Most important takeaways…
- Fort Lauderdale area schools offer six NP specialties including FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP.
- Roughly 9,200 NPs work in the Miami to West Palm Beach metro, reflecting strong local demand.
- Nova Southeastern University provides MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master's certificate pathways all within Broward County.
- Florida APRN licensure requires an active RN license, an accredited graduate degree, and national certification in your specialty.
What NP specialties and degree levels can you actually access from Fort Lauderdale without uprooting your life? Broward County's population has grown past 2 million, and the resulting demand for primary, psychiatric, and acute care providers has made this stretch of South Florida one of the state's most active hiring corridors for nurse practitioners.
Programs in the metro area and within a short commute cover FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, AGACNP, PNP, and WHNP tracks at the MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels. If you are weighing online DNP nurse practitioner programs in Florida, several are accessible without relocating. The real challenge for working nurses is weighing cost differences, clinical placement logistics, and whether an online or hybrid format fits a hospital schedule. With roughly 9,200 NPs employed across the broader tri-county region and nurse practitioner salary by state and specialty running well above the national average, the credential carries measurable return here.
Top NP Programs in the Fort Lauderdale Metro Area
Fort Lauderdale nurses exploring NP education have a wide range of options, from programs based right in Broward County to statewide online and hybrid offerings at Florida's public universities. The programs below are ranked by overall value, weighing net price and graduate outcomes. Because many are hybrid or fully online, nurses commuting from Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Davie, Pembroke Pines, or Boca Raton can realistically complete most of these without relocating. Note that graduation rates listed are institution-wide figures, not specific to any individual nursing program.
- Net price and affordability
- Institution-wide graduation rate
- Graduate earnings outcomes
- Program breadth and specialties
- Regional accessibility for South Florida
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
Florida Atlantic University
Located in Boca Raton with an additional campus in Davie (Broward County), Florida Atlantic University is the closest public university NP option for Fort Lauderdale residents. FAU offers MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-master's certificate pathways in FNP, AGNP, and PMHNP, all with clinical sites arranged throughout South Florida. The BSN-to-DNP FNP track totals roughly $28,600 in-state tuition across 77 credit hours, making it one of the most affordable doctoral NP options in the region. No GRE is required, and limited-access cohorts admit once per year in Fall.
- Hybrid format across Boca Raton, Davie, and Jupiter campuses
- 52 credit hours with 780 required clinical hours
- Part-time only; approximately 2.5 years to complete
- In-state tuition approximately $371 per credit hour
- No GRE or MAT required for admission
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification exams
- Clinical sites in South Florida communities
- 77 total credit hours; approximately $28,629 in-state tuition
- 11 semesters with 1,000 clinical hours and capstone
- Hybrid format with synchronous and asynchronous options
- DNP classes meet one weekend per month
- Clinical preceptors arranged by the program
- Master's Along the Way option available
- Summer start; apply by January 15
- 72 credit hours; approximately $26,770 in-state tuition
- 1,000 clinical hours with placements arranged by program
- Hybrid format across three South Florida campuses
- No entrance exam required for admission
- Full-time program; working full-time is discouraged
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- 52 total credit hours with 780 clinical hours
- Hybrid on-campus and online format
- Holistic, caring-based philosophy of care
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Part-time schedule; admits once per year in Fall
- Clinical placements in South Florida settings
- 28 credit hours delivered fully online
- 780 clinical practice hours required
- Requires MSN with 3.0 GPA and Florida RN license
- In-state certificate tuition approximately $9,295
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Fall admission only; interview required
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN — On-Campus
Post-Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Online
University of Florida
The University of Florida's College of Nursing offers BSN-to-DNP tracks in FNP, PMHNP, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, all delivered in a hybrid format. UF holds a 91.1% institution-wide graduation rate and a net price of $6,541, making it one of the strongest overall values in the state. Clinical placements are arranged at sites across Florida, including potential South Florida locations depending on preceptor availability. Fort Lauderdale nurses who choose UF should expect periodic campus visits to Gainesville alongside online coursework.
- Hybrid format with full-time and part-time pacing options
- Community-based primary care training across the lifespan
- Clinical placements at sites throughout Florida
- Eligible for both ANCC and AANP certification
- Emphasizes health promotion and chronic disease management
- Supervised precepted clinical experiences required
- Hybrid delivery with rural, community, and urban placements
- Advanced health assessment and psychotropic prescribing skills
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Clinical sites in Florida only
- Covers diverse populations and settings
- Requires at least one year of critical care RN experience
- Eligible for ANCC and AACN certification
- Individualized clinical learning experiences across Florida
- Hybrid format; travel may be required for clinicals
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Focus on high-acuity inpatient stabilization and management
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Florida International University
Florida International University in Miami is a natural fit for Fort Lauderdale nurses, sitting roughly 30 miles south on I-95. FIU offers one of the broadest NP program menus in South Florida: MSN tracks in AGNP and PMHNP, BSN-to-DNP concentrations in FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, and Pediatric Primary Care, plus post-graduate NP certificates in four specialties. Programs are structured for working professionals, with hybrid and online formats and the flexibility to arrange clinical sites in Broward or Palm Beach counties. In-state net price is $9,288.
- 45 credit hours completed in six semesters
- Predominantly online format; starts in Fall
- Focus on disease prevention and health promotion
- Manages acute and chronic multi-system conditions
- Option to add a Nurse Educator Certificate
- Prepares for national NP certification
- 45 credit hours in a hybrid format
- Six-semester program with Fall-only admission
- Practice settings include psychiatric clinics and crisis centers
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Dual Nurse Educator certificate option available
- Application deadline March 1
- Hybrid format with Fall and Spring start dates
- Primary care across the lifespan in ambulatory settings
- Located in Miami with four NP concentration options
- Family-centered approach to advanced practice
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Flexible clinical site arrangements available
- Fully online; 32 credit hours required
- Requires MSN from an accredited program
- Students may arrange clinicals outside the local area
- Leads to national certification eligibility
- Fall application deadline is March 1
- Builds on existing MSN clinical knowledge
- Hybrid format; 36 credit hours required
- Designed for working professionals with an MSN
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Students identify and contract with clinical sites
- Financial aid available for certificate students
- Application deadline March 1 for Fall term
- Hybrid delivery; 35 credit hours for the psychiatric track
- Requires MSN degree and psychopharmacology coursework
- Focus on mental health care across the lifespan
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Clinicals in specific Florida areas
- Fall term admission available
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Graduate Certificate, Pediatric Primary Care NP — On-Campus
Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Graduate Certificate, PMHNP — On-Campus
Ana G. Mendez University
Ana G. Mendez University operates a South Florida Campus in Miramar, directly in Broward County, giving Fort Lauderdale nurses the convenience of an on-site MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner. The program emphasizes culturally and linguistically congruent care, a strong fit for South Florida's multilingual communities. With a net price of $19,775, tuition is higher than most public options, but the campus-based format and bilingual support appeal to nurses who prefer in-person learning and diverse clinical exposure in family practice and urgent care settings.
- On-site, campus-based delivery at the Miramar (Broward County) location
- Curriculum covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment
- Prepares for national FNP certification exams
- Focus on primary care leadership for families across all ages
- Clinical experiences in family practice and urgent care clinics
- Multiple campus locations available across Florida
- No thesis or capstone required
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida in Tampa offers MSN and BSN-to-DNP pathways in FNP, Adult-Gerontology (Primary Care and Acute Care), and Pediatric Primary Care NP. Several tracks use a hybrid format that lets South Florida nurses handle most didactic work remotely, though on-campus sessions are required in Tampa. USF's FNP MSN totals 60 credit hours and prepares graduates for ANCC or AANPCB certification. The institution-wide net price sits at $9,812 with a 76.8% graduation rate.
- 60 total credit hours in a hybrid format
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB certification exams
- Comprehensive examination required at completion
- Focus on clinical judgment and leadership development
- Lifespan primary care across diverse populations
- Research and health policy coursework included
- Hybrid delivery; prepares for ANCC or AANPCB certification
- Comprehensive care across the lifespan in ambulatory settings
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Full-time and part-time pacing options
- Capstone project required
- Leadership and health systems training included
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
- Practice in acute and outpatient settings
- Patient-centered care for adults and older adults
- Manages acute and complex health conditions
- Lock-step and new-graduate program plans available
- Hybrid format with campus-based components
- 57 total credit hours; campus-based delivery
- Care for children in health promotion within a family context
- Prepares for Pediatric Primary Care NP certification
- Comprehensive examination required
- Lock-step program plan available
- Delivered within the family context of care
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Family Health Concentration — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — On-Campus
MSN, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Florida State University
Florida State University offers hybrid DNP tracks in FNP, PMHNP, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, along with online post-master's certificates in FNP and AGACNP. A standout feature: FSU's FNP certificate program has coordinators who secure clinical preceptors for students, which is especially valuable for Fort Lauderdale nurses navigating the competitive South Florida preceptor market. Didactic content is delivered online with a small number of campus visits to Tallahassee. Net price is $11,297, with an 85.6% institution-wide graduation rate.
- Hybrid format with BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways
- Synchronous and asynchronous online options
- Campus visits required 2 to 3 times for skills workshops
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCP certification
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
- Capstone and comprehensive HESI exit exam required
- Hybrid delivery at $444 per credit hour
- Online didactic with limited campus visits
- Clinical placements available across the country
- Focus on mental health across the lifespan
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Track coordinator provides personalized support
- $444 per credit; BSN-to-DNP and post-master's pathways
- Four on-campus day sessions required
- Synchronous and asynchronous online components
- One to two years of acute care RN experience recommended
- Prepares for ANCC and AACN certification
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Fully online with 585 clinical hours required
- Program coordinators secure preceptors for students
- Requires MSN plus three graduate-level prerequisite courses
- Multi-theoretical model for lifespan family care
- Includes laboratory sessions alongside online coursework
- $174 clinical clearance fee applies
- 22 credit hours; fully online delivery
- CCNE-accredited certificate program
- Focuses on complex acute and critical illness management
- Synchronous course components included
- Requires MSN or DNP degree for admission
- Simulation exercises and clinical rotations required
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Master's Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Master's Certificate, AGACNP — On-Campus
University of North Florida
The University of North Florida in Jacksonville delivers a fully online PMHNP certificate and an online DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health NP, both well suited for Fort Lauderdale nurses who can arrange South Florida clinical sites. UNF also offers a campus-based FNP DNP. The PMHNP certificate requires 36 credit hours, a 3.50 GPA, current APRN licensure, and one year of RN experience. Net price is $10,154 with a 69.2% institution-wide graduation rate.
- Fully online; 36 credit hours required
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification across the lifespan
- Requires MSN with 3.50 GPA and current APRN licensure
- One year of RN experience required for admission
- Clinical component included; students coordinate sites
- No financial aid available for this certificate
- Fully online didactic delivery; 68 credit hours
- CCNE accredited with 1,100 clinical hours
- Full-time and part-time options with Spring start
- Curriculum based on AACN Essentials
- Designed for experienced APRNs seeking a DNP
- Online course quality designation awarded
- Campus-based delivery in Jacksonville
- Open to BSN and MSN graduates
- CCNE accredited; aligns with AACN Essentials
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
- Eligible for FNP certification and Florida APRN licensure
- Financial aid and tuition waivers available
PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate — On-Campus
DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida in Orlando offers hybrid DNP and post-master's certificate options in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Acute Care NP. Required in-person sessions are concentrated in intensives, making periodic travel from Fort Lauderdale manageable. UCF's AGPCNP DNP requires 73 to 74 credit hours with over 1,100 clinical hours, and a clinical coordinator assigns placements. Net price is $10,411, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 78%.
- 73 to 74 credit hours; CCNE accredited
- Hybrid format with twice-yearly on-campus intensives
- 1,140 to 1,200 clinical hours with coordinator-assigned sites
- Fall admission only; nine-semester timeline
- Capstone project and prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships available
- 23 credit hours; hybrid delivery
- Requires MSN or DNP and national APRN certification
- Focus on acute, critical, and chronic illness management
- Emphasis on evidence-based practice and leadership
- Includes clinical hours in approved settings
- Flexible curriculum for working advanced practice nurses
- 19 credit hours in a hybrid format
- Up to 660 clinical hours required
- Requires BSN, MSN, and Florida APRN licensure
- Includes women's health and gerontologic care courses
- Prepares for state licensure in a new NP specialty
- Undergraduate statistics prerequisite
DNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Master's Certificate, AGACNP — On-Campus
Post-Master's Certificate, AGPCNP — On-Campus
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers offers a CCNE-accredited BSN-to-DNP with FNP and PMHNP concentrations. The 81-credit hybrid program can be completed in three years full-time or four years part-time, with clinical placement assistance provided by a dedicated coordinator. While FGCU's clinical sites focus on five Southwest Florida counties, the program's hybrid format and placement support may appeal to Fort Lauderdale nurses willing to travel for a smaller-cohort experience. Net price is $12,568.
- 81 credit hours; CCNE accredited; hybrid format
- Three-year full-time or four-year part-time completion
- 1,000 clinical hours with placement assistance provided
- Faculty advisor assigned to each student
- $2.7 million federal grant supports the FNP program
- Nurse Faculty Loan Program available
- No entrance exam required; 3.0 GPA minimum
- 81 credit hours in a hybrid learning format
- 1,000 clinical hours in Southwest Florida counties
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
- Clinical coordinator assists with site placements
- CCNE accredited; no GRE required
- Capstone project and prerequisite courses required
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an HBCU in Tallahassee, offers fully online MSN programs in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP and Women's Health NP, along with a post-master's WHNP certificate. The WHNP certificate is one of the few dedicated women's health NP credentials available from a Florida public university. The AGPCNP MSN can be completed in as few as five semesters at 42 credit hours. Net price is $13,739 with a 53.4% institution-wide graduation rate.
- Fully online; 42 credit hours in five semesters
- ACEN and SACSCOC accredited
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Financial aid available; supportive inclusive community
- Prepares for careers in diverse healthcare settings
- Online MSN with on-ground option available
- Focuses on primary care for women across the lifespan
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice and health policy
- Addresses socio-cultural factors in women's health
- Includes clinical management training
- Requires BSN for admission
- Fully online; 42 credit hours
- Requires master's degree in nursing
- Courses in advanced health assessment and pharmacology
- Clinical management and advanced women's health theory
- Some credits may transfer from previous MSN work
- Individualized curriculum maps for each student
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Master's Certificate, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
NP Specialties Available Near Fort Lauderdale
Six distinct NP specialty tracks are offered by schools in or within commuting distance of Fort Lauderdale, giving you real flexibility to match your career goals with the right patient population and practice setting.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
FNP is by far the most widely available specialty in the region. Nova Southeastern University and Keiser University both offer MSN-level FNP programs right in Fort Lauderdale, while Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Barry University in Miami, Miami Regional University in Miami Springs, St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, and Larkin University in Miami all run FNP tracks within roughly an hour's drive. FNPs deliver primary care across the lifespan, from pediatric well-visits to chronic disease management in older adults, and practice in clinics, urgent care centers, and community health settings. If you are not sure which specialty to pursue, FNP offers the broadest scope and the most job flexibility.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
South Florida faces well-documented behavioral health workforce shortages, and demand for PMHNPs continues to outpace supply. Florida Southern College in Lakeland offers a post-master's PMHNP certificate in a hybrid format, and the University of North Florida in Jacksonville provides a fully online PMHNP certificate option, both accessible to Fort Lauderdale nurses without relocating. You can explore additional PMHNP programs in Florida for a broader view of what is available statewide. PMHNPs assess, diagnose, and treat patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders across the lifespan in outpatient clinics, inpatient units, and telehealth settings. If you already hold an MSN and want to pivot into mental health, these certificate pathways can get you there faster than a full degree program.
Adult-Gerontology Tracks (AGNP and AGACNP)
Two adult-gerontology options serve different practice environments, and understanding the difference between FNP and AGNP can help you choose the right fit. South University in West Palm Beach offers an MSN with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, focused on managing chronic conditions in outpatient settings for adults and older adults. On the acute care side, the University of Central Florida offers a post-master's AGACNP certificate in a hybrid format, and Florida National University in Hialeah provides a campus-based AGACNP post-graduate certificate with 500 practicum hours. AGACNPs work in hospitals, ICUs, and emergency departments, making critical decisions for acutely ill patients.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
Florida International University in Miami offers an online post-graduate PNP certificate with a Pediatric Primary Care concentration. This 32-credit program is designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and want to specialize in care for infants, children, and adolescents. PNPs typically practice in pediatric offices, school-based clinics, and children's hospitals.
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Florida A&M University offers a fully online post-master's certificate in Women's Health NP, covering 42 credits of advanced coursework in reproductive health, prenatal care, and gynecological management. For a deeper look at this career path, see our women's health nurse practitioner career guide. WHNPs practice in OB-GYN offices, women's health clinics, and family planning centers. Because this specialty is offered by fewer programs statewide, the online format makes it accessible regardless of where you live in South Florida.
Post-Master's Certificates for Adding a Second Specialty
If you already hold an MSN and want to expand into a new patient population without completing another full degree, post-master's certificates are a practical path. Programs in the Fort Lauderdale area and across Florida offer certificates in FNP, PMHNP, PNP, AGACNP, and WHNP. These certificates typically range from 23 to 42 credits and include clinical hours, preparing you for national certification in your new specialty. Schools like Florida State University, the University of Tampa, and Jacksonville University offer FNP certificates, while FIU, UCF, Florida National University, and Florida Southern College cover PNP, AGACNP, and PMHNP certificates. Many are delivered online or in hybrid formats, so you can continue working while you study.
MSN, DNP, or Post-Master's Certificate: Choosing a Degree Path
Fort Lauderdale nurses weighing an NP career have three distinct degree paths to consider. Nova Southeastern University, headquartered right in the metro area, offers all three: an MSN, a BSN-to-DNP pathway, and a post-master's NP certificate. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing continues to endorse the DNP as the terminal practice degree, so new students should weigh whether starting at the DNP level now could save time and tuition compared to earning an MSN first and bridging later.
Clinical Placements in the Fort Lauderdale Area
Securing a clinical placement is one of the most important, and sometimes most stressful, steps in any NP program. Fort Lauderdale's dense network of hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices gives students a genuine advantage, but the process still requires early planning and persistence.
How Placement Models Work
NP programs handle nurse practitioner clinical rotations differently. Some schools coordinate placements on your behalf by maintaining affiliation agreements with local health systems. Others expect you to locate and secure your own preceptor, then submit paperwork for program approval. Before you enroll, contact the clinical placement office at any program you are considering, including Nova Southeastern University, to ask exactly which model they use. The answer can significantly affect your workload during the busiest semesters.
Many clinical sites require a formal affiliation agreement between your school and the facility before you can begin a rotation. Mayo Clinic Florida, for example, accepts NP students only through a school-mediated process in which program coordinators submit rotation requests directly.1 CVS Health's clinical opportunities also require an affiliation agreement, with placements offered based on site availability.3
Finding Preceptors and Clinical Sites in Broward County
If your program asks you to find a clinical preceptor, start early and use every resource available:
- AANP Preceptor Finder: The American Association of Nurse Practitioners maintains a searchable database that can help you connect with practicing NPs willing to precept in Broward County.
- Local NP chapters and LinkedIn: Professional networking through your local AANP chapter or specialty groups on LinkedIn often surfaces preceptor leads that never appear in formal databases.
- Hospital education departments: Check the official websites of Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare System, HCA Florida, and Cleveland Clinic Florida for rotation policies, application portals, or direct contact information for their clinical education teams.
- NONPF resources: The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties publishes guidance on clinical placement requirements that can help you understand what documentation sites expect.
Timing and Availability
Clinical site availability can shift from semester to semester. Community Health Centers in Broward County, for instance, paused acceptance of NP students but plan to resume rotations in August 2026, and they require an affiliation agreement to be in place before students begin.2 Checking in regularly with both your program and prospective sites ensures you are not caught off guard by a sudden freeze.
The Florida Board of Nursing outlines the minimum supervised clinical hours required for APRN licensure, so review those requirements alongside your program's own hour totals. Some specialties, such as PMHNP or AGACNP, may require placements in settings that are less common in suburban areas. If you are pursuing an acute care track, reviewing AGACNP programs in Florida can help you understand specialty-specific clinical hour expectations and identify programs with stronger site networks.
Building relationships with preceptors during your clinical rotations often leads to job offers after graduation, so treat every placement as both a learning experience and a professional audition.
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Earning Potential for NPs in Broward County
Nurse practitioners in the Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach metro area earn some of the strongest wages among Florida's major metros. With approximately 9,200 NPs employed across the region, the local job market is robust, and compensation reflects steady demand across specialties. The table below shows how local NP wages compare to other major Florida metros, giving you a clear picture of where the area stands.
| Metro Area | Total NP Employment | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach | 9,200 | N/A | $109,990 | $135,450 | $150,840 | N/A |
| Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater | 3,810 | N/A | $105,410 | $128,430 | $134,190 | N/A |
| Jacksonville | 2,290 | N/A | $107,680 | $129,530 | $132,590 | N/A |
| Orlando, Kissimmee, Sanford | 1,970 | N/A | $107,860 | $128,210 | $132,790 | N/A |
| Cape Coral, Fort Myers | 820 | N/A | $120,160 | $143,670 | $143,670 | N/A |
| North Port, Bradenton, Sarasota | 720 | N/A | $109,230 | $130,780 | $135,920 | N/A |
| Port St. Lucie | 600 | N/A | $117,990 | $132,230 | $137,300 | N/A |
| Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville | 640 | N/A | $102,970 | $115,140 | $128,870 | N/A |
| Lakeland, Winter Haven | 510 | N/A | $103,880 | $123,140 | $129,310 | N/A |
Steps to Earning Your Florida APRN License
Earning your Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license in Florida follows a clear, step-by-step pathway. You will need an active Florida RN license, a graduate degree from an accredited nursing program, and national certification in your chosen specialty. Once licensed, you renew every two years through the state's online FLHealthSource portal, completing continuing education that covers topics such as controlled substances, medical errors, Florida laws, and human trafficking. As of July 1, 2025, all APRN applicants and renewals must also complete a Level 2 background check with fingerprinting every five years. Visit the Florida Board of Nursing website for the most current requirements, including any updates related to supervised practice hours and the state's evolving full practice authority law originally enacted in 2020.
Additional NP Programs Within Reach of Fort Lauderdale
For students willing to expand their search beyond the top-ranked programs, the following directory lists additional NP programs in the Fort Lauderdale area and across Florida. Schools are organized by region for easy browsing.
Miami-Dade Area
Miami Regional University Miami Springs, FL · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Post-Master Certification
University of Miami Coral Gables, FL · On-Campus
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program
- Post Masters Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Track
- BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track
- BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track
- BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
St. Thomas University Miami Gardens, FL · Online
- Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Florida National University Hialeah, FL · On-Campus
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Barry University Miami, FL · Hybrid
- Nurse Practitioner (MSN) Family Practice
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Practitioner, MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
- Nursing Practice, Post-Baccalaureate DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Nursing Practice, Post-Baccalaureate DNP (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
Fort Lauderdale Area
Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner M.S.N.-A.P.R.N.
- Postgraduate Certificate (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- M.S.N. Nurse Practitioner in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care
- M.S.N. Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatric Mental Health
- B.S.N. to D.N.P. (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- B.S.N. to D.N.P. (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Palm Beach County
Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach, FL · Hybrid
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, D.N.P. (Family Nurse Practitioner Track)
- DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, D.N.P. (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
South University-West Palm Beach Royal Palm Beach, FL · Online
- MSN with a Specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Central Florida
Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL · Hybrid
- Post-Masters Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
AdventHealth University Orlando, FL · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Tampa Bay Area
The University of Tampa Tampa, FL · On-Campus
- Post-Master’s Certificate Program in FNP
South University-Tampa Tampa, FL · Campus
- Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
Jacksonville Area
Jacksonville University Jacksonville, FL · On-Campus
- Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner Cognate
Florida Panhandle
University of West Florida Pensacola, FL · Online
- Family Nurse Practitioner, M.S.N.
