Tampa Nursing School
3-Year BSN Program: Become a Nurse Faster With No Prerequisite Coursework
Classes begin January 5th
Why Our Nursing School in Florida Is Right for You
- No waitlist to start at our Tampa nursing campus
- Up to $5,000 scholarships available at our Tampa campus
- Earn your BSN degree in 3 years, or less with qualified transfer credits!
- Flexible scheduling with gen ed night classes and a mixture of in-person, online, and blended nursing classes
- Small class sizes with personalized attention
All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.aacnnursing.org).
Your Nursing Dream Can Start Now
Our nursing school in Tampa, FL is designed with one goal: to prepare you for a successful career in the health sciences as a registered nurse (RN). We strive for academic excellence through classroom teaching, hands-on simulations, and training in real-world healthcare environments to give you the nursing skills you need.
Graduate in Less Time With Eligible Transfer Credits
Get Hands-On Experience in Guided Labs
NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation From Day One
What You Get from Arizona College of Nursing
Convenient Scheduling for Nursing School in Florida
Looking for convenient scheduling for nursing school in Tampa? Our accredited three-year BSN program offers multiple start dates and evening gen ed night classes, plus online nursing program courses designed for working adults like you.
With convenient scheduling that includes blended learning and virtual classes, you can earn your nursing degree without putting everything on hold. Discover how our nursing program works with your busy schedule.
A Welcoming Community for BSN Degree Students
When you join our Tampa nursing school, you become part of a close community in the nursing profession. Our nursing classes include students from Downtown Tampa, St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Riverview, and beyond.
You’ll find yourself supported by dedicated faculty, mentors, and peers who understand the unique challenges and rewards of pursuing a nursing degree in Florida.
Learn Hands-On Skills to Meet Nursing School Requirements
Our nursing classes prioritize real-world experience so you’re prepared for clinical environments and a strong start in your nursing career.
Tampa, Florida nursing program students build self-confidence through hands-on training in realistic clinical environments and labs. You’ll be able to think critically, evaluate patients, and deliver effective patient care in fast-paced settings.
Support Resources and a Clear Admission Process
Our Tampa nursing school keeps the nursing application process clear and focused on you. We’ll guide you from your first questions as a future nursing student to your final step so you can meet nursing school requirements.
You’ll have access to personalized nursing program support and resources to help you succeed through graduation. We can even help with NCLEX-RN exam prep and scholarships!
Tampa RN Salary Potential
Registered Nurses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater earn a median annual wage of $84,290 per year. While new nursing program graduates typically start below the median, earnings often grow steadily with experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for RNs in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater range from $67,960 to $114,960 annually.
Updated May 2025. Source: O*NET Online
Nursing Experience in Clinical Rotations
During your BSN program, you’ll learn through clinical rotations. You’ll get to work with healthcare professionals that may include clinical nurse specialists, nurse managers, and registered nurses.
These nursing program experiences strengthen your clinical skills and understanding. These clinical rotations may provide insights into how nurse managers and RNs collaborate in medical environments.
Florida Nursing Program Curriculum
From day one, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is built to prepare you for a thriving career as a registered nurse (RN). Our curriculum combines classroom teaching, hands-on labs, real-world clinical experience, and extensive NCLEX-RN exam prep to get you ready for a successful nursing career.
Sample Classes in Our BSN Curriculum:
- Fundamentals of Biology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Anatomy/Physiology I
- College Mathematics
- First Year Composition (Writing) I
- Human Pathophysiology
- Human Nutrition
- Critical Thinking in Clinical Decision-Making
- Pharmacology I
- Evidence-Based Practice I
- Community Health Nursing + Practicum
- Maternal Health Theory and Application + Practicum
- Transition to the Nursing Profession
- Professional Seminar (NCLEX-RN Preparation)
How Transfer Credits Work for Your BSN Degree
At Arizona College of Nursing, we understand that you want to get the most out of your previous education experience on your journey through nursing school. Students can progress through our BSN program of study in three years or less with qualifying gen ed transfer credits. Our academic advisors will work closely with you to review transcripts and transfer as many credits as possible.
Clinical Partnerships at Our Nursing Program in Florida
In the final year of the program, students spend most of their time in clinical rotations, training in real-world healthcare environments. Hands-on experience with patients and medical professionals is one of the most powerful ways to learn. We make it a priority for our students. We’ve partnered with healthcare providers in Florida to provide students with opportunities for clinical experience and nursing research by working with nurse leaders.
Visit Our BSN Program Curriculum Page For More Details.
Complete NCLEX-RN Exam Prep
Our nursing school in Tampa, Florida is designed to start preparing you for the NCLEX-RN exam on Day 1. Instructors introduce students to NCLEX-RN-style questions and clinical judgment throughout our curriculum to get them comfortable. To learn more about testing format and study strategies, read our blog post Mastering the NCLEX: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparation.
Here are just a few of the ways we prepare you for NCLEX-RN:
Finally, a nursing school near me in Tampa!
We strive to be one of the best nursing schools in Florida, helping students achieve their nursing career dreams. Our nursing degree program proudly serves the entire Tampa metropolitan area, including St. Petersburg, Lakeland, and Riverview. Our college campus is conveniently located about 20 minutes from downtown Tampa.
Additional hours available upon request.
Our Nursing Program in Tampa
At Arizona College of Nursing, we know nursing students. You dream of becoming a nurse, but your life is already hectic, so you ask yourself how you can make it happen. We have tailored our courses to match your busy life.
During the first 4 semesters of general education classes, they are held in the evenings and each course is completed in just 8 weeks. New sessions start six times yearly, so you are not restricted to starting school in Fall or Spring. Start when the timing is right for you.
Our nursing school in Florida, is conveniently located near downtown Tampa.
Stop by our nursing school to learn more about our 3-year BSN degree program and check out our facilities. Visit our Tampa Campus Life page for more information on our nursing program and student life in the Tampa area.
Approved by the Florida Board of Nursing
Learn How Our Nursing School Faculty and Leadership Bring Practice to the Classroom
Our faculty and leadership have real-world nursing experience and want to help equip you for a successful career. With mentorship and hands-on guidance in in-person labs and simulations, you can apply what you’re learning to advanced nursing practice scenarios.
Meet Our Nursing School Leadership
Jason Dunne
Chief Academic Officer
During my time in the Intensive Care Unit, I had the opportunity to mentor and support new nursing students, which made me realize the profound impact education has on their growth and confidence. I was inspired by the ripple effect—how well-prepared nurses enhance patient outcomes and strengthen communities. This fueled my passion to contribute to nursing education, ensuring that future nurses receive the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to provide exceptional care.
Arizona College of Nursing stands out from other institutions with its exclusive focus on nursing education, ensuring tailored resources and a curriculum designed specifically for nursing students. The college offers a 3-year BSN program with multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to earn their degree faster and enter the workforce sooner than other traditional programs. Additionally, our structured NCLEX-RN preparation process—including academic support and success coaching—equips students with the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve licensure and transition seamlessly into professional nursing practice.
At Arizona College of Nursing, students have access to a wide range of support resources designed to enhance their academic success and professional development. Faculty, academic advisors, and success coaches provide personalized guidance on coursework, study strategies, and time management, while a structured NCLEX-RN preparation program—including exam review sessions, practice tests, and success coaching—helps students achieve licensure. Arizona College of Nursing ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive in their nursing education and future careers.
Florida Nursing School Scholarship Opportunities
As you consider nursing schools in Tampa, we know that the cost of the nursing practice program is an important factor in your decision. Students can receive up to $5,000 in scholarship support.
Click the button below to learn more about our nursing scholarships in Florida and to determine eligibility
- Futures Scholarship
- Advancement Scholarship
- Working Parent Scholarship
- Achievement Scholarship
- Opportunity Scholarship
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program
Arizona College of Nursing is now authorized to offer eligible students the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. This program provides scholarships based on high school academic achievement. It has four award levels: the Florida Academic Scholars Award (FAS), Florida Medallion Scholars Award (FMS), Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award (GVS), and the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship (GSC).
Each award has different academic criteria for eligibility and provides a different award amount. The Florida Academic Scholar with the highest academic ranking in each county will also receive the Academic Top Scholars Award.
Eligibility and Requirements for Florida Bright Futures
- Be a Florida state resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) by 8/31 the year of your high school graduation
- Earn a standard Florida high school diploma or its equivalent from a Florida public high school or a registered Florida Department of Education private school
- Not have been convicted of (or pleaded no contest to) a felony charge
- Be accepted by and enroll in a degree or certificate program at an eligible Florida public or independent postsecondary institution
- Be enrolled for at least six (non-remedial) credit hours per term
*The State of Florida determines eligibility and award amount of the scholarship.
If you would like to apply for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, click here.
Nursing Degree FAQs at Our Tampa Campus
Browse below to learn about nursing concepts or click on the following link to view the most frequently asked questions at our Tampa nursing school. To find a nursing school near you, visit our Campus Locations page.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Arizona College of Nursing – Tampa is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org). All Arizona College of Nursing campuses are also institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Understanding the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) school and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) school is crucial to planning your nursing career path. This because the education requirements between RNs and LPNs vary significantly. A Tampa LPN school typically takes about one to two years to complete. It is intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurse (RNs) and physicians.
After three failures of the same level of examination (RN or LPN), regardless of jurisdiction, the applicant must successfully complete a Florida Board of Nursing approved remedial course.
Registered Nurses in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area of Florida have a median RN salary of $84,290 per year.
As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings with experience. To view our Tampa nursing market outlook click here.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in Florida range from a low rate of $66,670, per year, to the highest-paid Nurses earning as much as $110,530 per year for their rn salary.
Updated 05/2025. Source: https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?zip=33607
Arizona College of Nursing – Tampa has built a full support system to help you at every step of the program. Our student support resources include a student success coach, tutoring sessions, peer mentoring, faculty office hours, NCLEX-RN exam prep class, and more.
Contact our admissions team to learn more about how we support you throughout your nursing education. We’re committed to helping you pursue your goal of becoming a Registered Nurse.
You can read more about our admissions requirements here [/admissions/]. For detailed information about the nursing prerequisites for our BSN program in Tampa, please contact our admissions office. They can provide you with the specific details and answer any questions you may have about our application process.
A nursing assistant provides basic patient care and support, such as helping with daily activities and monitoring vital signs, under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). An RN, on the other hand, typically has more advanced training and responsibilities, including developing and implementing patient care plans, administering medications, and performing complex medical procedures. RNs also oversee and coordinate care provided by nursing assistants and other healthcare staff.
Earning a BSN degree can open doors to more advanced roles and opportunities in the nursing field as an RN. Our BSN program in Tampa is designed to provide the comprehensive education and clinical experience to help advance your career.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate college degree designed to equip students with the training and studies needed for a successful career in nursing. The BSN curriculum includes both general education and advanced nursing studies. To increase your chances of finding a position in your state and city of choice, you should consider earning a bachelor’s in nursing science (BSN).
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) – Tampa is not a 100% online nursing program in Florida. However, most of our campuses offer some online nursing courses. The AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and blended classes. At the majority of our campuses, many non-clinical courses are offered asynchronously and delivered fully online, while nursing courses with a clinical component are held in person.
Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience, including night and virtual classes, providing flexibility for our students. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our online nursing course formats at AZCN Tampa and how you can earn a BSN degree in just three years.
After completing your BSN degree and fulfilling Florida’s licensing requirements, many nursing career paths may become available to you in the Tampa Bay area.
The following roles represent potential career directions for those who have completed BSN education, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtained proper state licensure. These roles span hospitals, community settings, specialized units, and leadership positions.
Hospital-Based Roles in Florida
Registered Nurse (RN) – The foundation of nursing practice, working in various healthcare settings.
Emergency Room Nurse – Providing urgent care in fast-paced emergency department settings.
ICU Nurse / Critical Care Nurse – Caring for patients with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive monitoring.
Labor and Delivery Nurse – Supporting mothers and newborns through the childbirth process.
OR Nurse / Perioperative Nurse – Assisting in surgical procedures and providing pre/post-operative care.
Specialized Care Roles in Florida
Pediatric Nurse – Focusing on the healthcare needs of children and adolescents.
Hospice Nurse/Palliative Care Nurse – Providing compassionate end-of-life and comfort care.
Home Health Nurse – Delivering care to patients in their homes, often following hospital discharge.
Forensic Nurse – Working at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system.
Nurse Manager & Administration Roles in Florida
Charge Nurse – Overseeing nursing operations for a unit during a specific shift.
Nurse Manager – Supervising nursing staff and handling administrative responsibilities. Learn more about becoming a Nurse Manager.
Utilization Review Nurse – Evaluating the necessity and efficiency of healthcare services.
Community & Public Health Roles in Florida
Public Health Nurse – Addressing community health needs through education and preventative care.
School Nurse – Providing healthcare services in educational settings.
Occupational Health Nurse – Focusing on workplace health and safety.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), registered nurses held about 3.3 million jobs in 2023, with the largest percentage (58%) working in hospitals. Other significant employment settings include ambulatory healthcare services (19%), government agencies (6%), nursing and residential care facilities (5%), and educational services (3%). Data last updated April 18, 2025. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3
Important Note: A BSN degree itself does not qualify individuals to work as registered nurses. Additional steps including passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining state licensure are required before pursuing these career opportunities.
The NCLEX-RN is for registered nurse licensure after you complete a BSN or ADN nursing program, while the NCLEX-PN is for practical/vocational nurse licensure after completing an LPN or LVN program. Both exams are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and are required for nursing licensure in the United States. For RNs in Tampa, licensure allows for greater autonomy, higher-level clinical responsibilities, and more opportunities for career advancement compared to LPN licensure. Licensed practical nurses typically work under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.
The NCLEX exam is the licensing examination that you must pass to become a registered nurse and practice legally. Passing this exam demonstrates that you’ve met the minimum competency standards required for entry-level nursing practice. The NCLEX exam is a standardized test used across all states to ensure consistent nursing practice standards. Successfully completing it allows you to apply for your nursing license and begin your professional nursing career in Tampa.
Arizona College of Nursing – Tampa
(813) 499-0113 info@arizonacollege.edu
1411 N Westshore Blvd Suite 200 Tampa, FL 33607
Accreditations
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.aacnnursing.org).
All Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
*Florida NCLEX Pass Rate Data: https://floridasnursing.gov/education-and-training-programs/
National NCLEX Pass Rates: https://www.ncsbn.org/exams/exam-statistics-and-publications/nclex-pass-rates.page