Nursing Programs in Tampa, FL
Along the northern East Coast, many seniors over age 65 settle down in Florida to enjoy their retirement years. The Tampa Bay region has a high demand for registered nurses to care for this large aging population. Despite its sizable number of elderly residents and need for healthcare professionals, nurses in Tampa and its surrounding cities make about $60,000 per year, about 15% less than the national average according to Glassdoor.com. Advanced practice nurses can earn more – and take on additional roles in caring for patients – when they earn higher-level degrees and certifications.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:
2026 Best Nursing Schools in Tampa
Choosing the right nursing program is a critical decision for aspiring nurses. This ranking of the Best Nursing Schools in Tampa helps students compare programs based on objective data. Registerednursing.org creates these rankings using NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria, providing a clear metric for evaluating program effectiveness. For more details on how these rankings are compiled, see our methodology at https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Analysis of yearly pass rates shows fluctuations in performance over recent years.
- 2024 average pass rate: 91.03% with 4,592 students
- 2023 average pass rate: 83.71% with 5,284 students
Top Performing Schools
Schools with consistently high NCLEX pass rates demonstrate strong program outcomes.
- Pasco-Hernando State College: 97.91% average pass rate (239 students)
- Eckerd College: 92.10% average pass rate (38 students)
- Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay: 91.76% average pass rate (959 students)
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Comparison of program types reveals differences in pass rate performance.
- BSN programs: 94.21% average pass rate (242 students)
- ADN programs: 92.05% average pass rate (654 students)
Geographic Trends
Pass rates vary across different Tampa area locations.
- New Port Richey: 97.16% average pass rate (141 students)
- Clearwater: 96.78% average pass rate (31 students)
- Saint Petersburg: 91.79% average pass rate (426 students)
- Odessa: 91.28% average pass rate (149 students)
- Brandon: 91.28% average pass rate (149 students)
Pass Rate by Program Size
Program size categories show how scale relates to pass rate outcomes.
- Small programs (<50 students/year): 94.00% average pass rate (150 students)
- Large programs (>100 students/year): 92.36% average pass rate (746 students)
The University of Tampa
Tampa, FL - Private 4-year - ut.edu
Bachelor's - Four-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tampa's Four-Year BSN program requires 125 credit hours with 66 dedicated to nursing courses. This campus-based program emphasizes critical thinking and clinical skills development through hands-on experiences, including international travel opportunities to locations like Ghana and Costa Rica. For admission, students must meet pre-nursing criteria, but no specific ACT or SAT requirement is mentioned. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 100% in 2023 and 97.37% in 2024 among 76 students each year. The program reports a five-year average of 95% NCLEX passage, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings while noting additional expenses for uniforms and licensure materials.
- 125 credit hours required.
- 95% NCLEX passage rate.
- Hands-on travel courses.
- Critical thinking focus.
- Clinical skills development.
- Diverse healthcare preparation.
- Pre-nursing admission criteria.
- Additional expenses for materials.
Pasco-Hernando State College
New Port Richey, FL - Public 4-Year - phsc.edu
Associate - Nursing (RN) Generic Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pasco-Hernando State College's campus-based Associate in Science in Nursing (RN) Generic Program prepares students for healthcare careers through hands-on training in patient assessment, treatment planning, and monitoring. This ACEN-accredited program maintains impressive NCLEX-RN pass rates, with 97.27% in 2024 and 98.45% in 2023 among its graduates. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses and TEAS test scores. The program features limited access with 172 seats annually and has an estimated in-state tuition of $4,418. As an associate-level program, it requires the TEAS entrance exam rather than ACT or SAT.
- Associate in Science degree
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- ACEN accredited
- Limited access with 172 seats/year
- Requires TEAS test scores
- 2.5 GPA in prerequisites needed
- $25 application fee
- Estimated $4,418 in-state tuition
- Hands-on patient care training
- Flexible career options post-graduation
Associate - Nursing (RN) ADN Transition Program - LPN (LPN Transition)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed specifically for Licensed Practical Nurses, the Nursing (RN) ADN Transition Program - LPN at Pasco-Hernando State College provides a pathway to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing. This campus-based program focuses on the LPN Transition concentration and awards 17 advanced college credits. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, with the program demonstrating strong pass rates of 97.27% in 2024 and 98.45% in 2023. Admission requires a clear Florida LPN license, prerequisite courses with a 2.5 GPA, and TEAS test scores. The ACEN-accredited program has limited access with 96 seats annually and estimated in-state tuition of $2,630.
- LPN to RN transition
- 17 advanced credits
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Florida LPN license required
- 2.5 GPA prerequisite courses
- TEAS test scores needed
- $50 application fee
- Estimated $2,630 in-state tuition
- Accredited by ACEN
- Limited access program
Associate - Nursing (RN) ADN Transition Program - Paramedic (Paramedic Transition)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pasco-Hernando State College's Nursing (RN) ADN Transition Program - Paramedic offers paramedics a career advancement pathway to earn an Associate in Science Nursing degree. This campus-based program emphasizes the Paramedic Transition concentration through rigorous coursework and practical experience. Graduates qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam, with the program showing strong pass rates of 97.27% in 2024 and 98.45% in 2023. Admission requires a Florida Paramedic license, TEAS scores, and completion of prerequisite courses. The ACEN-accredited program has competitive admission with only 36 seats annually. It prepares graduates for diverse healthcare settings with flexible career opportunities.
- Associate in Science degree
- NCLEX-RN exam eligibility
- Paramedic Transition concentration
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Florida Paramedic license required
- TEAS scores needed
- Prerequisite courses mandatory
- Limited access program
- 36 seats per year
- ACEN accredited
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Pasco-Hernando State College offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This CCNE-accredited program focuses on developing management, leadership, and research skills through flexible online coursework. Admission requires a Florida RN license, a 2.5 GPA, and completion of math and English prerequisites. While primarily online, some general education courses may require in-person attendance. The program boasts affordable tuition with financial aid options. Graduates are prepared for diverse nursing roles in areas like pediatric and surgical nursing. As a bachelor's-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams.
- Fully online BSN program.
- CCNE accredited.
- For RNs with a license.
- 2.5 GPA requirement.
- Flexible online learning.
- Affordable tuition rates.
- Diverse career opportunities.
- Competitive salaries for graduates.
- Management and leadership focus.
- Research skills development.
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu
Bachelor's - Upper Division Pathway
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Florida's Upper Division Pathway offers a traditional BSN program for students without prior degrees, spanning five consecutive semesters including summers. This campus-based program in Tampa features highly competitive admission and does not require ACT/SAT exams. With a strong NCLEX pass rate of 96.55% in 2024 (348 students), the program provides comprehensive nursing education through rigorous academic and clinical training to prepare graduates for healthcare careers.
- Five consecutive semesters.
- Highly competitive admission.
- Located in Tampa, FL.
- For non-nurses without prior degree.
- Comprehensive nursing education.
Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree Pathway
Campus Based - Visit Website
USF's Accelerated Second Degree Pathway is a 16-month fast-track BSN program for individuals holding bachelor's degrees in non-nursing fields. This in-person program across multiple campuses prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam with flexible start dates. No entrance exam is required. The program emphasizes hands-on patient care and teamwork, with graduates benefiting from strong NCLEX performance (96.55% pass rate in 2024) and immediate career opportunities in diverse healthcare settings.
- 16-month program duration
- In-person modality
- Multiple campus options
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Requires prior bachelor's degree
- Flexible start dates
- Focus on patient care
- Teamwork emphasis
- Career opportunities in healthcare
- Financial aid available
Bachelor's - Veteran to BSN (V-CARE)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Veteran to BSN (V-CARE) program at USF is specifically designed for service members and veterans with medical training experience. This full-time, campus-based program in Tampa spans five consecutive semesters and leverages prior military skills for a nursing career transition. No ACT/SAT exam is required for admission. With competitive admission standards and strong NCLEX outcomes (96.55% pass rate in 2024), the program combines rigorous academics with practical experience to prepare veterans for nursing demands.
- Full-time campus program
- Five consecutive semesters
- Competitive admission
- For veterans with medical training
- Tampa campus location
Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa
Tampa, FL - Private 4-year - arizonacollege.edu
Bachelor's - 3-Year BSN Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa offers a CCNE-accredited 3-Year BSN Program that provides an accelerated path to nursing licensure. This campus-based program features advanced simulation labs and clinical rotations to build practical skills. With new sessions starting every 8 weeks and night classes available for general education courses, it accommodates diverse student schedules. The comprehensive curriculum prepares graduates for the NCLEX exam, with recent pass rates of 93.65% in 2024 and 92.31% in 2023. This bachelor's program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams and emphasizes personalized attention in state-of-the-art facilities.
- 3-Year BSN program
- CCNE-accredited
- Night classes available
- Advanced simulation labs
- Clinical rotations included
- New sessions every 8 weeks
- Personalized attention
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Comprehensive curriculum
- Prepares for NCLEX exam
Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay
Saint Petersburg, FL - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is a 2-year campus-based option for aspiring nurses. With four annual start dates, this clinical-focused curriculum provides hands-on lab experience to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN® exam. The program does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams. Recent NCLEX pass rates show strong performance, with 90.63% of ADN students passing in 2024 (288 students). This program offers dedicated academic advisors and financial aid support for those beginning their nursing careers.
- 2-year full-time program
- On-campus classes
- Four start times per year
- Clinical-focused curriculum
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN®
- Hands-on lab experience
- Financial aid available
- Flexible start dates
- Dedicated academic advisors
- Support services included
Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay offers an accelerated campus-based pathway to registered nursing. This program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN® exam and career advancement opportunities. No ACT or SAT entrance exams are required for admission. NCLEX performance has been excellent, with 94.44% of BSN students passing in 2024 (126 students). The program supports future graduate studies and provides financial aid options for eligible students.
- 3-year full-time program
- On-campus classes
- Four start times yearly
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN® exam
- Career advancement opportunities
- High school diploma required
- Financial aid available
- Supports graduate studies path
- Accelerated nursing education
- Practical experience included
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Tampa, FL
The vocation of nursing allows its professionals to enter the field from a number of avenues, depending on their current station in life and where they see themselves five or ten years down the road. Whether you are a current LPN looking to take on greater responsibilities or a non-nursing professional seeking to enter this stable and growing healthcare field, you can become a nurse via a range of LPN to RN, ADN, and BSN education programs in Tampa, Florida.
LPN to RN Programs
Checking patients’ vital signs, gathering information, and putting them at ease are just a few key responsibilities of Licensed Practical Nurses. To command a greater salary and provide a higher level of care for patients, LPNs to can transition to RNs via the bridge program at Jersey College located in Tampa, Florida. With industry-standard labs, clinical and theoretical instruction, the LPN to RN bridge offering can be completed in less than 18 months and grants students their Associate Degree in Nursing. They are also prepared to sit for their NCLEX.
ADN Programs
The healthcare workers who spend the most time with patients are nurses. From gathering information to administering medication and checking vital signs, nurses do so much to assist those under their care. The Associate of Science degree in Nursing at Keiser University in Tampa, FL permits dedicated students to enter the field of healthcare and learn the hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge to become a working nurse. Program graduates are NCLEX-ready; it has a pass rate of approximately 75%.
Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs
Launch your nursing career with a four-year degree and you can gain more patient responsibility – and command a higher salary – from the start. It’s probable that the BSN degree will soon become the standard for all RNs. By beginning your career with this degree, you can get a head start. Rasmussen College outside of Tampa, Florida, has on-campus and distance education BSN options so you can finish your degree on a timeline that’s suitable for your schedule. The career college is focused on training students to enter the nursing profession as soon as possible upon graduation.
Find out more about Florida Accelerated BSN Programs.
RN to BSN Programs in Tampa, FL
In the future, it is likely that Registered Nurses will be required to possess a bachelor’s degree. At the very least, medical centers will have a very strong preference to hire those with BSNs in order to earn the sought-after Magnet status designation. Online or blended bridge programs in Tampa allow working RNs to complete their BSN degrees so that they can bolster their careers within their timeframes.
RN to BSN Programs
Many healthcare experts predict that all Registered Nurses will be required to hold bachelor’s degrees. Top hospitals in Florida already require this as it has proven to reduce error rates and improve the quality of care.
Find out more about Florida RN to BSN Programs.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
New Port Richey, FL
Pasco-Hernando State College
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program design
- CCNE accredited nursing program
- Two immersive practice experiences
- Advanced nursing leadership focus
- Professional nursing skills development
- Flexible course scheduling
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Critical thinking skill enhancement
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Tampa, FL
In the state of Florida, advanced practice nurses can provide primary care to patients, allowing physicians to focus on more specialized areas of medicine. By earning a master’s degree in nursing, you can gain significant independence in treating patients and being responsible for their care. APRNs are compensated at competitive rates and are sought after by most medical centers.
MSN Programs
Nurses who desire to play a more impactful role in the care patients receive can earn their Master of Science in Nursing. The University of Tampa in Florida offers an MSN with concentrations in Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Both options are offered at a part-time pace so that nurses can continue to perform their jobs as they obtain their degrees. The University has affiliations with area hospitals so students can gain diverse clinical experiences. Program graduates can enter clinical leadership positions and serve as primary care healthcare providers for patients.
Find out more about Florida Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Ready and train the next generation of nurses by earning your post-grad certificate in Nursing Education at the University of South Florida. Designed for veteran nurses wanting to share their expertise with others, the cert is offered primarily online with in-person clinicals. Graduates of the program can teach nursing as a faculty members or as an in-hospital instructor.
Find out more about Florida Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP Programs
Clinical leaders and experts in nursing set the stage for others to follow. Committed advanced practice nurses who are up to the challenge can go after their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The rigorous curriculum is focused on using evidence-based care to improve patient healthcare outcomes. The terminal degree represents the culmination of a nurse’s educational pursuits.
Find out more about Florida DNP Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Tampa
Tampa, FL
South University-Tampa
- BSN to MSN - MSN in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Focuses on adult-gerontology care.
- Prepares for national certification.
- Meets NONPF core competencies.
- Requires in-person clinical components.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Designed for working nurses.
- Builds advanced clinical judgment.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 62-credit MSN program.
- Family Nurse Practitioner specialization.
- On-campus, online, or hybrid format.
- Requires BSN with 2.5 GPA.
- Active RN license needed.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Includes clinical practicums.
- Courses in advanced pharmacology.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing with a Specialization in Nurse Educator
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program in Tampa, FL.
- 42 total credit hours required.
- BSN with 2.5 GPA needed.
- Active RN license required.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Focus on nurse educator specialization.
- Includes practicum courses.
- Covers curriculum development.
The University of Tampa
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice Nursing - Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible format
- 30 credit hours total
- 1,000 practicum hours
- Two unique tracks available
- CCNE accredited program
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Minimal campus visits required
- Advanced nursing skills development
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership in Population Health - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online with 3 campus visits
- 30 credit hour program
- 1,000 practicum hours required
- Two unique track options
- CCNE accredited program
- Designed for working professionals
- Leadership in Population Health focus
University of South Florida
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with Occupational Health Nursing Subspecialty
Concentration: Occupational Health Nursing - Campus Based - Website
- 74 credit hours required
- Campus-based program delivery
- Occupational Health Nursing concentration
- Prepares for ANCC certification exam
- Prepares for AANPCB certification exam
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care focus
- Combines nursing and public health courses
- Grant funding may cover costs
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 45 total credit hours
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Certification exam eligibility
- Part-time or full-time enrollment
- Independent clinical decision-making
- Graduate comprehensive exam required
- Health policy development skills
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 52 total credit hours
- Part-time and full-time enrollment
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Life span patient care focus
- National certification exam preparation
- Comprehensive clinical competency development
- Independent clinical decision-making
- Research and policy integration
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 45 total credit hours
- Part-time or full-time options
- Prepares for PNCB certification
- Graduate comprehensive exam required
- Advanced pediatric nursing focus
- MSN to DNP - BS-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Concentration
Campus Based - Website
- Graduate-level nursing degree
- Acute care nurse practitioner focus
- Multiple certification options
- Part-time and full-time enrollment
- Complex patient care preparation
- Versatile healthcare settings
- Advanced clinical skills training
- MSN to DNP - BS-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Concentration
Campus Based - Website
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Focus
- Prepares for ANCC/AANPCB Certification
- Part-time and Full-time Options
- Patient-Centered Care Approach
- Multiple Ambulatory Care Settings
- Comprehensive Adult Health Coverage
- Advanced Nursing Practice Program
- MSN to DNP - BS-DNP Family Health Concentration
Concentration: Family Health - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Advanced nursing practice degree
- Family health across life span
- Multiple certification options
- Part-time and full-time enrollment
- Ambulatory care settings preparation
- Graduate-level clinical competencies
- Comprehensive patient care focus
- MSN to DNP - BS-DNP Occupational Health/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Concentration
Concentration: Occupational Health - Campus Based - Website
- Occupational Health Nursing Focus
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- CDC Research Center Support
- Multiple Certification Options
- Flexible Enrollment Paths
- Patient-Centered Care Approach
- Graduate Degree Program
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Tampa, FL
Clearwater, FL
Ultimate Medical Academy
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two-year program duration.
- Hybrid learning format.
- 615 clinical/simulation hours.
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
- Career services support.
New Port Richey, FL
Pasco-Hernando State College
- Associate - Nursing (RN) ADN Transition Program - LPN
Concentration: LPN Transition - Campus Based - Website
- LPN to RN transition
- 17 advanced credits
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Florida LPN license required
- 2.5 GPA prerequisite courses
- TEAS test scores needed
- $50 application fee
- Estimated $2,630 in-state tuition
- Associate - Nursing (RN) ADN Transition Program - Paramedic
Concentration: Paramedic Transition - Campus Based - Website
- Associate in Science degree
- NCLEX-RN exam eligibility
- Paramedic Transition concentration
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Florida Paramedic license required
- TEAS scores needed
- Prerequisite courses mandatory
- Limited access program
- Associate - Nursing (RN) Generic Program
Campus Based - Website
- Associate in Science degree
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- ACEN accredited
- Limited access with 172 seats/year
- Requires TEAS test scores
- 2.5 GPA in prerequisites needed
- $25 application fee
- Estimated $4,418 in-state tuition
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online BSN program.
- CCNE accredited.
- For RNs with a license.
- 2.5 GPA requirement.
- Flexible online learning.
- Affordable tuition rates.
- Diverse career opportunities.
- Competitive salaries for graduates.
Saint Petersburg, FL
Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 2-year full-time program
- On-campus classes
- Four start times per year
- Clinical-focused curriculum
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN®
- Hands-on lab experience
- Financial aid available
- Flexible start dates
- Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 3-year full-time program
- On-campus classes
- Four start times yearly
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN® exam
- Career advancement opportunities
- High school diploma required
- Financial aid available
- Supports graduate studies path
Tampa, FL
Arizona College of Nursing-Tampa
- Bachelor's - 3-Year BSN Program
Campus Based - Website
- 3-Year BSN program
- CCNE-accredited
- Night classes available
- Advanced simulation labs
- Clinical rotations included
- New sessions every 8 weeks
- Personalized attention
- State-of-the-art facilities
Hillsborough Community College
- Associate - Nursing AS
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Four-semester program.
- Eligible for NCLEX exam.
- Includes clinical components.
- Prerequisites in science required.
- Covers pediatric nursing.
- Includes mental health nursing.
- Focus on adult health nursing.
The University of Tampa
- Bachelor's - Four-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 125 credit hours required.
- 95% NCLEX passage rate.
- Hands-on travel courses.
- Critical thinking focus.
- Clinical skills development.
- Diverse healthcare preparation.
- Pre-nursing admission criteria.
- Additional expenses for materials.
University of South Florida
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- 16-month program duration
- In-person modality
- Multiple campus options
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Requires prior bachelor's degree
- Flexible start dates
- Focus on patient care
- Teamwork emphasis
- Bachelor's - Upper Division Pathway
Campus Based - Website
- Five consecutive semesters.
- Highly competitive admission.
- Located in Tampa, FL.
- For non-nurses without prior degree.
- Comprehensive nursing education.
- Bachelor's - Veteran to BSN (V-CARE)
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time campus program
- Five consecutive semesters
- Competitive admission
- For veterans with medical training
- Tampa campus location