Florida CRNA Programs 2025 | 4 Accredited Schools

4 Accredited Programs

$68K - $125K Tuition Range

22% Avg Acceptance Rate

$221K Avg CRNA Salary

Florida CRNA Programs Overview

Florida offers 4 accredited Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist programs strategically located across the state in Miami, Jacksonville, Miami Shores, and Fort Myers. With tuition ranging from $68,000 to $125,000 and an average CRNA salary of $220,790, Florida presents attractive opportunities for aspiring nurse anesthetists seeking to practice in the Sunshine State.

The state's rapidly growing and aging population (22+ million residents), year-round influx of seasonal visitors, and status as a popular retirement destination create consistent demand for anesthesia services. Florida's numerous hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized medical facilities provide diverse clinical training experiences and robust employment opportunities.

                Why Choose Florida for CRNA Training?
                No State Income Tax: Keep more of your earnings with tax-friendly policies
Year-Round Practice: Consistent patient volume without seasonal slowdowns
Diverse Patient Population: International patients and retirees provide varied case experience
Growing Healthcare Market: Aging population driving increased demand
Quality of Life: Beaches, warm weather, outdoor recreation year-round
Major Medical Centers: Top hospitals like Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jackson Memorial, Tampa General
Independent Practice Friendly: Florida allows CRNAs to practice independently

            

                Considerations
                Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt clinical training schedules
Cost of living varies significantly - Miami expensive, other areas more affordable
Highly competitive job market in desirable coastal areas
Hot, humid summers may take adjustment for some students
Continuing education requirement: 27 contact hours every 2 years

            

All Florida CRNA Programs

CRNA Career Outlook in Florida

Salary Information

CRNAs in Florida enjoy competitive salaries reflecting the state's strong healthcare economy and tax advantages. According to recent data, the average CRNA salary in Florida is $220,790 annually, with regional variation based on location and practice setting.

Miami-Ft. Lauderdale

$235,620

South Florida metro

Tampa-St. Petersburg

$226,180

West coast region

Jacksonville

$218,950

Northeast Florida

Florida Average

$220,790

State-wide

Job Market Analysis

Florida presents exceptional opportunities for CRNAs due to several demographic and economic factors:

Aging Population: Florida has the second-highest median age in the U.S., driving surgical volume
Population Growth: Over 1,000 people move to Florida daily, expanding healthcare needs
Medical Tourism: International patients seek care at Florida's renowned facilities
ASC Growth: Florida leads the nation in ambulatory surgery centers per capita
Independent Practice: State law allows CRNAs to practice without physician supervision
Rural Opportunities: Underserved counties offer signing bonuses and loan repayment

Practice Settings

Florida CRNAs work in exceptionally diverse environments:

Large academic medical centers (Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jackson Memorial, UF Health)
Community hospitals throughout urban and suburban areas
Ambulatory surgery centers (Florida has 500+ ASCs, most per capita in U.S.)
Pain management and interventional pain clinics
Plastic surgery centers (cosmetic surgery hub)
Obstetric anesthesia units
Veterans Affairs facilities across the state

Employment Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% growth for nurse anesthetists nationally through 2031, with Florida expected to exceed this rate due to its demographic trends. Rural areas of central and northern Florida actively recruit CRNAs with competitive packages including:

Signing bonuses: $15,000-$50,000
Loan repayment assistance: up to $50,000
Relocation assistance
Continuing education allowances

Florida RN License Requirements

Before applying to CRNA programs in Florida, you must hold an active RN license. Florida participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), making licensure more flexible for qualified applicants.

Requirements for Florida RN License

Graduate from an approved nursing education program
Pass the NCLEX-RN examination
Complete Level 2 background screening (includes fingerprinting)
Submit official transcripts directly from nursing school
Pay application fee: $115
NCLEX exam fee: $200
Background screening fee: approximately $75

Florida-Specific Features

Nurse Licensure Compact: Florida is an NLC state - if you hold a multistate license from another NLC state, you can practice in Florida
Fast Track: Online applications processed quickly (typically 2-4 weeks)
Temporary Permit: Available for out-of-state nurses with active licenses while waiting for FL license
Continuing Education: 27 contact hours every 2 years (includes 2 hours prevention of medical errors, 1 hour domestic violence, 1 hour HIV/AIDS)
Mandatory Reporting: Must report any changes in criminal history or disciplinary action

Timeline

Create Account: Register on Florida Board of Nursing website
Complete Application: Submit online with all required documentation
Background Screening: Schedule Level 2 screening (1-2 weeks)
NCLEX Authorization: Receive ATT within 2-3 weeks of approval
Take NCLEX: Schedule and pass examination
License Issued: Typically 1-2 weeks after passing NCLEX

Total Timeline: Approximately 5-8 weeks from application to licensure

Contact Information

Florida Board of Nursing
Website: floridasnursing.gov
Phone: (850) 245-4125
Address: 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin C-02, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Financial Aid & Scholarships in Florida

Florida-Specific Programs

Florida Board of Governors Minority Doctoral Fellowship: For underrepresented minorities pursuing doctoral degrees, covers tuition and stipend
Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship: For minority students in healthcare doctoral programs
Florida Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program: Up to $4,000/year for nurses working in underserved areas
Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholarships: For students committed to underserved practice

National Programs Available in Florida

HRSA Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT): Federal program providing financial support to CRNA students
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Up to $50,000 for 2-year commitment in underserved areas
AANA Foundation Scholarships: Multiple scholarships from American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership: For students interested in VA employment

Employer Sponsorship

Many Florida healthcare systems offer generous support:

Tuition reimbursement: $5,000-$20,000/year for current employees
Contractual agreements: 2-3 year employment commitment for tuition coverage
Loan repayment assistance as recruitment incentive
Signing bonuses: $15,000-$50,000 for new graduate CRNAs (especially rural areas)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cheapest CRNA program in Florida?

A: Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers offers the most affordable program at $68,000, followed closely by University of North Florida in Jacksonville at $72,000. Both are public universities offering excellent education at lower costs than private institutions.

Q: Do I need Florida residency to attend a Florida CRNA program?

A: No, Florida programs accept out-of-state students. However, public universities (UNF, FGCU, FIU) charge higher tuition for non-residents - sometimes 2-3x the resident rate. Private institutions like Barry University charge the same regardless of residency. Consider establishing Florida residency (12 months prior) if attending public programs to save significantly on tuition.

Q: Which Florida CRNA program has the best reputation?

A: Florida International University (FIU) in Miami is highly regarded, with strong clinical partnerships including Jackson Memorial Hospital (one of the largest teaching hospitals in the U.S.). While it has a competitive 17% acceptance rate, graduates benefit from exceptional training in high-acuity settings. University of North Florida also has an excellent reputation with access to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville for clinical rotations.

Q: Can CRNAs practice independently in Florida?

A: Yes! Florida statute allows CRNAs to practice without physician supervision. Many ambulatory surgery centers, pain clinics, and rural hospitals employ CRNAs as independent practitioners. However, individual facilities may have internal policies requiring medical direction, and insurance credentialing sometimes influences practice arrangements. Florida is considered one of the most CRNA-friendly states for independent practice.

Q: How long does it take to become a CRNA in Florida?

A: The typical path takes 7-9 years: 4 years for BSN, 1-3 years gaining critical care RN experience (most competitive applicants have 2+ years), and 3 years in a CRNA program. All Florida programs are 36 months full-time. If you already hold a BSN and have ICU experience, you're looking at 3 years from admission to graduation. Factor in additional time for CRNA certification exam preparation after graduation.

Q: What is the job market like for new graduate CRNAs in Florida?

A: Florida's job market is strong but competitive in desirable coastal areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa. New graduates often find more opportunities and better compensation packages in central and northern Florida (Ocala, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Pensacola). Rural areas actively recruit with signing bonuses ($20,000-$50,000) and loan repayment. The state's growth and aging population ensure long-term demand. Consider starting in a less competitive market to gain experience, then transitioning to preferred locations.