Nursing Programs in Orlando, FL
With a large population of native and non-native retirees, Florida is expecting to feel the impact of the nationwide nursing shortage by 2025. According to the Florida Center for Nursing, many professionals in healthcare including nurses are close to the age of retirement, too. Hospitals, medical centers, and health care facilities in Orlando, FL, and other cities are going to feel the effect when these experienced nurses retire from the workforce. To fill these vacancies, universities in Florida are partnering with governmental agencies to develop accredited programs to sufficiently prepare students for entry-level and advanced careers in nursing.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Orlando, FL
Nurses help the infirm return to a state of health. If you have wondered what it would be like to work in this growing healthcare profession, there are many educational programs you can get started in right away even if you have no experience. LPN to RN, Associate’s, and Bachelor’s programs in Orlando, FL give students of every background a place to start their nursing career.
LPN to RN Programs
Licensed Practical Nurses or LPNs play a key role in supporting the health and well-being of their patients. LPNs can take on an even more important role – and earn a higher salary – by earning their RNs. In Orlando, Florida, LPN to RN programs prepare students to sit for the NCLEX exam. By allowing students to receive credit for previous coursework, Valencia College fast-tracks LPN students toward their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) while preparing them for their RNs.
ADN Programs
Nurses are essential in providing quality care to patients at hospitals and healthcare organizations. Yet more doors will open for nurses when they earn their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN/ADN) degree. Offered by technical, vocational, and community colleges such as Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, students in Orlando, FL can earn the practical and theoretical knowledge to be eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Did you know that employers strongly prefer to hire registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree? It’s possible that in the future, RNs may be required to hold a BSN. If you are thinking of a career in nursing, you can bypass LPN and ADN options and earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing straightaway. Millers College of Nursing in Orlando, FL offers a real-world, clinical-focused BSN program that readies students to sit for and pass the NCLEX exam and become a registered nurse.
Find out more about Florida Accelerated BSN Programs
Orlando RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Orlando | Florida | |
---|---|---|
NCLEX-RN Students Total | 1,265 | 16,866 |
NCLEX-RN Students Passed | 1,078 | 11,422 |
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 85.2% | 67.7% |
Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Orlando
Listed below are the top nursing schools in Orlando based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Florida out of 141 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- ECPI University - #9
- Seminole State College of Florida - #3
- University of Central Florida - #8
- Valencia College - #19
School | Contact Information |
---|---|
Advent Health University
| 671 Winyah Dr. Orlando, FL 32803 (407) 303-7747 |
Cambridge College of Healthcare and Technology
| 460 E Altamonte Dr Altamonte Springs, FL 32701 (407) 265-8383 |
City College - Altamonte Springs
| 177 Montgomery Rd. Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 (407) 618-0594 |
ECPI University
| 660 Century Point #1050 Lake Mary, FL 32746 (844) 334-4466 |
Gwinnett Colleges and Institute
| 1900 N Alafaya Trail #100 Orlando, FL 32826 (407) 434-8700 |
Keiser University - Orlando
| 5600 Lake Underhill Rd Orlando, FL 32807 (407) 273-5800 |
Seminole State College of Florida
| 100 Weldon Blvd Sanford, FL 32773 (407) 708-4722 |
Southern Technical College
| 1667 Sunlife Path Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 855-1444 |
University of Central Florida
| 12201 Research Parkway, Suite 300 Orlando, FL 32826 (407) 823-2744 |
Valencia College
| 1800 S Kirkman Rd Orlando, FL 32811 (407) 299-5000 |
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Orlando, FL
As employers favor registered nurses with BSNs and MSNs, colleges and universities in Orlando, FL are stepping up to expand their nursing program options. They are also creating bridge programs so students can make the most of their completed coursework and apply it toward a BSN or MSN option.
RN to BSN Programs
It’s true that registered nurses working in medical clinics, senior living facilities, and doctor’s offices can earn a competitive wage. However, these nurses can earn even more, and provide the next level of care, by enrolling in an RN to BSN program. Open to nurses with an active RN license, Seminole State College of Florida outside of Orlando allows students to get their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in less than a year. It is offered online with a clinical capstone.
Find out more about Florida RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
Registered nurses without a Bachelor’s Degree can complete their Master’s Degree directly by completing an RN to MSN. Saving them both time and money, such bridge programs make use of previously earned credits and an accelerated intensive format. Capella University, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), offers four different RN to MSN programs. It has several flexible online options so students can complete the degree at the pace they prefer.
Find out more about Florida RN to MSN Programs
Orlando, FL
AdventHealth University
- Bachelor's - Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible degree format
- Completed in one year
- CCNE accredited program
- Support services for students
- Potential tuition reimbursement
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
- Evidence-based practice training
- Leadership skill development
University of Central Florida
- Bachelor's - Nursing, RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- $212.28 in-state per credit
- Requires licensed RN status
- 62 total credit hours
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Clinical practice in home community
- Professional nursing skill development
- Multiple program track options
Valencia College
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN program
- 120 total credit hours
- 1-2 year completion time
- CCNE Accredited program
- For nurses with associate degree
- Limited access program
- Requires unencumbered nursing license
Sanford, FL
Seminole State College of Florida
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- Completion possible in one year
- For licensed RNs
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Capstone course with experiential learning
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Orlando, FL
Advanced practice nurses such as family nurse practitioners are taking on greater roles in healthcare, and this trend is only likely to continue. For working nurses in Orlando, FL who seek to enter a specialized area or become leaders or educators, an advanced degree is required. These master’s or doctorate offerings can commonly be completed in a distant learning format so students can continue working.
MSN Programs
Nurses who seek to further their career as an administrator, manager, or educator -- or those who wish to pursue the nurse practitioner position -- can earn their Master of Science in Nursing either on-site or online. The University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL offers three MSN programs for veteran nurses ready for leadership or instructional roles. All three programs are offered online to accommodate the hectic schedules of working nursing professionals.
Find out more about Florida Nurse Practitioner Programs
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Registered nurses who hold master’s degrees can enter a field of specialization through a range of certificate programs. From certificates focused on teaching and education to intensive, Family Nurse Practitioner certifications, these programs can boost a working nurse’s career in a short period of time. The University of Central Florida offers multiple post-grad certificate pathways, including Adult Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator.
Find out more about Florida Post-Master's Certificate Programs
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
Nurses can achieve the peak of their educational aspirations by obtaining a doctorate degree. Keiser University offers its Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at several locations across Florida, including one in Melbourne, about an hour away from Orlando. The evidence-based program focuses on incorporating nursing with other scientific fields and improving the larger clinical practice.
Find out more about Florida DNP Programs
Orlando, FL
AdventHealth University
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Midwifery
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Focus on whole-person education.
- Prepares for Certified Nurse Midwife role.
- Clinical rotations at AdventHealth hospitals.
- Bachelor's degree required for admission.
- Specializes in women's health services.
- Addresses global midwife shortage.
- Courses begin Fall 2025.
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online graduate nursing program
- Two-year completion potential
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Requires 2 years patient care
- 35 total credit hours
- Advanced clinical practica
- Campus intensive experiences
- Face-to-face admission interview
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Administration and Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online graduate nursing program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 31 total credit hours
- Leadership practice immersions
- Practicum experiences included
- Two-year completion possible
- Requires active RN license
- Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Administration and Leadership
Online Learning - Website
- Online Graduate Certificate Program
- 9 Total Credit Hours
- Flexible Trimester Completion
- Focuses on Nursing Leadership
- For Registered Nurses
- Strategic Career Development
- Finance and Leadership Skills
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online with campus intensives
- 49-91 credit hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- 5-7 year completion timeline
- MSN or BSN entry options
- Clinical and leadership tracks
- Advanced patient care focus
- Faith-based healthcare perspective
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree
- Three-Year Completion
- Clinical & Non-Clinical Tracks
- 1200 Clinical Hours
- Faculty-Supervised Practicum
- DNP Capstone Project
- Expert Faculty Instruction
- 24/7 Student Support
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree
- 3-Year Completion Time
- Clinical and Non-Clinical Tracks
- 1200 Clinical Practicum Hours
- Leadership Focused Curriculum
- Expert Faculty Instruction
- Capstone Project Included
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Organizational Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Curriculum
- Three-Year Program Length
- Clinical and Non-Clinical Tracks
- Faculty-Supervised Clinical Hours
- DNP Capstone Project
- 24/7 Student Support
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Leadership Skill Development
Ana G. Mendez University
- Master's - MSN in Nursing with a Role in Administration
Concentration: Role in Administration - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Focus on healthcare administration
- Leadership and ethical decision-making
- Approved for VA/Military benefits
- Prepares for executive roles
- Multidisciplinary team leadership
- Accessible to working professionals
- Detailed admission requirements
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Master's in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Comprehensive primary care focus
- Online and campus options
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- ACEN accredited program
- Prepares for national certification
- Career opportunities in clinics
- Holistic patient care approach
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- 1,000-hour clinical component
- Practice-focused nursing degree
- Advanced leadership skills
- VA/Military benefits approved
- ACEN accreditation candidate
- Multiple campus locations
- Senior administrator preparation
University of Central Florida
- Graduate Certificate - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Post-master's nursing certificate
- 18 credit hours total
- 660 clinical practice hours
- National board certification eligible
- Advanced nursing practice focus
- Prerequisite: MSN degree
- State of Florida licensure required
- Multiple clinical practicums
- Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 23 Credit Hours Required
- Post-Master's Graduate Certificate
- Prepares for Board Certification
- Multiple Clinical Practice Settings
- Advanced Practice Nursing Focus
- Evidence-Based Practice Curriculum
- Comprehensive Clinical Hours
- Diagnostic Reasoning Skills
- Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Online asynchronous format
- No GRE required
- 12 total credit hours
- Part-time program (3 semesters)
- Requires active RN license
- BSN or MSN degree needed
- Flexible work-friendly schedule
- Nurse Licensure Compact states
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid-online DNP program
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- Twice yearly campus intensives
- 76 total credit hours
- Nationally accredited program
- Acute care focus 18+ patients
- RN license required
- BSN from accredited institution
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 75 credit hours minimum
- 1,020 practicum hours
- Hybrid program format
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Doctoral project required
- Healthcare leadership emphasis
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Specialty track in acute care
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 72 credit hours total
- 1,080 practicum hours
- In-state tuition $369.65/credit
- BSN degree prerequisite
- RN licensure in Florida
- Advanced health assessment
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership development
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 75 credit hours minimum
- 1,080 practicum hours required
- Hybrid program format
- BSN degree prerequisite
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Advanced clinical training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- In-state tuition $369.65/credit
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Online doctoral nursing program
- Multiple specialized tracks available
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership skill development
- Flexible learning environment
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
- Healthcare system improvement
- Competitive per-credit tuition
- Doctorate - Nurse Executive Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online with campus intensives
- No GRE required
- 42 total credit hours
- 1,000 clinical hours
- Part-time nine-semester plan
- Accepts varied nursing backgrounds
- Two annual on-campus intensives
- Leadership & management focus