Did you know that O*NET OnLine estimated a 23 percent employment growth for registered nurses working in Florida from 2012 to 2022? It is therefore that the enrollment for nursing students has increased all over the state.
There are at least seven accredited nursing schools in Tampa. Nursing programs offered by these schools range from associate degree in nursing to doctoral programs in nursing. Non-degree programs are also offered in nursing.
Nursing licensure for prospective nurses in Tampa
Prospective nurses in Tampa need to be licensed by the Florida Board of Nursing.
The board provides the following types of nursing licenses:
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Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
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Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
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Registered nurse (RN)
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Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
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Advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP)
Other than graduating from an accredited nursing school, you will have to fulfill other specific requirements in order to acquire a license. These requirements include clearing a drug test and background check, etc.
Approval and accreditation for nursing programs in Tampa
Nursing programs in Tampa must be approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. In addition, the board also acts as the regulatory authority for these nursing programs.
Financial aid for nursing students in Tampa
There are several scholarships, grants, student loans and other financial aid packages available for eligible nursing students in Tampa.
Federal financial aid programs are the first option for students requiring financial assistance for their academic endeavors. These programs include:
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Federal Grant Program
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Federal Work study Program
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Federal Loan Program
A prospective nursing student must apply for these programs by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting this application does not guarantee that you will get financial aid, however.
Apart from financial aid programs, students may also seek financial aid provided by the state and nursing schools. These programs, grants, awards and scholarships may be termed as:
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Graduate and undergraduate school scholarships
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The nurse faculty’s loan program
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State of Florida’s nurse educator program
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Dean’s scholarship
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President’s scholarship
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Achievement award
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Transfer scholarships
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Departmental scholarships
The Florida Nursing Association also provides several scholarship programs such as the Florida Nurses Research/Scholarship Award.
Many private student loan organizations based or operating in Tampa also provide student loans to those who qualify.
Programs offered by nursing schools in Tampa
Tampa nursing schools offer a wide variety of nursing programs. Here is an example:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The MSN is an advanced nursing program. Students enrolled in this program are offered several specializations, which include:
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Health policy
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Clinical nurse specialist
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Pediatric nurse practitioner
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Adult gerontology
Students develop a broad and comprehensive understanding of nursing science. In addition to this, students are also trained in the practical application of these theories.
The curriculum of this program includes courses such as:
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Clinical pharmacology
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Nursing research
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Clinical management
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Health promotion
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Disease prevention
O*NET OnLine also estimated that registered nurses working in Florida earned a median yearly salary of $60,400 in 2013.