The past decade has seen a steady increase in the quantity and quality of Florida's nursing programs. Nursing is a popular career option in the state, with strong employment prospects and competitive pay. It is important for aspiring nurses to understand the different nursing roles, certifications required, and education programs available.
Nursing assistant
Florida
We've organized a comprehensive list of Florida nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Florida city.
Florida nursing programs and careers
City-specific information
The first step in launching a nursing career is understanding the different pathways available. Aspiring nurses in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area of Florida can select from three potential nursing roles.
The Orlando metropolitan area is home to a number of institutions with high-quality nursing degree and certificate programs. It is therefore crucial to understand the different pathways available for a nursing career.
There are around 7,830 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in the Orlando area. Although a CNA holds an entry-level position, the job nevertheless requires professional responsibility and calls for excellent interpersonal skills. Students who wish to attend a CNA program can apply to public higher education institutions such as Orlando Tech.
Most individuals are familiar with the prototypical registered nurse (RN) position. The nursing profession is much broader, however, encompassing roles like “CNA” and “LPN” as well as other important acronyms like “NCLEX.”
For our 2024 rankings of prelicensure BSN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of bachelor’s degree programs.
The state of Florida has an extensive number of associate’s degree in nursing programs. In fact, the Florida Board of Nursing has approved an ADN program at more than 150 campuses statewide. These programs prepare students for initial licensure as a registered nurse through extensive coursework, laboratory exercises, and clinical experiences.
Licensed practical nurses play a vital role in medical care. They typically work under the supervision of a registered nurse or other healthcare professional to conduct frontline medical procedures. An LPN’s responsibilities can include administering medication, changing dressings, taking vital signs, and monitoring patients. They work in a wide variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, short-term rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care facilities.
The past decade has seen a steady increase in the quantity and quality of Florida's nursing programs. Nursing is a popular career option in the state, with strong employment prospects and competitive pay. It is important for aspiring nurses to understand the different nursing roles, certifications required, and education programs available.
Nursing assistant
To secure a nursing position in the Sebastian-Vero Beach area, Florida, you will need to earn a certificate or degree in a specific nursing role. The most common nursing roles in the area are registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA). With more than 1,000 professionals working in the field, RNs comprise the area’s largest group of nursing professionals. Salaries range from $61,380 (average) to $68,390-$76,960 for high performers. Expected employment growth for RNs nationwide is 15% over the coming decade (2016-2026).
The path to a successful nursing career begins with a degree from one of the best nursing schools in your area. If live in Sarasota, Florida, some of the best nursing schools are University of South Florida - Sarasota-Manatee, State College of Florida – Manatee-Sarasota, Keiser University – Sarasota, and Suncoast Technical College. Collectively, these schools offer nursing programs of all kinds.
A successful nursing career begins with a degree from an accredited nursing school. If you live in the Punta Gorda metropolitan area (home to Port Charlotte), you’re in luck. The area offers access to a number of accredited nursing schools that offer programs at all levels.