Best LPN Programs in St. Petersburg 2026
Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in St. Petersburg, Florida with details on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Learn about licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities in the St. Petersburg area.
St. Petersburg LPN Program Overview
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are essential members of St. Petersburg’s care teams, delivering hands-on nursing under the supervision of RNs and physicians. In hospitals, long-term care centers, home health, and outpatient clinics, LPNs support medication administration, wound care, patient education, and monitoring that keep care accessible and efficient across the city.
St. Petersburg’s healthcare landscape is anchored by major acute-care and specialty facilities such as Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, St. Anthony’s Hospital, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, with additional regional services provided by the nearby Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. These hospitals are complemented by numerous skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, and primary and specialty clinics throughout Pinellas County, creating steady demand for entry-level nurses who can provide direct patient care in high-need settings like geriatrics, rehabilitation, and community-based services.
Employment prospects for LPNs are supported by an aging population and ongoing demand in long-term and home-based care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, national employment for LPNs is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2032, with many openings each year driven by retirements and the need to replace workers. In Florida, these trends are especially relevant due to the state’s large older-adult population, sustaining opportunities for new LPNs in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region.
LPN programs in St. Petersburg typically follow Florida’s state framework of approximately 1,350 clock hours. Full-time cohorts commonly take about 12 months to complete, while part-time or evening/weekend options can extend to roughly 18 to 24 months. Curricula integrate classroom instruction in fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical, maternal-child, mental health, and gerontology with supervised clinical rotations in local hospitals, nursing homes, and community settings, preparing graduates for safe entry-level practice.
Programs are designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN and Florida licensure. The Florida Board of Nursing approves practical nursing programs and sets licensure requirements, including graduation from an approved program, application to the Board, background screening, and successful completion of the NCLEX-PN.
Employment Opportunities for LPNs in St. Petersburg
The healthcare employment landscape in St. Petersburg, Florida, offers a robust and growing environment for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). As part of the wider Tampa Bay area, the region anticipates significant growth in its healthcare sector, with a projected employment increase of 12.2% over the next five years for the life sciences and healthcare industry. This expansion translates into numerous opportunities for LPNs across a diverse range of facilities, making St. Petersburg an attractive location for those pursuing an LPN career.
LPNs in St. Petersburg are in high demand in various healthcare settings, providing essential direct patient care, medication administration, and support roles:
- Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation Centers:These facilities are major employers for LPNs, who provide skilled nursing care, administer medications, and often supervise nursing assistants. Notable centers include Petersburg Nursing & Rehabilitation, Gulfport Nursing Center, and Alhambra Health and Rehabilitation Center.
- Assisted Living and Senior Living Facilities:With a significant aging population in Florida, these facilities offer many roles for LPNs to provide direct care and oversee daily nursing activities for residents. Examples include Freedom Square of Seminole, The Springs at Boca Ciega Bay, Westminster Suncoast, and Palm Shores Retirement Community, Inc.
- Home Health Agencies:This expanding sector allows LPNs to offer one-on-one patient care in private residences, often with flexible schedules. Key agencies hiring LPNs include Pinnacle Home Care Inc., Aveanna Healthcare, BAYADA Home Health Care, and Visiting Nurse Association of Florida.
- Hospitals:LPNs are employed in St. Petersburg hospitals in various supporting roles and specific departments. Major institutions include Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital, and the renowned Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
- Private Practices and Clinics:Outpatient settings, such as family medicine practices, frequently seek LPNs to assist providers during examinations, administer medications, and perform triage functions. Examples include Bayfront Medical Group clinics and Premier Health Care Inc., a physician-owned internal medicine and geriatric care group.
- Dialysis Centers:LPNs are needed in specialized centers, such as those operated by DaVita Kidney Care, for outpatient dialysis services.
Beyond these facility types, the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs also actively recruits LPNs for State Veterans’ Homes across Florida, presenting additional opportunities for those seeking to serve veterans within the state’s healthcare system.