Nursing Programs in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Fort Lauderdale, FL

The jumping off point for an exciting career in nursing is an entry-level training program, of which there are several options to choose from. In the Fort Lauderdale area, students can choose from LPN to RN programs designed for working LPNs who want to earn their RN license and more traditional RN training programs like Associate’s Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. These programs set students on a path to earning their RN license and securing their first jobs as RNs.

LPN to RN Programs

Many LPNs who have gained experience and want to expand their job opportunities decide to go back to school to become licensed RNs. LVN to RN “bridge” programs prepare LVNs to take the NCLEX exam and become RNs by building on previous coursework and experience. These programs help LVNs earn either their ADN or BSN degree, and can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months for an ADN program to 3 to 5 years for the BSN.

ADN Programs

ADN programs are popular entry points to the nursing field, as they are generally quick to complete (two years of full-time study) and can be found in a number of community colleges, vocational schools, and some medical centers. City College – Fort Lauderdale offers an ADN program that is completed in 8 quarters of study and includes courses in fundamentals of nursing, medical/surgical nursing, pharmacology, and practice principles.

BSN Programs

BSN programs are rising in popularity as an increasing number of employers are looking for entry-level nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher. BSN programs are typically four-year programs that include general education courses as well as in-depth nursing curriculum and clinical practice hours. Florida Atlantic University offers a traditional four-year BSN program as well as an accelerated 60 credit hour BSN track.

Find out more about Florida Accelerated BSN Programs

Fort Lauderdale RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates

Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Fort Lauderdale

Listed below are the top nursing schools in Fort Lauderdale based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Florida out of 148 other accredited programs offered in the state:

• Broward College - #20

RN to BSN Programs in Fort Lauderdale, FL

With an increase in employers looking for nurses with their bachelor’s degree comes an increase in RNs with their ADNs interested in going back to school for their BSN. Specially designed RN to BSN “bridge” programs provide a bridge from the ADN to the BSN on an accelerated timeframe. Many of these RN to BSN programs are offered online, which makes getting a BSN more convenient for working nurses.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs are designed for nurses who have earned their ADN and hold a current RN license. The RN to BSN program at Keiser University, as one example, features online coursework and clinical components and can be completed in as little as 12 months of study.

Find out more about Florida RN to BSN Programs

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Experienced nurses who want to advance their careers and take on leadership roles may be interested in an advanced practice nursing degree program. In the Fort Lauderdale area, Florida Atlantic University offers a number of APRN programs, including Master of Science in Nursing degree programs, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and a post-grad certificate program in the psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner role. There are also out-of-state schools that offer online programs that may be a good fit for students looking for a distance learning program.

MSN Programs

If you are interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, administrator, educator or leader, you’ll need to earn your MSN degree. Oftentimes, MSN programs allow students to concentrate their studies along a particular professional track. The MSN program at Florida Atlantic University provides the flexibility of full- or part-time curriculum and allows students the choice of online or in-person core courses.

Find out more about Florida Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Graduate Certificate Programs

For nurses who have earned their MSN, post-graduate certificate programs are designed to certify an RN in a new field of advanced practice nursing. These programs are quicker to complete than a traditional MSN program because general courses do not need to be repeated. The post-graduate certificate program in psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner at Florida Atlantic University is a 22 credit program completed in four semesters.

Find out more about Florida Post-Graduate Certificate Programs.

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

While DNP and Ph.D. programs are both doctoral-level studies of nursing, they prepare nurses for different career outcomes. A DNP program is a practice-based doctoral program preparing students for the highest level of practice leadership, and Ph.D. programs prepare nurses for careers in nursing research or teaching. Both types of programs are offered at Florida Atlantic University for students in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Find out more about Florida DNP Programs.