Nursing Schools in Florida

Florida’s nursing education scene is a mixed bag, and anyone thinking about studying here should know upfront what they're getting into. With over 200 nursing schools spread across more than 140 cities, the sheer number of options might feel overwhelming. But there’s a catch: not all programs are created equal, and unfortunately, Florida’s overall NCLEX-RN pass rate has been stuck around 72.7%, which is on the low side compared to many states. A big part of that comes down to the rapid rise of for-profit nursing schools in recent years. Some of these programs have strong outcomes, but others have been linked to poorer exam pass rates and less supportive learning environments. So, don’t just pick a school because it’s convenient or inexpensive; research their NCLEX pass rates carefully, among other things.

You’ll also want to think about licensure. Florida is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means if you become licensed here, your RN doesn’t automatically work in other states without separate applications. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about moving or working near state lines. On the plus side, Florida’s nursing job market is large. There are more than 200,000 RN jobs here with a wide variety of employers. Big healthcare systems like AdventHealth, Tampa General, and the University of Miami Health System are some of the biggest employers offering competitive opportunities. The state’s population is aging rapidly, especially along the coast, which means strong demand for nurses in geriatrics, hospice, and chronic care.

Salaries for RNs in Florida average around $85,000, with nurse practitioners making close to $120,000 in some metro areas. But these numbers vary a lot depending on where you work. Urban areas offer more pay but come with higher living costs, while rural parts of Florida might pay less but could provide more hands-on experience and job growth opportunities.

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Florida

These are the highest-performing nursing schools in Florida for 2025, ranked by their students' success on the NCLEX-RN exam. If you're choosing where to study, these programs have proven track records of preparing graduates to pass on their first attempt. See how we calculate rankings.