Nursing Schools in Florida

Florida International University (FIU) is a public university in Miami. It is one of ten campuses that comprise the State University System of Florida and had a total student body of 56,000 students during the 2017 school year. Over 92% of students live off-campus. As the name suggests, Florida International University also attracts a lot of international students. In fact, about 7% of the student body are international students. FIU offers over 280 majors and 191 programs of study through 23 schools and colleges. It is the largest university in South Florida and the fourth largest in the United States based on the enrollment numbers.

Several nursing programs are offered through Florida International University College of Nursing and Health Sciences, including BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D., and BSN to Ph.D. The college has close affiliations with many healthcare facilities in the area, including hospitals and doctor’s offices, giving students the hands-on learning needed to succeed. The traditional BSN program is offered on-campus, while the RN to BSN path is an online-only program. There are also many BSN to DNP programs available at the university. All programs offered through the college are accredited by the CCNE and the Florida State Board of Nursing.

Jacksonville University is a private, non-profit institution in Jacksonville, Florida. The university offers a small student to faculty ratio of 12:1 and provides degree programs for both undergraduates and graduates. Despite the small student to faculty ratio, the university is in the most populous city in Florida. Jacksonville University is a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida. It was founded in 1934 as a two-year college. It now offers almost 100 different degree programs for undergraduates and graduates, including nursing programs offered through Jacksonville University Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences (BRCHS).

There are several nursing programs available at Jacksonville University Keigwin School of Nursing. These options include BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, and DNP programs. The school offers a convenient online RN to BSN path for registered nurses who would like to receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Those who already have a degree from an accredited university may select the second-degree accelerated BSN program, which is designed to be completed in just 16 months. The traditional BSN program is accredited by the CCNE and offers real clinical training at local healthcare clinics. However, the school is currently seeking accreditation for their remaining nursing programs.

Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) is a Central Florida public college located in Leesburg, Florida. LSSC was originally established in 1962 as a junior college offering two-year programs. It was reestablished as a full-fledged state college offering four-year degrees in 1970. Since then LSSC has been offering various associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and certificates. The school serves well over 6,000 students and always seeks to provide its students with the best possible educational experience. 

LSSC has a very good nursing program that will appeal to prospective nursing students in the area. The Associate’s Degree Nursing Program has proven to be an especially popular option at LSSC. The goal of the training during this program is to help future nurses to learn how to provide care in a culturally sensitive way while being proactive, sensible, and responsive to the needs of the community. This school provides a supportive environment where students can learn everything that they need to know. All students will receive thorough instruction that is completely evidence-based. This positive environment will help to mold nursing students into the health care professionals that they wish to be.

LSSC is a member of the Florida College System.

The University of Central Florida is part of the 10-campus State University System of Florida. Located in Orlando, the university has large class sizes due to a significant student population. However, UCF is also a competitive university to be accepted into. During the Fall 2016 semester, 17,441 students were accepted out of 34,886 applications. It was founded in 1963 and opened in 1968 as a technological university. However, it now offers a wide range of degrees for undergraduates and graduates. There are over 90 undergrad programs, along with 87 master’s programs. These programs are offered through 13 colleges, including the College of Health and Public Affairs.

The University of Central Florida College of Health and Public Affairs provides students with several nursing options. The programs available include BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, and Ph.D. degrees in nursing. The traditional BSN program is designed for juniors or transfers. Before enrolling, students must complete the prerequisite courses, which typically take two years to complete. The accelerated BSN is for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. All programs are accredited by the CCNE and the Florida Board of Nursing.

The University of Miami is a private, non-profit university in Coral Gables, Florida. Coral Gables is part of the Miami metro area and is considered one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the region. One of the highlights of the university is the size of the classes. The 12:1 student to faculty ratio provides a more intimate learning experience and gives students more interaction with their professors. Despite the low student to faculty ratio, the university enrolls over 17,000 students. The courses are offered through 12 different colleges and schools, including the School of Nursing and Health Studies.

The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies offers students several ways to pursue a career as a nurse, including BSN, RN to BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D., and BSN to Ph.D. programs. The school has offered nursing programs for over 70 years. The long history of the school has allowed them to partner with over 170 clinics in the region, including the University of Miami Hospital, giving students many opportunities for hands-on clinical experience. The school also has a state-of-the-art simulation hospital featuring high-tech mannequins, actors, and students to simulate real trauma. The traditional BSN program is accredited by the CCNE.

Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is a relatively newer Florida State College member that is located in New Port Richey, Florida. This school was a community college when it was first established in 1967. It transitioned into offering a four-year state college experience in 2014. This school is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school is capable of awarding students several associate’s degrees as well as a selection of bachelor’s degrees. PHSC also offers some dual-enrollment classes for high school students who are seeking to get a head start on their college educations. This is a cost-effective campus that can provide students with a good education while offering them the possibility to transfer credits to other institutions if they so choose.

The PHSC nursing program offers several avenues for prospective students to consider. Students can pursue practical nursing or they can choose to take registered nursing courses. All of the nursing programs are very focused on providing students with the right knowledge. Classes are designed to give students the most up-to-date information and students will learn all of the modern nursing skills. These classes are going to teach students the right information to find success as professional nurses while also preparing them to pass the NCLEX licensure examination that they will need to go through.

The University of Florida is a public university in Gainesville, Florida, and it is part of the State University System of Florida, along with nine other campuses throughout the state. Gainesville is a sprawling city with a low cost of living, making it the perfect setting for students paying their way through college. The 2,000-acre campus is also a sprawling location with buildings spread throughout a large area. The university receives accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is the third largest university in the state. The University of Florida offers over 300 different degrees for undergraduates and graduates through 16 colleges and over 150 research and education centers.

Despite the size of the university, there is no Master of Science in Nursing degree offered. However, the University of Florida does offer BSN, accelerated BSN, BSN to DNP, BSN to Ph.D., and DNP programs. For registered nurses, the university offers an RN to BSN program. This program is offered entirely online and is offered to nurses who are registered in the state of Florida. The traditional BSN path is only intended for students who are already enrolled at the University of Florida or transfer students who have completed the prerequisite courses. The BSN programs are accredited by the CCNE.

Daytona State College (DSC) is located in Daytona Beach, Florida and it is a member institution of the Florida College System. The school was established in 1957 and is a publicly-funded college. This is a renowned school for many different reasons. It has a successful athletics department and it is also known for being an exceptional academic institution. DSC is accredited to award both associate and bachelor degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. There are many different areas of study for students to pursue. DSC serves close to 30,000 students annually, making it a very large school. It has advanced facilities and provides students with a good environment for learning.

Nursing courses are a big part of DSC and many options are available to prospective students. Students can pursue an associate of science in nursing, a bachelor of science in nursing, practical nursing, or even certified nursing assistant programs. All of the programs are held to a very high standard and they seek to provide students with an optimal learning experience. Courses are designed to help students to achieve excellence as professional nurses. Practical skills will be the main focus, as well as understanding how to meet the dynamic healthcare needs of many different types of patients. 

Florida State University is a major public institution in Tallahassee offering both undergrad and graduate degree programs. It is also part of the State University System of Florida, along with nine other campuses. Tallahassee is the capital of Florida and home to several colleges and universities, including FSU. The main campus sits on 1,428 acres of land and was founded in 1851, making it one of the oldest and largest campuses in Florida. FSU is structured into 16 separate colleges and manages over 110 facilities, labs, and centers to offer over 360 programs of study.

The nursing programs available through Florida State University College of Nursing include the BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, and BSN to DNP programs. The College of Nursing was founded in 1950 and continues to expand their programs offered to students and their connections with local healthcare facilities. Students receive real-life clinical training at various regional healthcare facilities. Students also have access to an advanced simulation center. The traditional BSN program is a two-year program for incoming freshman. There are also paths for those who already have a degree from an accredited university or college. All programs offered through the college are accredited by the CCNE.