Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Florida's Nursing Education Programs Continued to Expand in 2014

Report 15-04, January 2015

View Report

Report Summary

To address the nursing shortage in Florida, the 2009 Legislature modified how the Board of Nursing oversees nursing education programs. The intent of the modifications was to increase the number of nursing programs and qualified nurses in Florida.

Since the legislation took effect in July 2009, the number of new nursing education programs has increased by 114%.

Between the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years,

  • the number of nursing student seats increased by 4.4%;
  • enrollment in nursing programs increased by 6.3%, with the greatest increase occurring in associate degree in nursing generic programs;
  • nursing program retention rates decreased by 1.4%; and
  • the number of students graduating from nursing programs increased by 4.8 %.

In addition, most 2011-12 practical nursing program graduates (61%) and registered nursing program graduates (81%) were likely employed as a licensed nurse in Florida.

Related Reports
  1. Approximately 42% of Nursing Programs Had Licensure Exam Passage Rates Below the Required Legislative Standard in 2016
    Report 17-07 June 2017
  2. Review of Florida's Nursing Education Programs, 2016
    Report 17-03 January 2017
  3. Approximately 42% of Nursing Programs Had Licensure Exam Passage Rates Below the Required Legislative Standard in 2015
    Report 16-05 July 2016
  4. Florida's Nursing Education Programs Continued to Expand in 2015
    Report 16-02 January 2016
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
nursing education programs, Board of Nursing, licensed nurse, registered nurse, nursing shortage in Florida