Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Florida

Practice Management
Written By Victoria Sanderson

The path to becoming a nurse practitioner will be unique to you. For those of you thinking of pursing a career as an NP, I hope to provide some guidance. If you want a general overview on how to become an NP in the U.S., I suggest you read this post. If you plan on pursuing an NP career in Florida, then read on!

First, let’s define some terms:

  • BSN: bachelor's of nursing science (undergraduate degree)

  • MSN/MN: masters of nursing science (masters graduate degree)

  • MSN-NP: combined maters + nurse practitioner degree (masters graduate degree)

  • DNP: doctor of nursing science (some schools offer with an NP specialty) (doctoral graduate degree)

  • Post-masters certification: an additional certification (like an NP speciality) someone gets after completing a masters of nursing degree

Recap: How to Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the US

If you’re thinking of becoming an NP, I highly recommend this read to get you prepared.

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What Nurse Practitioner Programs are offered in Florida?

There are 3 streams:

  1. Master of Science in Nursing with an NP specialty (MSN-NP)

  2. Post-masters NP

  3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) with an NP specialty

Let’s break these down:

  • MN-NP programs: these are for students who do not have a master’s degree in nursing. Courses are a blend of masters & NP courses, to prepare you to become an NP.

    • Programs: family, adult-gerontology primary care, adult-gerontology acute care, psych/mental health, pediatric primary care, pediatric acute care, neonatal, women’s health

  • Post-masters programs: you require a master’s degree in nursing to apply for a post-masters program. Programs focus on core NP courses to prepare you to become an NP.

    • Programs: family, adult-gerontology primary care, adult-gerontology acute care, pediatric, psych/mental health, neonatal

  • BSN-DNP with an NP specialty: This is an advanced, doctoral-level nursing program for Registered Nurses (RNs) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to become a specialized Nurse Practitioner (NP). These programs are typically longer e.g. 3-4 years.

    • Programs: family, adult-gerontology primary care, adult-gerontology acute care, neonatal, pediatric, psych/mental health, neonatal, women’s health

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Specialties in Florida:

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Nurse Practitioner (NP) Schools in Florida

There are LOTS - here is a quick snapshot of all the programs offered by University:

If you want to check out a document I compiled with up to date information on each program + links to each program embedded click the button below:

Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Florida

Several universities offers online NP programs which allows for flexible learning. Several highlight the need for a few on-campus “intensives.” Intensives are hands-on workshops that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. These immersions are held at the university's physical location, are guided by expert faculty, and focus on refining advanced clinical skills in a supportive, collaborative environment, reinforcing the university's commitment to career-ready graduates. 

  • Florida State University: 3 options for post-masters certificates and BSN-DNP online programs (family, psych/mental health, adult gerontology acute care); offered full and part time.

  • Keiser University: offers 2 programs - Masters of Nursing FNP, and Women’s health, full/part time.

  • University of West Florida: offers 1 program - Masters of nursing FNP, full time.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program Pre-Requisites in Florida

Most schools in Florida require the following pre-requisites:

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0

  • RN experience: 1-2 years (some do not specify number of hours)

  • BScN: for masters programs or BSN-DNP programs

  • MSN: for post-certificate/post-masters programs

  • Others: require undergraduate statistics course with minimum grade of C

For admission, most NP programs in Florida require you to have a BScN degree, RN registration, a GPA of 3.0, and a minimum of 1-2 years RN experience.

Can I work while I’m completing the NP program?

This depends on many factors. One should weigh personal responsibilities, work-life balance, completing the program full-time versus part-time. In general, it’s possible to work while enrolled in the program, but this is up to your comfort level. Personally, I completed a full-time post-masters NP certificate and did not work. The course content, paired with clinical rotations were very intensive, and I was able to immerse myself in the program and get the most out of it. That being said, circumstances differ, and you need to do what works best for you. It’s important to highlight that regardless of the program, it is a steep learning curve and lots of the learning is self directed. If you are seriously considering this next step in your career, our post on how to prepare for NP school will be helpful.

Where can I work as a Nurse Practitioner in Florida?

  • Primary care clinics / family practices — seeing patients for routine care, chronic disease management, preventive health, etc.

  • Community health centers — especially in underserved or rural areas.

  • Hospitals — including inpatient wards, emergency departments (ED), intensive care units, specialty care, etc.

  • Urgent care / walk-in clinics — for non-life-threatening acute illnesses or injuries.

  • Outpatient specialty clinics — e.g. pediatrics, women’s health, cardiology, mental health, etc.

  • Nursing homes and long-term care facilities — managing ongoing care for older adults.

  • Public health departments — involvement in preventive health, health education, disease surveillance, etc.

  • Home health / home care — visiting patients at home for chronic or post-acute care.

  • Schools / college health services — providing health care, screenings, immunizations to students.

  • Veterans Affairs or other government‐run health facilities.

Florida is not a full practice state (meaning NPs cannot, under all circumstances, practice completely independently without physician involvement). However, there has been movement toward expanding autonomy. NPs in Florida may gain more ability to prescribe or treat more independently as they accrue experience or under certain collaborative/overseeing agreements

Key Take home Points:

  1. Do your research on NP programs.

  2. Don’t hesitate to reach out to university admissions offices to ask questions about the program or admission process.

  3. Talk with nurse practitioners who have been through this process already.

  4. Think about what you want out of your career (Do you want a serious challenge with career growth potential?)

  5. The NP program (and career in general!) is intense and will probably be the steepest learning curve of your life. Don’t let this intimidate you – check out our newsletter to kick-start your NP journey.

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Victoria Sanderson
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Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in New York