Nursing Schools in Palm Bay, Florida is a rewarding and growing field, with increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. If you’re considering pursuing a nursing career in Palm Bay, Florida, you’ll be glad to know that the area offers several accredited nursing schools and programs that can help you achieve your goals.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of nursing education and career opportunities in Florida, as well as a detailed look at nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida.
Nursing Education and Career Opportunities in Florida
Florida is home to over 160,000 licensed registered nurses (RNs), making it one of the largest nursing workforces in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Florida employs over 170,000 nurses in total, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The BLS also projects that employment of RNs in Florida will grow by 15% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
To become a nurse in Florida, you must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Florida offers several types of nursing programs, including:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year program that prepares students for entry-level RN positions.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year program that provides a more comprehensive education in nursing and may offer more career opportunities and higher salaries than ADN programs.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): A graduate program that allows students to specialize in a particular area of nursing and become NPs, nurse educators, or nurse leaders.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): A doctoral program that emphasizes advanced clinical skills, leadership, and research.
Florida also offers nursing bridge programs that allow students with an ADN to complete a BSN or MSN degree in less time than traditional programs.
Accredited Nursing Schools in Palm Bay, Florida
Palm Bay is a city located in Brevard County, Florida, and is part of the larger Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville metropolitan area. The area is home to several nursing schools that offer accredited nursing programs. Here are some of the top nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida:
- Eastern Florida State College: Located in nearby Melbourne, Florida, Eastern Florida State College offers an ADN program that prepares students to become RNs. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX exam.
- Keiser University: Keiser University’s Melbourne campus offers several nursing programs, including an ADN, BSN, and MSN. The programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and provide students with hands-on clinical experience and personalized attention from experienced faculty.
- Florida Institute of Technology: The Florida Institute of Technology’s School of Nursing offers a BSN program that prepares students for entry-level nursing positions or further graduate study. The program is accredited by the CCNE and emphasizes clinical practice, critical thinking, and leadership.
- Eastern Florida State College – Palm Bay Campus: In addition to its Melbourne campus, Eastern Florida State College also has a Palm Bay campus that offers an ADN program. The program is accredited by the ACEN and provides students with a rigorous curriculum, clinical experience, and NCLEX preparation.
- Brevard Community College: Brevard Community College (BCC) offers an ADN program that prepares students to become RNs. The program is accredited by the ACEN and provides students with clinical experience, simulation labs, and NCLEX preparation.
Comparison of Different Nursing Programs in Palm Bay, Florida
When choosing a nursing program in Palm Bay, Florida, it’s important to consider factors such as program length, cost, accreditation, clinical experience, and job placement rates. Here’s a comparison of the different nursing programs offered by the top nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida:
- Eastern Florida State College: The ADN program at Eastern Florida State College is a two-year program that requires 72 credit hours of coursework, including general education and nursing courses. The program costs around $8,000 per year for in-state students and $22,000 per year for out-of-state students. The program has a 91% NCLEX pass rate and an 85% job placement rate for graduates.
- Keiser University: Keiser University offers an ADN program that can be completed in as little as 18 months, a BSN program that can be completed in as little as 36 months, and an MSN program that can be completed in as little as 24 months. The programs are more expensive than other nursing programs in the area, with tuition costs ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 per year depending on the program. However, Keiser University has a high job placement rate for graduates, with 98% of nursing graduates employed within six months of graduation.
- Florida Institute of Technology: The BSN program at Florida Institute of Technology is a four-year program that requires 120 credit hours of coursework, including general education and nursing courses. The program costs around $40,000 per year and has a 94% NCLEX pass rate and a 100% job placement rate for graduates.
- Eastern Florida State College – Palm Bay Campus: The ADN program at Eastern Florida State College’s Palm Bay campus is a two-year program that requires 72 credit hours of coursework, including general education and nursing courses. The program costs around $8,000 per year for in-state students and $22,000 per year for out-of-state students. The program has a 91% NCLEX pass rate and an 85% job placement rate for graduates.
- Brevard Community College: The ADN program at Brevard Community College is a two-year program that requires 72 credit hours of coursework, including general education and nursing courses. The program costs around $6,000 per year for in-state students and $22,000 per year for out-of-state students. The program has a 91% NCLEX pass rate and an 85% job placement rate for graduates.
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Admission Requirements for Nursing Schools in Palm Bay, Florida
Admission requirements for nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida vary depending on the program and school. Generally, nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida require the following:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and math
- Submission of transcripts from all previous schools attended
- Completion of a criminal background check and drug screening
- Submission of a personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Completion of an admissions interview
Tuition and Financial Aid Options for Nursing Students in Palm Bay, Florida
Tuition costs for nursing programs in Palm Bay, Florida vary depending on the program and school. Generally, ADN programs are less expensive than BSN or MSN programs, and public schools are less expensive than private schools. Here are some of the average tuition costs for nursing programs in Palm Bay, Florida:
- ADN programs: $6,000-$8,000 per year
- BSN programs: $20,000-$40,000 per year
- MSN programs: $25,000-$30,000 per year
Financial aid options for nursing students in Palm Bay, Florida include scholarships, grants , loans, and work-study programs. Many nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida offer financial aid assistance to students who qualify. Some of the available financial aid options for nursing students in Palm Bay, Florida include:
- Federal Pell Grants: These grants are need-based and do not have to be repaid.
- Federal Direct Loans: These loans are low-interest loans that must be repaid after graduation.
- Nursing Scholarships: Many nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida offer nursing scholarships to students who meet certain criteria.
- Work-Study Programs: These programs allow students to work part-time while attending school to earn money to pay for their education.
Scholarships options available for nursing students in Palm Bay, Florida
Scholarships are an excellent way to help pay for the cost of nursing education. Many nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida offer scholarships to students who meet certain criteria. In addition, there are many external scholarship opportunities available to nursing students in Palm Bay, Florida. Here are some scholarship options available for nursing students in Palm Bay, Florida:
1. Florida Nurses Foundation Scholarship
The Florida Nurses Foundation offers scholarships to nursing students who are Florida residents and are enrolled in a nursing program in Florida. The scholarship awards up to $3,000 and is renewable for up to four years.
2. Florida Student Nurse Association Scholarship
The Florida Student Nurse Association offers scholarships to nursing students who are members of the association. The scholarship awards up to $1,000 and is awarded based on academic achievement and financial need.
3. Health Professions Education Foundation Scholarship
The Health Professions Education Foundation offers scholarships to nursing students who are California residents and are enrolled in a nursing program in California. The scholarship awards up to $8,000 and is awarded based on academic achievement and financial need.
4. National Black Nurses Association Scholarship
The National Black Nurses Association offers scholarships to nursing students who are members of the association. The scholarship awards up to $6,000 and is awarded based on academic achievement and financial need.
5. Hispanic Scholarship Fund
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to Hispanic nursing students who are enrolled in an accredited nursing program. The scholarship awards up to $5,000 and is awarded based on academic achievement, community service, and financial need.
6. Indian Health Service Scholarship
The Indian Health Service offers scholarships to nursing students who are members of a federally recognized tribe and are enrolled in a nursing program. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and living expenses and is awarded based on academic achievement, commitment to serving Indian people, and financial need.
Scholarships are an excellent way to help pay for the cost of nursing education. Many nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida offer scholarships to students who meet certain criteria, and there are also many external scholarship opportunities available
Conclusion
Choosing a nursing program is an important decision that requires careful consideration of factors such as program length, cost, accreditation, clinical experience, and job placement rates. Nursing schools in Palm Bay, Florida offer a variety of nursing programs that can lead to a rewarding career in healthcare.
Researching and comparing different nursing programs in Palm Bay, Florida can help you make an informed decision about which program is right for you. With the right education and training, you can become a registered nurse and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of others.
