Nursing Schools in Tampa, Florida: Top Online & Campus Programs

Admission into one of USF’s nursing programs is competitive, which shows why the University of South Florida is one of the best nursing schools in Tampa, FL. The school’s unique nursing pathways work with students who already have a degree in nursing or another field , are brand new to the medical field, or have some experience, such as through the military. Undergraduate programs include the ASN to BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, and Veteran to BSN programs. Tuition for in-state students is $211 per credit hour.

In addition, the University of South Florida offers MSN, nurse anesthesia, DNP, and PhD in nursing programs, all of which can be taken full- or part-time. Two graduate certificates can be completed, and there are even non-degree options for students interested in attending university classes without committing to a full degree.

One unique USF offering is the global nursing program that allows undergraduate nursing students to travel to different countries, like Scotland or Colombia, to learn first-hand about international health care while delivering nursing education and services to residents.

The offerings at the University of Tampa include a BSN, MSN, and DNP. The Bachelor of Science in nursing takes four years to complete, and nursing students have achieved an impressive 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam in seven out of the last eight years. UT also gives bachelor’s students the opportunity to participate in travel courses around the world, which give students hands-on experiences in community health.

The MSN program has two concentrations available: adult/gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) and family nurse practitioner (FNP). Both these concentrations help advanced practice nurses prepare to be primary health care providers. The graduate program can be taken full- or part-time so students can continue working in healthcare.

Those who choose to pursue UT’s DNP program will need to complete 30 credits spread out over six semesters. Students can choose between advanced practice nursing, leadership in population health, and leadership in clinical and academic nursing education. The program can be taken entirely online, and only requires three short campus visits throughout the program.

At South University’s Tampa campus students can pursue a BSN, MSN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN, or DNP degree. The standard BSN is taught over the course of seven quarters. Prerequisites and an optional Associate of Science in allied health science can be completed over six quarters before embarking on a nursing program.

Whether already holding an RN or BSN, students who choose to pursue the general MSN degree family nurse practitioner pathway will receive an education that blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that will help students feel prepared to work within healthcare or an educational setting. The nurse educator pathway will not only focus on nursing know-how and clinical expertise but will also help students learn how to develop a nursing curriculum and perform evaluation techniques.

The Galen College of Nursing has both an online RN to BSN program and an online MSN program. The RN to BSN program is designed for students who have received nursing licensure but are looking for additional education. The program can be taken 100% online and on a part-time basis if need be. It can be completed in as little as 12 months.

The online MSN program will build upon a student’s BSN experience and knowledge to help students advance into leadership roles within a healthcare setting. There is also a nurse educator track that will help students prepare to teach the next generation of nursing students. Students will learn to lead quality improvement initiatives, teach in academic settings, and transform nursing education in both academic and clinical staff development. Upon graduation, nurse educator students will meet the eligibility requirements for the certified nurse educator (CNE) examination.

All courses are taught in an eight-week format, with the above degree options all having multiple start dates throughout the year.

Rasmussen University‘s online nursing programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The school’s RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are all offered online. If any of them require clinical hours, they can be completed through your current work or through other local healthcare facilities.

The online RN to BSN permits up to 75% of the degree, or 134 credits, to be transferred. This could save students hundreds of hours and dollars if they’ve attended college elsewhere. In addition, the RN to BSN is founded on competency-based education, meaning students can not only complete assignments and watch lectures on their own time, but they can speed through what they are already familiar with and slow down for new topics. Example courses include emerging healthcare technologies and innovation, genetics and genomics, and clinical reasoning and clinical judgement.

The online programs at Lincoln Memorial University in Tampa are given through the Blackboard learning platform, where students will be able to communicate with instructors and classmates, watch lectures, and turn in assignments. LMU’s online RN to BSN program is available 100% online, though the Tampa campus offers some in-person classes if you’d like to take advantage of some of those. All of LMU’s nursing programs are ACEN accredited.

The online MSN option is for those wanting to pursue nursing administration. It will prepare students for a leadership position by enrolling them in classes covering finance, budgeting, marketing, and analytics for healthcare strategy. It takes an average of 17 months to complete this program.

The online DNP can be completed in six semesters of full-time study, and is meant to be challenging and will help students renew their commitment to nursing. Graduates will be prepared to fully implement emerging science and practice innovation in health care.