Online MSN Programs in Florida: Comparing Top Schools
With 58% job growth expected for nurse practitioners through 2032, Florida is a great place for RNs to expand their career possibilities. Florida also has a number of high-quality online MSN programs to help you get the education you need to move into advanced nursing practice and leadership roles. This guide compares those programs and provides the information and advice you need to find the one that’s right for you.
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Nursing Nursing Ed.Inside 3 Popular Online MSNs in Florida
Online MSN programs in Florida have become popular due to their convenience, wide variety of nursing specialization options, affordability, and academic quality. However, it’s important to understand that an online program may require some hands-on training.
Most online MSN programs include in-person elements, meaning that online students need to complete hands-on training in clinical practicums or externships. Some programs also require students to travel to campus to take part in activities such as labs and short-term orientation residencies.
To give you a more detailed understanding of what distance learning means for nursing master’s students, here are examples of three Florida schools with online MSN program options.
Florida A&M University
A fast completion time and the convenience of fully-online didactic coursework are key features of Florida A&M’s Master of Science in Nursing (Online) program. The 42-credit curriculum consists of nursing and APRN core courses along with coursework in one of two areas of emphasis: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
Features:
- Nurse theory coursework is delivered entirely online, but students must attend one short-term residency on Florida A&M’s Tallahassee campus.
- All students must complete a minimum of 675 clinical clock hours in person through a practice facility in their local area as part of their practicum requirements.
- Both full-time and part-time study is offered, with full-time students able to complete all degree requirements in just five semesters.
- Three program start dates are available annually.
Duration: Five semesters full-time with part-time study also available
Mode: Online with one on-campus residency, plus in-person clinicals
Cost: $405.67/credit (Florida residents); $1,022.04/credit (out-of-state residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN degree
- Current, valid, unrestricted and unencumbered RN license
- GPA of 3.0 or above in all work attempted in the last 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Minimum score of 300 on the quantitative-verbal sections if the undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0
- Statement of professional goals
- Criminal background check and drug screen
- Documentation of current physical examination
- Certificate of immunizations or titer if certificate is not available
- NP student professional liability insurance
- CPR certification
Curriculum:
Graduate Curriculum Core
- Theory Application & Advanced Role Development in Nursing
- Clinical Management of Older Adults
- Role APN Health Prom & Dis Prevention
- Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice
- Special Issues Across Adult Life Span
- Health Policy and Nursing
APRN Core
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment Theory
- Advanced Health Assessment Practicum
AGPCNP Concentration
- Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span I
- Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span Practicum I
- Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span II
- Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span Practicum II
- APRN Synthesis Seminar
WHNP Concentration
- Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span I
- Primary Care for Adults Across the Life Span Practicum I
- Advanced Women’s Health Theory
- Advanced Women’s Health Practicum
- APRN Synthesis Seminar
Programs that might interest you:
University of Central Florida
Three concentration tracks are available in the Online MSN program at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. They include:
- Nurse Educator (38 credits)
- Nursing Leadership and Management (36 credits)
- Nursing and Health Care Simulation track (31 credits)—unique program in which students learn to develop and lead healthcare simulation programs in practice and academic settings
Features:
- All courses are delivered online in an asynchronous format with the exception of clinical practicum experiences attended at program-approved nursing practice facilities.
- Both full-time and part-time options are available for all tracks.
- UCF’s Online MSN program currently accepts applications from Florida residents as well as residents of other NCSBN Nurse Licensure Compact member states.
Duration: Five semesters full-time or seven semesters part-time
Mode: Online plus in-person clinicals
Cost: $337.32/credit (Florida residents); $1,151.72 (out-of-state residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution
- RNs with a nursing associate degree or diploma and non-nursing bachelor’s degree may also apply following completion of prerequisite courses
- Passed an undergraduate statistics course
- Florida RN license
- Current CV
- Three recommendations
- Written essay
- Prerequisite coursework: NUR 3805 Dimensions of Professional Practice; NUR 4637 Public Health Nursing; NUR 3165 Nursing Research 3 Credit Hours
Curriculum:
Nurse Educator Track
- Health Promotion
- Pathophysiological Bases for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Theory for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Legal and Professional Behavior in Advanced Practice Nursing
- Research Methods
- Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- Curriculum Development in Nursing Education
- Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educators
- Evaluation in Nursing Education
- Internship in Nursing Education
- Clinical Specialty Practicum
- Core Clinical Concepts for Nurse Educators
- Introduction to Healthcare Simulation
Nursing Leadership and Management Track
- Theory for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Organizational Dynamics
- Health Care Informatics
- Nursing Environment Management
- Research Methods
- Financial Management and Resource Development
- Legal & Professional Behavior in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Nursing Leadership Role Specialization Practicum
- Evidence Based Practice
- Nursing and Leadership Management Internship
- One Elective
Nursing and Health Care Simulation Track
- Pathophysiological Bases for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Core Clinical Concepts for Nurse Educators
- Theory for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Legal and Professional Behavior in Advanced Practice Nursing
- Research Methods
- Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- Clinical Specialty Practicum
- Introduction to Healthcare Simulation
- Organizational Leadership and Operations in Healthcare Simulation
- Healthcare Simulation Capstone Project
- One Elective
University of West Florida
The University of West Florida in Pensacola is another public university in the state with quality affordable options for students looking to earn their MSN online.
Three specialization tracks are available:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (45 credits)
- Nursing Education (39 credits)
- Nursing Leadership (39 credits)
All degree requirements are completed entirely online with the exception of in-person practicums, and all online coursework in the Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership tracks is delivered asynchronously.
Students in the Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership tracks may progress through their studies on either a full-time or part-time basis. However, the Family Nurse Practitioner track must be taken full-time.
Duration: 27-30 months (Family Nurse Practitioner); 24 months (Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership)
Mode: Fully-online with exception of in-person practicum requirements.
Cost: $500/credit (Family Nurse Practitioner); $425/credit (Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership)
Admissions Requirements:
- BSN degree from an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall or on the last 60 hours of coursework
- Undergraduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or better
- Current unencumbered RN license from U.S. state or territory
Additional Requirements for FNP track:
- Current CV
- Career goals statement
Curriculum:
Family Nurse Practitioner Track
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Foundations of Nursing Science
- Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
- Population Health Promotion and Management
- Care of the Adult I
- Care of the Adult I Practicum
- Care of the Adult II
- Care of the Adult II Practicum
- Care of the Child and Family
- Care of the Child and Family Practicum
- Care of the Woman and Family
- Care of the Woman and Family Practicum
- Transition to Professional Practice
Nursing Education Track
- Foundations of Nursing Science
- Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
- Population Health Promotion and Management
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator
- Nurse Educator Advanced Clinical Practicum
- Nursing Education Seminar I
- Nursing Education Practicum I
- Nursing Education Seminar II
- Nursing Education Practicum II
Nursing Leadership Track
- Foundations of Nursing Science
- Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
- Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
- Population Health Promotion and Management
- Fiscal Administration for the Health Professional
- Information Technology and Data Analysis for Healthcare Professionals
- Project Development and Management for Healthcare Professionals
- Nursing Leadership Seminar I
- Nursing Leadership Practicum I
- Nursing Leadership Seminar II
- Nursing Leadership Practicum II
- Nursing Leadership Seminar III
- Nursing Leadership Practicum III
Student FAQs: Online MSN Programs in Florida
The information provided in the spotlights above has likely answered many of your questions about how online MSN programs in Florida work, but certainly not all of them. The following FAQs offer detailed answers to five of the most commonly asked questions by future nursing master’s students about MSN degrees and careers in general.
What can an RN with an MSN do in Florida?
Earning an MSN degree opens doors to challenging and well-paying positions that fit into three general categories:
- Nursing leadership: MSN grads fill leadership positions in a number of settings in nursing administration, nursing education, and more
- Advanced practice regisitered nursing: Specialization is the key here with examples including nurse practitioner roles in areas such as adult-gerontology, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health, neonatal care, acute care, and others
- Non-clinical specialized roles: Graduates may specialize in fields such as nursing informatics and forensic nursing
Also, if your ultimate career goal is to advance into top-tier positions in research and post-secondary education, then obtaining your MSN provides a direct link to pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice or PhD in Nursing degree.
What are the admissions requirements for MSN programs in Florida?
Admission requirements will slightly differ from program to program, but most online MSN programs include similar requirements to the following:
- For students in traditional MSN programs: BSN degree, registered nurse license, professional experience
- For accelerated MSN students: ADN or BSN degree, registered nurse license, professional experience
- For students in RN to MSN programs: ADN or nursing diploma, registered nurse license, professional experience
- For direct-entry MSN students: Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing major
Other common requirements include:
- A minimum GPA on undergraduate coursework
- Current resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional goals statement or personal essay
- GED scores and admissions interview may or may not be needed
In order to participate in clinical practicums, students must additionally provide proof of a clean criminal background and drug screen, clear physical exam, and required immunizations.
How long does it take to earn an MSN in Florida?
The amount of time it takes for you to earn your MSN in Florida varies depending on your program’s length and course load, your earlier academic studies, and specific MSN degree type.
Here are the estimated program lengths for four of the most common types of MSN programs in Florida:
- Traditional MSN: Two to four years
- Accelerated MSN: 12 to 18 months
- RN to MSN: 24 to 48 months
- Direct Entry: Two to five years
Please note that these are general estimates. Your actual completion time may be different for your MSN studies, just like the approximate timeline of most top medical careers, so be sure you’ve mapped out your course of study in detail prior to enrolling in any specific Florida MSN program.
How affordable are MSN programs in Florida?
Much like completion times, the costs of online MSN programs in Florida vary widely between schools and degree types.
Factors affecting program costs include:
- Program type
- School type—public or private school
- Florida residency (specific to public school programs)
In general terms, though, MSN online program in the state can be surprisingly affordable, particularly when you factor in any available financial aid help you may be eligible for (see the next FAQ for more on help in funding your MSN education).
The tuition rates quoted in program profiles above and for the three programs listed below offer a beginning point in calculating your program’s total price tag.
Just remember that these figures are for tuition only and do not include additional expenses such as program fees and the costs books and study materials, physical exams and immunizations, health and malpractice insurance, and other necessary items.
Florida State University
Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN)
Total Credits: 39
$444.26/credit (Florida residents); $1,075.66/credit (out-of-state residents)
University of North Florida
Master’s in Nursing Leadership
Total Credits: 34-36
$408.10/credit (Florida residents); $932.61/credit (out-of-state residents)
Where can I find financial aid to help pay for my MSN program in Florida?
The logical place to start your funding assistance search is at your school’s financial aid office. Another great resource is the Florida Department of Health, with opportunities such as the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education Program (FRAME) program.
Examples of other potential sources of funding include:
- Florida Nurses Association
- Florida Health Care Education and Development Foundation
- Florida Heart Research Foundation
Financial aid resources for online MSN degree programs are available to qualifying students in Florida including student loans, scholarships and grants, tuition discounts and payment plans, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and more.
Expert Insight
Don’t forget about scholarships awarded by specialty nursing organizations! Groups like the Society of Urology Nurses and Associates, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, the American Holistic Nurses Association, and the Association of Perioperative Nurses are very supportive of nurses who want to advance their education. You may need to be a member to be eligible.
Types of MSN Programs in Florida
Along with deciding to pursue your MSN degree online, you will have to determine the particular type of MSN program that’s best for you – the type that best fits your academic needs and professional goals. Here are brief descriptions of the five most common MSN program types, along with examples of current MSN programs in Florida that offer them.
Traditional MSN
Traditional MSN programs are designed for currently licensed registered nurses with a previously-earned BSN. Most programs feature all or most of their didactic coursework online with classes often delivered in an asynchronous format.
Students in most programs (particularly clinically-focused ones, like nurse practitioner programs) will additionally complete substantial clinical experiences in practice settings in the student’s or school’s local area.
Direct-Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs are for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and no nursing experience who wish to obtain their RN license and start their nursing careers with advanced knowledge and training.
Accelerated MSN
If you’re a registered nurse whose in a hurry to earn your master’s in nursing, an accelerated MSN program might be right for you. These programs allow highly-motivated students with a previously-earned ADN or BSN degree to obtain their master’s degree in as few as 12 months.
RN to MSN Bridge
RN to MSN bridge programs are for licensed RNs with a previously-earned associate degree or diploma in nursing. Completion times are, not surprisingly, longer than those for BSN to MSN programs since they include additional coursework that is normally part of a BSN curriculum.
Fast-track formats are sometimes available that allow students to complete their programs in as little as two years.
- Palm Beach Atlantic University
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Dual Master’s
Current RNs interested in advancing and broadening their careers at the same time may want to consider a dual master’s MSN program. These programs most commonly combine coursework leading to the award of both an MSN and another master’s degree (such as an MBA) in the same course of study.
Other dual programs (like the FIU program linked below) allow students the option of earning an NP-focused MSN in combination with a nurse educator graduate certificate.
Expert Insight
A dual “NP-focused MSN and nurse educator certificate” program is perfect for the nurse who wants to work as a nurse practitioner for a while, then teach NP students later in their career. This is similar to an experienced RN returning to school for an MSN in Nursing Education (like myself) so they can teach RN students. In the dual program, you will learn how to be an NP while also learning the principles of teaching, curriculum design, testing, and evaluation.
Florida Careers for MSN Graduates
Nurse Practitioners
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $101,920 | $129,510 | $163,600 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $104,000 | $129,670 | $159,330 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $104,000 | $124,680 | $161,470 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $102,210 | $128,130 | $168,420 |
| Gainesville, FL | $99,830 | $134,270 | $152,400 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $99,990 | $119,990 | $166,130 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $108,290 | $133,810 | $162,160 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | $100,970 | $125,720 | $154,560 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $106,880 | $131,340 | $169,060 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $107,700 | $128,680 | $162,080 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $102,990 | $134,470 | $167,370 |
| Ocala, FL | $93,640 | $124,430 | $164,210 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $104,230 | $130,640 | $159,210 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $78,500 | $120,870 | $140,310 |
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL | $97,260 | $119,640 | $158,070 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | $69,220 | $120,880 | $166,540 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $104,090 | $128,770 | $163,230 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $99,760 | $125,460 | $157,320 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL | $97,360 | $123,970 | $145,600 |
| Sebring, FL | $89,990 | $114,870 | $149,210 |
| Tallahassee, FL | $99,560 | $117,880 | $151,110 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $99,390 | $128,120 | $158,710 |
| Wildwood-The Villages, FL | $103,380 | $124,930 | $166,400 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
