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 2015

Report 16-02, January 2016

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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 these 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 nursing education programs has increased by 116%.

Between the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years,

  • the number of nursing student seats increased by 7%;
  • enrollment in nursing programs increased by 5%, with the greatest increase occurring in bachelor's degree in nursing generic programs;
  • nursing program retention rates remained the same at 82%; and
  • the number of students graduating from nursing programs increased by 4%.

Most 2012-13 practical nursing program graduates (62%), associate degree graduates (78%), and bachelor's degree graduates (83%) were licensed and likely employed as a nurse in Florida in 2014.

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.
nursing education programs, Florida nursing education programs, HB 1209, Ch. 2009-168, Florida Board of Nursing, Florida nursing education approval process, nursing education, nursing shortage, licensed practical nurse, associate degree in nursing, bachelor of science in nursing, LPN