Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program lengths at accredited schools near Port St. Lucie.
Which LPN programs within commuting distance of Port St. Lucie balance affordability with strong NCLEX-PN pass rates? Florida’s healthcare demand is surging, and Port St. Lucie’s rapid population growth fuels a steady need for licensed practical nurses in hospitals, long-term care, and home health settings.
Within a 75-mile radius, programs range from affordable public colleges like Indian River State College to costlier private schools, but exploring all LPN programs in Florida can provide a wider context. In-state tuition at public programs often stays below $3,000, while private options can exceed $25,000. Florida’s first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate averaged 86 percent, but rates at individual schools diverge sharply, making careful comparison a crucial step.
The schools featured below are located within a 75-mile radius of Port St. Lucie and ranked according to a blend of cost, graduate outcomes, and completion data. Each entry includes net price and institution-wide graduation rates to help you compare your options.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Jacksonville University | Jacksonville, FL | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | Veterans and military families | |
Jacksonville University, a private institution in Jacksonville, FL, offers a campus-based Practical Nurse program. The school reports a net price of $25,180 and an institution-wide graduation rate of 50.6%. Graduates from the university typically earn a median of $68,010 ten years after enrollment, and the 12-month program features hands-on simulation training at the Healthcare Simulation Center.
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| #2 | Chipola College | Marianna, FL | $1,000/yr (net price) | Job placement-focused learners | |
Chipola College in Marianna offers a cost-effective Practical Nursing program with a net price of just $1,133. The institution-wide graduation rate stands at 53.1%, and graduates typically earn $37,378 ten years out. The program boasts a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and high job placement within 12 months.
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| #3 | Gulf Coast State College | Panama City, FL | ~$5,000/yr (est.) | Competitive applicants seeking small cohorts | |
Gulf Coast State College in Panama City provides an intensive 45-week Practical Nurse Certificate with a net price of $4,709. The institution has a graduation rate of 43.5%, and alumni median earnings reach $38,359. Admission is competitive, with only 36 seats per year.
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| #4 | North Florida College | Madison, FL | $1,000/yr | ||
North Florida College in Madison offers an extremely affordable Practical Nursing program at a net price of $804. The institution-wide graduation rate is 59.2%, and graduates report median earnings of $33,929. The ACEN-accredited program begins each August and provides hands-on training.
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| #5 | FVI School of Nursing and Technology | Miami, FL | $35,000 – $40,000/yr | ||
FVI School of Nursing and Technology in Miami is a private institution offering a 14-month Practical Nursing program. The net price is $35,514, while the institution reports a high graduation rate of 89.3%. Graduates typically carry around $9,396 in median debt, with job placement support available.
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| #6 | Florida Gateway College | Lake City, FL | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Florida Gateway College in Lake City features a 12-month Practical Nursing certificate with a net price of $5,364. The institution-wide graduation rate is 53.9%, and graduates earn a median of $37,894. The program is noted for its high NCLEX-PN pass rates and includes hands-on clinical experiences.
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| #7 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | $4,000/yr | ||
Pensacola State College in Pensacola delivers a Practical Nursing career certificate with a net price of $3,957. The institution reports a graduation rate of 36.4%, and alumni median earnings are $36,739. The ACEN-accredited curriculum combines classroom instruction with clinical rotations and prepares students for the NCLEX-PN.
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The cost of an LPN program varies significantly between public community colleges and private institutions. Public schools like North Florida College offer in-state tuition under $3,000, while private options such as Jacksonville University charge over $48,000. The net price after financial aid can be much lower, particularly for Pell Grant recipients; for instance, over 91% of Pensacola State students receive Pell Grants, bringing the net price down to $3,957. Note that these net price figures are institution-wide averages and not a guaranteed individual quote.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price After Aid | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Florida College | $2,994 | $11,460 | $804 | N/A |
| Chipola College | $3,120 | $8,950 | $1,133 | N/A |
| Pensacola State College | $2,361 | $9,463 | $3,957 | $7,500 |
| Gulf Coast State College | $2,370 | $8,635 | $4,709 | $7,147 |
| Florida Gateway College | $3,100 | $11,747 | $5,364 | $6,992 |
| Jacksonville University | $48,150 | $48,150 | $25,180 | $22,000 |
| FVI School of Nursing and Technology | N/A | N/A | $35,514 | $9,396 |
Florida practical nursing programs, including those near Port St. Lucie, set a clear baseline for LPN education requirements: a high school diploma or GED, a passing score on a standardized entrance exam, and a clean background check. Most also require a drug screening, current immunizations, and CPR certification before clinical rotations begin.
Most programs ask for the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2. Minimum scores vary: some accept 55%2, others require 60%3 or higher. A few schools use the HESI A2 instead. Check each program’s specific cutoffs.
Most LPN programs in the Port St. Lucie area run 11 to 14 months and require full-time, daytime attendance. Clinical hours are built into the schedule, so plan for a demanding but predictable commitment.
NCLEX-PN pass rates are one of the most reliable indicators of a practical nursing program’s quality. Programs that consistently prepare students to pass on the first attempt save you time, money, and stress.
First-time NCLEX-PN performance directly affects how quickly you can start working as a licensed practical nurse. A high pass rate suggests strong curriculum design, effective clinical training, and dedicated faculty support. If you graduate and fail the exam, you face additional study time, retest fees, and a delayed paycheck. For many LPN candidates in Florida, that gap can mean months of lost income and momentum.
Context matters when evaluating any school’s pass rate. In 2025, first-time NCLEX-PN candidates nationally achieved an 86.6% pass rate.1 Florida’s average first-time rate typically falls between 82% and 84%2, placing it slightly below the national figure. A program near Port St. Lucie that exceeds the state average is meeting a solid baseline; one that tracks above 90% signals exceptional preparation.
| Location | First-Time Pass Rate (2025) |
|---|---|
| National | 86.6% |
| Florida | 82-84% (estimated) |
These benchmarks come from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and Florida Board of Nursing annual reports. Use them as a yardstick when comparing your options at top nursing schools in Florida.
Detailed NCLEX-PN pass rates for individual schools are published by the Florida Board of Nursing, but the most recent program-level data often lags behind the statewide aggregates. If a school does not display its pass rate prominently, check the board’s website or call the program directly. Ask specifically for first-time pass rates, not repeat rates, to get an honest picture of graduate readiness. While we would ordinarily list each local program’s rate in a table here, the official figures for the latest reporting cycle are still being compiled. Once released, they will confirm whether schools in the Treasure Coast region continue their track record of above-average performance.
Salaries for LPNs in the Port St. Lucie area reflect Florida’s overall nursing wage trends. While the BLS does not break out a separate median for the Port St. Lucie–Fort Pierce MSA, the statewide figures offer a reliable benchmark. Demand is supported by a growing healthcare sector in the region, and national projections point to continued job growth for LPNs.
Indian River State College’s Bridge to RN (Track Two) compresses the LPN-to-ADN transition into 12 months1 and awards 10 credits of advanced standing for current Florida LPNs.2 The program is held on-site at the Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie,1 with a rolling application window that typically closes in late February for summer admission.3
LPNs willing to travel or learn online can consider the 16-month LPN Bridge to ASN at St. Johns River State College, which also grants 10 advanced standing credits.4 Delivered in a hybrid format,4 this pathway combines online coursework with in-person clinical rotations, making it accessible from a broader geographic radius.
Mapping a bridge pathway before you start your LPN program saves both time and money. When you know which RN program you intend to pursue, you can select an LPN curriculum that aligns with the bridge’s prerequisite and credit-transfer policies. For instance, both IRSC and SJR State require specific general education courses and a minimum GPA for advanced standing. Completing those upfront avoids retaking classes later. Additionally, bridge programs often have limited seats and fixed application cycles; planning ahead ensures you meet deadlines and gather required documents, like an active Florida LPN license, without rushing. Ultimately, a 12- to 16-month bridge is faster and less expensive than starting an ADN from scratch, making it a high-return move for career advancement.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about LPN programs in Port St. Lucie. From costs and admissions to salary expectations and bridge opportunities, we have compiled the key information to help you get started.
