Family nurse practitioners or FNPs are nurses who manage patients of all ages in cooperative agreement with physicians. Their tasks include examining, diagnosing, prescribing medications, and counseling patients. They also help develop treatment plans for their patients.
Being an FNP is considered a lucrative career in the state of Florida, where nurses earn an average of $118,648. If you want to delve into this fulfilling practice, then here are several FNP programs in Florida worth exploring:
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RN to FNP Programs
An RN to FNP program is for nurses who have an associate’s degree and wish to become primary care practitioners. It usually offers a combination of BSN and MSN coursework, thus enabling nurses to become full-fledged nurse practitioners in a shorter period.
Here are two RN to FNP programs offered in Florida:
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 64
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: approximately $36,240 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Herzing University’s online RN to FNP program is designed for nurses who want to serve patients of all ages and genders. The program runs for 24 months and requires 630 hours of clinical work for about 500 patient encounters. Nurses with an ADN program may choose the accelerated track while those who want to earn a BSN can take the RN-BSN-MSN pathway.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with one required on-campus clinical intensive
Credit Hours: 59
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $49,515 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USAHS’s RN to MSN program is for ADN nurses with at least one year of clinical experience. The duration is 10-11 semesters but may be reduced via the accelerated track. The program offers one-on-one faculty support, with students enjoying a 100% clinical placement rate. The program also features a 95% passing rate for first-timers.
BSN to FNP Programs
As the name suggests, the BSN to FNP program is for nurses who hold a Bachelor’s degree. Depending on the institution, it could culminate in an MSN or DNP diploma, thus making the student eligible to take the FNP certification exam.
Here are 10 BSN to FNP programs available in Florida:
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:
Advent Health’s BSN to FNP degree is a part-time program that prepares nurses for the highest level of nursing practice. The curriculum is designed as an accelerated option that may be completed in five years. Due to the course load and requirements, students are advised not to undergo full-time work in order to finish the degree in the shortest time frame.
Barry University
- Miami Shores, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,050 per credit for 91 credits – $79,800 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Barry’s part-time program encompasses 12 semesters of coursework and clinical immersion, allowing RNs to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to become successful FNPs. At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate improved leadership, critical thinking, and advocacy skills.
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:
Offered by the Marieb College of Health & Human Services, FGCU’s BSN to DNP program is designed to provide nurses with the advanced knowledge and skills they need to provide evidence-based care across various populations. The program, which prepares students for FNP certification, may be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.
Florida International University
- Miami, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
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:
FIU’s BSN to FNP program is a hybrid program for nurses who want to provide primary care to individuals and families of all ages and genders. It focuses on ambulatory and community settings, thus enabling advanced practice nurses to excel in disease prevention and management.
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Hybrid + Campus + Online
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 BSN-DNP FNP cognate is a full-time program that enables nurses to work with patients with various conditions. Competency is built through 1000 clinical and residency hours, while students are expected to work alongside faculty to ensure placement. Faculty members are designated to act as individual mentors throughout the course of the student’s doctoral dissertation.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Hybrid + Online + Face-to-face classes
Modality: Hybrid (Online and face-to-face classes)
Credit Hours: 75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $835 per credit for 75 credits – $62,625 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NSU’s BSN-DNP program offers an integrated path of learning, blending MSN and DNP studies to provide graduates with dual degrees. Coursework is taught by expert faculty and highlights the use of cutting-edge technology. To complete the FNP track, students must undergo 500 hours of MSN and DNP clinicals for a total of 1000 hours of patient exposure.
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid with intensives twice a year
Credit Hours: 74
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $288 per credit for 74 credits – $21,312 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,113 per credit for 74 credits – $82,362 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UCF’s BSN to DNP program is designed to meet the eight competencies set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Through the FNP track, students are expected to gain the additional knowledge and skills necessary with the help of clinical/lab courses and 1,020 hours of hands-on experience. UCF students are assigned their clinical sites with the help of the Graduate Program Clinical Coordinator.
University of Florida
- Gainesville, Florida
- Hybrid + Online + Campus
Modality: Hybrid (online learning with periodic campus visits)
Credit Hours: 76
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $531 per credit for 76 credits – $40,356 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $1,255 per credit for 76 credits – $95,380 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UF’s BSN to FNP program is designed for nurses who want to provide primary healthcare services to various individuals and groups. The curriculum focuses on community-based advanced nursing and promotes exposure to several clinical scenarios, all in a bid to develop nurses who can efficiently diagnose and manage different health conditions.
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, Florida
- Hybrid + Online + 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:
The University of Miami offers two options for nurses who wish to become FNPs. One is the part-time MSN option that runs for five semesters, while the other is the DNP track that lasts anywhere from six to 12 semesters. Both feature rigorous curricula that provide students with the competencies they need to ace the FNP certification exam.
University of South Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 52
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Resident Tuition: $431.43 per credit for 52 credits – $22,434.36 plus other fees
Non-resident Tuition: $877.17 per credit for 52 credits – $45,612.84 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Open for part-time or full-time learning, USF’s BSN to FNP program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice with patients of varying ages and diseases. The curriculum is also designed to help students improve their leadership, education, consultation, and research skills while preparing them for the rigors of the FNP certification exam.
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with one required on-campus clinical intensive
Credit Hours: 50
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $41,961 plus other fees
Program Overview:
USAHS also offers a BSN to MSN program for nurses with a bachelor’s degree. The program is shorter at 6-9 trimesters, leading to a study duration of 2-3 years. Enrollees may opt for any of the three start dates (January, May, or September), though a mid-term start is offered as well.
Online FNP Programs
Many FNP programs in Florida can be completed online.
There’s the DNP program from Advent Health University, as well as the MSN-FNP program offered by Herzing University. The latter is a 20-month, 48-credit program with 100% online classwork. With six start dates per year, the program requires students to complete 585 clinical hours.
Florida State University offers an online DNP that may be taken on a part-time or full-time basis, while Keiser University’s online MSN-FNP may be completed in 18-24 months.
St. Thomas University’s online MSN-FNP program, meanwhile, may be finished in 18 months.
Rasmussen University’s online MSN program, when pursued on a full-time basis, may be completed in 27 months. A similar program duration is seen at the University of West Florida, which offers an online MSN-FNP program that runs from 27-30 months.
The University of Florida also has an online MSN to DNP program.
The MSN programs from Florida Atlantic University, Miami Regional University, and Nova Southeastern University are available both online and in person.
Best FNP Programs in Florida
According to the US News & World Report rankings, the best DNP school that offers an FNP specialization is Florida State University. It is ranked 26th in the country.
Coming in next are the University of Florida and the University of Miami, both of which are ranked 31st in the nation.
As for MSN programs, the top-ranked school is the University of South Florida, which is the 24th best in the US. The University of Miami and Florida International University, meanwhile, are placed 27th and 34th respectively.
MSN to FNP Post-Graduate Certifications
MSN to FNP post-graduate certificate programs are open to RNs who have a master’s degree in nursing and an APRN license. Credits from the previous coursework may be transferred and used towards the completion of requirements.
Barry University
- Miami Shores, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 38
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,050 per credit for 38 credits – $39,900 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Barry’s post-master’s certificate program is open to nurses, APRNs, as well as MSN holders who wish to pursue a career as an FNP. Similar to the traditional track, applicants must meet all the admission criteria to be accepted. Upon entry, each student will be given an individual curriculum plan that meets their needs.
Florida National University
- Hialeah, Florida
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 18
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, if with a GPA of under 2.5
Tuition: $650 per credit for 18 credits – $11,700 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FNU’s post-graduate certificate program is for nurses who want to deliver quality health services to individuals and families across the care continuum. The curriculum requires the completion of six courses and 500 practicum hours, as well as five coursework units required by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Florida Southern College
- Lakeland, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 15
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, with waiver (case-to-case basis)
Tuition: $650 per credit for 15 credits – $9,750 plus other fees
Program Overview:
FSC’s post-masters certificate program provides nurses with MSNs with the credentials they need to practice as FNPs. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program is renowned for its supportive learning environment, expert faculty, and student growth engagement.
Herzing University
- Winter Park, Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 33
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $735 per credit for 33 credits – $24,255 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The online FNP post-masters certification is a CCNE-accredited program that provides students with a dual credit towards a DNP degree. All classes are rendered online, while 585 clinical hours should be accomplished onsite. Completion of the certification program makes one eligible to take the FNP certification exam administered by either the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 21
GRE/GMAT Requirement: Yes, for students with a GPA of 3.0 and below
Tuition: $650 per credit for 21 credits – $13,650 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The online FNP post-master certification is a CCNE-accredited program that provides students with dual credit toward a DNP degree. All classes are rendered online, while 585 clinical hours should be accomplished onsite. Completion of the certification program provides one with eligibility to take the FNP certification exam administered by either the American Association of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Miami Regional University
- Miami Springs, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 10-37 units
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $14,400 plus other fees
Program Overview:
MRU’s post-master program equips nurses with the competencies they need to render quality care to individuals and families. The full program, which runs from 4-18 months, includes lectures, laboratory classes, and clinical immersions that allow nurses to address the known gaps in nursing practice.
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online and In-person
Credit Hours: 24 units
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $835 per credit for 24 credits – $20,040 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Offered through the Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing, NSU’s post-master program prepares students for the certification exam and/or doctoral-level studies. The curriculum explores primary care concepts for adults, women, and pediatric patients. Other requirements include the completion of graduate-level courses in pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology.
Rasmussen University
- Various locations in Florida
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 53 units
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $26,525 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The FNP certification program provides nurses with the knowledge and skills they need to accurately conduct assessments, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medications, among many other duties expected of APRNs. The CCNE-accredited program, which can be finished in as little as 21 months, is mostly delivered online for utmost flexibility.
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, Florida
- In-person
Modality: In-person
Credit Hours: 20-23 units
GRE/GMAT Requirement: No
Tuition: $1,500 per credit for 20-23 credits – $30,000 to $34,500 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Offered to nurses with MSN or DNP degrees, the University of Miami’s FNP certification program is available to those who wish to pursue another advanced nursing practice track. Students are required to undergo a gap analysis in order to determine the courses they need to take to satisfy program requirements.
Most Affordable FNP Programs in Florida
The cheapest RN to FNP program is offered by Herzing University, which costs approximately $36,240 plus other fees.
The University of Central Florida, meanwhile, has the most affordable BSN to FNP program for Florida Residents. The entire program costs $21,312 plus other fees. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ tuition fee of $41,961 (plus other fees) is the most economical option for non-Floridians.
The post-master certification program from Florida Southern College is the cheapest option for MSN/DNP holders, as the 15-unit program only costs $9,750 plus other fees.