2026 Best Nursing Schools in Jacksonville

Rankings help nursing students evaluate program quality and make informed decisions about their education. Registerednursing.org is creating the rankings for the Best Nursing Schools in Jacksonville, focusing exclusively on NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Jacksonville area programs show stable performance in recent years.

  • 2024: 88% average pass rate with 25 students
  • 2023: 88.89% average pass rate with 36 students

Top Performing Schools

Fortis College-Orange Park demonstrates strong NCLEX preparation.

  • Fortis College-Orange Park: 88.53% average pass rate across 61 students over 2 years

Pass Rate by Program Size

Smaller programs in Jacksonville maintain competitive pass rates.

  • Small programs (<50 students/year): 88% average pass rate with 25 students

Geographic Trends

Orange Park area programs show consistent performance.

  • Orange Park: 88% average pass rate with 25 students

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

ADN programs in the Jacksonville area demonstrate solid outcomes.

  • ADN programs: 88% average pass rate with 25 students
#1

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - unf.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, Prelicensure (BSN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of North Florida's Prelicensure BSN program provides a rigorous pathway for students with at least 60 semester hours, blending academic coursework with extensive clinical experiences. This campus-based program emphasizes community engagement and scientific study, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Admissions occur each semester with priority given to applicants meeting GPA requirements. The program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for bachelor's level admission. Recent NCLEX-RN pass rates are strong, with 93.85% in 2023 and 93.98% in 2024 among 179 and 216 students respectively, indicating effective preparation for licensure.

  • Full-time course of study
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Community-based curriculum
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Admissions each semester
  • Priority GPA requirement
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships for eligible students
  • Strong foundation for graduate study
  • Engagement with community agencies

Bachelor's - Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

UNF's Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN) program offers direct BSN entry for first-time college students through a structured four-year campus curriculum. This cohort-based program provides diverse clinical experiences with a community-based learning approach, particularly serving underserved populations. Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA for progression through the full-time sequence. As a bachelor's program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, supported by strong pass rates of 93.85% (2023) and 93.98% (2024), demonstrating the program's effectiveness in nursing education and licensure readiness.

  • Direct entry for freshmen.
  • BSN in four years.
  • Diverse clinical experiences.
  • Community-based learning approach.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
  • 3.00 GPA required for progression.
  • Full-time, structured sequence.
  • Strong foundation for graduate studies.
  • Cohort-based learning.
  • Limited to 50 students per cohort.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL - Private 4-year - ju.edu

Bachelor's - Traditional BSN Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Jacksonville University's Traditional BSN Program offers a comprehensive 28-month curriculum for aspiring nurses, featuring on-campus classes and clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals. This lock-step program requires a minimum 2.50 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses with a 'C' or better, and a degree from an accredited institution. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX performance with a 94.81% pass rate in 2023 and 92.19% in 2024. Admission requires either ACT or SAT entrance exams, and the program qualifies for the Navy's MECP program while offering departmental honors opportunities.

  • 28-month program length
  • On-campus courses
  • Clinicals at affiliated hospitals
  • Minimum 2.50 GPA required
  • Lock-step curriculum
  • Fall and Spring entry terms
  • Departmental Honors available
  • Qualifies for Navy's MECP
  • No summer or online classes
  • Structured learning path

Bachelor's - Accelerated Nursing Program for Second Degree Students

Campus Based - Visit Website

Jacksonville University's Accelerated Nursing Program for Second Degree Students provides an intensive 12-month pathway to nursing for those holding a prior bachelor's degree. In partnership with Baptist Health, this campus-based program utilizes immersive learning technologies including virtual reality labs and simulation scenarios. The program maintains high NCLEX pass rates and focuses on critical care preparation. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.50 GPA and completion of specific prerequisite courses, but does not require entrance exams. Scholarships are available for eligible students pursuing this fast-track nursing career option.

  • 12-month program duration
  • Campus-based learning
  • High NCLEX pass rates
  • Immersive learning technologies
  • Scholarships available
  • Requires prior bachelor's degree
  • Minimum 2.50 GPA
  • Specific prerequisite courses
  • Partnership with Baptist Health
  • Focus on critical care
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL - Public 4-Year - fscj.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Florida State College at Jacksonville's online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for licensed RNs seeking career advancement. This ACEN-accredited program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and professional collaboration through flexible online coursework. A unique Global Scholars Distinction enhances global healthcare perspectives. With a total cost of approximately $12,586 for 120 credit hours and financial aid eligibility, the program requires a valid RN license by the second term. For NCLEX pass rates, the ADN program at this institution achieved 92.13% in 2024 and 88.57% in 2023. As a post-licensure BSN program, no ACT/SAT entrance exams are required.

  • Fully online post-licensure BSN.
  • Doctorally prepared faculty.
  • Global Scholars Distinction program.
  • Approximately $12,586 total cost.
  • Financial aid eligible.
  • Valid RN license required.
  • ACEN accredited.
  • 120 credit hours.
  • Flexible online course delivery.
  • Focus on critical thinking.
*Based on data from: IPEDS 2024, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Jacksonville, FL

If you are interested in beginning a career in nursing, an entry-level program is the place to start. One option for entry-level programs includes the Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which provides students with a base level introduction to nursing that can be completed in a relatively short time. Another option for entering the nursing field is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which prepares students for their first jobs with additional coursework in research, public health, leadership and other topics.

ADN Programs

An ADN program might be a good fit if you are interested in entering the workforce as quickly as possible, as these programs are generally faster to complete than a BSN.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

A traditional BSN program is designed for students without any previous nursing education, and provides graduates with a bachelor’s degree. Like ADN programs, BSN programs prepare students to take the NCLEX exam, but generally take longer to complete and provide additional in-depth coursework. One example of BSN programs is the program found at the University of North Florida, which includes professional courses as well as clinical/laboratory courses that focus on community-based nursing experience.

Learn more about Florida Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Jacksonville, FL

In an effort to secure higher-paying nursing positions, many ADN-educated nurses are exploring going back to school to earn a higher degree. Some schools offer specialized “bridge” programs that provide a pathway for these nurses to earn a higher degree at a faster pace than traditional entry-level nursing programs.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN programs are designed for experienced RNs who would like to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Taking into account prior diploma coursework and clinical experience, these programs are generally fast to complete when compared with traditional BSN programs. The RN to BSN program at Florida State College at Jacksonville is offered on a part-time basis in three to six semesters of study to allow students to continue working while they earn their degree.

Learn more about Florida RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

Slightly less common than RN to BSN programs, some schools offer RN to MSN bridge programs, in which experienced RNs can earn their Master of Science in Nursing degree in an accelerated timeframe. The RN to MSN program at Jacksonville University allows RNs to earn their BSN and MSN degrees concurrently, with online courses that can be taken on a full- or part-time basis for maximum flexibility and convenience.

Learn more about Florida RN to MSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

Jacksonville, FL

Florida State College at Jacksonville

  • RN to BSN - Nursing (B.S.N.)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online post-licensure program
    • Doctorally prepared faculty
    • Global Scholars Distinction option
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Financial aid eligible
    • 100% graduate employment rate
    • Global healthcare focus
    • Competitive total program cost

University of North Florida

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Bridge Online

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online RN to BSN program
    • 30 total credit hours
    • One year to complete
    • Active RN license required
    • Minimum 2.70 GPA needed
    • Eight nursing prerequisites
    • Starts Fall, Spring, Summer
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2024 institutional data.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Jacksonville, FL

Demand is high for nurses with advanced practice nursing degrees, and in order to meet this demand and secure higher paying jobs, many nurses are seeking advanced degrees. Some options for APRN degrees include traditional MSN programs, post-master’s certificate programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

MSN Programs

Nurses who hold master’s degrees have a wider range of job options and are generally paid more than their BSN or ADN-educated counterparts. Time to complete an MSN program varies from school to school and whether the program is taken on a full- or part-time basis. For example, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at Jacksonville University can be completed in three years of part-time study or two years of full-time study.

Learn more about Florida Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

For nurses who already hold their master’s degree but would like to learn a new discipline, some schools offer post-master’s certificate programs. Jacksonville University offers post-master’s certificate programs in several focus areas, including family nurse practitioner, nursing informatics, clinical nurse educator, and emergency nurse practitioner among several others.

Learn more about Florida Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Doctorate-level programs are the highest level of study available to nurses. DNP programs prepare students for the highest level of clinical practice for nurses. University of North Florida offers DNP programs for nurses with a BSN degree and for nurses with an MSN degree. Nurses have their choice of focusing their doctoral study in administration or practice, based on their career goals.

Learn more about Florida DNP Programs.

List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville University

  • BSN to MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • On-campus full/part-time options
    • Board-certified faculty
    • Advanced clinical simulations
    • Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
    • One year critical care experience
    • Prepares for national certification
    • Virtual reality learning
    • Clinical experiences in multiple specialties
  • BSN to MSN - Dual MSN/MBA Degree

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Dual MSN/MBA degree program
    • Online or hybrid format available
    • Classes begin every 8 weeks
    • 3.0 undergraduate nursing GPA required
    • Active U.S. nursing license needed
    • Regionally accredited program graduation
    • CCNE, NLN, or ACEN accreditation required
    • Statement of intent submission
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in NursingHealthcare Quality and Safety

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online synchronous and asynchronous courses
    • Flexible 7-week course formats
    • Finish in 18 months
    • Small class sizes
    • Individual academic advising
    • Immersive virtual reality learning
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
    • Active U.S. nursing license needed
  • MSN to DNP - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 70 credit hours total
    • 1000 clinical hours
    • 3.3 minimum GPA
    • National certification preparation
    • Advanced nursing leadership focus
    • Terminal degree in nursing
  • MSN to DNP - BSN-DNP Leadership Cognate

    Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 59 credit hours.
    • 1000 residency hours.
    • Hybrid program format.
    • Focus on leadership roles.
    • Individual faculty mentorship.
    • Nursing GPA of 3.3 required.
    • Current RN license needed.
    • Statement of intent required.
  • MSN to DNP - Post-MSN DNP Leadership Track

    Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • Individual faculty mentorship
    • Two to three year completion
    • Terminal nursing degree
    • Executive-level skill development
    • RN and APRN compatible
    • Semester start flexibility

University of North Florida

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration

    Online Learning - Website

    • 35 credit hours.
    • Online delivery format.
    • Requires BSN for admission.
    • Admits 20 students per fall.
    • Focus on nurse leadership skills.
    • Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
    • Patient-centered care approach.
    • Value-based practice model.
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Management & Leadership (MSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • Full-time or part-time enrollment.
    • Prepares for ANCC certification.
    • Maximum 25 students per cohort.
    • Evidence-based curriculum focus.
    • Healthcare leadership preparation.
    • Organizational management methods.
    • Improves healthcare outcomes.
  • BSN to MSN - Nursing Management and Leadership (MSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 35 credit hours.
    • Fully online delivery.
    • BSN degree required.
    • 3.0 minimum GPA.
    • One year RN experience.
    • Current RN licensure.
    • Resume or CV required.
    • Accredited by CCNE.
  • MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP)

    Campus Based - Website

    • BSN-DNP and Post-MSN tracks
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Full and part-time enrollment
    • Certification exam preparation
    • Lifespan healthcare focus
  • MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Post-MSN DNP track
    • 68 total credits
    • 1,100 clinical hours
    • Online program format
    • Full and part-time options
    • 14 seats per spring term
    • Nationally accredited program
    • Prepares for Florida licensure
*Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2024, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville, FL

Florida State College at Jacksonville

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online post-licensure BSN.
    • Doctorally prepared faculty.
    • Global Scholars Distinction program.
    • Approximately $12,586 total cost.
    • Financial aid eligible.
    • Valid RN license required.
    • ACEN accredited.
    • 120 credit hours.

Jacksonville University

  • Bachelor's - Accelerated Nursing Program for Second Degree Students

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month program duration
    • Campus-based learning
    • High NCLEX pass rates
    • Immersive learning technologies
    • Scholarships available
    • Requires prior bachelor's degree
    • Minimum 2.50 GPA
    • Specific prerequisite courses
  • Bachelor's - Traditional BSN Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 28-month program length
    • On-campus courses
    • Clinicals at affiliated hospitals
    • Minimum 2.50 GPA required
    • Lock-step curriculum
    • Fall and Spring entry terms
    • Departmental Honors available
    • Qualifies for Navy's MECP

University of North Florida

  • Bachelor's - Freshman Admit Nursing (FAN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Direct entry for freshmen.
    • BSN in four years.
    • Diverse clinical experiences.
    • Community-based learning approach.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • 3.00 GPA required for progression.
    • Full-time, structured sequence.
    • Strong foundation for graduate studies.
  • Bachelor's - Nursing, Prelicensure (BSN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Full-time course of study
    • Hands-on clinical experiences
    • Community-based curriculum
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
    • Admissions each semester
    • Priority GPA requirement
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships for eligible students
*The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2024 survey.