Nursing Programs in Orlando, FL
With a large population of native and non-native retirees, Florida is expecting to feel the impact of the nationwide nursing shortage by 2025. According to the Florida Center for Nursing, many professionals in healthcare including nurses are close to the age of retirement, too. Hospitals, medical centers, and health care facilities in Orlando, FL, and other cities are going to feel the effect when these experienced nurses retire from the workforce. To fill these vacancies, universities in Florida are partnering with governmental agencies to develop accredited programs to sufficiently prepare students for entry-level and advanced careers in nursing.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Orlando
Choosing the right nursing program is a critical decision for aspiring nurses. Rankings help students evaluate schools based on objective criteria, providing clarity amid numerous options. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Orlando" rankings, focusing exclusively on NCLEX pass rates to assess program effectiveness. This data-driven approach ensures prospective students can identify schools with strong outcomes. For detailed methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Analysis of NCLEX pass rates in Orlando shows fluctuations over recent years. The data indicates a slight increase in pass rates from 2023 to 2024, though student numbers decreased.
- 2024: Average pass rate of 90.64% with 1,250 students.
- 2023: Average pass rate of 81.16% with 1,550 students.
Top Performing Schools
Schools with consistently high NCLEX pass rates stand out for their strong performance. These institutions demonstrate effective preparation for nursing licensure exams.
- Seminole State College of Florida: Average pass rate of 98.05% across 463 students over 2 years.
- Rasmussen University-North Orlando: Average pass rate of 83.2% across 2,280 students over 2 years.
- Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology: Average pass rate of 70.18% across 57 students over 2 years.
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Comparing program types reveals differences in pass rates, which can inform students' choices between degree paths. Both BSN and ADN programs show high performance levels.
- ADN Programs: Average pass rate of 94.64% with 336 students.
- BSN Programs: Average pass rate of 92.11% with 38 students.
Pass Rate by Program Size
Program size may impact pass rates, with variations observed between small and large cohorts. Larger programs tend to show higher average pass rates in this dataset.
- Small Programs (<50 students/year): Average pass rate of 85.42% with 48 students.
- Large Programs (>100 students/year): Average pass rate of 95.71% with 326 students.
Consistently High Performing Schools
Schools maintaining high pass rates over multiple years demonstrate reliability in nursing education. These institutions provide consistent outcomes for graduates.
- Seminole State College of Florida: Average pass rate of 98.05% across 463 students over 2 years, exceeding the 90% threshold.
Seminole State College of Florida
Sanford, FL - Public 4-Year - seminolestate.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Bachelor of Science
Online Learning - Visit Website
Seminole State College of Florida's RN-to-BSN program is a fully online, accelerated pathway for licensed registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This bachelor's-level program requires an active RN license but no ACT or SAT entrance exam. Designed for working professionals, it can be completed in just 12 months at an affordable total cost of approximately $5,000. The curriculum focuses on enhancing nursing practice, leadership development, and evidence-based care. While specific NCLEX pass rate data for this BSN program isn't provided, the school's ADN program demonstrates strong performance with 98.14% pass rates in 2024, indicating solid nursing education foundations.
- Fully online program
- Complete in 12 months
- Affordable $5,000 total cost
- ACEN nationally accredited
- Designed for working nurses
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu
Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Florida's Traditional BSN program is a rigorous five-semester, campus-based pathway to RN licensure, available at three Central Florida locations. This limited-access upper-division program emphasizes strong science foundations and extensive clinical rotations across diverse healthcare settings. As a bachelor's-level program, it requires ACT or SAT scores for admission. Graduates consistently demonstrate exceptional readiness, with NCLEX-RN pass rates of 97.36% in 2023 and 96.23% in 2024, significantly exceeding state averages. The cohort-based, lock-step curriculum prepares students for immediate entry-level practice and future leadership roles in nursing.
- Nationally accredited program.
- Available at three campuses.
- Five semesters to complete.
- Limited access, upper-division.
- Strong emphasis on sciences.
- Clinical rotations included.
- Daytime nursing courses.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- Sought-after by employers.
- Exceeds state averages.
Bachelor's - Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
UCF's Second Degree BSN is an intensive, full-time program designed for career changers holding a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This lock-step curriculum spans four consecutive semesters on the Orlando campus and focuses on clinical practice, health promotion, and leadership development. As a bachelor's-level program, ACT or SAT scores are required for admission. The program boasts strong NCLEX-RN performance, with pass rates of 97.36% (2023) and 96.23% (2024), reflecting excellent preparation for licensure. CCNE-accredited and meeting Florida's RN eligibility criteria, this competitive program emphasizes quality patient care across diverse healthcare environments.
- Full-time lock-step program
- Four consecutive semesters
- Orlando campus only
- CCNE accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Non-nursing bachelor's required
- Clinical nursing focus
- Health promotion emphasis
- Leadership role preparation
- Competitive admission
Valencia College
Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - valenciacollege.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Valencia College's online RN to BSN program offers working nurses a flexible path to advance their careers, with completion possible in 1-2 years. This bachelor's-level program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, but admission requires an A.S. in Nursing and a current Florida nursing license. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, leadership, and healthcare policy to prepare graduates for higher-level roles. Recent NCLEX pass rates for Valencia's ADN program show improvement from 84.86% in 2023 to 91.32% in 2024, indicating strong nursing education foundations. The program features no application deadline and free application fees for accessibility.
- Online RN to BSN program.
- Complete in 1-2 years.
- No application deadline.
- Free application fee.
- Requires A.S. in Nursing.
- Current Florida nursing license needed.
- Focus on evidence-based care.
- Leadership and policy included.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Prepares for advanced roles.
AdventHealth University
Orlando, FL - Private 4-year - ahu.edu
Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
AdventHealth University's hybrid Associate of Science in Nursing program in Orlando offers a fast-track 20-month path to nursing licensure. Students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and clinical experiences within the AdventHealth system. The program focuses on developing critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills for NCLEX-RN preparation, with a 76.92% pass rate for 2024 ADN graduates. Financial assistance and scholarships are available for eligible students. This associate-level program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The faith-based curriculum emphasizes whole-person care and provides access to experienced, practicing faculty with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- 20-month completion time.
- Hybrid learning format.
- Small class sizes.
- State-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Experienced, practicing faculty.
- Focus on critical thinking.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Financial assistance available.
- Faith-based education.
- Whole-person care approach.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
AdventHealth University's hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Orlando prepares students for nursing careers with a unique whole-person education approach. This three-year program combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences within the AdventHealth healthcare system. The program boasts an 85.96% NCLEX pass rate for 2024 BSN graduates and nearly 100% job placement. With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and dedicated nursing tutoring support, students receive personalized attention. As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The faith-based curriculum emphasizes clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills essential for nursing practice.
- Hybrid program format.
- Graduate in 3 years.
- High NCLEX pass rate.
- Nearly 100% job placement.
- 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Dedicated nursing tutoring center.
- Whole-person education focus.
- Affiliation with AdventHealth system.
- Personalized student support.
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
Altamonte Springs, FL - Private 4-year - cambridgehealth.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology's campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offers three distinct tracks: Traditional (36 months), Bridge (32 months), and Accelerated (16 months). This ACEN-accredited program emphasizes hands-on clinical training through simulation labs and comprehensive healthcare education. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practices, patient-centered care, and leadership development. For bachelor's level programs, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required (check specific admission requirements). Regarding NCLEX performance, the ADN program at this institution showed a 100% pass rate in 2023 with 12 students, though 2024 results indicate 62.86% (35 students) and 60% (10 students) pass rates for different cohorts.
- Three BSN program tracks
- Campus-based nursing program
- Cutting-edge simulation training
- ACEN accredited program
- Multiple campus locations
- Comprehensive clinical experience
- Florida Board of Nursing approved
- Multiple specialization opportunities
- Prepares for NCLEX exam
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology's online RN to BSN program provides working nurses with flexible career advancement opportunities. This fully online program allows professionals to balance education with work commitments while studying nursing informatics, research methodologies, and leadership principles. The curriculum prepares graduates for enhanced patient care and expanded professional roles. For bachelor's level programs, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required (check specific admission requirements). Regarding NCLEX performance, the ADN program at this institution showed a 100% pass rate in 2023 with 12 students, though 2024 results indicate 62.86% (35 students) and 60% (10 students) pass rates for different cohorts.
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- Flexible learning for working nurses
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Experienced healthcare instructors
- Career advancement opportunities
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Orlando, FL
Nurses help the infirm return to a state of health. If you have wondered what it would be like to work in this growing healthcare profession, there are many educational programs you can get started in right away even if you have no experience. LPN to RN, Associate’s, and Bachelor’s programs in Orlando, FL give students of every background a place to start their nursing career.
LPN to RN Programs
Licensed Practical Nurses or LPNs play a key role in supporting the health and well-being of their patients. LPNs can take on an even more important role – and earn a higher salary – by earning their RNs. In Orlando, Florida, LPN to RN programs prepare students to sit for the NCLEX exam. By allowing students to receive credit for previous coursework, Valencia College fast-tracks LPN students toward their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) while preparing them for their RNs.
ADN Programs
Nurses are essential in providing quality care to patients at hospitals and healthcare organizations. Yet more doors will open for nurses when they earn their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN/ADN) degree. Offered by technical, vocational, and community colleges such as Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology, students in Orlando, FL can earn the practical and theoretical knowledge to be eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Did you know that employers strongly prefer to hire registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree? It’s possible that in the future, RNs may be required to hold a BSN. If you are thinking of a career in nursing, you can bypass LPN and ADN options and earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing straightaway. Millers College of Nursing in Orlando, FL offers a real-world, clinical-focused BSN program that readies students to sit for and pass the NCLEX exam and become a registered nurse.
Find out more about Florida Accelerated BSN Programs
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Orlando, FL
As employers favor registered nurses with BSNs and MSNs, colleges and universities in Orlando, FL are stepping up to expand their nursing program options. They are also creating bridge programs so students can make the most of their completed coursework and apply it toward a BSN or MSN option.
RN to BSN Programs
It’s true that registered nurses working in medical clinics, senior living facilities, and doctor’s offices can earn a competitive wage. However, these nurses can earn even more, and provide the next level of care, by enrolling in an RN to BSN program. Open to nurses with an active RN license, Seminole State College of Florida outside of Orlando allows students to get their Bachelor's of Science in Nursing in less than a year. It is offered online with a clinical capstone.
Find out more about Florida RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
Registered nurses without a Bachelor’s Degree can complete their Master’s Degree directly by completing an RN to MSN. Saving them both time and money, such bridge programs make use of previously earned credits and an accelerated intensive format. Capella University, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), offers four different RN to MSN programs. It has several flexible online options so students can complete the degree at the pace they prefer.
Find out more about Florida RN to MSN Programs
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Orlando, FL
AdventHealth University
- RN to BSN - Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible degree format
- Completed in one year
- CCNE accredited program
- Support services for students
- Potential tuition reimbursement
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
- Evidence-based practice training
- Leadership skill development
University of Central Florida
- RN to BSN - Nursing, RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- $212.28 in-state per credit
- Requires licensed RN status
- 62 total credit hours
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Clinical practice in home community
- Professional nursing skill development
- Multiple program track options
Valencia College
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN program
- 120 total credit hours
- 1-2 year completion time
- CCNE Accredited program
- For nurses with associate degree
- Limited access program
- Requires unencumbered nursing license
Sanford, FL
Seminole State College of Florida
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- Completion possible in one year
- For licensed RNs
- Minimum 2.5 GPA required
- Capstone course with experiential learning
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Orlando, FL
Advanced practice nurses such as family nurse practitioners are taking on greater roles in healthcare, and this trend is only likely to continue. For working nurses in Orlando, FL who seek to enter a specialized area or become leaders or educators, an advanced degree is required. These master’s or doctorate offerings can commonly be completed in a distant learning format so students can continue working.
MSN Programs
Nurses who seek to further their career as an administrator, manager, or educator -- or those who wish to pursue the nurse practitioner position -- can earn their Master of Science in Nursing either on-site or online. The University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL offers three MSN programs for veteran nurses ready for leadership or instructional roles. All three programs are offered online to accommodate the hectic schedules of working nursing professionals.
Find out more about Florida Nurse Practitioner Programs
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Registered nurses who hold master’s degrees can enter a field of specialization through a range of certificate programs. From certificates focused on teaching and education to intensive, Family Nurse Practitioner certifications, these programs can boost a working nurse’s career in a short period of time. The University of Central Florida offers multiple post-grad certificate pathways, including Adult Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator.
Find out more about Florida Post-Master's Certificate Programs
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
Nurses can achieve the peak of their educational aspirations by obtaining a doctorate degree. Keiser University offers its Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at several locations across Florida, including one in Melbourne, about an hour away from Orlando. The evidence-based program focuses on incorporating nursing with other scientific fields and improving the larger clinical practice.
Find out more about Florida DNP Programs
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Orlando
Orlando, FL
AdventHealth University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Midwifery Track
Online Learning - Website
- Online MSN program.
- Midwifery Track available.
- Completable in 18 months.
- 24/7 online course access.
- BSN required for admission.
- ASN or diploma may need prerequisites.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Undergoing ACME preaccreditation review.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online graduate nursing program
- Two-year completion potential
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Requires 2 years patient care
- 35 total credit hours
- Advanced clinical practica
- Campus intensive experiences
- Face-to-face admission interview
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Administration and Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Nursing Administration concentration.
- 31 credit hours required.
- Two-year completion time.
- BSN with 3.0 GPA required.
- Active RN license needed.
- $50 application fee.
- Practicum experiences included.
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online with campus intensives
- 49-91 credit hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- 5-7 year completion timeline
- MSN or BSN entry options
- Clinical and leadership tracks
- Advanced patient care focus
- Faith-based healthcare perspective
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree
- Three-Year Completion
- Clinical & Non-Clinical Tracks
- 1200 Clinical Hours
- Faculty-Supervised Practicum
- DNP Capstone Project
- Expert Faculty Instruction
- 24/7 Student Support
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree
- 3-Year Completion Time
- Clinical and Non-Clinical Tracks
- 1200 Clinical Practicum Hours
- Leadership Focused Curriculum
- Expert Faculty Instruction
- Capstone Project Included
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Organizational Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Curriculum
- Three-Year Program Length
- Clinical and Non-Clinical Tracks
- Faculty-Supervised Clinical Hours
- DNP Capstone Project
- 24/7 Student Support
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Leadership Skill Development
Ana G. Mendez University
- BSN to MSN - MSN in Nursing with a Role in Administration
Concentration: Role in Administration - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Focus on healthcare administration
- Leadership and ethical decision-making
- Approved for VA/Military benefits
- Prepares for executive roles
- Multidisciplinary team leadership
- Accessible to working professionals
- Detailed admission requirements
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Master's in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Comprehensive primary care focus
- Online and campus options
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- ACEN accredited program
- Prepares for national certification
- Career opportunities in clinics
- Holistic patient care approach
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- 1,000-hour clinical component
- Practice-focused nursing degree
- Advanced leadership skills
- VA/Military benefits approved
- ACEN accreditation candidate
- Multiple campus locations
- Senior administrator preparation
University of Central Florida
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid-online DNP program
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- Twice yearly campus intensives
- 76 total credit hours
- Nationally accredited program
- Acute care focus 18+ patients
- RN license required
- BSN from accredited institution
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 75 credit hours minimum
- 1,020 practicum hours
- Hybrid program format
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Doctoral project required
- Healthcare leadership emphasis
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Specialty track in acute care
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 72 credit hours total
- 1,080 practicum hours
- In-state tuition $369.65/credit
- BSN degree prerequisite
- RN licensure in Florida
- Advanced health assessment
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership development
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 75 credit hours minimum
- 1,080 practicum hours required
- Hybrid program format
- BSN degree prerequisite
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Advanced clinical training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- In-state tuition $369.65/credit
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Online doctoral nursing program
- Multiple specialized tracks available
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership skill development
- Flexible learning environment
- Advanced clinical practice preparation
- Healthcare system improvement
- Competitive per-credit tuition
- MSN to DNP - Nurse Executive Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online with campus intensives
- No GRE required
- 42 total credit hours
- 1,000 clinical hours
- Part-time nine-semester plan
- Accepts varied nursing backgrounds
- Two annual on-campus intensives
- Leadership & management focus
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Orlando, FL
Altamonte Springs, FL
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Three BSN program tracks
- Campus-based nursing program
- Cutting-edge simulation training
- ACEN accredited program
- Multiple campus locations
- Comprehensive clinical experience
- Florida Board of Nursing approved
- Multiple specialization opportunities
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- Flexible learning for working nurses
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Experienced healthcare instructors
- Career advancement opportunities
Orlando, FL
AdventHealth University
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 20-month completion time.
- Hybrid learning format.
- Small class sizes.
- State-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Experienced, practicing faculty.
- Focus on critical thinking.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Financial assistance available.
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Graduate in 3 years.
- High NCLEX pass rate.
- Nearly 100% job placement.
- 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Dedicated nursing tutoring center.
- Whole-person education focus.
South College - Orlando
- Associate - Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing)
Campus Based - Website
- Online and hybrid learning
- 21-month program completion
- Prerequisite courses for BSN
- Multiple campus locations
- Ranked #1 Pre-Nursing Studies
Southern Technical College
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN Accredited program.
- Complete in less than 2 years.
- Flexible day and evening classes.
- Small class sizes.
- Hands-on instruction.
- Financial aid available.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Diverse healthcare career options.
University of Central Florida
- Bachelor's - Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time lock-step program
- Four consecutive semesters
- Orlando campus only
- CCNE accredited
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Non-nursing bachelor's required
- Clinical nursing focus
- Health promotion emphasis
- Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Nationally accredited program.
- Available at three campuses.
- Five semesters to complete.
- Limited access, upper-division.
- Strong emphasis on sciences.
- Clinical rotations included.
- Daytime nursing courses.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
Valencia College
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN program.
- Complete in 1-2 years.
- No application deadline.
- Free application fee.
- Requires A.S. in Nursing.
- Current Florida nursing license needed.
- Focus on evidence-based care.
- Leadership and policy included.
Sanford, FL
Seminole State College of Florida
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Bachelor of Science
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- Complete in 12 months
- Affordable $5,000 total cost
- ACEN nationally accredited
- Designed for working nurses
