Top Nursing Schools and Programs in Florida

Florida boasts numerous esteemed nursing schools that excel in academic programs, faculty expertise, resources, and more, addressing the state’s significant healthcare needs. Here’s a compilation of some leading nursing institutions in the Sunshine State:

1. University of Florida – Gainesville
   • Consistently ranked among the top nursing schools nationally, particularly recognized for research opportunities.
   • Offers on-campus and online BSN, MSN, and PhD programs.
2. University of Miami – Miami
   • A private research university with strong clinical training partnerships in South Florida.
   • Provides nursing programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
3. Florida International University – Miami
   • A large public university serving Miami with a diverse student body.
   • Offers a range of nursing programs from BSN to DNP.
4. University of South Florida – Tampa
   • A public research university with nursing programs spread across Florida.
   • Highly regarded BSN, MSN, and DNP programs.
5. Florida State University – Tallahassee
   • A renowned research school with a top ranking for affordable nursing tuition in Florida.
   • Offers ABSN and BSN-PhD accelerated programs.
6. University of Central Florida – Orlando
   • One of the largest universities in the country with extensive clinical resources.
   • Top-ranked nursing programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
7. Jacksonville University – Jacksonville
   • A private university known for low student-to-faculty ratios and personalized support.
   • Highly rated bachelor’s and master’s nursing programs.

These premier nursing schools contribute significantly to meeting healthcare demands within and beyond the state, preparing graduates for impactful global careers.

Job Placement Rates: Based on available data, the following programs in Florida consistently report high job placement rates for graduates:

1. University of Florida: Almost 100% job placement for BSN graduates within 12 months.
2. University of Miami: Approximately 95% job placement for BSN graduates.
3. Florida International University: Consistent placement rates above 90% for BSN graduates.
4. University of South Florida: Job placement rates of 92-98% across nursing program locations.
5. Florida State University: Reports 95-97% job placement for BSN graduates within 1 year.
6. Jacksonville University: Consistently reports job placement rates above 90% for bachelor’s level nursing graduates.
7. University of Central Florida: Over 95% of graduates pass NCLEX licensing and gain employment annually on average.

These schools, with their strong reputations and strategic locations, have excellent clinical partnerships that contribute to high graduate hiring rates.

Scholarships: Several scholarship options are available for nursing students in Florida, including:

• State and Federal Scholarships
• Nursing School Scholarships
• Nursing Scholarship Databases
• Hospital/Healthcare Agency Scholarships
• Private Scholarships
• Scholarships for Underserved Groups
• Loan Forgiveness Programs

Prospective students are advised to research and apply for scholarships well in advance, considering their specific qualifications, background, and chosen program. Early application and meeting deadlines are crucial for success.