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 2011 with Significant Increases in Student Enrollment and Graduates

Report 12-04, January 2012

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Report No. 12-07, Supplemental Report: Florida Nursing Education Programs 2010-11

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 Board of Nursing has approved 111 new nursing education programs, which has increased the total number of programs by 67%;
  • the number of nursing student seats has increased by 47%;
  • enrollment in nursing programs has increased by 40%, with the greatest increase occurring in associate degree programs;
  • nursing program retention rates have gradually increased; and
  • the number of students graduating from nursing programs has increased by 14%.
However, not enough time has elapsed to fully evaluate the effects of the new law on nursing licensure exam passage rates or employment outcomes of nursing program graduates.

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. Over One-Third of Nursing Programs Had Licensure Exam Passage Rates Below the Required Legislative Standard in 2014
    Report 15-07 July 2015
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.
Florida nursing education programs, HB 1209, Ch. 2009-168, Florida Board of Nursing, Florida nursing education approval process, Nursing education programs, Student enrollment, graduates, nursing graduates, student enrollment in nursing