Nursing Schools in Tampa/St. Pertersburg Florida
Considering starting a nursing career in the Tampa area? This can be a great place for nursing students and those who are more established in their healthcare careers. Tampa is home to some of the most renowned hospitals and clinics in Florida, providing many chances for nurses to broaden their experience.
Nursing Schools in Tampa, FL Area
Tampa nurses often have to contend with hectic, busy shifts that involve prioritizing, making quick decisions, and working as part of a team. This city is home to over 369,000 people, and the area as a whole sees thousands of tourists per year.
To keep up with the growing need for nurses, Tampa has nearly 10 nursing schools that offer training at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Salaries in this area are in line with Florida averages. LPNs in Tampa earn an average of $44,000 per year, while registered nurses claim an average salary of $65,300 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). At the graduate degree level, nurse practitioners report an average salary of $91,380 annually and the average income for a nurse anesthetist is $144,250 per year (BLS, 2016).
Curriculum, Costs, and Financial Aid for Nursing Schools in Tampa
Program requirements vary between nursing programs. Tampa schools follow the curricular requirements of the Florida Board of Nursing. If you’re looking into LPN programs, Tampa community colleges and technical schools are good options to consider. With a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, you may get experience with different healthcare specialties.
In a four-year BSN program in Tampa, you may take courses like:
- Foundations of Nursing
- Professional Skills in Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Pathophysiology
- Nursing Care of Adults
- Pharmacology
- Human Nutrition
- Nursing Care of the Developing Family
- Nursing Care of Children
- Contemporary Issues in Healthcare
In general, tuition in Florida is lower than national averages. Of course, your specific expenses are dependent on the school you choose and your in-state or out-of-state resident status. The overall average cost of tuition in Tampa is $4,600 per semester.
Financial aid programs are available at different schools, the state government, the federal government, and private organizations. The Florida Nurses Foundation has dozens of scholarships that it awards every year.
Becoming a nurse can be a rewarding and meaningful way to make a living. To take the first step in your new career path, contact nursing programs in the Tampa Bay area below, or discover more nursing degree programs in Florida.
Life and Career Options for Nurses in Tampa, FL Area
One of the most significant benefits of working in an urban area is the huge range of employment options. Depending on what you prioritize in an employer, you may have quite a few options in the Tampa area.
Several healthcare institutions in this area offer tuition assistance to working nurses, including Tampa General Hospital, Banner Health, and Florida Hospital. Many institutions hope to achieve Magnet Recognition, which is awarded to high-performing nursing departments. Magnet Recognized institutions include Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute and Tampa General Hospital.
By furthering your education in this area, you may help the industry address the worsening nurse shortage. This shortage affects many Florida communities and leaves patients waiting for much-needed care (Global Dispatch, 2016).
As you begin or advance your education at nursing programs in Tampa, make some time to get involved in local nursing groups. Other nurses are an excellent resource for you, and the professional connections you make now may pay off for years to come. Some nursing groups based in Florida include the Florida Nurses Association and the Florida Nursing Students Association.
