Top Accredited Nursing School in Miami: Online & Campus
Whether you’re just starting out on your nursing journey or are ready to take your current nursing career to the next level, discover the best accredited nursing school in Miami that can fit your budget, schedule, and goals.
If you’re looking to start a nursing career in Miami, you’re making a smart choice. The state of Florida boasts the third-highest employment level of registered nurses nationwide — and Miami is one of the top 10 metropolitan areas in the country for nurses.
The job outlook isn’t expected to cool anytime soon, either. The demand for full-time RNs is projected to grow 31% by 2035. With an aging population and increased nurse turnover, Miami is ripe with opportunities for current and aspiring nurses. The city also offers a vibrant culture, diverse patient populations, and a plethora of healthcare organizations.
In this guide, we’ll highlight everything you need to know about Miami’s top accredited online and campus nursing programs; break down key courses and requirements; and help prepare you to take the next step in your career. Keep reading to see which school made it onto our list.
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Public
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Miami
Students can find nursing schools in Miami with programs at every level, making it easy to begin or advance your career without leaving the area. No matter if you’re just starting out or looking to reach the top of the field, the programs below will help you accomplish these goals and more. Whether you’re an active nurse or new to the field, Los Angeles nursing schools offer a variety of programs to meet your individual needs and education level. Here are some of the most common options available to prospective nursing students and working nursing professionals.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Miami
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate degree in nursing serves as a significant first step into the world of nursing. Most ADN programs take just two years and are offered at many nursing schools in Miami, including community colleges and vocational schools. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a registered nurse.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
If you already know you want to work as a registered nurse, completing a traditional BSN allows you to step into more advanced (and often higher paying) roles after just four years of education. These programs include classwork and clinical experience and can be found at public and private nursing schools in Miami.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Career changers looking to enter the nursing field often pursue an accelerated BSN. Designed for those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees, these programs quickly get students up to speed and ready for life as a registered nurse. Many nursing schools in Miami offer programs that allow you to finish in as few as 12 months.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Direct-entry MSN programs at nursing schools in Miami operate similarly to accelerated BSNs in that they help students with no prior nursing education start their career. By bypassing the BSN and moving straight into a graduate degree, you can work in advanced roles after graduating. Most programs take about three years.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Miami for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
If you started your career as a licensed vocational nurse and now want to go to the next level, these bridge programs at nursing schools in Miami can help. The LPN to RN leads to an ADN and takes about a year to complete, while the LPN to BSN leads to a bachelor’s degree and takes approximately two years to complete. You’ll find these programs at many community colleges and four-year nursing schools in Miami.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to BSN Programs
As an ADN-educated RN, you may be ready to update your credentials to a four-year degree. If so, the RN to BSN bridge program can help you do so in as few as 12 months. Because these programs don’t require any practicums, many nursing schools in Miami offer the degree entirely online.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to MSN Programs
If you’d like to bypass the BSN and move straight into an MSN, consider this type of bridge program offered at nursing schools in Miami. The programs usually take 30-36 months, with many offered online. After graduating and meeting state requirements, this degree allows you to work as a nurse practitioner.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Miami
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
The traditional MSN is an excellent option if you already hold a BSN but want to move into an advanced practice role. Most take two years to complete and offer specializations in nurse-midwifery, nurse leadership, psychiatric mental health, and adult-gerontology.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
A DNP can help you work in the most senior-level professional roles in the discipline, while a PhD focuses on building the skills needed to work in research, academics, and policy. Plan to spend about three years enrolled in a DNP program and four to six years enrolled in a PhD program at a Miami nursing school.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Post-graduate nursing certificates provide an efficient way to build knowledge and skills in specialized areas of advanced nursing topics. Designed for MSN-educated nurses, common specialization areas include emergency nurse practitioner, nursing leadership, and psychiatric mental health.
Examples of Miami Nursing Schools with This Program
FAQs About Online Nursing Schools in Miami
Can I earn my nursing degree in Miami completely online?
Online nursing schools in Miami are becoming more common, but some programs will never be fully online since they require students to participate in a practicum. However some degrees, such as an RN to BSN or MSN, can be completed without visiting campus since they don’t require any in-person learning.
Will my online Miami nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Ultimately, future employers will be most concerned that you hold an active and unencumbered nursing license. To accomplish that, you need to attend a nursing program approved by the state board of nursing and accredited. Your degree won’t even mention whether you attended an in-person or online nursing school in Miami.
Are online nursing programs in Miami more affordable than campus programs?
It’s no secret that living in Miami can be expensive, especially when depending on student accommodations. While tuition may not be cheaper, studying online means you can find an affordable place that doesn’t have to be near your school. You can also save on gas and parking by not traveling to campus multiple times each week.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Miami
Whether you’re looking for a nursing scholarship to help cover your ADN or your PhD, know that you can find many awards to help lower costs and ensure you don’t graduate with overwhelming debt. Managing financial aid is easier when you can find scholarships and grants. Locally, the Miami Heart Research Institute and the Miami Valley Hospital Foundation both offer awards.
You can also find scholarships through professional associations, hospitals and clinics, colleges and universities, private foundations, and nonprofit groups. Start your search early since scholarships tend to be competitive.
How to Become an RN in Miami: Licensing Requirements
Before you can apply for an RN license in Florida, you need to earn a state-approved and accredited degree. After graduating, you’ll complete an application via the Florida Board of Nursing, pay the $110 fee, and submit fingerprints for a background check. Then, once you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you’ll receive your license and renew it every two years. Our guide to nursing programs in Florida takes a look at more in-depth licensing requirements.
Job Prospects for Miami RNs
Much like the weather in Miami, the job outlook for nurses in the area is sunny.
Due to a growing population and a large aging demographic nearing retirement, Miami projects robust nursing job growth in coming years — especially compared to northern Florida cities.
Miami could see RN job opportunities expanding at a rate double the state average, with ample openings across hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and doctor offices.
How Much Can You Make as an RN in Miami?
Registered nurses in Miami have the potential to earn lucrative wages, with the top 10% making over $100k, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The average salary for an RN in Miami is $79,870. If you’re an experienced nurse at a premier hospital or specialized facility, you’re likely to earn among Florida’s highest nursing salaries. Take a look at the latest BLS data to explore more jobs and earnings trends in the area.
Earnings for Registered Nurses in Miami
| Area | Occupation | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | Registered Nurses | $79,870 | $103,020 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022
Additional Miami Nursing Resources
National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)–Miami Chapter
NAHN has several chapters throughout the state, including one in Miami that was established in 2012. The group maintains an active Facebook page and provides an annual scholarship.
The Truth About Nursing–Miami Chapter
This advocacy group looks to educate both the public and lawmakers about the important role nurses play in taking care of us. The Miami chapter holds regular meetings for students and licensed nurses.
Black Nurses Association (BNA)–Miami Chapter
BNA’s Miami chapter hosts a monthly health lecture series, offers CPR training, and organizes both social and educational events throughout the year to keep members connected and informed.
American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)–Greater Miami Area Chapter
The AACN Greater Miami chapter maintains an active calendar of online and in-person events, posts local job openings, and shares news and announcements for the Miami area.
Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)–Miami-Dade Chapter
Designed to support nurses working in oncology and cancer nursing care, the Miami-Dade chapter of ONS supports members by highlighting local job opportunities, maintaining active discussion boards, and sharing relevant files and resources.
