Important Considerations When Comparing Schools:
Your dream school just accepted you! But youve found out that the nursing program has a low admissions rate, and you might not be eligible to join the program.
Scenarios like this are more common than youd think. Thats why taking multiple factors into account is the best way to ensure youre going to the right school.
Factors you should look at when comparing schools include:
- Annual tuition and total program cost
- Cost of living at or near the school
- Acceptance rate
- Length of the program
- Nursing program outcomes
- Distance from hospitals
- Scholarships or grants offered by the school
- Accreditation
North Port / Bradenton / Sarasota Area Nursing Schools By Nclex Score
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing: 96.4% NCLEX pass rate
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
- Accelerated Second Degree BSN: 90.5% NCLEX pass rate
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing: 88.4% NCLEX pass rate
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Master of Science in Nursing
- RN-to-BSN Degree Completion
- Certificate in Practical Nursing: 87.3% NCLEX pass rate
- Nursing Assistant Certificate
- Certificate in Practical Nursing: 85.9% NCLEX pass rate
- Nursing Assistant Certificate
- Certificate in Practical Nursing: 45.2% NCLEX pass rate
Suncoast College of Health
- Certificate in Practical Nursing: 42.5% NCLEX pass rate
- Associate’s Degree in Nursing: 30.5% NCLEX pass rate
Lpn Florida Department Of Education Gold Standard And Statewide Articulation Agreements
This Gold Standard Career Pathways Statewide Articulation Agreement guarantees the minimum award of course credits or a block of credit toward the above AAS/AS program is 10 hours of credit. This agreement does not preclude the awarding of additional credits by any college through local agreements. The Licensed Practical Nurse certification, or National Licensed Practical Nurse certification represents industry acknowledgement of technical skill attainment of competencies in the Nursing R.N. program. To be eligible for articulation, the student must show evidence of their current Licensed Practical Nurse certification, or National Licensed Practical Nurse certification and it must have been issued within three years prior to their enrollment in the program.
If space permits, Florida SouthWestern State College offers LPNs, meeting the application and agreement requirements, the option to accept an ASE1000 block of 11 credits. The ASE1000 block consists of Level I AS Degree Nursing Core Courses: NUR1020C, NUR1068C, and NUR2092.
Read Also: Coastal Bend College Nursing Reviews
Nurse Salary And Job Outlook
- Florida employs 183,130 nurses, the fourth highest in the nation.
- There are 21.69 employed nurses for every 1,000 jobs in Florida, higher than the national average.
The only downside to Florida is the annual mean wage for nurses in May of 2020, nurses in Florida earned a mean wage of $69,510, lower than the nations mean wage of $80,010.
However, the wage nurses might earn depends on where they live. According to the BLS, nurses in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach earned a mean wage of $72,300, where nurses in Panama City earned just $66,620.
With high nursing employment across the state, nurses should be able to find a job in whatever area they want, whether it be a metropolitan area or a small coastal town.
Uwf Nursing Graduates Post Top Scores On National Licensure Exam

The University of West Florida School of Nursing topped the state and national averages for 2020 by wide margins, as 95.97% of its graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurses on their first attempt. UWF surpassed the national average for first-time pass rate by over five percentage points and exceeded the state mark by nearly 10 points.
Read Also: Brenau University Accelerated Nursing Program
How Much Is Nursing School In Florida
CNA and LPN training programs cost less than associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees. Public schools typically charge lower tuition rates than private colleges and universities, and Florida residents pay lower in-state tuition rates at public colleges. Students can also apply for financial aid like scholarships and loans.
Salary And Job Outlook For Nurses In Florida
The table below lists median salary figures for each nursing profession in the state of Florida. All nurses in the state earn slightly below the national median, and Florida maintains the 23rd highest cost of living in the United States.
Nurses in Florida face a bright job outlook, particularly RNs. Despite a national projected growth rate in employment of 7% for RNs from 2018-28, the number of RNs in Florida should increase by 16% in that same time period.
Nursing Level |
---|
You May Like: Chamberlain College Of Nursing Curriculum
Rn To Bsn Overview: Rn To Bsn Programs In Florida
Why should a registered nurse consider completing his or her BSN? A lot of it comes down to being prepared for the healthcare system of tomorrow. The population is aging and individuals are being diagnosed with more chronic conditions. At the same time, healthcare is moving away from lengthy hospital stays and toward care that is managed through ambulatory facilities and other community resources. The Institute of Medicine believes professional nurses are key to healthcare reform. One of the IOMs goals is to have 80% of the nations nurses trained at the baccalaureate level by 2020. This is one area where you may want to become a statistic!
For some nurses, the BSN is about having the best education and being at the top of the field. Studies have found fewer adverse events at hospitals with a high proportion of registered nurses who have training at the bachelors level. For other nurses, the draw is the possibility of having more career options. Understandably, many hospitals value that higher degree.
What does a BSN program cover that an ADN program usually doesnt? You can expect to learn more about health assessment, nursing research, population health, and various roles within the larger community. Nursing leadership is another topic of interest.
Is It Worth It To Get Paid To Go To Nursing School
Nursing students have a significant benefit in the amount of financial assistance and tuition reimbursement programs available to them to pursue their dream path.
However, its important to note that the reimbursement program highly depends on the candidates performance. The performance requirement might be too burdensome for some students.
Remember, it’s always better to explore scholarship options before seeking financial assistance from the hospitals, since the funding is final. While some hospitals reimburse and assist with significant portions of tuition amounts, a candidate who underperforms might have to pay the money back to the hospital.
Worried about your college tuition? Find the best student loan for you
Read Also: Nursing Homes In Chester County Pa
Fsw Nursing Mission Statement
The Florida SouthWestern State College Nursing Program’s mission is to inspire life-long learning and prepare a diverse population to serve as caring nurse leaders in the healthcare community.
- The fall 2022 application will open in March 2022 and the deadline to apply will be May 15, 2022.
- Due to COVID-19, certain practicum or clinical experiences at partner sites may require face coverings or other mitigation measures.
- Prospective applicants interested in learning more about our ASN program, application requirements, and admission process, may register for a virtual information session.
Florida SouthWestern State College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing and a Completion Certificate in a Nurse Refresher Continuing Education course leading to professional licensure. Nursing requires both a degree and the successful completion of additional criteria such as licensure exams, field placements, or clinical hours. If your future plans include achieving licensure or certification, you should know the requirements vary by state.
Graduates of the Associate in Science in Nursing Program are prepared to become licensed as an entry level Registered Nurse .
Current occupational employment and wage data for Registered Nurses are published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Associate Of Science In Nursing Program
Bethesda College of Health Sciences
Our programs philosophy reflects the holistic and caring tradition of Florence Nightingale with the primary nursing theory of Jean Watson. Together, this approach creates a foundation for understanding the modern nursing environment.
The Nursing Program is a five semester program that focuses on the general education and beginning technical skills necessary for providing and managing patient care and participating in the profession of nursing. Upon graduation, with an Associate of Science in Nursing , the student is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam to become a registered nurse.
Our ASN graduates are prepared for professional nursing practice in both acute care and community settings. Our curriculum will prepare you to establish relationships, honor diversity, and interact with individuals, families and groups across the life span. You will utilize the nursing process to create, implement, and evaluate a mutually holistic plan for maximum healing. By adhering to the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, graduates demonstrate competence, continuous self-improvement, and personal wellness.
Program Accreditation
The Associate of Science nursing program at Bethesda College of Health Sciences at Bethesda Hospital located in Boynton Beach, Florida is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326975-5000
Program Size
You May Like: Nursing Schools In Chesapeake Va
Tuition And Costs Of Adn Programs In Florida
It’s critical to understand how much an ADN program costs, both in terms of tuition and associated expenses like room and board, equipment, uniforms, and other school fees. Some schools roll these costs into the ‘total cost of attendance’ however many do not, citing greater transparency for students and parents when costs are listed separately. Students are encouraged to check each year for updated costs.
Florida Gateway College, located in Lake City, Florida, has a tuition cost of around $100 per credit hour for in-state residents. Out-of-state residents have additional costs. As well, books, equipment, and housing are separate for each individual.
Rankings: The 60 Best Nursing Schools In Florida

For our 2021 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on over 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
- The institutions academic prestige and perceived value
- The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered
- Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination
We then combined these assessments into an overall score and ranked the schools accordingly. For a detailed description of our assessment methodology and dimension weights, please see here.
#1:University of Miami
The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies is home to the Simulation Hospital for Advancing Research and Education , one of the nations first education-based simulation hospitals. The school frequently ranks among the top 25 nursing schools nationwide in National Institutes of Health research funding. A member of the respected UHealth family, SONHS offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD degrees. Post-masters certificates are also available in several nurse practitioner specializations. The school graduates approximately 200 students annually from its flagship prelicensure BSN program. During the past decade, more than 95% of these students passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam on their first try.
#4:Nova Southeastern University
#59:Marion Technical College
Also Check: How Competitive Is Nurse Practitioner School
How Is A Nursing Diploma Different
A nursing diploma degree is usually a one to three-year course of study, depending upon the institution, which prepares a student nurse for entry-level nursing positions. Curriculum covers prerequisite courses prior to the start of the nursing coursework, the nursing-specific courses include:
- clinical practice
- and much more
Tuition And Costs Of Msn Programs In Florida
Tuition costs vary throughout the country, depending on program and faculty availability, clinical costs, and associated fees. At the University of Central Florida in Orlando, for example, the MSN program has a $369.65 per credit-hour tuition cost for in-state students. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $1,194.05 per credit-hour.
For NP programs visit:
Applying for endorsement of licensure can be done by providing the following information:
- Completed application – fees paid
- Electronic fingerprint scan – Live Scan appointment
- Request current state licensure board to send verification to Florida Board
Also Check: Bsn To Phd Nursing Online
Nursing Programs Offered In Port Charlotte Fl
The Jersey College campus at ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte offers a Hospital-Based Track of our RN program. Our Port Charlotte staff includes well trained and experienced instructors and administration from around the region that are dedicated to providing a comprehensive nursing education that can prepare you for a real world career.
Advantages Of Bsn Programs
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting a strong upward trend in nursing jobs, many students feel it’s good value to invest in their education by pursuing a BSN. Like the ADN program, the BSN prepares nurses to attend to a patient’s immediate needs but the additional nursing theory makes these candidates suitable for the management or other leadership roles. BSN candidates are also well positioned to continue their studies and achieve their MSN.
You May Like: New Jersey Nurse Practitioner License
How To Get Paid To Go To Nursing School
As a nursing student, you can borrow student loans with lower rates of interest, and other various benefits. There are a number of student loans specific to nursing students. These student loans for nursing students are designed to help students not only cover tuition costs, but also to make the costs more manageable.
You can reap these benefits if you work in certain hospitals. You should note that your performance plays an important role in how much funding you receive for tuition. Under a program, you could get a license and youll have to work within the hospital for a specified period of time, varying from a few months to a few years.
What Is The Future Outlook Of Nursing
Those in the nursing field can expect to see a plethora of employment opportunities to apply for, and most come with attractive salaries and a good benefits package. Through 2028, research has shown that there could potentially be a 12% in the need for those in the nursing field, as other nurses hit retirement age, and those in the community begin to age and need more assistance. This why Florida hospitals are now willing to pay for nursing school programs. The salary is based on experience and the location at which the nurse chooses to work.
There are a lot of educational and licensing requirements that those wanting to become a nurse will have to master. Most of the RNs in this area begins by acquiring an associates degree in nursing, or a bachelor of science in nursing. The associates degree typically takes about two years to acquire and prepares you to return to school in the future to strive for the bachelor of science in nursing. The bachelor of science in nursing takes four years to achieve and fully prepares for the nursing field.
For those that dont want to waste any time, a nursing diploma after two years of studying in an in-hospital program may be an option based on location. If one opts for a nursing diploma, they are eligible to apply for entry-level positions in a hospital setting. Earning the associates degree or a bachelor of science degree will widen the employment opportunities available, with help from the government to pay for nursing school.
Don’t Miss: How Can I Get A Nursing Degree Online
Diploma In Nursing Clinicals
The goal of the diploma nursing program is to prepare the entry level nurse to assist in the care of patients. Students will practice their newly acquired nursing skills during clinical hours. A clinical may take place in a lab or at a partner site such as a hospital or extended care facility.
Examples of clinical rotations:
- Perform routine lab tests.
- Monitor medical equipment.
Nursing skills are built up gradually over the course of the program. Students may first learn how to take and evaluate vital signs which include temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. Nursing students then learn how to observe patient wounds and report such observations. Eventually students answer call lights and assist patients with daily tasks and beyond.
Msn Admission Requirements In Florida

Admission requirements vary from program to program at the MSN level however, some of the core criteria remain the same. Generally speaking, you will have to provide the following:
- Graduate from an accredited BSN program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Submit a current resume with references
- Submit evidence of your RN licensure with 2+ years of practice
- Be in good standing at your choice university
- Have practiced as an RN for two or more years
- Submit all transcripts from undergraduate institutions
Recommended Reading: Accelerated Masters In Nursing Programs
Nursing Programs Offered In Naples Fl
The Jersey College campus at Physicians Regional Medical Center offers a Hospital-Based Track of our RN program. Our Naples staff includes well trained and experienced instructors and administration from around the region that are dedicated to providing a comprehensive nursing education that can prepare you for a real world career.
What Is The Best Nursing College In Florida
Florida boasts many high-quality nursing schools, and the top nursing school in Florida may depend on each student’s individual needs. Each program comes with unique strengths, and students should carry out their own research to determine which nursing program in Florida best suits their expectations and career goals. View some of the top-ranked nursing programs in Florida by degree type.
Don’t Miss: Financial And Business Management For The Doctor Of Nursing Practice
How Do You Get A Diploma In Nursing
To get a diploma in nursing, you must complete a Practical Nursing or a Registered Nursing program, typically in the state for which you intend to work. Once you complete your state mandated education requirements, you will receive your diploma and become eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam.
If you live in Alabama, visit our Alabama nursing programs page to help identify nursing schools near you which offer the desired program. Likewise, if you live in Florida, visit our Florida nursing programs page.