While Florida nurses who wish to become advanced practice nurses, nurse leaders, or nurse administrators have the option to get an MSN degree, a DNP degree proves to be a better choice in this current day and age. Though it takes longer to complete, this terminal degree opens more career opportunities as the curriculum focuses on quality improvement, systems-based leadership, and evidence-based practice, to name a few.
If you’re considering taking on the challenge of a DNP program, then here are several options — classified according to your current level of education (BSN or MSN) and modality. We’re also going to talk about the top-ranked programs in Florida, including those with the shortest durations, as well as the most affordable options.
How to choose a DNP program in Florida
The AACN recommends the DNP as the terminal clinical degree for advanced practice nursing. Florida DNP programs split between BSN-to-DNP pathways (integrated MSN-plus-doctoral coursework) and post-MSN DNP pathways (for currently-practicing NPs adding the terminal degree). University of Florida, University of Miami, Florida State, University of South Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Florida Atlantic University all offer DNP pathways. Under Florida law, the DNP is not required to practice as an NP — NPs can practice with an MSN — but some academic and leadership positions require the doctorate.
Florida DNP Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 10+ CCNE-accredited DNP programs — Florida offers both BSN-to-DNP and post-MSN DNP pathways.
- AACN-recommended terminal clinical degree — DNP is the recommended terminal degree for advanced practice nursing.
- BSN-to-DNP pathways — UF, University of Miami, and FGCU offer integrated BSN-to-DNP tracks.
- Autonomous Practice Registration — Florida DNPs gain autonomous practice authority after 3,000+ hours of qualifying post-licensure practice, same as MSN-prepared NPs.
- Top-25 nationally ranked — University of Florida’s DNP consistently places among U.S. News top 25 nursing graduate programs.
DNP Programs Accepting Florida Applicants
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs in Florida
There are a wealth of DNP programs in Florida for BSN- and MSN-educated nurses. Here are some that offer either an in-person or hybrid curriculum.
Florida BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Below are 8 programs that offer in-person or hybrid-type instruction for BSN graduates:
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 85 maximum
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $303.71 per credit for 85 credits — $25,815.35 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,027 per credit for 85 credits — $87,925 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FAU’s BSN-to-DNP runs 3–4 years and admits students into FNP or AGNP tracks, with coursework through the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing in Boca Raton. Delivery is a hybrid of online learning and on-campus intensives, which keeps the program workable for South Florida RNs who can’t relocate but still need face-to-face caring-science immersion.
Florida Gulf Coast University
- Fort Myers, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 81
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 81 credits — $30,243.78 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 81 credits — $105,353.46 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FGCU’s BSN-to-DNP admits FNP and PMHNP applicants with both full-time and part-time pacing. The Fort Myers campus gives students clinical access in Southwest Florida’s underserved rural and coastal communities, which is a clear fit for RNs planning to practice in that region. In-state tuition is competitive among Florida publics.
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Hybrid (On-campus NP courses + online DNP courses)
Modality: Hybrid (On-campus NP courses + online DNP courses)
Credit Hours: 70
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, for students with a GPA of 3.0 and below
Tuition: $720 per credit for 70 credits — $50,400 plus other fees
Program Overview:
JU’s hybrid BSN-DNP offers AGACNP, FNP, and PMHNP tracks, along with an executive leadership cognate for nurses aiming at admin or faculty roles. The hybrid format blends online didactics with periodic Jacksonville campus intensives. Suited to Northeast Florida RNs who want doctoral-level prep in a small-cohort setting.
Palm Beach Atlantic University
- West Palm Beach, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 71-76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $56,445 to $60,420 plus other fees
Program Overview:
PBAU’s BSN-to-DNP offers AGPCNP, FNP, PMHNP, or executive leadership concentrations, delivered through a Christian-mission School of Nursing in West Palm Beach. It’s a fit for applicants seeking faith-integrated doctoral prep; cost sits at private-university levels and should be compared against FAU for in-region alternatives.
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Hybrid with intensives twice a year
Modality: Hybrid with intensives twice a year
Credit Hours: 72-76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $288 per credit for 72–76 credits — $20,736 to $21,888 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,113 per credit for 72–76 credits — $80,136 to $84,588 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UCF’s BSN-to-DNP logs 1,020 precepted clinical hours and offers FNP, AGNP, and leadership specializations, with the Graduate Program Clinical Coordinator handling placements. The combination of above-minimum clinical hours, school-sourced preceptors, and in-state public tuition makes it one of the strongest-value DNP options in Central Florida.
University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- Hybrid (online learning with periodic campus visits)
Modality: Hybrid (online learning with periodic campus visits)
Credit Hours: 75-78
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $531 per credit for 75–78 credits — $39,825 to $41,418 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,255 per credit for 75–78 credits — $94,125 to $97,890 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UF’s BSN-to-DNP runs through the state flagship College of Nursing and offers FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, and pediatric tracks with rotations across UF Health’s Gainesville and Jacksonville campuses (including Shands). It’s the default best-value pick for Florida RNs who can commit to the longer DNP timeline and occasional Gainesville residency.
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, Florida
- Hybrid (online with 3–4 weeks on campus)
Modality: Hybrid (online with 3–4 weeks on campus)
Credit Hours: 68-71
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $55,000 to $95,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Miami’s BSN-to-DNP runs out of the School of Nursing and Health Studies in Coral Gables with FNP, AGNP, and PMHNP options and clinical placements across UHealth. The academic-medical-center setting drives both ranking and tuition; it’s a fit for applicants prioritizing referral-pattern patient acuity over cost.
University of South Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $431.43 per credit for 75 credits — $32,357.25 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $877.17 per credit for 75 credits — $65,787.75 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USF’s College of Nursing BSN-to-DNP offers FNP, AGNP, and PMHNP specializations with Tampa Bay clinical networks (USF Health, Tampa General, BayCare). In-state tuition is competitive with UF, and the I-4 corridor location is the deciding factor for most Tampa-area applicants choosing between the two flagships.
DNP Programs Accepting Florida Applicants
MSN to DNP Programs
At these 5 universities, MSN-degree nurses who wish to obtain their DNP may do so through in-person or hybrid learning:
Florida Atlantic University
- Boca Raton, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 37 minimum
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $303.71 per credit for 37 credits — $11,237.27 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,027 per credit for 37 credits — $37,999 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FAU’s MSN-to-DNP is for APRNs who already hold an MSN and want to complete the doctorate without repeating NP coursework. Delivery is hybrid, with focused on-campus immersions in Boca Raton; coursework centers on evidence-based practice, systems leadership, and the DNP scholarly project. A practical pick for South Florida APRNs completing their terminal credential.
Florida Gulf Coast University
- Fort Myers, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 36 credits — $13,441.68 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 36 credits — $46,823.76 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FGCU’s MSN-to-DNP admits MSN-prepared APRNs and can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule. The program focuses on population-health leadership and evidence-based translation, with clinical practice hours that count toward DNP requirements. Suited to Southwest Florida APRNs wanting the terminal degree at public in-state rates.
Palm Beach Atlantic University
- West Palm Beach, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 41-43
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $795 per credit for 41–43 credits — $32,595 to $34,185 plus other fees
Program Overview:
PBAU’s MSN-to-DNP extends its faith-integrated framework into doctoral study for APRNs. The West Palm Beach campus offers periodic intensives; most work is hybrid. It’s a fit for Palm Beach County APRNs wanting a Christian-mission program and willing to pay private tuition.
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, Florida
- Hybrid (online with 3–4 weeks on campus)
Modality: Hybrid (online with 3–4 weeks on campus)
Credit Hours: 39-47
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $55,000 to $95,000 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Miami’s MSN-to-DNP is built for APRNs who want the terminal credential within the UHealth academic-medical-center ecosystem. Coursework emphasizes quality improvement, healthcare policy, and the DNP project. Expect private-university tuition; the draw is the Miami brand and UHealth affiliations.
University of South Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 30 minimum
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $431.43 per credit for 30 credits — $12,942.90 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $877.17 per credit for 30 credits — $26,315.10 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USF’s MSN-to-DNP admits APRNs wanting to complete doctoral work at a research-active College of Nursing, with Tampa Bay clinical and project sites. In-state tuition and academic-medical-center embedding make it a competitive MSN-to-DNP option alongside UF.
Online DNP Programs in Florida
Several Florida DNP programs run fully online for didactic content with clinical practicum completed in the student’s home region. AdventHealth University, Florida International University, Florida State University, Nova Southeastern, University of North Florida, and USAHS all offer online BSN-entry or MSN-entry DNP tracks. Public options (FSU, FIU, UNF) win on tuition; private options (NSU, USAHS, AdventHealth) often win on start-date flexibility and placement support.
For MSN-prepared APRNs, online MSN-to-DNP completion is the more common path. UF, USF, and UCF all offer online MSN-to-DNP options with in-state tuition advantages, which generally beat private online alternatives like University of Tampa or Nexus University on cost.
Nurses have hectic schedules, which is why online DNP programs have become the more popular choice among those who wish to obtain their terminal degree. If you prefer the flexibility, accessibility, and convenience of an online DNP, below are several Florida universities that offer such programs.
Florida Online BSN to DNP Programs
Nurses with BSN degrees may choose from any of these 6 online DNP programs:
Advent Health University
- Orlando, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 91
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $670 per credit for 91 credits — $60,970 plus other fees
Program Overview:
AdventHealth University’s online DNP is a part-time doctoral program for BSN- or MSN-prepared nurses, with FNP specialization among its tracks. The pacing stretches the timeline substantially and is aimed at full-time-working RNs inside the AdventHealth system. Not the right match for applicants wanting a condensed two-to-three-year DNP.
Florida International University
- Miami, Florida
- Online & Hybrid
Modality: Online & Hybrid
Credit Hours: 77-81
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 77–81 credits — $28,750.26 to $30,243.78 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 77–81 credits — $100,150.82 $105,353.46 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FIU’s online DNP targets BSN and MSN APRNs wanting doctoral-level prep with Miami’s diverse urban clinical population. Didactic coursework is online; clinical practicum is local to the student’s region when possible. In-state public tuition is a meaningful cost advantage versus the private Florida DNPs.
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 71-76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, waiver offered
Resident Tuition: $24,000-$32,440
Non-resident tuition: $58,050-$78,475
Program Overview:
FSU’s online DNP runs through the College of Nursing with specialization tracks including FNP and nurse leader paths. Students complete clinical practicum in their own region where FSU’s placement office can support it. A fit for Panhandle and North Florida APRNs wanting a flagship-state-university DNP credential remotely.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online (Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Executive Nurse Leadership) & Hybrid (AGACNP, FNP, and PMHNP)
Credit Hours: 69-75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $835 per credit for 69–75 credits — $57,615 to $62,625 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NSU’s online DNP, delivered through the Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, offers BSN-entry and MSN-entry routes with multiple NP specialty tracks. Online didactics are paired with on-ground clinical hours arranged in the student’s local market. A fit for South Florida APRNs wanting private-university resources in a flexible format.
University of North Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 68-83
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident tuition: $493.53 per hour for 68–83 hours — $33,560.04 to $40,962.99 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,044.27 per hour for 68–83 hours — $71,010.36 to $86,674.41 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UNF’s online DNP runs through the Brooks College of Health with BSN-entry and MSN-entry tracks. The Jacksonville-area school has strong regional clinical partnerships, though out-of-region applicants will need to confirm placement support in their home market. In-state tuition keeps the cost below most Florida privates.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Online with one required on-campus clinical intensive
Modality: Online with one required on-campus clinical intensive
Credit Hours: 64-71
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $41,961 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USAHS’s online DNP is delivered in trimesters with multiple annual start dates, which lets bachelor’s-prepared RNs and MSN-prepared APRNs enter without waiting a full academic year. Clinical rotations are student-placed with school support. A fit for full-time-working nurses prioritizing schedule flexibility.
Florida Online MSN to DNP Programs
Here are 12 universities that offer online DNP education to nurses with Master’s degrees:
Advent Health University
- Orlando, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 42
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $670 per credit for 42 credits — $28,140 plus other fees
Program Overview:
AdventHealth’s online MSN-to-DNP is a part-time option for APRNs already in practice, with coursework timed for working nurses inside the AdventHealth system. Expect the program to stretch considerably; it’s designed around existing clinical employment rather than compressing the timeline.
Florida International University
- Miami, Florida
- Online with 3 on-campus classes per semester
Modality: Online with 3 on-campus classes per semester
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $373.38 per credit for 36 credits — $13,441.68 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,300.66 per credit for 36 credits — $46,823.76 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FIU’s online MSN-to-DNP serves APRNs completing their terminal credential with Miami-area clinical project sites and public in-state tuition. A sensible pick for Miami-Dade and Broward APRNs on a public-school budget.
Florida Southern College
- Lakeland, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 38
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, with waiver (case-to-case basis)
Tuition: $775 per credit for 38 credits — $29,450 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Florida Southern’s online MSN-to-DNP extends from its post-master’s NP certificates, making it a natural continuation for APRNs who completed a cert there. The Lakeland-based private school keeps cohorts small.
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 35-63
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, waiver offered
Resident Tuition: $24,000-$32,440
Non-resident tuition: $58,050-$78,475
Program Overview:
FSU’s online MSN-to-DNP admits APRNs wanting to complete their doctorate at the flagship College of Nursing, with project work done in the student’s local market. In-state tuition is a meaningful cost advantage.
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Online with 3 on-campus visits
Modality: Online with 3 on-campus visits
Credit Hours: 36 minimum
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, for students with a GPA of 3.0 and below
Tuition: $720 per credit for 36 credits — $25,920 plus other fees
Program Overview:
JU’s online MSN-to-DNP runs through the Keigwin School with the same small-cohort model as its on-campus DNP. A fit for Jacksonville-area APRNs who want a local private-university credential without the full commute for every class.
Nexus University
- Dania Beach, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $21,600 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Nexus University’s online MSN-to-DNP is aimed at full-time-working APRNs who need asynchronous coursework. Applicants should verify accreditation and clinical-placement specifics with admissions before enrolling; this is one of the smaller Florida providers by enrollment.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $835 per credit for 36 credits — $30,060 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NSU’s online MSN-to-DNP, delivered through the Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, is a flexible doctoral path for APRNs wanting the NSU brand without campus attendance. Clinical project hours are completed in the student’s home market.
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 42
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $288 per credit for 42 credits — $12,096 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,113 per credit for 42 credits — $46,746 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UCF’s online MSN-to-DNP lets APRNs complete the doctorate with faculty-coordinated project placements in Central Florida. In-state tuition combined with a research-active program makes it a strong public alternative to UF and USF for Orlando-area APRNs.
University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 35
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $531 per credit for 35 credits — $18,585 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,255 per credit for 35 credits — $43,925 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UF’s online MSN-to-DNP gives APRNs access to the flagship College of Nursing’s faculty and project resources while completing practicum in their home region. It’s the default best-value pick for Florida APRNs choosing an online DNP.
University of North Florida
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 48
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $25,116 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UNF’s online MSN-to-DNP through the Brooks College of Health is a lower-cost public alternative for APRNs, with strong Northeast Florida clinical and project networks. Out-of-region applicants should verify placement support in their home market.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Online with one required on-campus clinical intensive
Modality: Online with one required on-campus clinical intensive
Credit Hours: 42-52
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $41,961 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USAHS’s online MSN-to-DNP uses the same trimester cadence as its MSN program, which lets APRNs enter multiple times per year rather than waiting for a fall start. A fit for nurses prioritizing scheduling flexibility over tuition cost.
University of Tampa
- Tampa, Florida
- Online with three campus visits
Modality: Online with three campus visits
Credit Hours: 30
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $36,222 plus other fees
Program Overview:
University of Tampa’s online MSN-to-DNP offers a private-university option in the Tampa Bay area, with a smaller cohort size than USF. Suited to APRNs who want a boutique doctoral experience and are willing to pay private tuition; compare with USF for the public-university equivalent at lower cost.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Florida
Let’s go through the shortest DNP programs in the state.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The shortest time to finish a BSN to DNP program, for full-time students, is three years. Most programs, such as the ones offered by Florida Atlantic University and Jacksonville University, may be completed in the said time frame.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
Generally, an MSN-DNP degree may be completed in two years. Full-time students from schools such as the University of Miami, the University of South Florida, and Florida State University may get their degrees in the said time frame.
Best DNP Programs in Florida
University of Florida‘s DNP program consistently places among U.S. News’s top 25 nationally, which makes it the default flagship pick. University of Miami and University of South Florida round out the top 3, with FIU and FSU close behind for public DNPs.
For applicants who value clinical-hour volume or placement coordination over ranking prestige, UCF (1,020 precepted hours, school-coordinated placements) and Jacksonville University (small cohorts, Keigwin School) are worth considering. See the comparison table above for a side-by-side on credits, clinical hours, and tuition.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Florida
The University of Central Florida offers the most affordable BSN to DNP program. It only costs $20,736 to $21,888 (plus other fees) for residents.
The cheapest BSN to DNP program for non-residents, meanwhile, is the one offered by the University of St. Augustine. It costs $41,961 plus other fees.
Florida Atlantic University offers the cheapest MSN to DNP tuition for residents at $11,237.27 plus other fees. Nexus University’s MSN to DNP tuition of $21,600 (plus other fees) is the lowest rate available for non-residents.
Florida Direct Entry RN to DNP Programs
While there is no direct entry RN to DNP program in Florida, nurses with ADNs may opt to enter an RN-BSN or RN-MSN bridging program before pursuing a BSN-DNP or MSN-DNP degree.
Florida DNP Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between BSN-to-DNP and post-MSN DNP?
BSN-to-DNP programs integrate MSN-level NP preparation with doctoral coursework in one pathway, typically 75–100 credit hours over 3–4 years. Post-MSN DNP programs are designed for currently-certified NPs who want to add the terminal degree, usually 18–36 credit hours over 1.5–2.5 years.
Is the DNP required to practice as an NP in Florida?
No. Florida licenses NPs at both the MSN and DNP levels. The AACN recommends the DNP as the terminal clinical degree, and some employers and academic positions prefer or require it, but MSN-prepared NPs can still practice and hold certification. Florida’s Autonomous Practice Registration applies equally to MSN and DNP NPs who meet the post-licensure practice requirements.
Which Florida schools offer BSN-to-DNP pathways?
University of Florida, University of Miami, and Florida Gulf Coast University offer BSN-to-DNP pathways. Specialty tracks vary by school. Florida State, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic, and several other universities offer post-MSN DNP options for currently-practicing NPs.
How long does a Florida DNP take?
BSN-to-DNP programs run 3 to 4 years full-time. Post-MSN DNP programs typically run 1.5 to 2.5 years full-time. Part-time pathways extend completion by 1–2 years at either level.