Best LPN Programs in Tampa 2026

Find Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Tampa, Florida with information on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing requirements and career opportunities for practical nurses in the Tampa area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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Tampa Florida LPN programs offering practical nursing education and hands-on clinical training for entry-level healthcare roles

2026 Best LPN Programs in Tampa, FL

Looking for the best LPN programs in Tampa, FL? You have come to the right place. PracticalNursing.org has done the hard work for you. We carefully rank these programs to help you find one that fits your needs. Our list includes schools with strong pass rates, good support for students, and affordable options. We want to make your search easier and guide you toward a great education. Choosing the right program is a big step toward your nursing career. Trust our rankings to point you in the right direction. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay

Saint Petersburg, FL - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical/Vocational Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Galen College of Nursing-Tampa Bay's Practical/Vocational Nursing program delivers focused career preparation through intensive 12-month full-time or 21-month part-time tracks. Students gain essential clinical skills in on-campus settings, with four annual start dates accommodating various schedules. The curriculum specifically targets NCLEX-PN® exam readiness, requiring no application essays but mandating an entrance assessment for academic qualification. This direct pathway emphasizes hands-on learning for healthcare entry, accepting candidates with high school diplomas or equivalents without requiring standardized entrance exams like ACT or SAT.

  • 12-month full-time program
  • Multiple campus locations
  • 4 start times annually
  • On-campus clinical training
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN® exam
  • Part-time option available
  • No essays required for application
#2

Pasco-Hernando State College

New Port Richey, FL - Public 4-Year - phsc.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing (LPN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Pasco-Hernando State College's Practical Nursing program is a limited-access pathway with 132 annual seats, preparing students for diverse healthcare roles in nursing facilities and home health services. The comprehensive training requires a high school diploma and competitive TEAS test scores, with in-state tuition estimated at $3,964. Graduates are eligible for the national licensure exam and can advance to an Associate Degree in Nursing. The program emphasizes clinical background checks and offers multiple campus locations, aligning with a projected 12% job growth and hourly wages ranging from $16.91 to $24.

  • Limited Access Program
  • 132 Annual Seats
  • In-State Tuition $3,964
  • TEAS Test Required
  • 12% Job Growth Projected
  • Multiple Campus Locations
  • Clinical Background Check
  • Licensure Exam Eligible
  • Hourly Wage $16.91-$24
#3

ATA Career Education

Spring Hill, FL - Private 4-year - atafl.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

ATA Career Education's 15-month Hybrid Online Practical Nursing Program in Spring Hill, FL, combines online coursework with hands-on lab training and clinical experience to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. With no entrance exam required and flexible day or evening classes, this program covers essential topics like medical-surgical and maternal/newborn nursing. Graduates are equipped for roles in hospitals and long-term care facilities, supported by career services for job placement. The hybrid format offers a fast track into nursing with experienced faculty guiding students through comprehensive training.

  • 15-Month Program
  • Hybrid Online Format
  • No Entrance Exam
  • Day or Evening Classes
  • Hands-on Lab Training
  • Clinical Experience Included
  • NCLEX-PN Exam Preparation
  • Career Services Support
  • Flexible Learning Options
  • Experienced Nursing Faculty
#4

Manatee Technical College

Bradenton, FL - Public 2-Year - manateetech.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Manatee Technical College's hybrid Practical Nursing program in Bradenton, FL, blends online learning with clinical practice to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. It emphasizes patient care, pharmacology, and nursing procedures, equipping graduates for entry-level healthcare roles. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, along with passing a background check and drug screening. Financial aid is available for eligible students, making it accessible for aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses.

  • Hybrid program format.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Focus on patient care.
  • Includes pharmacology training.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • High school diploma required.
  • Background check mandatory.
  • Drug screening required.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Located in Bradenton, FL.
#5

Concorde Career Institute-Tampa

Tampa, FL - Private 2-year - concorde.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Concorde Career Institute-Tampa's Practical Nursing Diploma Program delivers a fast-paced, 13-month curriculum focused on hands-on clinical training. Students gain expertise in preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitative, and restorative nursing care through immersive rotations. This program emphasizes practical skills for direct patient care, preparing graduates to confidently sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. Financial aid and scholarships enhance accessibility, supporting aspiring LPNs in launching their careers efficiently without requiring entrance exams.

  • 13-month program length
  • Hands-on training
  • Clinical rotations included
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships for qualifying students
  • Focus on patient care skills
  • Covers various nursing care types
  • Licensure preparation
  • Fast-paced learning environment
*Original data: IPEDS 2023, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Tampa LPN Program Overview

Licensed Practical Nurses are vital contributors to patient care across Tampa, supporting registered nurses and physicians with bedside care, medication administration, and patient education in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health, and outpatient clinics. Tampa’s healthcare ecosystem includes large hospital systems, a major Veterans Affairs medical center, and numerous long term care providers, creating steady demand for practical nursing skills and flexible staffing across shifts and settings.

Authoritative sources consistently note ongoing demand for LPNs, particularly in long term care, rehabilitation, and home health. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports continued opportunities as the population ages and care shifts toward outpatient and community settings. In the Tampa area, these trends translate into employment options in acute care support roles, post-acute facilities, physician offices, and home health agencies.

Tampa-based practical nursing programs are designed to prepare students for direct patient care and licensure. Typical timelines include:

  • Full time tracks that can be completed in approximately 12 months, with daytime schedules that combine classroom, simulation, and clinical rotations.
  • Part time or evening/weekend options that may extend to about 18 to 24 months, offering working adults flexibility while covering the same competencies.

Curricula commonly include nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, gerontology, mental health, and maternal child content, paired with supervised clinical experiences at Tampa area facilities. Programs emphasize NCLEX-PN preparation through test-style practice, clinical judgment development, and competency-based skills validation.

Florida requires graduation from a state approved practical nursing program and a passing score on the NCLEX-PN for licensure. The Florida Board of Nursing approves PN programs, outlines application and background screening requirements, and publishes program performance information for prospective students. Tampa applicants complete the Board’s licensure process and schedule the NCLEX-PN after program completion.

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in Tampa

The healthcare employment landscape in Tampa, Florida, is robust and continually expanding, positioning the metropolitan area among the top regions nationally for healthcare employment growth. In 2023, the sector experienced significant growth over the previous year, underscoring its role as a significant economic driver for the city. This growth contributes thousands of jobs and substantially to Tampa’s gross domestic product. The region is also emerging as a developing hub for healthcare innovation, research, and biotechnology.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Tampa find a diverse array of employment opportunities across various healthcare settings. These roles are crucial in supporting the broad spectrum of patient care needs within the community.

Types of Facilities Hiring LPNs in Tampa

  • Hospitals:Major hospital systems are consistent employers of LPNs. Prominent healthcare networks include Tampa General Hospital, a leading academic health system and top employer in Florida, and BayCare Healthcare Systems, operating a vast network of community-based hospitals across the region. Additionally, HCA Healthcare maintains a significant presence with numerous hospitals, outpatient centers, and clinics throughout Greater Tampa Bay. Shriners Children’s, with its corporate headquarters in Tampa, also offers various clinical positions.
  • Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities:These facilities consistently seek LPNs to provide essential long-term and rehabilitative care. Examples include Ybor City Center for Rehabilitation and Healing, Gulfport Nursing Center, and Freedom Square of Seminole, which offers skilled nursing care.
  • Home Health Agencies:Home health care is a rapidly growing sector in Tampa, with numerous agencies employing LPNs for in-home patient care. Key agencies include Hygeia Home Health, Concierge Home Care, Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health, The Visiting Nurse Association of Florida, and BAYADA Home Health Care.
  • Rehabilitation Centers:LPNs are in demand at specialized rehabilitation facilities such as Tampa Lakes Health and Rehabilitation Center and The Bristol at Tampa. National leaders like Encompass Health and Select Medical also have a presence or provide services in Florida, offering nursing careers in post-acute recovery.
  • Senior Living Facilities:Assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities widely employ LPNs. Notable facilities include Weinberg Village Assisted Living, and communities operated by Brookdale Senior Living.
  • Private Practices and Clinics:Opportunities for LPNs are available in various outpatient settings. Tampa General Medical Group operates primary care offices across the Tampa Bay area, and specialized clinics like United Vein & Vascular Centers also hire LPNs.
  • Specialized Healthcare Settings:LPNs can also find roles in other unique environments, such as BioLife Plasma Services donation centers, State Veterans’ Homes supported by the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, mental health facilities like Gracepoint’s Forensics Treatment Program, and potentially within University of South Florida Health for clinical or research support roles.

Key Healthcare Employers in Tampa

Beyond the facility types, several major healthcare networks and institutions are significant employers of LPNs in the Tampa Bay area:

  • Tampa General Hospital (TGH):A comprehensive academic health system and a leading healthcare employer in Florida.
  • BayCare Healthcare Systems:One of the largest employers in the region, with a network of 16 hospitals and extensive health services.
  • HCA Healthcare:A major provider of healthcare services with a broad network of facilities across Greater Tampa Bay.
  • Moffitt Cancer Center:A globally recognized institution dedicated to cancer research and treatment, offering various clinical and support roles.
  • Shriners Children’s:Provides specialized pediatric care with a significant presence in Tampa.

Smaller Facilities and Networks

In addition to the large systems, several smaller facilities and staffing networks contribute significantly to LPN employment opportunities in Tampa:

  • Local Home Health Agencies:Agencies like Hygeia Home Health and CARE TEAM Home HealthCare frequently hire LPNs for skilled nursing visits and private duty care.
  • Rehabilitation and Senior Living Facilities:Tampa Lakes Health and Rehabilitation Center and Weinberg Village Assisted Living are examples of facilities offering LPN positions.
  • Flexible Staffing Platforms:Platforms such as NurseDash and IntelyCare connect LPNs with flexible shifts across various partner facilities, providing diverse work experiences and employment benefits.

List of LPN Programs in Tampa, FL

If you're looking to start a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Tampa, Florida, you have several great options to choose from. The table below lists local schools offering LPN programs. It shows you where each program is located, highlights key features of the training, and provides direct links to learn more about each school's program page. This makes it easy to compare and find the right fit for your education and career goals.
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Tampa, FL

Concorde Career Institute-Tampa

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Diploma Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 13-month program length
    • Hands-on training
    • Clinical rotations included
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships for qualifying students
    • Focus on patient care skills
    • Covers various nursing care types
*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2023 data files.