RN Programs in St. Petersburg, Florida
Get your RN degree in St. Petersburg, Florida - online & campus-based options available.
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Becoming a Registered Nurse in St. Petersburg, Florida
Are you considering a rewarding and impactful career as a Registered Nurse (RN) in St. Petersburg, Florida? This guide will help you understand the process of becoming an RN, explore local RN programs, and provide valuable insights into the nursing profession. Let’s get started!
Why Become an RN in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, affectionately known as “The Sunshine City,” offers a vibrant and supportive community for aspiring nurses. With its beautiful beaches, thriving arts scene, and diverse neighborhoods, St. Pete is an appealing place to live and work. The city is also part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, providing ample employment opportunities in various healthcare settings.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for RNs in Florida is around $69,510 per year, with a projected job growth of 7% from 2019 to 2029. This makes nursing a stable and lucrative career choice in St. Petersburg.
Prerequisites for RN Programs
Before enrolling in an RN program, you must meet certain prerequisites. Typically, these include:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry)
- Passing scores on entrance exams (such as the TEAS)
- Background check and drug screening
Typical Program Curriculum
RN programs generally include a mix of classroom instruction and clinical training. Common courses you can expect to encounter include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Pharmacology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
In addition to coursework, RN programs require hands-on clinical experience in various healthcare settings to prepare you for real-world nursing scenarios.
RN Training Programs in St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg offers several reputable RN programs. Here are three local options to consider:
- St. Petersburg College
- Address: 6605 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
- Program: Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Description: St. Petersburg College offers a comprehensive ASN program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing positions.
- Website: St. Petersburg College Nursing Program
- Galen College of Nursing – Tampa Bay Campus
- Address: 10200 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33716
- Program: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Description: Galen College of Nursing provides a robust ADN program with state-of-the-art simulation labs and dedicated faculty.
- Website: Galen College of Nursing
- Pinellas Technical College
- Address: 901 34th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
- Program: Practical Nursing (LPN) to RN Transition Program
- Description: Pinellas Technical College offers an LPN to RN transition program, ideal for current LPNs looking to advance their careers.
- Website: Pinellas Technical College Nursing Program
RN Employment Opportunities in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is home to several major healthcare facilities, offering diverse employment opportunities for RNs. Here are a few notable options:
- Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
- Description: A leading hospital in the region, Bayfront Health offers a wide range of specialized services and employs a large nursing staff.
- Website: Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Careers
- St. Anthony’s Hospital
- Description: Part of the BayCare Health System, St. Anthony’s Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services and is known for its supportive work environment.
- Website: St. Anthony’s Hospital Careers
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
- Description: Specializing in pediatric care, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital offers exceptional opportunities for nurses interested in working with children.
- Website: Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Careers
RN Certification Requirements
To become a licensed RN in Florida, you must:
- Graduate from an accredited nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
- Apply for licensure with the Florida Board of Nursing
Additionally, maintaining your RN license requires continuing education credits every two years, as stipulated by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of RN programs in St. Petersburg can vary. For instance, tuition for an ASN program at St. Petersburg College is approximately $10,000 for in-state students. Financial aid options are available, including federal grants, scholarships, and student loans. Be sure to check with each school’s financial aid office for specific opportunities.
Licensure Reciprocity
Florida participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows RNs licensed in other NLC states to practice in Florida without obtaining additional licensure. If you are moving to Florida from a non-compact state, you will need to apply for licensure by endorsement and meet Florida’s specific requirements.
Get Started Today
Embarking on a career as a Registered Nurse in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a fulfilling and wise decision. With excellent local RN programs and abundant employment opportunities, your journey to becoming an RN is well within reach. Take the first step by contacting a school today and starting your path toward a rewarding healthcare career.
Registered Nurse Degree Info
Which schools offer St. Petersburg RN Programs?
RN programs (both campus-based & online RN courses) are medical training programs offered by universities, vocational or technical schools, and community or junior colleges. Some hospitals even offer registered nursing training as an RN diploma.
How do I become an licensed RN?
Each state sets its own RN licensure requirements. In order to earn your RN license, you must pass the NCLEX® examination. The NCLEX® is a comprehensive nursing exam that can only be taken by graduates of nursing programs approved by your state's board of nursing.
Do I need to complete an LPN program before I go to college to get an RN Degree?
No you don't need to complete LPN training before you can get your RN license. An accredited RN Associate Degree program takes 2 years. You can earn your RN Diploma in 3 years. (BSN - 4 years, RN to BSN degrees can be 2-3 years).
Are There Free Nursing Schools in St. Petersburg?
The education necessary to become an RN is valuable, and registered nurses earn excellent money in Florida. However, students can lower the cost of RN school with financial aid. There are numerous grants and nursing school scholarships in Florida. They might not make your RN degree free but it can at least be more affordable.
Contact one of the accredited nursing schools listed here to get information about the financial aid you qualify for. Find out more about online nursing schools in Florida.
RN Job Description
Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.