Top Florida MSN Programs

Florida is a popular choice for nurses pursuing a master’s degree thanks to its reputable universities, impressive healthcare job market, and competitive salaries for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

With a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, you can work more independently as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, nurse-midwife, or nurse administrator.

Find out about MSN program expectations, admission criteria, salary potentials, and licensing requirements for APRNs in the Sunshine State. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Florida.

To become a MSN-prepared nurse in Florida, you’ll need to meet both graduate program and state-specific licensure requirements. Florida is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to obtain a multistate license to practice nursing in the 38 compact states without needing additional licenses — making it easier to work across state lines and expanding job options. For advanced roles, nurses must follow the Florida Board of Nursing licensing requirements, and may apply for autonomous practice.

When you’re choosing a MSN program in Florida, there’s a few things you should consider:

Although there are no mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios here, salaries are competitive. It is the third-largest state and has more seniors than any other state in the U.S., according to the Home Care Association of Florida. This means there is a particular need for nurses in home health and geriatric care. Despite this need, according to association data, Florida has the lowest ratio of home health workers across the nation – with just 14.6 per 1,000 seniors – suggesting strong job security for those in the field.

Florida is also a right-to-work state, meaning employers can’t require employees to join a union or pay union fees. Additionally, there’s various scholarships and state-specific financial aid programs available that can support your nursing education and career.

The mean salary for nurses in Florida is $88,200 for RNs and $128,340 for nurse practitioners (NPs) per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is slightly below the national averages of $98,430 for RNs and $132,000 for NPs, however the nursing demand is significantly higher in Florida. The long-term projected job growth for RNs is 12.5% and 58.5% for NPs, compared to national projections of 5% and 40%, respectively, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The cost of living in Florida is about the same as the national average, with a 103.5 index compared to 100 nationwide. As such, the salaries here generally align well with local living costs. APRN salaries tend to be higher than RN salaries, so earning a MSN degree can boost your salary earning potential. For example, nurse-midwives in Florida earn a mean salary of $105,650 per year and nurse anesthetists earn $236,610 annually, per the BLS.