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.
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
Every member of a medical care team, from physicians to orderlies, has an important role to play in ensuring that patients get the best possible care. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are no exception. Whether they work in an in-patient, home, or rehabilitation setting, CNAs are responsible for meeting patients’ basic vital needs – for example, by feeding, clothing, or bathing them. These caring tasks are an indispensable help to patients who face serious health problems.
For our 2020 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.
The registered nurse (RN) plays a critical role in the healthcare system. In a hospital setting, RNs tend to patients’ bedside care, dispense medication, and coordinate teams of nursing staff. Outside of hospitals, RNs work in a range of healthcare settings such as schools, clinics, and social service agencies. The RN’s role has expanded recently as the Affordable Care Act places increased demands upon the country’s hospitals and healthcare providers.
The first step in launching a nursing career is understanding the different pathways available. Below we’ve profiled the three types of nursing education available in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.
Certified nursing assistant
For our 2020 rankings of ADN 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 associate’s degree programs.
For our 2020 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.
For our 2019 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on over 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
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.
Punta Gorda is part of Charlotte County, Florida. The area was home to nearly 178,500 inhabitants in 2016, with a median age of 57.7. Nearly 40% of county residents are age 65 and over, up from 34.1% in 2010. Because the area has a large aging population, the healthcare industry here is growing, with plenty of opportunities to work in all areas of nursing.
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.
Plantation, Florida,is part of the Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach metropolitan area, which is home to approximately 14,800 registered nurses (RNs), 2,860 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 5,310 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). RNs in the area are highly educated, typically holding a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master of science in nursing (MSN) in a specialized area. BSN and MSN programs are offered at local nursing schools such as Nova Southeastern University and Keiser University.
Palm Bay is part of the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Florida metropolitan area, which is home to more than 568,000 inhabitants. As one of the largest metro areas in the region, Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville has a large healthcare industry, with thousands of nurses of all kinds working at some of Florida’s top hospitals. Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center, Health First Viera Hospital, and Kindred Hospital Melbourne are just a few.