2027 Best Nursing Schools in Orlando

Choosing the right nursing school is critical for career success. Rankings help students compare programs based on objective data, simplifying the decision process. Registerednursing.org has analyzed NCLEX pass rates to identify the Best Nursing Schools in Orlando. Our rankings prioritize this key metric above all else. View our methodology: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/

Annual Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates declined from 2023 to 2024, while the number of test-takers remained steady.

  • 2023: 98.07% average (260 students)
  • 2024: 91.92% average (260 students)

Top Performing Nursing Schools

Among programs with sufficient data, Seminole State College of Florida has the highest multi-year average pass rate.

  • Seminole State College of Florida: 98.05% average pass rate (463 students, 2 years of data)
  • Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology: 70.18% average pass rate (57 students, 2 years of data)

Pass Rates by Program Size

Larger programs tend to outperform smaller ones in terms of NCLEX pass rates.

  • Large (100+ students/year): 98.14% average pass rate (215 students)
  • Small (fewer than 50 students/year): 60.00% average pass rate (10 students)

Geographic Pass Rate Trends

Sanford demonstrates strong performance, though Altamonte Springs' data is based on a very small sample.

  • Sanford: 98.14% average pass rate (215 students)
  • Altamonte Springs: 60.00% average pass rate (10 students)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Seminole State College of Florida is the only school with two years of data and an average pass rate above 90%.

  • Seminole State College of Florida: 98.05% average pass rate across 2 years (463 students)
#1

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 delivers its RN-to-BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing entirely online, offering a streamlined path for registered nurses with an ADN or diploma. With a total cost around $5,200 and flexible asynchronous coursework, students can graduate in as little as 12 months. The ACEN-accredited curriculum includes evidence-based practice, community health, leadership, healthcare policy, and a capstone. Developed with Central Florida healthcare partners, the program integrates virtual simulation and practitioner-taught courses to bridge practice and theory. Since this is a post-licensure completion program, admission considers current RN licensure rather than ACT/SAT scores. Notably, the college's associate degree nursing program achieved NCLEX pass rates of 97.98% (2023) and 98.14% (2024), showcasing a strong educational foundation.

  • ACEN accredited
  • $5,200 total program tuition
  • 12-Month program
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Apply by 2026-03-30
  • Rolling admissions
  • 3 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring/summer
  • Asynchronous online classes
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
#2

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 is a full-time, five-semester cohort program designed to prepare students for RN licensure. Coursework blends science foundations with clinical practice across hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and service-learning in underserved areas. UCF offers this program on three Central Florida campuses—Orlando, Cocoa, and Daytona Beach—and maintains strong NCLEX-RN performance, with pass rates of 97.4% in 2023 and 96.2% in 2024. Admission requires the TEAS entrance exam rather than the ACT or SAT. Military students may qualify through the Enlisted Commissioning Program. Graduates are equipped for roles in acute care, community health, and leadership, as well as graduate study.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 5-Semester program
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
  • Cohort-based structure
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Military benefits accepted
  • Financial aid available

Bachelor's - Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

UCF's Second Degree BSN is an accelerated, four-semester lock-step program for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The curriculum covers health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and lifespan nursing care, with clinical practice in acute, community, and rehabilitative settings. This CCNE-accredited track emphasizes leadership, health promotion, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for careers as hospital nurses, nurse case managers, or informatics specialists. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required; instead, admission relies on the previous degree and prerequisite coursework. Students must reside in Florida during the program. UCF BSN graduates achieved NCLEX-RN pass rates of 97.4% in 2023 and 96.2% in 2024, supporting the program's 97% licensure pass rate. No thesis or capstone is required.

  • CCNE accredited
  • 4-Semester program
  • Starts summer
  • 97% licensure pass rate
  • Cohort-based structure
  • No thesis or capstone required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • 92% of graduates stay in Florida
  • UCF educates most BSN nurses in Florida
  • Florida RN mean annual wage $69,510
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

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 is designed for registered nurses holding an ASN degree. The 120-credit curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, quality, safety, healthcare policy, and technology integration. Courses support interprofessional collaboration and person-centered care, preparing graduates for advanced roles and graduate study. Rolling admissions for fall, spring, and summer come with no application fee, and the program can be completed in one to two years. This limited-access program requires a current Florida RN license. No ACT or SAT entrance exam requirement is specified. Valencia's ADN program posted NCLEX pass rates of 84.86% in 2023 and 91.32% in 2024.

  • Complete in as little as one to two years
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Rolling admissions
  • Starts fall/spring/summer
  • $0 application fee
  • Online RN to BSN program
  • Requires current Florida RN license
  • Designed for RNs with ASN degree
#4

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 (ASN) is a 24-month pathway offering online coursework and immersive clinical experiences in AdventHealth hospitals' Dedicated Education Units and simulation labs. With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students engage in faith-based, whole-person learning across the lifespan, developing critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. ACEN-accredited, this program prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure, with over 80% of graduates joining AdventHealth. It also offers a seamless RN-to-BSN pathway in 12–18 months, plus scholarships up to $28,000 and merit aid for students with a 3.0+ GPA, making it a financially accessible entry into nursing.

  • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
  • 24-Month program
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Dedicated Education Units in AdventHealth hospitals
  • Clinical Scholars program with practicing nurses
  • Faith-based whole-person learning approach
  • Over 80% of graduates work at AdventHealth

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

AdventHealth University's hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences at AdventHealth-affiliated hospitals and state-of-the-art simulation labs. Rooted in a Seventh-day Adventist whole-person care philosophy, this CCNE-accredited program prepares nurses to treat patients physically, psychologically, and spiritually. Students benefit from an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, personalized support, and a dedicated tutoring center. The accelerated trimester schedule allows completion in as little as three years. Notably, 100% of graduates secure employment, and NCLEX first-attempt pass rates were 76.03% in 2023 and 85.96% in 2024, reflecting strong preparation for licensure.

  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
  • 3-Year program
  • Complete in as little as three years
  • 81% licensure pass rate
  • 100% job placement rate
  • Prepares for NCLEX
  • 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • Faith-based whole-person care approach
  • Clinical placements at AdventHealth
  • Dedicated nursing tutoring center
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

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Campus Based - Visit Website

*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025 collection.

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

We've compiled a list of RN to BSN/MSN programs across the country. The table below shows each school's city and state, highlights what makes their programs stand out, and provides direct links to program pages. Whether aiming for a bachelor's or master's degree, these options help registered nurses advance their careers. Use this table to compare programs and find the right fit.

Orlando, FL

AdventHealth University

  • RN to BSN - Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in can be completed in a year
    • Employer reimbursement supported
    • Tutoring and coaching support
    • 24/7 resource access
    • Affiliated with Sigma Theta Tau
    • Guild tuition reimbursement eligible

University of Central Florida

  • RN to BSN - Nursing, RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 4 concentration options
    • $212 per credit
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • BSN completion for licensed RNs
    • Fully online coursework available
    • Clinical practice in home community
    • Multiple track options

Valencia College

  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Complete in as little as one to two years
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • $100,051 median earnings
    • Designed for RNs with an associate degree
    • Requires current Florida RN license
    • Limited access program

Sanford, FL

Seminole State College of Florida

  • RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in as little as one year
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Fully online program
    • Capstone experiential learning
    • Flexibility for working nurses
*Data compiled from: IPEDS 2025 survey, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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

We've gathered Orlando's top APRN programs, including MSN, DNP, and NP tracks. Each school below shows its city and state, key program highlights, and a link to the official program page. Use this list to compare options and find the best fit for advancing a nursing career. Start exploring now.

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

    • 3 concentration options
    • No entrance exam required
    • 35 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • 0 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • 0 clinical hours
    • Work experience required
  • 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

    • 2 concentration options
    • 42 total credit hours
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required
    • Capstone required
    • $50 application fee
    • Online with campus intensives
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in can be completed in three years
    • the median pay for a nurse practitioner was around $132,000 a year
    • 1080 clinical hours
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in three years
    • 1000 clinical hours
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • 100% online with campus intensives
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Organizational Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in completed in three years
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • 100% online with campus intensives
    • CCNE accredited program

Ana G. Mendez University

  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • On-site program delivery
    • Prepares for national certification
    • Focus on primary care leadership
    • Didactic and clinical experiences
    • Multiple campus locations available
    • Health Sciences Division program
    • Curriculum includes pathophysiology
    • Pharmacology coursework included
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Campus Based - Website

    • 1000 clinical hours
    • Focus on quality improvement and evidence-based practice
    • Pinnacle of practice-focused nursing degrees
    • Senior administrator career path

University of Central Florida

  • MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Live intensives twice a year
    • Clinical placements provided by program
    • Requires undergraduate statistics prerequisite
    • Interprofessional learning opportunities
    • Dedicated advising team
    • Reduced work hours recommended
    • Service area: Central Florida only
    • Simulation lab experiences
  • MSN to DNP - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 9-Semester program
    • 73 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • 1140 clinical hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 74 total credit hours
    • Starts fall
    • 1200 clinical hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • On-campus bi-weekly lectures and labs
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Executive

    Concentration: Executive - Campus Based - Website

    • 42 total credit hours
    • 1000 clinical hours
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Executive track for nurse leaders
    • Experiential learning and leadership projects
    • Interact with prominent healthcare experts
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Executive

    Concentration: Executive - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 42 total credit hours
    • 1000 clinical hours
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Designed for nurse executives
    • Team-centered experiential learning
    • Network with healthcare experts
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Online program
    • In-state tuition $369.65/credit
    • Out-of-state tuition $1,276.48/credit
    • DNP Project required
    • College of Nursing
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • 73 total credit hours
    • Starts fall
    • 1140 clinical hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • In-state tuition $369.65 per credit hour
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online program
    • Executive track option
    • Emphasis on evidence-based practice
    • Focus on leadership and policy
    • Designed for working nurses
*Official IPEDS 2025 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Orlando, FL

Searching for nursing schools near Orlando, FL? We have gathered a helpful list. The table below shows city and state, program highlights, and a link to each program page. Compare options easily and find the right fit. These schools offer various nursing programs for new students and working professionals. Review the table to learn more and take the next step.
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Florida

Altamonte Springs, FL

Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • 3 concentration options
    • 36-Month program
    • $82,750 average annual salary for a registered nurse
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Altamonte Springs, Florida campus only
    • Training with clinical partner experiences
    • On-campus nursing simulation labs

Orlando, FL

AdventHealth University
  • Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
    • 24-Month program
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio
    • Dedicated Education Units in AdventHealth hospitals
    • Clinical Scholars program with practicing nurses
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 3-Year program
    • Complete in as little as three years
    • 81% licensure pass rate
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio
    • Faith-based whole-person care approach
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
    • Complete in Can be completed in less than 2 years
    • Prepares for National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN)
    • Military benefits accepted
    • Financial aid available
    • Day and evening class options
    • No-cost textbooks and materials
    • Small class sizes
University of Central Florida
  • Bachelor's - Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 4-Semester program
    • Starts summer
    • 97% licensure pass rate
    • Cohort-based structure
    • No thesis or capstone required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • 92% of graduates stay in Florida
  • Bachelor's - Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 5-Semester program
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Valencia College
  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Complete in as little as one to two years
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • $0 application fee
    • Online RN to BSN program
    • Requires current Florida RN license
    • Designed for RNs with ASN degree

Sanford, FL

Seminole State College of Florida
  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Bachelor of Science

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • $5,200 total program tuition
    • 12-Month program
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2026-03-30
    • Rolling admissions
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2025. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/