List of accredited nursing schools in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Most individuals are familiar with the prototypical registered nurse (RN) position. The nursing profession is much broader, however, encompassing roles like “CNA” and “LPN” as well as other important acronyms like “NCLEX.” This article will demystify this terminology by profiling the nursing industry of Miami-Dade County in clear and simple terms.

Registered nurse
RNs play a vital role in providing care to patients. They dispense medications, carry out medical procedures, and often coordinate teams of junior nursing staff. Florida’s RNs must complete an accredited prelicensure program that results in either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. All candidates must then pass a national licensure exam, the NCLEX-RN. Miami-Dade County employs 26,000 RNs at a median annual salary of $59,000.

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Licensed practical nurse
Like RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) qualify by passing a national licensure exam; theirs is called the NCLEX-PN. To prepare, Florida’s LPNs must complete an accredited certificate program, typically 12 to 18 months in length. LPNs are charged with monitoring patients’ vital signs, dressing wounds, and providing direct patient care. Just under 5,000 LPNs work in Miami-Dade County, earning $42,000 in annual pay.

Certified nursing assistant
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) perform vital tasks that tend to the basic quality-of-life needs of sick and injured patients. Florida’s CNAs must complete a brief certificate program and pass the Florida certification exams. Miami-Dade County is home to 10,000 nursing assistants who typically make $20,000-26,000 per year.

Miami-Dade County’s 40,000-plus nursing staff work at institutions like University of Miami, Miami Jewish Health System, and Catholic Health Services. If you want to join their number, see our list below of the county’s best nursing schools and programs.