Health Care Schools and Careers in Florida

Research health care degrees and other degree programs that can help you prepare for a challenging and rewarding career in the health care industry. The health care industry pays good salaries and based on the projected growth, job security in all areas is solid. No matter what your interests are, there is a career for you in health care industry.

Fastest Growing Health Care Careers in Florida

People are moving to Florida in droves. The majority of which are elderly and require health care services. Florida health care has responded by expanding current facilities and creating new ones around the state creating numerous opportunities for talented professionals in all fields..

Not all of the fastest growing careers in health care are the highest paying, but a few are mixed in such as Network administrators and analysts, physician assistants and physical therapists. Other health care careers in Florida, paying well, include medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, registered nurses, nursing aides, home health aides, dental assistants, dental hygienists and related allied health careers. To learn more about specific careers in health care, make sure to check out the Career Center.

Aside from home health aides, the rest of these careers require a college degree. Some medical assistant positions will still hire people with on the job training, but the trend has moved toward hiring formally trained medical assistants. Employers vary on their educational requirements of IT professionals, but it is common that some level of technology degree will be required. Investing in an education that will prepare you for one of these growing careers is a wise decision based on future job opportunity and security.

If you live in the Miami-Dade area, you may want to contact the University of Miami Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to learn about the student and career seeker resources they offer. Check out this interview with Dr. Fournier, Program Director at the University of Miami AHEC to learn what the University of Miami AHEC is about: Building Pipelines to Health Care Equity – The University of Miami AHEC

Who are the Health Care Organizations with the most Employees in Florida?

Worthy of some research these organizations are well-known and respected as top providers in the health care industry. Career opportunities with any of these organizations come with nice benefits packages and promotion potential due to their size and variety of career paths. Here are some of the largest employers in the Florida health care industry:

  • Florida Hospital Orlando: Employs over 15,000 professionals and is the largest hospital in Florida. Opportunities for all levels from allied health to graduate level nurses to marketing and IT professionals. Good benefits package.
  • Orlando Regional Health Care System: Comprised of 11 facilities and organizations and part owner in two other facilities. The size, nearly as large as Florida Hospital, and number of facilities offers excellent entry-level and advanced career opportunities in every imaginable field.
  • Lee Memorial Health System: Located in Fort Meyers.
  • St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital: Located in Tampa, FL.
  • Jackson Memorial Hospital: Located in Miami, FL.
  • Memorial Regional Hospital: Located in Hollywood, FL.
  • NCH Health Care System: Located in Naples Florida.
  • Mayo Clinic Jacksonville: Employs around 4,500 employees.

A college degree is required by 75% of the fastest growing jobs and a bachelor’s degree will be required by roughly 60%

of the higher paying fastest growing jobs. Investing in your future by getting a college level degree or graduate level degree is one of the wisest ways to spend your money. In this time of economic downturn, an education that can prepare you for entry-level or advanced careers that are projected to have openings once you complete your education is a good investment.

Take the first step toward advancing or starting your career at one of these organizations by requesting information from the schools below.

Schools Offering Health Care and Nursing Degrees in Florida

tip Programs are subject to change.

Academy for Practical Nursing & Health Occupations – West Palm Beach, FL:

Programs:

  • Home Health Aide/Home Attendant
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant

Advance Science Institute – Hialeah, FL:

Programs:

  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist

Barry University – Miami Shores, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Bethune-Cookman College – Daytona Beach, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Brewster Technical Center – Tampa, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Broward College – Coconut Creek, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing

Broward Community College – Fort Lauderdale, FL:

Programs:

  • Biomedical Technology/Technician
  • Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer & Ultrasound Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • Hospital and Health Care Facilities Administration/Management
  • Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispencing Optician
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist

Caregiver Education – Naples, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing Program

Center for Allied Health & Nursing – Brandon, FL:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical Nursing Program

Central Florida Community College – Ocala, FL:

Programs:

  • Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician/Veterinary Assistant

Centura Institute – Orlando, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing Diploma

Chamberlain College of Nursing – Jacksonville, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Charlotte County Technical Center – Port Charlotte, FL:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical Nursing Program

Chipola College – Marianna, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s

City College – Fort Lauderdale, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s

College of Central Florida, Ocala Campus – Ocala, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing program

Concorde Career Colleges – Jacksonville, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing

Dade Medical College – Hialeah, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Daytona State College – Daytona Beach, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nurse

Erwin Technical Center – Tampa, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

First Coast Technical Institute – St. Augustine, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing Program

Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Florida Gateway College – Lake City, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing – Certificate

Florida Gulf Coast University – Fort Myers, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Florida International University – Miami, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Florida Keys Community College – Key West, FL:

Programs:

  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Florida National College – Hialeah, FL:

Programs:

  • Allied Health Diagnostic/Intervention/Treatment Professions
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician
  • Dental Services and Allied Professions
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Health Services Administration
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant

Florida Southern College – Lakeland, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Florida State College – Jacksonville, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing Program

Florida State University – Tallahassee, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Fortis College – Pensacola, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing program

Galen College of Nursing – Saint Petersburg, FL:

Programs:

  • Prelicensure Practical Nursing Programs

Green Cross School of Nursing – Miami, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Gulf Coast College – Tampa, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing – Diploma

Gulf Coast Community College – Panama City, FL:

Programs:

  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer & Ultrasound Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Forensic Science and Technology
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Herzing University – Winter Park, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing (DPN)

Hillsborough Community College – Plant City, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s

Hillsborough Community College – Tampa, FL:

Programs:

  • Biomedical Technology/Technician
  • Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer & Ultrasound Technician
  • Dietitian Assistant
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
  • Forensic Science and Technology
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Opticianry/Opthalmic Dispensing Optician
  • Optometric Technician/Assistant
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician/Veterinary Assistant
  • Water Quality & Wastewater Treatment Mgmt & Recycling Tech

Hodges University – Naples, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Immokalee Technical Center – Immokalee, FL:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical Nursing Program

Indian River Community College – Fort Pierce, FL:

Programs:

  • Blood Bank Technology Specialist
  • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician
  • Dietitian Assistant
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist
  • Nursing, Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist

Indian River State College – Fort Pierce, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nurse

Inlet Grove Community High School – Riviera Beach, FL:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical Nurse

Jacksonville University – Jacksonville, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Kaplan University – Fort Lauderdale, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s

Keiser University – Tallahassee, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Licensed Practical Nursing Program

Lake-Sumter State College – Leesburg, FL:

Programs:

  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Lake Technical Center – Eustis, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Lee County High Tech Center North – Cape Coral, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing Program

Lincoln technical institute – Fern Park, FL:

Programs:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing
  • Practical Nursing

Locklin Technical Center – Milton, FL:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical Nurse Program

Manatee Community College – Bradenton, FL:

Programs:

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer & Ultrasound Technician
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist

Manatee Technical Institute – Bradenton, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

MedVance Institute – Miami, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Mercy Hospital – Miami, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Miami Dade College – Miami, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing

North Florida Community College – Madison, FL:

Programs:

  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Nursing
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Northwest Florida State College – Niceville, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s

Orlando Tech – Orlando, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Palm Beach Community College – Lake Worth, FL:

Programs:

  • Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer & Ultrasound Technician
  • Dietitian Assistant
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Forensic Science and Technology
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nursing
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist

Palm Beach State College – Belle Glade, FL:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical Nurse
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Pasco-Hernando Community College – New Port Richey, FL:

Programs:

  • Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
  • Blood Bank Technology Specialist
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Health Unit Coordinator/Ward Clerk
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical nursing

Pensacola Christian College – Pensacola, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Pensacola Junior College – Pensacola, FL:

Programs:

  • Blood Bank Technology Specialist
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer & Ultrasound Technician
  • Dietitian Assistant
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Health Unit Coordinator/Ward Clerk
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist

Pensacola State College – Pensacola, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing

Polk Community College – Winter Haven, FL:

Programs:

  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant

Rasmussen College – Pasco, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing Diploma

Rose Training Institute – Winter Haven, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nurse Course

Sanford-Brown Institute – Jacksonville, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing Program

Santa Fe Community College – Gainesville, FL:

Programs:

  • Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
  • Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer & Ultrasound Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Nuclear Medical Technology/Technologist
  • Nursing
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • Surgical Technology/Technologist

Santa Fe College – Gainesville, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • Practical Nursing

Seminole Community College – Sanford, FL:

Programs:

  • Blood Bank Technology Specialist
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nursing
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist

Seminole State College of Florida – Sanford, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s
  • V.C., Practical Nursing Certificate

Sheridan Technical Center – Hollywood, FL:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical Nursing

South Florida Community College – Avon Park, FL:

Programs:

  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant
  • Nursing
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • RN Program – Associate’s

South University, West Palm Beach:

Programs:

  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Psychology
  • Nursing
  • Nursing RN to BSN Degree Completion
  • Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Public Health

Suwannee County Schools – Live Oak, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota – Bradenton, FL:

Programs:

  • RN Program – Associate’s

Tallahassee Community College – Tallahassee, FL:

Programs:

  • Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
  • Dental Assisting/Assistant
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Forensic Science and Technology
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Tampa Bay Technical High School – Tampa, FL:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical Nursing

Technical Education Center-Osceola – Kissimmee, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing Program

The University of Tampa – Tampa, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Tom P. Haney Vocational-Technical Center – Panama City, FL:

Programs:

  • Licensed Practical Nursing

Traviss Career Center – Lakeland, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing

Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) – Clearwater, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nursing Program

University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

University of Florida – Gainesville, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

University of North Florida – Jacksonville, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

University of South Florida – Tampa, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

University of West Florida – Pensacola, FL:

Programs:

  • Bachelors in Nursing

Valencia Community College – Orlando, FL:

Programs:

  • Cardiovascular Technology/Technologist
  • Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer & Ultrasound Technician
  • Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
  • Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
  • Medical Radiologic Technology/Science- Radiation Therapist
  • Nursing/Registered Nurse
  • Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
  • RN Program – Associate’s

Virginia College – Pensacola, FL:

Programs:

  • Practical Nurse

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