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Are you looking for the best nursing schools in Orlando?
Based on our ranking methodology, we’ve listed the 6 very best nursing programs in Orlando today. We also break down their different degree programs, NCLEX-RN pass rates, alumni salary data, and students’ ratings.
Our rankings consider factors like the average NCLEX pass rates from the last 4 years, affordability measured by typical federal student debt upon graduation, reported alumni salaries, and the school’s overall reputation.
Here’s a List of the 6 Best Nursing Schools in Orlando
1. University of Central Florida- College of Nursing
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public university based in Orlando. It’s one of the largest universities in the U.S., and it has been training nurses since 1979.
At UCF, nursing students get to practice their skills in a state-of-the-art simulation center, that is accredited by Society for Simulation in Healthcare for its high-quality simulation experiences.
Also, thanks to UCF’s partnerships with AdventHealth and Orlando Health, students get clinical experience in some of the biggest healthcare systems in the nation. These two healthcare systems have over 30 combined hospitals across Central Florida.
UCF offers financial help too. For instance, if you’re switching careers and entering the Accelerated BSN program, you could be eligible for a half-tuition scholarship worth $6,500. Plus, if you’re aiming for a PhD in nursing, you could get most of your loan forgiven if you become a nursing educator after graduation.
Graduating UCF nursing students typically owe about $13,366 in federal student loans for a Bachelor’s degree, and around $27,242 for a Master’s degree.
UCF is not only one of the best nursing schools in Orlando but also one of the top schools in Florida.
List of UCF Nursing Undergraduate Programs:
- Traditional BSN Program
- Seminole State/UCF Concurrent ASN to BSN Program
- Valencia/UCF Concurrent ASN to BSN Program
- Florida College System Concurrent ASN to BSN Program
- RN to BSN Online Program
List of UCF Nursing Graduate Programs:
- MSN Program:
- Healthcare Simulation
- Leadership & Management
- Nurse Educator
- BSN to DNP Program:
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s DNP Program:
- Advanced Practice Nurse
- Nurse Executive
- BSN to PhD in Nursing Program
- PhD in Nursing Program
List of UCF Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs:
- Nurse Educator
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Healthcare Simulation
- Hispanic Serving Healthcare Professionals
UCF NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | 88.69% | 93.39% |
Salary Data for UCF Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $59,070 – $68,602 |
| Master’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $87,820 – $112,560 |
Overall USF Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 4/5 |
| GradReports | 4/5 |
| Niche.com | 3.8/5 |
2. ECPI University Orlando- School of Nursing
ECPI University is a private university founded in 1966 and located in Virginia Beach, with a campus in Orlando, Florida.
As a nursing student at ECPI Orlando, you’ll gain practical experience through partnerships with top local hospitals like Orlando Regional Medical Center and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.
ECPI also offers financial aid. For instance, the Opportunity Scholarship is available for students in need who are enrolled in the ADN and Traditional BSN programs.
On average, ECPI nursing students graduate with about $27,977 in federal student loan debt for an Associate’s degree, $18,750 for a Bachelor’s degree, and $27,912 for a Master’s degree.
List of ECPI Orlando Nursing Undergraduate Programs:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- BS to BSN Program (Accelerated BSN)
- Traditional BSN Program- ECPI calls it Accelerated but it really is a traditional BSN program shortened to 2.5 years.
List of ECPI Orlando Nursing Graduate Programs:
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner Program
ECPI Orlando NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| BSN | 86.11% | 94.22% |
Salary Data for ECPI* Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Associate’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $65,612 |
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $81,440 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard
Overall ECPI Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 3.6/5 |
| GradReports | 2.8/5 |
| Niche.com | 4/5 |
3. Valencia College- School of Nursing
Valencia College is a public college in Orlando, Florida, established in 1967. It’s known for its strong transfer program with the University of Central Florida.
As a nursing student at Valencia, you’ll get clinical training at prominent institutions like Florida Hospital and Orlando Health.
Plus, Valencia’s Lake Nona Campus is in a location that is specifically focused on health and wellness- This gives you access to various medical facilities in a thriving medical hub.
While we didn’t find any nursing-specific scholarships, Valencia offers a range of financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.
After graduating, Valencia nursing students typically have about $12,000 in federal student loan debt for an Associate’s degree, and roughly $16,000 for a Bachelor’s degree.
The low federal student debt levels make Valencia College the most affordable institution on our list of best nursing schools in Orlando.
List of Valencia College Undergraduate Nursing Programs:
- Nursing, Traditional Associate in Science Program:
- Daytime
- Evening/Weekend
- Nursing, Accelerated Track in Nursing- for LPNs, Paramedics, Registered Invasive Cardiovascular Specialists (CVTs), and RRTs (Registered Respiratory Therapists)
- Valencia/UCF Concurrent ASN to BSN Program
- RN to BSN Online Program
Valencia College NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | 83.81% | 90.41% |
Salary Data for Valencia College Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Associate’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $64,578 |
Overall Valencia College Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 3.8/5 |
| GradReports | 2.1/5 |
| Niche.com | 4/5 |
4. Rasmussen University North Orlando- School of Nursing
Rasmussen University is a private for-profit university established in 1900 and has many campuses across the US, including one in North Orlando.
Their North Orlando campus is home to a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Center with four simulation rooms, control and debrief rooms, and nursing charting stations. This center gives you a real-world clinical environment to practice safely.
As for financial aid, Rasmussen does offer some scholarships and grants. Specifically, there’s the RN to BSN Get Started Grant, which could reduce your tuition and fees by up to $1,340.
Upon graduation, Rasmussen nursing students in Florida typically owe around $20,058 in federal student loan debt for an Associate’s degree, and approximately $25,000 for a Bachelor’s degree.
List of Rasmussen Nursing Undergraduate Programs:
- Associate’s Degree Nursing (ADN) Program
- RN to BSN Online Program
- BSN Program
List of Rasmussen Nursing Graduate Programs:
- MSN Program:
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
- Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics
- Nursing Education
- DNP Program:
- Executive Leadership
- Public Health and Policy
Rasmussen program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| ADN | 60.84% | 75.17% |
| BSN | 80.79% | 86.64% |
Salary Data for Rasmussen Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Associate’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $58,110 – $67,872 |
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $66,890 – $82,469 |
Overall Rasmussen Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors | 2.8/5 |
| GradReports | 2.3/5 |
| Niche.com | 4.3/5 |
5. Herzing University Orlando- School of Nursing
Herzing University is a private institution founded in 1965 in Milwaukee but has several campuses across the U.S., including one in Orlando, Florida.
Its nursing programs in Orlando are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
When it comes to financial aid, Herzing offers various nursing-specific scholarships and grants.
One example is the Every Experience Counts Grant, which offers $10,000 towards tuition for those studying for a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree and intending to work in medically underserved communities.
Remember to check with the admissions if these scholarships apply to the Orlando campus since Herzing has multiple locations.
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, Herzing University Orlando’s nursing students usually graduate with about $19,259 in debt for an Associate’s degree, and $27,573 for a Bachelor’s degree.
List of Herzing Orlando Undergraduate Nursing Programs:
- Associate in Nursing (ASN) Program
- BSN Program
- RN to BSN Online Program
List of Herzing Orlando Graduate Nursing Programs:
- RN to MSN Online Program:
- Nurse Practitioner Tracks
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
- MSN Program:
- Nurse Practitioner Tracks
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
- DNP Program
List of Herzing Orlando Nursing Post-Graduate Certificate Programs:
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Practitioner Tracks
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
Herzing NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| ASN | 83.67% | 82.63% |
| BSN | 79.59% | 83.06% |
Salary Data for Herzing Orlando Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Associate’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $57,250 – $66,789 |
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $61,550 – $70,560 |
Overall Herzing Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors (Herzing- Orlando) | 2.4/5 |
| GradReports | 3.7/5 |
| Niche.com (Herzing- Orlando) | 3.8/5 |
6. AdventHealth University- Department of Nursing
AdventHealth University (AHU) is a healthcare-focused institution founded in 1992 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Its main location is in Orlando, Florida
As a nursing student here, you’ll have access to realistic training environments with cutting-edge equipment and patient simulators.
The big bonus? You’ll be part of the AdventHealth System, which operates over 45 hospitals across 9 states, serving millions of people. This offers excellent opportunities for hands-on clinical experiences and potential jobs after graduation.
Regarding financial aid, there are numerous scholarships available, like the Barbara Santos Scholarship for BSN students with a minimum 3.00 GPA and financial need.
Graduating nursing students at AdventHealth typically have around $28,528 in federal student loans for a Bachelor’s degree and roughly $134,000 for a Master’s degree, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
List of AHU Orlando Undergraduate Nursing Programs:
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Program
- BSN Program
- RN to BSN Online Program
List of AHU Orlando Graduate Nursing Programs:
- MSN Program
- DNP Program
- Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Program
List of ECPI Orlando Nursing Graduate Programs:
- Nursing Administration and Leadership
- Nursing Education
AHU Orlando NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
| Program | NCLEX Rate (2022) | Average NCLEX Rate (2019-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| AHU Orlando Nursing | 61.72% | 80.91% |
Salary Data for AHU Nursing Graduates
| Degree | Job | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $62,950 – $74,049 |
| Master’s | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing | $182,280 – $192,498 |
Overall AHU Student Ratings
| Platform | Rating |
|---|---|
| Rate My Professors (Herzing- Orlando) | 3.3/5 |
| GradReports | 3.1/5 |
| Niche.com | 3.8/5 |
Nurse Salary in the Greater Orlando Area
| Nursing Profession | Mean Hourly Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $38.04 | $79,120 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $54.29 | $112,930 |
Why Consider Best Nursing Schools in Orlando?
Florida, including the Greater Orlando Area, might be short of around 60,000 nurses by 2035. To tackle this, Orlando is stepping up with initiatives to train more nursing students.
In 2023, Orlando Health and AdventHealth chipped in a total of $10 million to build a new facility at UCF’s College of Nursing in Lake Nona. This will let UCF graduate hundreds more nurses every year, who’ll help patients across Florida.
The building will also make space to train the nursing teachers of tomorrow. Also, the hospitals are also offering tuition help and paid internships for UCF nursing students.
Also, in 2022, Orlando Health joined hands with Seminole State College to take on the nursing shortage. They started a Dedicated Education Unit at Orlando Health South Seminole, which welcomes 8 nursing students each semester for intensive training.
These students work closely with experienced nurse mentors in areas where more skilled nurses are needed the most. This also opens doors for mentors to share their knowledge as part-time nursing professors at Seminole State.
Therefore, these supportive initiatives make it a great time to consider joining the best nursing programs in Orlando to start or boost your nursing career.
FAQs
Here are the steps to becoming a nurse in Orlando:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a nursing degree (ADN, BSN, Accelerated BSN) from an accredited nursing school.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
- Apply for an RN license from the Florida Board of Nursing.
In Orlando, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses earn an average hourly wage of $38.04 or an annual average wage of $79,120. Nurse Practitioners, on the other hand, make an average hourly wage of $54.29 or an annual average wage of $112,930.
The average hourly pay for an entry-level RN in Orlando, Florida, is $26.39, according to ZipRecruiter.
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
- If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.
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