Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and career outcomes for practical nursing programs near Winter Park.
The Orlando metro’s healthcare expansion has driven demand for LPNs and pushed median annual pay to $60,080, and Winter Park sits within a few miles of major employers like AdventHealth and Orlando Health. A practical nursing diploma can be finished in as little as 12 months, placing you on the licensure path faster than an associate or bachelor’s program. The schools serving this area vary widely in cost, NCLEX-PN pass rates, and financial aid packaging, which directly affects your starting position in the local job market.
The following schools offer the strongest LPN programs accessible from Winter Park, balancing cost, program length, and graduate success. All programs are campus-based and prepare you for the NCLEX-PN exam, with several offering pathways into associate or bachelor’s nursing degrees.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Jacksonville University | Jacksonville, FL | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | Baptist Health partnership pathway | |
Jacksonville University offers a 12-month campus-based Practical Nurse certificate through a direct partnership with Baptist Health, giving students clinical immersion in a major Florida hospital system. The program features 45 simulation hours in the university’s Healthcare Simulation Center. With tuition at $48,150 and a net price of $25,180, it is a premium option for those who value university resources and a clear ladder into JU’s BSN and MSN programs. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 50.6%.
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| #2 | Chipola College | Marianna, FL | $1,000/yr (net price) | Exceptional NCLEX and job placement rates | |
Chipola College’s Practical Nursing program stands out for its exceptional 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate and 100% job placement within 12 months of graduation. The 1,350-clock-hour program spans three semesters and starts each spring. In-state tuition is just $3,120, and the net price of $1,133 makes it one of the most affordable options. Chipola reports an institution-wide graduation rate of 53.1%.
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| #3 | Gulf Coast State College | Panama City, FL | ~$5,000/yr (est.) | Small class sizes and low tuition | |
Gulf Coast State College provides a 45-week Practical Nurse Certificate on its Gulf/Franklin Campus, emphasizing small class sizes and personalized instruction. In-state tuition is only $2,370, and the net price after aid averages $4,709. The college’s overall graduation rate is 43.5%. Graduates report a median salary of $38,359 a decade after enrolling, and average debt of $7,147.
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| #4 | North Florida College | Madison, FL | $1,000/yr | ||
North Florida College in Madison offers an ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing program with a start each August and an application window from March to June. The net price is an exceptionally low $804, and in-state tuition is $3,054. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 59.2%.
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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 delivers a 14-month Practical Nursing diploma blending classroom learning and extensive clinical practice. Students benefit from simulation labs and experienced faculty, and the program is ACEN and COE accredited. Net price is $35,514, and the institution reports a graduation rate of 89.3%.
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| #6 | Florida Gateway College | Lake City, FL | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Florida Gateway College’s 12-month Practical Nursing certificate consistently produces NCLEX-PN pass rates above state and national averages. In-state tuition is $3,100, and the net price $5,364. The college’s overall graduation rate is 53.9%. Median earnings ten years after entry are $37,894.
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| #7 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola, FL | $4,000/yr | ||
Pensacola State College’s ACEN-accredited Practical Nursing program is a 1,350-hour career certificate with a total estimated cost of $5,394–$5,844 for in-state students. The net price averages $3,957. The institution’s overall graduation rate is 36.4%. Graduates earn a median of $36,739 ten years later.
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Picking the right practical nursing program isn't about brochures or billboards. It means looking past the surface and checking the details that determine whether you'll be prepared to pass the NCLEX-PN and start working as a licensed practical nurse.
Among the ranked programs, Florida Gateway College, FVI School of Nursing and Technology, and Pensacola State College serve the highest shares of Pell Grant recipients, a proxy for financial-aid accessibility. The net price values are institution-wide averages; your actual cost will depend on your financial aid package and residency status. All figures are sourced from the schools' most recent IPEDS and College Scorecard disclosures.
| School | In-State Tuition | Net Price (Effective) | Pell Recipients (%) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Florida College | $2,994 | $804 | N/A | N/A |
| Chipola College | $3,120 | $1,133 | N/A | N/A |
| Pensacola State College | $2,361 | $3,957 | 91.5% | $7,500 |
| Gulf Coast State College | $2,370 | $4,709 | 87.8% | $7,147 |
| Florida Gateway College | $3,100 | $5,364 | 93.1% | $6,992 |
| Jacksonville University | $48,150 | $25,180 | 53.1% | $22,000 |
| FVI School of Nursing and Technology | N/A | $35,514 | 90.6% | $9,396 |
LPNs in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area earn a median annual salary of $60,080, slightly below the national median of $62,340. Wages range from $48,710 at the 10th percentile to $75,880 at the 90th percentile, with top employers including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. Program-level earnings data is not yet published, but this distribution shows what graduates can expect across experience levels.
Becoming a licensed practical nurse in Winter Park follows a clear five-step pathway managed by the Florida Board of Nursing. The process typically takes about 12 to 18 months from start to licensure, provided you complete each milestone without delays.
All Florida LPN programs require a high school diploma or GED. You will also need to pass a Level 2 background screening, a fingerprint-based check that Florida mandates for all nursing candidates before clinical rotations begin. Most programs ask for up-to-date immunizations and a current CPR certification, usually Basic Life Support for healthcare providers.
Many LPN programs in the Orlando area, including those near Winter Park, use the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) as part of admissions. Common minimum score requirements range from 60% to 70%, though competitive programs may expect higher. Check with each school for their specific benchmark and retake policies.
Enroll in a Florida Board of Nursing-approved LPN program. These typically run 12 months of full-time study. Florida regulations require that at least 50% of program hours be spent in direct clinical practice, totaling 400 to 500 or more hours at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and community clinics. Simulation experiences can account for no more than 50% of clinical training.
After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure exam. Register through Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee. Your program will provide an Authorization to Test once you are eligible. The exam uses computerized adaptive testing to assess your nursing knowledge and decision-making.
Submit a licensure application through the Florida Board of Nursing online portal. You will need to provide proof of program completion, your NCLEX-PN results, Level 2 background check clearance, and pay the required licensing fees. Once approved, your LPN license is issued and you can begin working in Winter Park and across the state.
Below are answers to common questions about LPN programs in Winter Park, FL. Find information on program length, costs, licensure paths, and area earnings.
