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Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.
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Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
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Online MSN Programs in Florida: Comparing Top Schools

With high demand for advanced practice nurses in the state (58% job growth expected for nurse practitioners through 2032 according to the U.S. Department of Labor), Florida is great place for RNs to grow their nursing careers. Florida is also home to a healthy number of high-quality online MSN programs where you can 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.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A smiling bald man with a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and glasses perched on his head, standing in front of a brick wall.
Author: Michael Hoffman, MA, JD
A smiling bald man with a beard, wearing a black t-shirt and glasses perched on his head, standing in front of a brick wall.
Michael Hoffman, MA, JD Arrow up right
Freelance Writer, Researcher, & Journalist
Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
Editor: Wes Ricketts
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Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.
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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 offering 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. All nurse theory coursework is delivered entirely online, but students must attend one short-term residency on Florida A&M’s Tallahassee campus. Additionally, 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

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR 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), and a unique Nursing and Health Care Simulation track (31 credits) in which students learn to develop and lead healthcare simulation programs in practice and academic settings. 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), and 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. The Family Nurse Practitioner track, however, 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 two general categories:

  • Nursing leadership: MSN grads fill leadership positions in a number of settings in nursing administration, nursing education, and more
  • Advanced clinical practice: Specialization is the key here with examples including nursing informatics, forensic nursing, and a variety of nurse practitioner roles in areas such as adult-gerontology, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health, neonatal care, acute care, and oncology, and others

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:

  • Traditional MSN: BSN degree, registered nurse license, professional experience
  • Accelerated MSN: ADN or BSN degree, registered nurse license, professional experience
  • RN to MSN: ADN or nursing diploma, registered nurse license, professional experience
  • Direct-entry MSN: 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, whether the program is offered by a public or private school, and, whether a student is a Florida or out-of-state-resident (in regard 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)

Barry University

Nurse Practitioner (MSN) Family Practice

Total Credits: 48

$1,050/credit

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:

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.

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 nursing master’s 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.

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 MSN in combination with a nurse educator graduate certificate.

Florida Careers for MSN Graduates

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Search:
Area ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ Median ↕ 90th Percentile ↕
U.S. $97,960 $129,210 $169,950
Florida $100,540 $129,010 $155,490
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL $102,740 $143,670 $157,610
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL $101,720 $129,010 $167,490
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL $97,660 $124,440 $164,470
Gainesville, FL $99,430 $116,210 $143,120
Homosassa Springs, FL $96,130 $112,700 $155,270
Jacksonville, FL $103,170 $129,530 $155,460
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL $100,020 $123,140 $150,270
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL $106,080 $135,450 $156,610
Naples-Marco Island, FL $104,020 $122,720 $154,330
North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL $101,080 $130,780 $162,650
Ocala, FL $57,810 $113,170 $155,500
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL $102,240 $128,210 $155,230
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL $72,370 $115,140 $160,630
Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL $89,450 $116,700 $155,890
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL $86,080 $124,760 $159,620
Port St. Lucie, FL $100,350 $132,230 $152,960
Punta Gorda, FL $95,710 $125,060 $162,450
Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL $100,610 $120,740 $157,770
Sebring, FL $91,400 $110,840 $149,510
Tallahassee, FL $93,670 $118,560 $154,050
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $98,310 $128,430 $154,910
Wildwood-The Villages, FL $101,000 $122,780 $239,200+

Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Area ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕ Avg. Ann. Openings ↕
United States 266,300 384,900 118,600 44.50% 26,300
Florida 18,910 29,980 11,070 58.50% 2,190

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Ranking the Best Online MSN Programs in Florida

We’ve taken a look at the entire field of online MSN programs in Florida today and came up with the following list of what we believe to be the best options currently available for potential students like you. Our selections are based on a number of student-focused program components such as quality academics, cost and financial aid opportunities, degree options, study flexibility and convenience, and access to useful student support services. For more on how we made our choices, click the “About the rankings” button.

# School Name Online Enrollment Tuition
1
1
20% Online Enrollment
$$$ Tuition
2
2
27% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
3
3
17% Online Enrollment
$$ Tuition
4
4
29% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
5
5
12% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
6
6
25% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
7
7
21% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
8
8
26% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
9
9
22% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition
10
10
14% Online Enrollment
$ Tuition

Michael Hoffman, MA, JD AUTHOR

Michael Hoffman has authored close to 300 articles for higher education publications, including over 140 for EduMed across nursing and allied health. He's interviewed and collaborated with hundreds of active healthcare professionals and students. Michael holds degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara College of Law. Before his writing career, he practiced as a civil litigator in Los Angeles and worked as a development executive for a major film producer in Santa Monica, California.

Read More About Michael Hoffman

Wes Ricketts EDITOR

Wes Ricketts has created award-winning content in higher education and healthcare for nearly 20 years. He founded EduMed in 2018 to give future college students a go-to resource for information on degree programs in nursing and allied health. Wes’s research and writing interests include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as caregiving for loved ones with degenerative conditions. Wes holds a master’s degree in history from Western Washington University, where he also led workshops focused on historical research and longform writing skills.

Read More About Wes Ricketts
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