The Miami metropolitan area, home to major hospitals, research centers, and culturally diverse communities, is one of Florida's most exciting places to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). For registered nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), BSN to DNP programs offer a direct route from undergraduate to doctoral-level advanced practice without earning a separate master's degree first.
Students gain the knowledge and clinical training needed to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or healthcare leaders serving South Florida's rapidly growing population.
In this guide, you'll learn:
- Who BSN to DNP programs are for and what they require
- Common Miami-area specialties and clinical placements
- Examples of local hospitals and community partners
- Tuition ranges and program formats (campus, hybrid, online)
- Career prospects for DNP-prepared nurses in South Florida
2027 Best BSN to DNP Programs Near Miami, FL
Florida International University
Miami, FL - Public 4-Year - fiu.edu
BSN to DNP - Post-BSN to DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida International University's Post-BSN to DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a hybrid pathway to advanced clinical practice. Students learn to deliver comprehensive, family-centered primary care across the lifespan—including pediatric, geriatric, prenatal, and postpartum patients—in ambulatory and community settings. The curriculum emphasizes wellness, disease prevention, episodic care, and chronic disease management, preparing graduates for national certification and state ARNP/APRN licensure. Career opportunities include primary care clinics, community health centers, and private practices. The program features fall and spring start dates, providing flexibility for working nurses seeking a direct BSN-to-DNP route to the highest level of nursing practice.
- 4 concentration options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Hybrid learning format
- Family-centered primary care
- Emphasis on wellness and disease prevention
- Direct pathway to highest clinical level
- Prepares for national certification
- Cares for patients across lifespan
- Includes pregnant and postpartum patients
BSN to DNP - Post-BSN to DNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
FIU's Post-BSN to DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track uses a hybrid format, blending online instruction with on-campus experiences. The curriculum focuses on advanced psychiatric care for individuals, families, and communities, equipping students to diagnose and treat mental health conditions in community health centers, crisis clinics, and hospitals. Clinical experiences prepare graduates for diverse roles, and the program qualifies them for national certification as psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. With fall and spring start dates, this direct BSN-to-DNP pathway offers a streamlined route for nurses dedicated to leading mental health care.
- 4 concentration options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Direct BSN-to-DNP pathway
- Hybrid delivery format
- Psychiatric-mental health focus
- Clinical sites in diverse mental health settings
- Graduates eligible for national certification
BSN to DNP - Post-BSN to DNP (Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Florida International University's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration within the Post-BSN to DNP program is delivered predominantly online, with clinical rotations that can be completed outside FIU's traditional service areas. Students learn to deliver comprehensive primary care from newborns through young adults, including well-child exams, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic pediatric conditions, and family-centered health promotion. Graduates are eligible for national certification and state APRN licensure, preparing them for roles in clinics, community health centers, and private practices. This direct BSN-to-DNP pathway addresses the rising demand for pediatric primary care providers.
- 4 concentration options
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Predominantly online format
- Clinicals outside service area
- National certification eligible
- Direct BSN to DNP pathway
BSN to DNP - Post-BSN to DNP (Nurse Leadership)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Florida International University offers a Post-BSN to DNP program with a Nurse Leadership concentration delivered entirely online. This direct BSN-to-DNP pathway is designed for nurses seeking advanced leadership roles within healthcare organizations. The program provides a terminal degree in nursing practice, focusing on the knowledge and skills needed for administrative and executive positions. While specific course details are not listed, the online format supports working professionals in pursuing doctoral education while maintaining their careers. This track offers a flexible route for nurses aiming to influence healthcare delivery and organizational strategy.
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu
BSN to DNP - B.S.N. to D.N.P. (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University's B.S.N. to D.N.P. program with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a hybrid pathway for RNs to earn both MSN and DNP degrees. The curriculum covers advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and acute care management for adult and geriatric patients. Students complete over 1,000 clinical hours, attend on-campus intensives at Palm Beach, and finish a DNP project. Graduates can pursue roles as acute care NPs, clinical leaders, or educators. The track emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and leadership. Online coursework with live sessions supports working nurses, and financial aid is available. No entrance exam requirement is specified.
- 3 concentration options
- 73 total credit hours
- 23 total courses
- Starts fall/winter
- 1000 clinical hours
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Flexible online format
- On-campus intensives required
BSN to DNP - B.S.N. to D.N.P. (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
For nurses seeking advanced practice, Nova Southeastern University offers a B.S.N. to D.N.P. program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. This hybrid track blends MSN and DNP coursework—advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning—with primary care across the lifespan, including adult, pediatric, and women's health. Students complete over 1,000 clinical hours, a capstone project, and intensives at Palm Beach or Tampa Bay. Flexible online coursework with optional live Zoom sessions suits working professionals. Graduates deliver family-centered care in diverse settings, meeting growing demand for doctoral-prepared NPs. Financial aid is available. No entrance exam is specified.
- 3 concentration options
- 73 total credit hours
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/winter
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Seamlessly blends MSN and DNP studies
- More than 1,000 clinical hours
- Online with on-campus intensives
BSN to DNP - B.S.N. to D.N.P. (Executive Nurse Leadership)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University also offers a fully online B.S.N. to D.N.P. program with an Executive Nurse Leadership concentration. Designed for registered nurses aiming for executive and administrative positions, this doctoral track emphasizes leadership, healthcare policy, and systems management—though detailed curriculum specifics are not publicly disclosed. The program is military-friendly and flexible for working professionals. No entrance exam is mentioned in available materials; accordingly, applicants should verify admission requirements directly with the university. As a BSN-to-DNP pathway, the program integrates master's and doctoral education, preparing graduates for senior nursing leadership roles and advanced practice.
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL - Private 4-year - miami.edu
BSN to DNP - BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Miami's BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track prepares RNs to manage acutely and critically ill patients across the continuum. The 70-credit curriculum integrates advanced assessment, therapeutics, and technology with evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. Students complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours, with placements at UHealth and Jackson Health System. Both full-time and part-time plans are available, with fall starts and completion in two to four years. The program is CCNE-accredited and qualifies graduates for AGACNP certification through ANCC or ACNP-AG through AACN. No entrance exam requirement is specified in the program materials.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Complete in two years or four years
- 70 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 1000 clinical hours
- Financial aid available
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Fall start only
BSN to DNP - BSN-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed for nurses seeking advanced practice roles in adult and older adult primary care, University of Miami's BSN-DNP track emphasizes comprehensive, wellness-oriented care. The 68-credit curriculum covers biophysical, psychosocial, and analytical sciences alongside leadership and health policy. Students accrue at least 1,000 clinical hours in academic medical centers, community clinics, and long-term care facilities across multicultural South Florida. Full-time or part-time study with fall enrollment allows completion in two or four years. Graduates are prepared for the national AGPCNP certification exam. This CCNE-accredited program benefits from UHealth and Jackson Health System partnerships. The provided details do not mention an entrance exam requirement.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- Complete in either two years or four years of study
- 68 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 1000 clinical hours
- Prepares for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam
- Financial aid available
- Clinical rotations at academic centers
BSN to DNP - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
Upholding a lock-step cohort model, the University of Miami's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program cultivates collaborative leadership among RNs. The 71-credit curriculum blends biophysical, psychosocial, and organizational sciences with evidence-based care, focusing on health maintenance and disease prevention. Clinical experiences at UHealth and Jackson Health System expose students to diverse populations, with 1,000 hours required. Faculty clinicians serve as mentors. Graduates are eligible for FNP certification via AANP or ANCC, and careers in primary care, community health, and academia are typical. Offered full-time or part-time with fall starts and CCNE accreditation, the program directly addresses health care disparities. Information about an entrance exam requirement is not provided.
- CCNE accredited
- Complete in in either two years or four years of study
- 71 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- Cohort-based structure
- 1000 clinical hours
- Prepares for FNP specialty certification examination
- Financial aid available
Why Miami Is a Top Choice for BSN to DNP Students
With more than six million residents, South Florida has a critical need for advanced practice nurses who understand cultural diversity, multilingual communication, and health disparities. Miami offers:
- Nationally ranked hospitals: Jackson Memorial, Baptist Health South Florida, and Nicklaus Children's Hospital lead regional healthcare.
- Population diversity: The city's mix of Latino, Caribbean, and international residents provides a global perspective in patient care.
- Specialty breadth: Students can find training sites across family practice, cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health.
- Strong job growth: Florida ranks among the top states for nurse practitioner employment and salary competitiveness.
Explore nursing schools in Miami, FL.
Understanding the BSN to DNP Pathway
BSN to DNP programs combine master's-level nurse practitioner training with doctoral coursework focused on evidence-based practice, leadership, and healthcare systems improvement. Students graduate eligible for APRN certification and licensure.
Key facts:
- Duration: 3–4 years full-time, or 4–5 years part-time
- Credit load: 70–95 total credits, depending on specialty
- Clinical hours: Minimum 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours
- Final project: DNP scholarly project addressing a clinical or systems-level issue
Comparison: BSN to DNP vs Traditional MSN
| Feature | BSN to DNP | MSN (Traditional) |
| Entry Point | BSN, active RN license | BSN, active RN license |
| Final Degree | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
| Time to Complete | 3–4 years | 2 years |
| Clinical Hours | 1,000+ | 600–700 |
| Outcome | APRN + Doctoral training in leadership, systems improvement | APRN preparation only |
| Career Ceiling | Executive-level, academic, and advanced clinical roles | Clinical and mid-level roles |
Specialties Offered by Miami Area Programs
While each university sets its own tracks, Miami-based and nearby South Florida institutions often include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Primary care across the lifespan
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP – Focus on chronic disease management and healthy aging
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) – Behavioral health and substance-use care
- Pediatric NP – Preventive and acute care for children and adolescents
- Women's Health NP – Reproductive, prenatal, and family planning services
Students often rotate through Miami's large academic centers, outpatient clinics, and community health agencies for their clinical training.
Learn more about nurse practitioner programs in Florida.
Clinical and Practicum Opportunities in the Miami Region
The Miami area provides unmatched access to both large hospital systems and community-based organizations. BSN to DNP students typically complete clinical experiences at a mix of inpatient, outpatient, and specialty sites.
Examples of potential practicum partners:
| Site Type | Example Organizations | Common Rotations |
| Academic Medical Centers | Jackson Memorial Hospital (UM Health System) | Adult primary care, cardiology, women's health |
| Private Health Systems | Baptist Health South Florida, Mount Sinai Medical Center | Family practice, urgent care, telehealth |
| Pediatrics & Maternal Health | Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Holtz Children's Hospital | Pediatrics, neonatal, OB/GYN |
| Mental Health & Behavioral | Citrus Health Network, Banyan Health Systems | Psychiatric-mental health, substance recovery |
| Community & Public Health | Miami-Dade County Health Department, Jessie Trice Community Health System | Preventive care, underserved populations |
These partnerships expose students to real-world issues such as access to care, multilingual communication, and public health challenges unique to South Florida.
Program Formats: On-Campus, Hybrid, and Online
Most Miami-area BSN to DNP programs blend in-person and online learning to accommodate working nurses.
Typical structure:
- Hybrid model: Core courses online, with clinicals and skills labs in person.
- Intensive weekends: Some universities schedule on-campus immersions once or twice per semester.
- Online options: Growing number of Florida-based schools now offer fully online coursework with clinicals completed at approved local sites.
| Format | Description | Ideal For |
| On-Campus | Traditional classroom instruction at local universities | Students living near Miami or seeking direct mentorship |
| Hybrid | Mix of online coursework and on-campus labs | Working RNs balancing employment and study |
| Fully Online | Remote learning with local precepted clinicals | Students outside Miami-Dade or with flexible schedules |
Admission Requirements
While each university varies slightly, admission criteria for BSN to DNP programs in the Miami area typically include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution
- Current, unencumbered RN license (Florida or compact state)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credits
- Professional résumé highlighting clinical experience
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Two or three recommendation letters (academic and professional)
- GRE scores (often waived)
- Interview (in person or virtual)
Preferred experience:
One to two years of full-time nursing practice is recommended, especially for specialized tracks like acute care or psychiatric-mental health.
Accreditation and Certification Readiness
All legitimate BSN to DNP programs in Florida must be accredited by either the:
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Graduates qualify to sit for national APRN certification exams such as:
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
- National Certification Corporation (NCC)
After certification, candidates apply to the Florida Board of Nursing for APRN licensure.
Tuition and Financial Considerations
Program costs vary by school, format, and residency status. On average:
| Institution Type | Approximate Cost (Total Tuition) |
| Public universities (in-state) | $40,000–$60,000 |
| Public universities (out-of-state) | $70,000+ |
| Private universities | $75,000–$100,000 |
Additional costs: clinical fees, lab supplies, liability insurance, background checks, and textbooks.
Financial support options:
- Federal FAFSA-based aid
- Nurse Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment programs
- Hospital tuition reimbursement (available through Baptist Health and Jackson Health)
- Florida Nurses Foundation scholarships
- Graduate teaching or research assistantships (limited availability)
Career Outlook for DNP Graduates in South Florida
The Miami area is one of Florida's largest employers of advanced practice nurses, driven by population growth, aging demographics, and expanding primary care networks.
Common roles for DNP-prepared nurses:
- Family Nurse Practitioner in community clinics or urgent care centers
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in behavioral health settings
- Clinical educator or advanced practice coordinator in hospital systems
- Director of Nursing or Chief Nursing Officer in leadership-focused tracks
Top Employers in the Miami Region
| Employer | Typical DNP Roles |
| Jackson Health System | Family, adult-gerontology, and acute care NPs |
| Baptist Health South Florida | Primary care, cardiology, oncology NPs |
| University of Miami Health System | Research and specialty care leadership |
| Nicklaus Children's Hospital | Pediatric NPs, neonatal care specialists |
| Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Miami VA) | Geriatric and primary care NPs |
| Miami-Dade County Public Health Department | Community health and outreach NPs |
Salary snapshot:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and local data, Miami-Dade NPs earn a median of $115,000–$130,000 annually, with DNP-prepared nurses at the upper end due to leadership or academic roles.
Tips for Choosing the Right BSN to DNP Program
When comparing BSN to DNP programs in the Miami area, consider:
- Accreditation: Verify CCNE or ACEN status
- Specialty availability: Choose a concentration that aligns with your career goals
- Clinical network: Review hospital and community partnerships
- Schedule flexibility: Decide between full-time, part-time, or hybrid learning
- Cost and aid: Compare total tuition and available scholarships
- Faculty mentorship: Look for programs emphasizing small cohorts and personalized guidance
Completing a BSN to DNP program in the Miami area gives nurses access to rich clinical experiences, top-tier hospitals, and one of the most culturally dynamic healthcare environments in the country. With expanding demand for primary and mental health services across Florida, DNP-prepared nurses are positioned to lead, innovate, and provide exceptional patient-centered care throughout South Florida's communities.
FAQs
Q: Can I complete clinical hours at my current Miami employer if I work as an RN?
A: Yes, many programs allow students to complete part of their clinical rotations at their place of employment, provided the clinical site and preceptor meet the school's approval standards and are outside the student's normal job duties.
Q: Are there bilingual or Spanish-focused DNP options in South Florida?
A: While not formal tracks, many Miami programs integrate bilingual patient care and cultural competence training due to the region's demographics, and clinical placements often involve Spanish- or Creole-speaking populations.
Q: Do DNP graduates qualify for teaching positions in nursing schools?
A: Yes, many DNP-prepared nurses teach clinical courses or hold faculty roles, especially in practice-focused subjects such as primary care or health systems management.
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