Top LPN/LVN Programs Near Odessa, FL for 2026

Licensed practical nurses in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area earned a median $50,430 in 2023, and the region’s healthcare employers continue to add positions. Odessa sits in the fast-growing corridor between Tampa and Pasco County, putting several LPN programs in Florida within commuting distance.

Seven schools with LPN offerings near Odessa span public community colleges and private institutions, each with different price tags, NCLEX-PN pass rates, and bridge-to-RN options. The decision often hinges on whether to prioritize low in-state tuition or a shorter, more flexible schedule.

Because every program leads to the same NCLEX-PN exam, strong pass rates and clinical placement records matter more than brand name.

Best LPN Programs Near Odessa, FL, Ranked

For residents of Odessa, FL, finding a quality LPN program often means looking beyond the immediate Tampa Bay area. The schools below offer accredited practical nursing options within driving distance or elsewhere in Florida, each with unique strengths in cost, clinical experience, and graduate success. Use this ranking to compare key details and decide which program fits your career goals.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Jacksonville University	Jacksonville, FL	~$25,000/yr (est.)	Hospital-partnered learners wanting job pipeline
Jacksonville University's Practical Nurse program is a fast-paced, 12-month option that partners directly with Baptist Health, offering students a potential work-promise agreement upon licensure. Training takes place at the university's Healthcare Simulation Center and includes 585 hours of real-world clinical practice, providing deep hands-on exposure. The program is military-friendly and approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, though currently not accepting applications for new cohorts. Practical Nurse — On-Campus Visit Website 12-month campus-based program Partnership with Baptist Health for clinical placements 585 hours of real-world clinical training State-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center Prepares graduates for NCLEX-PN licensure exam Florida Board of Nursing approved Work-promise agreement available for graduates
#2	Chipola College	Marianna, FL	$1,000/yr (net price)	In-state students seeking near-perfect outcomes
Chipola College's Practical Nursing program stands out with a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and 100% job placement within 12 months for recent graduates. The three-semester, 1,350-clock-hour curriculum includes extensive clinical rotations (including evenings and weekends) in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Eligible Florida residents can access state-funded tuition assistance, and admission is competitive, requiring the TABE test, drug screen, and background check. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website 1,350 clock hours completed in 3 semesters Spring semester start each year Accredited by ACEN as candidate program 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate 100% job placement within 12 months State-funded tuition assistance for eligible FL residents Clinical rotations include evenings and weekends Requires TABE exam, drug screening, background check
#3	Gulf Coast State College	Panama City, FL	~$5,000/yr (est.)	Time-efficient learners wanting small classes
Gulf Coast State College offers a 45-week Practical Nurse Certificate at its Gulf/Franklin Campus, providing an accelerated path to LPN licensure. With 1,350 hours of training and small class sizes, students receive personalized instruction and hands-on preparation for the NCLEX-PN. The program boasts a 90% graduate recommendation rate and low tuition rates, making it a cost-effective option for Florida residents. Practical Nurse Certificate — On-Campus Visit Website 45-week accelerated program 1,350 total training hours Small class sizes for personalized attention Prepares for NCLEX-PN licensure exam Low tuition rates for Florida residents 90% graduate recommendation rate Offered at Gulf/Franklin Campus (Panama City area) Selective admission with limited enrollment
#4	North Florida College	Madison, FL	$1,000/yr
North Florida College in Madison, FL, provides an ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing program that emphasizes hands-on training and NCLEX-PN preparation. The program starts each August, with applications accepted from March to June, and offers one of the lowest net prices in the state at just $804. Students benefit from a supportive, small-college environment focused on foundational nursing skills. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN-accredited program Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam Hands-on clinical training included August start each year Application period March to June No entrance exam required for admission Low net price for in-state students Small college setting in Madison, FL
#5	FVI School of Nursing and Technology	Miami, FL	$35,000 – $40,000/yr
FVI School of Nursing and Technology in Miami offers a 14-month Practical Nursing program combining classroom instruction with extensive clinical experience. The program includes NCLEX preparation, simulation labs, and job placement assistance, and is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. With a high graduation rate and personalized tutoring, it supports students from diverse backgrounds, though net price is higher at $35,514. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website 14-month program duration Campus-based learning in Miami Hands-on clinical training at partner sites NCLEX-PN exam preparation included Financial aid available for qualifying students Job placement assistance post-graduation Approved by Florida Board of Nursing Accredited by ACEN and COE
#6	Florida Gateway College	Lake City, FL	$5,000 – $10,000/yr
Florida Gateway College's 12-month Practical Nursing certificate boasts high NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates, above state and national averages. The program includes 1,350 clock hours of instruction and clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings, with total estimated costs around $7,318. Admission is selective, requiring TABE and TEAS exams, and the program starts each spring term. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website 12-month certificate program High NCLEX-PN pass rates above state/national averages 1,350 clock hours including clinical rotations Spring term start each year Requires TABE and TEAS entrance exams Total cost approximately $7,318.55 Hands-on clinical experiences in diverse settings Background check and drug screening required
#7	Pensacola State College	Pensacola, FL	$4,000/yr
Pensacola State College's Practical Nursing program is an ACEN-accredited 1,350-clock-hour certificate that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN and offers a direct pathway into the college's ADN program. Admission is competitive, requiring HESI A2 exam scores, background checks, and health screenings. In-state tuition and a 75% employment rate goal make it a solid choice for aspiring LPNs in the Panhandle. Practical Nursing — On-Campus Visit Website ACEN accredited program 1,350 clock hours over three terms Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam Eligible graduates can advance to ADN program Clinical experiences in hospitals and labs HESI A2 exam required for admission Background check and drug screening required In-state costs estimated $5,394 to $5,844

Tuition & Net Price Comparison for Odessa-Area LPN Programs

Sticker price is just the starting point when comparing LPN programs. The net price, an institution-wide average after grants and scholarships, often paints a more realistic picture of what students actually pay, though individual aid packages will vary. Public colleges typically charge far less than private ones, and the net price gap can be dramatic: some public options in the region have effective costs under $1,200 per year, while private programs remain above $25,000.

NCLEX-PN Pass Rates for Odessa-Area LPN Programs

How do practical nursing programs near Odessa, FL measure up on the licensing exam that determines whether graduates can practice? NCLEX-PN pass rates offer a direct window into program quality, revealing how well a school prepares students for the test every LPN must pass to earn a license.

Understanding NCLEX-PN Pass Rates

First-time pass rates are the most telling: they show the percentage of graduates who passed on their initial attempt shortly after completing the program. A high first-time rate suggests the curriculum, faculty, and clinical training align well with the exam’s demands. Because the NCLEX-PN is standardized nationally, rates also allow meaningful comparisons across LPN programs.

Florida’s NCLEX-PN Performance

Statewide, Florida’s LPN programs have faced challenges. In 2024, the Florida Board of Nursing reported a first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate of 80.8%, notably below the national average of 88.4%.¹ This gap means Florida test-takers as a whole trailed their peers across the country, though many individual programs still exceeded the national benchmark. When evaluating schools near Odessa, a strong program should consistently post rates above the state average and ideally approach or surpass the national figure.

How to Evaluate a Program’s Pass Rate

Prospective students should look beyond a single year’s number. A program that hovers near or below the state average for multiple years may signal underlying issues with instruction or student support. Conversely, schools that routinely clear 90% demonstrate a track record of effective preparation. The Florida Board of Nursing publishes annual pass rates for every approved program, making it straightforward to check performance for any school you are considering. Because data for the 2024-2025 testing cycle may not yet be fully disaggregated by program, verify the most recent figures directly through the Board’s website before making a decision.

While the ranked programs earlier in this guide include several with strong reputations, pass rates can shift from year to year. Always confirm current data, and if a program’s rate falls significantly below the 80.8% state average¹, ask faculty what steps they are taking to improve outcomes. A transparent program will welcome these questions and can show you how their pass rates trend over time.

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Admission Requirements, Program Length & How to Apply

How do I get into an LPN program in the Tampa Bay area? Each school sets its own bar, but you'll find a similar set of checks and paperwork across the board. The process isn't complicated if you gather your materials early and know what to expect.

What You'll Need to Apply

Most programs near Odessa ask for a high school diploma or GED, a completed application, and an entrance exam score. DOXA Academy, for example, requires a TEAS or HESI A2 score and allows up to three attempts to hit the mark. GPA thresholds vary: some programs publish a hard minimum, like the 70% requirement at DOXA, while others review applications more holistically. Expect to submit official transcripts and, in many cases, proof of completion in anatomy, math, or English composition, either as prerequisites or built into the early coursework.

Florida schools also screen for safety readiness. A criminal background check and drug screening are standard steps, and you'll need current CPR certification before you step into clinicals. Immunization records and a physical exam round out the health clearance, so start tracking those documents early.

Program Length and Schedule Options

Accelerated LPN tracks are rare because the core diploma already runs lean. You'll find most programs clock in at about 1350 hours and 12 months of full-time study. Lake Technical College, Atlantic Technical College, and Eastern Florida State College all follow this model, with Atlantic offering a rigid Monday-through-Friday day shift (7:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.). Eastern Florida limits enrollment to full-time only, while Rasmussen University runs a hybrid option that blends online coursework with in-person clinicals, handy if you need some location flexibility.

Part-time or evening cohorts are less common in the immediate Odessa radius. If you need a non-traditional schedule, ask upfront: some schools may run evening clinical rotations on a rotating basis, but dedicated part-time tracks are not the norm here.

When to Apply: Deadlines and Start Dates

Timelines differ sharply. Eastern Florida State College operates on a fixed cycle: submit everything by September 1 for a January cohort start. Atlantic Technical College opens five cohorts a year, August, October, January, April, and July, which effectively gives you multiple entry points. Lake Technical College had a spring 2026 cohort beginning April 13, so you can expect similar seasonal launches. A few programs use rolling admissions and fill seats as completed applications come in, making early submission a smart move regardless.

Once admitted, you'll want to verify immunization deadlines, orientation dates, and any pre-enrollment testing so you don't lose your spot. And because NCLEX-PN pass rates can signal how well a program prepares you, it's worth reviewing those figures alongside admission steps.

LPN-to-RN Bridge Pathways Near Odessa

Moving from an LPN to an RN license is a decision that weighs the investment of additional schooling against a significant jump in clinical responsibility and salary. Bridge programs shorten that investment by giving you credit for the nursing education you have already completed.

How Bridge Credits Work

• Traditional ADN programs typically need two years; bridge programs can be finished in 12-18 months by granting credit for your LPN coursework.
• Admission usually requires a current Florida LPN license and may expect some work experience, allowing you to bypass fundamentals.

Programs Near Odessa and Pasco County

• Pasco-Hernando State College: The Nursing (RN) ADN Transition pathway is campus-based and offers advanced placement for licensed LPNs.¹
• Rasmussen University , Central Pasco: This hybrid ADN program runs about 18 months and awards advanced standing to LPNs.²
• Florida Gateway College: Its LPN-RN Bridge Fast-Track A.S. degree takes just 12 months and requires 72 credits total.³

Bridging From Your LPN Program

None of these institutions list formal articulation agreements with specific LPN schools, but Florida’s statewide nursing articulation framework (updated 2024)¹ makes credit transfer predictable. That means the LPN programs ranked on this page often lead naturally into these bridge options.

Frequently Asked Questions About LPN Programs in Odessa, FL

Prospective LPN students in the Odessa area often have similar questions about program location, quality indicators, balancing work and school, and financial aid. Below are concise answers to the most common queries.

Are there any LPN programs located directly in Odessa, FL?

There are no LPN programs with a physical campus directly in Odessa, but several accredited schools within a 30-minute drive serve the area. The ranked programs on this page are all within a commutable distance, so you can find a quality option close to home.

What NCLEX-PN pass rate should I look for when choosing a program?

Aim for a program with a first-time pass rate at or above the Florida average, typically around 75 to 85 percent in recent years. The rankings earlier in this article highlight each school's pass rate, making it easy to compare and find programs that consistently exceed state benchmarks.

Can I work while attending an LPN program near Odessa?

Many students work part-time while enrolled, especially in programs offering evening or weekend clinical rotations. Full-time LPN programs are intensive, so discuss scheduling concerns with admissions. Some schools also offer part-time tracks that extend the program length but allow more flexibility.

What financial aid is available for LPN students in Florida?

LPN students may qualify for federal Pell Grants if their program meets the 600-hour, 15-week minimum. Florida residents can also apply for the LINE Fund scholarship, Florida Nurses Foundation scholarships (30+ awarded yearly, apply by June 1), and the Nurse Corps Scholarship, which covers full tuition in exchange for a service commitment.