Health Professions

Nursing Programs

In order to practice as a registered nurse, you must successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)-RN. To take the test you must have one of the following forms of education:

  • Diploma in Nursing available through hospital-based schools of nursing
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two year degree offered by community colleges or hospital-based schools
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS/BSN) is a four year degree offered at colleges and universities
  • Master's degree in nursing (MSN) offered by universities for Advanced Practice Nurses, nurse administrators, and educators
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are for those interested in research
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are for advanced clinical practice

    • The Diploma and Associates degrees in nursing are not preferred by employers more than a Bachelor's or above. There is an increasing competitive nature within the nursing profession making it recommended that you earn a bachelor's in nursing. Another reason is because the time it takes to complete an Associates in Nursing is very similar to a BSN because there are still required prerequisites to enter the commonly two-year ADN programs. The typical path of university nursing students is to complete the BSN pre-nursing classes and apply after they complete the 60 prerequisite credit hours. Once you are accepted, the second two years of your bachelor's degree is strictly nursing courses and various clinicals every semester.

    More information can be found here

    ** MAKE SURE TO CHECK PROGRAM WEBSITE FOR UPDATED DATES AND REQUIREMENTS EVERY YEAR, THIS PAGE WAS LAST UPDATED MARCH 2016.

    What Nursing programs can I apply to in Florida?

    University of South Florida - Public

    University of Florida - Public

    University of Central Florida - Public

    Additional Accredited Bachelor's of Nursing Programs in Florida

  • Click here for a list of all accredited BSN programs in Florida