Nicknamed as the “Sunshine State” for its warm sunny climate that is ideal for enjoying its sandy beaches, Florida is situated on the East Coast on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico with the longest coastline in the continental United States. Famous for being home to several amusement parks including the most visited park in the nation at Disneyworld, Florida is also home to the oldest European settlement on the continent at St. Augustine. For students interested in pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree in a sunny atmosphere, the following are the accredited Master’s in Nursing degree programs within Florida.
Barry University
College of Health Sciences
Founded on the Adrian Dominican traditions of compassion and attention to social justice, Barry University is a private comprehensive Catholic institution located in Miami just minutes away from the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. Distinguished for academic excellence, Forbes magazine currently ranks Barry University as the 181st best college in the South and 251st top research institution in the nation. The Barry College of Health Sciences is nationally recognized by the U.S. News and World Report for being home to the 332nd best graduate nursing programs and 63rd best graduate program in nursing anesthesia.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
Dual Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) – For students who are interested in assuming leadership positions in a variety of health-related arenas, the College of Health Sciences partners with the College of Business to offer a dual MSN and MBA degree. Preparing leaders with a unique blend of nursing, management, and business skills, the program entails a total of 61 semester credits, including six credits of practicum in nursing administration roles.
Master of Science (MS) in Anesthesiology – Designed to prepare registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in Florida, the MS in Anesthesiology program consists of an intense academic didactic curriculum with a comprehensive clinical component. Within the full-time continuous program spanning 28 months and totaling 51 semester hours, students are engaged via a blended learning approach of face-to-face lectures, web seminars, and at least 3,500 hours of clinical practice.
MSN Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – The AGNP program aims to develop competent acute care nurse practitioners who will be able to effectively provide advanced care to individuals who suffer from acute, intensive care, or trauma conditions across the adult age spectrum. After gaining a valuable 500 hours of supervised clinical learning in an acute care practicum, graduates are eligible for taking the national certification examination from the ANCC or AANP.
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Students within the FNP program are prepared to assume roles that are responsible for providing advanced care to individuals or families across the lifespan to prevent diseases and manage chronic medical concerns. The intensive curriculum covers topics in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, differential diagnosis, leadership, and advanced practice nursing skills with a minimum of 500 hours of hands-on clinical practice in a family care setting.
MSN Nurse Educator – The MSN degree program with a specialization as a Nurse Educator intends to prepare nurses for advanced roles of teacher, scholar, and collaborator to serve as educators for the next generation of nurses. With a curriculum designed from the specialty standards by the Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing, students in the cohort two-and-a-half year program benefit from a convenient schedule of evening classes once a week.
MSN Nurse Executive Leadership – Focuses on skills in organizational behavior, clinical operations, quality management, systemic change, and human resource development, the Nurse Executive Leadership program prepares nurses to manage departments or units within various healthcare settings. The 28 month program ensures that graduates have the ability to influence the health policymaking process, build leadership alliance, integrate principles of evidence-based practice, and develop quality nursing delivery programs.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (CANAEP)
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
11300 N.E. 2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161
(305) 899-3379
[email protected]
https://www.barry.edu/nursing/msn/
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
School of Nursing
Recognized for being the only HBCU in the state university system, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is situated in Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee, providing students from across the country and around the world with access to a high-quality, affordable college education. Embracing a diverse student population, Florida A&M University continues its mission as a highly-respected historically Black university, with the School of Nursing consistently counted among the top HBCU nursing programs in the nation for producing minority nurses. First established in the early part of the 20th century, the Florida A&M University School of Nursing was the first in the nation to offer a nursing degree at the bachelor’s level. Today, the FAMU School of Nursing keeps its legacy of innovative teaching and community empowerment alive with a suite of online programs that help make degrees more accessible to both undergraduate and graduate nursing students.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) – Building on the knowledge and skills acquired at the BSN level, the FAMU AGPCNP program prepares nursing students for advanced practice roles serving patients ranging from adulthood to advanced age. Through the 42 semester-credit program, students develop the leadership skills they need to collaborate with colleagues and identify opportunities to improve patient outcomes, all while functioning as primary care providers for adults and geriatric individuals.
MSN in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) – The FAMU WHNP program prepares graduates to serve as primary care providers for women throughout their lifespan, with an emphasis on the unique needs of women from menarche through their childbearing years and beyond. The 42 semester-credits cover all the pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment topics students expect from advanced practice nursing programs, in addition to specialized coursework in advanced women’s health theory. Graduates come away well-prepared to serve the healthcare needs of women with a unique level of sensitivity to socio-cultural factors.
Accreditations
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Contact Information
334 W Palmer Avenue
Ware-Rhaney Building, Suite 102
Tallahassee, FL 32307
(850) 290-4454
[email protected]
Florida Atlantic University
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
With a reputation as a top research university with high research activity by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Florida Atlantic University is a comprehensive public institution with multiple campuses along more than 150 miles of coastline. Known for being among the top colleges for military veterans, Forbes magazine currently ranks FAU as the 133rd best university in the South and 201st top research university in the nation. The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is distinguished as having the 193rd best graduate nursing programs in the United States.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – Within the concentration AGNP program, registered nurses are provided with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to respond to the various healthcare needs of adolescents, adults, and elderly adults in primary care settings. After completing the total 46 credit hours and minimum of 600 hours of clinical practice in family care placements, graduates are eligible to sit for the certification examination offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
MSN Advanced Holistic Nursing (AHN) – Offered completely online in full-time or part-time study with practicum conducted in local healthcare facilities, the AHN program advances nursing knowledge of contemporary viewpoints of healing and holistic nursing practice. Grounded in the integration of mind-body practices to promote well-being, the program requires students to fulfill a minimum of 33 credits and 435 hours of supervised clinical experience.
MSN Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) – The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) track consists of 33 required credits and 400 hours of clinical experience at partnered health sites that are completed within six semesters part-time. Within the program, students gain clinical expertise in nursing research, theoretical foundations of nursing, health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, advanced nursing practice, pathophysiology, clinical informatics, healthcare delivery systems, Clinical Nurse Leader perspectives, and a practicum seminar.
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Designed to provide graduates with advanced practice role preparation to deliver competent care to children and adults across all ages within a family framework, the FNP program is strongly focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute or chronic long-term health ailments. Students in the program must complete a total of 49 credits of part-time study and 600 hours of clinical practice.
MSN Nurse Educator – Intended to prepare students to function in innovative ways as nurse educators, the Nurse Educator program teaches students how to design methods of teaching in various academic or clinical settings, develop plans of study in nursing through appropriate curricular principles, and demonstrate successful instructional strategies. With both full-time and part-time programs of study available to accommodate individual schedules, the program requires at least 39 semester credits.
MSN Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership – Integrating the caring philosophy into organizational management roles, the Nursing Administration and Financial Leadership program involves an intensive curriculum of 39 credits that can be completed online and a minimum of 180 clinical hours of practice at a local healthcare organization. Throughout the entirety of the program, students work side by side with a preceptor who will mentor them on practicum or career decisions.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 297-3887
[email protected]
http://nursing.fau.edu/index.php?main=2&nav=96
Florida Gulf Coast University
School of Nursing
Situated on a new high-tech campus standing proudly on 760 acres of restored wetlands in the suburban setting of Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University is a comprehensive public institution that is currently home to more than 12,500 students pursuing career-relevant training. According to the U.S. News and World Report survey from 2014, FGCU is ranked as the 79th best college and 37th top public school in the South. Even more importantly, the Florida Gulf Coast School of Nursing is nationally recognized as the 411th best graduate nursing school with the 90th best nursing anesthesia program in the entire United States.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN Nurse Anesthesia – As the only university-based nurse anesthesia program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing degree in southwestern Florida, this 28-month program is designed for nurses who wish to further their career with advanced nursing practice roles with an expertise in anesthesiology. Requiring students to complete a minimum of 81 semester credits, the program is strongly focused on developing nursing leaders who exercise critical thinking to implement innovative approaches.
MSN Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHCNP) – With two distinct concentrations offered in Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, the PHCNP program is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice through a total of 58 semester credits. Graduates from the program are eligible to sit for the national certification examinations in the respective specialties.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (CANAEP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
10501 FGCU Blvd. South
Fort Myers, FL 33965
(239) 590-7457
[email protected]
https://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/nursing/
Florida Hospital Adventist University of Health Sciences
Department of Nurse Anesthesia
Hosted by one of the nation’s largest non-profit healthcare providers with 22 campuses serving diverse communities throughout Florida, the Florida Hospital Adventist University of Health Sciences is an institution that specializes exclusively in healthcare education. Located within the downtown center of Orlando, the Florida Hospital offers a growing number of faith-based training programs at all levels. The Department of Nurse Anesthesia has been nationally recognized by the U.S. News and World Report for having the 90th best graduate nursing anesthesia program in the country.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN Nurse Anesthesia – The Nurse Anesthesia program is focused on learning within a Christian environment where each student is valued as a child of God. Requiring 28 months of continuous full-time study with a culminating capstone project needed for graduation, the program involves an intensive 82 credit curriculum covering topics in health assessment, diagnostics, spiritually and wellness, anatomy, physiology, healthcare systems, techniques for nurse anesthesia practice, and advanced practicum clinical experience.
Accreditations
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (CANAEP)
Contact Information
671 Winyah Drive
Orlando FL, 32803
(407) 303-7742
http://www.adu.edu/academics/nurse-anesthesia/nurse-anesthesia-program
Florida International University
Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences
As one of America’s fastest growing universities with more than 50,000 students, Florida International University is a public institution with two main campuses in downtown Miami and northern Miami-Dade County. The largest university in the state, Forbes magazine distinguishes FIU as the 136th best college in the South and 205th top research university in the nation. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is also recognized for having the 265th best graduate nursing school and the 90th best graduate program in nursing anesthesia by the U.S. News and World Report.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – The AGNP program is designed to prepare students to care for adolescents, adults, and older adults within primary healthcare settings with a focus on disease prevention, health promotion, and the management of acute or chronic multi-system medical conditions. After completing the required 43 credit hours within six semesters, graduates will have all of the essential knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of adult illnesses.
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Designed to prepare professionals who will be qualified providers of primary healthcare services to families and individuals of all ages in urban or rural settings, the FNP program requires students to complete a minimum of 47 semester credits in three years of full-time study. With the coursework and clinical practicum experiences, the program is strongly focused on advanced nursing practice, wellness, disease prevention, episodic care, and family-centered care management.
MSN Nurse Anesthesia – As a challenging and rewarding academic undertaking consisting of seven continuous semesters of full-time graduate studies, the Nurse Anesthesia program is designed to prepare graduates for national recognition as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Containing didactic classes in anesthesia principles and clinical practice in the field, the curriculum includes 71 graduate credits or 83 credits for those in the RN to MSN.
MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) – Within the required 43 credits in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program, registered nurses are prepared to deliver high-quality care to address the health needs of newborns, children, and young adolescences under the age of 21. Students in the program are equipped with an in-depth knowledge and experience, including the prevention and management of common pediatric acute and chronic conditions in family care.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (CANAEP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
Modesto A. Maidique Campus AHC 3
11200 S.W. 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-7703
[email protected]
http://cnhs.fiu.edu/nursing/graduate/msn-programs/index.html
Florida Southern College
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Located in the heart of Florida’s high-tech corridor in Lakeland at the halfway point between Tampa and Orlando, Florida Southern College is a private institution that has been recognized by the prestigious Princeton Review for being among the most beautiful campuses in the nation. The U.S. News and World Report currently ranks FSC as being the 5th best college in the South and Forbes magazine names it as the 378th best private college in the entire nation. The FSC School of Nursing and Health Sciences is also home to the 425th best graduate nursing programs in the United States.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Intended to prepare students to become a specialist in the growth of organized and coordinated healthcare services, the CNS program enables graduates to take the certification examination for Clinical Specialist in Medical-Surgical Nursing through the ANCC. Students in the program are required to complete a minimum of 36 semester hours, including 21 credits in core curriculum and 18 credits in CNS track courses.
MSN Nurse Educator – The Nurse Educator program is designed for those who wish to combine their passion for teaching with their top-notch clinical expertise to educate the newest generation of nurses in academic or clinical settings. Within the required 37 semester hours, the curriculum is strongly focused on health assessment, nursing research, healthcare policy, statistical analysis, curriculum design, program development, and nurse education practice.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 680-4111
[email protected]
https://www.flsouthern.edu/adult-graduate-education/graduate/master-of-nursing.aspx
Florida State University
College of Nursing
Spread out over a sprawling 448-acre campus in the capital city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a comprehensive public institution that is world-renowned for the quality of its academic programs and research endeavors. According to the U.S. News and World Report, FSU is currently ranked as the 91st best college and 40th top public school in the nation. Even more importantly, the College of Nursing is recognized for being the 166th best graduate nursing school with 57th best online graduate nursing programs in the United States.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Program
MSN Nurse Educator – Within an innovative online format that seamlessly integrates theory and clinical practical coursework within 35 required semester credits, the Nurse Educator program is designed to prepare qualified nurses to fulfill roles in nursing education in academic or clinical settings. The program focuses on the teaching-learning process with an emphasis on curriculum development, course implementation, cultural diversity, and evaluation.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Contact Information
Vivian M. Duxbury Hall
98 Varsity Way, MC 4310
Tallahassee, FL 32306
(850) 644-3296
[email protected]
https://nursing.fsu.edu/programs