Becoming an LPN in St Petersburg

Last Updated/Verified: Mar 22, 2024

Presently, several colleges in the city of St. Petersburg, FL offer students the chance to study practical nursing. Students considering their options should know that there is a predicted high demand for practical nurses through the coming decades as a response to greater longevity, an aging population, and increased access to healthcare.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes reports on the state of all industries every two years. This most recent report (May 2021) found 6,920 practical nurses working in the Tampa Metro Area (St. Petersburg is within this) -  about 20% of all nurses.

Full-time LPN programs will usually finish 12-15 months after start date. Part-time programs can take 2 years or more to complete.

The Florida Board of Nursing is the state body responsible for approving nursing training programs and issuing LPN licenses.

Practical nursing programs usually cover these broad study areas:

  • Pharmacology
  • Anatomy
  • Surgical Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • People Skills
  • Children’s Health
  • Women’s Health
  • Elder health
  • Addiction Recovery and Treatment

Schools That Offer LPN Programs in St. Petersburg, FL

Galen College of Nursing

Galen’s LPN program takes 12 months to complete on a full-time basis, while part-time students will complete in 21 months. The program blends classroom instruction and interactive learning strategies, with a curriculum updated regularly in line with the changing needs of healthcare. The main benefits of studying at Galen are smaller class sizes, early lab work, and real-world clinical experiences.

Admission Requirements:

  • Meet with an admissions specialist (not mandatory but highly recommended) to discuss career interests
  • High school diploma or GED
  • A high standard of English language communication
  • Submit any ACT/SAT scores – must be no older than five years prior to program commencement
  • Immunizations for TD, MMR, varicella, Hepatitis B, and influenza
  • Submit to a physical exam
  • Submit your health history
  • Mandatory drug testing and criminal background check
  • Provide details of AHA CPR certification

Pinella Technical College – St. Petersburg

PTC aims to both educate and empower LPNs in the care of people from all cultures and backgrounds in all stages of health. Students learn through a combination of classroom work and in professional healthcare settings to cover all elements of practical nursing. Other modules will cover legal and ethical issues for nurses, infection control, and oncology.

Admission Requirements:

  • Session with a school counselor to discuss career options and program interests
  • Minimum applicant age is 16
  • Supply details of high school diploma or GED
  • Pass the mandatory Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
  • Submit to a criminal background check
  • Acquire immunizations and provide proof
  • Must submit to drug screening for clinical practice

Employment Opportunities for LPNs in St. Petersburg

Healthcare and other organizations in St. Petersburg hiring practical nurses may include:

LPN Programs Near Me in St Petersburg

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