Best Online MSN Programs in Florida

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for pretty self-explanatory reasons -- the idyllic beaches and bright sunny coastal towns create a paradise on Earth for millions of residents and tourists every year. But Florida's sunny beaches aren't the only thing that residents have to look forward to in Florida. Many students from around the world also have plenty of great things to say about nursing schools in the state, and due to Florida's aging population, there is a significant incentive for increasing the nursing population statewide including cities such as Miami, Tallahassee, and Orlando.

A special focus on Master of Nursing Science (MSN) programs is certainly deserved as well. These short but effective graduate programs are the minimum requirement for many upper-level nursing careers such as nurse practitioners or executive-level healthcare roles. Below is all the information you'll need to know to qualify for these types of degree programs and related MSN bridge programs and how to find the fastest and cheapest MSN programs in the state.

2025 - Best Online MSN Programs in Florida

RegisteredNursing.org has identified the Best Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Florida for 2025. These programs are recognized for their commitment to academic excellence, flexible learning options, and dedication to advancing nursing education. Rankings are based on a detailed methodology assessing factors like program quality, accessibility, and student success. For more details, visit our rankings methodology page.

1.

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

The University of Central Florida offers highly reputable MSN programs through its College of Nursing, which is known for its focus on evidence-based practices and innovative research. With a diverse and experienced faculty, students benefit from a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for advanced nursing roles and leadership positions in the healthcare field.

MSN Programs

• Nursing Leadership & Management Online/Hybrid
• Nurse Educator Online/Hybrid

2.

University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL

The University of West Florida offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing program through its College of Health. With a focus on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, students gain advanced knowledge and skills to become leaders in the ever-evolving field of nursing. The program is designed to prepare nurses to provide high-quality, patient-centered care and advance the nursing profession.

MSN Programs

• Nurse Educator Online/Hybrid
• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

3.

ECPI University

Lake Mary, FL

ECPI University's MSN programs offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced nursing roles. With a focus on evidence-based practice and cutting-edge technology, the nursing department is committed to producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses. The program's flexible online format allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Nursing Education Online/Hybrid

RN to MSN Programs in Florida

RN to MSN programs (also known as ADN to MSN or RN to NP programs) are bridge programs that allow registered nurses who have an associate’s degree to complete their MSN without needing to graduate from a BSN first. They typically take between 2 and four years to complete saving you a lot of time and money. As of now, there is currently only one RN to MSN program in Florida located at Jacksonville University (JU) but it remains one of the more popular nursing programs in the state.

Typical admissions requirements for RN to MSN programs include:

• Florida RN license
• ADN or nursing diploma
• GPA transcripts (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Professional nursing experience (often 1–2 years of clinical practice)
• Letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Fast & Affordable MSN Programs in Florida

When it comes down to picking the nursing schools you’d like to apply to, the main factors on most students’ minds are the cost and the length of the program. In order to save money and time on your education, it’s typically in the best interest of the student to located the fastest and most affordable programs available. Below is some information that can help you in your seach.

What Are the Fastest Online MSN Programs?

If you're like most nurses, you've got an incessantly busy work schedule that has little room for taking on a graduate degree program. The good news is that MSN degrees rarely take longer than 4 years of full-time study and can even be completed in as little as two years or even less. You can save even more time by taking classes online or during the summer months. Below are a few MSN programs located in Florida that take the minimum amount of time to complete:

What Are the Most Affordable Online MSN Programs?

The thought of going back to school often conjures a very common anxiety — the cost of tuition. Even though you will likely still need to pay a few thousand dollars, many MSN programs in Florida are surprisingly affordable compared to other states. This, of course, will depend on the size of the school's program, whether or not you are a Florida resident and other additional factors. Here are a few of the most affordable options in the state:

Accelerated MSN & Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP)

Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs are perfect for students who have already graduated from a bachelor's degree program with a non-nursing major but would still like to pursue upper-level nursing careers without getting another bachelor's degree. They are longer than a traditional MSN program, but they are shorter than having to earn two degrees. Here is a complete list of the typical MENP admissions requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA (often 3.0+)
• GRE or TEAS scores (if required)
• Transcripts, recommendations, personal statement, resume
• Healthcare experience (preferred or required)
• Admissions interview

If you think that an MENP might be the ideal MSN pathway for you, consider looking into Florida schools that offer them such as the University of Florida (UF) or the University of West Florida (UWF).

Schools Offering Popular MSN Specialties

The ability to specialize in a particular practice area is one major factor that draws many nurses to graduate school every year. Enrolling in a specialized MSN program allows students to not only get certified in a specific area that they’re passionate about, but it also allows them to become more independent as practitioners or qualify for executive nursing positions. Here are some great specialized MSN programs located in Florida:

What is MSN Accreditation?

Beyond the cost and time investment required, arguably the most important consideration is MSN accreditation. If a program is not accredited, it means that if you complete it, it won’t necessarily mean that you will be eligible for licensure or certification. As you begin your search, look for indications that your prospective MSN program is accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). If there are any questions, contact the school’s admissions department. 

2025 List of MSN Programs in Florida

Beyond the examples of MSN programs we've listed above, there are also several more available throughout the state. These include the following:

MSN Programs By City:

• Miami MSN Programs
• Orlando MSN Programs
• Tampa MSN Programs
• Jacksonville MSN Programs
• Fort Lauderdale MSN Programs