The Tampa Nursing Student’s Resource Guide
For those in any stage of their nursing profession, the Tampa area has many employers, supply stores, study spots, discounted adventures, and more. We’re here to help you find everything locally you need to succeed—and even spend some much-deserved downtime—as a nurse or aspiring nurse in the Tampa area.
Tampa Nursing Careers, Salaries, and Job Growth
Wherever you are on your nursing career path, Tampa likely has a job for you. Hillsborough County has over 4,000 beds in its hospitals, and Tampa alone has around 40 assisted living communities—and let’s not forget about the innumerable doctor’s offices, urgent care centers, and more.
CNA Salary and Growth in Tampa
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) assist with daily patient care and support registered nurses in their work. Premier Nursing Academy’s Pinellas Park campus, just outside of Tampa, offers free CNA training.
| CNA Salary and Growth | |
| Tampa 2019 Median Salary | $21,890 – $36,980 |
| Florida 2019 Median Salary | $21,090 – $36,600 |
| Florida 2018-2028 Growth | 11% |
Data from O*Net (2021); includes certified and uncertified nursing assistants
Medical Assistant Salary and Growth in Tampa
Medical assistants (MAs) do clerical and clinical tasks, assisting physicians in a variety of areas.
| MA Salary and Growth | |
| Tampa 2019 Median Salary | $25,990 – $40,010 |
| Florida 2019 Median Salary | $26,080 – $42,880 |
| Florida 2018-2028 Growth | 32% |
Data from O*Net (2021)
LPN Salary and Growth in Tampa
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are nurses who work under registered nurses’ supervision, providing basic care that’s more extensive than that of CNAs and MAs.
| LPN Salary and Growth | |
| Tampa 2019 Median Salary | $35,680 – $56,900 |
| Florida 2019 Median Salary | $34,430 – $58,680 |
| Florida 2018-2028 Growth | 12% |
Data from O*Net (2021)
RN Salary and Growth in Tampa
Registered nurses (RNs) provide high-level care to patients, including taking and monitoring vital signs, providing medications, teaching families and patients about their injuries and illnesses, and supervising CNAs, MAs, etc.
| RN Salary and Growth | |
| Tampa 2019 Median Salary | $48,370 – $94,430 |
| Florida 2019 Median Salary | $48,020 – $91,510 |
| Florida 2018-2028 Growth | 16% |
Data from O*Net (2021)
Spotlight on Nursing Employers in Tampa
These are just a few of the healthcare facilities frequently looking for nursing professionals in Tampa. They’re all highly rated by current and former employees on Zippia, Indeed, or Glassdoor
Excel Care Center
Excel Care Center offers short- and long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. The skilled nursing care side has everything from typical patient assistance to dentistry to psychological counseling. The company strives to support patients, residents, and families as they go through a potentially difficult period in their lives.
On Indeed, one CNA said the facility is friendly and helpful, offering no “cons” to the working environment. Other reviewers mention supportive management teams and high productivity in the workplace. Many positions at the center offer sign-on bonuses for full-time employees, including CNA jobs (who may also opt for tuition reimbursement).
Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt Cancer Center has several locations in and near Tampa. They provide patient care and conduct extensive research in their mission to prevent and cure all sorts of cancers.
The company is rated four out of five stars by employees on Glassdoor, with a whopping 411 reviews in English alone. Of those reviewers, 85% would recommend the company to a friend. Many reviews mention flexible hours and a collaborative working environment. Moffitt Cancer Center also received four out of five stars on Indeed, and the site mentions salaries nearing $60,000 for RNs and $130,000 for nurse practitioners.
Opis Senior Services Group
Opis Senior Services Group offers post-acute, rehabilitation, nursing, and assisted living centers for seniors and at-home care through their Alpha Bridge Home Health program. The company is based in Tampa and has several locations, including their Fairway Oaks Center.
According to Zippia, the staff “come from unusually diverse backgrounds” in terms of gender, race, and even political leanings, and Opis offers competitive pay for the area. The site named them the second-best healthcare company to work for in Tampa and the sixth-best company to work for in the city overall.
Shriners Hospital for Children
Shriners Hospital for Children is based in Tampa and has 22 locations scattered throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Their Tampa location focuses on orthopedics for children up to age 18.
If research is your passion, the company is one of the leaders for researching children’s medical issues. However, you don’t need to be a researcher to join their team. Zippia users comment on Shriners’ positive atmosphere, flexible work hours, and full benefits for part-time workers.
Tampa General Hospital
Tampa General Hospital (TGH) was named the number one hospital in Tampa Bay and one of the best hospitals for gastroenterology, nephrology, cardiology and heart surgery, orthopedics, and diabetes and endocrinology in the country. They have many campuses in and around Tampa, ranging from emergency centers to highly specialized facilities.
But, TGH isn’t just known for its excellent healthcare: It’s also one of the best healthcare companies to work for in Tampa and all of Florida. They offer some of the highest pay among their competitors and provide tuition assistance and training.
Tampa Nursing Supply Stores
There are several stores where nurses and nursing students in the Tampa area can purchase necessary supplies.
Discount Uniform Store
Discount Uniform Store sells uniforms for several careers, including nursing. To stay competitive, they offer not just good prices but special sizes, including petite, plus, and tall. They also offer price matching for online and brick-and-mortar shops, as well as a rewards program where you can earn $10 for every $100 you spend.
Call: 813-631-7722
Visit: 13578 University Plaza Street, Tampa, FL 33613
Uniform City
Uniform City, a division of Scrubs & Beyond, sells scrubs, nursing shoes, compression socks, masks, and more. You can sign up for their Scrubs Club in the store, which allows you to earn a $10 coupon whenever you spend $200 (or earn 2,000 points), with double points given on the first Tuesday of the month and special offers for members.
Call: 813-286-7880
Visit: 4045 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33609
Need Help Paying Bills
This website provides a list of Tampa-area services and organizations to help people afford to purchase needs, including school supplies and work clothing.
Hangouts and Discounts for Tampa Nurses and Nursing Students
Whether you’re looking for a place to study or a change of scenery with a discount attached, Tampa has a lot to offer.
The Boba House
If you love a good atmosphere and unique drinks, The Boba House could meet your needs. With ample seating, an artsy environment, and live performances on some days, this may be the ideal place for you and your classmates to study or take in some music. To top it off, they offer student discounts!
Call: 813-442-4885
Visit: 2764 University Square Drive, Tampa, FL 33612
The Grind Coffee Bar
The Grind Coffee Bar is a hip spot offering all-day breakfast, a lunch café, and, of course, coffee. They have indoor and outdoor seating and offer specials on weekends. They’re rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google, with people saying they drive long distances just to get there—including tourists who are excited to return when they visit again. This could be a great place to relax after a long day (or get a cup of coffee before one starts!) or study with your fellow nursing students.
Call: 813-749-7533
Visit: 9532 W. Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33626
Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative
This large public library system has several branches in Tampa that offer a variety of meeting spaces with capacities from as small as four to well over 100—meaning this could be the perfect place for you and your fellow nursing students to study. They also have computers and other technology if you need access away from home and even Park & Surf Wi-Fi you can use from your car
Call: 813-273-3652
Text: 813-352-1972 or 813-352-1603
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts
If you’re ready for a night of live entertainment, The Straz has you covered. From local acts to national tours, you’ll find just about any type of show that strikes your fancy. To sweeten the deal, they offer student and first responder discounts on tickets you purchase the day of a show.
Call: 813-229-7827
Visit: 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602
Tampa Museum of Art
The Tampa Museum of Art offers free admission to college students with ID. So, if you need a break from the grind and want to spend some quiet time admiring works of art, this could be the perfect place for you. They also have a café with “the best view in Tampa.”
Call: 813-274-8130
Visit: 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Other Resources for Tampa Nursing Professionals and Students
Florida Board of Nursing
This is the official website for the nursing licensure board in Florida.
Florida Nurses Association
The FNA offers professional development, networking, advocacy, and more for RNs in Florida.
Tampa Bay Advanced Practice Nurses Council
TBAPNC provides a wealth of resources for APNs and nurse practitioners in Tampa Bay.