Updated June 2026 · 12 min read

CRNA Programs in Florida 2026

Part of the CRNA Career Hub — browse every related guide in one place.

Florida has roughly nine accredited nurse anesthesia programs spread from Miami to Jacksonville to Fort Myers, giving in-state ICU nurses real choice. Here's how the programs compare and how to put together a competitive Florida application.

Accredited CRNA Programs in Florida (2026)

Every accredited Florida program is now doctoral-entry following the Council on Accreditation's January 1, 2025 phase-out of master's-level entry. Tuition across Florida programs generally runs $68,000–$125,000 total, with state universities (FIU, FSU, FGCU, UNF) typically cheaper for residents than private schools (Barry, Keiser, AdventHealth, University of Miami).

University of Miami and FIU — South Florida

The University of Miami's DNP nurse anesthesia program reported a 100% first-time certification pass rate for a recent cohort and runs clinicals across roughly 13 sites; the program starts in January each year. Florida International University's DNP-NA, housed in the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, is a strong public-university option in the same Miami market. South Florida's high surgical and trauma volume gives both programs excellent clinical depth, and Miami-area ICU nurses can often stay local for school.

FSU, FGCU, and UNF — Statewide Public Options

Florida State University has trained CRNAs since 2015 and runs its program with a Panama City clinical base. Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers holds full COA accreditation through April 2032 and serves the southwest Florida market. The University of North Florida in Jacksonville offers a DNP track accredited through CCNE and draws North Florida and South Georgia applicants. For Florida residents, these public programs are typically the most cost-effective doctoral routes.

AdventHealth, Barry, and Keiser — Private and Hybrid

AdventHealth University in Orlando runs an intensive 36-month DNAP with Central Florida clinical sites. Barry University in Miami Shores delivers a portion of its DNP curriculum through distance-learning coursework, making it one of Florida's hybrid options. Keiser University offers a 90-credit, 36-month DNAP with a capstone and full clinical immersion. Private tuition is higher, but these programs add cohort capacity and scheduling formats that suit some working nurses better.

Strong Florida ICU Hospitals for CRNA Applicants

Florida programs, like programs nationwide, want adult critical care managing ventilated, hemodynamically unstable patients on vasoactive drips with invasive lines. CVICU and trauma SICU roles at these academic and large-system hospitals build the strongest CRNA applications.

The Application Timeline from Florida

Florida programs vary in their cycles — University of Miami starts in January, while others start in summer or fall — so check each program's calendar carefully. In general, plan to apply 10–14 months before your intended start, with your CCRN done and ICU hours documented before applications open. With nine programs in-state, applying to three or four Florida schools plus one out-of-state option is a sound strategy for a competitive cycle.