Most important takeaways…
- Tampa Bay universities offer FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP specialties across MSN and DNP levels.
- Annual tuition at area public universities ranges from roughly $6,100 to over $21,000 depending on the institution.
- Most Tampa NP programs use a hybrid format, pairing online coursework with locally arranged clinical rotations.
- Florida APRN licensure requires passing a national certification exam and applying through the Board of Nursing.
Online versus on-campus format is not the only choice Tampa-area nurses face. The deeper tension is specialty selection, degree level, and cost, all at once, across a metro that now hosts several accredited NP pathways within commuting reach.
The Tampa Bay region draws students from St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Sarasota, and Bradenton, giving working nurses access to programs at public universities, private institutions, and hybrid-format schools without relocating. Specialties available locally include the Family NP, Adult-Gerontology NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Pediatric NP, Women's Health NP, and the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP track. Degree options span the MSN, the DNP, and post-master's FNP certificates for nurses already holding a graduate degree.
Florida continues to expand NP scope, and health systems across the Tampa Bay area are increasingly listing DNP preparation as a preferred credential in hiring postings, a shift that makes the degree-level decision more consequential than it was even five years ago.
NP Programs in the Tampa Bay Area
The tuition figures below reflect graduate-level rates reported to federal databases and may differ from the per-credit costs you see on a program's own website. Net price is an institution-wide average that accounts for grants and scholarships across all students; your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on your individual financial aid package. Some schools bundle multiple NP concentrations under a single listing, while others maintain separate admissions tracks for each specialty.
- Program breadth and specialty options
- Clinical placement accessibility
- Tuition and net price
- Institutional graduation outcomes
- Delivery format flexibility
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
University of South Florida
As Tampa's home public research university, USF places NP students at the center of one of Florida's largest academic health systems. The College of Nursing offers NP tracks at both the MSN and BSN-to-DNP levels across five concentrations, including a distinctive Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP with an Occupational Health subspecialty developed in partnership with the College of Public Health. Clinical placements draw heavily on affiliated Tampa Bay institutions, giving local students a strong chance of completing practicum hours without relocating. Graduates are prepared for certification through ANCC, AANPCB, or AACN depending on specialty.
- 60 credit hours with hybrid delivery
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB certification
- Comprehensive exam required at completion
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
- Lifespan primary care focus
- Clinical judgment and leadership training
- Direct BSN-to-DNP pathway in family care
- Hybrid format with campus sessions in Tampa
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB certification
- Ambulatory care practice emphasis
- Full-time and part-time plans offered
- Capstone project required
- 57 credit hours on campus in Tampa
- Prepares for PNCB certification exam
- Care delivered within the family context
- Lock-step and new-graduate program plans
- Health promotion focus for children
- Comprehensive exam at completion
- 57 credit hours, campus-based delivery
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Occupational Health subspecialty option (74 credits)
- Subspecialty combines nursing and public health
- Grant funding may offset some costs
- Comprehensive exam required
- Specializes in acute and complex conditions
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
- Patient-centered care for adults and older adults
- Lock-step curriculum plan available
- Practice in acute and outpatient settings
- Hybrid and campus options offered
- Combines AGPCNP with occupational health focus
- Eligible for ANCC, AANPCB, or ABOHN certification
- NIOSH-funded scholarship opportunities available
- Manages work-related injuries and illnesses
- Campus-based with personalized program plan
- 74 credit hours required
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Family Health Concentration — Hybrid
Pediatric Primary Care NP MSN — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP MSN — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP Occupational Health / AGPCNP — On-Campus
University of Florida
The University of Florida's College of Nursing houses its NP education exclusively at the DNP level through BSN-to-DNP pathways in three specialties: FNP, PMHNP, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP. All tracks use a hybrid format that blends online coursework with clinical rotations arranged throughout Florida, meaning Tampa-area students may complete some placements locally but should plan for potential travel. UF's 91% institution-wide graduation rate and selective admissions reflect the academic rigor of the program. Graduates qualify for national certification through ANCC, AANP, or AACN depending on their track.
- Hybrid format with clinical sites across Florida
- Full-time and part-time scheduling options
- Eligible for ANCC and AANP certification
- Lifespan primary care and health promotion focus
- Community-based clinical learning experiences
- Supervised precepted hours required
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Prescriptive authority for psychotropic medications
- Rural, community, and urban clinical settings
- Advanced health assessment coursework
- Hybrid delivery with Florida-based clinicals
- Full-time and part-time paths available
- Requires one year of critical care RN experience
- Eligible for ANCC and AACN certification
- Individualized clinical learning experiences
- Focus on high-acuity inpatient populations
- Travel may be needed for clinical rotations
- Hybrid program with stabilization and management emphasis
BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — Hybrid
Ana G. Mendez University
Ana G. Mendez University provides an on-campus MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner at its Tampa Bay campus, making it one of the few locally based options for nurses who prefer in-person instruction. The curriculum covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and biomedical ethics, preparing graduates for national FNP certification. With additional campuses in Orlando and South Florida, students have some geographic flexibility if they relocate during the program.
- On-site delivery at the Tampa Bay campus
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Didactic and clinical experiences included
- Covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, and ethics
- Health policy and primary care management
- Multiple Florida campus locations available
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Florida International University
Florida International University in Miami offers one of the broadest NP program portfolios in the state, spanning MSN, Post-BSN-to-DNP, and post-graduate certificate levels across four specialties: FNP, PMHNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, and Pediatric Primary Care NP. Several tracks are fully online, and students may arrange clinical sites outside the Miami area, which can benefit Tampa-based nurses who secure local preceptors. Application deadlines and credit requirements vary by track, so careful planning is essential.
- 45 credits over six semesters, predominantly online
- Prepares for national NP certification
- Cares for adolescents through elderly populations
- Option to add Nurse Educator certificate
- Financial aid available
- Clinicals may be arranged outside Miami
- 45 credits, hybrid format over six semesters
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Settings include psychiatric clinics and crisis centers
- Dual Nurse Educator option available
- Fall-only admission with March 1 deadline
- Individual, family, and community focus
- Hybrid format with fall and spring start dates
- Primary care across the lifespan
- Four NP concentration options under one DNP
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Clinical placements in ambulatory settings
- Application via NursingCAS
- Online format with flexible clinical site options
- Direct BSN-to-DNP pathway
- Prepares for national pediatric NP certification
- Four specialty tracks available within DNP
- Application through NursingCAS required
- Focus on pediatric primary care management
- 36 credits, hybrid delivery
- Requires MSN from ACEN or CCNE program
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Fall admission deadline March 1
- Blends online and campus learning
- Students arrange their own clinical sites
- 35 credits, hybrid format
- Psychiatric mental health concentration
- Psychopharmacology course required
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Builds on existing MSN degree
- Fall admission with February 15 deadline
- 32 credits, fully online
- Requires MSN from accredited program
- Leads to national PNP certification eligibility
- Clinicals allowed outside local area
- Students identify their own clinical sites
- Fall admission deadline March 1
- 32 credits, fully online delivery
- Builds on MSN degree for career changers
- Prepares for national AGPCNP certification
- Flexible for working professionals
- Fall application deadline March 1
- No campus visits needed
MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — Online
MSN Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
Post-BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-BSN-to-DNP Pediatric Primary Care NP — Online
Post-Graduate NP Certificate, FNP — On-Campus
Post-Graduate NP Certificate, PMHNP — On-Campus
Post-Graduate NP Certificate, Pediatric Primary Care — On-Campus
Post-Graduate NP Certificate, AGPCNP — On-Campus
University of North Florida
The University of North Florida in Jacksonville offers NP education at the DNP level in FNP and PMHNP tracks, plus a fully online post-master's PMHNP certificate for nurses who already hold an MSN. The PMHNP certificate requires 36 credit hours, a 3.50 GPA, and active APRN licensure. Tampa students can access the online programs without relocating, though clinical placements are not described as Tampa-specific, so securing local preceptors will require some initiative.
- CCNE-accredited with full-time and part-time options
- Open to BSN and MSN graduates
- Prepares for FNP certification and Florida APRN licensure
- Curriculum based on AACN Essentials
- Financial aid and tuition waivers available
- Fall application deadline October 1
- 68 total credit hours, fully online delivery
- 1,100 clinical hours required
- CCNE-accredited with AACN Essentials alignment
- Spring admission with combined certificate seats
- Lifespan mental health clinical focus
- Designed for experienced APRNs
- 36 credit hours, fully online
- Requires MSN with 3.50 GPA minimum
- Active APRN licensure and NP certification needed
- One year of RN experience required
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- No financial aid for certificate track
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Online
Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
Florida State University
Florida State University in Tallahassee delivers NP education through hybrid DNP programs in FNP, PMHNP, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, along with online post-master's certificates in FNP and AGACNP. Clinical preceptors for the FNP certificate are secured by program coordinators, which can ease the placement burden for students studying from Tampa. DNP tracks require only two to four brief campus visits for skills workshops, keeping the rest of the coursework online.
- Hybrid with 2 to 3 campus visits for workshops
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways offered
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCP certification
- Full-time and part-time scheduling
- Clinical placements available nationwide
- Comprehensive HESI exit exam before graduation
- $444 per credit hour for all students
- Hybrid format with limited campus visits
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Clinical placements across the country
- Focus on mental health across the lifespan
- Fall start with May application deadline
- $444 per credit, hybrid delivery
- Recommends 1 to 2 years acute care RN experience
- Eligible for ANCC and AACN certification
- Four on-campus skills sessions required
- BSN-to-DNP and post-master's entry pathways
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework
- Fully online with 585 clinical hours
- Preceptors secured by program coordinators
- Requires MSN and three graduate prerequisites
- Multi-theoretical model curriculum
- Family-focused lifespan care emphasis
- $174 clinical clearance fee applies
- 22 credit hours, online delivery
- CCNE-accredited post-master's program
- Focuses on complex acute and critical illness
- Includes simulation exercises and labs
- Synchronous course components
- Builds diagnostic and treatment skills
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — Online
Post-Master's FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Master's AGACNP Certificate — On-Campus
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton offers MSN programs in FNP and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, a BSN-to-DNP with three NP concentrations, and post-graduate certificates in PMHNP and AGPCNP. In-state graduate tuition is among the lowest in the state at roughly $372 per credit hour. Clinical sites are concentrated in South Florida, so Tampa students should expect travel for practicum rotations. The DNP pathway includes a "Master's Along the Way" option for students who want to earn an MSN en route to the doctorate.
- 52 credits, part-time hybrid over 2.5 years
- 780 clinical hours in South Florida
- $371.81 per credit for in-state students
- No GRE or MAT required
- Eligible for ANCC or AANP certification
- Fall-only admission with February 15 deadline
- 52 credits across 8 semesters, hybrid format
- 780 clinical hours required
- Holistic, caring-based philosophy
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- Part-time schedule for working nurses
- South Florida clinical placements
- 77 credits over 11 semesters with capstone
- Approximately $28,629 total in-state tuition
- 1,000 clinical hours, placements arranged by program
- Master's Along the Way MSN option
- Three South Florida campus locations
- Full-time commitment expected
- 72 credits, approximately $26,770 in-state total
- 1,000 clinical hours with program-arranged sites
- Hybrid format with weekend classes monthly
- Summer-only admission with January 15 deadline
- No entrance exam required
- Background check required annually
- 28 credits, fully online delivery
- 780 clinical practice hours
- In-state certificate tuition about $9,295
- Requires MSN with 3.0 GPA
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Fall admission only
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate — Online
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida in Orlando focuses its NP programming on Adult-Gerontology pathways, offering a BSN-to-DNP in AGPCNP and post-master's certificates in both AGPCNP and AGACNP. The hybrid format includes twice-yearly on-campus intensives in Orlando, roughly 90 minutes from Tampa. Clinical sites are typically assigned by a coordinator within UCF's Florida service region, which can include the Tampa Bay area. A bridge option exists for applicants who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
- 73 to 74 credit hours with 1,140 to 1,200 clinical hours
- CCNE-accredited, hybrid with bi-weekly campus sessions
- Clinical sites assigned by program coordinator
- Fall-only admission, one start per year
- Bridge option for non-nursing bachelor's holders
- Fellowships and scholarships available
- 23 credit hours, hybrid format
- Requires MSN or DNP plus APRN certification
- Prepares for acute, critical, and chronic care roles
- Includes clinical hours and evidence-based practice
- Flexible curriculum for working APRNs
- Develops diagnostic reasoning skills
- 19 credit hours, hybrid format
- Up to 660 clinical hours included
- Requires BSN, MSN, and Florida APRN licensure
- Includes women's health and gerontologic care courses
- Undergraduate statistics prerequisite
- Career advancement for existing APRNs
BSN-to-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — Hybrid
Post-Master's AGACNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Master's AGPCNP Certificate — On-Campus
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers offers a BSN-to-DNP with two NP concentrations: FNP and PMHNP. The 81-credit, CCNE-accredited program can be completed in three years full-time or four years part-time through a hybrid format. Clinical placements are arranged in five Southwest Florida counties, which sit south of the Tampa Bay area. A $2.7 million federal grant supports the FNP track, and the Nurse Faculty Loan Program may help offset costs for students who plan to teach after graduation.
- 81 credits, CCNE-accredited hybrid program
- 1,000 clinical hours with placement assistance
- $2.7M federal grant supporting the FNP track
- Nurse Faculty Loan Program available
- 3-year full-time or 4-year part-time completion
- Faculty advisor assigned to each student
- 81 credits, hybrid with on-campus classes in Fort Myers
- 1,000 clinical hours in five SW Florida counties
- No GRE required for admission
- Full-time and part-time scheduling options
- 3.0 GPA minimum, three recommendation letters
- Personal interview may be required
BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida A&M University in Tallahassee is the only Florida program in this group offering an MSN and post-master's certificate in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, alongside an online MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP. As an HBCU, FAMU emphasizes a supportive, inclusive community and evidence-based practice. Both MSN tracks are delivered primarily online, making them accessible to Tampa-area nurses without relocation. The WHNP post-master's certificate totals 42 credit hours with individualized curriculum mapping for students who may transfer credits from a prior MSN.
- 42 credits, completable in five semesters online
- ACEN and SACSCOC accredited
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Financial aid available
- Careers in diverse practice settings
- Online MSN with on-ground option available
- Focuses on women's primary care across the lifespan
- Includes research methods and health policy
- Clinical management and socio-cultural factors
- BSN required for admission
- Prepares for WHNP certification
- 42 credit hours, fully online delivery
- Advanced health assessment and pharmacology courses
- Individualized curriculum mapping for transfer credits
- Clinical management and women's health theory
- Requires MSN in nursing for admission
- Prepares for advanced practice WHNP roles
MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — Online
MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Master's Certificate, WHNP — On-Campus
NP Specialties You Can Study in the Tampa Metro
The growing variety of nurse practitioner specialties reflects how deeply the profession has diversified over the past decade, and Tampa-area programs now cover most of the major tracks. Which specialty you choose shapes the patient population you serve, the settings you work in, and the clinical skills you build. Here is what is available in and around the Tampa metro.
Primary Care and Family-Focused Tracks
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): The most widely offered specialty in the region, FNP programs prepare you to care for patients across the lifespan, from pediatrics through geriatrics, in outpatient and community settings. Nearly every local school with an NP program includes this track.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGNP): This track narrows the focus to adolescents, adults, and older adults in primary care. It is offered at select Tampa-area universities, though fewer programs carry it compared to FNP.
- Pediatric NP (PNP): PNP programs train you to manage acute and chronic conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Availability locally is more limited, and some students enroll in hybrid or online programs based outside the region.
Acute Care and Psychiatric Tracks
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP): Designed for inpatient, emergency, and critical care environments, AGACNP programs prepare you to manage complex, rapidly changing conditions in adult and older adult patients. If you are weighing this track against AGNP, a closer look at the differences between AGNP vs AGACNP can help clarify which path fits your clinical goals. A handful of Tampa-area schools offer this track.
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP): PMHNP programs Tampa students can access are growing in number, driven by surging demand for psychiatric providers both locally and nationwide. This specialty focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions across the lifespan. Because demand outpaces the number of local seats, many Tampa nurses pursue PMHNP training through accredited online or hybrid programs headquartered elsewhere.
Women's Health
- Women's Health NP (WHNP): WHNP programs center on reproductive health, prenatal care, gynecologic conditions, and menopause management. This is one of the less commonly offered specialties in the Tampa area, so students often look to online programs or institutions within a one- to two-hour commuting radius, including NP programs in Sarasota Florida or nurse practitioner programs in Orlando.
If your preferred specialty is not available at a convenient local campus, online and hybrid options from accredited programs elsewhere in Florida or nationally can fill the gap, and many are designed specifically for nurses who are still working full time.
MSN, DNP, and Post-Master's Pathways in Tampa
Tampa-area nurses have three main degree pathways into nurse practitioner practice. The MSN is the entry-level NP degree and the fastest route to certification. The DNP is the practice doctorate, increasingly preferred by employers and health systems. Post-master's certificates let current MSN-prepared NPs add a new specialty without repeating an entire graduate program. Some Tampa programs also offer BSN-to-DNP direct-entry tracks that fold both degrees into a single, streamlined curriculum.
What Tampa NP Programs Actually Cost
Tuition varies significantly across Florida's public universities, and the figures below reflect annual institutional rates reported to federal databases. Keep in mind that the net price column represents an institution-wide average for all undergraduates receiving financial aid, so it does not directly reflect what you will pay as a graduate nursing student. Your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your credit load, residency status, program length, and any graduate assistantships or employer tuition reimbursement you secure.
| School | Location | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton | $6,693 | $18,482 | $8,752 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando | $8,872 | $28,657 | $10,411 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers | $8,961 | $31,216 | $12,568 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola | $9,062 | $24,894 | $9,364 |
| Florida A&M University | Tallahassee | $9,876 | $24,669 | $13,739 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa | $10,428 | $21,126 | $9,812 |
| University of North Florida | Jacksonville | $10,364 | $21,930 | $10,154 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee | $10,553 | $26,707 | $11,297 |
| Florida International University | Miami | $11,334 | $24,439 | $9,288 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville | $12,737 | $30,130 | $6,541 |
Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus Options for Working Nurses
Most nurse practitioner programs in the Tampa metro area now use a hybrid delivery format, combining online didactic courses with in-person clinical training arranged near your community.
Three Format Paths in Tampa
Fully online programs deliver all coursework remotely, but you still complete clinical hours at local healthcare facilities. Hybrid programs mix online classes with occasional on-campus intensives, often one or two weekends per semester. Traditional on-campus programs require weekly attendance, which can be challenging if you work full time. In Tampa, on-campus NP programs are the exception; most schools have shifted to hybrid or online-first designs.
Balancing Work and Coursework
Many Tampa-area programs explicitly welcome part-time students. Evening and weekend clinical shifts are common at partner hospitals like Tampa General and BayCare, allowing you to keep a nursing job while advancing. When comparing programs, ask about the typical weekly schedule and whether synchronous virtual classes are held during business hours or in the evening.
Clinical Placement: Who Finds Your Preceptor?
The biggest logistical difference among Tampa NP programs is clinical placement. Some schools, such as USF, operate a shared-responsibility model. The program coordinates placements through a large network of Florida clinical partners and works with you to identify a preceptor, but placement is not guaranteed if you cannot meet partner requirements like background checks, drug screening, or immunization mandates.12 Most other area programs place the responsibility squarely on you, meaning you must locate and secure your own clinical site and approved preceptor.3 If you choose a program that expects you to find your own preceptor, start networking early with nurses and advanced practice providers at your current workplace or through professional associations. For a deeper look at how students navigate this process, see our guide on online programs and local clinical placements.
Related Articles
Tampa NP Salary and Job Demand at a Glance
Nurse practitioner salaries in Florida reflect strong demand across the state, and the Tampa Bay metro area is no exception. The figures below draw from published Bureau of Labor Statistics data. For the most current Tampa-specific numbers, visit BLS.gov and search for Nurse Practitioners (SOC 29-1171) in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA. You can also cross-reference those figures with Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reports and job postings on sites like Indeed or Glassdoor, adjusting for your experience level and practice setting.
| Metric | Florida Statewide |
|---|---|
| Total NP Employment | 18,530 |
| Employment per 1,000 Jobs | 2.01 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $110,310 |
| 10th Percentile Annual Wage | $100,540 |
| 90th Percentile Annual Wage | $155,490 |
Earning Your Florida APRN License After Graduation
Once you complete an accredited NP program, a clear series of steps stands between you and independent practice in Florida. First, you will pass a national certification exam matched to your specialty. Family NP graduates sit for the ANCC FNP-BC or AANP FNP-C. Psychiatric-mental health NP candidates take the ANCC PMHNP-BC, pediatric NP graduates take the PNCB CPNP-PC or CPNP-AC, and women's health NP graduates sit for the NCC WHNP-BC. With certification in hand, you apply to the Florida Board of Nursing for your APRN license, which requires an active Florida RN license, proof of your graduate degree, and a background screening (currently $43.25). You then apply separately for prescriptive authority. Florida's autonomous practice law, originally enacted in 2020, allows APRNs to practice independently after completing a supervised transition period of at least 3,000 hours under a supervising physician or experienced APRN. As of 2026, no major legislative changes have altered that transition requirement, so graduates should plan for roughly two years of supervised practice before gaining full autonomy. Once licensed, you renew every two years ($60 renewal fee) and complete continuing education requirements that include hours in controlled substances, human trafficking awareness, and medical error prevention.
More NP Programs Near Tampa Worth Exploring
Beyond the top-ranked programs in Tampa, several other Florida schools offer quality NP education within commuting distance or through flexible online formats. Here are additional options to consider.
Tampa Bay Area
The University of Tampa Tampa, FL · On-Campus
- Post-Master’s Certificate Program in FNP
South University-Tampa Tampa, FL · On-Campus
- Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
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)
South Florida
Miami Regional University Miami Springs, FL · Hybrid
- 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
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)
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
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
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)
Palm Beach Area
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
Florida Panhandle
University of West Florida Pensacola, FL · Online
- Family Nurse Practitioner, M.S.N.
Northeast Florida
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
