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 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 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
Nurses play an essential part in our healthcare system, providing a high level of patient care and taking on many of the responsibilities traditionally entrusted to doctors. With an expanding healthcare system, the nursing profession is projected to have steady job growth in the years ahead. In Fort Lauderdale, there is a demand for nurses at all levels. Below, you can read brief descriptions of the main types of nursing jobs in the area.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
In Florida and across the country, nurses play a critical role in providing care for patients, taking on many of the responsibilities traditionally entrusted to doctors. With the challenges presented by an aging population, growing numbers of lifestyle diseases, and an expanding healthcare system, the medical community is relying more and more on nurses. In the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach area, there is a demand for nurses at all levels. Below you can read brief descriptions of the main types of nursing jobs in the area.
The role nurses play in today’s healthcare system is expanding, and nurses at all levels are in high demand in the Clearwater area. There are several routes you can take to start your nursing career. Below you’ll find job descriptions for some of the main types of nurses.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Nurses are in high demand in the Cape Coral / Fort Myers area and all across the state of Florida. There are several distinct routes you can take to launch a career in nursing. Below, you can learn about the main types of nurses and their different responsibilities.
Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
When you are researching different schools, it is important to take the size of the student body into consideration. Many students prefer to have tight-knit communities and smaller class sizes, which allow them to receive more individual attention and enable them to develop relationships with their professors. Other students are more self-guided, prefer the anonymity afforded by large lecture halls, and enjoy the greater resources and diversity of program offerings at larger schools.
Nursing school can be an expensive endeavor, regardless of the school or program you choose. In addition to the costs of tuition and registration, there are additional expenses such as textbooks and school supplies, room and board, and general living expenses. In order to make an informed decision about which school to attend, it is important to factor all of these expenses into your budget.
Nurses can pursue pre-licensure programs at either public or private schools, each of which offers unique advantages. Although private schools tend to be more expensive, they are generally regarded as more selective and academically rigorous. Private schools tend to have smaller class sizes, making it easier for students to get to know their professors and seek individual help. They also tend to have smaller campuses with fewer students in general, making for more intimate, tightly-knit communities.
Aspiring nurses can choose to complete pre-licensure programs at either public or private schools. While both options have their merits, public colleges and universities are subsidized by the government, making them affordable options that are ideal for students with financial concerns. Public schools often have more flexible course offerings as well, accommodating students who have jobs and extracurricular commitments, and making it easier to earn a degree on a part-time basis.
Vocational, career, and community colleges are good options for individuals seeking to fast-track their nursing careers. Vocational and career colleges offer short, career-focused courses on practical topics, and they are typically open to anyone with a high school diploma. Community colleges have slightly more stringent prerequisites for admission, such as English and math. If you do not fulfill these prerequisites, you might have to add another semester to your study.
Four-year colleges and universities are schools which offer bachelor’s degree programs; many also offer graduate-level education. While pricier and more time-consuming than a two-year degree, a bachelor’s degree might increase your employability as it is favored in both military and public health nursing. Management, teaching, leadership, and research positions usually require you to have a bachelor’s degree. You will also need to earn a bachelor’s degree before pursuing a master’s degree.