Calling the bustling Tampa Bay metropolitan area home, the Rasmussen College – Tampa/Brandon campus taps into the community’s entrepreneurial spirit, teaching in-demand skills and preparing students for the future. With a metro population of more than three million, Tampa has no shortage of things to do: delicious food, career and educational opportunities, world-class entertainment and easy access to the Bay.

Heading the Tampa/Brandon campus is Daniel Stern, a veteran of the higher education industry for more than 18 years. We spoke with Stern to learn more about the ins and outs of the campus and surrounding community.

What is the history of the Tampa/Brandon campus?

Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and has been dedicated to changing lives and the communities it serves through its high-demand and flexible educational programs since 1900. The College is committed to academic innovation and providing the highest standard of education while empowering students to pursue a college education. The College offers Certificate and Diploma programs through Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs online and across its 23 campuses.

The College has grown substantially over the years from its modest start as the Rasmussen Practical School of Business in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Tampa/Brandon campus is an example of that growth, which opened in 2010 and offers a suite of programs spanning the Schools of Business, Technology, Education, Design, Health Sciences and Nursing.

More than 50 percent of its students are part of the School of Nursing. Stern says the Tampa/Brandon campus has a student population that is diverse with many transfer students, military veterans and first-time college students.

Where is the Tampa/Brandon campus located?

The Rasmussen College Tampa/Brandon campus is located in Hillsborough County, a short drive from the heart of downtown Tampa. With ample parking and lots of trees and green space surrounding the campus, it’s a serene setting in the middle of a major city.

“Location is a big thing,” Stern says, noting that the campus sits just off Interstate 75 and E. Dr. MLK Jr. Boulevard, so getting to and from campus is a breeze.

What programs are offered at the Tampa/Brandon campus?

The Tampa/Brandon campus offers the following on-campus programs in the School of Nursing:

School of Nursing:

• Practical Nursing (LPN): The Rasmussen College Practical Nursing Diploma in Florida is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.¹
• Professional Nursing (ADN); The Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. The Tampa/Brandon campus is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)²
  • Professional Nursing Mobility Bridge Entrance Option (post-licensure LPN to ADN program)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Rasmussen College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).³
  • A-BSN Standard Entrance Option
  • A-BSN Second Degree Entrance Option
  • RN to BSN Entrance Option

Additionally, students may also enroll in any of Rasmussen College’s more than 30 online programs through the Tampa/Brandon campus and have access to on-campus support.

What resources and support services are offered at the Tampa/Brandon campus?

Rasmussen College’s Tampa/Brandon campus is your one-stop shop for support, with study spaces, on-campus tutoring and high-tech computer labs. Stop by to not only see your advisor and chat with friends, but also to hit the books and focus in a supportive environment.

The campus offers two large study spaces that are equipped with computers and tables that are available for group study sessions, as well as a Campus Connect-equipped classroom, a hybrid instruction environment featuring two 80-inch TV screens and high-definition cameras. This technology allows students to interact and converse with instructors and classmates from across the country. “It’s interactive; they’re with other students,” Stern says of the Campus Connect classroom.

Students come from other Florida campuses to use the classroom, Stern says, and it’s a tech-forward way of ensuring students get the best instruction possible.

Tutoring, Career Services and the Library and Learning Services are offered online and are available to all students. Online technical support is available to all Rasmussen students 24/7.

How is the Tampa/Brandon campus involved in the local community?

Being in a major metropolitan area doesn’t mean the campus isn’t closely involved with its community. Students and instructors have worked with the Hillsborough Education Foundation, a group that gives educational resources and assistance to students in Hillsborough County.

“This campus is really focused on giving back to the community,” Stern says, noting they’ve partnered many times with the foundation for school supply drives and fundraisers. “It’s a cause that’s near and dear to this campus,” Stern says.

The Tampa roots of this campus don’t stop there. Graduates from the Tampa/Brandon campus are frequently employed by the Hospital Corporation of America, Florida Hospital, Pasco County and Access Healthcare.

Quick facts about the Tampa/Brandon campus:

• Best restaurants nearby:
  • Danny’s All-American Diner
  • Taqueria San Martin
  • Papa Joe’s Subs
  • Kiso Sushi & Hibachi
  • 301 Family Restaurant
• Best study spots nearby:
  • Dunkin' Donuts
  • Veterans Memorial Park
  • Lakeview Village Park
• Activities nearby:
  • Sky Zone Trampoline Park
  • Astro Skate of Brandon
  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Picture yourself at the Rasmussen College – Tampa/Brandon campus

Just a few miles from the bay, Rasmussen College – Tampa/Brandon offers a wide variety of learning options with state-of-the-art technology. This fast-growing community is attracting top talent, and Rasmussen is proud to play its part with real-world, hands-on education.

If you want to learn more about how you might find your fit in this community of learners, check out the Rasmussen College - Tampa/Brandon Facebook page.

¹ Upon satisfactory completion of the Practical Nursing program requirements, students are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses. Upon passing the NCLEX-PN Exam, the PN candidate is eligible for licensure, provided the candidate has satisfied all Florida Board of Nursing requirements. Florida Board of Nursing 4042 Bald Cypress Way Tallahassee, FL 32399 Phone: 850-245-4125
²The Rasmussen College Professional Nursing Associate’s degree program in Tampa/Brandon, Florida is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326; 404-975-5000. acenursing.org This program is not accredited by ACEN, but is a candidate for accreditation. Candidate status does not guarantee that a program will achieve initial accreditation.
³The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20001, 202-463-6930, aacnnursing.org/CCNE