Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, program lengths, and schedules for LPN schools near Brandon.
Most LPN candidates in Brandon complete their training at schools in Tampa, Plant City, or Lakeland, as no program operates within the city limits itself. This regional footprint means students weigh travel time and schedule flexibility against program reputation and cost. Full-time tracks typically finish in 11 to 15 months, while evening options extend the timeline but let working students maintain income. State exam pass rates for LPN programs in Florida and actual net price after aid are the numbers that matter most: a high-stakes exam and a tuition bill that can look very different from the sticker price.
While Brandon itself doesn't host an LPN program, several high-quality schools within a few hours' drive offer strong practical nursing training. The programs below stand out for their NCLEX pass rates, affordability, and clinical partnerships, providing a solid foundation for a nursing career.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | Marianna, FL | $1,000/yr (net price) | Outcome-focused career switchers | |
Chipola College in Marianna offers a Practical Nursing program with a stunning 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and 100% job placement within 12 months for recent graduates. The 1,350-hour campus-based program spans three semesters and includes clinical rotations at area hospitals, often during evenings and weekends. With state-funded tuition assistance for eligible Florida residents and a net price under $1,200, it delivers exceptional value. Though it's nearly five hours from Brandon, the outcomes make it worth the commute.
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| #2 | Florida Gateway College | Lake City, FL | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | High NCLEX pass rate seekers | |
Florida Gateway College in Lake City is among the closest options for Brandon students, about 2.5 hours away. Its 12-month Practical Nursing certificate boasts first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates well above state and national averages. The program blends 45 credit hours of coursework with 1,350 clock hours of clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings, with a total cost around $7,300. Admission requires TABE and TEAS exams, and clinicals may include evenings or weekends. The college's low student-faculty ratio fosters supportive learning.
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| #3 | Gulf Coast State College | Panama City, FL | ~$5,000/yr (est.) | Budget-conscious hands-on learners | |
Gulf Coast State College's 45-week Practical Nurse Certificate in Port St. Joe offers small class sizes and a 90% graduate recommendation rate. With a net price under $5,000, it's one of the most affordable options in the state. Students complete 1,350 hours of hands-on training, preparing for the NCLEX-PN in a supportive, campus-based environment. While the Panhandle location is a significant drive from Brandon, the program's value and personalized instruction stand out.
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| #4 | Jacksonville University | Jacksonville, FL | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | ||
Jacksonville University's 12-month Practical Nurse program is built in partnership with Baptist Health, giving students 585 hours of clinical practice within a major health system. The program also uses JU's Healthcare Simulation Center for hands-on learning. Although it's currently not accepting applications, it represents a powerful regional pipeline for those willing to train and work in Northeast Florida. Net price runs about $25,000, with institutional earnings data showing strong long-term returns.
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| #5 | North Florida College | Madison, FL | $1,000/yr | ||
North Florida College in Madison offers an ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing program starting each August. The campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN with hands-on training and a notably low net price of just $804. While program-level earnings aren't reported, the college's overall framework supports an affordable entry into nursing. The drive from Brandon is around three hours.
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| #6 | 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 with extensive hands-on labs and simulation training. The program boasts an 89% institution-wide graduation rate and personalized student support, including job placement assistance. However, program-level earnings data are not yet available, and the net price of over $35,000 is significantly higher than public college options. The Miami location is also a considerable distance from Brandon.
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| #7 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | $4,000/yr | ||
Pensacola State College provides an ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing certificate that can serve as a stepping stone to the college's ADN program. The 1,350-hour curriculum includes clinical experiences in Pensacola-area hospitals and requires HESI A2 testing, background checks, and CPR certification. With a net price under $4,000, it's affordable, but the Panhandle location is the farthest from Brandon, making it a less convenient choice unless you plan to relocate.
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Use this table to compare LPN programs on key factors like cost, length, and long-term earnings. All listed schools require on-campus attendance; online or hybrid options are not currently available for these programs. NCLEX-PN pass rates from the Florida Board of Nursing are not publicly available for most of these institutions, so consider school-reported rates and job placement data when evaluating.
| School | Program Length | Format | Tuition (In-State) | Net Price | Median Earnings (10 yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville University | 12 months | On-campus | $48,150 | $25,180 | $68,010 | $22,000 |
| Chipola College | 3 semesters (~12 months) | On-campus | $3,120 | $1,133 | $37,378 | — |
| Gulf Coast State College | 45 weeks (~11 months) | On-campus | $2,370 | $4,709 | $38,359 | $7,147 |
| North Florida College | — | On-campus | $2,994 | $804 | $33,929 | — |
| FVI School of Nursing and Technology | 14 months | On-campus | — | $35,514 | — | $9,396 |
| Florida Gateway College | 12 months | On-campus | $3,100 | $5,364 | $37,894 | $6,992 |
| Pensacola State College | 3 terms (~12 months) | On-campus | $2,361 | $3,957 | $36,739 | $7,500 |
The length of an LPN program depends on the school’s schedule and whether you attend full-time or part-time. Most full-time practical nursing programs near Brandon, FL, take between 11 and 15 months to complete, but prerequisites and cohort schedules can shift that timeline.
Manatee Technical College’s LPN program runs 11 to 13 months (1,350 clock hours) with a hybrid format.1 Herzing University’s Tampa campus finishes in 12 months (37 credits)2, and Rasmussen University’s Florida program takes about 15 months.3 These timelines assume you have completed LPN prerequisites like anatomy and physiology, which often require a semester before the nursing core starts.
If you need flexibility, part-time tracks extend completion time. Manatee Tech offers evening and weekend cohorts, which typically take 16 to 18 months.1 Other evening or part-time programs can stretch to 18 to 24 months. This makes evening programs popular among students balancing work or family commitments. Always confirm with the school how long the part-time path runs, since lighter course loads and clinical rotations may spread the program over more terms.
NCLEX-PN pass rates are the most direct measure of how well a program prepares you for the licensing exam. They tell you what share of graduates passed on their first attempt, a milestone that directly affects when you can start earning as an LPN.
The NCLEX-PN is a nationally standardized exam, and your first-attempt outcome reflects the program's ability to teach the material and clinical reasoning you need. High pass rates signal strong instruction, while consistently low rates can point to curriculum gaps. More practically, failing means a 45-day wait to retest, extra fees, and delayed entry into the job market. For students weighing cost and location, a too-low pass rate can turn a seemingly affordable program into an expensive detour.
The Florida Board of Nursing publishes annual pass rates for all approved programs. In the most recent report (2025), Jersey College’s Tampa campus reported a 97.8% first-attempt pass rate, placing it comfortably above both state and national averages. Other practical nursing programs serving the Brandon-Tampa corridor have not yet publicly posted their 2025 figures; prospective students should request the latest NCLEX data directly from admissions offices or verify through the Board’s online portal.
Florida’s overall LPN program pass rate for 2025 sat at 78.56%, roughly 8 percentage points below the national average of 86.59%.2 This gap underscores why program-level scrutiny matters. A local school operating near the state average leaves more graduates facing retakes than a program like Jersey College, which far exceeds the national benchmark.
The Florida Board of Nursing uses an 80% first-attempt benchmark to identify programs needing intervention. A program that dips below this line for consecutive years can be placed on warning, probation, or even lose approval. If a school you are considering has a pass rate in the low 70s or has recently been flagged, consider that a red flag. Before you enroll, check the Board’s website for any active corrective actions and ask the program how it is addressing shortfalls; answers should cite concrete changes like faculty additions, tutoring resources, or curriculum updates.
Sticker price rarely tells the full story. These figures reflect the average annual net price, what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, for each institution, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education. Because they are school-wide averages, your actual cost in a nursing program may differ.
Program-level earnings for Brandon-area LPN graduates are not yet published, but broader metro data gives a reliable picture. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $47,0001 for licensed practical nurses in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area (2023). Top earners at the 90th percentile reach $59,0001 per year, reflecting the premium placed on experienced nurses in clinics, home health, and long-term care settings.
Nationally, LPN and LVN employment is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS, about as fast as average. In Tampa Bay, the outlook is even more favorable. A large and aging population in Florida sustains high demand for skilled nursing care, and local hospital systems and outpatient centers consistently seek LPNs to support patient-care teams. This regional demand supports steady job placement for new graduates.
Many Brandon-area LPNs continue their education through LPN-to-RN bridge programs available at institutions like Hillsborough Community College, Rasmussen University, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. These pathways can lead to higher earning potential and expanded scope of practice. For a broader look at LPN training options, visit the LPN programs page.
Admission requirements for LPN programs can shift from term to term, so verifying current details is essential. These answers cover common questions about entrance exams, prerequisites, and screenings for schools near Brandon, FL.
