For our 2024 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
- The institution’s academic prestige and perceived value
- The breadth and depth of nursing programs offered
- Student success, particularly on the NCLEX licensure examination
We then combined these assessments into an overall score and ranked the schools accordingly. For a detailed description of our assessment methodology and dimension weights, please see here.
#1: University of Florida
The UF College of Nursing is home to Florida’s oldest doctoral nursing program. The university also launched the state’s first nurse practitioner program and its first BSN-to-PhD track. Currently, the University of Florida offers BSN, ABSN, and RN-to-BSN programs to approximately 700 undergraduate students. Graduates of the BSN program have passed the NCLEX-RN exam at a remarkable 93% first-time rate over the past decade. The College of Nursing also educates approximately 300 graduate nursing students, providing BSN and MSN entry points to both its DNP and PhD programs. Specialty tracks are offered in five nurse practitioner fields.
#2: University of Miami
The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS) is home to the Simulation Hospital for Advancing Research and Education (SHARE), one of the nation’s first education-based simulation hospitals. The school frequently ranks among the top 25 nursing schools nationwide in National Institutes of Health research funding. A member of the respected UHealth family, SONHS offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD degrees. Post-master’s certificates are also available in several nurse practitioner specializations. The school graduates approximately 200 students annually from its flagship prelicensure BSN program. During the past decade, more than 95% of these students passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam on their first try.
#3: University of Central Florida
The UCF College of Nursing is a recognized leader in online education. The school’s online MSN program recently ranked among the top three in Florida and the top 50 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. UCF offers six distinct MSN tracks: three nurse practitioner specialties, nursing leadership, healthcare simulation, and nurse education. Several of these tracks are also offered to DNP students. For undergraduates, UCF provides five BSN pathways including a Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program (MECP) for active-duty military students. BSN graduates routinely perform well on the licensure exam, with a phenomenal 96% NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#4: University of South Florida
The USF Health College of Nursing performs more than 100,000 clinical hours in the community each year with more than 1,000 clinical partners. The school offers so many different nursing degrees, you’ll lose count. Undergraduate options include a traditional prelicensure BSN, an accelerated second degree BSN, and the innovative veteran-to-BSN (VCARE) pathway. Across all of its BSN programs, USF graduates more than 250 nurses annually, who have achieved an outstanding 91% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam over the past decade. Graduate nursing pathways include an MSN program with six concentrations, several graduate certificates, a DNP program with six concentrations including a new nurse anesthesiology option, and a PhD degree for aspiring nurse scientists.
#5: Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University’s College of Nursing enrolls more than 1,300 students from coast to coast. Nursing programs are offered at the university’s primary campus in Fort Lauderdale, through satellite campuses in Miami and Fort Myers, and online. The prelicensure BSN program graduates more than 300 new nurses annually, who have passed the NCLEX exam at rates as high as 92% in recent years. NSU also offers RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN bridge programs through its undergraduate nursing department. Graduate nursing students can pursue three nonclinical MSN tracks, two clinical MSN tracks for aspiring nurse practitioners, an online DNP, or a PhD focused on nursing education.
#6: University of Tampa
The University of Tampa’s College of Natural and Health Sciences offers three nursing programs: a traditional four-year BSN, an MSN with two nurse practitioner concentrations (family and adult-gerontology), and a DNP program designed for APRNs who are Florida residents. The BSN program has achieved a near-perfect 99% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam over the past decade, graduating approximately fifty students each year. The MSN program emphasizes the importance of holistic assessment, cultural congruency, and consumer inclusion in healthcare. The DNP program is conducted online with only three required visits to campus, allowing working students to continue their careers in clinical practice. The university maintains formal affiliations with more than 120 Tampa Bay-area healthcare facilities, providing students with a breadth of options for clinical exposure.
#7: Florida State University
The FSU College of Nursing launched Florida’s first nationally accredited baccalaureate nursing degree program. Today, the college offers the latest BSN options, including an accelerated second-degree program and a Veterans BSN that started in January 2016. The College of Nursing produces over 100 prelicensure BSN graduates each year, and these students have passed the NCLEX-RN exam at a strong 93% rate over the past decade. FSU graduate students can pursue an MSN, DNP, or graduate certificate in popular specializations like nurse educator, nurse leader, and psychiatric-mental health. The vast majority of graduate instruction is delivered online.
#8: Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University’s School of Nursing sits within the Elaine Nicpon Marieb College of Health & Human Services. FGCU’s nursing students can earn degrees ranging from a BSN to a DNP. The School of Nursing graduates 70-80 BSN students annually, and they have posted an exceptional 96% NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. The BSN classes of 2018 and 2019 each scored a perfect 100% NCLEX pass rate. The MSN program offers a nurse educator specialization, while the post-baccalaureate DNP program has tracks in nurse anesthesiology, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Graduates from the FNP track have scored a 100% first-time pass rate on the national certification exam since the program’s inception in 2001. FGCU also offers a post-master’s DNP pathway that students may complete in just five semesters of full-time study or eight semesters of part-time study.
#9: Florida Atlantic University
FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing educates 1,600 students across its three campuses in Boca Raton, Davie, and Harbor Branch. The college offers four undergraduate pathways: traditional BSN, freshmen direct admission, accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN. The prelicensure tracks graduate approximately 100 BSN students annually, with a 92% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam over the past decade. At the graduate level, FAU offers both DNP and PhD programs, plus a rich breadth of MSN specializations including administration, holistic nursing, education, clinical nurse leader, and two nurse practitioner roles. Indeed, FAU has the largest graduate nursing enrollment of any university in Florida.
#10: University of North Florida
In July 2005, UNF selected the College of Health’s School of Nursing as its first flagship program. The school’s RN-to-BSN offering has earned recognition on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best online bachelor’s programs. UNF also offers on-campus RN-to-BSN, traditional BSN, and accelerated BSN pathways for its undergraduate students. The school graduates 100-150 prelicensure BSN students each year, who have posted a strong 93% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. Graduate nursing students can pursue three APRN roles through the DNP program: nurse anesthetist, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
#11: Florida International University
The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Florida International University offers a variety of degree pathways. The undergraduate curriculum has five tracks: a generic BSN, an accelerated BSN, an online RN-to-BSN, a medic-to-nurse BSN for veterans, and an accelerated combined BSN/MSN for foreign-educated physicians. Over the past decade, FIU has graduated approximately 200 prelicensure BSN students annually, and they have achieved an 89% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. At the graduate level, FIU offers a BSN-to-DNP program with tracks in nurse anesthesia and four nurse practitioner fields (adult-gerontology, family, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health). Students seeking an MSN degree may add a certificate in any nurse practitioner track. FIU also offers a research-focused nursing PhD program with both BSN and MSN entry points.
#12: Barry University
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Barry University is the first and only institution in Florida to be named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing. At the undergraduate level, the college offers both a traditional BSN and an accelerated 15-month program for students with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. Barry University typically graduates 100-130 prelicensure BSN students annually, with a solid 82% NCLEX-RN exam pass rate over the past decade. MSN students can pursue a nurse practitioner specialization in either family practice or adult-gerontology acute care, with post-master’s certificates also available in both specializations. Doctoral candidates have four options: a four-year post-baccalaureate DNP, a two-year post-master’s DNP, a newly launched DNP in anesthesiology, and an interdisciplinary PhD program that features classes from both the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the School of Education.
#13: AdventHealth University
AdventHealth University (AHU) works closely with AdventHealth Orlando, one of Central Florida’s largest hospitals, to give students the clinical experience and world-class facilities that only a major medical center can provide. In fact, AdventHealth Orlando is the largest of more than 590 healthcare facilities operated worldwide by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. AHU’s nursing programs include a generic BSN with a blended learning format, an online RN-to-BSN, MSN degrees in nursing education and administration / leadership, and a doctor of nurse anesthesia practice. Since the inception of the generic BSN program, graduates have scored an 87% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX national licensure examination.
#14: Palm Beach Atlantic University
The School of Nursing at Palm Beach Atlantic University offers a traditional four-year BSN, an online RN-to-BSN, an MSN in health systems leadership, and a multifaceted DNP. PBA’s traditional BSN program graduates 40-60 students annually, with an outstanding 92% NCLEX exam pass rate over the past decade. The DNP program has entry points for both BSN and MSN degree-holders. Candidates in the BSN-to-DNP pathway can select a concentration in either executive leadership (71 graduate credits) or family nurse practitioner (74 graduate credits). The post-master’s option requires 38 to 44 graduate credits. Programs are offered in a hybrid combination of online delivery and monthly in-person classes at PBA’s West Palm Beach campus.
#15: Jacksonville University
The Keigwin School of Nursing at Jacksonville University has so many nursing pathways, you’ll lose count. BSN options include traditional, second degree, veteran’s, and RN-to-BSN programs. The school graduates approximately 100 prelicensure BSN students annually, and these individuals have achieved an outstanding 93% pass rate on the NCLEX exam over the past decade. The MSN program offers specializations in clinical nurse educator, healthcare systems leadership, informatics, and several nurse practitioner fields. Jacksonville University’s DNP program offers both BSN and MSN entry points. The school also provides post-graduate certificate programs in many of the MSN specializations that can be completed as standalone certificates or embedded within the DNP program.
#16: West Coast University
West Coast University Miami is the newest addition to the WCU family. Occupying more than 46,000 square feet, the university provides students with access to computer labs, internet stations, nursing skills labs, and science labs. The Miami campus also features a 5,000-square-foot simulation center with high-fidelity simulators. Programs for aspiring nurses include a traditional prelicensure BSN and an LPN-to-BSN bridge program. The traditional BSN can be completed in 39 months with a daytime schedule or 44 months with an evening and weekend schedule. The LPN-to-BSN bridge program allows students to shave five months off these timelines. Since the program’s launch, BSN graduates from Miami have posted an incredible 96% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
#17: Pensacola Christian College
The Nursing Department at Pensacola Christian College offers two degree programs: a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a master of science in nursing (MSN). Students in the BSN program receive their clinical experience at a number of healthcare facilities, including several large hospitals in the Pensacola area. Sample topics of study include pharmacology, pediatric nursing, and nursing informatics. The BSN program graduates approximately 100 students annually, with a strong 92% NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. The MSN program prepares RNs to use scriptural and traditional methods of nursing education in both clinical and classroom settings.
#18: University of West Florida
The University of West Florida School of Nursing is home to the Dr. D.W. McMillan BSN. This is a limited-access program that prepares clinical generalists who are leaders, managers, and life-long learners, integrating research findings into their nursing practice. Graduates of this prelicensure BSN program have achieved a solid 93% NCLEX-RN exam pass rate over the past decade. UWF also offers online RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN pathways for students who have completed a community college or diploma nursing program and hold an unencumbered RN license. Finally, the school’s Earl and Nancy Hutto MSN program has three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nurse executive.
#19: Miami Regional University
Miami Regional University offers five distinct nursing pathways: an ADN program, a prelicensure BSN, an RN-to-BSN degree completion option, a direct-entry MSN, and an MSN degree for aspiring family nurse practitioners. The ADN program graduates 150-300 students annually. Since the program’s inception, students have passed the NCLEX licensure exam at a 72% first-try rate. The school’s BSN students have performed similarly, averaging a 74% first-time NCLEX pass rate since the program’s recent launch. Graduates of both prelicensure pathways develop the skills to analyze clients, communities, public health, and health technology.
#20: Florida Southern College
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida Southern College offers a BSN program that boasts a 100% placement rate whether graduates choose to enter the workforce or enroll in graduate school. The four-year BSN provides hands-on experience in state-of-the-art treatment laboratories where high-tech mannequins speak, hear, respond, and even physiologically reproduce true-to-life scenarios. This advanced simulation technology allows students to master bedside care in a controlled environment. Students also have the opportunity to work in some of Florida’s busiest and most technologically advanced acute care hospitals through internships and clinical experiences.
#21: Jersey College
Jersey College is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. In addition to an LPN certificate, the school offers an ADN program with three tracks: generic, nurse residency, and LPN-to-RN bridge. The generic track starts from the beginning with no prerequisites and works toward the associate degree. The residency track is an onsite hospital-based program, while the LPN-to-RN track provides LPNs advanced placement and a seamless path to RN licensure. Over the past decade, ADN graduates across the school’s Florida campuses have enjoyed an 86% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Over the same time period, LPN graduates have enjoyed a 93% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
#22: Florida State University Panama City
Florida State University Panama City offers a doctor of nurse anesthesia practice (DNAP) degree. Housed within the College of Applied Studies, the program focuses on patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. Courses cover anesthesia techniques and emphasize analysis, evaluation, and decision-making. Students will begin a one-on-one clinical practicum within the first semester to ensure immediate application of skills. Throughout the 36-month program, students participate in mandatory didactic reviews in preparation for the certification exam conducted by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. The past three graduating classes have achieved a 100% NCE pass rate and a 100% employment rate upon graduation.
#23: Lincoln Memorial University - Tampa
To help fill the local need for qualified nurses, Caylor School of Nursing at Lincoln Memorial University has partnered with AdventHealth to open an LMU extended learning site in Tampa. Through this innovative partnership, LMU offers several degree pathways for aspiring nurses in the Tampa Bay area. Options include an associate of science in nursing (ASN) program, an LPN-to-ASN bridge pathway, and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. The ASN and BSN programs both prepare candidates to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. The initial graduating cohorts of both programs recently scored a perfect 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate.
#24: Utica University at Florida
Utica University offers an accelerated BSN program that requires a minimum of 65 college credits, so students can earn a nursing degree in just 16 months. The fulltime program is conducted at two Florida campuses – Miramar and St. Petersburg – combining a rigorous blend of online and experiential learning. Students can expect hands-on skills practice during nursing simulation labs and clinical rotations, as well as top-notch faculty who provide guidance and support throughout the curriculum. Since the program’s inception, BSN graduates have achieved an impressive 91% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Utica University also recently launched a FLEX-Track program that combines an online curriculum with campus-based laboratory work, enabling students to pursue the BSN degree through a more flexible hybrid model.
#25: Keiser University
Keiser University offers degree pathways for current and aspiring nurses at nearly twenty campuses across the state of Florida. Options include an associate of science degree, four BSN pathways (traditional, accelerated, FastTrack, and RN-to-BSN), an MSN degree with an option for family nurse practitioner focus, and a DNP program. The school offers working nurses the opportunity to concurrently integrate educational principles into their direct practice. Practicum activities include community agency visits, approved conferences, volunteer activities, interagency site visits, technological field trips, simulation labs, leadership activities, and interdepartmental study in current employment systems.
#26: Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University offers a BSN program at its Jacksonville and Miramar campuses. The program has no prerequisites and is designed to be completed in just three years of year-round study, instead of the traditional four years. Students obtain hands-on experience both in the Chamberlain SIMCARE Center and through on-site clinical settings. The Jacksonville location also offers a military-to-BSN option, which is designed for those who wish to transition from a healthcare role in the military to a civilian role as a registered nurse. Since the program’s launch, Miramar students have passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam at a 79% first-time pass rate, while Jacksonville students have scored an 85% first-time pass rate.
#27: Western Governors University
Western Governors University has a nursing curriculum that allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Offered through the College of Health Professions, WGU’s flexible nursing programs include a prelicensure BSN, RN-to-BSN, traditional MSN, and RN-to-MSN. The online MSN program has specializations in leadership and management, education, and nursing informatics. Since the launch of the innovative traditional BSN program in Daytona Beach, graduates have scored a solid 86% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
#28: Galen College of Nursing
Galen College of Nursing offers multiple pathways in its LPN, ADN, and BSN programs. The LPN program can be completed in 12 months through a fulltime day program or 21 months through a parttime evening program. Galen College graduates 30-50 LPN students annually from its Tampa Bay campus, and these students have posted an 89% NCLEX-PN pass rate over the past decade. The traditional ADN pathway is a 24-month program, while the LPN-to-ADN pathway takes just 15-18 months to complete. Galen College graduates 300-500 ADN students each year from its Tampa Bay campus, and these students have achieved an 87% NCLEX-RN pass rate over the past decade. Finally, Galen offers both a three-year prelicensure BSN program and a 12-month fully online RN-to-BSN pathway.
#29: Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University has five locations in the state of Florida that offer nursing degrees and certificates. Pathways include an LPN program that can be completed in 12 months, an ADN with a mobility bridge entrance option, a BSN with standard and second degree entrance options, an RN-to-BSN bridge program, and an MSN with education and leadership specializations. Rasmussen’s Fort Myers, Ocala, and Tampa campuses offer the full gamut of prelicensure programs (LPN, ADN, BSN), while the New Port Richey and Land O’ Lakes campuses are more specialized (ADN and LPN, respectively). Licensure pass rates are consistently strong across the board. Over the past decade, Rasmussen’s Florida campuses have collectively scored an 86% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and an 83% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate.
#30: Mercy Hospital
Mercy Hospital is Miami-Dade County’s only Catholic hospital and a two-time recipient of the prestigious Magnet award for nursing excellence. The institution houses both the School of Practical Nursing and the College of Nursing. The School of Practical Nursing offers two pathways for aspiring LPNs: a 12-month daytime program and a 14-month evening program. Either curriculum is designed to be completed in three trimesters. The College of Nursing builds on this foundation with a one-year LPN-to-RN bridge. This associate degree program is designed for working students with convenient evening and weekend hours. Mercy Hospital graduates have consistently performed well on their licensure exams over the past decade, including an 86% NCLEX-PN pass rate for LPN graduates and an 87% NCLEX-RN pass rate for ADN graduates.
#31: Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations
The Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations began in 1978 as a nurse assistant training school. The college launched its LPN program in 1997 and added a two-year ADN curriculum in 2011; both programs award an associate of science degree upon completion. ANHO boasts nearly 18,000 square feet of modern classroom space and a wide variety of clinical partnerships throughout Palm Beach County. The administration also places a heavy focus on student outcomes. For example, last year’s ADN graduates passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam at an 84% rate, while LPN graduates passed the NCLEX-PN licensure exam at a 96% rate. ANHO students also enjoy strong on-time graduation and job placement rates, with typically an 85-95% success rate on each metric.
#32: ECPI University
ECPI University offers a BSN degree that is designed for students who already hold a BA or BS in any area from an accredited college or university. Students in the program can expect to complete the degree in as little as one year. This accelerated program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Over the past decade, approximately 100 annual BSN graduates have scored an excellent 90% licensure exam pass rate. The MSN program has three high-demand concentrations: health systems leadership, nurse educator, and family nurse practitioner. The MSN program is available 100% online, and it can be completed in as little as 22 months.
#33: Aspen University
Aspen University began in the 1960s as The International Academy. The school later became ISIM University, with a primary focus on business and technology education. Today, Aspen University leads a diverse breadth of online programs complemented by campus-based offerings in Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Tampa, Florida. The university launched the first cohort of its Tampa prelicensure BSN program in June 2021. Didactic courses, simulations, labs, and seminars are delivered in a hybrid format. Students engage in the required coursework both online and on-ground, while clinical rotations are delivered face-to-face. The Tampa facilities feature a skills lab with six beds, a simulated four-room hospital with additional beds, six doctor office rooms, and a home health room staged like an apartment.
#34: Southeastern University
Southeastern University has two BSN degree pathways. The school’s prelicensure BSN program is designed for students with no prior professional nursing degree or license. Students in this program have achieved an impressive 90% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. The school’s RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses who are currently practicing in healthcare. These working professionals can complete coursework online at their own pace. Participants in either program will experience a blend of hands-on clinical training – either in the school’s new simulation laboratory or in local hospitals and community settings – with one-on-one faculty interaction.
#35: North Florida College
North Florida College has partnerships with area healthcare facilities and businesses that allow nursing students to gain valuable hands-on training. The Nursing and Allied Health Department offers an LPN certificate, a traditional ADN program, an accelerated LPN-to-RN bridge, and a BSN for students who already hold an RN license and an ADN degree. The school graduates about twenty LPN students each year, and they have achieved an excellent 89% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam over the past decade. Likewise, approximately 40-60 ADN graduates per year have achieved an 89% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam over the same time period.
#36: Ave Maria University
Ave Maria University offers a BSN program that takes four years to complete. During the first two years, students in the pre-nursing track complete the core curriculum and pre-nursing science requirements; they then apply to the nursing major. Upon successful admission to nursing, students spend years three and four taking almost exclusively nursing courses. Sample course titles include Pharmacology, Nursing Care of Women, and Health Assessment. The BSN is a limited access program: classes are restricted to a certain number of students meeting predetermined criteria, and maximum capacity is based on available resources. Since the BSN program’s launch, graduates have averaged a solid 90% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure examination.
#37: Taylor College
Taylor College has been training healthcare professionals since 1999. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, licensed by the Commission on Independent Education, and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing to offer both a 16-month LPN certificate and a 24-month ADN program. The ADN has two entry options: bridge entry for licensed practical nurses and bilevel entry for Taylor College LPN students. Over the past decade, ADN graduates have averaged a 70% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, while LPN graduates have averaged an 83% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Last year’s pass rates were even stronger: 90% for ADN students and a perfect 100% for LPN students.
#38: Broward College
Broward College offers an ASN degree with three options: the generic option, for applicants with no previous nursing education; an LPN-to-RN transition, for students who already hold a current Florida LPN license; and a hybrid online option for students who prefer a blend of online and on-campus learning. The program consists of 72 credits. There are 56 hours of clinical practicum and 16 hours of theory for each credit. Clinical hours are conducted in both acute care and extended care facilities as well as nursing campus lab settings. For the past decade, approximately 300 ADN graduates annually have achieved an outstanding NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 94%.
#39: South University
South University’s College of Nursing and Public Health has more than a dozen programs for aspiring nurses. Many programs are offered online. At the undergraduate level, the college offers a prelicensure BSN program and an RN-to-BSN pathway. South University graduates 50-80 prelicensure BSN students annually from each of its Tampa and West Palm Beach campuses. Over the past decade, Tampa students have scored an 80% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX exam, while their colleagues in West Palm Beach have scored an 86% pass rate. At the graduate level, South University offers an MSN program with five specializations: adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nurse administrator, nurse educator, and nursing informatics. An online DNP is also available with administration, information technology, leadership, and public health specializations.
#40: Chipola College
The School of Health Sciences at Chipola College has several program options for nurses seeking entry- to advanced-level positions. The CNA program is designed to prepare students for employment as nursing assistants in hospital or nursing home settings. The ADN is a limited-enrollment, 72-credit-hour program that may be completed in just four semesters, and it prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Over the past decade, ADN graduates have achieved an overall NCLEX exam pass rate of 76%, including several cohorts with an 85-90% pass rate. The RN-to-BSN pathway focuses on the development of professional nursing practice to prepare highly qualified nurses to work in diverse healthcare settings.
#41: Herzing University
Herzing University’s Orlando campus offers nearly a dozen nursing programs. Undergraduate options include an LPN diploma, an ASN degree with an LPN-to-RN transition track, and several BSN pathways including traditional, healthcare professionals bridge, and RN-to-BSN. Over the past decade, graduates across all programs have maintained solid performance on the NCLEX licensure exam, including an 89% pass rate for LPN students, an 85% pass rate for ADN candidates, and an 85% pass rate for BSN students. Graduate options include an MSN degree in nursing leadership and administration, family nurse practitioner, or nurse educator. Certificates are also available in the final two specializations. The RN-to-BSN, MSN, and certificate programs are available online.
#42: St. Thomas University
St. Thomas University’s School of Science, Technology, and Engineering Management offers three avenues for admission to its BSN program. High-achieving high school seniors may apply for direct admission, while high school graduates who do not meet the direct admission requirements may follow the traditional BSN pathway. Finally, registered nurses with an active and unencumbered license can enroll in STU’s RN-to-BSN completion program. The university also offers an MSN degree with a family nurse practitioner specialization, featuring 100% online coursework.
#43: Antigua College International
Antigua College International focuses exclusively on nursing education. The school offers multiple pathways to enter the nursing profession, including a 16-month practical nursing diploma, a 28-month associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree, and a 42-month bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. ACI also offers an RN-to-BSN pathway for existing nurses as well as NCLEX preparation and remediation classes. Graduates consistently perform strongly on their licensure examinations. Since the college’s inception, BSN students have scored a 74% NCLEX-RN pass rate, ASN students have averaged a 78% NCLEX-RN pass rate, and LPN students have achieved an 87% NCLEX-PN pass rate.
#44: Polk State College
The Department of Nursing at Polk State College has an ADN program with two options: a generic track for individuals without a current Florida healthcare license, and an accelerated one-year transition track for individuals holding licensure or certification as an LPN, paramedic, respiratory therapist, or qualified medic. For the past decade, the ADN program has consistently graduated about 150 students per year while maintaining an exceptional NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 94%. Polk State College also offers an RN-to-BSN program for licensed RNs that hold either an ADN from a regionally accredited institution or a nursing diploma from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
#45: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University School of Nursing is the oldest continuing baccalaureate nursing program in the United States at a historically black institution. Established in 1904 as a hospital-based program, it became the first baccalaureate program in Florida in 1936. Today, the school offers three nursing degree pathways: a traditional prelicensure BSN, an RN-to-BSN fast track, and an MSN program for aspiring adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners. The MSN degree may be completed onsite or online in five semesters of fulltime study. The traditional BSN program graduates 75-100 students each year, and they have averaged a 76% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam over the past decade.
#46: Valencia College
Valencia College was named the best community college in the nation as the inaugural winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The college offers more than 140 degree programs across eight campuses that span the Orlando metropolitan area. The School of Nursing is headquartered at the college’s state-of-the-art West Campus. Nursing students can pursue either a prelicensure associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree or a postlicensure RN-to-BSN completion pathway. Valencia College graduates more than 200 students annually from the ASN program, with a strong 95% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. The most recent graduating cohort posted a stellar 98.6% NCLEX pass rate.
#47: International College of Health Sciences
International College of Health Sciences offers three distinct nursing programs that collectively provide a range of pathways through the healthcare field. Students just entering the nursing profession can pursue an associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree that will prepare them for initial licensure. The college graduates approximately 100 ASN students annually, with a solid 77% first-time NCLEX pass rate since the program’s inception. Existing registered nurses can enroll in the school’s RN-to-BSN program, which uses synchronous online learning to cover the baccalaureate curriculum at an accelerated pace. Both the ASN and BSN programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. At the graduate level, ICHS offers an MSN degree designed for aspiring family nurse practitioners.
#48: Miami Dade College
With more than 92,000 students enrolled, Miami Dade College has the largest undergraduate enrollment of any college or university in the country. The school also confers more associate degrees than any other community college in the nation. MDC’s Leon School of Nursing offers an ADN program that focuses on hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs. Approximately 500 students graduate from the program annually. These students have averaged an 81% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination over the past decade. The college is fully accredited to offer baccalaureate degrees as well, including a BSN for Florida-licensed nurses who have already completed an ADN program.
#49: Pasco-Hernando State College
Pasco-Hernando State College offers an LPN certificate, an ADN program with three entry points (traditional, LPN-to-ADN, paramedic-to-ADN), and an RN-to-BSN degree completion program. These competitive programs prepare graduates to work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and correctional facilities. Students develop the skills to check vital signs, implement treatment plans, and monitor patient progress. Prelicensure graduates will sit for the respective NCLEX exam, where PHSC has a track record of strong performance. Over the past decade, LPN graduates have achieved a strong 94% NCLEX-PN pass rate, while ADN graduates have posted a solid 87% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
#50: Lake-Sumter State College
Lake-Sumter State College graduated its first class of just 39 students in 1964. Now ranked among the nation’s top 120 community colleges, LSSC serves more than 6,000 students annually at three locations. The Leesburg campus offers two nursing degrees: an ADN program with two tracks (generic and LPN bridge) and an RN-to-BSN program that requires an ADN or diploma for entry. Both programs feature clinical experiences at area hospitals, extended care facilities, and community health organizations. Over the past decade, approximately 60-80 ADN graduates annually have achieved an 89% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam.
#51: Hodges University
The School of Health Sciences at Hodges University offers a BSN program that is designed to be completed in two parts. The first portion is the pre-nursing curriculum, completed as part of an associate of science degree in biomedical sciences. The second portion is the nursing core, which contains a planned sequence of theoretical, laboratory, simulation, and clinical experiences. Courses are offered at the Naples campus in the evening, and clinical experiences take place on weekends. Students move through this fulltime program with a cohort, so nursing core courses must be taken as directed and cannot be conducted out of sequence.
#52: Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College was founded in 1933 as Florida’s first community college. Today, the school serves nearly 50,000 students across five campuses in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves, and Palm Beach Gardens. The college’s Health Sciences Division offers the full breadth of undergraduate nursing pathways, including a practical nursing career certificate, an associate of science in nursing, and an RN-to-BSN completion program. The LPN program graduates 20-30 students annually, with a stellar 94% NCLEX-PN pass rate over the past decade. The ASN program graduates more than 200 students annually across the Lake Worth and Belle Glade campuses, with a strong 86% NCLEX-RN pass rate over the past decade.
#53: Seminole State College of Florida
Seminole State educates nearly 30,000 students across six campuses that span Seminole County. The college is among the top twenty institutions nationwide in terms of associate degrees awarded annually. The Nursing Department is headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Seminole State’s newest campus that opened in January 2008. Students who are new to nursing can pursue an associate of science degree on either a fulltime or parttime basis. Either pathway provides a seamless transition into the college’s online RN-to-BSN completion program. Seminole State’s ADN students have posted an impressive 97% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade, including a phenomenal 98.6% pass rate during 2019.
#54: American Medical Academy
American Medical Academy began as an EMS-focused institution in 2006. Today, AMA serves more than 400 students enrolled in over a dozen certificate, diploma, and degree programs. For aspiring nurses, the academy offers both traditional BSN and RN-to-BSN pathways. The RN-to-BSN curriculum focuses on traditional and emerging topics in nursing, including informatics, research, business concepts, and nursing education. This option may be completed online in less than two years. The traditional BSN is a three- to four-year program that covers a broad range of coursework, including health promotion, illness prevention and wellness, and diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Upon completion of the traditional BSN program, graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. American Medical Academy is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
#55: Treasure Coast Technical College
Treasure Coast Technical College has a practical nursing certificate program that takes just one year to complete. Students in the program attend daytime classes and clinicals for approximately 35 hours per week. Clinical experiences at cooperating healthcare facilities may also include some evening hours. Aspiring LPNs at TCTC receive an outstanding foundation in nursing, including intensive classroom instruction and supervised work experiences at local health agencies. The select program of 15-20 students frequently achieves a 90% completion rate. Even more impressively, graduates have scored a 98% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam over the past decade, with numerous cohorts achieving a perfect 100% pass rate.
#56: Cape Coral Technical College
Cape Coral Technical College has a 1,350-hour LPN program that prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Over the past decade, these LPN graduates have scored an exceptional 98% pass rate on the licensure examination. The program offers small class sizes, hands-on training, and the opportunity to work directly with patients, physicians, and nurses in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Students will also gain experience through a variety of interactive simulation case scenarios. Job placement assistance is available, and students can expect to complete the program in just 12 months of fulltime study.
#57: Withlacoochee Technical College
Withlacoochee Technical College offers an LPN certificate program for aspiring practical nurses. The program prepares its students to address family and community health issues, teach patients about nutrition, treat patients from newborns to the elderly, administer medications, and assist RNs and doctors in medical-surgical settings. The college graduates a small cohort of 10-20 LPN students each year, and they have a phenomenal track record of success on the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Withlacoochee Technical College has posted a 98% NCLEX pass rate over the past decade, including a string of recent classes with a perfect 100% pass rate.
#58: St. Johns River State College
SJR State serves the educational and workforce training needs of Northeast Florida, with campuses in Orange Park, Palatka, and St. Augustine. The Nursing Department offers five distinct programs, including two certificates (nursing assistant and practical nurse), two associate degree pathways (generic and LPN bridge), and an RN-to-BSN completion program conducted 100% online. The LPN certificate is a new addition that just recently graduated its first cohort. The ASN degree has a long track record of student success. The program graduates approximately 100 students annually, with an 89% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. The class of 2019 scored an impressive 95% NCLEX pass rate.
#59: St. Petersburg College
In 1927, St. Petersburg College became Florida’s first two-year college. Today, the school is recognized as the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. More than 180 programs of study are available to 53,000 students. The College of Nursing offers two pathways to the associate in science degree (traditional and LPN transitional) as well as an RN-to-BSN degree completion program. At the center of SPC nursing is SCENE: the Simulation Center for Excellence in Nursing Education. Housed in the college’s Health Education Center, SCENE features a state-of-the-art replica of a hospital intensive care unit and emergency room. Replete with high-fidelity simulators, SCENE provides the closest thing possible to real-world nursing experience. St. Petersburg College graduates a large cohort of 250-300 students annually from the associate in science nursing program, with an impressive 89% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#60: Florida SouthWestern State College
Florida SouthWestern State College has been in existence for sixty years. The school caters to degree-seeking high school graduates, adult learners, and students looking to finish their degree. Programs are conducted across five schools including the School of Health Professions, which offers both a prelicensure ADN program and an RN-to-BSN completion pathway. The ADN program combines classroom instruction with clinical practice, lab, and simulation education. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level nursing positions after passing the NCLEX licensure examination. FSW’s ADN program is large, graduating more than 200 students annually with an impressive 87% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. The RN-to-BSN program has a competitive admissions process and offers a part-time schedule to accommodate working nurses. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in the field.
#61: Gadsden Center for Health Education
Launched in 1997, the School of Practical Nursing at Gadsden Center for Health Education has an approved class limit of just 24 students annually. The practical nursing curriculum consists of 1,350 hours of classroom theory and clinical training. Graduates’ scores on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam have continually exceeded both the Florida and national averages, including an excellent 95% first-time pass rate over the past decade. Newly licensed graduates find positions in healthcare facilities throughout the Tallahassee metropolitan area.
#62: South Florida State College
Established in 1965, South Florida State College was one of Florida’s first community colleges to offer bachelor’s degree programs through partnerships with private and public universities. Today, SFSC has three of its own bachelor’s degree programs, including an RN-to-BSN degree completion pathway. In addition to the RN-to-BSN program, South Florida State College offers a 75-hour home health aide course, an 11-month practical nursing career certificate, and two pathways to the associate in science degree (two-year generic program or 13-month LPN-to-RN bridge). South Florida State College graduates relatively small nursing cohorts, typically 20-30 LPN students and 30-40 ADN students annually. These students have performed admirably on their licensure examinations, with a 98% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and a 90% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, respectively, over the past decade.
#63: Santa Fe College
Santa Fe College has five options for aspiring nurses: a CNA certificate, an LPN certificate, two ASN pathways (traditional and LPN bridge), and an RN-to-BSN completion program. The CNA certificate is brief, requiring just seven weeks of coursework. The LPN certificate takes one year to complete. Santa Fe’s LPN program is select, graduating approximately twenty students annually with a stellar 95% NCLEX-PN pass rate over the past decade. The ASN typically requires two years of fulltime study. Santa Fe graduates approximately 150 ASN students each year, with a 90% NCLEX-RN pass rate over the past decade. The BSN is a 120-credit-hour program designed for RNs who are graduates of an accredited ASN program. BSN coursework can be completed primarily online by asynchronous instruction.
#64: North Florida Technical College
North Florida Technical College offers both day and evening LPN programs. Students complete courses in medical and surgical care for convalescent, physically challenged, and physically or mentally rehabilitative patients. Instruction is also given for geriatric, obstetric, and pediatric clients. Students will graduate with a thorough understanding of body structure and function, community health, CPR, diseases and disorders, first aid, lifespan, medication, and nutrition. NFTC’s LPN program typically graduates 20-40 students annually, with an outstanding 94% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam over the past decade.
#65: Fort Myers Technical College
Fort Myers Technical College has an LPN program that takes just one year to complete. The curriculum includes classroom lectures, laboratory work, and clinical experiences in local hospitals and nursing homes. Coursework covers a range of topics including the health careers core, nursing fundamentals, body structure and function, nutrition, medication administration, medical-surgical nursing, maternity and pediatric nursing, bio-psycho-social nursing, transitional nursing, and employability skills. The LPN program’s 25-50 annual graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN national licensure examination. These students have achieved an outstanding 94% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#66: Marion Technical College
Marion Technical College offers 23 career-focused programs that run the gamut from cosmetology to culinary arts to welding. Across all of its vocational programs, the school boasts an 80% graduation rate and an 88% retention rate. MTC launched its licensed practical nursing program in 2013. This 43-week course of study combines lectures, hands-on skills practice in a nursing lab, and clinical externships at hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and ambulatory clinics. LPN graduates earn a certificate of completion in practical nursing, and they are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-PN national licensure exam. Since the program’s inception, MTC students have passed this exam at a strong 93% first-try rate, including a perfect 100% (35 out of 35) pass rate in 2018.
#67: Traviss Technical College
Traviss Technical College offers an LPN certificate program for aspiring practical nurses. The program reviews medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing principles. It also covers a breadth of healthcare topics including nutrition, human growth and development, pharmacology, medicine administration, and the legal aspects of practice. Throughout the program, students acquire extensive clinical experience at local hospitals and medical facilities. Traviss Technical College graduates approximately fifty newly minted LPNs each year. Over the past decade, these students have scored a strong 92% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
#68: Ridge Technical College
Ridge Technical College has more than twenty pathways available for some of the country’s fastest-growing careers. Many of these programs are in the healthcare industry. Aspiring practical nurses can pursue a 1,350-hour LPN program with both day and evening schedule options. The curriculum covers nursing theory and practice, with clinical experiences at area hospitals and medical facilities. Sample coursework includes comprehensive nursing and transitional skills, medical-surgical nursing, and practical nursing foundations. Approximately forty students graduate annually from the LPN program, and they have achieved an excellent 92% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam over the past decade.
#69: Okaloosa Technical College
Okaloosa Technical College’s LPN program prepares graduates for positions such as clinic nurse, long-term care nurse, home health nurse, and school nurse. The program includes theoretical instruction and clinical experience in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing; acute and long-term care situations; and the application of personal, family, and community health concepts. The program also covers nutrition, human growth and development, interpersonal skills, mental health concepts, pharmacology, medications, and the legal aspects of the profession. Over the past decade, LPN graduates have achieved an impressive 91% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
#70: Atlantic Technical College
Atlantic Technical College has a fast-track LPN program that takes just 12 months to finish fulltime. Students in the program will complete five terms, or approximately 1,350 hours of study. LPN classes are held at the school’s Fort Lauderdale campus, not at the main campus in Coconut Creek. Graduates of the program are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Over the past decade, graduates of ATC’s practical nursing program have achieved an excellent first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 90%.
#71: Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville employs more than 1,200 faculty members that serve 45,000 students across four campuses. This makes FSCJ one of the largest schools and employers in the entire state. The college offers a breadth of nursing pathways including a two-course CNA program, an LPN career certificate, two ASN options (traditional and LPN/paramedic bridge), and a part-time RN-to-BSN completion program. FSCJ provides convenient clinical rotations in area hospitals and other medical centers. Graduates of the ASN and LPN programs are prepared to sit for their respective licensure examinations. The ASN program graduates more than 300 students annually, with a solid 82% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate over the past decade. The LPN program is a bit smaller, graduating 30-50 students annually with a 73% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate over the past decade.
#72: City College
City College was established in 1896 as Draughon’s College of Business in Paducah, Kentucky. The college launched its first branch campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Today, City College comprises five Florida campuses and an online division, with the Fort Lauderdale campus serving as its headquarters. City College offers a nursing program that takes place over eight quarters. The ADN curriculum focuses on both traditional and holistic nursing, combined with hands-on clinical and laboratory instruction. Core coursework for the program includes mental health nursing, pharmacology, and obstetric nursing. Graduates of the City College ADN program are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Since the program’s inception, ADN graduates have averaged an 84% first-time NCLEX pass rate.
#73: Northwest Florida State College
The Nursing Division at Northwest Florida State College offers ADN and RN-to-BSN programs. The ADN is a campus-based program that features both clinical experiences and access to a state-of-the-art simulation center, which combines education and technology to help students build confidence and skills. Over the past decade, approximately 50-80 annual graduates of the ADN program have sustained an excellent 96% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. The RN-to-BSN is a flexible but competitive program offered online and designed for licensed RNs. It prepares working nurses to advance into leadership positions such as case manager, hospital-based educator, and nurse manager.
#74: College of Central Florida
College of Central Florida has several programs for nurses at varying stages in their careers. Options include several ADN pathways (traditional, LPN bridge, paramedic bridge) and an RN-to-BSN completion program. The traditional ADN program takes approximately two years to complete. College of Central Florida graduates 60-100 ADN students annually at its Ocala campus and another 10-20 ADN students at its Citrus County campus. Over the past decade, these students have achieved a 93% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam. The BSN program, which has a 100% job placement rate, has both full- and part-time options available.
#75: Pinellas Technical College
Pinellas Technical College has a practical nursing program that can be completed at either the St. Petersburg campus or the Clearwater campus. Students may choose to complete the program entirely on-campus or through a hybrid program that features online coursework and clinical hours scheduled at convenient times. For example, the Clearwater campus offers clinicals on weekends and evenings, while the St. Petersburg campus offers Tuesday and Wednesday daytime clinicals. Over the past decade, both campuses have maintained strong performance on the NCLEX-PN licensure examination, with an 89% pass rate in St. Petersburg and an 88% pass rate in Clearwater.
#76: Osceola Technical College
Osceola Technical College has a full-time LPN program that prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. The program covers obstetric, medical, surgical, geriatric, and pediatric nursing in acute care, long-term care, and community health settings. The 1,350-hour program also incorporates nutrition, body structure and function, human growth and development, pharmacology, administration of medications, interpersonal relationship skills, mental health concepts, and current issues in nursing. Osceola Technical College graduates approximately 30-40 new LPNs annually, with an 89% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#77: Lake Technical College
Lake Technical College began in 1966 as a collection of three programs: auto mechanics, business, and education. Today, Lake Tech houses more than thirty programs including the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, which prepares students for the most in-demand manufacturing careers. Among Lake Tech’s other highly regarded programs is an LPN pathway that prepares students for employment as a practical nurse. The program covers 600 hours in practical nursing foundations, 600 hours in medical-surgical nursing, and 150 hours of comprehensive training and transitional skills. In addition to employment at hospitals, doctor’s offices, and nursing homes, graduates of the Lake Tech LPN program are prepared for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. They have scored an impressive 89% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#78: Emerald Coast Technical College
Emerald Coast Technical College has a practical nursing program designed to prepare students for employment as LPNs in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and nursing homes. The 1,350-hour program offers a day option, which takes just 12 months to complete, and an evening option, which takes 18 months to complete. Sample courses for the program include Practical Nursing Foundations, Medical Surgical Nursing, and Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills. ECTC graduates 30-50 LPN students annually who are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Over the past decade, these students have achieved an 89% first-time NCLEX pass rate.
#79: Ana G. Mendez University
Ana G. Mendez University is the largest private university in Puerto Rico, with three additional campuses in the state of Florida. AGMU awards the full gamut of diplomas and degrees at its campuses in Metro Orlando, South Florida, and Tampa Bay. The School of Nursing offers pathways both for individuals who are interested in becoming a nurse and for professional nurses seeking advancement in their careers. Available programs include a traditional ADN, two BSN pathways (prelicensure and RN-to-BSN), an MSN degree with an executive nursing specialization, and a DNP program. The graduate programs may be completed either on campus or online. AGMU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and approved by the Florida Commission for Independent Education.
#80: First Coast Technical College
First Coast Technical College began as St. Augustine Technical Center in 1965. The school offers career programs in areas ranging from agriculture to health sciences. Nursing pathways include a home health aide certificate and an LPN certificate. The 5.5-week HHA program prepares students to care for patients in their home or in healthcare settings. The LPN curriculum has a standard 56-week option and an accelerated 49-week option. Critical topics include medical-surgical oncology, pharmacology, and rehabilitation basics. LPN graduates are well prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination, averaging an admirable 88% first-time pass rate over the past decade. FCTC nursing graduates have been recruited by Flagler Health+, Brooks American Home Health, and Island Doctors, among others.
#81: Hillsborough Community College
Founded in 1968, Hillsborough Community College employs more than 2,200 faculty and staff that serve over 42,000 students. The fifth-largest community college in the Florida College System, HCC offers nearly 200 programs leading to an associate in arts degree, associate in science degree, diploma, or certificate. In the fall of 2022, the college plans to launch its first-ever four-year degree – a bachelor of science in nursing – in response to the severe nursing shortage in Florida. HCC currently offers a four-semester, 72-credit-hour ADN program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Coursework covers critical topics like mental health nursing, psychology, and adult health. Clinicals take place at local hospitals and health centers, and graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Hillsborough Community College’s ADN program graduates 200-300 students annually, with a solid 83% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#82: Suncoast Technical College
The LPN program at Suncoast Technical College prepares students to plan and administer nursing care to patients in hospitals, physicians’ offices, extended care facilities, and private homes. The program offers both theoretical instruction and clinical experience in medical, surgical, maternal-child, mental health, and geriatric nursing. In particular, clinical experiences make up more than 50% of the total program hours. These clinical experiences take place at local hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and other selected healthcare agencies. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN national licensure exam. Between forty and eighty students complete the LPN program each year, with an 87% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#83: Southeastern College
Southeastern College began as the Cruise Career Training Institute in 1988. Today, the school operates across five campuses in Charleston, Charlotte, Columbia, Miami, and West Palm Beach. The college’s nursing and allied health programs are offered at both Florida campuses. Students may attend either in-person or through a hybrid format. The college offers both LPN and ADN programs, preparing graduates to sit for the respective NCLEX licensure examination. Over the past decade, Southeastern College students have posted an 82% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and a 77% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate.
#84: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota is part of the 28-member Florida College System. Established in 1957 and serving more than 25,000 college credit and professional development students, SCF is the first and largest public college in the region. The school offers a breadth of programs on diverse topics including art, design, technology, and health professions. The Division of Health Professions conducts a fully accredited and approved ADN program with two tracks: a basic approach for students with no previous nursing coursework, and a transition approach for LPNs with an active license. The curriculum combines immersive courses in classrooms and labs with supervised clinical experiences in healthcare facilities across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. The ADN program graduates more than 100 students annually with an exceptional 96% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade. The college also offers an RN-to-BSN degree completion program for current Florida registered nurses in both an on-campus and online format.
#85: Homestead Senior High School
Homestead Senior High School is a unique institution that offers magnet programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment in industries ranging from culinary arts to nursing. The nursing magnet program offers practical nursing, medical assisting, and pharmacy technician pathways. Students in the LPN pathway may also complete dual enrollment coursework that leads to an associate of arts degree upon high school graduation. The curriculum provides extensive clinical hours at area hospitals and other healthcare environments. In addition to immediate employment in the healthcare industry, LPN graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Over the past decade, Homestead Senior High School students have achieved an impressive 88% first-time pass rate on the exam.
#86: McFatter Technical College
McFatter Technical College offers vocational programs for individuals seeking careers in areas like business, information technology, and health sciences. For aspiring nurses, MTC has a practical nursing program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The program’s 1,350 hours of study can be completed in 12 months on a daytime, Monday through Thursday schedule. The curriculum combines coursework on practical nursing foundations, medical-surgical nursing, and transitional skills with extensive hands-on experience in simulation, laboratory, and clinical environments. Graduates are qualified for positions in outpatient care facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and physician’s offices. McFatter Technical College graduates 50-80 LPN students annually, with a commendable 86% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#87: Manatee Technical College
Manatee Technical College began as Manatee County Vocational and Technical Center in 1963. The college is one of 47 public technical centers and colleges across 29 school districts in Florida. More than 60% of the school’s programs offer college credit. For students seeking a career in nursing, Manatee Technical College has a practical nursing program with on-campus and hybrid options. The curriculum covers key areas like family health concepts, nutrition, and pharmacology. Immersive clinical experiences take place at community hospitals and healthcare centers. After passing the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, LPN graduates qualify for employment as charge nurses, home health nurses, and private duty nurses. Manatee Technical College graduates approximately 50 LPN students each year. Over the past decade, these students have achieved an 86% first-time NCLEX pass rate.
#88: Florida Panhandle Technical College
Florida Panhandle Technical College was established in 1967 as Washington-Holmes Area Vocational Technical Center to provide workforce training for the Florida Panhandle. The college’s programs run the gamut from applied cybersecurity and digital media to practical nursing and welding technology. FPTC’s practical nursing certificate is open to individuals 18 and over with a high school diploma. The program trains individuals to deliver basic nursing care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient surgery centers. Over 44 weeks, students complete 1,350 hours of coursework and hands-on clinical practice. The curriculum covers critical topics like practical nursing foundations, medical-surgical nursing, comprehensive nursing, and transitional skills. The program’s graduates are well prepared for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, achieving a commendable 86% first-time pass rate over the past decade.
#89: Robert Morgan Educational Center & Technical College
Robert Morgan Educational Center & Technical College operates across two campuses that provide GED preparation, English instruction for speakers of other languages, and career and technical education. Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, the LPN program features instruction and clinical experience in acute and long-term care, nutrition, and basic nursing. At least 50% of the program is dedicated to clinical experience. While the program requires 1,350 hours of study, students are eligible to receive a certificate of completion after finishing two practical nursing foundations courses totaling 600 hours. LPN graduates are well prepared for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination, averaging an 86% first-time pass rate over the past decade.
#90: Eastern Florida State College
The Nursing and Health Sciences Institute at Eastern Florida State College operates across campuses in Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, and Palm Bay. The college is also a regional training center for the American Heart Association. Dozens of accredited healthcare programs are available to adults 18 and over with a high school diploma or GED. Nursing pathways include a practical nursing certificate, several ADN options – including transition programs for LPNs, paramedics, and respiratory therapists – and an online RN-to-BSN degree completion program. Graduates of the LPN and ADN programs are prepared to sit for their respective licensure examinations. Eastern Florida State College graduates approximately 100-150 ADN students each year, with a strong 88% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate over the past decade. The LPN program graduates 20-30 students annually, with an 80% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate over the past decade.
#91: Blanche Ely High School
Blanche Ely High School houses the most National Academy Foundation institutes under one roof. The school’s Academy of Health Sciences offers pre-medical, electrocardiogram, patient care technician, certified medical administrative assistant, and licensed practical nursing programs. The LPN program is the only practical nursing program in a comprehensive high school in the state of Florida. The curriculum includes several computer and business certifications, patient care physician certification, and the army practical nursing specialist credential. Critical topics include health science, professional ethics, and global health. The LPN program graduates a tight-knit cohort of 6-12 students annually. Over the past decade, these graduates have averaged an 84% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.
#92: Orange Technical College
Since 1933, Orange Technical College has provided programs that prepare students for careers in everything from business to nursing. The college’s nursing pathways include CNA and LPN programs. The 120-hour CNA program covers essential skills like dressing, bathing, and personal hygiene. After passing the certified nursing assistant exam, graduates are prepared for immediate employment in the field. The 1,350-hour, 12-month LPN program provides instruction in anatomy, community health, mental health, nutrition, and pharmacology. The curriculum includes extensive hands-on training through clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities. After passing the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, graduates qualify for positions in acute care hospitals, clinics, and home health. Orange Technical College graduates approximately 30 LPN students each year, with an 84% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#93: Gulf Coast State College
Gulf Coast State College was the first public two-year institution to open after a statewide network of community colleges was established in 1957. The school offers degree, certificate, and postsecondary vocational programs across nine academic divisions. The Health Sciences Division houses a nursing program that boasts an impressive 95% employment rate within six months of passing the NCLEX licensure examination. Specific nursing pathways include an LPN certificate, a traditional ADN program, an LPN-to-ADN bridge, and an RN-to-BSN completion pathway. Admission to GCSC’s nursing programs is highly competitive, and they provide clinical experiences at top area hospitals and medical facilities. Over the past decade, the college’s LPN graduates have achieved an 82% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate, while its ADN graduates have averaged an 86% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate.
#94: Lively Technical College
Lively Technical College offers a selective-admission LPN program that requires three semesters to complete full-time (during the day) or four semesters to complete part-time (during evenings). The curriculum combines classroom theory with laboratory and supervised clinical experiences at community hospitals and healthcare centers. Students learn how to conduct physical exams, monitor vital signs, perform routine lab tests, and administer injections. Practical nursing graduates are prepared for positions in acute and long-term care facilities, hospitals, schools, and clinics. The program also prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Over the past decade, Lively Technical College has graduated 50-70 LPN students annually who have averaged an 82% first-time NCLEX pass rate.
#95: Indian River State College
Indian River State College comprises five campuses and six other education sites that serve 25,000 students living on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Dozens of degrees and adult education programs are available, including LPN and ADN programs. Housed within the School of Nursing, these programs take place in a student-centered learning environment. Nursing students benefit from partnerships with local healthcare facilities that hire graduates nearly 100% of the time. Nursing graduates are prepared to sit for their respective licensure examinations. IRSC’s ADN program graduates 150-200 students annually, with an admirable 89% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate over the past decade. The college’s LPN program graduates 40-60 students annually, with an 83% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate over the past decade.
#96: Sheridan Technical College
Sheridan Technical College operates across campuses in Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Fort Lauderdale. Most of the school’s career and technical education programs are housed at the 18-acre main campus in Hollywood. Pathways are concentrated in clusters such as Business and Information Technology or Health Sciences Education. The college’s LPN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The curriculum explores nursing fundamentals and focused areas such as blood-borne diseases, infection control, and computer literacy. Hands-on clinical experiences take place at local hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. Sheridan Technical College graduates 80-90 LPN students each year. Over the past decade, these graduates have averaged an 82% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.
#97: Lindsey Hopkins Technical College
Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, Lindsey Hopkins Technical College provides adult general education programs, such as the GED, as well as career and technical programs in a broad range of vocations including commercial art, construction, and practical nursing. The college’s LPN program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. Coursework covers important topics like acute and long-term care, geriatric nursing, maternal and newborn care, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, pediatric nursing, pharmacology, and the administration of medications. Clinical experience accounts for at least 50% of the curriculum. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home healthcare once they have passed the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Lindsey Hopkins Technical College graduates approximately 30-40 LPN students annually, with an average 82% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#98: Florida National University
Florida National University is the first and only university in Hialeah. The university holds regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. FNU offers degree, diploma, and certificate programs in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats. Nursing programs include two prelicensure options (ADN and BSN) and an MSN with both traditional and RN-to-MSN pathways. The MSN curriculum has three concentrations: family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse leadership and management. The university’s nursing graduates have performed admirably on their certification and licensure examinations. For several years in a row, FNP graduates have scored a pass rate between 90% and 100% on the AANP certification exam. BSN graduates have averaged a 70% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure examination since the program’s inception.
#99: Charlotte Technical College
Charlotte Technical College provides more than twenty career and technical certificate programs accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The school’s practical nursing program is also approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. The LPN program requires 1,350 hours of study on a fulltime schedule, Monday through Friday. The curriculum surveys a broad range of critical topics including practical nursing foundations, medical-surgical nursing, and transitional skills. Upon completion of the LPN program, graduates are prepared to enroll in an LPN-to-ADN bridge program at any state college in Florida. They are also prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Charlotte Technical College graduates approximately fifty LPN students per year, with a solid 81% first-time NCLEX pass rate over the past decade.
#100: Locklin Technical College
Locklin Technical College has provided workforce education since 1982. When the school opened, it had just seven programs. Today, Locklin students can access a wide range of vocational options including applied cybersecurity, welding technology, and practical nursing. The LPN program requires 1,350 hours of study on critical topics like practical nursing foundations, medical-surgical nursing, transitional skills, pharmacology, medication administration, mental health, and current issues in nursing practice. The program includes supervised clinical experiences in areas such as geriatric, surgical, and obstetric nursing. This hands-on training occurs at acute and long-term care facilities. Locklin Technical College produces a small cohort of 15-25 LPN graduates each year. These students have achieved an 81% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure examination over the past decade.