What LPN program is accredited in Tampa/St. Pete

Published

Hi Everyone:

I've decided to become an LPN! I have no idea which colleges/programs are accredited and will be accepted to become an RN-I honestly have only found one.

I spoke with Galeon Nursing School in St. Petersburg-anyone ever been there? Do the credits transfer? Any assistance would be great! :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care.

PTEC in Pinellas also offers LPN. Galen is great for LPN, I went there. Our class has 100% NCLEX pass rate, we graduated in August.

Check the technical school in Tampa, I'm drawing a blank on the name.

As for transferring classes to RN, I don't think the LPN nursing classes are transferrable. You'll still have to do all the pre-reqs at community college and have your LPN license before you can apply for the bridge program to RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
PTEC in Pinellas also offers LPN. Galen is great for LPN, I went there. Our class has 100% NCLEX pass rate, we graduated in August.

Check the technical school in Tampa, I'm drawing a blank on the name.

As for transferring classes to RN, I don't think the LPN nursing classes are transferrable. You'll still have to do all the pre-reqs at community college and have your LPN license before you can apply for the bridge program to RN.

Okay-I've completed 2 out of the three pre-req's-I have a bachelor degree in Psychology so all of my general classes are completed-as well.

So you liked Galen? Is there a wait? I'm going to try and take a tour in the next week-do you know how many times they accept new students? I recieved some informaion from the school but I didn't see it-

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.

There is also a technical school in Tampa. Erwin Tech (and Brewster - but I don't know about this one; it's fairly new). I went to Erwin. It is a good program. It was 12 months when I was there, but I believe it is 14 months now because they added the IV certification to the program; which is great! Erwin has a contract with HCC. 10 credit hours will transfer into the nursing program. Most RN programs offer a bridge program which will cut 1 semester off; so you will go to RN school for 3 semesters instead of 4 (saves about 6 months or so).

I've heard great things about Galen's LPN program, but be careful with their RN program. The RN program is not regionally accredited (yet, I hear they are working on it), so your RN classes will not transfer anywhere else. I work with a girl who failed out and is having trouble getting into other schools. She only has a couple of classes to be done, but may have to start over because nothing is transferring for her.

HTH! Good luck to you!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care.
Okay-I've completed 2 out of the three pre-req's-I have a bachelor degree in Psychology so all of my general classes are completed-as well.

So you liked Galen? Is there a wait? I'm going to try and take a tour in the next week-do you know how many times they accept new students? I recieved some informaion from the school but I didn't see it-

Thanks!

Which college's nursing pre-reqs are you talking about? HCC and SPC I believe have different pre-reqs for their nursing programs. Did you get your degree from private or public college? Since you already have a degree, have you thought about going to USF and doing the BSN there?

If you already have student loans I'd seriously think about how much more debt you want to take on. Galen is expensive to complete the RN.

Look at your timeline, how long would it take you to get BSN at USF vs going to Galen for roughly 2 years and 3 months to complete the RN.

Yes, Galen is a great school to go to if you don't have any pre-reqs done. But if you decide to go on and get BSN or higher you have to find a private college that will accept Galen's classes.

Galen doesn't have a wait as far as I know. You have to apply, do their entry exam and interview.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
There is also a technical school in Tampa. Erwin Tech (and Brewster - but I don't know about this one; it's fairly new). I went to Erwin. It is a good program. It was 12 months when I was there, but I believe it is 14 months now because they added the IV certification to the program; which is great! Erwin has a contract with HCC. 10 credit hours will transfer into the nursing program. Most RN programs offer a bridge program which will cut 1 semester off; so you will go to RN school for 3 semesters instead of 4 (saves about 6 months or so).

I've heard great things about Galen's LPN program, but be careful with their RN program. The RN program is not regionally accredited (yet, I hear they are working on it), so your RN classes will not transfer anywhere else. I work with a girl who failed out and is having trouble getting into other schools. She only has a couple of classes to be done, but may have to start over because nothing is transferring for her.

HTH! Good luck to you!!!

Wow! You have been very helpful-may I ask you a question? What made you want to become a LPN instead of going straight into an RN program?

My thinking is I've never been in the health field-I want a second career and I'm not willing to gamble on spending that much money without first having experience-plus wouldn't people want to hire me if I've been a LPN first?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Which college's nursing pre-reqs are you talking about? HCC and SPC I believe have different pre-reqs for their nursing programs. Did you get your degree from private or public college? Since you already have a degree, have you thought about going to USF and doing the BSN there?

If you already have student loans I'd seriously think about how much more debt you want to take on. Galen is expensive to complete the RN.

Look at your timeline, how long would it take you to get BSN at USF vs going to Galen for roughly 2 years and 3 months to complete the RN.

Yes, Galen is a great school to go to if you don't have any pre-reqs done. But if you decide to go on and get BSN or higher you have to find a private college that will accept Galen's classes.

Galen doesn't have a wait as far as I know. You have to apply, do their entry exam and interview.

I received my B.S.degree in Psychology from Regis University in Denver, CO (private Jesuit college)-everything is completed except Anatomy II and Microbiology-which I will take in the spring-

I'm leaning more towards the LPN at Galen and here's why-

I have to work-Galen offers evening LPN programs as SPC you have to start at 1-I have a full time job and have to keep it-once I receive my LPN license I'll apply to USF & complete the bridge program-while I'm in the RN program I can work and gain experience as a LPN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care.

My story:

I was working on the pre-reqs for SPC and had 2 left to complete for RN program and had gpa of 3.6, I applied for RN program and got turned down. I was working full-time and hated my job. My sup's wife went to Galen and was happy with it.

I didn't have any medical experience and got a bit freaked out and frustrated so off to Galen I went. I was thinking that I'd get LPN then work and continue on to RN.

I graduated in August, half my class continued on at Galen for RN and the rest of us are looking for jobs and then go elsewhere for RN.

As soon as I got my license I applied for the bridge program at SPC starting in May. I'm doing microbiology right now and will do stats in Jan.

Unfortunately, the job market for inexperienced LPNs is pretty well non-existant. I'm taking an IV cert course next week and ACLS the following week. I hope these extra certificates will land me a job in skilled nursing.

Its scary reading up on the lack of jobs for new RNs and LPNs. I'm prepared to leave the state if I have to upon graduation from RN, that's if I can sell my house.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.
Wow! You have been very helpful-may I ask you a question? What made you want to become a LPN instead of going straight into an RN program?

My thinking is I've never been in the health field-I want a second career and I'm not willing to gamble on spending that much money without first having experience-plus wouldn't people want to hire me if I've been a LPN first?

I'll try to give you the condensed version ... I became an LPN first because I wasn't able to complete school immediately after high school. I was a CNA awaiting acceptance into nursing school when I found out my DH and I were expecting our first son. I postponed school ... and found myself in the business world where I quickly moved up the chain. I had a great job and a second son by time I decided to become a SAHM. Since then, I've had another son. So, here I am dying to get into nursing with 3 kids. No way can I do 2 years full-time for my RN. I needed the quick in and out. Hence, the 12 month LPN program. It was exactly what I needed. I graduated in March (2nd in my class, I might add)!!!

I'm now working as an LPN ... it is VERY VERY difficult for a new nurse; LPN or RN, to get a job right now. I was lucky that I found a manager willing to hire new nurses. Although the facility is not great and I don't see myself there forever, I'm thankful for a job. Many of my classmates are still looking for a job.

Speaking of the Accelerated BSN program at USF. I know a gal who had a major in Women's Studies (or something) with a 3.5 GPA and wasn't able to get into that program 3 times. It is my understanding that it is very competitive and they go by GPA. I do not know this specifically, just what I've been told.

I have heard great things about Galen's program, but it is very pricey. Weigh your options before you decide. Erwin's program is different for entrance now (used to be lottery system, but now entrance exam)... they also have an evening program. It used to be 4:30-10 Mon-Thur ... I believe it is 2 months longer than the full-time day program, but not sure on the specifics of it now.

Good luck with your decision. Nursing is a wonderful field, but has become very competitive. Market yourself however you can. Gain additional certifications ... IV certification is HUGE! Most employers don't even want to talk to you without that one. Telemetry and ACLS would be great ones too. I plan to look into my options as well.

I recently signed up with a staffing agency ... which I never thought I would, but gain experience any way you can!! I always thought that if I started in LTC I'd be stuck there. That is not necessarily the case. Just don't stay too long!! ;)

Hopefully my ramblings have helped!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'll try to give you the condensed version ... I became an LPN first because I wasn't able to complete school immediately after high school. I was a CNA awaiting acceptance into nursing school when I found out my DH and I were expecting our first son. I postponed school ... and found myself in the business world where I quickly moved up the chain. I had a great job and a second son by time I decided to become a SAHM. Since then, I've had another son. So, here I am dying to get into nursing with 3 kids. No way can I do 2 years full-time for my RN. I needed the quick in and out. Hence, the 12 month LPN program. It was exactly what I needed. I graduated in March (2nd in my class, I might add)!!!

I'm now working as an LPN ... it is VERY VERY difficult for a new nurse; LPN or RN, to get a job right now. I was lucky that I found a manager willing to hire new nurses. Although the facility is not great and I don't see myself there forever, I'm thankful for a job. Many of my classmates are still looking for a job.

Speaking of the Accelerated BSN program at USF. I know a gal who had a major in Women's Studies (or something) with a 3.5 GPA and wasn't able to get into that program 3 times. It is my understanding that it is very competitive and they go by GPA. I do not know this specifically, just what I've been told.

I have heard great things about Galen's program, but it is very pricey. Weigh your options before you decide. Erwin's program is different for entrance now (used to be lottery system, but now entrance exam)... they also have an evening program. It used to be 4:30-10 Mon-Thur ... I believe it is 2 months longer than the full-time day program, but not sure on the specifics of it now.

Good luck with your decision. Nursing is a wonderful field, but has become very competitive. Market yourself however you can. Gain additional certifications ... IV certification is HUGE! Most employers don't even want to talk to you without that one. Telemetry and ACLS would be great ones too. I plan to look into my options as well.

I recently signed up with a staffing agency ... which I never thought I would, but gain experience any way you can!! I always thought that if I started in LTC I'd be stuck there. That is not necessarily the case. Just don't stay too long!! ;)

Hopefully my ramblings have helped!!

Wow! Great advice!!! I guess reading the news and headlines are always: Nurses are in demand! So I decide to get into nursing because:

I can make a difference, pay seems good=but being on this forumn I noticed that a lot of people can't find jobs and that is scary to me- I will look into Erwin as I never heard of it-

Up Vote Up Vote ×
My story:

I was working on the pre-reqs for SPC and had 2 left to complete for RN program and had gpa of 3.6, I applied for RN program and got turned down. I was working full-time and hated my job. My sup's wife went to Galen and was happy with it.

I didn't have any medical experience and got a bit freaked out and frustrated so off to Galen I went. I was thinking that I'd get LPN then work and continue on to RN.

I graduated in August, half my class continued on at Galen for RN and the rest of us are looking for jobs and then go elsewhere for RN.

As soon as I got my license I applied for the bridge program at SPC starting in May. I'm doing microbiology right now and will do stats in Jan.

Unfortunately, the job market for inexperienced LPNs is pretty well non-existant. I'm taking an IV cert course next week and ACLS the following week. I hope these extra certificates will land me a job in skilled nursing.

Its scary reading up on the lack of jobs for new RNs and LPNs. I'm prepared to leave the state if I have to upon graduation from RN, that's if I can sell my house.

Ohh I see the "jobs" that no one can fill are non-exsistent-well maybe I will finish with my pre-req's then see if the job market gets better for nurses-did you ever think of going into another healthcare field?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.

The thing about Erwin that's nice is it is part of the Hillsborough County School system so you have similar days off as students in school. This was nice for me as a mom with 2 kids in school (and 1 at home). This wasn't the case for every day off, but many of them.

The other thing ... Erwin's program is about $3500 (at least it was) which is significantly less than Galen. Erwin has the pricing listed on their web site.

www.erwin.edu

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion