Most important takeaways…
- Miami area NP programs span six specialties including FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP across MSN and DNP levels.
- Florida resident tuition at public universities starts below $7,000 annually, making state schools a strong affordable option.
- The Florida statewide median NP salary sits at $129,010, with psychiatric-mental health specialists often earning above that figure.
- Most MSN-NP tracks require 500 to 720 supervised clinical hours, and several programs place students at Miami-Dade and Broward sites.
How can a registered nurse in Miami earn an NP license without leaving South Florida? The region's major health systems, including Jackson Health, Baptist Health, and University of Miami Health, serve one of the most culturally diverse patient populations in the country, fueling demand for advanced practice clinicians. Local universities now offer FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP pathways at the MSN, DNP, and post-master's levels, many with online coursework.
Yet Florida's restricted-practice law means new NPs must secure a physician collaborative agreement to prescribe and diagnose. That requirement directly influences where graduates find employment and how quickly they achieve clinical independence.
NP Programs in the Miami Metro Area
South Florida nurses exploring advanced practice have access to a strong mix of local, regional, and statewide NP programs. Several schools place clinical sites directly in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, while others deliver coursework online with Florida-wide clinical networks. Below, we highlight programs that serve the Miami metro area, ordered with the most geographically accessible and regionally embedded options first. Schools offering these NP programs have institution-wide graduation rates ranging from about 53% to 91%, so be sure to ask each program about NP-specific completion data during your research.
- Geographic proximity to Miami
- Clinical placement networks
- Tuition and affordability
- Specialty breadth and degree levels
- Flexible delivery for working nurses
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Florida International University
Located in Miami, Florida International University is the largest public research university in the metro area and offers NP pathways at every credential level: MSN, post-graduate certificate, and BSN-to-DNP. FIU's nursing programs let students arrange clinical sites locally or even outside the state, a practical advantage for Miami-based RNs already embedded in area health systems. In-state tuition sits at roughly $11,334 per year, and the school reports a 74.4% institution-wide graduation rate.
- Predominantly online, 45-credit, 6-semester format
- Covers adolescent through elderly primary care
- Prepares for national NP certification (ANCC or AANP)
- Option to add a Nurse Educator Certificate
- Clinicals may be arranged outside local areas
- Financial aid available for eligible students
- Hybrid format, 45 credit hours over six semesters
- Focus on individual, family, and community mental health
- Practice settings include clinics, hospitals, and corrections
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Fall-term admission with March 1 deadline
- Dual Nurse Educator option available
- Online or hybrid depending on specialty track
- 32 to 36 credits; requires prior MSN from accredited program
- Pediatric Primary Care and AGPCNP tracks fully online
- FNP and PMHNP certificates delivered in hybrid format
- Leads to national certification eligibility
- Fall application deadline is March 1 for most tracks
- Four NP concentration options within one doctoral pathway
- FNP track uses hybrid format; AGPCNP is online
- Fall and spring start dates for select tracks
- Prepares for APRN licensure and national board exams
- Clinical placements in ambulatory and specialty settings
- Application through NursingCAS
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Post-Graduate NP Certificates (FNP, PNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP) — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP (FNP, PMHNP, PNP, AGPCNP) — On-Campus
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University sits in Boca Raton with additional campuses in Davie and Jupiter, making it one of the closest public NP options for nurses commuting from Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, or northern Miami-Dade. FAU offers MSN and BSN-to-DNP tracks in FNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health, with clinical sites specifically rooted in South Florida. In-state tuition of approximately $6,693 per year is among the lowest on this list, and the program arranges clinical preceptors on the student's behalf.
- Hybrid, part-time format; 52 credits over about 2.5 years
- 780 clinical hours with South Florida placements
- In-state tuition roughly $372 per credit hour
- No GRE or MAT required; 3.0 GPA minimum
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification exams
- Three campus locations across South Florida
- Hybrid format with 52 credits and 780 clinical hours
- Holistic, caring-based curriculum philosophy
- South Florida clinical sites arranged by program
- Fall-only admission, one cohort per year
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP board certification
- No entrance exam required
- 77 credits for FNP/AGNP; 72 credits for PMHNP
- Total in-state program tuition around $27,000 to $29,000
- 1,000 clinical hours with placements arranged by program
- Capstone project required; 11-semester timeline
- Master's Along the Way option available
- DNP classes meet one weekend per month
- Fully online, 28 credits with 780 clinical hours
- In-state certificate tuition approximately $9,295
- Requires MSN, Florida RN license, and 3.0 GPA
- Prepares for ANCC psychiatric certification
- South Florida clinical site placement
- Fall admission only; interview may be required
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP (FNP, AGNP, or PMHNP Concentration) — Hybrid
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate — Online
Ana G. Mendez University
Ana G. Mendez University operates a South Florida campus in addition to its Metro Orlando and Tampa Bay locations, offering in-person access to Miami-area nurses. The campus-based MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner focuses on primary care leadership for families across the lifespan. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students at roughly $10,455 per year, and the curriculum covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and biomedical ethics.
- On-campus delivery at multiple Florida locations including South Florida
- Flat tuition rate regardless of residency status
- Prepares for national FNP certification exams
- Covers pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment
- Clinical experiences in family practice and urgent care settings
- Focus on culturally diverse, patient-centered primary care
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
University of Florida
The University of Florida's College of Nursing offers BSN-to-DNP tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, all in a hybrid format. Clinical placements are arranged exclusively within Florida, so Miami-area students should expect possible travel to complete rotations. In-state tuition is approximately $12,737, and the school offering these programs reports a 91.1% graduation rate, the highest among schools on this list.
- Hybrid format with full-time and part-time options
- Community-based primary care across the lifespan
- Eligible for both ANCC and AANP certification
- Clinical placements throughout Florida
- Focus on health promotion and chronic disease management
- Supervised precepted clinical experiences required
- Hybrid delivery; full-time and part-time pathways
- Trains students to prescribe psychotropic medications
- Placements in rural, community, and urban settings
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Advanced health assessment skills emphasized
- Clinical sites limited to Florida
- Requires one year of critical care RN experience
- Eligible for ANCC and AACN certification
- Individualized clinical learning experiences in Florida
- Hybrid format with travel required for clinical rotations
- Focus on high-acuity inpatient populations
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Hybrid
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida in Tampa offers one of the broadest NP specialty menus in the state, spanning FNP, Pediatric Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, and a unique Occupational Health subspecialty. Programs are available at both MSN and BSN-to-DNP levels. In-state tuition is approximately $10,428 per year. Tampa is roughly a four-hour drive from Miami, so this option suits nurses who can complete coursework largely online or through hybrid sessions and handle periodic campus visits.
- Hybrid format; 60 credit hours with comprehensive exam
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB certification
- Focus on clinical judgment and lifespan primary care
- Research, health policy, and leadership coursework included
- Capstone requirement at program completion
- Full-time and part-time options
- Hybrid delivery preparing for ANCC or AANPCB boards
- Comprehensive care across the lifespan in ambulatory settings
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Capstone and clinical hours required
- Leadership and health systems training included
- Campus-based, 57-credit program with comprehensive exam
- Subspecialty option in Occupational Health Nursing (74 credits)
- Occupational Health track may qualify for grant funding
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB certification
- Focus on patient-centered adult and geriatric primary care
- Standard and personalized program plans offered
- Campus and hybrid options with full-time or part-time pacing
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN acute care certification
- Manages acute and complex conditions in adults and elderly
- Practice in acute, outpatient, and critical care settings
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Lock-step and individualized curriculum plans
- Campus-based, 57 credits with comprehensive exam
- Health promotion for children within the family context
- Prepares for PNCB Pediatric NP certification
- Lock-step and new-graduate program plans
- Care focused on pediatric populations
- Full-time option available
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Family Health Concentration — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (MSN) — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Concentration — On-Campus
Pediatric Primary Care NP (MSN) — On-Campus
Florida State University
Florida State University in Tallahassee delivers DNP tracks in FNP, PMHNP, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, all in hybrid format with limited campus visits for skills workshops. FSU also offers post-master's certificates in FNP and AGACNP, both fully online. Preceptors are arranged by the program coordinators, which can benefit Miami-area students who need placement support from a distance. In-state tuition is about $10,553 per year, and the institution reports an 85.6% graduation rate.
- Hybrid with 2 to 3 campus visits for skills workshops
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry pathways
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCP certification
- Synchronous and asynchronous online coursework
- Preceptors secured by program coordinators
- Full-time and part-time options with fall start
- Hybrid online format with limited campus visits
- Clinical placements available across the country
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Approximately $444 per credit hour
- Focus on mental health care across the lifespan
- Full-time and part-time pacing; fall admission
- Hybrid with four on-campus day sessions required
- BSN-to-DNP and post-master's entry pathways available
- Eligible for ANCC and AACN certification
- Recommends 1 to 2 years of acute care RN experience
- Synchronous and asynchronous online components
- Capstone project required
- Fully online with 585 clinical hours
- Requires MSN plus three graduate prerequisites
- Multi-theoretical curriculum for lifespan family care
- Program coordinators help secure preceptors
- Prepares for expert-level FNP practice
- Clinical clearance fee of $174 applies
- Online format, 22 credit hours
- CCNE-accredited post-master's credential
- Focus on complex and critical illness management
- Includes simulation exercises and clinical rotations
- Synchronous course components
- Builds on existing MSN or DNP degree
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Online
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (DNP) — Online
Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Post-Master's Certificate — Online
University of North Florida
The University of North Florida in Jacksonville offers DNP tracks in FNP and PMHNP as well as a fully online post-master's PMHNP certificate. The PMHNP DNP requires 68 credits and 1,100 clinical hours, one of the most intensive programs on this list. UNF is oriented toward Florida licensure and state-based practice. In-state tuition runs about $10,364 per year. Jacksonville is a significant distance from Miami, making UNF best suited for nurses comfortable with an online-heavy format.
- CCNE-accredited with full-time and part-time options
- Prepares for FNP certification and APRN licensure in Florida
- Open to BSN and MSN graduates
- Curriculum based on AACN Essentials
- Financial aid and tuition waivers available
- Fall application deadline of October 1
- Fully online delivery, 68 credits, 1,100 clinical hours
- CCNE accredited with online course quality designation
- Designed for experienced APRNs seeking PMHNP scope
- Lifespan mental health focus across practice settings
- Spring start; combined seats with PMHNP certificate track
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Fully online, 36 credit hours
- Prepares for ANCC lifespan PMHNP certification
- Requires MSN with 3.50 GPA and national NP certification
- One year of RN experience required for admission
- Clinical component included in curriculum
- No financial aid available for this certificate
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — On-Campus
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP) — Online
PMHNP Post-Master's Certificate — On-Campus
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida in Orlando focuses its NP offerings on Adult-Gerontology pathways at the DNP and post-master's certificate levels, covering both primary care and acute care tracks. The BSN-to-DNP program requires up to 1,200 clinical hours and uses a hybrid model with twice-yearly on-campus intensives. In-state tuition is approximately $8,872 per year. UCF is roughly three and a half hours from Miami, so the hybrid format with infrequent campus visits may appeal to South Florida nurses.
- CCNE-accredited hybrid with twice-yearly campus intensives
- 73 to 74 total credits with 1,140 to 1,200 clinical hours
- Clinical sites assigned by program coordinator
- Fall admission only; full-time and part-time pacing
- Capstone project and prerequisite courses required
- Bridge option available for non-nursing bachelor's holders
- Hybrid format, 23 credit hours beyond MSN or DNP
- Prepares for acute, critical, and chronic care settings
- Evidence-based practice and leadership emphasis
- Requires national certification as an APRN for admission
- Includes clinical hours for state licensure preparation
- Flexible scheduling for working professionals
- Hybrid format, 19 credit hours
- Up to 660 clinical practice hours
- Includes women's health and gerontologic care courses
- Requires BSN, MSN, and Florida APRN licensure
- Undergraduate statistics prerequisite
- Prepares for state AGPCNP licensure
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (BSN-to-DNP) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Post-Master's Certificate — Hybrid
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers offers a BSN-to-DNP with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The 81-credit, CCNE-accredited program can be completed in three years full-time or four years part-time. Clinical sites are concentrated in five Southwest Florida counties, which is an important consideration for Miami nurses, as local placements in Miami-Dade or Broward are not guaranteed. In-state tuition is about $8,961 per year.
- CCNE-accredited hybrid, 81 credits, 1,000+ clinical hours
- Three-year full-time or four-year part-time completion
- Clinical placement assistance with faculty advisor assigned
- Supported by a $2.7M federal grant
- No entrance exam required; 3.0 GPA minimum
- Nurse Faculty Loan Program available
- CCNE-accredited hybrid, 81 credits, 1,000+ clinical hours
- Clinical sites located in five Southwest Florida counties
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
- No GRE required; 3.0 GPA minimum with interview
- Capstone and prerequisite courses required
- Financial aid and scholarships available
Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Hybrid
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-DNP) — Hybrid
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee is a historically Black university offering online MSN programs in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, plus a post-master's WHNP certificate. FAMU stands out as one of the few Florida schools with a dedicated WHNP track. In-state tuition is approximately $9,876 per year, and the school maintains a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, the smallest on this list. The fully online format makes these programs accessible to Miami-area nurses.
- Fully online, ACEN-accredited, 42 credit hours
- Completable in as few as five semesters
- Full-time and part-time options with financial aid
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Careers in diverse clinical settings
- Supportive, inclusive learning community
- Online MSN with on-ground option available
- Focus on primary care for women across the lifespan
- Covers socio-cultural factors in women's health
- Includes research methods and health policy coursework
- BSN required for admission
- Clinical management training included
- Fully online, 42 credit hours
- Advanced courses in health assessment and pharmacology
- Clinical management and women's health theory focus
- Some credits may transfer from prior master's work
- Requires master's degree in nursing for admission
- Flexible online format for working nurses
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Women's Health NP Post-Master's Certificate — On-Campus
NP Specialties Available in Miami
South Florida's behavioral health workforce shortage has made Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) one of the most urgently needed providers across the region, yet the specialty remains underrepresented in many program listings. Across the Miami metro, registered nurses can choose from all six national NP certification tracks: Family (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMHNP), and Women's Health (WHNP). Below we break down what each specialty covers and where you can find local or accessible online options.
Primary Care Focus: FNP, AGNP, and PNP
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Prepares you to care for patients from infancy through geriatrics, emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic conditions in primary care settings. FNPs can work in family practices, community health centers, and retail clinics.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): Concentrates on adolescents, adults, and older adults in primary care, including management of complex comorbidities common in aging populations. This track is often chosen by nurses who prefer to focus exclusively on adult medicine.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): Focuses on the physical, emotional, and developmental health of children from birth through young adulthood. PNPs work in pediatric offices, school-based health centers, and specialty clinics.
Locally, FNP dominates the offerings, with hybrid and online programs at Florida International University, University of Miami, Barry University, and Miami Regional University. AGNP appears in the region through South University's online MSN (West Palm Beach campus). If you are weighing these two tracks, a closer look at the difference between FNP and AGNP can help clarify which patient population suits you best. Florida International University offers a fully online post-graduate PNP certificate.
Specialized Tracks: PMHNP, WHNP, and AGACNP
These three specialties are less commonly featured in program guides, yet they offer some of the strongest career trajectories.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Addresses the full spectrum of mental health and substance use disorders across the lifespan, combining psychotherapy, medication management, and crisis intervention. With a shortage of behavioral health providers in South Florida, PMHNPs are in exceptionally high demand.
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): Specializes in reproductive, obstetric, and gynecologic care for women from adolescence through menopause, including family planning and menopause management.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): Manages acute, critical, and complex chronic conditions in hospital and specialty settings, such as intensive care units, emergency departments, and surgical services. This track is often pursued by nurses with strong inpatient backgrounds.
PMHNP and AGACNP programs are available through Florida-based institutions: The University of North Florida offers a fully online PMHNP certificate, and Florida Southern College provides a hybrid PMHNP post-master's program. For AGACNP, the University of Central Florida runs a hybrid certificate, and Florida National University in Hialeah has a campus-based certificate program. You can explore additional AGACNP programs in Florida to compare format and cost. Florida A&M University's WHNP certificate is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to Miami-area nurses without relocation.
Online vs. Campus Delivery in the Miami Area
Most NP specialties in South Florida now include online or hybrid options that reduce commute time.
- Fully online: FNP tracks at St. Thomas University, Keiser University, and University of West Florida; the PMHNP certificate at UNF; the WHNP certificate at FAMU; and the AGNP MSN at South University.
- Hybrid (online with some campus intensives): University of Miami's FNP, Florida Atlantic University's FNP, Nova Southeastern University's FNP, and the AGACNP certificate at UCF.
- Campus-based: Miami Regional University's FNP, Ana G. Mendez University's FNP (South Florida campus), and Florida National University's AGACNP certificate require in-person attendance.
Nurses in the Fort Lauderdale corridor may also find convenient hybrid options; our guide to nurse practitioner programs in Fort Lauderdale covers schools within easy commuting distance. When choosing a specialty, consider the patient population that energizes you and verify whether clinical placements can be completed locally. Because PMHNP demand continues to surge in South Florida, employers and clinics increasingly seek NPs with this certification, making it a strategic choice for nurses who want to practice at the top of their scope in a high-impact field.
MSN vs. DNP vs. Post-Master's Certificate: Choosing Your Degree Level
Deciding which credential to pursue is one of the biggest choices you'll make on your path to becoming a nurse practitioner. Each option serves a different stage of your career, and the right fit depends on your current education, clinical goals, and timeline. Here's a side-by-side look at how the three main pathways compare across the attributes that matter most.
Tuition and Affordability Across Miami NP Programs
Tuition for NP programs in and around Miami varies significantly depending on whether you choose a public university or a private institution. Florida residents benefit from substantially lower rates at state schools, with annual graduate tuition starting below $7,000 at some campuses. The figures below reflect institution-level graduate tuition and average net price after financial aid, so actual NP program costs may differ by credit load and degree level.
| School | Sector | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University | Public | $6,693 | $18,482 | $8,752 | $17,236 |
| University of Central Florida | Public | $8,872 | $28,657 | $10,411 | $18,190 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | Public | $8,961 | $31,216 | $12,568 | $17,622 |
| University of West Florida | Public | $9,062 | $24,894 | $9,364 | $16,624 |
| Florida A&M University | Public | $9,876 | $24,669 | $13,739 | $23,548 |
| University of South Florida | Public | $10,428 | $21,126 | $9,812 | $17,988 |
| University of North Florida | Public | $10,364 | $21,930 | $10,154 | $15,531 |
| Ana G. Mendez University | Private | $10,455 | $10,455 | $19,775 | $12,188 |
| Florida State University | Public | $10,553 | $26,707 | $11,297 | $18,000 |
| Florida International University | Public | $11,334 | $24,439 | $9,288 | $16,500 |
| University of Florida | Public | $12,737 | $30,130 | $6,541 | $15,000 |
| South University, West Palm Beach | Private | $16,611 | $16,611 | $20,271 | $26,123 |
| South University, Tampa | Private | $16,611 | $16,611 | $20,434 | $26,123 |
| Barry University | Private | $19,650 | $19,650 | $22,613 | $26,997 |
| Miami Regional University | Private | N/A | N/A | $22,113 | $22,500 |
Clinical Hours, Preceptor Support, and Placement Networks
Accreditors and state boards have steadily raised expectations for NP clinical training over the past decade, and that shift shapes how Miami programs structure their practicum sequences today.
How Many Hours You Should Expect
Most MSN-NP tracks in the Miami area require somewhere between 500 and 720 supervised clinical hours, with the University of Miami's FNP track landing at the 500-plus mark.1 DNP programs typically push that figure past 1,000 hours, since the doctoral degree layers leadership, quality improvement, and scholarly project work on top of direct patient care. That difference matters for timeline planning: an extra 500 hours can translate to a full additional semester (sometimes two) of part-time clinical scheduling around your existing RN shifts. If you are weighing MSN versus DNP, map the hour requirement against your available weekday daytime hours before you commit. Understanding the case for DNP entry-to-practice can help you decide whether the extra investment is worthwhile.
Who Finds Your Preceptor
This is the question that quietly determines whether your final year is manageable or miserable. Some programs place students directly with vetted preceptors. Others hand you a list and expect you to negotiate your own site. The University of Miami offers preceptor placement support and maintains relationships with community agencies and health care organizations across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, though it stops short of a formal guarantee.1 Confirm the specifics in writing before you enroll. Preceptor logistics are one area where NP program clinical placement differences between online and on-campus formats become especially important.
The Miami Advantage
The upside of training here is the sheer density of the clinical landscape. Jackson Health System, Baptist Health South Florida, and Memorial Healthcare collectively operate dozens of hospitals and outpatient sites across the metro, giving local NP students access to primary care, specialty, and acute care rotations that students in smaller markets simply cannot match.
What Nurse Practitioners Earn in South Florida
Nurse practitioner salaries in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach metro area span a wide range depending on experience, specialty, and practice setting. The Florida statewide median of $129,010 closely tracks the national median of $129,210, though individual earnings vary considerably. Psychiatric-mental health NPs and acute care NPs often command higher pay than family NPs in primary care, and hospital-based roles typically pay more than outpatient clinics, especially early in your career.
Your Path from RN to NP in Miami: Admissions, Deadlines, and Next Steps
The University of Miami's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program has a June 1, 2026 application deadline for fall 2026 entry.1
Prerequisites Across Miami Programs
Most nurse practitioner programs in the Miami area share similar admission requirements. You will need an active, unencumbered RN license in Florida (or compact state eligibility), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution, and a minimum cumulative GPA, typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, as seen at the University of Miami.1 Some programs, like those at Florida International University, may consider candidates with slightly lower GPAs if other application components are strong. Clinical RN experience is strongly preferred; many applicants have one to two years of bedside practice, especially in acute care specialties. Standardized test policies vary: the University of Miami now offers a GRE waiver for all its NP tracks, and many other schools have moved to test-optional or no-exam admissions.1 Check each program's website for the latest updates.
Application Deadlines and Start Dates
Timing is everything. For fall 2026 entry, Florida International University's NP programs set a March 1, 2026 deadline4, while the University of Miami's FNP MSN applications are due June 1, 2026.1 If you are interested in spring 2027 entry, UM's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP MSN has an October 1, 2026 cutoff, with applications opening April 1, 2026.3 Barry University and Nova Southeastern University also offer NP pathways with rolling or multiple start dates throughout the year; you will need to confirm current deadlines on their admissions pages as they can shift. Miami's warm climate and year-round academic calendar mean there is often more than one intake window to fit your schedule.
Commuting from Broward, Palm Beach, and Beyond
Miami's NP programs draw students from up and down the South Florida corridor. If you live in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, or even Homestead, you can access campus-based classes without a grueling commute. The region's highways and Tri-Rail commuter train connect these communities, making it feasible to work a clinical shift in your home city and attend evening or weekend courses in Miami. Many local employers also support advanced education, so nurses often coordinate their schedules with preceptor placements close to home.
Your Next Step
The best move now is to narrow your list to two or three programs that align with your specialty, your preferred degree level (MSN or DNP), and your timeline. If you are weighing a doctoral track, reviewing DNP prerequisites can help you understand what additional requirements apply. From there, reach out directly to admissions offices or request information packets. This helps you clarify any additional prerequisites, confirm precise deadlines, and learn about financial aid or graduate assistantships. You can also explore NP programs in Florida for a broader statewide perspective on your options. Most schools have straightforward online inquiry forms, and some, like the University of Miami, offer virtual information sessions where you can ask questions in real time. Your journey from RN to NP starts with a single, informed step, so take it today.
Additional NP Programs in the South Florida Region
In addition to the programs highlighted above, several other institutions across South Florida and beyond offer nurse practitioner programs. Here are more options to consider, organized by region.
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
Palm Beach Atlantic University West Palm Beach, FL · On-Campus
- 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
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)
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)
The University of Tampa Tampa, FL · On-Campus
- Post-Master’s Certificate Program in FNP
AdventHealth University Orlando, FL · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
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
North Florida
University of West Florida Pensacola, FL · Online
- Family Nurse Practitioner, M.S.N.
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
