ADN Programs Tampa, FL

Employment for Registered Nurses (RNs) is expected to increase 15 percent through 2026 in response to increased access to health care and rising health care needs of the aging Baby Boomer population. The 15 percent growth projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and attractive remuneration packages makes nursing an appealing profession for many. The Associate Degree in Nursing program presents the fastest and easiest way to access the National Council Licensing Exam to become a registered nurse.

Nurses are not limited in their options. They may work in hospitals, but the majority of ADN graduates begin their career in long-term care settings, clinics, physicians’ offices, and home health. Their duties depend on the setting. General responsibilities include administration of medications, collaborating with health care professionals to restore health, managing health care records, advocating for patients, and counseling individuals, families, and communities.

There is much room for growth in the profession. With continued education, nurses may assume leadership roles in the health care team. Nurses may prepare for specialized roles such as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist after completing a Master of Science in Nursing program or Doctor of Nursing Practice. Administration, informatics, advocacy, research, public health, oncology, and education are some other roles nurses may pursue. While nurses can branch off into the number of different directions, all nurses must possess excellent communication, critical thinking, clinical judgment, collaborative, and problem-solving skills to succeed in the profession.

Galen College of Nursing

The Associate Degree in Nursing program at Galen College of Nursing prepares students for a career as a Registered Nurse. The curriculum introduces clinical and hands-on learning early so students will have a clearer understanding of the theoretical concepts. The program is open to adults who have completed high school – no other prerequisites are required. General education courses are included in the nursing curriculum. Transfer credits are accepted after evaluation. Upon completion of the program requirements, students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline

Quarter credits: 107

Duration: 24 months

Course titles:

Curriculum plan – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Lab, Information Literacy and Technology Essentials, English Composition, Galen Pathway to Success, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Laboratory, College Mathematics, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Development Psychology, Principles of Pharmacology, Foundations of Nursing, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Concepts of Nursing: The Childbearing/Child Caring Family, Introduction to Sociology, Concepts of Aging, Chronic Illness, & Mental Health Nursing, Introduction to Literature, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Transition to Registered Nursing Practice

Admission criteria:

  • Must be a high school graduate or have a GED diploma
  • Demonstrate written and verbal English proficiency
  • Submit satisfactory ACT, SAT, HESI A2, PAX-RN, and TEAS test scores
  • Provide proof of immunization – Tdap, MMR, Varicella, TB skin test or chest x-ray, Hepatitis B, influenza
  • Complete a physical exam and health history
  • Obtain a satisfactory background check report – must fill out the criminal background screening authorization form
  • Maintain current CPR certification by the American Heart Association throughout the program

Program Cost

The estimated total cost of tuition is $39,690. Other costs include technology gee, lab fee, textbooks, registration fee, background check fee, uniform and supplies, physical exam and immunizations, and CPR certification.

St. Petersburg College

The Associate Degree in Nursing program at St Petersburg College is accredited y the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. The curriculum includes lecture and hands-on experiences in a skills lab and medical facilities to give students extensive learning experience. Students must meet the requirements for participation in the clinical rotation, or they would be unable to complete the program. All prerequisite courses must be completed before applying for admission to the program. Licensed practical nurses can earn credit for their experience and education to complete the program in less than two years. Graduates of the Florida Board of Nursing approved program will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse. Day and evening schedules are available.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 24 months

Course titles:

General education – Communication – Composition, Communication – Speech, Humanities and Fine Arts, Enhanced World View, Mathematics, Studies in Applied Ethics, General Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology Lab II, Microbiology, Microbiology Laboratory, Basic Computer and Information Literacy

Nursing – Nursing I, Application of Pharmacology Concepts in Nursing Therapy, Nursing II, Psychosocial Nursing, Nursing III, Nursing IV, Role Transition in Nursing, Nursing Care Management Practicum,

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the St Petersburg College Admission Application and pay the non-refundable application fee
  • Request official, unopened high school or GED transcripts and submit. Applicants who have completed an Associate or Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution are exempt from this requirement
  • Submit official, unopened transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges or universities
  • Demonstrate college-level Writing, Reading, and Math through test scores or completed courses
  • Have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in all postsecondary coursework
  • Complete the prerequisite requirements with a grade C or better
  • Pass a drug and background/fingerprint screening
  • Complete the Heath Examination Form and any required immunizations
  • Complete the Health Education Program Orientation

Program Cost

The estimated cost of attendance is $10,574 for Florida residents. It includes physical and immunizations, drug and background check, uniforms, special equipment and lab fees, textbooks, state exam, and license fees.

Keiser University

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Nursing prepares students for professional nursing practice. Students will acquire specialized knowledge and develop clinical judgment and skills to restore and promote health and well-being. They will be capable of assessing, diagnosing, planning and evaluating care, teaching and counseling individuals and families, and administering treatments and medications according to the defined standards of practice. Graduates will be effective communicators, team players, and will have the knowledge to use evidence-based information technology in practice and demonstrate accountability and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 24 months

Course titles:

General education – Life Span Development, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Computers, English Composition I, English Composition II, American Literature, English Literature, Intermediate Algebra, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology I

Nursing – Fundamentals of Nursing, Nursing Pharmacology, Basic Adult Health Care, Maternity Nursing Care, Pediatric Nursing, Advanced Adult Health Care, Nursing Roles Practicum

Admission criteria:

  • Submit an application to the Admissions Office before the start date
  • Submit verification of high school graduation or GED completion
  • Make arrangements to take the entrance exam or submit satisfactory SAT, ACT, or ASVAB scores
  • Score 20 or higher on the Wonderlic SLE entrance exam – applicants with a baccalaureate or higher may apply for exemption
  • Complete a satisfactory background check
  • Attend an interview with the nursing program director
  • Obtain a composite score of 60 or higher on the TEAS nursing entrance exam
  • Obtain a minimum B grade on the prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II
  • Obtain a minimum C grade on the prerequisite courses – Microbiology, Intermediate Algebra, Life Span Development and general education courses
  • Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
  • Complete satisfactory drug screen and complete all required health screening (immunizations)

Program Cost

The estimated cost of tuition, books, and supplies per academic year is $22,208. Additional expenses include a background check, immunization, drug screen, CPR, state exam, and license fees.

Hillsboro Community College

The ACEN accredited Nursing AS degree program at Hillsboro Community College requires four semesters for completion. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for RN licensure. They may also transfer into the RN to BSN program at the University of South Florida to complete the BSN and improve their job prospects. Applicants must complete the prerequisite courses before applying to the program. The prerequisites require one year for completion. Licensed practical nurses may enter through the Transition Program. Day and evening/weekend schedules are available. The evening program meets 2 to 3 days a week from 5:00 pm. The clinical rotations will be scheduled on Saturdays for 8 to 10 hours.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 72

Duration: 24 months

Course titles:

General education – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory, English Composition I, College Algebra or higher mathematics, Microbiology and Human Disease, Microbiology and Human Disease Laboratory, Introduction to Sociology

Nursing – English Composition II, Fundamental Concepts of Nursing Practice, Fundamental Concepts of Nursing Practice Clinical, Essential Concepts of Patient Management, Critical Thinking in Nursing Practice, Concepts of Pediatric Nursing, Concepts of Care for Woman and Infants, Concepts of Mental Health Nursing, Humanities General Education, Specified Electives, Complex Simulation, Concepts of Adult Health I, Concepts of Adult Health I Clinical, Concepts of Adult Health II, Concepts of Adult Health II Clinical, Role Transition, Nutrition and Drugs, Chemistry for Health Sciences, Chemistry for Health Sciences Laboratory, Developmental Psychology of Life Span, Fundamentals of Human Nutrition, Ethics, General Psychology, Health Assessment

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application by the deadline
  • Pay the non-refundable application fee of $53
  • Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions and submit with the application
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.8 on prerequisite courses
  • Take and pass the TEAS entrance exam with a minimum score of 60% overall
  • Obtain a clean background check
  • Obtain a negative drug screen
  • LPN candidates must include a copy of valid LPN certification and verification of at least 6 months
  • Attend a mandatory nursing information session
  • Provide a physical exam certified by a licensed physician and up-to-date immunization record
  • Provide proof of current CPR certification (Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers)

Program Cost

The estimated cost of tuition and fees is $9,430 for Florida residents. Books and supplies will cost an additional $2,050. Additional expenses will include the application fee, background check, drug screen, physical exam, immunization, uniforms, equipment, CPR class, name badge, NCLEX Test Application, and Florida RN licensure.

Jersey College Nursing School Tampa Campus

Jersey College at Tampa offers two RN programs that lead to an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. The generic track covers 8 12-week terms for the day schedule and 12 12-week terms for the evening option. Students must complete 113-quarter credits of general education, science and core nursing courses to graduate from the program. There is an LPN to RN Bridge track available for practical nurses who have completed an accredited program and hold a current license to practice. Candidates accepted into this track will receive 20-quarter credits for prior learning and experience. The curriculum will comprise of classroom theory, skills labs, and clinical experiences in various health care facilities. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse. They will be prepared to use critical thinking to provide effective and safe nursing care, use technology in care, use a problem solving approach to care for culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups, apply evidence-based interventions in practice, communicate effectively with patients and members of the health care team, and perform and prioritize nursing skills.

Program Outline

Quarter credits: 113

Duration: 27 months day/39 months evening

Course titles:

Courses – Microbiology: Impact of Microorganisms on the Environment, Composition I, Pathophysiology, Nutrition, Math for Problem Solving & Research, Life Span Development, Sociology, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Healthcare Foundations, Health Assessment and Skills, Medical Surgical Nursing I Perspectives and Assessment of Care, Geriatric Nursing: Management Concepts for Elder Care, Psychiatric Nursing: Assessment and Management of Mental Health, Maternal-Newborn Nursing: A Family and Community-Based Approach, Pediatric Nursing: Care for Children and Their Families, Principles of Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing II: Perspectives and Assessment of Care, Nursing Leadership and NCLEX Seminar

Admission criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Provide documentation of completing high school
  • Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident card
  • Submit a completed application for admission
  • Attend an interview with the admission staff
  • Deposit funds for tuition and fees
  • Pass a background check
  • Read and sign the Enrollment Agreement
  • Provide evidence of good physical health – pass a physical exam
  • Provide proof of immunization – current TB test, Hepatitis B, varicella, MMR
  • Have a current CPR card – Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers from the American Heart Association

Program Cost

The total estimated cost of completing the Generic RN program is $43,939. The cost includes tuition, books, enrollment fee, criminal background check, application, supplies, technology fee, uniforms, and tools and kits.

  • Website: https://www.jerseycollege.edu/
  • Address: 3625 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619
  • Phone: (813) 246-5111
  • NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.77%

Rasmussen College

The career ladder program at Rasmussen College helps students prepare for a career in nursing and continue their education seamlessly to the BSN. Training is offered both online and on campus. New students can complete the requirements in 18 months. Licensed practical nurses can enroll in the LPN to RN Bridge and qualify to take the NCLEX for registered nursing licensure in just 12 to 18 months. Upon completion of the ADN degree, graduates of the generic or Bridge programs can continue to the BSN through the RN to BSN program. Students will develop key competencies through theory, skills lab, and clinical experiences. They will demonstrate patient-centered skills in various healthcare settings, develop critical decision-making skills and care interventions to meet patients’ needs, and display confidence in their ability to provide exceptional care.

Program Outline

Semester credits: 102

Duration: 18 months

Course titles:

General education courses – English Composition, Humanities, Algebra, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, General Chemistry, Human Nutrition, General Microbiology, Human Growth and Development, General Psychology

Core courses – Introduction to Nursing, Essentials of Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, Nursing Care of the Older Adult, Professional Nursing Skills I, Multidimensional Care, Multidimensional Care II, Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing, Pharmacology for Professional Nursing, Multidimensional Care III, Maternal Child Nursing, Professional Nursing Skills II, Multidimensional Care IV, Leadership and Professional Identity, Associate Degree in Nursing Capstone

Admission criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Attend a Nursing Information session
  • Provide documentation of completing high school
  • Submit a completed application for admission
  • Achieve a satisfactory score on the School of Nursing Entrance Exam
  • Read and sign the Rasmussen College Enrollment Agreement and Attachments
  • Submit a health physical and proof of immunizations
  • Complete a satisfactory criminal background screen
  • Have current Basic Life Saving and CPR Certification with Defibrillator
  • Complete experiential online orientation course and the School of Nursing Orientation
  • Submit transcripts for evaluation – for applicants with prior college credits

Program Cost

The total estimated cost of completing the Generic RN program is $43,939. The cost includes tuition, books, enrollment fee, criminal background check, application, supplies, technology fee, uniforms, and tools and kits.

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.