Mathew BenjaminAccredited nursing schools in Florida provide some of the best opportunities for aspiring nurses to begin or advance their careers. With a wide selection of programs ranging from associate to doctoral degrees, students can choose the path that suits their goals. Florida’s nursing schools are respected for their strong academic standards, excellent clinical placements, and high NCLEX pass rates. Understanding the requirements, costs, and application process can help future students prepare for a smooth admission experience.
Top 30 Accredited Nursing Schools in Florida
1. University of Florida (Gainesville)
The University of Florida College of Nursing is one of the most respected accredited nursing schools in Florida. It consistently ranks among the nation’s top programs because of its advanced research, rigorous academics, and commitment to preparing future nurse leaders. Students benefit from clinical rotations at UF Health, one of the state’s premier medical centers. With strong NCLEX-RN pass rates and highly qualified faculty, the school provides an excellent foundation for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students.
2. University of Miami (Coral Gables)
The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies is a leader among accredited nursing schools in Florida. Known for its innovative simulation hospital and international immersion programs, the school gives students real-world exposure that enhances their learning. The university maintains excellent NCLEX pass rates and provides a supportive environment where students engage in both research and practice. Its emphasis on advanced technology and global healthcare makes it one of the top nursing schools in Florida.
3. Florida State University (Tallahassee)
Florida State University College of Nursing is one of the oldest and most reputable accredited nursing schools in Florida. Established in 1950, the college is recognized for producing exceptional nurses with high licensing exam pass rates. Students experience small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and access to diverse clinical settings. With strong accreditation and innovative programs such as BSN, MSN, and DNP, the college continues to attract students seeking a solid academic foundation and opportunities for professional advancement.
4. University of Central Florida (Orlando)
The University of Central Florida College of Nursing stands out as one of the largest accredited nursing schools in Florida. It offers a variety of programs, including BSN, MSN, PhD, and online options for working professionals. Known for its strong NCLEX pass rates, the school emphasizes evidence-based practice, simulation training, and interprofessional collaboration. Its Orlando location provides students access to top hospitals and healthcare systems. UCF graduates are highly sought after in Florida and nationwide.
5. University of South Florida (Tampa)
The University of South Florida College of Nursing is a powerhouse among accredited nursing schools in Florida. It is nationally recognized for its research contributions, innovative programs, and partnerships with top medical institutions. Students have access to cutting-edge simulation labs and clinical opportunities in the Tampa Bay area. With pathways from BSN to PhD, USF prepares students for leadership roles in nursing. Its strong reputation and high academic standards make it a top choice for aspiring nurses.
6. University of Tampa (Tampa)
The University of Tampa Department of Nursing is one of the most competitive accredited nursing schools in Florida. The program emphasizes small class sizes, personalized attention, and clinical experiences in some of the best hospitals in Tampa. The school boasts excellent NCLEX pass rates and advanced simulation facilities that replicate real healthcare settings. Students are trained to meet modern healthcare challenges, and its strong academic reputation attracts both undergraduate and graduate nursing candidates from across the state.
7. Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton)
Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing ranks high among accredited nursing schools in Florida. Known for its holistic approach to nursing education, FAU emphasizes caring science, research, and leadership. The college offers BSN through doctoral programs, preparing students for advanced practice and academic careers. With innovative self-care spaces, advanced labs, and strong clinical partnerships in South Florida, FAU is an excellent option for students seeking both academic excellence and compassionate nursing training.
8. Florida International University (Miami)
Florida International University’s Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences is one of the largest accredited nursing schools in Florida. It is well-known for offering unique programs, including a bridge track for foreign-trained physicians to become nurses. FIU provides degrees from BSN to doctoral levels and places emphasis on serving diverse communities. With strong NCLEX pass rates, innovative curricula, and state-of-the-art labs, FIU prepares nurses who are ready to meet the demands of global healthcare systems.
9. Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale)
Nova Southeastern University’s Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing is a premier choice among accredited nursing schools in Florida. It offers programs at every level, from BSN to DNP, with an emphasis on leadership, community service, and advanced clinical practice. Students benefit from advanced simulation facilities and extensive clinical placements. The school also emphasizes research and innovation, preparing nurses who can thrive in a variety of healthcare environments. Its focus on excellence makes it a top contender.
10. Jacksonville University (Jacksonville)
Jacksonville University’s Keigwin School of Nursing has built a strong reputation as one of the top accredited nursing schools in Florida. With over 40 years of excellence, the school offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Students enjoy personalized attention, a supportive faculty, and strong community partnerships for clinical training. The program emphasizes leadership, innovation, and high academic standards. Jacksonville University prepares graduates who excel in practice and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nursing profession.
11. Barry University (Miami Shores)
Barry University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is recognized among the most respected accredited nursing schools in Florida. It focuses on providing a values-driven education that combines academic excellence with compassion and ethics. Barry offers BSN, MSN, and doctoral nursing programs designed to prepare graduates for leadership and practice. With its location in Miami Shores, students gain access to a variety of healthcare settings. Its holistic approach ensures well-rounded professional development for nursing students.
12. Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Myers)
Florida Gulf Coast University’s School of Nursing stands out as one of the strongest accredited nursing schools in Florida. Its BSN program has consistently high NCLEX pass rates, and the school emphasizes evidence-based learning and community service. With its strong ties to healthcare systems in Southwest Florida, students gain hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics. FGCU provides opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, preparing them for nursing roles that make a difference locally and globally.
13. St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens)
St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law partners with a strong nursing department that is quickly growing as one of the most dynamic accredited nursing schools in Florida. Known for smaller class sizes and strong community focus, it provides BSN and graduate pathways that emphasize leadership, cultural competence, and service. Students benefit from dedicated faculty, personalized support, and meaningful clinical placements. The university equips graduates to thrive in healthcare systems across Florida and beyond.
14. Palm Beach Atlantic University (West Palm Beach)
Palm Beach Atlantic University School of Nursing is among the top private accredited nursing schools in Florida. Its Christ-centered education blends academic rigor with compassion in nursing practice. Offering BSN and advanced programs, the school provides individualized attention, simulation lab training, and strong community partnerships. Students are taught to view nursing as a calling as well as a career, which strengthens their professional identity. With high academic standards, the program is a respected option in Florida.
15. Keiser University (Multiple Campuses)
Keiser University offers one of the most accessible accredited nursing schools in Florida, with multiple campuses across the state. It provides a wide range of nursing degrees, from ASN to MSN and beyond, making it a flexible option for many students. The programs emphasize hands-on training, clinical readiness, and strong academic preparation. With experienced faculty, advanced simulation technology, and partnerships with healthcare providers, Keiser graduates are well-prepared for the nursing profession and enjoy strong employment outcomes.
16. AdventHealth University (Orlando)
AdventHealth University is a leader among accredited nursing schools in Florida, offering faith-based education rooted in compassion and excellence. The nursing programs emphasize service, clinical expertise, and holistic care. With close ties to AdventHealth, one of the state’s largest healthcare systems, students receive outstanding clinical experience and real-world training. The university provides ASN, BSN, and graduate programs designed to prepare nurses for a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates are highly regarded for their skill, dedication, and compassion.
17. Southeastern University (Lakeland)
Southeastern University is a growing name among accredited nursing schools in Florida, combining academic rigor with a Christian worldview. The nursing program prepares students with a strong foundation in science, clinical practice, and ethics. Students benefit from simulation labs and hands-on experiences in Central Florida hospitals. With BSN and advanced degree pathways, Southeastern University graduates are known for their professionalism and leadership. The program emphasizes service and compassion, ensuring that students are prepared to provide excellent patient care.
18. Florida Southern College (Lakeland)
Florida Southern College offers one of the most personalized nursing experiences among accredited nursing schools in Florida. Known for its small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, the nursing program provides individualized attention. The curriculum blends liberal arts education with nursing science, ensuring well-rounded graduates. With modern simulation facilities and clinical placements in respected healthcare institutions, students are prepared for the NCLEX and professional practice. The college’s focus on leadership, integrity, and innovation makes it a top choice.
19. Pensacola Christian College (Pensacola)
Pensacola Christian College is among the accredited nursing schools in Florida offering a strong values-based nursing education. Its nursing program emphasizes a Christian worldview alongside scientific excellence and practical training. Students receive hands-on experience through local clinical placements and advanced labs on campus. The program prepares graduates for professional licensure and successful careers while emphasizing service, compassion, and ethical practice. With its spiritual and academic balance, Pensacola Christian College attracts students who seek both faith and professional growth.
20. Rasmussen University (Multiple Campuses)
Rasmussen University is one of the most accessible accredited nursing schools in Florida, with campuses across the state. It offers flexible nursing pathways, including ASN, BSN, and online degree completion programs designed for working adults. Rasmussen emphasizes affordability, accessibility, and career-focused learning. Students gain clinical experience in local healthcare facilities and benefit from simulation labs. The university is known for preparing nurses who are ready to step directly into the workforce, making it a practical and respected option.
21. South University (West Palm Beach)
South University is recognized among accredited nursing schools in Florida for its student-centered approach and flexible scheduling. The nursing program includes BSN, MSN, and advanced practice degrees, with a strong focus on evidence-based care. Students train in simulation centers and gain real-world clinical experience in South Florida healthcare systems. Faculty provide personalized mentorship, ensuring graduates are prepared for licensure and practice. South University emphasizes leadership and critical thinking, producing nurses who are well-equipped for today’s complex healthcare environments.
22. Herzing University (Orlando)
Herzing University is an excellent choice among accredited nursing schools in Florida, especially for students seeking flexibility and career-oriented programs. It offers ASN, BSN, and MSN degrees with both on-campus and online options. The program emphasizes practical readiness with extensive simulation lab training and clinical partnerships in the Orlando area. Herzing graduates are prepared for diverse roles in nursing, from bedside care to advanced practice. Its supportive faculty and focus on career development make it a strong option.
23. Chamberlain University (Jacksonville and Miramar)
Chamberlain University is one of the most recognized accredited nursing schools in Florida, with campuses in Jacksonville and Miramar. Known for its BSN and MSN programs, Chamberlain emphasizes accelerated pathways, flexible scheduling, and strong student support. The school provides extensive simulation labs and clinical opportunities across Florida’s healthcare facilities. Students benefit from personalized mentoring and academic coaching. With a reputation for preparing competent, compassionate nurses, Chamberlain attracts students who want a focused, career-ready nursing education.
24. Bethune-Cookman University (Daytona Beach)
Bethune-Cookman University offers a historically rich nursing program that is among the notable accredited nursing schools in Florida. Rooted in a tradition of service and leadership, the program provides a BSN degree with strong clinical and classroom training. Students gain experience in local hospitals and community health settings while learning the importance of cultural competence in nursing. The university emphasizes leadership, compassion, and excellence, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s healthcare workforce.
25. St. Petersburg College (St. Petersburg)
St. Petersburg College is one of the most affordable accredited nursing schools in Florida, making it an excellent choice for students pursuing nursing as a career. The college offers ASN and BSN programs, with flexible scheduling for working adults. Its strong partnerships with hospitals in the Tampa Bay area ensure students receive real-world clinical training. Known for high NCLEX pass rates, St. Petersburg College prepares graduates for immediate entry into the profession. It is respected statewide for quality nursing education.
26. College of Central Florida (Ocala)
The College of Central Florida provides a strong nursing program that ranks among the accessible accredited nursing schools in Florida. It offers ASN and BSN pathways that prepare students for professional nursing practice. With simulation labs, clinical experiences, and supportive faculty, the college equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the NCLEX and succeed in healthcare. Affordable tuition and high success rates make the College of Central Florida a practical and respected choice.
27. Miami Dade College (Miami)
Miami Dade College operates one of the largest and most diverse accredited nursing schools in Florida. Its Benjamin Leon School of Nursing offers ASN and BSN programs with a strong emphasis on community-based healthcare. Students benefit from extensive simulation facilities and clinical partnerships with South Florida’s largest hospitals. The school’s affordability, cultural diversity, and excellent NCLEX pass rates make it a top choice for many aspiring nurses. Miami Dade College prepares graduates who reflect the community they serve.
28. Valencia College (Orlando)
Valencia College is a highly regarded option among accredited nursing schools in Florida, offering an affordable and flexible ASN program with pathways to a BSN. The nursing program emphasizes small class sizes, modern simulation labs, and real-world training in Orlando-area hospitals. Students graduate well-prepared for the NCLEX and professional practice. Valencia College’s affordability, strong support services, and reputation for excellence make it a trusted starting point for many students who want to build a nursing career.
29. Broward College (Fort Lauderdale)
Broward College is one of the most respected community-based accredited nursing schools in Florida, offering ASN and RN-to-BSN programs. With strong ties to major hospitals in South Florida, students gain extensive clinical experience. The nursing program has consistently strong NCLEX pass rates and a reputation for producing skilled, workforce-ready nurses. Affordable tuition, supportive faculty, and modern training labs make Broward College a great choice for students seeking an accessible and effective nursing education.
30. Santa Fe College (Gainesville)
Santa Fe College is a top community institution among accredited nursing schools in Florida. The nursing program offers ASN and bridge pathways for RNs to advance their education. Students train in advanced simulation centers and gain hands-on experience in Gainesville’s healthcare facilities. The program is affordable, accessible, and maintains excellent NCLEX pass rates. Santa Fe College emphasizes both academic excellence and community service, preparing graduates to meet the diverse needs of patients in Florida’s healthcare system.
Requirements To Apply For Accredited Nursing Schools in Florida
- High school diploma or GED with strong grades in science and math subjects
- Minimum GPA requirement, often ranging from 2.75 to 3.5 depending on the program
- Completion of prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and statistics
- Satisfactory scores on entrance exams like TEAS or HESI, if required
- Submission of official transcripts from previous schools or colleges
- Personal statement or essay explaining motivation for pursuing nursing
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals
- Proof of immunizations, health screenings, and background checks for clinical placements
Cost of Application For These Accredited Nursing Schools in Florida
The cost of application varies among accredited nursing schools in Florida. On average, application fees range from \$30 to \$90 for most community colleges and universities. Larger universities such as the University of Florida or University of Miami may charge up to \$100 for graduate-level applications. Some private institutions may also include additional fees for entrance exams, background checks, or document processing. Prospective students should budget for these expenses in advance to ensure their applications are complete and timely.
Application Process For These Accredited Nursing Schools in Florida
- Research nursing schools and choose programs that align with academic and career goals
- Review admission requirements and ensure all prerequisites are met
- Complete online or paper application forms through the school’s admissions portal
- Submit official transcripts from high school or previous colleges
- Provide entrance exam scores if required by the program
- Upload personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation
- Pay the application fee within the deadline provided
- Complete additional requirements such as background checks, drug tests, or interviews
- Wait for notification of admission decision and accept the offer if admitted
- Finalize enrollment by registering for classes and preparing for orientation
Conclusion
Accredited nursing schools in Florida provide high-quality education, practical clinical experience, and pathways for future career growth. By meeting the admission requirements, paying close attention to deadlines, and following the application process carefully, students can increase their chances of being accepted. Although the application process requires careful preparation, the reward is a solid foundation in nursing education and entry into one of the most trusted and rewarding professions in healthcare.