Florida ACNP Programs

School	Est. Cost Range	Summary
Barry University	MSN: $40K Cert: $30K	– hybrid format with on-campus and off-campus sessions – MSN cost reflects a built-in tuition scholarship – students arrange acute care preceptors
Nova Southeastern University	MSN: $45K DNP: $65K Cert: $25K	– online and on-site instruction at the Palm Beach campus – hospital partnerships support clinical training – certificate cost varies by prerequisites
University of Central Florida	DNP: $30K Cert: $10K	– hybrid-online delivery with twice-yearly campus intensives – program assigns clinical sites in Central Florida – no GRE required
University of Florida	DNP: $40K	– mostly online format with limited campus visits – clinical placements across Florida – critical care experience required
University of Miami	MSN: $45K DNP: $95K Cert: $30K	– access to the S.H.A.R.E. simulation hospital – strong board pass rates and national rankings – certificate length based on gap analysis
University of South Florida	MSN: $25K DNP: $35K Cert: $10K	– strong value-focused public university option – statewide Florida clinical placements – prefers ICU or high-acuity RN experience

Florida ACNP Program Summaries

Barry University ACNP Programs

Miami Shores | $1,400 cpc | Certificate / MSN

Barry University offers two Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner pathways: an MSN-AGACNP for BSN-prepared nurses and a Post-Master’s Certificate for APRNs seeking acute care specialization. The MSN program delivers a 52-credit, seven-semester curriculum that blends advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostic reasoning, leadership, and three levels of acute care clinicals in high-acuity settings. The post-master’s certificate provides 35–37 credits of DNP-level coursework, integrated clinical training, and a multi-term scholarly project, supported by tuition discounts and monthly stipends, with both tracks accredited through CCNE...read more.

Nova Southeastern University ACNP Programs

Fort Lauderdale | $868 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Nova Southeastern University offers three AGACNP pathways that combine online learning with on-site instruction at NSU’s Palm Beach campus and clinical training supported by hospital partnerships. The MSN-APRN track is a 51-credit plan completed over seven semesters and includes four acute care practica that total 765 clinical hours, ending in a capstone focused on rapidly changing adult and geriatric conditions. The BSN-to-DNP pathway expands this preparation through 75 credits over eleven semesters and adds four DNP project courses that contribute 600 additional clinical hours, with required Virtual Intensive days during each project course. The postgraduate certificate is a focused acute care sequence for MSN-prepared APRNs and includes the same 765 practicum hours, with total tuition varying based on whether the applicant must complete the three “P” prerequisite courses...read more.

Purdue Global ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $420 cpc | Certificate

Florida nurses can earn their Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certificate through Purdue Global's online program while continuing to work in their current positions. The 57-credit certificate costs $23,940, takes 1.5 years to complete full-time, and features cutting-edge VR technology for acute care skills development. Florida applicants must hold a nursing master's degree with a 2.5 GPA minimum, demonstrate one year of acute care RN experience, and maintain ACLS certification to qualify.

South College ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $615 cpc | Certificate / MSN

South College’s AGACNP programs allow Florida nurses to advance their education through flexible online study. The BSN-MSN pathway offers a defined 21-month structure, while the certificate adapts to individual progress. Graduates are prepared for advanced acute care roles across hospital and specialty settings.

University of Central Florida ACNP Programs

Orlando | $369.65 cpc | Certificate / DNP

University of Central Florida offers two AGACNP pathways that use hybrid-online coursework with on-campus intensives twice per year and clinical placements inside UCF’s Central Florida service area. The BSN-to-DNP track is a 73-credit plan that blends DNP core courses, advanced practice core courses, and AGACNP specialty training, and it ends with a DNP project tied to population health needs. Students complete 1,080 total practicum hours, and the program assigns clinical sites and preceptors in hospital and acute care settings across multiple Central Florida counties. The post-master’s certificate is a 23-credit option for certified APRNs that delivers 660 clinical hours over four semesters and keeps the same assigned-site model with required simulation workshops...read more.

University of Florida Health ACNP Programs

Gainesville | $530.69 cpc | Certificate

The University of Florida offers a BSN-to-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track that supports mostly online study with minimal campus visits, including a one-day orientation. The 76-credit plan blends advanced practice core courses with AGACNP specialty content, skills labs, simulation training, and a DNP project aligned with national DNP essentials. Students complete 1,260 supervised clinical and practicum hours in Florida, with a strong focus on high-acuity settings such as ICU, emergency, and other inpatient units. Admission requires a BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, an active Florida or multi-state RN license (or eligibility), and at least one year of critical care experience, and the program does not require the GRE...read more.

University of Miami ACNP Programs

Coral Gables | $1,500 to $2,644 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

University of Miami offers three acute care AGNP tracks that train nurses to manage acutely and critically ill adult and older adult patients using high-fidelity simulation at the S.H.A.R.E.® facility. The MSN option is a 37-credit plan that runs in a lock-step sequence and includes 616 clinical hours across Acute Care I–III and diagnostics-focused clinical coursework in Miami-Dade and Broward settings. The BSN-to-DNP pathway adds doctoral leadership, systems, and scholarly project work in a 70-credit plan and increases total supervised clinical hours to 1,176 through practice immersion and DNP project seminars. The post-master’s certificate focuses on the same acute care clinical sequence (616 hours) with an individualized plan based on gap analysis, and all tracks maintain CCNE accreditation through 2031 and prepare graduates for ANCC or AACN acute care certification exams...read more.

University of South Florida ACNP Programs

Tampa | $431.43 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

The University of South Florida offers three AGACNP tracks that prepare nurses to care for physiologically unstable and high-acuity adult and older adult patients in acute care settings. The school reports strong student support through scholarships, and all programs use a lock-step plan with fall-only admission and priority review for applications submitted by February 15. The MSN and BSN-to-DNP options include three major AGACNP clinical courses that use 180-hour clinical rotations and place students in Florida sites, while the DNP adds a four-part project sequence that contributes 500 practicum hours. The post-master’s certificate is a focused 24-credit plan beginning Fall 2026 that delivers 720 direct clinical hours plus a 240-hour immersion, and it keeps all clinical training in Florida...read more.

Walden University ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $775 cpc | Certificate / MSN / DNP

Walden University’s AGACNP programs enable Florida nurses to progress from BSN, MSN, or post-master’s levels through a mostly online curriculum paired with structured practicum experiences in Florida acute and critical care settings. Florida students benefit from CCNE-accredited coursework, the Practicum Pledge® and field placement team, and interactive tools like the virtual skills lab to strengthen advanced assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and management skills. These programs prepare Florida nurses to pursue AGACNP certification and serve in high-acuity roles across the state’s diverse health systems.

West Coast University ACNP Programs

Fully Online | $700 cpc | Certificate / MSN

West Coast University offers online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner options for Florida nurses, including MSN, RN to MSN, and a Post-Master’s Certificate with accelerated and working professional tracks. The programs use 8-week terms with multiple start dates, two required on-site intensive weekends, and coordinated clinical placements that help RNs secure preceptors and acute care sites. The curriculum emphasizes complex adult and gerontology care, telehealth, and special populations under CCNE accreditation, preparing graduates for AGACNP certification in high-acuity settings.

Choosing the Best ACNP Program for You in Florida

TLDR: Quick Program Selection Guide

Choose University of Central Florida if you’re a Florida resident seeking the most affordable DNP option ($26,984) or certificate ($8,502) with faculty-assigned clinical placements and no GRE requirement.

Choose University of South Florida if you want affordable resident rates ($24,591 MSN, $33,220 DNP) with lock-step progression, 750+ clinical hours, and over $730,000 in foundation scholarships awarded annually.

Choose Barry University if you want the lowest-cost MSN option ($36,960 with 25% scholarship) delivered through hybrid format over 3.5 years with flexible on-campus and off-campus sessions.

Choose Nova Southeastern University if you need Palm Beach campus access, multiple start dates (fall/winter), and 1,365 total DNP clinical hours with Virtual Intensive days during project courses.

Choose University of Florida if you prefer flexible online learning with minimal campus visits (one-day orientation), 1,260 clinical hours, and statewide Florida clinical placements.

Choose University of Miami if you want access to the state-of-the-art S.H.A.R.E.® simulation facility, CCNE accreditation through 2031, U.S. News rankings (#25 MSN, #39 DNP), and clinical placements in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Choose South College if you need the fastest MSN completion (21 months) with fully online asynchronous coursework designed for working professionals.

Choose Purdue Global if you want VR acute care training with an Oculus headset, fully online certificate format, and quarterly start dates with continuous enrollment.

Choose Walden University if you need maximum flexibility with multiple entry points (BSN-MSN, RN-MSN, BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, certificates), virtual skills labs, and the Practicum Pledge® for placement support.

Choose West Coast University if you want 8-week terms with multiple start dates, accelerated or working professional pacing options, and two mandatory on-site intensive weekends for hands-on skills.

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

MSN programs provide the fastest entry-level pathway to AGACNP certification.

Barry University offers the lowest-cost MSN at $36,960 (with 25% scholarship), while South College provides the quickest completion at just 21 months.

School	Tuition	Duration	Clinical Hours
Barry	$37K	3.5 years FT	Hrs vary
Walden (BSN-MSN)	$45K	2 years FT	640 hrs
Nova Southeastern	$45K	2.5 years FT	765 hrs
Miami	$46K	1.5 years FT	616 hrs
West Coast (Accelerated)	$48K	1.7 years FT	Embedded hrs
West Coast (Working Prof)	$49K	2.7 years	Embedded hrs
South College	$52–$54K	21 months	Embedded hrs
USF	$25K	2–2.5 years FT	750 hrs

Key Distinctions:

• Barry requires student outreach to secure preceptors from supplied list
• Miami features S.H.A.R.E.® simulation facility and fastest full-time completion (1.5 years)
• USF offers exceptional value for Florida residents at $24,591
• Walden provides virtual skills labs and Walden Grand Rounds
• West Coast offers 8-week terms with multiple annual start dates
• South College combines BSN-MSN content into 21-month timeline

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

DNP programs prepare clinical scholars for systems-level leadership.

University of Central Florida offers the lowest-cost option for Florida residents at $26,984, while University of Miami provides the fastest full-time completion at 3 years.

School	Program Type	Tuition	Duration	Clinical Hours
UCF	BSN-DNP	$27K	3 years FT	1,080 hrs
USF	BSN-DNP	$34K	3–4 years FT	1,000+ hrs
UF	BSN-DNP	$41K	3 years FT	1,260 hrs
Walden (BSN-DNP)	BSN-DNP	$66K	3 years FT	1,000+ hrs
Walden (MSN-DNP)	MSN-DNP	$58K	2.5 years FT	1,000+ hrs
Nova Southeastern	BSN-DNP	$66K	3.5 years FT	1,365 hrs
Miami	BSN-DNP	$94K	3 years FT	1,176 hrs

Standout Features:

• UCF provides exceptional value for Florida residents with faculty-assigned clinical placements
• UF offers flexible online learning with one-day orientation and statewide placements
• Nova includes Virtual Intensive days during project courses and residence requirements
• Miami features Practice Immersion courses focused on quality improvement and leadership
• USF emphasizes lock-step progression with comprehensive qualifying exams
• Walden offers both BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP pathways with virtual skills labs

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Advanced Certificate Programs

Certificate programs enable master’s-prepared nurses to add AGACNP certification.

University of Central Florida offers the lowest-cost certificate at $8,502 for Florida residents, while Purdue Global provides the fastest completion at 1.5 years.

School	Tuition	Duration	Clinical Hours
UCF	$9K (resident)	2 years PT	660 hrs
USF	$11K (resident)	1.5–2 years PT	750 hrs
Nova (with prereqs)	$21K	1.5–2 years PT	765 hrs
Purdue Global	$24K	1.5 years FT	Clinical series
Barry	$27–$28K	3 years PT	Residency + project
Nova (no prereqs)	$29K	1.5–2 years PT	765 hrs
Miami	$30K	1–1.5 years	616 hrs
Walden (Standard)	$32K	1.5 years FT	640 hrs
Walden (Fast-Track)	$32K	1 year FT	500 hrs
South College	$35–$36K	Varies	Embedded hrs
West Coast	Cost Varies	1.3 years FT	540 hrs

Important Considerations:

• UCF and USF provide exceptional value for Florida residents
• Purdue Global is the only certificate offering VR acute care training
• Walden Fast-Track reduces to 1 year for licensed FNP/AGPCNP nurses
• Barry offers DNP-level certificate with scholarly project requirement
• Miami requires gap analysis with foundational courses completed within 5 years
• Most programs require current APRN/NP license or certification

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Admissions Requirements

School	Minimum GPA	Application Deadline
Barry	3.0 GPA	Deadline Not specified
Miami	3.0 GPA	June 1 (Fall FT), Oct 1 (Spring PT)
Nova	3.0 GPA	Aug 1 (Fall), Dec 19 (Winter)
Purdue Global	2.5 GPA	Rolling admission
South College	3.0 GPA	Rolling admission
UCF	3.0 GPA	Feb 1 (DNP), Sept 1 (Certificate)
UF	3.0 GPA	Feb 1 (Fall only)
USF	3.0 GPA	Feb 15 priority, July 1 final
Walden	No GPA specified	Rolling admission
West Coast	3.0 GPA	Rolling admission

Additional Admission Notes:

• No GRE required at Barry, Miami, UCF, UF, USF, Walden, or West Coast
• Florida RN license required by program start at most Florida institutions
• ACLS certification required at Nova (AGACNP applicants) and maintained at Purdue Global
• Critical care experience varies: most require 1 year, South College requires 800 hours minimum
• Multiple start dates available at Nova (Fall/Winter), Walden (rolling), West Coast (rolling)
• Priority deadlines exist at Miami (June 1) and USF (February 15) for best consideration