- Table of Contents:
- Best NP Programs in Florida
- Nurse Practitioner Overview
- How to Become an NP
- Salary Expectations
- FAQ
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by
allnurses (Editorial Team / Admin)
Florida, renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant culture, is also making strides as a center for advanced healthcare education.
As the healthcare landscape continues to transform, there's an escalating demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) capable of delivering specialized care across diverse environments. In response to this demand, numerous prestigious institutions in Florida have curated top-notch nurse practitioner (NP) programs, aiming to nurture the upcoming wave of healthcare pioneers.
Dive into the details of these programs below, where we shed light on their unique features, provide a comprehensive overview of the NP profession, outline the pathway to becoming an NP, discuss potential salary outcomes post-graduation, and address frequently asked questions.
Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Florida
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.
1. University of Florida
UF's College of Nursing offers a comprehensive BSN to DNP track. This program stands out for its wide range of NP concentrations, including specialized tracks like the Dual Pediatric Acute and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. Their commitment to diverse specializations ensures that students are prepared for various advanced nursing roles.
NP concentrations through the university's DNP track include:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PAC-NP)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPC-NP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Dual Pediatric Acute and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The University of Florida is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
2. University of South Florida
At USF's College of Nursing, students can pursue an MSN with a focus on NP concentrations. What sets USF apart is their unique offering of an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with an Occupational Health Nursing Subspecialty and even a concurrent Master of Public Health degree option.
USF's MSN NP concentrations include:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPC-NP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Occupational Health Nursing Subspecialty
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Occupational Health Nursing Subspecialty/ Master of Public Health concurrent degree
USF is accredited by the CCNE.
3. Florida International University
FIU's College of Nursing & Health Sciences provides MSN NP programs that emphasize primary care. Notably, they offer dual MSN tracks combined with a Nurse Educator Certificate, catering to those aiming for both clinical and educational roles in the nursing field.
NP concentrations through Florida International University's MSN degree include:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPC-NP)
- Dual MSN AGPC + Nurse Educator Certificate
- Dual MSN Pediatric Primary Care + Nurse Educator Certificate
FIU is accredited by the CCNE.
4. University of North Florida
UNF's Brooks College of Health offers both DNP and graduate certificate programs. Their NP concentrations, particularly the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track, highlight the university's dedication to addressing mental health needs through advanced nursing practice.
Through its DNP and graduate certificate programs, the university's NP concentrations include:
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
UNF is accredited by the CCNE.
5. University of Central Florida
UCF's College of Nursing provides a DNP program with a focus on acute and primary care. Their curriculum is designed to prepare NPs for both hospital-based and outpatient care settings, ensuring versatility in practice.
NP concentrations include:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
- Adult-Gerontology APrimary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
UCF is accredited by the CCNE.
6. University of Miami
The School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Miami offers an MSN program with NP concentrations that cater to both acute and primary care needs. Their curriculum is a testament to their commitment to producing well-rounded nurse practitioners capable of handling diverse patient needs.
The university's MSN NP concentrations include:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
- Adult-Gerontology APrimary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPC-NP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner
The University of Miami is accredited by the CCNE.
7. Florida State University
FSU's College of Nursing offers a DNP track that emphasizes acute care, family practice, and mental health. Their diverse NP concentrations reflect their dedication to producing NPs who can address a broad spectrum of health concerns.
NP concentrations through the university's DNP track include:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
FSU is accredited by the CCNE.
8. University of Tampa
The University of Tampa's MSN program is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses as primary care providers and clinical leaders. Their curriculum emphasizes holistic assessment and patient collaboration, ensuring graduates are ready for real-world challenges.
NP concentrations include:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGN-PC)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The University of Tampa is accredited by the CCNE.
9. Barry University
Barry University's College of Health and Wellness offers an MSN program that stands out for its focus on family practice and acute care. Their curriculum is tailored to produce nurse practitioners who can provide advanced nursing care services to diverse patient populations.
Barry University's MSN NP concentrations include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGAC-NP)
Barry University is accredited by the CCNE.
10. Jacksonville University
The Keigwin School of Nursing at Jacksonville University offers MSN NP specializations that cater to acute care, family practice, and mental health needs. Their program is unique in its emphasis on providing advanced nursing care across various age groups and health conditions.
Jacksonville University's MSN NP concentrations include:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Jacksonville University is accredited by the CCNE.
Nurse Practitioner Overview
In Florida, NPs play a central role in advanced practice nursing, bringing extensive clinical knowledge to a range of care settings, from acute care hospitals to primary care clinics. The journey of an NP in Florida typically starts with an RN license, followed by advanced studies leading to an MSN or DNP degree.
After completing their NP education, Florida graduates must pass a stringent national certification exam to obtain their advanced practice license. Their clinical performance is regularly evaluated, and they engage in periodic peer reviews to maintain the highest standards of patient care.
NPs in Florida are highly valued across various healthcare environments, including emergency rooms, urgent care facilities, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and private medical practices.
Primary NP Responsibilities:
- Conducting in-depth physical health assessments.
- Initiating and interpreting diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays and lab tests.
- Diagnosing and addressing both acute and chronic health conditions.
- Prescribing medications and therapeutic interventions.
- Educating patients on disease prevention, treatment options, and self-care practices.
NP Concentrations:
- Family NP (FNP): FNPs provide comprehensive healthcare to individuals across all life stages. They focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management, often serving as primary caregivers for families.
- Women's Health NP (WHNP): WHNPs cater to the unique health needs of women, from adolescence through post-menopause. They offer services related to reproductive health, gynecological care, and prenatal and postnatal support.
- Adult-Gerontology NP (AGNP): AGNPs address the health concerns of adults, from young adulthood through senior years. They specialize in acute and chronic condition management, with an emphasis on health promotion and tailored patient education.
- Neonatal NP (NNP): NNPs are experts in caring for newborns, especially those with premature births or critical health conditions. They primarily work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and collaborate with a diverse healthcare team.
- Pediatric NP (PNP): PNPs concentrate on the health and well-being of children, from birth to adolescence. They handle common pediatric conditions, perform regular health check-ups, and provide guidance on nutrition and developmental milestones.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP): PMHNPs are trained to address mental health needs, offering diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive care for a range of psychiatric conditions.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Florida
Although the pathway to becoming an NP may vary, here are five steps to become one.
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Obtain an RN License:
- Begin by completing an accredited nursing program, either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination to become a licensed registered nurse in Ohio.
- It's worth noting that some post-graduate programs prefer BSN-prepared applicants.
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Pursue Advanced Education:
- Enroll in an MSN or DNP program with a focus on a nurse practitioner specialty. Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the CCNE.
- Complete the required coursework, clinical hours, and any other program-specific requirements.
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Obtain National Certification:
- After completing your advanced degree program, choose a specialty area (e.g., Family NP, Pediatric NP, Adult-Gerontology NP) and take the respective national certification exam offered by recognized certifying bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
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Apply for NP Licensure in Ohio:
- Submit an application to the Ohio Board of Nursing for licensure as a nurse practitioner.
- Provide proof of your RN license, advanced degree, national certification, and any other required documentation.
- Complete a criminal background check as mandated by the state.
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Maintain Licensure and Certification:
- Stay updated with the latest practices and regulations in the nursing field.
- Engage in continuous professional development and education to meet the renewal requirements for both your state licensure and national certification.
- Renew your license and certification as required, ensuring you meet any continuing education or clinical practice hour requirements set by the Ohio Board of Nursing and the certifying body.
Specific requirements and processes can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check with the Ohio Board of Nursing or relevant institutions for the most up-to-date information.
Salary Expectations
The latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provide essential information regarding NP salaries in Florida. However, when evaluating these salary estimates, several factors come into play.
Factors such as your educational qualifications, accumulated years of professional experience, the healthcare facility you're associated with, your specific employer, the demand for your nursing specialty, and your working hours, including shift patterns, all influence your earnings. For a detailed understanding of what you might earn, it's important to consider individual circumstances and your employer's pay structure.
In Florida, the average NP salary is $110,310, or $53.04 per hour, which is lower than the national average of $124,680.
The top-paying states for NPs are:
- California: $158,130
- New Jersey: $143,250
- Massachusetts: $138,700
- Oregon: $136,250
- Nevada: $136,230
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the educational and clinical requirements to enroll in an NP Program in Florida?
In Florida, aspiring nurse practitioners typically start by obtaining a BSN degree and securing licensure as an RN by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Once licensed, they can pursue advanced education. To enroll in an NP Program:
- Educational Prerequisites: Most NP programs in Florida require a BSN degree, although some might offer RN-to-MSN bridge programs for those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
- Clinical Experience: Many programs require applicants to have accumulated a certain number of clinical working hours as an RN. This experience ensures that students have a foundational understanding of patient care before diving into advanced practice roles.
- Additional Requirements: Other common prerequisites might include a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and possibly an interview.
Q: Are online NP programs available in Florida, and are they accredited?
Many institutions in Florida offer online or hybrid NP programs. These programs are designed to provide flexibility for working nurses, allowing them to balance their professional and academic commitments. Key points to consider:
- Accreditation: It's crucial to choose a program that's accredited by nationally recognized bodies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures the program meets or exceeds standards for quality nursing education.
- Clinical Hours: Even if you opt for an online program, hands-on clinical experience is a vital component. Schools typically require students to complete clinical hours in approved settings, which can often be arranged in the student's local community.
