Nursing programs in Tampa (HCC, USF, UT)

[nisa.33, CNA]

Hello, I need your help and advice! I recently moved to Tampa, FL. I want to know more about these colleges (Hillsborough Community College, University of South Florida and University of Tampa) and what their nursing programs are like. I still have a year of pre-reqs left, so I would be a transfer student.

HCC would be the easiest option for me as it is close and affordable but I have heard (and read) not so great things about the college. I want to complete my prereqs and then apply to a BSN program, which is why I also want to know more about universities like USF and UT. How hard is it to get into these programs (Do they have long wait lists)? Are they good programs or are there better options?

I would appreciate any help at all! If there are other community colleges or universities you could recommend please do. ?

[nisa.33, CNA]

Anyone? I've been trying to find out about these programs but there's not alot of actual student reviews from schools like HCC. ?

[Cmailes]

I have applied to HCC and the USF accelerated 2nd degree. All of the schools look at different things so if I were you I would apply to all and see who accepts you because it can be very hard to get in. With the HCC route, you can do a concurrent program with USF as long as you have a 3.0 gpa and you finish with a bachelors from USF but start off at HCC with about one or two classes a semester at USF. After about 2 years you finish up in 1 year at USF but they are all online so you can start your nursing career because you will have yourRN.

[nisa.33, CNA]

On 10/1/2019 at 1:28 PM, Cmailes said:

I have applied to HCC and the USF accelerated 2nd degree. All of the schools look at different things so if I were you I would apply to all and see who accepts you because it can be very hard to get in. With the HCC route, you can do a concurrent program with USF as long as you have a 3.0 gpa and you finish with a bachelors from USF but start off at HCC with about one or two classes a semester at USF.

Thank you for replying. I hope you get in! ? HCC is my first choice right now because of the USF Concurrent and location. Its definitely very attractive, especially this part!

Quote

After about 2 years you finish up in 1 year at USF but they are all online so you can start your nursing career because you will have yourRN.

[Jenlee2356]

Nisa.33 did you make it into any programs yet. While community colleges are the most affordable, I'm so tired of waiting to get in. Now with this COVID thing TEAS exams have been cancelled or rescheduled until after application deadlines. I've finally decided to go drive all the way to St. Pete to attend Galen. It's private and yes more expensive but I believe it is a good choice. Rasmussen is another private and is closer to me but I'm hearing so many horror stories. USF is an option but because I already have a BA and my GPA is just below 3.0 they won't even look in my direction. I hope you make it into a school soon!

[meme4]

On 4/2/2020 at 7:56 PM, Jenlee2356 said:

Nisa.33 did you make it into any programs yet. While community colleges are the most affordable, I'm so tired of waiting to get in. Now with this COVID thing TEAS exams have been cancelled or rescheduled until after application deadlines. I've finally decided to go drive all the way to St. Pete to attend Galen. It's private and yes more expensive but I believe it is a good choice. Rasmussen is another private and is closer to me but I'm hearing so many horror stories. USF is an option but because I already have a BA and my GPA is just below 3.0 they won't even look in my direction. I hope you make it into a school soon!

I’m in the same situation. I’ll be graduating this May with my bachelors from USF. I’m just below a 3.0 right now but I feel pretty good about being able to raise my GPA when classes are finished. I’m weighing my options with the HCC/USF concurrent and Galen at the moment. I was looking at Utica, too, but it’s hard to find reviews on their programs in FL. It comes down to job prospects after nursing school and the cost of the program for me.

[Jenlee2356]

I haven't checked Utica. I too have looked for reviews for all the schools and ruled out Rasmussen based on reviews. I recently did a CPR course and the instructor said Galen is a really good private school. CONGRATS on upcoming graduation! Good luck where ever you land ?