Compare accredited practical nursing schools by cost, NCLEX pass rates, and program format in Southwest Florida.
Southwest Florida’s 65-plus population, among the largest shares in the country, sustains steady demand for practical nurses. Fort Myers hosts seven accredited LPN programs, distinguished by cost, NCLEX-PN pass rates, and in-person versus hybrid formats. Choosing well means balancing cost against accreditation status and clinical placement strength. A program’s NCLEX pass rate offers a clearer signal than its sticker price.
We’ve ranked accredited LPN programs within 75 miles of Fort Myers based on cost, graduation rates, and program features. Each profile below highlights key details so you can compare your options and find the best fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Fort Myers Technical College | Fort Myers, FL | Local students wanting hands-on clinical hours | ||
Fort Myers Technical College has been training practical nurses locally since 1967 with a state-approved certificate program. The full-time, cohort-based curriculum includes 675 clinical hours and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Admission is competitive, requiring the TEAS exam and an interview, with a single start each summer.
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| #2 | Galen College of Nursing | Sarasota, FL | $28,000/yr | Career changers needing multiple start dates | |
Galen College of Nursing’s Sarasota campus offers a 12-month practical/vocational nursing diploma with four start dates per year and no application fee. The program emphasizes hands-on learning in modern clinical labs and provides robust student support including on-demand tutoring and an assigned academic advisor.
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| #3 | Suncoast Technical College | Sarasota, FL | $17,000/yr | Students prioritizing extensive clinical rotations | |
Suncoast Technical College’s practical nursing program is accredited by the Florida State Board of Nursing and features over 50% of total hours in clinical rotations at local hospitals. The curriculum includes simulation training with a human patient simulator, and all instructors are registered nurses licensed in Florida.
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| #4 | South Florida State College | Avon Park, FL | $4,000/yr (net price) | ||
South Florida State College provides a practical nursing certificate program that can be completed in about one year, with evening and flexible scheduling options to accommodate working students. The college emphasizes small class sizes and dedicated faculty support, and graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam.
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Many prospective students narrow their search to schools near home or rely on a friend’s recommendation. Our ranking of top LPN programs takes a different approach, drawing on objective metrics that are publicly reported and consistently measured across institutions. This method surfaces programs that deliver strong value: balancing affordability, completion rates, and early-career earnings.
We started by identifying every accredited LPN program within a 75-mile radius of Fort Myers. From that pool, we evaluated each school using four data points pulled from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. All figures are the most recent available as of 2026.
No single ranking can capture every factor that matters. Our methodology intentionally omits NCLEX-PN pass rates, clinical rotation quality, and student satisfaction surveys. Those elements are important for a well-rounded decision, but they are not consistently reported or verified across all schools. Similarly, we do not attempt to score intangible aspects like campus culture or instructor rapport. Use this list to shortlist programs that meet a baseline of fiscal and outcome transparency, then dig deeper with site visits and conversations with faculty.
These figures reflect the average net price, the amount students pay after grants and scholarships, across the entire institution, not just the nursing program. Your costs will vary based on your financial aid package and program-specific fees. Among these schools, median federal student loan debt for graduates ranges from $6,992 at Florida Gateway College to $22,000 at Jacksonville University, translating to estimated monthly payments of roughly $80 to $253 on a standard 10-year plan.
Choosing an LPN program involves more than location and cost: a program’s accreditation status and its NCLEX-PN pass rates directly shape your eligibility for licensure and your readiness to practice. Here is how to verify these critical details before you enroll.
In Florida, all LPN programs must hold approval from the Florida Board of Nursing. Many also pursue national accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Accreditation signals that a program meets recognized educational standards, and accredited LPN programs often offer stronger career mobility and employer preference.
NCLEX-PN pass rates are a direct measure of how well a program prepares students for the licensing exam. The Florida Board of Nursing publishes annual pass rate data for all approved programs, typically by calendar year.
Beyond pass rates, use the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) and professional nursing associations to explore broader program outcomes. BLS data can show the LPN job outlook in the Fort Myers metro area, while associations like the Florida Nurses Association may offer additional insight into career pathways and employer recognition. Together, these resources help you select a program that is both academically sound and aligned with your long-term goals.
What do I need to apply to an LPN program in Fort Myers? The answer varies by school, but most share a core set of prerequisites and documentation.
Most Fort Myers LPN programs use the TEAS exam as part of the selection process. Fort Myers Technical College and Horizon Healthcare Institute both require it, while Cape Coral Technical College lists it as a prerequisite. TEAS score expectations often fall in the 60s or higher, but schools weigh the score alongside other factors. Fort Myers Technical College requires the TEAS to be taken in person, with a $50 application fee, and an essay following the exam.
Some programs, like Horizon Healthcare Institute, mandate a 120-hour CNA course before applying. Others embed science prerequisites like anatomy, physiology, or medical terminology directly into the curriculum, so you complete them as part of the LPN program. Check each school's catalog to see if you need to finish separate courses beforehand.
Full-time LPN programs in the Fort Myers area typically run 10 to 14 months. Scheduling varies: Fort Myers Technical College offers a Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. schedule, while Cape Coral Technical College runs a part-time format on Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Neither school currently offers evening or weekend cohorts.
Working adults should contact admissions offices directly, schedules can shift, and some programs may add evening or hybrid options in future terms.
Most schools require an information session or orientation before applying. Fort Myers Technical College uses a mandatory video orientation, and Cape Coral Technical College also mandates an info session. Deadlines matter: Fort Myers Technical College's application deadline for the next cycle is June 1, 2025. Horizon Healthcare Institute asks for a two-page Professional Goal Essay as part of the packet.
Plan early: gather transcripts, schedule your TEAS, and complete any required observations. A quick call to the admissions office can clarify the timeline and avoid last-minute surprises.
LPNs in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area earn a median annual wage of $59,000-$60,000. Combined with a cost of living that runs slightly below the Florida state average, these wages go further than they might elsewhere. The region’s growing senior population is also driving strong demand for nurses in assisted living and home health settings across Lee County.
Practical nursing and registered nursing open two distinct career doors, each with its own scope of practice, work settings, and earning potential.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide essential bedside care under the supervision of RNs or physicians. Their duties include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, dressing wounds, and assisting with daily activities. LPNs commonly work in long-term care facilities, home health, and outpatient clinics. Registered nurses (RNs), by contrast, perform comprehensive health assessments, develop patient care plans, and often specialize in areas like critical care or pediatrics. RNs are found across hospitals, surgical centers, and community health settings, and they typically command higher salaries.
For LPNs ready to advance, local colleges offer streamlined bridge pathways that credit prior nursing knowledge and experience.
These options let you leverage on-the-job hours while continuing to earn an income.
Starting as an LPN allows you to enter the workforce quickly, often in about one year. With a paycheck in hand, you can enroll in a bridge program part-time or evenings and weekends, minimizing student debt. The LPN credential is a launchpad, not a dead end. Many nurses pursue a BSN later through RN-to-BSN programs, further expanding career options.
Accredited LPN programs across Florida, including the best LPN programs in Ocala, are listed on the /lpn-programs/fl/ page.
Choosing the right practical nursing program starts with clear answers about costs, time commitment, and outcomes. Below are the questions we hear most from aspiring LPNs in Fort Myers.
