Nursing Schools in Orlando, FL: Online & Campus Programs
Find out how to launch or advance your nursing career by learning from some of the best nursing schools in Orlando, Florida.
The Orlando metro area — and Florida as a whole — is facing a soaring demand for quality nursing professionals, making it a great place for you to start or advance your nursing career. Orlando is also home to several major healthcare employers, including Orlando Regional Medical Center, which employs 36,000 staff, and Advent Health. Top schools maintain close partnerships with these institutions and others to connect students to top clinical training opportunities where they can observe and learn to provide cutting-edge care up close.
Ready to learn more?
We’ve surveyed dozens of nursing programs in the Orlando area to help you find the one that best fits your academic needs and professional goals. We’ve highlighted standout programs in Orlando that offer online and campus programs for nurses for you to explore. Learn more about these programs, the jobs — and salaries — they prepare you for, and more. Read on to see which schools made it onto our list.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Public
Ana G. Mendez University
Orlando, Florida
Private
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Orlando, FL
Nursing schools in Orlando offer so many different types of degrees and certificates that, at first glance, it’s practically impossible to know which one is the best for you. Here’s a breakdown of all the available undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees and certificates available in Orlando, FL to help you figure out the program and school that can best help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Understanding the many nursing degrees and certificate options available from nursing schools in NYC can be confusing. We’ve put together the following descriptions to help you figure out what program is best for meeting your personal and career goals.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Orlando
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The associate degree in nursing (ADN) (also known as an associate of science in nursing or ASN) is an entry-level nursing degree with the coursework and clinical training needed to take the NCLEX-RN exam. ADN degrees normally require two years of full-time study and are most often available at local community colleges, but some four-year college and university nursing schools offer them as well.
Examples of Orlando Nursing Schools with this Program
College of Central Florida
Seminole State College of Florida
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
The traditional BSN is a four-year pre-RN licensure program for students with little or no previous college and no professional nursing experience. Curriculums include general education coursework along with nursing courses and clinical hour requirements like those in ADN programs. Traditional BSNs are staples at four-year colleges and universities with nursing departments.
Examples of Orlando Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs (sometimes called second-degree BSNs) are for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who are interested in becoming RNs. They provide the nursing coursework and clinical practice hours needed to take the NCLEX-RN exam, achieve RN licensure, and earn a BSN. Most students complete these programs in 15 months to two years.
Examples of Orlando Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Orlando for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
The LPN to RN program is for current LPNs interested in advancing their careers by qualifying for the NCLEX-RN exam and obtaining their RN license. Graduates typically receive an ADN, ASN, or AASN degree. LPN to BSN programs are for current LPNs seeking RN licensure who want advanced knowledge and skills offered in four-year BSN programs.
Examples of Orlando Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs allow currently RNs to earn a BSN degree, the academic credential quickly becoming a prerequisite for RN jobs with many employers. RN to BSN programs combine previously-earned college credits with additional nursing coursework to earn a BSN. Almost all Orlando-area four-year colleges and universities with nursing programs offer RN to BSN programs.
Examples of Orlando Nursing Schools with this Program
College of Central Florida
Seminole State College of Florida
RN to MSN Programs
RN to MSN programs are for licensed RNs with either an ADN or nursing diploma who want to obtain their master’s in nursing without first earning their BSN. These programs sometimes require a previously-earned non-nursing bachelor’s degree. RN to MSN programs are usually part-time to accommodate working RNs, but full-time programs are not uncommon. Programs take 3 ½ to 4 years, and RN to BSN to MSN options are sometimes available.
Examples of Orlando Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Orlando
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Nurses with a BSN degree interested in obtaining their nursing master’s can opt for a traditional MSN (BSN to MSN) program. These programs are often available in three-year full-time and four-year part-time options. Online MSN programs are available but typically include substantial face-to-face contact hour requirements.
Examples of Orlando Nursing Schools with This Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
The DNP degree is for nursing professionals seeking positions in nursing administration, policy-related, and advanced practice leadership positions. DNP programs are typically offered in nurse practitioner and other specialized nursing areas. PhD programs focus on preparing graduates for careers as nurse researchers and academics. Most programs require an MSN degree, but a few offer a BSN to doctorate. Program lengths vary substantially.
Examples of Orlando Nursing Schools with This Program
AdventHealth University (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice)
University of Central Florida (DNP and Phd)
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
Post-graduate nursing certificates allow those with MSN or doctoral degrees to gain additional knowledge and training in specialized areas and expand their career opportunities. Popular specializations include primary care, public health nursing, and nurse anesthesia, as well as the range of nurse practitioner fields. Completion times vary.
Examples of Orlando Nursing Schools with This Program
FAQs About Online Nursing Schools in Orlando
Can I earn my nursing degree in Orlando completely online?
That depends on the degree, program type, and the school you attend. All pre-licensure programs include substantial in-person clinical hour requirements. Some non-licensure degree programs and certificate programs can be completed 100% online.
Will my online Orlando nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
If your program is fully accredited and state-approved, it’s unlikely any employer would consider your nursing degree or certificate any less valuable than one earned in a traditional on-campus program. In fact, they likely won’t know you took any courses online unless you tell them.
Are online nursing programs in Orlando more affordable than campus programs?
This also depends on the program. In most cases, students enrolled in online nursing schools in Orlando pay the same tuition rates as their on-campus counterparts. However, the actual total cost of your online nursing program will likely be less once you factor in savings from not traveling to and from campus for classes.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Orlando, Florida
Most students enrolling in nursing schools in Orlando qualify for funding help from one or more financial aid sources as long as their programs are properly accredited. These sources include scholarships and grants, fellowships and assistantships (mostly for grad students), employer tuition assistance programs, the GI Bill for active-duty military and veterans, and student loans. The most popular source of student loans is the federal government, which also sponsors loan repayment programs for nursing students.
For help in locating funding opportunities for your nursing program, contact your school’s financial aid office. Also visit EduMed’s nursing scholarship and main financial aid guides for more information and advice on paying for your Orlando nursing program.
How to Become an RN in Orlando: Licensing Requirements
Practicing as an RN in Orlando requires state RN licensure through the Florida Board of Nursing. Obtaining your RN license requires completing an approved RN degree or diploma program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. There are other requirements as well, so make sure you understand the process before you enrolling in any pre-licensure nursing education program. For a detailed look at the steps, visit EduMed’s guide to nursing programs in Florida.
How Much Can You Make as an Orlando RN?
As a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford area, you can expect earnings that closely align with Florida's statewide averages. Entry-level RNs (10th percentile) in Orlando earn about $64,070 per year, slightly above the statewide starting salary of $63,520. The median salary in Orlando is $80,870, nearly matching Florida’s median RN salary of $80,960. Experienced nurses in the top 10% make around $102,150, just below the statewide high of $105,580. These earnings reflect the area’s moderate cost of living and the strong demand for healthcare professionals, making Orlando a solid choice for RNs seeking both job stability and competitive compensation.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $63,520 | $80,960 | $105,580 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | $64,070 | $80,870 | $102,150 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional Orlando, FL Nursing Resources
The Orlando chapter of Black Nurses Rock brings together nursing professionals to provide community health promotion in Central Florida. Services include health and wellness promotion and social advocacy in vulnerable communities, nursing student mentoring and scholarship opportunities, and more.
Central Florida Advanced Nursing Practice Council (CFANPC)
The CFANPC is a professional association of advanced practice nurses in the Orlando and greater Central Florida area organized to promote and improve the care APNs provide their patients. Resources include current news, event announcements, and a career center where visitors can search for local APN jobs and post their resumes.
Central Florida Black Nurses Association of Orlando (CFBNA)
This regional chapter of the National Black Nurses Association connects RNs, LPNs, and nursing students in the Orlando area whose purpose is to provide community health services to improve the quality of life for minority community members.
Florida Nurses Association (FNA) – East Central Region
The FNA is the Florida constituent of the American Nurses Association, the only professional association encompassing nursing professionals in all practice areas and specialties. The FNA annually awards nursing scholarships and grants to qualifying Florida RNs and students.
Florida Nursing Student Association (FNSA)
The FNSA is a student-run organization representing more than 5,000 nursing students throughout the state. It’s also the Florida affiliate of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). Orlando area nursing schools with FNSA chapters include UCF and Seminole State, but your school does not need a chapter for you to join.
