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
Healthcare is one of the largest industries in Lakeland, Florida, with nursing leading the pack. In fact, the metropolitan area is home to more than 9,000 nurses working in all roles. The most common include registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA). Of these, the largest group is registered nurses.
Florida is home to more than 324,000 nursing professionals working in all roles. Of this figure, more than 2,200 live and work in the Inverness-Homosassa Springs, metropolitan area. The most common roles in the area are registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA). Many of these nurses earned their certificate, diploma or degree at a local school. College of Central Florida - Citrus County, Taylor College, and Withlacoochee Technical College are just a few options.
Homestead is a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, located between Biscayne National Park to the east and Everglades National Park to the west. Primarily a Miami suburb, Homestead is part of the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall metropolitan area, and home to around 68,000 inhabitants. This makes it one of the top 40 largest cities in the state. Because it belongs to one America’s top 10 largest counties and one of Florida’s largest metro areas, Homestead offers numerous opportunities to work in thriving industries such as healthcare.
With a population of 152,000, Hollywood is one of Florida’s largest cities. Because more than half of the residents are age 50 and over, the city houses many of the nation’s top healthcare centers. Memorial Regional Hospital and Memorial Regional South, Kindred Hospital South Florida – Hollywood, and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital are just a few.
Fort Myers is home to more than 77,000 inhabitants, making it one of the top 40 largest cities in Florida. Nearly a third of the population is age 45 and older, with 20 percent of this group ranging from 55 to 85 or older. The city’s aging population, along with an increase in the demand for healthcare services (including an increased emphasis on preventive care), is expected to fuel heavy growth in the healthcare industry in Florida for years to come.
Nurse practitioner (NP) is the fastest advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) role in the U.S. today. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of APRNs (nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners) is projected to grow 31% from 2016 to 2026. However, employment for NPs as a separate group is projected to grow 36%, adding a notable 56,000 new jobs by 2026. Salaries are on the rise as well. In 2014, the average salary for NPs was $97,990. By 2016, salaries had increased to $104,610, with high performers earning $120,450-$140,930 or more.
To secure a nursing position in Delray Beach, Florida, you will need to earn a certificate or degree in your chosen nursing role. The most common nursing roles in the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton-Delray Beach, metropolitan area are registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA). Based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figures, this metro area is home to a noteworthy 12,530 RNs.
With more than 250,000 active licensed registered nurses, (RNs), nursing is the largest profession licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Health's Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA). The state is listed among the nation’s top five states with the highest employment levels for RNs and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). As of 2017, Florida was home to 45,000 licensed practical nurses and even more certified nursing assistants (CNAs). At nearly 91,000 strong, Florida has the nation’s third highest employment level for CNAs.
With a population of 66,645, Daytona Beach is one of the top 50 largest cities in Florida. Part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach, metropolitan area, Daytona Beach provides easy access to the more than 623,000 people living in the area. The population in this growing metro area has increased 56 percent since 2000, with those 55 and over accounting for nearly 40 percent of the population. With an increasing aging population, the metro area is a great place for aspiring registered nurses (RNs), particularly adult gerontology nurse practitioners (AGPN).
Davie, Florida, is part of a large metropolitan area that is home to approximately 14,800 registered nurses (RNs), 2,860 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and 5,310 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). RNs here typically hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master of science in nursing (MSN). A license is required in all states and depending on the specialty area, certification may be required as well. Critical care, cardiac, and emergency and trauma are common specialties.
