nurses with an MSN or 3-4 years for those with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

Board Certification Pass Rate

The student pass rate of various NP board certification exams reflects the quality of education at a particular school. A consistently low annual pass rate may signal that the program does not properly prepare students for successful board exams and subsequent clinical practice.

Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?

Program accreditation can determine the success of your education and career. Accredited programs follow the best academic and clinical practices for preparing NPs. For example, programs must meet industry-specific clinical hour, faculty qualification, and board certification requirements to earn and maintain accreditation.

Attending an accredited NP program can determine:

  • Eligibility for licensure and certification exams
  • Acceptance to post-master's or doctoral programs
  • Access to financial aid, including grants and scholarships
  • Ability to transfer your nursing license to another state

Every program included in our ranking is accredited by either the ACEN or CCNE.

Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Florida

While each Florida NP program determines their own admissions process and requirements, most programs require the following:

  • A from an accredited institution (CCNEor ACEN)
  • A valid RN license in the state where you practice
  • 1-2 years of clinical nursing experience

During the admission process, applicants may need to submit a resume, personal essay, or statement of intent. Programs often require letters of reference from academic, professional, or clinical supervisors, as well.

What Can You Do with a Degree from a Florida NP Program?

Florida NPs provide primary and specialty care with greater autonomy than RNs. One in a class of nursing professionals known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), NPs can diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, and treat patients in their specialty area.

NPs can earn significantly higher salaries than RNs. NPs report a median annual salary of $129,210 according to BLS data from 2024, while RNs earned a median salary of $93,600 per year.

There are many areas of clinical specialization for students earning an NP degree, including:

Florida Nurse Practitioner Occupational and Salary Data

Florida employs more NPs than any other state, according to BLS data. The greater Miami area also ranks among the metropolitan areas with the most NP jobs.

Total NP Employment

24,690

Median Hourly Wage

$61.70

Annual Mean Wage

$128,340

Source: BLS, 2024

Florida Nurse Practitioner Salaries, Ranked by Location
RankTop Florida Metro AreaAnnual Mean Wage for NPs
1Wildwood-The Villages, FL$143,240
2Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL$136,210
3Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL$132,730
4North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL$131,490
5Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL$129,910
Source: BLS, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

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