Healthcare is one of the top industries in Florida. Nurses are the largest group of professionals in this industry, with approximately 175,000 registered nurses (RNs), 45,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 90,000 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) practicing in the state. Not surprisingly, these are also the most common nursing roles in major cities like Panama City.
The Panama City, Florida, metropolitan area is home to 1,610 RNs, 740 LPNs, and 1,110 CNAs. Many of these professionals earned their degree or certificate at a local school. Panama City has several accredited nursing schools including the Gooding Institute of Nurse Anesthesia, two campuses of Gulf Coast State College, and Tom P. Haney Technical Center. Together, these schools provide a wide breadth of nursing programs. For example, Gulf Coast State College offers an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) bridge program for existing RNs. Tom P. Haney Technical Center has an LPN certificate program.
To qualify for employment at area hospitals, aspiring nurses must obtain a degree or certificate from an accredited nursing school. Panama City’s major hospitals include Bay Area Medical Sacred Heart, Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, and Select Specialty Hospital. These institutions require a hospital diploma, ADN, BSN, or master of science in nursing (MSN) for RN positions. LPN and CNA positions typically require a certificate in the relevant field.
Prospective nurses must also gain licensure prior to working. Registered nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam, while practical nurses must pass a similar NCLEX-PN exam. CNAs obtain certification through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). In Florida, licensed CNAs can also pursue the certified medication assistant (CMA) credential, which allows them to administer medications.
Depending on the role, nurses in Panama City, Florida, can expect to earn anywhere from the mid $20,000s up to six figures. For example, CNAs here earn approximately $25,000 annually. The city’s LPNs average $37,000 in annual pay, while RNs take home about $55,000 per year. Senior RNs, particularly those who hold an MSN degree, can earn top-decile pay of $72,000 and above.
If you want to become a nurse in Panama City, Florida, the first step is to enroll in the right program at a local school. We’ve compiled below a full list of accredited nursing schools in Panama City to kickstart your search.