Florida Ranks No. 2 in the U.S. for Nursing Career Interest, New Study Finds

Florida is proving to be one of the nation’s biggest hotspots for aspiring nurses, according to a new study that analyzed online search interest in nursing careers. While the healthcare industry continues to grapple with a growing workforce shortage, the Sunshine State ranks second in the nation for nursing-related career searches, signaling strong interest from future healthcare professionals. 

Florida Nursing Career Interest 

The study, conducted by NPHub, examined Google search demand for 30 nursing-related keywords, including searches for nursing schools, BSN programs, nurse practitioner degrees, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathways. Researchers compared search volume per 100,000 residents across all 50 states and the nation’s 100 largest cities. 

Florida ranked second nationally with 8,886 nursing-related searches per 100,000 residents, trailing only Colorado. Virginia, Nevada, and New York rounded out the top five. 

The findings come as the healthcare industry faces a significant staffing challenge. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 189,100 registered nurse job openings each year between 2024 and 2034, while federal workforce projections continue to warn of shortages among both registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. 

Orlando Among America’s Top Cities for Future Nurses

Florida’s strongest showing came at the city level. No other state placed more cities in the national top 20 for nursing career interest, with four Florida communities making the list: 

• Orlando ranked No. 3 nationwide with 44,494 searches per 100,000 residents. 
• Tampa placed No. 5 with 38,576 searches. 
• Miami ranked No. 9 with 22,666 searches. 
• St. Petersburg came in at No. 15 with 17,928 searches. 

Additional Florida cities also performed well, including: 

• Port St. Lucie: No. 27 (12,380 searches)
• Jacksonville: No. 54 (8,938 searches) 
• Cape Coral: No. 71 (8,283 searches) 

Cape Coral stood out as one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities for nursing career interest, finishing second only to Aurora, Colorado, for growth in nursing-related searches since 2023. 

Demand for Nursing Careers Continues to Grow

Researchers say search activity offers an early indicator of career interest and highlights where more people are exploring opportunities in healthcare. 

Beyond traditional nursing programs, the study found increasing interest in flexible education options and specialized career paths. Searches for online nursing degrees, telehealth nursing, virtual nursing roles, family nurse practitioner programs, and travel nursing have all risen significantly in recent years, reflecting how the profession continues to evolve. 

Top and Bottom States

The states showing the highest interest in nursing careers were: 

1. Colorado 
2. Florida 
3. Virginia
4. Nevada
5. New York 
6. Utah 
7. Ohio 
8. California
9. Texas 
10. New Jersey 

Meanwhile, the lowest levels of nursing career interest were found in Montana, New Mexico, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Maine, Vermont, North Dakota, and Idaho. 

Although online searches don’t necessarily translate directly into new nurses entering the workforce, the study suggests Florida has a large pipeline of people exploring nursing careers at a time when healthcare providers continue working to address staffing shortages.

For a state with a rapidly growing population and increasing healthcare needs, strong interest in nursing education could help strengthen the future workforce provided students have access to the education, clinical placements, and support needed to complete their training.

For the full study, visit HERE.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Editorial Manager & Digital Content Creator for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with English BA in 2026. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Originally from Clermont and now in Tampa, Ava loves all things local. Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

See Full Bio