Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can be a fulfilling career choice for those interested in healthcare. Vocational nursing programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin their careers as LPNs. Tampa, Florida, is home to several LPN programs that offer hands-on training and instruction. Applying to these programs can be a great way to start a career in healthcare, as they provide students with the opportunity to learn about patient care, medical terminology, and nursing procedures. In addition, vocational nursing programs can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries, making them a great investment in your future. Some featured programs are:
Tampa Medical College: boasts a 88% to 100% graduate pass rate on the NCLEX-RN.
Edurite Nursing: an accelerated 5-week program
Lincoln Memorial University Caylor School of Nursing: a program that has been teaching nurses for over 50 years
Herzing University: simulation labs for risk-free hands-on experience
Jersey College of Nursing: national program with a Tampa campus and highly experienced instructors
Hillsborough County Erwin Technical College: strong record of graduates moving to to work in various healthcare settings across the Tampa area.
Tampa Medical College
Program Summary: Tampa Medical College offers a comprehensive Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in nursing. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences in various healthcare settings. The curriculum covers essential nursing skills, patient care, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing. Students graduating from Tampa Medical College have between a 88% and 100% passing rate for the NCLEX-RN exam. The Practical Nursing program at Tampa Medical College features a hospital simulation lab for students to practice nursing techniques in a risk-free environment. Students also ar able to participate in clinical rotations to gain critical hands-on experience.
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite courses (if applicable)
- Passing score on the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam
- Background check and drug screening
- Immunization records
- CPR certification
- Personal interview
Program Summary Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $16,266 |
| Program Duration | 12 months |
| Typical Class Schedule | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Program Website | Tampa Medical College LPN Program |
| Location | 5701 E Hillsborough Ave Suite 2409 33610 |
| Phone Number | (813) 932-1710 |
Edurite Nursing
Program Summary: Edurite Nursing offers an LPN program focused on providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various nursing environments. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, ethical practices, and critical thinking. Clinical rotations are conducted in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings. The LPN program is a 5-week accelerated program. Students will study key nursing topics such as medical terminology, patient identification, anatomy, standards of nursing care, physical assessment techniques, proper documentation, legal and ethical matters of patient care.
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses
- TEAS exam score
- Completed application form
- Background check and drug test
- Proof of immunizations
- Interview with the admissions committee
Program Summary Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $16,080 |
| Program Duration | 14 months |
| Typical Class Schedule | Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Program Website | Edurite Nursing LPN Program |
| Location | 100 Ashley Dr S, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| Phone Number | (800) 595-6276 |
Lincoln Memorial University Caylor School of Nursing Tampa Campus
Program Summary: Lincoln Memorial University’s Caylor School of Nursing offers a rigorous LPN program designed to equip students with foundational nursing skills. The program integrates classroom learning with clinical practice, focusing on areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. This program has been developing knowledgeable and caring nurses for over 50 years.
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher
- TEAS exam results
- Application and fee
- Background check and drug screening
- Immunization records
- Personal statement or essay
Program Summary Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $18,000 |
| Program Duration | 15 months |
| Typical Class Schedule | Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Program Website | LMU Caylor School of Nursing LPN Program |
| Location | 3102 E. 138th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613 |
| Phone Number | (813) 331-4614 |
Herzing University
Program Summary: Herzing University provides an LPN program that combines theoretical instruction with practical training. The program covers essential nursing topics, including medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, obstetrics, and geriatric care. Students benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention. The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The program at Herzing features practice in simulation labs as well as hands on clinical experience underneath the supervision of highly experienced nursing instructors.
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 in prerequisite courses
- TEAS exam score
- Application form and fee
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Health and immunization records
- Personal interview
Program Summary Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $17,000 |
| Program Duration | 12 months |
| Typical Class Schedule | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Program Website | Herzing University LPN Program |
| Location | 3632 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 |
| Phone Number | (813) 285-5281 |
Jersey College of Nursing
Program Summary: Jersey College of Nursing is a national institution with a Tampa campus that offers a practical nursing program aimed at preparing students for the NCLEX-PN examination and entry-level nursing positions. The curriculum includes a mix of classroom instruction and clinical practice, focusing on patient care, nursing ethics, and clinical decision-making. Jersey College of Nursing has a Tampa campus that offers an LPN program designed to help students pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Instructors bring a high degree of experience and supervision to the classroom and clinical settings. This program is accredited by the Flroda Commision for for Independent Education and the Florida Board of Nursing. The nationally based Jersey College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of entrance exam (TEAS or equivalent)
- Application and fee
- Background check and drug test
- Immunization and health records
- Personal interview with admissions staff
Program Summary Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $25,,720 |
| Program Duration | 12-15 months |
| Typical Class Schedule | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Program Website | Jersey College of Nursing LPN Program |
| Location | 3632 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619 |
| Phone Number | (813) 344-3434 |
Hillsborough County Erwin Technical College
Program Summary: Hillsborough County Erwin Technical College provides an LPN program that prepares students for practical nursing roles in various healthcare settings. The state-approved program includes coursework in nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and gerontology, coupled with hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates of this program have been able to gain positions with local nursing homes and rehabilitation centers as well as community health centers. Graduates will receive credits towards the Registered A.S. Degree at Hillsborough Community College or any community college in the Florida system.
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- TEAS exam score
- Completed application packet
- Background check
- Drug screening
- Proof of immunizations
- CPR certification
- Personal interview
Program Summary Table:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | In-state $2,887, Out-of-state $11221 |
| Program Duration | 15 months |
| Typical Class Schedule | Monday – Friday 8AM – 2PM |
| Program Website | Erwin Technical College LPN Program |
| Location | 2010 Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 |
| Phone Number | (813) 769-5180 |
LPN Salaries in Tampa
LPNs in the Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater area can vary from healthcare employer to employer. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there are over 6,000 LPNs working in the Tampa area. The mean annual salary of LPNs in Tampa is $52,640, with an hourly wage of $25.31. This far outpaces both the state and national averages for LPN salaries. Those LPNs across the state of Florida make $25.85 an hour with an average annual salary of $53,780. Meanwhile, of the 135,500 LPNs working in the United States, the reported hourly wage is $19.51 with an annual salary of $40,580. Evaluating these numbers, it shows that it is very beneficial from an earnings standpoint to obtain your LPN certificate and work as an LPN in Tampa, St. Peterburg, Clearwater area.
| # of LPNs | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | |
| United States | 135,500 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,580 |
| Florida | 36,970 | $ 25.85 | $ 53,780 |
| Tampa | 6,430 | $ 25.31 | $ 52,640 |
Influences on LPN Salaries in Tampa
Several factors can impact LPN salaries in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area. Here are a few key factors to consider:
Experience: One of the primary factors influencing LPN salaries is the level of experience. Generally, LPNs with more years of experience tend to earn higher salaries. Healthcare facilities often value the knowledge and expertise gained through years of practice, which can result in increased compensation.
Education and Certification: LPNs who have pursued additional education or obtained specialized certifications may have an advantage in the job market and can negotiate higher salaries. Advanced certifications or degrees, such as becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or pursuing specialized training in areas like gerontology or critical care, can demonstrate a higher level of expertise and may result in higher pay.
Healthcare Setting: The specific healthcare setting in which an LPN works can impact their salary. LPNs employed in hospitals or specialty clinics, for example, may receive higher wages compared to those working in long-term care facilities or home health settings. The demand for LPNs in different healthcare sectors and the complexity of the work involved can influence salary differentials.
Demand and Supply: The supply and demand dynamics of LPNs in the Tampa area can affect salary levels. If there is a shortage of LPNs in the region, employers may offer higher salaries to attract and retain qualified candidates. Conversely, if there is an oversupply of LPNs, salaries may be more competitive or relatively lower.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Tampa and the Clearwater area can also influence LPN salaries. Areas with a higher cost of living typically have higher wages to match the increased expenses. Employers may adjust salaries accordingly to ensure that LPNs can meet their financial needs and maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Unionization: Unionized LPNs may benefit from collective bargaining agreements that establish minimum wage standards, salary scales, and negotiated benefits. Union representation can provide LPNs with increased bargaining power and potentially lead to higher salaries and better working conditions.