Nursing Schools in Florida
With a projected shortage of 59,100 nurses by 2035, the Sunshine State has never been a better environment for aspiring nursing professionals to find their calling.
“Florida needs nurses now and well into the future.”
—Mary C. Mayhew, the head of the Florida Hospital Association, in a 2021 press release
As one of the top nursing schools by licensure performance in Florida1, Jersey College is proud to offer nursing students the training they need to enter or advance in the healthcare field. Our accredited campuses provide a supportive and enriching environment that challenges students while helping them leave with the tools and skills to become top-tier nursing professionals. Jersey College’s goal is to graduate nurses who are fully prepared to enter the workforce and bring expert, compassionate care to Florida’s expanding patient population.
Whether you’re looking to begin or continue your healthcare education, our nursing programs offer the opportunity to build the skills you need to be successful as a nursing professional. Since 2004, Jersey College has provided educational opportunities in Florida for aspiring nurses and has campuses in Brooksville, Jacksonville, Tampa, Largo, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Charlotte, Naples, Melbourne, and the surrounding areas.
Keep reading for more details about some of the best nursing schools in Florida by licensure performance, along with information about the process of becoming a nurse in the Sunshine State.
LOCATIONS
Brooksville
Midwestern Florida (352) 325-2550Onsite RN program through alliance with Bravera Health.
Fort Lauderdale
Miami and Southeastern Florida (954) 321-8890Well-rounded nursing education in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in Florida. Offers Evening Programs.
Jacksonville
Northern Florida and Southeastern Georgia (904) 733-3588Comprehensive nursing education at a modern campus in Northern Florida. Offers Evening Programs.
Largo
Largo and Western Tampa (727) 202-9191Onsite RN program through alliance with Largo Hospital.
Melbourne
Eastern Florida (321) 378-0097Onsite RN program through alliance with Melbourne Regional Medical Center.
Naples
Southwestern Florida (239) 203-2700Onsite RN program through alliance with Physicians Regional Medical Center.
Port Charlotte
Fort Myers and Western Florida (941) 300-2310Onsite RN program through alliance with Shorepoint Health.
Tampa
Tampa & Western Florida (813) 246-5111Prepare for a real-world nursing career with top teachers in the heart of Tampa. Offers Evening Programs.
Becoming a Nurse in Florida
Those interested in attending nursing schools in Florida should be at least eighteen years old with a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED. Jersey College’s admissions process includes an application and interviews with current faculty and/or administration. You must also provide proof of citizenship or a permanent resident green card.
To be endorsed as a licensed nurse in Florida, you must graduate from a licensed program such as those administered by Jersey College and pass the NCLEX exam.
After obtaining your LPN or RN license, you may either enter the workforce as an entry-level healthcare professional or further your education. Jersey College graduates work in hospitals, emergency rooms, assisted living facilities, and outpatient centers all over Florida.
One of the aspects that sets our programs apart is that Jersey College nurses learn a holistic approach to healthcare. Our faculty believes that proper nursing care requires the nurse to understand the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs of the patient in an ever-changing, complex society.
Program Timelines
The length of a nursing program depends on many factors, including the chosen program and each student’s individual situation.
The LPN program at Jersey College usually takes between one and two years to complete. Students spend their first two terms learning the fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, and adult patient care. The second two terms introduce maternal care, pediatric care, psychiatric nursing, and more advanced adult nursing.
Our LPN to RN Bridge program takes most students 15 to 24 months to complete. The curriculum covers all aspects of nursing in greater depth than the LPN program and introduces the leadership and management skills students will need in order to transition to an RN’s responsibilities.
The Generic RN program at Jersey College can take anywhere from two to four years. It features a detailed and comprehensive curriculum that fully prepares students to take on the responsibilities of a registered nurse.
Many of our nursing schools in Florida also offer night classes, giving our students the freedom and flexibility to learn on their own schedules. The amount of time it takes to complete each program varies depending on each individual student’s situation.
Many of our dynamic nurses go on to experience rewarding careers providing excellent healthcare to patients across Florida. Some choose to further their education or become educators themselves, while others find their niche in pediatrics, surgery, or outpatient care.
Jersey College graduates generally outperform other nursing schools in Florida on the NCLEX exam. In 2022, graduates of Jersey College’s LPN program have an average 1st-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 95% pass rate across our Florida campuses, while RN students enjoyed a 89% 1-st time NCLEX-RN pass rate. The average 1st-time NCLEX pass rate for Florida nursing schools in 2022 was 64% for the NCLEX-PN and 58% for the NCLEX-RN.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida LPNs in general make an annual median wage of approximately $48,000 as of May 2021. RNs in general make an annual median wage of approximately $78,000.
Jersey College does not promise or guarantee employment. Figures cited on this page are for informational purposes only and are no promise or guarantee of any certain wage.
COST OF NURSING SCHOOL
The cost of tuition for nursing schools in Florida depends on the program and campus location, as well as whether the classes are taken during the day or
at night.
Program Tuition & Fees*
DAY
EVENING
Verification Fee (per term)
* subject to change
† Please contact your Financial Aid Planner for scholarship terms and conditions'
Financial aid is available for those who qualify by filing a FAFSA, and prospective students are welcome to discuss ways to finance their Jersey College education with a Financial Aid Planner at any time.
Nursing Salaries in Florida
Here is a sample of nursing salaries in selected cities across Florida. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of January 2023.)
| Jacksonville | Tampa/St. Petersburg/ Clearwater |
Miami/ Fort Lauderdale |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN Annual Median Wage |
$47,340 | $47,880 | $49,260 |
| RN Annual Median Wage |
$70,450 | $73,380 | $74,220 |
Jersey College does not promise or guarantee employment. Figures cited on this page are for informational purposes only and are no promise or guarantee of any certain wage.
Nursing Jobs in Florida
The 2019 Nurse Workforce Report provided by the Florida Hospital Association states that there were approximately 234,800 RNs and 45,400 LPNs in the state that year. The demand for both types of nurses is projected to increase dramatically between now and 2035, with 76,600 additional RN jobs and 20,200 LPN jobs expected over the next twelve or thirteen years.
Nurses of both categories are already in short supply in the Sunshine State, and the deficit is expected to grow into 2035. Now is an excellent time to fulfill your dream of becoming a nurse by enrolling at your nearest Jersey College campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do nursing schools in Florida require TEAS test scores?
Yes, several nursing schools in the state of Florida require TEAS test scores to be considered for admission. However, Jersey College does not require applicants to submit scores from the TEAS Test. You still must complete the Jersey College Entrance Exam during your application process.
- Is Florida a good state for nursing?
Yes! In 2021, Florida ranked 3rd in the nation for employment for nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- What does it mean to be waitlisted for nursing school?
Many colleges have a higher demand for degrees than available positions within their nursing programs. Waitlisted students meet the requirements for admission and may be accepted later if more spots open up.
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You'll receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) if you fail the NCLEX exam. This document details your performance in each category on the test, allowing you to focus your studies on the problem areas. You'll be able to take the exam again in 45 days.
If you fail the exam, you may need to complete a remedial program or follow other requirements as established by your Board of Nursing.
Additional Resources
Get Started
There's no time like the present to start your nursing education at Jersey College. Schedule a visit to your nearest campus and reach out today to request additional admissions information!
"Enrolling in Jersey College’s Nurse Residency Program, was the best decision I ever could have made for myself! The faculty treats you like family and celebrates your successes as if they were their own!"
"My journey to Jersey College was never a straightforward one, there were many winding roads that led me here. It has always been my dream to become a nurse since I was a little girl in the hospital fighting my own battles. I never thought I could actually do it. One day I decided it was time for me to bet on myself and take that leap of faith. Enrolling in Jersey College’s Nurse Residency Program, was the best decision I ever could have made for myself! The faculty treats you like family and celebrates your successes as if they were their own! Any time I needed additional tutoring or someone to talk to there was always someone available. I was afforded the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico on a nursing mission trip with students from all different campuses. This gave me the chance to share individual educational experiences with the students of such diverse backgrounds. I was amazed to hear their experiences to be so similar to mine in terms of support from the school. I have accepted an offer at Largo Medical Center Emergency Department as a part of their Fall StaRN Residency class. I think Jersey College has fully prepared me for my first step into this incredible profession. My advice to anyone that is on the fence if they should apply or not is to DO IT! Always bet on yourself! You never know what the outcome could be if you don’t try! The juice will be worth the squeeze."
- Brittany J.
Traditional RN Graduate, Largo Campus