Compare tuition, NCLEX pass rates, program length, and outcomes for accredited LPN schools near West Palm Beach.
Licensed practical nurses in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area earned a median $61,990 in 2024, reflecting steady demand across South Florida’s healthcare systems.
Yet no LPN programs operate inside West Palm Beach city limits. The seven programs ranked on this page draw students from Palm Beach County and beyond, with costs, lengths, and NCLEX pass rates varying sharply.
Choosing a practical nursing program here means weighing the affordability of state colleges against private schools’ accelerated timelines, and verifying that NCLEX preparation translates to real employment opportunities.
While no LPN programs are located directly in West Palm Beach, several Florida schools accept students from across the state. We compared net price, graduation rates, and program features to identify the most relevant options for Palm Beach County residents.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | FVI School of Nursing and Technology | Miami, FL | $35,000 – $40,000/yr | South Florida career changers | |
FVI School of Nursing and Technology in Miami offers a 14-month Practical Nursing diploma with strong ties to South Florida healthcare facilities. The program boasts a graduation rate of 89% (institution-wide) and a net price of $35,514 for private students. Clinical partnerships in the region give West Palm Beach students access to familiar job markets after licensure. Its supportive, career-focused environment includes NCLEX prep and job placement assistance.
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| #2 | Jacksonville University | Jacksonville, FL | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | Earnings-focused nursing students | |
Jacksonville University provides a fast 12-month Practical Nurse certificate on its Jacksonville campus, with a net price of $25,180 for private students. The institution-wide graduation rate is 51%, but graduates report median earnings of $68,010 ten years out, the highest on this list. The program uses a state-of-the-art simulation center and is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
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| #3 | Chipola College | Marianna, FL | $1,000/yr (net price) | Budget-conscious Florida residents | |
Chipola College in Marianna delivers a three-semester Practical Nursing certificate at a net price of just $1,133 for public students, the most affordable option here. The school reports a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and 100% job placement within a year. Its 53% institution-wide graduation rate reflects strong student support, and state-funded tuition assistance helps Florida residents.
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| #4 | Gulf Coast State College | Panama City, FL | ~$5,000/yr (est.) | ||
Gulf Coast State College offers a 45-week Practical Nurse Certificate at its Gulf/Franklin Campus in Port St. Joe. The net price for public students is $4,709, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 43%. Small class sizes and a 90% graduate recommendation rate underscore the personalized attention students receive. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and roles in diverse healthcare settings.
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| #5 | North Florida College | Madison, FL | $1,000/yr | ||
North Florida College's Practical Nursing program in Madison emphasizes hands-on training and ACEN accreditation. With a net price of $804 for public students, it is one of the lowest-cost options statewide. The institution-wide graduation rate is 59%, and the program starts each August with applications accepted March through June.
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| #6 | Florida Gateway College | Lake City, FL | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Florida Gateway College in Lake City provides a 12-month Practical Nursing certificate with NCLEX-PN pass rates exceeding state and national averages. The net price for public students is $5,364, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 54%. The program requires TABE and TEAS exams and includes extensive clinical rotations.
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| #7 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | $4,000/yr | ||
Pensacola State College's Practical Nursing career certificate spans 1,350 clock hours over three terms and holds ACEN continuing accreditation. The net price for public students is $3,957, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 36%. Graduates can articulate into the college's ADN program, creating a clear pathway to RN licensure.
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Our ranking draws on four publicly available data points that reflect both affordability and student success. We start with net price (the actual cost after grants and scholarships) as a measure of financial burden. Then we incorporate each institution’s overall graduation rate, which serves as a proxy for student support and persistence; note that this rate covers all students, not just LPN candidates. For post-graduation outcomes, we consider earnings and median debt from the College Scorecard, where program-level data is available. Finally, we include the share of undergraduate students receiving Pell Grants, a widely used indicator of economic accessibility.
Unlike many listicles that simply list schools without justification, we believe transparency matters. Every program in this guide earned its place through a consistent, data-driven method. And because West Palm Beach residents often commute for education, our search radius captures accredited LPN programs within a reasonable driving distance (not just those inside city boundaries) so you see options that are truly accessible from the area.
Sticker prices don't tell the full story. Net price, the amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships, varies dramatically across ranked schools. The majority of public programs come in under $6,000 per year, while private options can exceed $35,000. Pell Grant participation and median graduate debt further clarify which programs deliver the most affordable path to licensure.
NCLEX-PN pass rates are the single most reliable indicator of a practical nursing program's quality. They directly measure how well a school prepares students for the exam required to become a licensed practical nurse, and they matter for your future career.
A program's first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate shows whether its curriculum, instruction, and clinical training prepare students for real-world nursing. Low pass rates can signal inadequate teaching or resources, and they may delay your entry into the workforce. The Florida Board of Nursing monitors these rates closely; programs that fall below a certain threshold risk sanctions or closure.
According to the most recent NCSBN data, the national first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for 2024 was 86.59%. In Florida, the average across all LPN programs was notably lower, at 78.56% 1. This gap suggests that students attending in-state programs face a tougher path to licensure, making it even more important to choose a school with above-average results.
The Florida Board of Nursing publishes annual NCLEX-PN pass rates for every approved LPN program. Before enrolling, look up each West Palm Beach school's specific performance. A rate consistently above the state average is a green flag, while a declining trend or numbers below 70% should raise concerns. Since no single school’s data was available in our dataset, we encourage you to verify these figures directly as part of your research.
Practical nursing programs in West Palm Beach balance required clock hours with clinical rotations to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN. Because program structures vary, it's essential to review official school materials before applying.
Most LPN programs require a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA (often 2.0, 2.5), and passing scores on entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI A2. Additional prerequisites may include background checks, drug screenings, CPR certification, and up-to-date immunizations. Always confirm the latest requirements on each school's website, as they can change between application cycles.
Florida approved practical nursing programs typically range from 1,200 to 1,400 clock hours. Full-time tracks often take 12, 18 months, while part-time or evening options extend the timeline to 24 months or longer. Palm Beach State College, for instance, structures its program across three semesters, blending classroom instruction with supervised clinical experiences. For a detailed hourly breakdown, consult the program's current student handbook.
Daytime classes remain the standard, but some area schools offer evening or weekend cohorts for working students. South Tech Academy and other district-sponsored programs may offer flexible scheduling options, though availability varies each year. Contact the nursing department directly for the most current information on evening or weekend schedules.
Hands-on training in local hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics is a core component. Clinical placement details, including site locations, required hours, and partnership agreements, are typically finalized after admission. During interviews or information sessions, ask about past clinical sites to gauge the types of facilities you might experience.
For licensed practical nurses ready to advance, Palm Beach County offers several bridge pathways to an RN license. The most established is the Transition to RN (AS Nursing) program at Palm Beach State College, with an additional accelerated bachelor's option at HCI College.
This 72-credit associate program takes approximately 24 months to complete and combines online theory with in-person clinical rotations. Students must hold an active, unrestricted Florida LPN license and meet a minimum 2.5 GPA. Applicants also submit HESI or TEAS exam scores. Admission cohorts begin in January and August each year, and classes are held at the Lake Worth and Belle Glade campuses. Palm Beach State uses an ACE exam to award advanced standing credit for LPN-level knowledge, streamlining the pathway.
For those seeking a bachelor's degree, HCI College offers an LPN-to-RN BSN track. The program runs 24–36 months in an accelerated format, with advanced standing based on a transcript evaluation. An active LPN license is required. HCI's curriculum is designed to move working LPNs toward a BSN efficiently, though it represents a private-college tuition rate.
In both programs, prior LPN coursework may reduce total required credits, but the process differs. Palm Beach State relies on a challenge exam (ACE), while HCI evaluates transcripts individually. Students from accredited practical nursing programs, including those ranked on this page, generally meet the baseline requirements, though formal articulation agreements may vary. A strong GPA and entrance exam scores improve admission prospects.
Earning an RN through a bridge takes roughly two to three years beyond the LPN, depending on full- or part-time study. Tuition and fees reflect the institution type: public ASN programs like Palm Beach State's tend to be more affordable than private BSN options. Financial aid and employer tuition assistance can offset costs, making the transition practical for many local LPNs.
Licensed practical nurses in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area earned a median annual wage of $61,990 in 2024, with the middle half of earners falling between $57,350 and $65,350. This metro median sits notably above Florida’s statewide median of $60,080, as reported in LPN salary by state data, and reflects higher cost-of-living adjustments and demand in South Florida’s healthcare market.1
Wages for experienced LPNs in the top decile reach $74,4201, showing strong earning potential for those who gain specialization or move into supervisory roles.
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects LPN employment to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 17,100 new positions added and an average of 54,400 annual openings when accounting for replacements.2 Florida’s large retiree population and expanding outpatient services are expected to sustain a similarly steady demand for practical nurses in Palm Beach County.
Top employers in the West Palm Beach area include acute-care hospitals, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. These settings often compete for newly licensed LPNs, supporting a solid job outlook for graduates entering the field.
Curious about starting a practical nursing career in West Palm Beach? Below are answers to the most common questions about LPN programs in the area, covering costs, timelines, and career prospects.
