Florida offers multiple pathways into nursing - LPN, ADN, BSN, and bridge or accelerated programs - with growing hybrid and online coursework. Choose accredited programs, verify NCLEX pass rates, and apply for licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing. Consider program format, clinical placements, and financial-aid options when deciding between two-year and four-year tracks.
Why Florida is a good place to train as a nurse
Florida has a large health-care system that serves residents and millions of visitors each year. That creates steady demand for nurses across hospitals, clinics, long-term care and public-health settings. Seasonal storms and population surges in some regions can increase short-term staffing needs, which in turn creates many clinical and employment opportunities for graduates.
Types of nursing programs you'll find
Florida schools offer the common entry routes to nursing practice: practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) programs, associate-degree (ADN) programs, and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees. Many colleges also offer bridge pathways (LPN-to-RN, ADN-to-BSN) and accelerated BSN tracks for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field.
You'll see more hybrid and online coursework today than in 2006. Theory and some prerequisites are commonly available online, while clinicals and skills labs still require on-campus or in-person attendance.
Accreditation and licensure
Choose programs that are accredited (for example by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, CCNE, or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, ACEN). Accreditation affects eligibility for federal financial aid and graduate study.
Graduates who want to practice as a registered nurse must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for initial licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing. Licensed practical nurses take the NCLEX-PN. Check program pages and the Board of Nursing for current licensure requirements and application steps.
How to choose a program
- Confirm the program's accreditation and NCLEX pass rates. Employers and transfer institutions consider both.
- Compare program length and delivery format. ADN programs typically take about two years; BSN programs are usually four years, though accelerated options shorten the timeline for some students.
- Investigate clinical placement support, faculty experience, and partnerships with local hospitals or health systems.
- Ask about student services: tutoring, simulation labs, and career placement.
Applying and paying for school
Contact admissions offices to learn prerequisites, application deadlines, and the selection process. Many schools participate in federal financial aid programs; scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance are also common. If you work while studying, look for part-time, evening, or hybrid programs.
After graduation
Once you pass the NCLEX and receive state licensure, you can seek positions in acute care, outpatient clinics, home health, long-term care, public health, and specialty areas. Many hospitals now prefer or require a BSN for certain roles, so consider long-term education plans if you aim for leadership or specialty nursing.
Nursing is demanding but offers practical, in-demand career paths across Florida's diverse health-care settings. Start by researching accredited programs, visiting campuses or virtual info sessions, and speaking with faculty or admissions counselors to find the best fit.