10 Best Nursing Schools in Miami

Miami Nursing Schools

The best nursing schools in Miami have accredited programs for Florida nurses to advance their careers or for new nurses to earn a degree. Schools for nursing are abundant in Miami, Florida. Finding a school that offers the program you want is important. However, it is also important to find a nursing school in Miami, FL with accreditation.

Having accreditation means the school can adequately prepare the student for a career in nursing. Additionally, to take the National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX), they must possess a degree from an accredited nursing school. Moreover, an employer wants to see that a person has enough training to take on a role as a nurse.

How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools in Miami

The key to a good nursing school is its impact on a student’s career, so TopRN editors focus on accredited trusted institutions. Nursing schools are ranked on various factors, including reputation, cost, and breadth of programs.

1. University of Miami

The University of Miami offers a traditional BSN, an accelerated BSN, and an RN to BSN. The school also offers several graduate programs in nursing. At the master’s level, three options prepare students to practice as advanced practice nurses (APNs). Adult-gerontology acute care NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, and family nurse practitioner. The University of Miami also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and a BSN-DNP nurse anesthesia track.

The School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Miami offers nationally-accredited programs in nursing at every level from the bachelor’s level to the doctoral. The school has been offering world-class education in healthcare for 70 years. The faculty is among the best in the nation, and the school has a challenging curriculum that prepares students for their future careers.

HIGHLIGHT: The University of Miami has a 98.51% NCLEX pass rate.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and CCNE

Programs: BSN – DNP/PhD

More: Visit the school to learn more about its degree programs.

2. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers an Entry B.S. in Nursing and an accelerated BSN. At the graduate level, the school offers a Master of Science in Nursing with three concentrations (nursing education, executive nurse leadership, and nursing informatics). The school also offers a DNP, a DNP to PhD, and a PhD focusing on nursing education. The advanced nursing programs at Nova Southeastern University are all designed with working professionals in mind. The DNP is available entirely online, with classes broken up into convenient 8-week sessions.

The Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing prepares students to meet the rigorous demands of nursing in today’s healthcare system. The school has outstanding faculty members with experience in the subjects they teach. In addition, the classes are small enough for teachers to know their students by name.

HIGHLIGHT: Nova Southeastern University has high-tech simulation labs for its nursing students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

Programs: BSN – DNP/PhD

More: Visit the school to learn more about its degree programs.

3. Florida International University

As one of the best nursing schools in Miami, Florida International University offers nursing programs at every level, from bachelor’s to doctoral. The school provides a generic BSN, an online RN-to-BSN, and an accelerated BSN at the bachelor level. At the graduate level, FIU offers MSN and DNP degrees with concentrations in family health nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, and nurse educator. There is also a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA).

The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences emphasizes evidence-based research and practice. The school is working to improve healthcare policies and procedures. Graduates are ready to engage in patient care or research or take on a teaching role in their communities. The school promotes interdisciplinary learned and advanced healthcare research.

HIGHLIGHT: FIU uses technology to provide simulation education to its students.

Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

Programs: BSN – DNP/PhD

More: Visit the school for more info on its school of nursing.

4. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University offers nursing degrees at every level, from bachelor’s to DNP or PhD. Besides the traditional BSN program, the school offers an accelerated BSN, an RN to BSN program, and a 2nd degree part-time BSN designed for working professionals. The MSN program has seven concentrations available to choose from. There is the regular DNP, post-masters DNP, and BSN to DNP at the doctoral level. The PhD program offers a BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, or DNP to PhD. There are weekend classes available for the convenience of working students.

The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is committed to training compassionate and caring nurses for the workforce. The school offers world-class research and nationally-ranked nursing programs. The faculty and students work to improve patients’ lives and help make the world a better place.

HIGHLIGHT: Florida Atlantic University had a 100% AGNP certification pass rate.

Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

Programs: BSN – DNP/PhD

More: Visit the school for more info on its school of nursing.

5. Keiser University

Keiser University offers nursing degrees from the associate to doctoral levels, starting with the Associate of Science in Nursing. There are four options at the bachelor’s level: the traditional BSN, fast track BSN, accelerated BSN, or RN to BSN. Kaiser also offers master’s and doctoral degrees designed for nurses who are already RNs. These are the online MSN with a concentration in family nurse practitioner, the nurse anesthesia practice: entry into practice DNAP, the nurse anesthesia practice DNAP, and the nursing practice DNP.

DNAP Nurse Anesthesia Practice (Completion Degree or Entry Into Practice)
MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner

Keiser University is a student-centered school that attracts students who want a personalized learning experience. Each class lasts four weeks, and students take just one course at a time. The school has small classes, so students get individualized attention from their professors.

HIGHLIGHT: The RN to BSN program can be completed in just twelve months.

Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

Programs: ASN degree, BSN, MSN, DNP, DNAP

More: Visit the school for more info on its school of nursing.

6. Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University offers nursing programs from the bachelor’s level to the doctoral. The programs include a bachelor’s degree, an accelerated master’s that combines the BSN with the MSN, an RN to BSN, and an RN to MSN. There is also an MS in Nursing with a concentration in health systems leadership. Students pursuing their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree can choose from four concentrations: executive leadership, adult gerontology, psychiatric mental health, and family nurse practitioner. The nursing programs at Palm Beach Atlantic University are among the best in the state.

The School of Nursing at Palm Beach Atlantic University has exceptional facilities and labs and offers opportunities for students to apply their nursing skills in real-life settings. The school believes that healthcare should incorporate spiritual encouragement and sociocultural understanding.

HIGHLIGHT: Palm Beach Atlantic University is the only Christian nursing program in Florida that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

Programs: BSN – DNP

More: Visit the school for more info on its school of nursing.

7. Florida National University

Another great nursing school in Miami is Florida National University. It offers an Associate of Science in Nursing, a bachelor’s degree, and a Master of Science in Nursing. There is also an RN to MSN program. The school strives to provide the highest quality of nursing education to students of all academic, social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Students enrolled in the nursing programs at Florida National University master the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective skills necessary to become effective nurses. Students learn to provide culturally sensitive, holistic, and safe care to their patients.

Florida National University has a diverse faculty with lots of experience in the real world. This helps students learn what to expect after graduation and boosts their confidence. FNU provides a welcoming environment for its students. The school believes in helping its students succeed. Its motto is “Find the new you.”

HIGHLIGHT: The BSN and MSN programs are available online.

Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

Programs: ASN, BSN, MSN

More: Visit the school for more info on its school of nursing.

8. Miami Regional University

Miami Regional University is next on the list of the best nursing schools in Miami. The school offers an Associate of Science in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an RN to BSN, and a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in a family nurse practitioner or direct entry. The MSN programs prepare students to serve as family nurse practitioners, leaders, and educators. The family nurse practitioner program prepares nurses to fill the role of primary health care provider in health clinics, medical offices, and acute care settings.

Miami Regional University strives to challenge its alumni and students to reach their full potential. The school provides quality education and offers a welcoming and nurturing environment to its students. Miami Regional University helps students develop the positive attitude, skills, and knowledge they need to be successful.

HIGHLIGHT: MSN students who enter the program with an existing certification may only need 10-16 credits to complete the program.

Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE

Programs: ASN – MSN

More: Visit the school for more info on its school of nursing.

9. Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing and an RN to BSN program. The programs place a focus on practical skills that will help students excel in their careers. Students are prepared for the challenges they will face in the real world after graduation. The school has high-tech simulation labs, clinical partnerships, and health activities to help students succeed. The RN to BSN program is for students who have already earned the RN designation along with an associate degree in nursing. This program focuses on management skills, leadership training, cultural awareness, and nursing practice.

The Benjamín León School of Nursing places its focus on hands-on training in high-tech simulation labs. The school has the latest technology and has award-winning faculty members on its staff.

HIGHLIGHT: As one of the best nursing schools in Miami, Miami Dade helps more students prepare for the registered nursing exam than any other college in the US.

Accreditation: SACSCOC and CCNE and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Programs: ASN, BSN

More: Visit the school for more info on its school of nursing BSN programs.

10. Broward College

Broward College has an Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing as well as an Associate of Science in Nursing (RN), and an LPN-RN Nursing Transition Associate of Science. The school knows that nurses are indispensable in the healthcare world. They serve as liaisons between patients and doctors and help patients understand their treatments. They also provide emotional support to patients who are in distress. The nursing programs at Broward prepare students to be culturally sensitive, compassionate, and competent nurses who have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Furthermore, Broward College has received recognition as a leader in higher education from many prestigious organizations. The school was named as one of the top ten community colleges in the US by the Aspen Institute and is one of the most affordable online colleges in Florida.

HIGHLIGHT: Broward’s NCLEX pass rate is 96.44% and its job placement rate is 97%.

Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE, and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Programs: ASN – BSN

More: Visit the school for more info on its school of nursing BSN programs.

Best Miami Nursing Schools — 10 Best Miami Nursing Programs and Schools

Other Top Nursing Schools in South Florida

Our list does not include all schools in the Miami area. Below are some additional schools to check out.

City College of Miami
Barry University
Antigua College International in Miami
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College
Bethesda College of Health Sciences
Galen College of Nursing
Saber College
Florida Career College
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College (accredited by the Council on Occupational Education)
Tallahassee Community College
Pasco-Hernando State College

How Do You Choose a Nursing School in Miami?

Before you decide on a nursing school, you should research all of the available options. Check out the degree program curriculums, faculty, and course offerings to make sure the school will meet your needs. Also, make sure you understand the cost of attending the school before making a decision. Consider the tuition, fees, and other costs associated with the program, such as textbooks and living expenses.

Most colleges in Florida have accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Additionally, the best accreditation to look for when considering a nursing school in Miami is the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The CCNE is a national accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that ensures nursing programs meet the highest quality standards and provide students with a quality education. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) also accredits practical nursing programs.

Reading reviews from current and former students can help you get an idea of whether the school is a good fit for you. Check out student ratings on sites like Niche and Unigo to get an honest opinion about the school. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you should visit the schools you’re considering.

How is the Job Market for Nurses in Miami?

A person may be curious to know if there are a lot of registered nurse jobs in Miami before he or she decides to earn a degree in nursing. Specifically, he or she may want to know if he or she can find registered nurse jobs in Miami, so he or she can stay in the area. Additionally, he or she may wonder if he or she should complete schooling in Miami and then leave the area if there isn’t an adequate amount of nurse jobs in Miami Florida.

Fortunately, there is an abundance of nurse jobs in Miami Florida. A person can choose to find nursing jobs in Miami FL in a hospital, such as the University of Miami Hospital. Due to the nice weather in Florida, many people choose to retire in the state. Therefore, there are also nursing jobs in Miami FL in assisted living and personal care homes. Nursing jobs in Miami FL are also available in nursing homes. When looking for nursing jobs in Miami Florida, a person can also look into the many clinics and doctor’s offices in the area, making a person’s options for nursing jobs in Miami FL plentiful.

Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Miami Florida

Besides the option of working at a nursing job in Miami Florida as a registered nurse, a person can also choose to further his or her education. He or she can earn a master’s and then have the opportunity to look for nursing practitioner jobs in Miami Florida. The nurse practitioner jobs in Miami Florida could even include opening up his or her own practice. They would work in a doctor’s office to obtain one of the nurse practitioner jobs in Miami, Florida as well. A person may even choose to specialize in a certain area of medicine and take on nurse practitioner jobs in Miami FL in specialty practices.

Besides nurse practitioner jobs in Miami FL and nurse jobs in Miami FL as a registered nurse, a person could also choose to get a master’s degree in nursing along with a teaching certificate and take on nurse jobs in Miami FL educating the future generation of nurses. This opens up a variety of other types of nursing jobs in Miami Florida besides actually practicing as a nurse.

Overall, a person can find a nursing job in Miami Florida in various places. The nursing jobs in Miami-Dade County are plentiful. Therefore, a person who chooses nursing will be able to find nursing jobs in Miami Dade County easily. He or she will be able to find registered nurse jobs in Miami Florida easily and may even take on other roles besides just registered nurse jobs in Miami Florida, especially if he or she decides to further his or her education beyond the basic requirements.

How Much Do Nurses Make in Miami?

So, what’s the average salary for registered nurses in Miami FL? According to PayScale.com, the average RN pay in Miami FL is $31.22 per hour or about $1,295 per week. The average salary for registered nurses in Miami Florida is the same as $67,372 per year.

If a person would like to make more money as a nurse, he or she could earn a master’s degree and become a nurse practitioner and earn the average nurse practitioner salary in Miami Florida. The average nurse practitioner’s salary in Miami Florida is $117,019 annually, as per Salary.com.

Your Nursing Career in Miami

Nursing schools in Miami, Florida are abundant. With a highly diverse population, including many retirees and senior citizens, Miami presents a huge opportunity for nurses and nursing students. So whether you are beginning a nursing career, changing careers to become a nurse, or increasing your credentials to advance in your nursing career, TopRN wants to point you to the best nursing schools in Miami.