Registered Nurses who are considering returning to school in the Sunshine State of Florida to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree have many options. We have compiled the list below of schools in Florida which offer nationally accredited MSN programs. We hope you find the resources useful in your search.
Barry UniversityDivision of Nursing
Two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree are offered by the Division of Nursing at Barry University. For those who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) they offer a traditional BSN to MSN pathway. They also offer an RN to MSN Bridge pathway.
The RN to MSN Bridge program is designed for those diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses who also hold a Bachelor’s in a field other than nursing. Students accepted to the program may be required to take two undergraduate courses (Nursing Research and Health Assessment) prior to progressing into the graduate coursework.
MSN programs are offered in several roles/specializations including:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Executive Leadership
- Nurse Educator
An MSN/MBA dual degree program is also offered.
Applicants to the MSN programs are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Bachelor’s degree in another field (RN to BSN) from a regionally accredited school. Students must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must hold a current license in Florida to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
11300 NE Second Avenue
Wiegand 133
Miami Shores, FL 33161
(305) 899-3800
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversitySchool of Nursing
Florida A&M University’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree in two areas of specialization:
- Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Those seeking admission to the program must hold a BSN from an NLNAC accredited program with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher in all work attempted in the last 60 hours of the degree. Acceptable GRE scores must be submitted. Students must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics, Health Assessment, and Computer Literacy. Candidates must have a current RN license in the State of Florida and one year of clinical practice experience prior to the first graduate clinical course.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
334 West Palmer Avenue
103 Ware Rhaney Building
Tallahassee, FL 32307
(850) 559-3017
Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer both a BSN to MSN pathway and an RN to MSN Bridge pathway.
The RN to MSN Bridge pathway is designed for diploma or Associate’s prepared RNs who also hold a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing. Students are required to complete lower division Bachelor’s level nursing prerequisites as well as upper division bridge courses not taken in their RN program. Those graduating from the program do not earn a BSN degree.
Several options are available to those pursuing their MSN. Programs in the following areas of specialization are available:
- Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Advanced Holistic Nursing
- Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership
- Nurse Educator
Those entering via the RN to MSN Bridge pathway are required to hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing plus a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. They must have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the final 60 Bachelor’s level course credits. They must have completed an undergraduate Statistics Course. Candidates must hold a current license as an RN in Florida.
Those entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 3.0 GPA. Those with a GPA lower than 3.0 are required to take the GRE or MAT. Students must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Nursing Research. Candidates must hold a license in Florida as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
777 Glades Road
SU 80, Room 101
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 297-3624
Florida Gulf Coast University School of Nursing
Florida Gulf Coast University’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree preparing students for a career in Advanced Practice Nursing. They offer MSN programs in two specializations: Nurse Anesthesia and Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner. Those choosing the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner option can choose to specialize as an Adult Nurse Practitioner or a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Applicants must have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students must submit GRE or MAT scores. They must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Health Assessment with a grade of “C” or higher. Candidates must hold a current unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Florida.
Those choosing to specialize in Nurse Anesthesia have additional requirements. They must have completed two undergraduate chemistry courses with lab. They must have at least one year of practice experience as an RN in an acute care setting.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL 33965
(239) 590-7513
Florida International University Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences
The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree in a variety of specialty areas. They offer MSN degrees in the following specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nurse Administration
Those seeking admission to an MSN degree program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited institution with at least a 3.0 PA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work. They are required to submit official GRE scores. Candidates must hold a current unrestricted license as an RN in Florida.
Applicants specializing in Nurse Anesthesia have additional admission requirements that must be met. They must have one year of full-time experience as an RN in a critical care setting. ACLS, PALS, and CPR certifications are required prior to enrolling.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
11200 SW 8th Street
Modesto A. Maidique Campus – AHC 3
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-7703
Florida Southern College School of Nursing and Health Sciences
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida Southern College offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree in three specialization areas. MSN programs are offered in the following specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Educator
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution with an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. They must have completed undergraduate courses in Health Assessment, Evidence Based Health Care, and Statistics with a grade of “B” or better. Students must hold a current, active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Florida.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 680-4111
Florida State University College of Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing degree is offered by Florida State University’s College of Nursing in two specializations. Students can choose between a Nurse Leader and a Nurse Educator specialization.
All applicants are required to be a resident of Florida. They must possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program. Their upper division GPA must be a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. They must submit acceptable scores on the GRE or MAT. Candidates must hold an unencumbered license as an RN in the State of Florida.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
Vivian M. Duxbury Hall
98 Varsity Way, MC 4310
Tallahassee, FL 32306
(850) 644-3296
Jacksonville University School of Nursing
Jacksonville University’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree in the following specializations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner/Emergency Nurse Practitioner dual specialization
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership
They also offer an MSN/MBA dual degree.
Those applying to an MSN program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students should have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Those with a GPA less than 3.0 are required to submit GRE scores.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
2800 University Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL 32211
(800) 225-2027
Nova Southeastern University College of Nursing
Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by the College of Nursing at Nova Southeastern University. They offer both a BSN to MSN pathway as well as an RN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN program designed for diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses. The program accelerate the process of earning both their BSN and MSN degrees. Students receive 64 prior learning credits for their RN licensure.
Nova Southern offers MSN degree programs in the following specializations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Informatics
- Nursing Education
- Health Systems Leadership
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway are required to hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing. They must hold a current and active license to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a BSN from a regionally accredited program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who do not hold a BSN but do hold a Bachelor of Science in a field other than nursing can also apply, but they must complete a Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice course prior to beginning the MSN program. They must have completed a course in Statistics with a grade of “C” or better. Candidates must hold a current active license as an RN.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
3200 South University Drive
Building, 5th Floor
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328
(800) 541-6682
University of Central Florida College of Nursing
The College of Nursing at the University of Central Florida offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer a traditional MSN pathway and an RN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN program allows RNs with a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing to complete both the BSN and MSN degrees in less time. The program is offered completely online and can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Students entering via this pathway can choose from two specializations: Nurse Educator and Nursing Leadership & Management.
The traditional MSN program at Central Florida offers even more options for specializations. Students can choose from the following:
- Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Leadership & Management
Applicants entering a program via the RN to MSN pathway are required to hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing from a state-approved or accredited program. The must have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must have completed series of nursing prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. They must hold a license as a Registered Nurse or be eligible for licensure.
Applicants to the traditional BSN to MSN pathway are required to have previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. They must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course. Students entering the Nurse Practitioner programs are required to submit GRE scores. Those pursuing other specializations do not have to take the GRE. Candidates must be licensed as an RN in Florida (or the state where they will practice).
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
12201 Research Parkway, Suite 300
Orlando, FL 32826
(407) 823-2744
University of Florida College of Nursing
The University of Florida’s College of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The MSN program prepares nurses as Clinical Nurse Leaders. The program is available online.
Applicants to the MSN program are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program with a 3.0 or higher GPA in all upper-division coursework. Students must submit GRE scores. Candidates must be a Registered Nurse or be eligible for licensure.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1225 Center Drive
PO Box 100197
Gainesville, FL 32610
(352) 273-6400
University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies
The School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Miami offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree in three specializations. The program accepts students with a BSN as well as diploma or Associate’s prepared RNs with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field (RN to MSN pathway).
MSN programs are offered in the following specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Applicants to the MSN programs at the University of Miami are preferred to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program. However, Registered Nurses who hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in a non-nursing field will also be considered. Students should have completed an undergraduate Statistics course. Candidates must hold a current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in Florida or the state of current practice. Those with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain a Florida RN license once admitted to the program. They must also hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
5030 Brunson Drive, Suite 209
PO Box 248153
Coral Gables, FL 33124
(305) 284-3666
University of North Florida School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at the University of North Florida offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with two specializations: Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Anesthetist. The last cohort to be admitted to the MSN programs will be the Fall 2014 cohort after which they will be transitioned to the BSN to DNP program.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1 UNF Drive
Building 39A, Room 3090
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 620-2684
University of South Florida College of Nursing
University of South Florida’s College of Nursing offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree including a traditional MSN pathway and an RN to MSN pathway. They offer the degree in a variety of roles/specializations including:
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Occupational Health & Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Oncology & Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nursing Education
Applicants entering via the traditional MSN pathway must hold a BSN degree. Registered Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field will also be considered. A 3.0 or higher GPA on all upper level baccalaureate coursework is required. They must hold a current Florida RN license.
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN accelerated graduate program must first be admitted to the USF undergraduate program. They are required to hold an Associate’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution. They must have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher on all undergraduate work (excluding Associate in nursing coursework). Students must have completed English Composition I & II courses. Candidates must hold a current Florida license to practice as an RN.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
MDC Box 22
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 974-2191
University of TampaNursing Department
A Master of Science in Nursing degree is offered through the Department of Nursing at the University of Tampa. The program is offered to BSN prepared nurses as well as diploma or Associate’s prepared nurses who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
MSN programs are offered in two areas of specialization. Those areas include the following:
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
Applicants entering the program without a BSN degree are required to hold a diploma or Associate’s in nursing as well as a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA. Students must either submit acceptable GRE scores or successfully complete the Scholarly and Professional Communication in Nursing course. They must also successfully complete three undergraduate prerequisite courses prior to progressing into the graduate coursework with a grade of “C” or better. Those courses are Health Assessment, Contemporary Issues in Health Care, and Principles in Community Health. Candidates must be licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in Florida.
Applicants entering via the traditional BSN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with a 3.0 GPA. They must either submit acceptable GRE scores or complete a Scholarly and Professional Communication in Nursing course. Students must have a current Florida RN license.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
401 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 258-7409