LPN Programs in Tampa Area

DaniLPN2RN · Jun 30, 2009

I live near MacDill AFB as well. I attended the LPN program at Erwin Tech. It is part of the Hillsborough County school system, so a lot of the days off your kids have in school, you will have off too. It's a 12 month program. If you look into it now, you may be able to start in August 2010 and finish in July 2011. They do work on a lottery system, so there is no guarantee that you will start in August. Check out their web site (www.erwin.edu) for all the info you need. I believe they recently changed their entrance test, so I can't tell you exactly what you need to be accepted. Erwin is not an online program. Their day program is 7:30am - 2pm Monday-Friday.

I graduated in March of this year and was hoping to work in a hospital. Unfortuanately, the pay at the hospitals is not sufficient to run my household (I have 3 children). I am working at a nursing home, weekends only, making great money. I do not have to pay child care because I'm home with my kids all week. There is a lot of flexibility out there, you just have to look for it. It is difficult to get a job as a new grad (LPN or RN doesn't matter). Most places want experience of some sort.

I know that Brewster Tech (also part of Hills Co. School system) has an LPN program as well. I'm not familiar with it, but they have a web site too.

Good luck to you.

happymommyx4 · Jun 30, 2009

Thank you so much for your reply and the information! After reading more about the job and education of an LPN, I don't think that it is for me. I haven't made that decision firmly yet though. I called an LPN program in my home state and the advisor strongly discouraged me from doing it because of my level of education.

I was a double major in college (1 course shy of graduating when I left....*KICKS SELF*) in sports medicine and health administration. I am currently an RMT and a graduate of the top MT school. I think that at this point I am going to enroll in SPC as a HIM major. This will qualify me to take the RHIT exam. I have so many of the courses already completed that I will be able to complete the degree in a little over a year going part time. While attending, there is no reason that I cannot also complete prenursing courses as well. MTs work from home with a median salary of $14.50/hour. That doesn't sound like a lot but when you have a 6 foot commute each morning and no overhead costs (work clothes, lunches, childcare) it is a good salary. I can complete the HIM degree online.

And, yes, I am sharing this in attempts to talk myself into believing it is the best choice! :smokin:

DaniLPN2RN · Jun 30, 2009

Maybe this will help ... Several hospitals in the area have an LPN starting pay (for new grads) around $12-$12.50/hr. Nursing homes offer more with starting pay averaging from $16 - $17.50/hr. If you can make $14.50 from home with no other costs .... you're already ahead of the game.

Good luck to you in your decision. I know it's hard to decide what you want to be when you grow up!! LOL

happymommyx4 · Jun 30, 2009

Oh, you made me laugh! Yes that is exactly it! My kids talk about what they want to be when they grow up and I am still trying to figure it out!

I have friends who also went to Andrews or M-Tec (the top MT schools) and make well over $20 per hour as MTs. MTs are paid on production so you have to be fast and have a high degree of accuracy with a very good knowledge base in pharmaceuticals, instruments, procedures, and anything else that you can think of. Just like nursing, it is not for everyone, and a lot of people think it is a fast way to a paycheck.

You gave me a bit of perspective. Thank you.