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.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) play a vital role in medical care. Although their job scope differs from registered nurses (RNs), they work under an RN’s supervision and carry out many necessary medical procedures, such as administering medication, changing dressings, taking vital signs, and monitoring patients. LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, short-term rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care facilities.
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
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.
Naples, Florida, offers access to a large concentration of schools that prepare graduates to serve residents of the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island metropolitan area, and beyond. Some of the top schools for nursing in the area include Hodges University, Lorenzo Walker Technical College, Med-Life Institute School of Nursing – Naples, and Wolford College.
One of the fastest growing nursing roles in the U.S. is nurse practitioner (NP). Of the three most common advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles, employment for NPs is projected to grow 36%, versus 20% for nurse midwives and 16% for nurse anesthetists. Overall employment of APRNs is projected to grow 31% from 2016 to 2026.
Margate, Florida, has a thriving nursing industry, with more than 24,000 nurses working in the metropolitan area. The most common roles in the area include registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA). Margate, Florida, RNs typically hold an associate of science in nursing (ASN), associate degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or master of science in nursing (MSN). A license is required in all states. ASN and BSN programs are offered at American College of Health & Sciences.
If you want to qualify for the best nursing jobs, you can start by enrolling in a program at one of the best nursing schools in Lauderhill, Florida. Just a few include Siena College of Health and Carleen Health Institute of South Florida – Lauderhill. Graduates of these and other top programs in the metropolitan area often hired by major employers such as Plantation General Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, and Northwest Regional Hospital, to name a few.
