Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Fort Lauderdale (2026)

Compare NP specialties, degree paths, and program formats across the Fort Lauderdale metro area.

Judy Daniels, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC

Written by Judy Daniels, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC

Reviewed by NP Editorial Team

Last Updated August 29, 2026

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

These NP programs are all within commuting distance of Fort Lauderdale, with campuses in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. We compared program variety, tuition, clinical support, and federal graduation data to highlight options worth a close look. Institution-wide graduation rates are included as a general signal; they reflect the whole university, not NP programs specifically.

How we ranked these

Factors considered

Program variety and degree levels
Tuition and net price
Graduate outcomes
Institution-wide graduation rates
Clinical placement support

Data sources

Internal program database
NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Independent program research

FL

Florida International University

Miami, FL · ~$11,000/yr (est.)

Best for: Working South Florida nurses seeking flexible certificates

This large public research university in Miami is a major hub for graduate nursing education in South Florida. It offers post-graduate certificates, MSN tracks, and BSN-to-DNP pathways across several NP specialties, many in online or hybrid formats designed for working nurses. In-state graduate tuition is competitive among public options, and the institution-wide graduation rate is about 74%.

Florida International University

32 credits required
Pediatric primary care concentration
Online program format
Students arrange clinical sites

Florida International University

36 credits required
Hybrid program format
ACEN or CCNE accreditation
Fall term deadline March 1

Florida International University

35 credits for psychiatric track
Hybrid format
Psychopharmacology course required
Clinicals in specific Florida areas

Florida International University

No campus visits needed
Students identify clinical sites
Fall application deadline March 1
Flexible for working professionals

Florida International University

45 total credit hours
Six-semester program
Starts fall
Option to add Nurse Educator Certificate

Florida International University

45 credits required
Fall term admission only
Dual Nurse Educator option available
Six semesters length

Florida International University

Direct pathway to DNP
Four concentration options
Pediatric primary care focus
Flexible clinical site options

Florida International University

Hybrid format for FNP track
Fall and Spring start dates
Primary care across the lifespan
Ambulatory clinical placements

Florida International University

Online format for AGPCNP
Spring term deadline August 1
Clinicals outside traditional areas
Fall term deadline March 1

Florida International University

Two start dates per year
Direct BSN-to-DNP pathway
Diverse mental health clinical sites
Graduates eligible for national certification

FL

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL · $7,000 – $18,000/yr

Best for: Campus-based learners near Boca Raton or Davie

This public university serves the region from campuses in Boca Raton, Davie, and Jupiter, making it a convenient option for Broward and Palm Beach nurses. NP offerings include MSN tracks in family and adult-gerontology primary care, a post-master's certificate in psychiatric-mental health, and BSN-to-DNP pathways. Clinical sites are arranged in South Florida, and the institution-wide graduation rate is about 63%.

Florida Atlantic University

52 total credit hours
780 clinical hours
Part-time hybrid format
Fall semester admission only

Florida Atlantic University

Eight-semester program
On-campus classes on Thursdays
Clinical sites arranged for you
No entrance exam required

Florida Atlantic University

28 credit hours
Online program delivery
Fall admission only
Eligible for ANCC certification

Florida Atlantic University

Campus-based delivery
MSN required
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Interview may be required

Florida Atlantic University

$28,629 total program tuition
77 total credit hours
1,000 clinical hours
Classes meet one weekend per month

Florida Atlantic University

$26,770 total program tuition
72 total credit hours
Full-time program; work discouraged
Starts summer

Florida Atlantic University

Master's Along the Way option
Weekend DNP classes monthly
Clinical placements in South Florida
Three concentration options

MI

Miami Regional University

Miami Springs, FL

Best for: Part-time students balancing work and clinicals

This private institution in Miami Springs focuses on practical, career-oriented nursing education. Its ACEN-accredited MSN-FNP can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule, with a post-master's certificate option in adult-gerontology acute care. The reported graduation rate is about 85%, one of the highest in this group.

Miami Regional University

50 semester credits
20-month full-time option
32-month part-time option
ACEN accredited
Florida or SARA residency

Miami Regional University

30 semester credits
810 clinical hours total
12-month program duration
Primarily online with on-campus skills sessions
Students may secure own preceptors

UN

University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL · $47,000/yr

This private research university in Coral Gables offers a nationally recognized nursing school with campus-based NP programs. Students can pursue FNP and adult-gerontology tracks at the MSN and BSN-to-DNP levels, plus post-master's certificates, with clinical sites in Miami and Broward. Tuition is at the higher end of the local market, while the institution-wide graduation rate is about 84%.

University of Miami

38 total credits
One or two years of study
616 minimum clinical hours
Lock-step cohort model

University of Miami

20-23 credit hours
Requires MSN or DNP degree
Gap analysis determines courses
National certification required

University of Miami

16-19 total credit hours
Campus-based instruction
Plan of study issued after gap analysis

University of Miami

37 total credit hours
Clinical experiences in South Florida hospitals
Online Advanced Practice Preparation course

University of Miami

71 total credit hours
1,000 clinical hours
Clinical rotations at UHealth and Jackson
Fall start dates

University of Miami

68 total credit hours
Clinical partnerships with UHealth and Jackson Health
Multicultural clinical settings
Eligible for AGPCNP certification exam

University of Miami

70 total credit hours
Eligible for ANCC and AACN certification
Interprofessional collaborative team approach
Fall start only

NO

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL · ~$25,000/yr (est.)

This private university is based in Fort Lauderdale, giving local nurses a direct campus option. Its NP programs blend online coursework with on-campus intensives and span MSN, post-graduate certificate, and BSN-to-DNP pathways. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 63%.

Nova Southeastern University

45 total credits
Three on-campus intensives
Full-time or flex track
Seven semesters

Nova Southeastern University

24 total credits
MSN required
Residence within 225 miles
Campuses in Palm Beach and Tampa Bay

Nova Southeastern University

27 total credits
Online delivery
170 clinical hours per course
255 clinical hours for capstone

Nova Southeastern University

24 credit hours
ACLS certificate required
170 practicum hours plus 225 clinical hours
Four-semester curriculum

Nova Southeastern University

45 total credit hours
Six semesters
Optional live Zoom sessions
Bridge option for non-BSN students

Nova Southeastern University

51 total credits
Seven semesters
Courses include Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology
Fall deadline August 1

Nova Southeastern University

73 total credit hours
23 total courses
Starts fall/winter
Capstone required

Nova Southeastern University

Blends MSN and DNP studies
More than 1,000 clinical hours
Optional live Zoom sessions
Intensives in Palm Beach or Tampa Bay

ST

St. Thomas University

Miami Gardens, FL · $12,000/yr

This private Catholic university in Miami Gardens offers online MSN NP tracks built for working nurses. The FNP and adult-gerontology primary care tracks can be completed in about 18 months, with clinical placements available in Florida and Georgia. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 48%.

St. Thomas University

47 credit hours
$605 per credit hour
As few as 18 months
500 clinical hours
7-week course terms

St. Thomas University

47 total credit hours
6 start dates per year
Thesis required
Clinical placements in FL and GA

St. Thomas University

50 total credit hours
Covers psychopathology and assessment
Includes psychopharmacology courses
Virtual OSCE access provided

PA

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, FL · $12,000/yr

This private Christian university in West Palm Beach is about an hour north of Fort Lauderdale. Its DNP program offers FNP, adult-gerontology primary care, and psychiatric-mental health tracks with a faith-integrated, whole-person approach. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 55%.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Requires BSN and RN experience
3.0 GPA minimum
No GRE needed for most applicants
Prepares for ANCC and AANP FNP certification

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Faith-integrated primary care training
Faculty engaged in clinical practice
Sit for certification exam before graduation
Advanced nursing lab technologies

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Blends online and on-campus study
Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
Post-master's DNP track available
94% licensure pass rate

KE

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, FL · ~$36,000/yr (est.)

This private university has a campus in Fort Lauderdale and a long history of serving working adult learners. Its CCNE-accredited MSN options include family and women's health NP tracks delivered online with periodic residencies. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 61%.

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

49 credit hours
19 courses in curriculum
Online with residency format
8-week course terms
Up to 12 transfer credits accepted

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

51 credit hours
3 residencies required
Focus on women's lifespan care
Rare dedicated women's health NP master's track

FL

Florida National University

Hialeah, FL · $20,000 – $25,000/yr

This private institution in Hialeah offers a focused post-graduate certificate pathway for nurses who already hold an MSN. The adult-gerontology acute care program is campus-based and emphasizes hospital and critical care practice. Federal data place its institution-wide graduation rate near 31%.

Florida National University

24 credit hours
500 practicum hours
Face-to-face instruction
Focus on intensive care and trauma
Requires MSN and RN licensure

BA

Barry University

Miami, FL · $15,000 – $20,000/yr

This private university in Miami offers CCNE-accredited MSN and DNP pathways in several NP specialties. Its programs feature small class sizes and tuition scholarships, making it an attractive option for nurses who value personal attention. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 38%.

Barry University

Requires BSN with 3.0 GPA
One year clinical experience required
25% tuition scholarship for MSN students
Prepares for ANCC and AANP exams

Barry University

Requires MSN degree
Personalized curriculum plans
Competitive tuition rates
High certification pass rates

Barry University

Requires one year RN clinical experience
Small class sizes
Admission interview required
Prepares for ANCC certification

Barry University

12-semester program
30% tuition scholarship
1,000 clinical hours
Prepares for ARNP licensure in Florida

Barry University

Two concentration options
Graduate assistantships available
Technology-enhanced format
Part-time enrollment available

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.

Side-by-side comparison of MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate paths across length, credits, clinical hours, and career fit for Fort Lauderdale NP students

Admission Requirements for NP Programs in Fort Lauderdale

Getting into a nurse practitioner program in the Fort Lauderdale area follows a fairly predictable pattern, and knowing the checklist ahead of time lets you prepare strategically while you continue working.

Academic and Licensure Prerequisites

Most NP programs in the Fort Lauderdale metro require the same foundational credentials:

BSN from an accredited program: Schools typically expect graduation from a program accredited by ACEN or CCNE. Some institutions specify that the accreditation must be from one of these two bodies.
Active Florida RN license: A current, unrestricted Florida RN license is standard. Notably, a Nurse Licensure Compact license from another state does not satisfy this requirement at several area schools, so out-of-state applicants should plan for Florida licensure before applying.
Minimum GPA of 3.0: This is the most common floor. Some programs calculate GPA based on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework rather than cumulative GPA, which can work in your favor if your earlier grades were uneven.
Clinical nursing experience: Expect to document at least one to two years of direct patient care as a registered nurse. Requirements vary by school and specialty track.

Standardized Testing

The GRE is generally not required for NP admissions in this region. A few programs may reference it for applicants who fall below the minimum GPA threshold, but for most candidates it is not part of the process.

Application Components

A complete application typically includes:

Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
A current resume or CV highlighting clinical experience
A personal statement outlining your goals and fit for the program
Two to three letters of recommendation, usually from professional or academic references
An interview, which some programs conduct by invitation only and may be held virtually

Bridge Options for ADN-Prepared Nurses

If you hold an associate degree in nursing rather than a BSN, RN-to-MSN bridge pathways are available at several area schools as of 2026. These programs fold BSN-level coursework into the graduate curriculum so you can advance without completing a standalone bachelor's degree first. Admission to bridge tracks generally requires a Florida RN license, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and one to two years of nursing experience.

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.

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.

Infographic showing that Florida APRN licenses renew every two years through an online portal with continuing education requirements.

Florida by City

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