Florida has one of the largest and most varied NP education landscapes in the country, with programs offered through major public universities, private institutions, academic health systems, and online-focused nursing schools. Students can find MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificate, and bridge pathways across a wide range of advanced practice specialties, though delivery formats, clinical placement structures, and specialization availability vary significantly by school. This guide can help prospective students compare Florida NP programs more effectively and identify pathways that align with their career goals, scheduling needs, and preferred practice settings.
Featured NP Programs in Florida
Florida’s NP education landscape includes a broad mix of public universities, private institutions, academic medical centers, and online-focused nursing schools offering MSN, DNP, post-master’s certificate, and bridge pathways. The featured programs below highlight some of the more visible and established NP options in the state, but they represent only part of Florida’s much larger advanced practice nursing market. Comparing these schools can help students better understand differences in specialization availability, online and hybrid delivery formats, clinical training expectations, and long-term academic flexibility before exploring the more comprehensive directory in the next section.
| University of Florida | |
| Nursing School | UF College of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Learning Environment | The UF College of Nursing emphasizes practice-focused education with advanced simulation training through the Kirbo Innovation and Learning Lab. |
| Accreditation | The Doctor of Nursing Practice and baccalaureate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). |
| Program Focus | The DNP program prepares nurses for specialized advanced practice roles and emphasizes expert clinical preparation. |
| Research & Innovation | The college highlights nursing research and interdisciplinary innovation as part of its mission to advance healthcare transformation and nursing excellence. |
| Overview | The University of Florida College of Nursing offers a CCNE-accredited DNP program designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice leadership roles. The college emphasizes clinical excellence, simulation-based learning, research innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a major academic health center environment. |
| About the School | The University of Florida is a large public research university located in Gainesville, Florida. The UF College of Nursing is part of UF Health and is recognized for its strong academic reputation and focus on heal |
| University of South Florida | |
| Nursing School | USF Health College of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN, DNP, Post-Graduate APRN Certificates |
| Learning Format | MSN, DNP, and certificate programs include advanced practice preparation with structured progression plans. The college also offers a mix of academic advising, simulation experiences, and clinical learning opportunities. |
| NP Concentrations | MSN and BSN-to-DNP concentrations include Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP, Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP with Occupational Health, Family Health NP, and Pediatric Primary Care NP. |
| Entry Pathways | The DNP program offers both BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry options. The MSN program admits BSN-prepared nurses and follows a lock-step progression model. |
| Certificate Options | Post-graduate APRN certificate programs are available in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialties. |
| Overview | The USF Health College of Nursing offers multiple advanced practice nursing pathways through MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate programs. Programs emphasize advanced clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, systems thinking, and preparation for leadership roles in healthcare. Students can pursue a variety of nurse practitioner concentrations and benefit from academic advising, clinical partnerships, and opportunities for scholarly project development. |
| About the School | The University of South Florida is a large public research university located in Tampa, Florida. USF Health integrates nursing education within a broader academic health system focused on education, research, and patient care. |
| University of Miami | |
| Nursing School | School of Nursing and Health Studies |
| Selected Programs | MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN – AGNP Acute Care, MSN – AGNP Primary Care, Post-Master’s Certificates, BSN-DNP FNP, BSN-DNP AGNP Acute Care, BSN-DNP AGNP Primary Care, MSN-DNP |
| Clinical Placement Support | The school guarantees clinical placements across MSN, post-master’s certificate, and doctoral NP programs through partnerships with more than 250 clinical sites throughout South Florida. |
| Program Formats & Length | MSN NP tracks are offered in full- and part-time formats, generally completed in three semesters full time or five semesters part time. BSN-DNP NP tracks can be completed in six semesters full time or twelve semesters part time. |
| NP Specialties | NP offerings include Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, and Oncology Nurse Practitioner certificate pathways. |
| Simulation & Research Resources | Students have access to the S.H.A.R.E.® Simulation Hospital Advancing Research and Education center, described as the world’s only academic hospital uniquely dedicated to simulation. The school also emphasizes research, global health initiatives, and leadership development. |
| Overview | The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies offers a wide range of NP-focused MSN, post-master’s certificate, and BSN-to-DNP programs with flexible scheduling options and guaranteed clinical placements. Programs combine advanced clinical preparation, leadership training, simulation-based education, and specialty certification preparation in areas such as family practice and adult-gerontology care. The school also emphasizes research, innovation, and global health engagement throughout its graduate nursing curriculum. |
| About the School | The University of Miami is a private research university located in Coral Gables, Florida. The School of Nursing and Health Studies is known for its emphasis on simulation, interdisciplinary healthcare education, and global research initiatives. |
| Florida International University | |
| Nursing School | Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences |
| Selected Programs | Post-BSN to DNP, MSN Nurse Practitioner, Post-MSN to DNP, Post-Graduate Certificates |
| Specialty Tracks | FIU’s NP pathways include Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP options across MSN and DNP pathways. |
| Learning Formats | Programs are offered in online, hybrid, and predominantly online formats depending on specialty. Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP tracks use hybrid delivery, while several other specialties are offered primarily online. |
| Clinical Placement Information | Students in online specialties may complete clinical experiences outside FIU’s traditional South Florida service areas, but students are responsible for identifying clinical sites and coordinating contracts with FIU before rotations begin. |
| Accreditation & Certification | FIU’s MSN and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates are eligible to apply for national certification in their specialty areas and state APRN certification. |
| Overview | Florida International University’s Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers MSN, DNP, and post-graduate NP certificate pathways designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for expanded clinical leadership roles. Programs emphasize evidence-based practice, systems leadership, quality improvement, and advanced patient care across a variety of specialty tracks. Flexible online and hybrid formats are available, with pathways leading to national certification and APRN eligibility. |
| About the School | Florida International University is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences is known for its multidisciplinary healthcare education and strong connections to diverse clinical and community healthcare settings throughout South Florida. |
| Florida Atlantic University | |
| Nursing School | Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN, BSN-to-DNP, Post-Master’s DNP, Post-Graduate Certificate Programs |
| NP Specializations | MSN and DNP pathways include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) options. |
| Learning Format | Some MSN concentrations offer full- or part-time curriculum options for working nurses. The Post-Master’s DNP is offered part-time, while the BSN-to-DNP pathway is full-time. |
| Program Philosophy | The college’s graduate nursing curriculum is grounded in a holistic, caring-based philosophy that emphasizes leadership, clinical expertise, teaching skills, and health equity. |
| Post-Graduate Certificates | Post-Graduate Certificate programs are available in Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership, and Nurse Educator tracks. |
| Overview | Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing offers MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate pathways designed to prepare advanced practice nurses and nursing leaders. The programs emphasize evidence-based practice, systems leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and holistic patient care through a caring-centered curriculum. Students can pursue advanced practice specializations in primary care, psychiatric mental health, leadership, and education through flexible graduate study options. |
| About the School | Florida Atlantic University is a public university located in Boca Raton, Florida. The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is nationally recognized for its holistic, caring-centered approach to nursing. |
| University of Central Florida | |
| Nursing School | UCF College of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | BSN-to-DNP, Post-Master’s DNP, PhD in Nursing, Graduate Certificates |
| NP Specializations | BSN-to-DNP pathways include Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks. Post-master’s NP certificates are available in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care, and Family Nurse Practitioner specialties. |
| Learning Format | Programs are offered in fully online or hybrid-online formats with both full- and part-time study options available depending on the program. |
| Accreditation & Outcomes | UCF nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The college notes that graduates consistently exceed state and national pass-rate averages on RN and NP licensing exams. |
| Program Features | The college emphasizes evidence-based practice, innovative research, and flexible learning formats. Programs are led by nationally recognized faculty actively engaged in healthcare research and clinical practice. |
| Overview | The UCF College of Nursing offers doctoral nursing education and graduate certificate programs designed to prepare advanced practice nurses, nurse leaders, educators, and researchers. BSN-to-DNP pathways prepare students for advanced practice nurse practitioner roles, while post-master’s certificates allow APRNs to add new specialties. Programs emphasize evidence-based practice, leadership, healthcare innovation, and flexible hybrid or online learning options. |
| About the School | The University of Central Florida is a large public research university located in Orlando, Florida. Its College of Nursing is based at the Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona, a growing hub for healthcare innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. |
| Nova Southeastern University | |
| Nursing School | Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs, BSN-to-DNP, DNP, PhD in Nursing, APRN Postgraduate Certificates |
| NP Specializations | MSN and APRN certificate specialties include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. |
| Learning Format | Programs include online and on-site coursework options. APRN certificate coursework is offered at Miramar, Palm Beach, and Tampa Bay campuses depending on the specialty. |
| Clinical & Simulation Training | NSU has invested more than $10 million in LINE funding to enhance simulation training, strengthen clinical education, and support practice-ready preparation. The college also emphasizes immersive clinical experiences with diverse patient populations. |
| Accreditation | The baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at NSU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). |
| Admissions & Requirements | APRN postgraduate certificate applicants must hold an accredited MSN degree, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, possess active Florida RN licensure, and have at least 12 months of active independent clinical practice experience. |
| Overview | Nova Southeastern University’s Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing offers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs focused on preparing nurses for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles. The college emphasizes interdisciplinary education, simulation-based learning, flexible program delivery, and evidence-based practice. NP pathways are available at the master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels in several advanced practice specialties. |
| About the School | Nova Southeastern University is a private university based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Ro |
| Jacksonville University | |
| Nursing School | Keigwin School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | BSN-to-DNP, Post-MSN DNP, MSN Nurse Practitioner, RN-to-MSN, MSN/MBA, APRN Certificates |
| NP Specializations | BSN-to-DNP and MSN options include Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health tracks. APRN postgraduate certificate options are available in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialties. |
| Learning Format | The Post-MSN DNP program is fully online with no campus visits required and offers fall or spring entry. Advanced-level nursing programs also emphasize flexible course formats for working professionals. |
| Clinical & Simulation Learning | Students have access to immersive learning experiences that incorporate virtual reality labs, telepresence robots, healthcare simulation scenarios, and clinical training partnerships with regional healthcare systems. |
| Accreditation | The baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Jacksonville University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). |
| Program Features | The BSN-to-DNP program prepares nurses for leadership and advanced clinical practice roles through coursework in nursing, health policy, informatics, economics, and evidence-based practice. The Post-MSN DNP offers separate Advanced Practice and Leadership tracks tailored to career goals. |
| Overview | Jacksonville University’s Keigwin School of Nursing offers undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and post-graduate nursing programs designed to prepare clinically competent and leadership-focused nurses. Programs emphasize experiential learning, flexible formats, advanced simulation technologies, and evidence-based practice. NP pathways are available at the MSN, DNP, and certificate levels, with opportunities for specialization in family, psychiatric mental health, and acute care practice. |
| About the School | Jacksonville University is a private university located in Jacksonville, Florida. The Keigwin School of Nursing is part of the Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences and emphasizes hands-on learning, small class sizes, and collaborative healthcare education. |
| Florida State University | |
| Nursing School | Florida State University College of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing, Post-Master’s Certificate Nurse Practitioner Programs, AI Microcredential |
| NP Specializations | DNP and post-master’s certificate tracks include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Lifestyle Medicine. |
| Learning Format | The DNP program is offered online and is designed to prepare nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare management roles. |
| Clinical & Preceptor Support | FSU offers a preceptor tuition waiver program that provides approved preceptors with a waiver of six credit hours for every 300 hours of precepting completed. |
| Technology & Innovation | The college emphasizes advanced simulation labs, innovative nursing education, and emerging healthcare technologies. FSU also launched a nursing-focused responsible AI micro-credential series in partnership with the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI). |
| Rankings & Accreditation | The DNP program was ranked No. 1 in Florida and No. 18 among public colleges by U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools 2025. |
| Overview | Florida State University College of Nursing offers graduate nursing education focused on advanced practice, leadership, innovation, and evidence-based care. The college provides online DNP pathways and post-master’s NP certificates in several specialty areas while emphasizing simulation-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and healthcare technology integration. |
| About the School | Florida State University is a public research university located in Tallahassee, Florida. The College of Nursing is based in Vivian M. Duxbury Hall and supports nursing education through research, community engagement, and advanced clinical training opportunities. |
| Barry University | |
| Nursing School | Barry University School of Nursing |
| Selected Programs | MSN, Post-Baccalaureate DNP, Post-Master’s DNP, PhD in Nursing |
| NP Specializations | MSN tracks include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). |
| Learning Format | The MSN program is delivered primarily online and includes in-person clinical practicum requirements along with limited on-campus labs. |
| Program Length & Cost | The MSN program has a typical duration of approximately 24 months and tuition is listed at $1,050 per credit hour. |
| Clinical Experience | Clinical hours are required within each specialty area and are completed under preceptor supervision. |
| Accreditation | The MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. |
| Overview | Barry University’s School of Nursing offers advanced nursing education designed to prepare registered nurses for leadership and advanced clinical practice roles. The university provides MSN nurse practitioner tracks, DNP pathways for BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses, and a PhD in Nursing focused on research and academia. Programs emphasize holistic, patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and clinical competency development. |
| About the School | Barry University is a private Catholic university located in Miami Shores, Florida. The School of Nursing is part of the College of Health Professions & Medical Sciences and emphasizes collaborative, compassionate healthcare education rooted in the university’s mission and values. |
Florida NP Program Directory
| Institution | Pathway Options | Selected Specializations | NP Certificates |
| AdventHealth University Orlando, FL | RN to Master’s | Family Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Barry University Miami Shores, FL | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse Practitioner | |
| Chamberlain University-Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Florida A&M University Tallahassee, FL | Master’s | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerWomen’s Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult/Gerontological Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Florida International University Miami, FL | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPediatric Primary Care Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL | Master’s, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Florida State University Tallahassee, FL | Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Jacksonville University Jacksonville, FL | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Keiser University Ft. Lauderdale, FL | Master’s, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse PractitionerWomen’s Health Nurse Practitioner | |
| Nova Southeastern University Ft Lauderdale, FL | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach, FL | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Care Nurse Practitioner | |
| Saint Thomas University Miami Gardens, FL | Master’s, Master’s to DNP | Adult Gerontology Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| South University-Tampa Tampa, FL | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Master’s to DNP | Adult Gerontology Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse Practitioner | |
| The University of Tampa Tampa, FL | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of Central Florida Orlando, FL | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of Florida Gainesville, FL | Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerDual Pediatric Acute and Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPediatric Acute Care Nurse PractitionerPediatric Primary Care Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | |
| University of Miami Coral Gables, FL | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerOncology Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL | Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Family Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences Saint Augustine, FL | Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult Gerontology Nurse PractitionerFamily Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of South Florida Tampa, FL | RN to Master’s, Master’s, Bachelor’s to DNP, Master’s to DNP | Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse PractitionerAdult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse PractitionerAdult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Occupational HealthFamily Health Nurse PractitionerPediatric Primary Care Nurse PractitionerPsychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Y |
| University of West Florida Pensacola, FL | Master’s | Family Nurse Practitioner |
Florida NP Programs with Online Learning Options
Many Florida NP programs now incorporate online or hybrid learning components, particularly for didactic coursework. The schools listed below are institutions that referenced online, hybrid, remote, executive-format, or flexible learning options on at least some nurse practitioner program pages at the time of review.
Still, prospective students should understand that “online” in NP education rarely means fully remote. Programs continue to require in-person clinical training, simulation experiences, immersion sessions, campus visits, or supervised healthcare placements as part of advanced practice nursing education.
Program formats and attendance requirements can also change over time. Students interested in a specific school or pathway should confirm current online and hybrid options directly with the university before applying. Likewise, students considering schools not listed below should still verify available learning formats, since some institutions may offer flexible options that were not clearly identified during this review.
| Institution | Nursing Program |
| AdventHealth University | Nursing Programs |
| Barry University | School of Nursing |
| Chamberlain University | College of Nursing |
| Florida A&M University | School of Nursing |
| Florida International University | Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences |
| Florida Southern College | Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing & Health Sciences |
| Florida State University | College of Nursing |
| Jacksonville University | Keigwin School of Nursing |
| Keiser University | College of Nursing |
| Nova Southeastern University | Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing |
| Saint Thomas University | College of Nursing |
| South University-Tampa | Nursing Programs |
| The University of Tampa | Nursing Degrees |
| University of Central Florida | College of Nursing |
| University of Miami | School of Nursing and Health Studies |
| University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences | School of Nursing |
| University of West Florida | Usha Kundu, MD College of Health – School of Nursing |
How to Choose an NP Program in Florida
Florida offers one of the broadest NP education markets in the country, with programs ranging from major public research universities and academic health systems to private universities and flexible online-focused nursing schools. As you compare programs, focus on specialization availability, delivery format, clinical placement support, and how each pathway aligns with your long-term professional goals.
Match your specialization to your goals
Florida schools offer a wide range of NP specialties, though each university structures its pathways differently. The University of South Florida offers Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family Health NP, and Pediatric Primary Care NP concentrations across MSN and DNP pathways, while Florida International University includes Family NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP options. The University of Miami offers Family NP and Adult-Gerontology NP pathways alongside Oncology NP certificate options, and Nova Southeastern University includes Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Family NP, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP specialties across MSN and certificate levels. Students comparing Florida pathways with other best NP programs should think carefully about the patient populations, care settings, and certification pathways they ultimately want to pursue.
Consider how the program is delivered
Program delivery formats vary substantially across Florida universities. UCF offers fully online and hybrid-online DNP pathways with both full- and part-time options, while Jacksonville University’s Post-MSN DNP is fully online with no campus visits required. FIU uses online, hybrid, and predominantly online formats depending on specialty, and the University of Miami offers both full-time and part-time scheduling options across MSN and BSN-DNP NP tracks. Students still exploring how to become an NP should compare campus requirements, immersion expectations, and scheduling flexibility before selecting a program format.
Think about your geographic context
Location can significantly shape clinical access and commuting expectations in Florida. Students in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville may have greater access to major healthcare systems, academic medical centers, and specialty clinical placements than students in smaller or more rural parts of the state. The University of Miami, for example, guarantees clinical placements through partnerships with more than 250 sites throughout South Florida, while FIU notes that online students may complete clinical experiences outside traditional South Florida service areas if arrangements are approved in advance. Students considering relocation or online pathways should ask whether placements can be completed near their home communities.
Look at program pathways and long-term flexibility
Florida universities offer MSN, BSN-to-DNP, post-master’s DNP, post-graduate certificate, and leadership-focused doctoral pathways. Florida State University offers online DNP pathways alongside post-master’s NP certificates and emphasizes healthcare innovation and emerging technologies, while Jacksonville University includes Advanced Practice and Leadership DNP tracks tailored to different career goals. The University of Florida’s DNP pathway emphasizes advanced clinical preparation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and simulation-based learning through the Kirbo Innovation and Learning Lab. Before selecting a pathway, students should review nurse practitioner accreditation standards and confirm that the curriculum aligns with Florida NP licensure requirements and national certification eligibility.
Evaluate clinical placement support
Clinical placement support differs substantially across Florida NP programs. The University of Miami specifically reports guaranteed clinical placements across its MSN, certificate, and doctoral NP programs, while FIU states that students are responsible for identifying clinical sites and coordinating contracts for some online specialties. Florida State University supports preceptor recruitment through a tuition waiver incentive program for approved clinical preceptors, and several universities emphasize advanced simulation training alongside clinical immersion experiences. Before enrolling, students should ask whether placements are coordinated by the school, whether travel is required for specialty rotations, and how the program handles preceptor shortages in competitive regions and specialties.
Finding Clinical Placements and Preceptors in Florida
Florida NP students may complete clinical rotations through large academic medical centers, regional hospital systems, outpatient clinics, specialty practices, behavioral health organizations, and community healthcare networks throughout the state. Because Florida’s healthcare market is so large and geographically diverse, clinical experiences can vary substantially depending on specialty track, program structure, and location.
Major Clinical Training Environments
Several Florida universities emphasize simulation training, interdisciplinary education, and extensive clinical partnerships.
- University of Miami reports guaranteed clinical placements through partnerships with more than 250 clinical sites across South Florida.
- University of Florida highlights advanced simulation learning through the Kirbo Innovation and Learning Lab within the UF Health environment.
- Nova Southeastern University emphasizes immersive clinical experiences and expanded simulation training supported through major institutional investment in practice-ready education.
- Jacksonville University incorporates virtual reality labs, telepresence robots, healthcare simulation scenarios, and regional clinical partnerships into advanced nursing education.
Students in Florida may encounter clinical opportunities connected to major healthcare systems such as:
- AdventHealth
- Baptist Health South Florida
- BayCare Health System
- Cleveland Clinic Florida
- HCA Florida Healthcare
- Jackson Health System
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Orlando Health
- Tampa General Hospital
- UF Health
How Geography Can Affect Placements
Location can shape both access to preceptors and travel expectations.
Students in:
- Miami
- Tampa
- Orlando
- Jacksonville
- Gainesville
may have greater access to:
- large healthcare systems
- specialty hospitals
- academic medical centers
- subspecialty clinical rotations
Students in smaller or more rural regions of Florida may encounter:
- fewer specialty preceptors nearby
- additional travel requirements for some rotations
- stronger access to community-based primary care settings
Programs with online pathways may also place students outside their immediate geographic area depending on specialty and placement availability.
Online and Hybrid Program Considerations
Many Florida NP pathways use online or hybrid formats, but clinical training still requires in-person participation.
Before enrolling, students should ask:
- whether the school coordinates placements
- if students must identify preceptors independently
- whether travel is required for specialty rotations
- how placements are handled for online students
- whether clinical hours can be completed near home communities
These questions can be especially important in Florida because placement policies vary significantly between programs.
Program-Specific Placement Models
Clinical placement structures differ substantially across Florida schools.
- The University of Miami guarantees placements for MSN, certificate, and doctoral NP students.
- FIU notes that students in some online specialties are responsible for identifying clinical sites and coordinating contracts before rotations begin.
- Florida State University supports preceptor recruitment through a tuition waiver incentive program for approved clinical preceptors.
- Several universities, including UCF and USF, emphasize simulation-based preparation and structured clinical learning environments tied to broader academic health systems.
Professional Networking Resources
Professional organizations can help students identify networking opportunities, preceptors, and potential employers. Relevant Florida groups include:
NP Programs in Florida FAQ
Do NP programs in Florida require the GRE?
GRE requirements vary by school and pathway. Many Florida NP programs no longer require standardized testing for all applicants, particularly experienced RNs or doctoral candidates, but students should always confirm current admissions policies directly with the university.
Can I complete an NP program online in Florida?
Yes. Florida includes many online and hybrid NP pathways. UCF offers fully online and hybrid-online DNP options, Jacksonville University’s Post-MSN DNP is fully online, and several universities — including FIU, USF, and the University of Miami — offer flexible hybrid or partially online graduate nursing pathways. Clinical training and some immersion experiences still require in-person participation.
How difficult is it to find a clinical preceptor in Florida?
Preceptor availability varies by specialty and region. Large metro areas may offer access to more healthcare systems and specialty settings, but competition for placements can also be intense. Some Florida schools coordinate placements directly, while others expect students to identify clinical sites independently. Students should ask detailed questions about placement responsibilities before enrolling.
Can nurse practitioners practice independently in Florida?
Florida is still considered a restricted practice state by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), meaning state law continues to limit some aspects of NP practice and prescriptive authority.
However, Florida does allow certain APRNs to apply for autonomous practice status under state law. To qualify, NPs must meet additional requirements that include:
- holding an active Florida APRN license
- completing at least 3,000 supervised clinical practice hours within the previous five years
- completing graduate-level coursework in differential diagnosis and pharmacology
- meeting additional registration and liability coverage requirements
Florida’s autonomous practice authority is also limited primarily to certain primary care settings, including family medicine, general pediatrics, and general internal medicine.Students should review current Florida Board of Nursing regulations and national certification requirements before entering practice.