Best Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Florida

Is there any place better to start an advanced nursing career than Florida? Underserved communities such as Miami and Tampa are desperate to get nurse practitioner positions filled on account of the nursing shortage, and the warm weather and sprawling beaches are one of many added bonuses. Read on to learn more about the best NP programs in Florida and available NP specialties, from online to campus-based and everything in between. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Florida

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Rankings of the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Florida! Whether you're advancing your career or entering the field, our rankings highlight the top online programs across the state. We assess programs based on completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty qualifications. To learn more about our ranking process, visit our methodology page.

1.

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

The University of Central Florida's College of Nursing is ranked among the top 10% of nursing programs in the nation. With over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the college offers a variety of programs such as the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the accelerated Second Degree BSN on its Orlando campus. The college also has a strong partnership with local healthcare facilities for hands-on clinical experience.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Post Master's Certificate Online/Hybrid
• Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

2.

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University's College of Nursing offers a wide range of nursing programs including a highly ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice program and a state-of-the-art Simulation Center for hands-on training. The college has partnerships with top healthcare facilities in the region, providing students with valuable clinical experiences and opportunities for research and innovation. Additionally, FSU's College of Nursing has a strong commitment to promoting diversity and cultural competency in the nursing field.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Psychiatric Mental Health Certificate Online/Hybrid

3.

ECPI University

Lake Mary, FL

ECPI University's nursing programs at the College of Nursing prepare students for a successful career in the healthcare field. The department offers a variety of graduate level programs such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs are designed to provide students with hands-on clinical experience and advanced knowledge in nursing, preparing them to become leaders in the industry.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

At some point in their career, many nurses consider more advanced and higher-paying positions within the medical field. The role of a nurse practitioner is one of the highest-paying and independent positions that nurses can strive for but many but few realize just how easy it is nowadays to become a nurse practitioner and how fast and affordable nurse practitioner programs have become, especially if they have already graduated from a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. Learn about the quickest and cheapest nurse practitioner positions in Florida in the sections below.

What Are the Fastest Online NP 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. Fortunately, shorter, more succinct NP programs can take as little as a year to complete, especially if you have a few nursing credits that can be transferred. To become licensed as a nurse practitioner, you’ll need to enroll in either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. However, you’ll want to enroll in an MSN to graduate as quickly as possible. Here are a few available in Florida:

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP 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:

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

The ability to specialize in a particular practice area is one major factor that draws many nurses to graduate school every year. Regardless of whether you decide to go with an MSN or DNP, you can find all sorts of fascinating NP specializations throughout Florida’s colleges and universities. Here are a few examples you may be interested in:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

For most students hoping to become nurse practitioners, an MSN or DNP are the typical route for NP graduate programs. However, plenty of other programs, including NP bridge programs, allow students to graduate faster and for less money.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, most nursing students decide on Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs due to their speed, cost, and their entry requirements. They take about two years to complete. Here are some examples available in Florida:

• University of Central Florida – Orange County, FL
• Jacksonville University – Jacksonville, FL

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs (also known as ADN to MSN or RN to MSN programs) are bridge programs that allow registered nurses who have an associates degree to complete their MSN without needing to graduate from a BSN first. There is currently only one RN to MSN program in Florida located at Jacksonville University.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree an NP can obtain. These programs typically take 4-6 years to complete, though this may be higher or lower depending on the number of credits you enroll with. DNP programs located in Florida include:

• University of Florida – Gainesville, FL
• Florida State University – Tallahassee, FL

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Though not a degree, post-master’s NP certificates are a great way for fully licensed nurses to switch or add on to their NP specializations. The speed at which they can be completed are another draw; most post-master’s NP certificates can be completed in only one year. Here are a few located in Florida:

• Florida State University – Tallahassee, FL
• Barry University – Miami-Dade County, FL

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, are perfect for students who have already graduated from a bachelor’s degree program with a non-nursing major but would like to become nurse practitioners 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 are a few located in Florida:

• University of Florida – Gainesville, FL
• University of West Florida – Ferry Pass, FL

General Admissions Requirements

Here is a list of the most typical NP program general admissions. Keep in mind that these may not reflect your university or college of choice, but it will give you a general idea of what to expect:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Florida NP License and Certification Requirements

Each state has its own process and requirements for NP licensure. You’ll need to complete a graduate program with a nurse practitioner major and hold a current RN license. In addition to the basic eligibility criteria, applicants will need to submit supporting documents, such as official transcripts and proof of clinical experience, along with their application. An application fee of around $200 to $500, depending on specific requirements, must also be paid. Detailed instructions for applying can be found through the Florida Board of Nursing's website, where candidates can access forms and deadlines.

Nurse practitioners in Florida are also required to obtain national certification in their chosen specialty. Certification is typically awarded through recognized certifying bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). This process usually involves passing an exam that evaluates the NP's knowledge and competency in their specialty area.

Florida recently updated its scope of practice for nurse practitioners. Since 2020, Florida NPs with proper certification and at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience can apply for “autonomous practice” status. This allows NPs to work independently, diagnosing and treating patients without a supervising physician in primary care settings. NPs in Florida generally still work under a collaborative agreement with a supervising physician for those not yet meeting the autonomous practice criteria.

For more information and ongoing support, NPs can turn to the Florida Nurses Association (FNA), which offers valuable resources on licensure, continuing education, and the latest legislative updates affecting nurse practitioners in the state.

List of NP Programs in Florida

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